MXPA97008007A - Fiber opt splice cover - Google Patents

Abstract

A housing assembly (10) for enclosing and storing cable splices comprises axially spaced end plates (18, 20) defining a storage space (16) and joined through a pair of rigid torque bars (63, 65). ). A pair of opposite housing members (12, 14) contoured to enclose the end plates (18, 20) and the storage space (16) are releasably and sealingly fastened (24) to each other and to the end plates (18, twenty). Carried by one of the bars (63, 65) in the axially spaced locations are a pair of spaced rods, which support a plurality of splice storage trays (69) in a stacked relation

Description

OPTICAL FIBER JOINT COVER DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The object of the invention is directed to an assembly of waterproof cable splice enclosure. The assemblies of the type under consideration are particularly suitable for enclosing and housing fiber optic cables, and the invention will be described with particular reference to the same; however, the device can be equally well used with other types of cables. Many different types of fiber optic cable enclosures are known in the prior art. These previous enclosures are satisfactory to a greater or lesser degree, but usually have certain defects, which make them inconvenient to be used or prevent them from being easily adaptable to the change of environment and conditions. Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a cable enclosure assembly that is easy to assemble and use, and which can be rapidly modified or adapted for different uses and can be formed in a variety of different sizes with trays and / or internal supports that allow the size and number of joints to vary widely. In addition, the present invention provides an enclosure that allows easy access to change or add to the number of splices in the enclosure. The enclosures according to the invention can be increased in effective size to adapt to the increases in size of the system without distorting the previously stored splices. According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a housing assembly for enclosing cable splices which generally comprise a pair of housing members having major body portions with peripheral fastening tabs extending outwardly therefrom and cooperatively positioned in an opposite relationship to the one that will be held together. The fastening tabs have internal end portions adjacent to the main body portions and free outer end portions. An elastic seal gasket is positioned between the inner end portions, and rigid rib means are located in the free outer end portions. The total thickness of the rib means between the opposing fastening flanges is greater than the normal uncompressed thickness of the seal, so that when the fastening flanges come into contact, coupling is first presented on the means Rigid ribs and subsequently the seal coupling with the gasket requires the application of sufficient clamping forces to produce the deflection and torque of the flanges around the rigid rib means.

The arrangement described in the above allows the gasket to be more evenly compressed and provides a better gasket coupling. According to a more limited aspect, the rib means may be a rigid projection integrally formed on the outer free end of one or both of the flanges and the joint may be one or more spaced apart seal elements located between the flanges. Further, in accordance with a more limited aspect, the flanges are preferably held together through the use of a plurality of uniformly and closely spaced threaded connectors, which pass through the flanges between the rib means and the sealing means . According to a further aspect of the invention, a housing assembly for enclosing and storing cable splices, generally comprises first and second end plates axially spaced apart from one another and defining a storage space therebetween. A rigid torsion bar member extends through the storage space and has its ends rigidly attached to the end plates. A pair of opposing housing members are contoured to enclose the end plates and the storage space. The storage members are releasably and sealingly fastened to each other and to the end plates. Carried by the torsion bar, in axially separated locations are a pair of rods that extend outwards. A plurality of splice storage trays are arranged in a stacked relationship to extend between the pairs of rods. The trays have axially open end slots, which receive the rods and are guided on the rods. Suitable connecting means are provided on the bars to releasably hold the stack of trays together and the rigid torsion bar. Preferably, and in accordance with a more limited aspect, the rods extending from the torsion bar are threaded and the connection means comprise a band member releasably attached thereto. Through the use of this particular arrangement for supporting the splice trays relative to the interior of the housing assembly, it is only possible to release the connection means releasably and pivot one end of the stack of trays upwards to remove their slotted ends, coupling with the bar at that end. The individual trays can then be pivoted out of the stack position for access of the splices therein. This produces an extremely desirable arrangement, since the individual trays of the stack can be quickly removed without removing the entire stack of trays.

In this way, replacement or addition of additional splices or cables within any tray is possible. According to a further aspect of the invention, the preferred form of the splice tray includes a molded plastic tray having a generally flat rectangular bottom wall and side walls that extend upward, separated, joined through end walls transversally extended. A plurality of catch tabs are releasably attached to the tray to extend inwardly from at least the side walls at a first distance spaced from the bottom wall to overlap the fiber optic cable, when such a cable is placed in the tray. The end walls have open-out grooves generally centrally to allow the tray to be mounted between a pair of spaced parallel bars. Preferably, the tray has an overlapping cover pivotally connected to an end wall. In a more limited aspect of the invention, the catch tabs are releasably attached to the tray having downwardly extending portions elastically held in the retention grooves associated with the side walls. In addition, the side walls include means for allowing the catch tabs to be positioned so as to extend outwardly on the bottom wall at various selected distances therefrom. A further object of the invention is the provision of a housing assembly including first and second end plates axially spaced from one another and defining a storage space therebetween. A pair of rigid torsion bar members extends in a separate relationship through the storage space and has its ends attached to the end plates. The splice trays are supported in a stacked relationship between the torsion bar members by supports extending from one of the torsion bars. The space between the end plates is enclosed by a pair of removable main housing members that extend around and are sealed with the end plates. The size of the enclosed space and the number of end trays supported can be increased by changing the housing members and one of the torsion bar members. This can be done without damaging the end plates or the stack of trays, since the other torsion bar member holds the trays and the end plates. In the preferred form, the trays are supported in a stacked relationship by parallel bars extending from a torsion bar member with the ends of the stack of the trays coupled with the rods.

The change of the housing and the associated torsion bar allows a greater number of trays that will be carried by the bars adding only the trays at the top of the stack. Other advantages and benefits of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading and understanding the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention may take the physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, a preferred embodiment and method of which will be described in detail in this specification and will be illustrated in the accompanying drawings that form a part thereof, and wherein: FIGURE 1 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a housing assembly intended to be used in the storage of fiber optic cable splices; FIGURE 2 is an exploded isometric view of the housing assembly of FIGURE 1; FIGURE 2a is an isometric view showing the seal joint used between the main housing assembly components; FIGURE 2b is an isometric view of the modified shape of the upper torque bar that is used when the total storage space is increasing to its largest size; FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view, slightly enlarged, showing a construction detail (the view is taken on line 3-3 of FIGURE 1); FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional view, somewhat enlarged, taken on line 4-4 of FIGURE 2; FIGURE 5 is an enormously enlarged isometric view showing a first form of the splice tray useful in the housing assembly illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2; FIGURE 5a is an enlarged cross-sectional view, taken on line 5a-5a of FIGURE 5; FIGURE 5b is an enlarged cross-sectional view, taken on line 5b-5b of FIGURE 5; FIGURE 6 is a view similar to FIGURE 5, but showing the junction tray having a modified cover and a different arrangement of retention tabs; FIGURE 7 is an enlarged plan view of the circumscribed areas of FIGURES 5 and 6 to show the locking mechanism used in retaining the cover members in a closed position on the splice trays; FIGURE 8 is an exploded isometric view of the storage and support tray assembly used in the housing assembly of FIGURES 1 and 2; FIGURE 8a is an isometric view of an alternative form of storage area, wherein the storage tray is removed and a cable storage area is provided using bracket members attached to the lower support bar; and FIGURE 9 is a pictorial view showing a typical "in use" arrangement of a splice cover of the invention with the main housing members of protection type, removed. Referring now to the drawings, where the representations are only for the purpose of illustrating the preferred embodiments of the invention and not for the purpose of limiting the same, the total arrangement of the preferred construction of the splice cover A can be understood better referring to FIGURES 1 and 2. As illustrated therein, the main outer housing of the splice cover A comprises a housing assembly 10 that houses and encloses a splice tray support assembly 11. The assembly of housing 10 is generally formed through a pair of opposite, closely-spaced main housing or body members, 12 and 14 which are joined together in a sealed clamping relationship to define an axially elongated central storage chamber 16. The ends - positions of the storage chamber 16 are closed by cylindrical end plate members 18 and 20, which are releasably and sealingly coupled with the main housing members 12 and 14 in a form that will subsequently be described. Although the housing body components and the end plates can be formed from a variety of different materials using different manufacturing techniques, in the object of the embodiment, they are preferably injection molded from a suitable plastic containing fibers for reinforcement. For example, reinforced glass fiber filled polypropylene is preferred. The two main housing members 12, 14 are closely similar in shape and construction. Accordingly, the description of the body housing 12 is considered equally applicable to the body member 14, unless otherwise indicated. In the embodiment under consideration, the main housing member 12 has an elongated, semi-cylindrical configuration for defining a somewhat shell-like body with a main external semi-cylindrical wall 22 having laterally extended fastening tabs 24 extending to along each longitudinal side. The flanges 24 are in diametral alignment relative to the wall 22 and define flat sealing and clamping surfaces that are continuous along each side. The main wall 22 is reinforced through radially extended, axially spaced ribs 26 integrally formed with the wall 22. Each of the ribs 26 extends circumferentially around the wall 22 and is joined at its ends to the holding flanges 24. , as shown. In addition to the reinforcing ribs 26, there are preferably longitudinally extended ribs 28, which extend between the axial ends of the wall 22 in the locations shown. In order to facilitate the assembly, disassembly, and use of the object splice storage housing assembly 10, at least some of the ribs 26 are provided with a radially outer contour that allows the main body components 12, 14 to be Stably support on a flat work surface. Referring to FIGURES 1 and 2, it will be seen that at least two reinforcing ribs 26 at each end of the housing are provided with a flat upper surface 30 which is preferably parallel in plane with the plane of the securing surfaces of the housing. the fastening tabs 24. As you can see, this allows the housings or body portions 12, 14 to rest on a flat work surface, while the assembly is being assembled or while the fiber optic cable splice is being made and is being installed in the housing. The fastening together with the main body components 12, 14 can be achieved with a variety of different releasable fastening or holding means. In the object embodiment, however, the preferred form comprises a plurality of threaded stud members 32 carried in the housing body portion 12 and having their lower threaded ends extending downwardly through the associated fastening flange 24. In the manner shown, the studs 32 are uniformly spaced along the respective clamping flange 24 in molded depressions 34. Preferably, the heads 36 of the studs 34 are retained in the depressions by catch rings that allow the studs are rotated but does not allow them to be easily removed from their functional position in the associated depressions 34. Referring in particular to the body portion 14, it will be seen that the fastening tabs 24 of the body portion 14 include openings 38 that extend perpendicularly through the associated tab in corresponding sites na the studs 32 carried by the body member 12. Associated with each of the openings 38 is a propelling notch member (not shown) that is captured in the depressions 40 formed on the fastening flanges 24 of the member 14. The two halves 12 and 14 in this manner can be clamped together through the studs 32. The actual clamping and sealing arrangement will subsequently be described. For the present, however, it is noted that longitudinally spaced axial ends of each of the body members 12 and 14 are provided with an inwardly extending end flange section 42, which is provided with a central slot 44 configured and dimensioned in order to receive the outer peripheral edge of the associated end plate 18 or 20. Associated with each of the depressions 44 and the longitudinally extending fastening surfaces of the fastening flanges 24 on each of the members of housing 12 and 14, there is an elastic seal board member 46, best seen in FIGURE 2A. One of the joints 46 is attached in place to each of the main body members 12 and 14. As illustrated, the joint members used in this embodiment generally comprise semi-cylindrical end portions 46a spaced apart and contoured to fit within the separate depressions 44. The arcuate semi-cylindrical end portions 46a are joined through relatively narrow, longitudinally extended strips 46b. The positioning and arrangement of the portions 46a and 46b can be seen in FIGURES 2, 3 and 4. Note that the sections 46b run closely adjacent the inner periphery of the wall 22 and the arcuate end portions 46a extend downwardly toward the depression associated 44. Preferably, the depression 44 and the associated seal portion 46a are provided with cooperating ribs and grooves 47 (shown in FIGURE 4) to provide an increased bonding of the surface and improve retention and sealing capability of the joint 46. In this regard, when joints 46 are installed, preferably a combination of mastic and adhesive is used. For example, a mastic sealer is applied in the central slots 47a and a suitable adhesive is installed in each of the external slots 47b. Referring again to the end plates 18, 20, it should be understood that the end plates are dimensioned and configured to be received tightly and hermetically within the depressions 46, in order to be sealably coupled around its outer periphery through the associated joint portions 46a at the bottom of the depressions 44. The end plates 18, 20 are preferably molded from the same material as the main body sections 12. and 14. Referring first to the end plate 20 (see FIGURES 2 and 9), it will be noted that the plate 20 has a circular outer periphery of an axial width that will be closely received in the depressions 44. The plate 20 is an individual mold , unitary, and is provided with a continuous outer periphery having a plurality of outwardly extending sealing ribs 50 formed around it. The ribs 50 are arranged to be sealed in engagement with the seal portion 46a located at the bottom of the depression 44. Suitable cable openings 52 are formed centrally in the endplate and any desired number can be provided. In the embodiment herein, there are four cable openings 52. Preferably, the openings 52 are normally sealed through molded shock elements, which can be urged from the interior of the openings 52, when it is desired to use them. A suitable transverse reinforcement and ribs extend between the outer circular periphery and the openings 52 and are integrally joined with the main disc wall 54. Separate metal angle brackets 56 are shown screwed into their position on the inner surface of the end plate 20. The purpose and operation of brackets 56 will be subsequently described.

Also formed on the end plate 20 are additional small openings 52a, each of these openings associated with each cable opening 52. These openings provide means for securing a cable resistance member to connect the brackets to the end plates in the form and for the purpose that will be described with reference to the end plate 18. The end plate 18 is very similar in construction to the end plate 20, but is a three-part structure comprising a central section 58 and external sections in duplicate 60. The components are molded in the configuration shown and are arranged to define six cable openings 62. The openings 62 can be of any desired size, all can be of the same size or of a variety of different sizes. In the present embodiment, however, the four external openings are of the same size and the two internal openings are smaller, but equal in size to each other. Components 58 and 60 are joined in the shape and configuration shown through a pair of fastening bolts 64 extending through vertically aligned openings. The outer sealing surfaces of the sections 58, 60 are provided with rib portions radially extended in the shape of the ribs 50 previously described with respect to the outer plate 20.

The use of the three-part end plate is, in some aspects, preferred, since it allows the cables to be put in place before joining the end plate members, if desired. Those openings 62, which are not going to be used can, of course, be sealed with suitable shutters held in place or otherwise plugged. Preferably, the unit is provided with shutters having opposite ends of different sizes to correspond to the two different sized openings. This allows each shutter to be used to cover any of the dimensioned openings. As best seen in FIGURE 9, it should be noted that each opening 62 has a cable resistance member bracket 61 and a connection opening 62a associated therewith. To explain the function of the resistance member brackets, each fiber optic cable generally bears an elongated cable type resistance member that is intended to add resistance to the cables or, more accurately, to the fiber transport tube within the cable . These resistance members are cut off from the transport tubes after the cables pass into the enclosure. In order to anchor the cables to the closure, it is necessary to fix the resistance members to the resistance member brackets. In addition, since the resistance members expand and contract at a different rate than the fibers themselves, it is important that the movements of the resistance member are not transmitted to the splices or fibers. The resistive fiber connection brackets in this manner serve not only to securely anchor the cables to the enclosures, but also to isolate the splices and fibers from the movements caused by the expansion and contraction of the resistance member. The end plates 18 and 20 are rigidly joined in proper alignment and in a separate relationship through torque or torsion bar members in the nature of tie bars 63, 65, which extend between the brackets 56 on each side. extreme plate. The lower bar member 63 is, of course, screwed to the lowermost bracket 56 on each end plate and the upper bar member 65 is releasably screwed parallel thereto between the upper pair of brackets 56. This arrangement makes the plates and the tray support assembly that is an independent, rigid and unitary sub-assembly that does not depend on external housing members for its strength and structural integrity. Subsequently the importance of this indisposition will be evident. Referring more particularly to FIGURE 3, the arrangement of the fastening tabs will be described in greater detail to show the arrangement by which an improved seal is obtained. In particular, as shown in FIGURE 3, the flanges 24 on the member 12 are provided at the outer free end with a rib-like projection 24a extending downwardly from the associated flange surface toward the opposite flange portion. 24a of the member 14. The total height of the rigid ribs 24a is such that, in the normal coupled position, the seal portions 46b are separated as shown in FIGURE 3. Since the studs 36 are tightened, however, the flanges 24 are pivoted together around the rigid ribs 24a and the opposite sealing portions 46b carried on the respective halves 12 and 14, are urged together and put into seal coupling. This arrangement of pivoting the flanges and deflecting them around the rigid ribs 24a provides an improved torque and seal of the gaskets. After the halves have been sealed and brought into contact with each other, it is possible to perform a test to determine if a complete fluid seal has been achieved. For this reason, the main body section 12 is provided with a pressurized valve 68 as seen in FIGURES 1 and 2. A suitable pressurized test fluid or gas can be fed to the inner chamber 16 through this valve to determine the quality of the seal.

As previously mentioned, mounted inside the chamber 16 is a tray support assembly 11 that carries one or more splice trays and also provides excess cable storage. The preferred form is shown in FIGURES 2 and 8 and a modified form is shown in FIGURE 8A. The shape of FIGURES 2 and 8 is intended to be used with fiber optic cable of the Unitary Pipe type and includes a storage tray 69. The shape of FIGURE 8A is intended to be used with intermediate storage cable and is supported by brackets that provide an open space under the splice trays for the storage of excess cable sections. In the form of FIGURES 2 and 8, the storage tray 69, as well as the overlapping junction trays, are supported from the lower tie rod member 63, which is connected between the lower brackets 56 and is suitably connected to the bottom bracket. the same through releasable bolts. As previously mentioned, a top link bar member is also connected between the top brackets 56 so that the two link bars extend generally in parallel and serve to properly position and separate the end plates as well as to hold them in an alignment adequate and add substantial resistance to the entire assembly. In this form, the storage tray 69 is, as previously mentioned, directly supported from and connected to the lower tie bar 63. Note that a pair of spaced parallel threaded rods or bolts 70 extends upwardly from and through the suitable openings in the lower tie bar. The bars 70 have suitable spacers 72 received therein to maintain the storage tray 69 at a desired elevation above the tie bar. In this arrangement, as noted above, the storage tray 69 is intended to maintain and provide a place where extra stretches of optical cable of unit pipe type can be rolled and can be retained as needed to change or add splices. Although the storage tray can have a variety of different configurations, it is shown as a rectangular box, generally U-shaped having a bottom wall 74 and side walls 76 extending upwardly. The opposite ends of the rectangular box structure are open to allow easy access and free reception of the cable, which is intended to be rolled up and stored in the storage tray. Adjacent to the ends of both the bottom 74 and side walls 76 is a plurality of through openings 78 extending across the width of both the bottom and side walls in the locations shown. These openings 78 provide means by which the cables can be firmly fixed to the storage tray through the use of conventional cable ties or the like. At the upper end of the side walls 76, L-shaped retainers 80 generally designated as catch tabs are provided. These L-shaped detents 80 are releasably retained in suitable downwardly extending grooves formed in the side walls 76. The detents each have a downwardly extending end portion 82 extending toward a side wall depression. associated for the elastic retention in it. The seals 80 can be removed during the use of the assembly to allow the placement of the cable coils in the tray. After the placement of the cable section stored within the storage tray, the retaining or capture tabs can be moved into place to keep the cable stored down properly with respect to the lower wall 74 and, also, in a form that will subsequently be described, support the overlapping junction trays. Referring now particularly to FIGURE 8 and to the opposite end portions of base 74 of the storage tray, it will be seen that they are integrally formed on the same upwardly extending mounting pole portions 84, which have an outwardly extending triangular section 86 that carries a central opening 88 for receiving the associated threaded rod 70. When the tray moves towards the position shown in FIGURE 2, a notch member 89 is threaded onto each of the bars and acts to rigidly lock the storage tray in place on the tie bar member 70. Stability is provided and additional rigidity for the tray relative to the housing, if desired, through suitable inclined metal end members 90 attached to the bottom surface of the bottom wall 74 and configured, sized and positioned to engage the curved inner surface of the wall 22 of the main body 14. In addition, it should also be noted that the posts 84 preferably have a suitable slot formed in their su upper surface for receiving one of the capture tabs as previously described with respect to the side walls 76. If desired, a suitable cover 77 can be placed with end openings 77a sized and located to receive posts 78, on the storage tray 69 to provide additional protection for the cable stored in it. As mentioned above, the invention contemplates the use of brackets to support the superimposed junction trays when the assembly is used with intermediate storage cable. FIGURE 8A shows the preferred shape of the brackets 109 and its relation to the lower bar member 63. In particular, each bracket 109 has a general U-shaped configuration with horizontal support portions extending inwardly 109a at the ends superiors of the extremities. The brackets are attached to the lower bar member 63 through suitable bolts, as shown. Downwardly inclined tabs 109b are provided to engage the lateral sides of the member 63. These tabs center and locate the brackets and prevent their rotation relative to the member 63. The space within the brackets and behind the supporting ports provides the space to wind and store stretches in excess of optical cable. As previously mentioned, one or more of the splice trays 91 are placed in a stacked relation above the storage tray 69 or the brackets 109 and function to maintain in an organized manner the splice connectors on the associated fiber cables . Although the splice trays may have a variety of configurations, the typical and preferred form for the trays in the embodiment herein is shown in FIGS. 5, 5A and 5B. As illustrated therein, the splice tray 91 generally comprises a molded, rectangular plastic tray member having an outer peripheral dimension and shape that is rectangular and generally corresponds to the size and shape of the underlying storage tray. As illustrated in FIGURE 5, the tray includes a flat bottom wall 90 and upwardly extending side walls 92. The outer walls are generally formed by integral formations extending upwardly with the top end (as seen in FIG. FIGURE 5) being formed to provide a cable entry area 94, which opens into the interior of the tray and includes a plurality of vertically extending, spaced-apart walls 96, which define a group of separate passages, a through which groups of fiber optic cable can be directed towards the inside of the tray. The lower end of the tray of FIGURE 5 has a contoured circular inner wall surface 98, which facilitates the flexing of the cable and its placement as the circuits are rolled into the tray. Associated with the upper interior end of the tray is an elevated arched wall 100, which also serves to direct the cable and allow it to be properly wound in nested form around the inside of the tray. As the arrangement used in the storage tray, the splice tray shown in FIGURE 5 is also provided with catches or catch tabs 80 that are releasably held in place by the side and end walls. FIGURE 5A illustrates the manner in which the catch tabs are held in place in the side walls 92. In particular, the downwardly extending end 82 of each catch tab 80 is releasably received in a longitudinally extended slot 102. formed along each wall 92. Similar slots are provided for the capture tabs carried on the end walls and on the inner end wall 100. Referring now to FIGURE 5B, it will be seen that an inner wall portion 92a on the inner side of slot 102 is provided with sections that vary in height with its upper surface provided with notches 104 extending downwardly from the upper edge of inner wall portion 92a. The notches 104 are of a length equal to the width of the catch tabs 80, so that they can be received therein. This allows the tabs to be changed from the upper level illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 5A to a lower level as defined by the notch 104. The tabs, of course, must be changed axially and thus moved. This change will be more apparent with the description of the tray shape of FIGURE 6. This change allows the use of different types of cover members on the trays and also allows the retention tabs to have different elevations relative to the bottom 90 of the associated tray to compensate different amounts of fibers inside the trays. Associated with the bottom wall 90 of the tray is a plurality of upwardly extending elastic bands 108, which extend generally perpendicular to the sides and are preferably integrally formed with the bottom wall to define a multitude of open slots towards up, transversally extended. The space between the bands 108 and thus the width of the slots is selected in order to allow the connectors used to form the splices to be retained therein. These widths can vary at different points, along the row of bands 108, so that several commercially available and commonly used connectors can be maintained in a convenient and organized manner. Preferably, there are slots (not shown) through the bottom 90 of the tray at locations between the bands 108 to facilitate the removal of the splice connectors held between the bands. That is, the slots allow a screwdriver or the like to be inserted up through the bottom of the tray to push the connectors out of the spaces between the bands. The embodiment herein also provides the option of retaining the connectors and their associated fiber cables in place through the use of double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape strips 112 placed on the bottom of the tray adjacent to the ends Opposites of the slots 110. The tray of FIGURE 5 is provided with a flat top 114, which is preferably molded from a transparent plastic to allow viewing of the interior of the tray when the cover is in a closed position. . FIGURE 5 allows cover 114 to pivot to an open position. Many different types of hinge arrangements can be used to allow the cover 114 to be hinged to the tray, but in the embodiment hereof, suitable pivot pins 116 extend laterally outwardly from the side walls 92 and are coupled through. of integral hook members 118 extending downwardly from deck 114. Preferably, the hook members 118 have the rear side open, so that when the cover moves towards its shown upper position, it can be simply detached from the pivot pins 116. The covers are also arranged in order to lock the tray when they are in closed supposition. As best shown in FIGURE 7, the end of the tray is provided at each outer corner with a locking arrangement comprising an elastic L-shaped locking member 120 separated from the rest of the tray by an open area 122 and a groove. extending inwardly 124. A small projection 126 extends into the space 122 on the side of the limb 120a of the L-shaped closure 120. As shown, the closure 120 can be flexed to a dotted line position by the application of a pushing force in the direction of the arrow 128. This then moves the locking element 126 to the left as seen in FIGURE 7. In cooperation with the locking element 127 and engageable under the protrusion 126 is a hook 138 worn on the underside of the cover 114 (see FIGURE 5) and arranged to enter the space 122 adjacent the projection 126 to be fastened from below and retain the cover in the posi closed. By forcing against the locking element 120 in the direction of the arrow 128, the projection 126 can move laterally to release the hook 130 and allow the cover to be moved to its open position. Although only one of the end hook and hook elements 130 has been described, it should be noted that a group is provided in duplicate by the opposite hand in the other corner of the tray and the cover. FIGURE 6 shows a second, slightly modified form of the splice tray and further illustrates the multiple placement previously mentioned possible with the capture tabs 80. In the embodiment of FIGURE 6, the capture tabs 80 are shown moved towards the position Higher In this elevated position more space is available in the tray for fiber optic cable housing. Also, in this raised position, the cover member 140 is preferably provided with depressions 142 along its located edge to allow the side tabs to be received therein. In addition, the center of the cover is preferably dome-shaped, as shown at 144, so that larger connectors can be accommodated in the slots 108. The manner in which the junction trays 91 are coupled with and held in a stacked relation in the tie bar 63 is best understood with reference to FIGS. 2 and 5. In particular, the trays 91 each i are provided with end formations defining outwardly open slots 150. The slots 150 are dimensioned and spaced apart to receive the separate, threaded posts 70. A stack of two or more trays 91 in this manner can be placed above the storage tray 69 and held in a stacked relationship aligned thereon by the posts 70. A plastic strip suitable elastic 152 is arranged to be connected between the upper end of the posts 70 and functions to hold the stack of trays down in their located relation with relation to the tie bar 63 and the storage tray 69 or brackets 109. As illustrated, the strip 152 includes end openings 154 having elastic tabs 156 arranged to extend into engagement with the threaded posts 70 and releasably lock the band to the pins. same. However, only by raising the tabs, the band can be removed. An important advantage that arises from the described assembly of the trays 91 in relation to the posts 70, is that the lower posts of the trays in the stored stack can have access without the total removal of the overlapping trays. Only releasing the band 152, one end of the stack can be raised upwards until the slots on that end are free of the associated post 70. The individual selected lower trays can then be pivoted outwardly among the others in the stack, while the other end of the Tray remains coupled with the other post. After completing the work in that tray, you can return to its position located on the stack only by reversing the procedure. A major advantage arising from the housing construction of the preferred embodiment is the ability to increase the effective size of the storage chamber without damaging or disassembling preassembled splice trays 91 and the entire tray support assembly 11. To understand This aspect of the invention, it should be noted that, as previously discussed, the outer housing members 12 and 14 can be removed from their fastened coupling with the end plates 18 and 20 without affecting the structural integrity of the rest of the structure, it is say, the end plates 18, 20, the tie bars 63, 65, and the storage and splice trays. In this way, it is possible to reinstall the main housing members having larger internal dimensions (as long as their end flange sections 42 correspond to the sizes of the end plates 18 and 20). All this can be presented without damaging the previously made trays. In addition to the above, it is possible to further increase the space available to increase the height of the stack of storage trays to allow more trays to be installed beyond what is the maximum originally available. This can be achieved by removing the upper tie bar 63 and replacing it with a modified tie bar 160 as illustrated in FIGURE 2b. Note that the removal and replacement of the top tie bar does not really affect or alter the end plate and structural integrity of the storage tray subassembly. However, the modified tie bar provides additional space to increase the height of the storage tray stack due to its central section buckled or tilted upward. Also, if desired or necessary, the height of the bars 70 can be increased by suitable extensions added to their upper ends. The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to the others after reading and understanding this specification. It is understood that all such modifications and alterations are included as long as they are within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

Claims (40)

1. CLAIMS 1. A housing assembly for enclosing fiber optic cable splices, characterized in that it comprises: a pair of housing members having main body portions with peripheral clamping tabs extending outwardly therefrom and cooperatively placed in an opposite relation to be held together; the fastening tabs have internal end portions adjacent to the main body portions and have free outer end portions; an elastic seal gasket placed between the inner end portions of flanges; and rigid rib means in the free outer end portions of the flanges, the total thickness of the rigid rib means between the opposing fastening flanges being greater than the normal uncompressed thickness of the seal gasket, so that the flanges of When fastening is held together, the coupling is presented first on the rigid rib means and the subsequent seal coupling with the joint requires the application of a sufficient clamping force to cause deflection of the flanges around the rigid rib means.
2. 2. The housing assembly, according to claim 1, characterized in that the pair of housing members each have a generally semi-cylindrical configuration and the peripheral flanges extend generally radially thereof.
3. 3. The housing assembly, according to claim 1, characterized in that each housing member has its respective flanges in a common plane. The housing assembly, according to claim 2, characterized in that there is a pair of separate circular discs received between the pair of housing members for defining longitudinal ends of the housing assembly. The housing assembly, according to claim 4, characterized in that there are portions of the seal gasket sealingly coupled between the circular discs and at least one of the pair of housing members. 6. The housing assembly, according to claim 5, characterized in that the fastening tabs of the pair of housing members are releasably held by threaded connectors. The housing assembly, according to claim 6, characterized in that it includes a support bar extending longitudinally between the circular discs and the supported splice trays of the support bar. The housing assembly, according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing members each have a generally semi-cylindrical configuration and are provided on their outer surfaces with circumferentially extended resistance ribs. The housing assembly, according to claim 8, characterized in that the resistance ribs extend between the fastening flanges. The housing assembly, according to claim 8, characterized in that at least some of the resistance flanges have a contoured outer surface to allow the housing to rest stably on a flat surface. A housing assembly for enclosing and storing cable splices, characterized in that it comprises: first and second end plates axially spaced from one another and defining a storage space therebetween; a pair of rigid bars extending in a parallel parallel relationship through the storage space and having their ends rigidly joined to the end plates; a pair of opposite housing members contoured to enclose the end plates and the storage space, the housing members being releasably and in sealed form fastened to each other and to the end plates; a pair of rods carried by one of the rigid bars in axially spaced locations; and a plurality of splice storage trays in a stacked relationship and extending between the pair of rods, the trays having end slots, which receive and are guided on the rods and connecting means of the rods to releasably hold the tray of trays each. The housing assembly, according to claim 11, characterized in that the rods are threaded and the connecting means are a releasable strip member extending between the rods. The housing assembly, according to claim 11, characterized in that the housing members have external resistance ribs extending outwardly from the exterior thereof. The housing assembly, according to claim 13, characterized in that at least some of the resistance ribs are contoured to allow the housing assembly to be stably supported on a flat surface. The housing assembly, according to claim 11, characterized in that the end plates have a generally circular configuration and the housing members have a generally semi-cylindrical configuration with peripheral fastening flanges extending generally radially therefrom. The housing assembly, according to claim 15, characterized in that the housing members are releasably fastened and sealed to each other and the end plates by bolts extending through the fastening flanges. 17. The housing assembly, according to claim 16, characterized in that the housing members are molded of a fiber reinforced resinous material. 18. The housing assembly, according to claim 16, characterized in that the end plates are molded of a fiber reinforced resinous material. A tray for supporting fiber optic cable splices in a splice housing, characterized in that it comprises: a molded plastic tray having a generally flat rectangular bottom wall, side walls extending upwards, spaced apart, and end walls that extend transversely; a plurality of catch tabs releasably attached to the tray to extend inwardly from at least one of the side walls to a first distance spaced from the bottom to overlap the fiber optic cable when such a cable is placed in the tray; and, the end walls carrying apertures generally centrally thereof to allow the tray to be mounted between the parallel parallel rods. The tray, according to claim 19, characterized in that it has a cover pivotally connected to an end wall and connected to the other external wall by means of releasable connection means. The tray, according to claim 19, characterized in that means are provided to allow the capture tabs to be connected to the tray to overlap the bottom of the tray at different selected distances thereof. 22. The tray according to claim 21, characterized in that the means are carried on the bottom wall to define a multitude of retention slots for retaining the splice connectors. 23. The tray, according to claim 19, characterized in that the openings carried on the end walls comprise open end slots. 2
4. 4. The tray according to claim 20, characterized in that the catch tabs are releasably attached to the trays having downwardly extending portions elastically held by seals associated with the walls. 2
5. 5. For use in a housing for enclosing cable splices and comprising a storage chamber defined by separate side walls and end walls, an improved splice tray and a tray support assembly are characterized in that they comprise: a rigid bar member for extending between the end walls of the chamber and joining thereto, a pair of spaced parallel posts extending perpendicularly from the bar member, a stack of splice trays supported on the bar member and extending between the posts; each of the trays having their ends adjacent to the poles and carrying means to define extreme outwardly open grooves that receive the poles; and axially movable adjustable means on the posts to hold the stack of trays together and to the tie rod. 2
6. 6. The improved splice tray and support assembly according to claim 25, characterized in that they include a storage tray located between the stack of splice trays and having an end wall with side walls extending upwardly. the side walls carrying removable tabs to support the splice trays above the bar member. 2
7. 7. The improved splice tray and support assembly according to claim 26, characterized in that they include openings in the storage tray through which the parallel poles extend and the notch members on the poles for fastening. the storage tray to the bar member. 2
8. 8. The improved splice tray and support assembly, according to claim 25, characterized in that they include cover members on the splice trays. 2
9. 9. A housing assembly for enclosing and storing cable splices, characterized in that it comprises: first and second end plates of a generally circular configuration axially aligned and spaced apart from one another; a first rigid bar member having opposite end ends attached to the first and second end plates to hold them in their axially aligned and spaced relationship a pair of bar members carried by the first rigid rod member and extending generally parallel to the first and second end plates in locations between them and adjacent thereto; an aligned stack of splice storage trays, extending between the pair of rod members and carried thereon; and, a group of housing members releasably fastened to the first and second end plates to seal the stack of trays in a sealed manner. 30. The assembly, according to claim 29, characterized in that the housing members comprise a pair of semi-cylindrical shell-like members, which extend around the end plates and are connected to each other through fastening means. releasable The assembly, according to claim 29, characterized in that it includes a second rigid bar member extending between the first and second end plates, the second rigid bar member having first and second terminal ends respectively joined to the first and second end members. second end plates by releasable connection means. 32. The assembly according to claim 31, characterized in that the second rigid bar extends parallel to the first rigid bar member, the first and the second rigid bar members located diametrically one of the other relative to the end plates. 33. The assembly according to claim 30, characterized in that the housing members include connecting flanges extending axially therefrom. 34. The assembly according to claim 33, characterized in that the connection flanges are connected by threaded fasteners. 35. A splice cover, characterized in that it comprises: a rigid elongated support bar; a pair of support bars extending in parallel from the bar at separate locations; elongated splice trays extending between the support rods in a separate location away from the support bar, the splice trays including alignment means for coupling the support rods and preventing the movement of the splice trays in directions transverse to the support rods; and retaining means releasably engageable with the support rods to prevent unwanted movement of the splice trays on the support rods in directions away from the elongate support bar. 36. The splice cover, according to claim 35, characterized in that the retaining means includes a member of flexible band type, extending between the support rods. 37. The splice cover, according to claim 35, characterized in that the elongated support bar carries nellibular members, which maintain the splice trays at a predetermined distance from the support bar and provide a storage space between splice trays and support bar. 38. The splice cover, according to claim 35, characterized in that the elongated support bar has terminal ends attached to the housing end plates. 39. The splice cover, according to claim 38, characterized in that it includes housing-defining housing members releasably connected to the end plates and enclosing the support bar and the junction trays. 40. The splice cover, according to claim 39, characterized in that the end plates have a generally circular shape and furthermore in which the shell-like housing defining members have a generally semi-cylindrical shape.