GB2113865A

GB2113865A - Organizer fixture for splices in fiber optic cables

Info

Publication number: GB2113865A
Application number: GB08300423A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kenneth J Koncelik; Joseph T Krafcik
Original assignee: Preformed Line Products Co
Current assignee: Preformed Line Products Co
Priority date: 1982-01-22
Filing date: 1983-01-07
Publication date: 1983-08-10
Also published as: SE8300236D0; ES269892U; FR2520517B1; DE8300916U1; SE8300236L; IT8347584A0; DE3301165A1; ZA83298B; GB8318364D0; JPS58127907A; FR2520517A1; BR8300262A; ES269892Y; IT1164574B; AU1020583A; GB2122378A; IT8347584A1; GB8300423D0

Abstract

An organizer fixture for splices in fiber optic cables, The fixture includes a flat platform (A) having coil holding brackets (B) on one side (18) thereof for holding a coiled portion of cable parallel to the platform. Splice blocks (E) and cable ties (D) are mounted on the other side of the platform for holding optical fibers thereto. Cable receiving openings (38) extending through the platform adjacent the ends (12,14) thereof allow passage of cables from one platform side to the other. Torque bar holding brackets (C) extend outwardly from the platform side edges for holding torque bars which are attached to the opposed end plates of a splice case. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Organizer fixture for splices in fibre optic cables This application relates to the art of assembly fixtures and, more particularly, to an assembly fixture for organizing splices in cables.

The invention is particularly applicable for use with fiber optic cables and will be described with specific reference thereto. However, it will be appreciated that the invention has broader applications and that at least certain features may be used with other types of cables.

Fibre optic cables or the like have an extremely large number of optical fibers bundled together.

When such cables are spliced, the individual fibres are separated from one another and connected with corresponding fibers in another cable or plurality of cables. It is very difficult to organize the fibers and splices without having some arrangement for holding individual fibers or groups of fibers separated from one another and/or after individual fibers are spliced. After all of the splices are made, it is common to enciose the splice in a splice case for protecting same and for also providing strain relief. It is desirable that the individual fibers be firmly held within the splice case so they do not vibrate or otherwise move about and present the potential for poor transmission characteristics.

With the foregoing in mind, it would be desirable to have an organizer fixture for organizing splices in fiber optic cables and for holding the splices against movement within a splice case.

An organizer fixture for splices in fibre optic cables or the like wherein the fixture includes a substantially flat nonmetallic platform having coil holding means on one side thereof for holding a coiled portion of cable extending substantially parallel to the platform. The platform further includes cable receiving openings therethrough adjacent the opposite ends thereof for allowing passage of cables from one side of the platform to the other.

The cable receiving openings are preferably elongated in a direction extending between the platform ends and at least one narrow slot extends from each cable receiving opening to a side edge of the platform. The slots allow individual fibers to be moved laterally therethrough so that an entire cable can be displaced laterally from within a cable receiving opening simply by moving individual fibers through the narrow slot.

In a preferred arrangement, the other side of the platform includes cable strap holding means for holding cable straps thereto. The cable strap holding means may take many forms and may comprise holes in the platform for receiving fasteners to secure cable straps to the other side of the platform.

The organizer fixture includes selectively usable optical fiber holding means on the other side of the platform for holding a plurality of optical fibers in laterally spaced-apart relationships to one another. The optical fiber holding means includes a block of elastomeric material having a plurality of laterally spacedapart generally V-shaped grooves therein for wedgingly receiving individual optical fibers. The V-shaped configuration of the grooves allows fibers of different diameters to be securely wedged in such grooves. The block has a convex surface in which the V-shaped grooves are formed so that a larger number of individual fibers can be accommodated within a given transverse dimension of the platform.In one arrangement, a pair of elastomeric blocks are aligned in spaced relationship and a support surface on a support member extends between such blocks in a location spaced below and parallel to the convex block surfaces.

An end plate holding means is advantageously provided for mounting the platform between the opposed end plates of a splice case. In the preferred arrangement where the end plates are secured in spaced relation by elongated torque bars, the end plate holding means includes brackets which are engagable with the torque bars. Preferably, these brackets are adjustable relative to the platform for accommodating torque bars and splice cases of different sizes and types.

The platform, wedge blocks, support member, and cable straps are all of nonmetallic material for minimizing the possibility of damaging the optical fibers and/or causing problems with transmissions through the fibers.

The principal object of the invention is the provision of an improved organizer fixture for splices in fiber optic cables or the like.

Another object of the invention resides in the provision of such a fixture having a plurality of optional features which are selectively usable to suit the needs or desires of a person making a splice.

It is a further object of the invention to provide such a fixture which is very economical to manufacture and is also very simple to use in the field.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved splice block for such a fixture to be used in holding individual fibers in laterally spaced-apart relationships.

It is an additional object of the invention to provide such a fixture which remains with the cable splice for enclosure within a splice case.

Other objects and advantages for the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

The invention may take form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an improved organizer fixture constructed in accordance with the present application; Figure 2 is a plan view of the new organizer fixture having a splice case cage attached thereto; Figure 3 is a side elevational view taken generally along lines 3-3 of Figure 2 and further including splice case cover members; Figure 4 is an end view taken generally along lines v of Figure 3; and, Figure 5 is an end view of a wedge block employed with the fixture of the present application.

With reference to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only and not for purposes qf limiting same, Figure 1 shows a substantially flat rectangular platform A having an outer periphery defined by opposed parallel ends 12, 14 and opposed parallel side edges 16, 18.

Coil holding means for holding a coiled portion of a cable substantially parallel to the opposite flat surfaces of platform A is defined by generally Zshaped coil holding brackets B. Each coil-holding bracket B includes parallel mounting and retaining legs 20, 22 integrally connected by a connecting leg 24 extending transversely therebetween.

Platform A includes a plurality of spaced-apart holes 28 therethrough located on the longitudinal centerline thereof adjacent ends 12, 14. Each mounting leg 20 of coil holding brackets B includes a pair of holes 30 therethrough spacedapart the same distance as an adjacent pair of holes 28 through platform A. Expandable inserts 32 are receivable in holes 28 and screws 34 receivable through holes 30 are threaded into inserts 32 for securely attaching brackets B to platform A. Brackets B are preferably located completely within the outer periphery of platform A and the multiple holes indicated at 28 in platform A allow selective attachment of brackets B at different distances from one another. Coil retaining legs 22 of brackets B extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of platform A and to side edges 1 6, 18 thereof.A cable can then be wound or coiled around brackets B for holding a coiled portion of a cable in a position lying substantially parallel to platform A.

Four generally oval cable receiving openings 38 extend through platform A adjacent the intersections of opposed ends 12, 14 with opposed side edges 16, 1 8. Cable receiving openings 38 are elongated in a direction extending between ends 12, 14. A narrow slot 40 extends from each cable receiving opening 38 to the outer periphery of platform A. In the preferred arrangement, slots 40 extend from each cable receiving opening 38 to an outer side edge 1 6, 1 8 of platform A.In addition, each slot is preferably located at the end of a cable receiving opening 38 located closest to a platform end 12, 14. When a bundle of optical fibers in a cable extend through one of the cable receiving openings and splices are made between individual fibers of the connected cables, it would not be possible to separate the cables from platform A without first separating the splices which have been made. However, with narrow slots 40, it is possible to remove the outer plastic sheath of the cable or to longitudinally slit same for exposing the individual fibers so they may, in turn, be moved laterally through slot 40 communicating with the associated receiving opening 38. Thus, one or more individual fibers can be moved laterally through each slot 40 until the entire bundle of fibers in the cable is external of platform A.This is advantageous in the event it is necessary or desirable to remove the cables from the platform after a few or all of the splices between individual fibers have been made.

End plate holding means are employed for holding platform A in a located position between a pair of splice case end plates. In the preferred arrangement shown in the drawings where conventional torque bars are employed to maintain the end plates in a predetermined spaced apart relationship, the end plate holding means includes generally J-shaped holding brackets C. These brackets cooperate with the torque bars and maintain platform ends 12, 14 inwardly spaced from the end plates. To that end, suitable holes through platform A generally indicated at 46 are spaced-apart in a direction parallel to ends 12, 14 and located closely adjacent thereof. Alternate holes 48 are spaced inwardly from holes 46 for mounting holding brackets C to platform A.Suitable expandable inserts 50 are receivable in holes 46 or 48 for receiving fasteners 52 which extend through elongated slots 54 in elongated securing legs 58 of generally J-shaped brackets C. Legs 58 are secured against the other side surface of platform A opposite from the one side surface to which coil holding brackets B are secured. The generally Jshaped brackets C further include hook portions provided by retaining legs 60 extending generally parallel to securing legs 58 and integrally connected thereto by connecting legs 62.

Selective loosening and tightening of screws 52 allows holding brackets C to be adjusted toward and away from platform side edges 1 6, 18 for accommodating splice cases of different sizes or types. In other words, bracets C are adjustable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of platform Afor receiving torque bars which are spaced-apart from each other at different distances. It will also be appreciated that other types and/or configurations of end plate holding means may be suitably employed to accommodate different types and styles of splice case designs. Such modifications do not, however, in any way depart from the overall intent or scope of the present invention.

Platform A has a plurality of relatively small holes 70 therethrough at widely-spaced locations to define cable strap holding means for holding one or more cable straps D to the other side surface of platform A opposite from the one side surface on which coil holding brackets B are secured. Cable straps D may take many forms with one such strap being shown in Figure 1. This strap is molded of synthetic plastic material to include an elongated flexible strap portion 72 having a plurality of longitudinally-spaced holes 74 therethrough for receiving a locking projection 76 having a plurality of teeth 78 thereon. An integral, laterally extending mounting leg 80 has a suitable hole therethrough for receiving a screw 82 which threads into a hole 70 or an expandable insert positioned in such hole.One or more straps D may be selectively secured to platform A at random locations in accordance with the needs or desires of an individual making a splice. A bundle of fibers is simply extended across strap portion 72 which is then formed into a loop around the bundle and locked in position by extending locking projection 76 through a strap hole 74.

A support member E has a pair of spaced-apart aligned wedge blocks G thereon. Wedge blocks G are preferably molded of suitable elastomeric material, such as natural or neoprene rubber.

Support member E, together with wedge blocks G, may be considered as defining a splice block.

As best shown in Figure 5, each wedge block G has a generally semi-cylindrical cross-sectional conformation, and includes convex outer and inner surfaces 86, 88 which are curved about an axis 90. A plurality of equidistantly spaced grooves 92 extend inwardly of wedge block G from outer convex surface 86 thereof. Grooves 92 extend inwardly over a major portion of the thickness of wedge block G so that fingers 94 defined between adjacent grooves 92 have some flexibility. Grooves 92 extend generally parallel to axis 90 and support member E has an outer support surface 96 which is curved to correspond with wedge block curved inner surface 88.

Wedge blocks G may be adhesively secured to outer surface 96 of support member E adjacent the opposite end portions thereof. Thus, support surface 96 on support member E is spaced below convex surfaces 86 on wedge blocks G and extend substantially parallel thereto. Opposite ends 102 of support member E are smoothly curved to lie generally on the surface of a sphere and a peripheral flange 104 extends outwardly from the support member. Support member E having wedge blocks G thereon is attachable to the one side surface of platform A in any suitable manner, including the use of mechanical fasteners or adhesive. For example, foam plastic tape having pressure sensitive adhesive on both sides thereof may be used by sticking such tape to the underside of flange 104 and the one surface of platform A.

Figure 1 shows use of buttons 106,108 which each have pressure sensitive adhesive on one surface thereof so that button 106 may be adhesively secured to the one side surface of platform A while buttdn 108 may be adhesively secured to the underside of support member flange 104. The opposite surface of button 106 is provided with a large number of small loops of flexible plastic material while the other surface of button 108 is provided with a large number of flexible hooks of plastic material for cooperative engagement with the plastic loops on button 106.

These buttons may be provided adjacent each end of support member E for selectively securing same to the one side surface of platform A.

Although two support members E are shown in Figure 1, it will be recognized that only one such member will be used in many cases and in other cases, no support member E or wedge blocks G will be employed. For example, a person making the splice may choose to use only cable straps D.

Thus, the fixture may be considered a kit in which all of the components of platform A are assembled except for cable straps D and support members E with wedge blocks G. In the field, a person making a splice will selectively attach either straps D or support members E, or both, in accordance with his needs and desires.

Inwardly tapering V-shaped grooves 92 in wedge blocks G allow fibers of different diameters to be securely wedged therein. The outwardly curved shape of wedge blocks G accommodates a larger number of such grooves for a given transverse dimension across platform A.

The improved organizer fixture of the present applications is usable with splice cases of known types such as, for example, the general type shown in U.S. Patent No. 3,692,926 issued September 1,9, 1 972, to Smith. With reference to Figure 2 of the subject application, a splice case H includes a pair of opposed torque bars 112 secured to end plate 114 for holding same in a parallel spaced-apart relationship. End plates 114 include through openings for passage of cables 11 6, 118 therethrough in a known manner.

Suitable sealing glands and clamps are also provided in a known manner for attaching or securing the cables to end plates 114. Torque bars 112 are held by bracket C with end plates 114 located outwardly of platform ends 12, 14.

End portions of cables 11 6, 11 8 to be spliced are passed through holes in end plates 114 and one or both cables may be coiled around coil holding brackets B on the underside of platform A.

Each cable may then be extended upwardly through a cable receiving opening 38. Individual fibers 11 6a of cable 11 6 are then spliced by corresponding individual fibers 11 8a of cable 118. It will be recognized that the splices themselves and the manner of making same may comprise any number of different types and form no part of the present invention. These splices are generally indicated by numeral 120 and may include fusion welding, adhesive or mechanical connectors, and the like.

Once the individual fibers are spliced, groups of spliced fibers may be held by a cable strap D simply to hold same out of the way while additional fibers are spliced. Spliced fibers may also be wedged in the V-shaped grooves in wedge blocks G and the splices are firmly supported on the outer curved surface of support member E. Once all of the fibers are spliced, the fibers are securely held to platform A either by straps D or wedge blocks E so that the individual fibers do not vibrate or move around. Although only two cables are shown in Figure 2, it will be recognized that additional cables may be organized and spliced with the improved fixture of the present application. In addition, a plurality of cable straps D and wedge blocks G may be used if so desired.Moreover, the specific splicing steps outlined above may be'modified as deemed desirable by the circumstances involved and/or as preferred by the individual splicers. ~~~ Figure 3 shows cable 11 6 extending through an end plate 114 and having a coiled portion 130 coiled around coil holding brackets B so that coiled portion 130 is held substantially parallel to platform A completely within the outer periphery thereof. Cable 11 6 then extends upwardly through the platform by passing through one of the cable receiving openings. Opposite cooperating cover members J have flanges 134 with suitable aligned holes therethrough for receiving fastener assemblies.Cover members J are generally semi-cylindrical in end view as shown in Figure 4 and are dimensioned for closely fitting in cooperative relationship with end plates 114 while receiving torque bars 112 therewithin.

Flanges 134 on the opposed cover members J abut one another and fastener assemblies are used for securing same together so that the entire organizer fixture and the components thereof are sealed within the splice case.

Platform A, support members E, and wedge blocks G are all of nonmetallic materials so that the possibility of nicking or otherwise damaging an optical fiber is minimized. The organizer fixture of the present application provides many options for the person assembling the splice because straps or wedge blocks may be used in accordance with the needs or desires of that person. Also, the capability of assembling support member E to platform A without the use of tools saves time in the field.

Claims

1. An organizer fixture for splices in fiber optic cables or the like comprising: a substantially flat platform having coil holding means on one side thereof for holding a coiled portion of cable substantially parallel to said one side, and said platform having opposed ends and including cable receiving openings therethrough adjacent said ends for receiving a cable extending from said one side of said platform to the other side thereof.

2. The fixture as defined in claim 1 including end plate holding means for holding said platform intermediate end plates of a splice case.

3. The fixture as defined in claim 2 wherein said platform is used with a splice case of the type including end plates held in a spaced-apart relationship by torque bars and said end plate holding means comprises brackets for holding such torque bars.

4. The fixture as defined in claim 3 wherein said platform has opposite side edges and said brackets are adjustably attached to said platform for adjustable movement toward and away from said side edges.

5. The fixture as defined in claim 1 wherein said platform has opposed side edges which define a platform outer periphery together with said platform ends, said platform further including at least one narrow slot extending from each said cable receiving opening to said outer periphery.

6. The fixture as defined in claim 5 wherein said slots extend to said side edges.

7. The fixture as defined in claim 1 including cable strap holding means on said platform for holding cable straps to the other side of said platform opposite from said one side on which said coil holding means is located.

8. The fixture as defined in claim 7 wherein said cable strap holding means comprises a plurality of holes in said platform.

9. The fixture as defined in claim 1 including optical fiber holding means on the other side of said platform for holding a plurality of optical fibers in a laterally spaced-apart relationship to one another.

10. The fixture as defined in claim 9 wherein said fiber holding means comprises a block of elastomeric material having a plurality of laterally spaced-apart generally V-shaped grooves therein for wedgingly receiving optical fibers therein.

11. The fixture as defined in claim 10 wherein said platform has an arcuately curved convex surface and said grooves extend inwardly from said convex surface.

12. The fixture as defined in claim 11 including a pair of said blocks positioned in a spaced-apart relationship between said platform ends and further including an arcuately curved support surface extending between said blocks below and substantially parallel to said convex surface.

13. An organizer fixture for splices in fiber optic cables or the like comprising: a substantially flat platform having opposed ends and opposed side edges; and, end plate holding means for holding said platform intermediate end plates of a splice case.

14. The fixture as defined in claim 13 wherein said end plate holding means is for holding said platform intermediate end plates which are maintained in spaced-apart relationship by torque bars and said end plate holding means engages such torque bars.

1 5. The fixture as defined in claim 14 wherein said end plate holding means is adjustable relative to said platform for engaging torque bars which are spaced-apart from one another at different distances.

1 6. The fixture as defined in claim 13 including cable strap holding means on said platform for holding cable straps thereto.

17. The fixture as defined in claim 13 including a plurality of cable straps attached to one side of said platform.

1 8. The fixture as defined in claim 13 including cable receiving openings through said platform adjacent said ends thereof for passing a cable therethrough from one side of said platform to the other.

1 9. The fixture as defined in claim 1 8 including at least one narrow slot extending from each said cable receiving opening to said platform side edges.

20. The fixture as defined in claim 13 including coil holding means on one side of said platform for holding a coiled portion of cable substantially parallel to said one side; cable strap holding means on said platform for holding cable straps to the other side of said platform; and, cable receiving openings through said platform adjacent said ends thereof for passing cables through said platform from said one side to said other side.

21. The fixture as defined in claim 20 including at least one block of elastomeric material on said other side of said platform and having a curved convex surface extending in a direction between said platform side edges, said block having a plurality of generally V-shaped grooves extending inwardly thereof from said convex surface and disposed to extend in a direction between said platform ends.

22. An organizer kit for organizing splices in fiber optic cables or the like comprising: a substantially flat platform having coil holding means on one side thereof for holding a coiled portion of cable substantially parallel thereto; torque bar holding means for holding torque bars attached to end plates of a splice case; cable strap holding means on the other side of said platform for holding cable straps thereto; cable straps for attachment to said cable strap holding means; and, optical fiber holding means attachable to said other side of said platform and including a block of elastomeric material having a plurality of generally V-shaped grooves therein for receiving optical fibers and holding same laterally spaced from one another.

23. The kit as defined in claim 22 wherein said block has a convex surface along which said grooves are located.

24. The kit as defined in claim 22 wherein said optical fiber holding means includes a pair of said blocks located in an aligned spaced-apart relationship with an arcuately curved support surface extending between said blocks below said convex surfaces and substantially parallel thereto.

25. A splice wedge for holding optical fibers comprising: a generally semi-cylindrical block of elastomeric material having an outer convex surface curved about an axis, said block including a plurality of generally V-shaped grooves spacedapart along said surface and extending generally parallel to said axis.

26. The wedge as defined in claim 25 including a pair of said blocks positioned in spaced-apart alignment and a splice support member extending between said blocks, said support member having a curved support surface spaced below said convex surfaces of said blocks and extending substantially parallel thereto.

27. The wedge as defined in claim 26 wherein said support member has smoothly curved end surfaces on the opposite sides of said blocks from said support surface.