HK1197300B - Fiber optic enclosure with external cable spool - Google Patents

Description

Fiber optic enclosure with external spool

The present application is a divisional application of an invention patent application having an application date of 2008/5/6, an application number of 200880022979.5, and an invention name of "optical fiber cassette with external bobbin".

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application is PCT international patent application filed on 6/5/2008 in the name of the following applicant: ADC telecommunications company, united states company, applicants of all designated countries except the united states; kowalczyk, trevord, smith, JonathanKAML, thomsg, leblanc, ronalda, beck, jonathanwaltercoa, only as the applicant in the united states of the designated country; this application claims priority from U.S. provisional application No.60/916,495 filed on 7/5/2007, U.S. provisional application No.60/954,210 filed on 6/8/2007, U.S. provisional application No.61/037,223 filed on 17/3/2008, and U.S. patent application No.12/113,786 filed on 1/5/2008.

Technical Field

The invention disclosed herein relates to fiber optic cassettes, and more particularly to a fiber optic cassette having a payoff device.

Background

As the demand for telecommunications increases, fiber optic networks are expanding into more and more areas. Fiber optic enclosures are used to provide subscriber access points to fiber optic networks in a variety of facilities, such as multi-user dwelling units, apartments, private apartment houses, commercial facilities, and the like. These fiber optic enclosures are connected to the fiber optic network by subscriber cables connected to a network hub. However, the length of subscriber cable required between the fiber optic enclosure and the network hub varies based on the positioning of the fiber optic enclosure relative to the network hub. As a result, there is a need for a fiber optic enclosure that can efficiently manage changes in the length of subscriber cables.

Disclosure of Invention

One aspect of the invention disclosed herein relates to a fiber optic enclosure assembly. The fiber optic cassette includes a cassette body configured to optically connect an incoming optical fiber to an outgoing optical fiber. The bobbin is connected to the outside of the case. A cable having a drop fiber is disposed around the spool.

Another aspect of the invention disclosed herein relates to a fiber optic enclosure for enclosing optical fiber connections. The fiber optic enclosure includes a housing, a bobbin assembly disposed on an exterior surface of the housing, and a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly is rotatably engaged with the bobbin assembly such that the bobbin assembly is selectively rotatable about an axis of the mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes a bearing assembly and is configured to engage the mounting site.

Another aspect of the invention disclosed herein relates to a fiber optic enclosure for enclosing optical fiber connections. The fiber optic cabinet includes a cabinet body and a spool assembly disposed on an outer surface of the cabinet body. The bobbin assembly includes a drum portion, a cable disposed around the drum portion, and a cable strain relief. A cable strain relief is engaged to the drum portion and a portion of the cable.

Another aspect of the invention disclosed herein relates to a method of paying out a cable from a fiber optic enclosure. The method includes providing a fiber optic enclosure having a housing and a spool externally disposed on the housing. The cassette is configured to optically connect the incoming optical fibers of the first cable disposed about the spool with the outgoing optical fibers of the second cable. The case and the spool rotate about an axis until a desired length of the first cable is paid out.

Another aspect of the invention disclosed herein relates to a method of paying out a cable from a fiber optic enclosure. The method includes mounting a mounting plate to a mounting location. The mounting plate is rotatably engaged with a bobbin containing a cable disposed about the bobbin such that the bobbin selectively rotates about an axis of the mounting plate. The spool is rotated about the axis of the mounting plate until the desired length of cable is paid out. The method further includes mounting a cartridge to the first axial end of the bobbin.

Another aspect of the invention disclosed herein relates to a fiber optic telecommunications device. The fiber optic telecommunications device includes a cassette body defining an interior space. A first fiber optic adapter is provided on the cassette body. The bobbin is provided outside the case. A fiber optic cable containing a first optical fiber is coiled around the spool. A first fiber optic connector is mounted at a first end of the first optical fiber. The first end of the first optical fiber is disposed within the interior space of the cassette body. The first fiber optic connector is inserted into the first fiber optic adapter. The cassette and the spool are configured to rotate in unison with each other about a common axis when the fiber optic cable is unwound from the spool.

Another aspect of the invention disclosed herein relates to a method for installing telecommunications equipment. The method includes providing a telecommunications device having a cassette body, a spool, and a fiber optic cable including a first optical fiber having a first end and a second end coiled around the spool. The method includes rotating the cassette and the spool in unison with one another about a common axis to pay out the fiber optic cable from the spool such that the second end of the first optical fiber is adapted to be positioned at a distal location away from the cassette and the spool. The method further includes using the enclosure as an interconnect to optically couple a first fiber of the fiber optic cable to a second fiber derived from the enclosure.

Another aspect of the invention disclosed herein relates to a method for installing telecommunications equipment. The method includes providing a telecommunications device having a housing and a bobbin. The telecommunications device further includes a fiber optic cable coiled around the bobbin. The cable has a first length coiled around the bobbin. The first length includes a mounting length and an extra length. The fiber optic cable includes a first end and a second end. The method further includes positioning the bobbin and the cassette in a first position. With the spool, the first end of the fiber optic cable, and the enclosure maintained in the first position, the second end of the fiber optic cable is moved to the second position by paying out the installed length of the fiber optic cable from the spool. The extra length of the cable is stored on the spool in the first position. After the installation process is complete, the enclosure and the spool around which the excess length of cable is coiled are maintained in the first position.

Another aspect of the invention disclosed herein relates to a fiber optic telecommunications device having a first fiber optic adapter, a spool and a fiber optic cable coiled around the spool. The fiber optic cable includes a first optical fiber. A first fiber optic connector is mounted at a first end of the first optical fiber. The first end of the first fiber optic connector is inserted into the first fiber optic adapter. The first fiber optic adapter and the spool are configured to rotate in unison with one another about a common axis when the fiber optic cable is unwound from the spool.

Another aspect of the invention disclosed herein relates to a method of installing telecommunications equipment. The method includes providing a telecommunications device having a fiber optic adapter and a spool. The telecommunications device further includes a fiber optic cable coiled around the bobbin. The fiber optic cable includes a first optical fiber having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first optical fiber is connectorized, i.e., with a connector. The method further includes rotating the fiber optic adapter and the spool in unison with one another about a common axis to pay out the fiber optic cable from the spool such that the second end of the first optical fiber can be positioned at a distal location remote from the fiber optic adapter and the spool.

Another aspect of the invention disclosed herein relates to a fiber optic enclosure. The fiber optic enclosure includes a member for enclosing an optical connection between an incoming optical fiber of the first cable and an outgoing optical fiber of the second cable. The fiber optic enclosure further includes means for storing additional length of the first cable outside of the fiber optic enclosure.

Various other aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. These aspects may relate to features which are independent of one another or to features which are combined. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad concepts upon which the various embodiments disclosed herein are based.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fiber optic network including a fiber optic cabinet having features in examples in accordance with various inventive aspects of the inventive principles disclosed herein.

FIG. 1A is a schematic view of a fiber optic network showing a second cable extending from a fiber optic enclosure.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the fiber optic cassette of fig. 1.

Fig. 2A is a cable arrangement suitable for use in the fiber optic enclosure of fig. 2.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of a termination module of the fiber optic cassette of fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a fiber optic adapter suitable for use with the termination module of fig. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the fiber optic adapter taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the fiber optic cassette of fig. 2.

Fig. 7 is a schematic view of the fiber optic cassette of fig. 2.

Fig. 8 is an isometric view of the fiber optic cassette of fig. 1.

Fig. 9 is an isometric perspective view of the fiber optic cassette of fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is an isometric view of the fiber optic enclosure of fig. 8 with the cover in an open position.

Fig. 11 is a front view of the fiber optic cassette of fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a right side view of the fiber optic cassette of fig. 8.

Fig. 13 is a top view of the fiber optic cassette of fig. 8.

FIG. 14 is an isometric perspective view of the fiber optic cassette of FIG. 8 with a bracket.

Fig. 15 is an isometric perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a fiber optic cassette having features in accordance with examples of inventive aspects of the inventive principles disclosed herein.

Fig. 16 is an isometric view of the fiber optic enclosure of fig. 15 with the cover in an open position.

Fig. 17 is an isometric view of the fiber optic enclosure of fig. 15 with the cover in an open position.

Fig. 18 is a top view of the fiber optic cassette of fig. 15.

Fig. 19 is a right side view of the fiber optic cassette of fig. 15.

Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram of a fiber optic cassette having features in examples in accordance with aspects of the inventive principles disclosed herein.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a spool assembly suitable for use with the fiber optic cassette of FIG. 8.

Figure 22 is an isometric perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the bobbin assembly of figure 21.

Fig. 23 is a side view of the bobbin assembly of fig. 21 with a cable strain relief.

Fig. 24 is a side view of the bobbin assembly of fig. 21 with an alternative embodiment of a cable strain relief.

Fig. 25 is a side view of the bobbin assembly of fig. 21 with an alternative embodiment of a strain relief.

Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the bobbin assembly of fig. 25 taken along line 26-26 of fig. 25.

Fig. 27 is a side view of the bobbin assembly of fig. 21 with an alternative embodiment of a strain relief.

Fig. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the bobbin assembly of fig. 27 taken along line 28-28 of fig. 27.

Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting assembly of fig. 21.

Detailed Description

Reference is now made to the details of representative aspects of the invention disclosed herein, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like structures.

Referring now to fig. 1, there is shown a schematic diagram of a fiber optic network, generally indicated at 11, for use in a facility 13 (e.g., a private residence, apartment, condominium, commercial facility, etc.). The fiber optic network 11 contains feeder cables 15 from a central office (not shown). The feeder cable 15 enters a feeder cable input location 17 (e.g., a fiber distribution hub, a network interface device, etc.) having one or more fiber optic splitters (e.g., 1 to 8 fiber optic splitters, 1 to 16 fiber optic splitters, or 1 to 32 fiber optic splitters) that create a plurality of optical fibers that are independent of one another. In the invention disclosed herein, the feeder cable input location 17 will be referred to as a fiber distribution hub 17. It will be appreciated, however, that the feeder cable input location 17 is not limited to the form of the fiber distribution hub 17. In the embodiment discussed, and by way of example only, the fiber distribution hub 17 is disposed on a lower level 19 of the facility 13. Each unit in the facility 13 contains a fiber optic cabinet, generally indicated at 21, that is mounted to a structure or mounting location (e.g., a wall, etc.). Each fiber optic enclosure 21 contains a first cable 22 (e.g., a subscriber cable) that extends from the fiber optic enclosure 21 to the fiber distribution hub 17. The subscriber cable 22 extending between the fiber distribution hub 17 and the fiber optic enclosure 21 typically contains a plurality of optical fibers.

Referring now to fig. 1A, each fiber optic cassette 21 includes an optical connection between an end of a first cable 22 and an end of a second cable 23. A second cable 23 extends from the fiber optic cassette 21 to an end position 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the end position 24 is disposed within a chamber of a unit of the facility 13.

Referring now to fig. 2 and 2A, the fiber optic cassette 21 will be described. The fiber optic cabinet 21 includes a housing, generally indicated at 25, having a cover 27 that is pivotally engaged with the housing 25. The housing 25 and the cover 27 form a box 28. In the embodiment discussed, the housing 25 includes a terminal module, generally indicated at 29, and a base, generally indicated at 31.

The termination module 29 of the fiber optic enclosure 21 serves as the demarcation between the incoming fibers of the first cable (e.g., the subscriber cable 22) and the outgoing fibers of the second cable 23. Since the termination module 29 has been described in detail in U.S. patent application No.11/762,427, entitled modular optical wall box enclosure, filed on 13/6/2007, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, the termination module 29 is only briefly described herein. The termination module 29 includes a frame, generally indicated at 37, which includes a plurality of side walls 39. In the embodiment in question, both of said side walls 39 contain cable ports 40 to allow the fibre optic cable to be led out of the housing 25 and guided to the desired end position. The frame 37 has a front 41 and a rear 43. The termination module 29 further includes a front panel 45, a rear panel 47 and a stair-step panel portion, generally indicated at 48. In the embodiment discussed, the front panel 45 is generally parallel to the rear panel 47 and is disposed proximate the front 41 of the frame 37. Stepped panel portion 48 extends from front panel 45 to rear panel 47 and comprises first and second intermediate panels 49, 51 separated from one another by a step 53. In the embodiment discussed, the first and second intermediate panels 49, 51 extend at an angle between the front panel 45 and the rear panel 47.

Referring now to fig. 2A and 3, the first intermediate panel 49 defines a terminal row of openings 55 and a plurality of terminal row fastener holes 57 disposed adjacent the terminal row of openings 55. A terminal row, generally indicated at 59, passes through the terminal row openings 55 and is mounted to the first intermediate panel 49 with terminal row fastener holes 57. The second intermediate panel 51 defines a storage row opening 61 and a plurality of storage row fastener holes 63 disposed adjacent to the storage row opening 61. The storage row 65 passes through the storage row opening 61 and is mounted to the second intermediate panel 51 with the storage row fastener holes 63. One representative storage bank 65 suitable for use with the fiber optic cassette 21 is described in U.S. patent No.7,218,827, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Referring now to fig. 4 and 5, the terminal bank 59 is configured to receive a plurality of adapters, generally designated 401. The adapter 401 is an SC type adapter 401, although it is understood that the scope of the invention disclosed herein is not limited to SC type adapters 401. Since the SC-type adapter 401 is described in U.S. patent No.5,317,663, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety into the present application, the SC-type adapter is only briefly described herein. The SC-type adapter includes a main body 403 with a pair of tabs 405, 407 disposed on the exterior of the main body 403. The tabs 405, 407 are used to support the adapter 401 in the terminal row 59. The adapter 401 further includes a pair of retaining clips 409, 411, one associated with each tab 405, 407, respectively. The front side 413 of the adapter 401 is inserted into the terminal row 59. The retainer clips 409, 411 press against the body 403 as the adapter 401 passes through the terminal row 59. The adapter is inserted into terminal row 59 until tabs 405, 407 abut terminal row 59. With the tabs 405, 407 abutting the terminal row 59, the retainer clips 409, 411 decompress on opposite sides of the terminal row 59, thereby retaining the terminal row 59 between the retainer clips 409, 411 and the tabs 405, 407.

Referring now to fig. 2 and 6, the base 31 will be described. In the embodiment discussed, the base 31 comprises a panel, generally indicated at 71, having a front side 73 and a rear side 75. The panel 71 of the base 31 further comprises a plurality of sides 77. In the embodiment discussed, the base 31 is pivotally joined to a rear portion 43 of one side wall 39 of the termination module 29. In the embodiment in question, this pivoting joint is realized by means of a hinge 79 arranged on the rear portion 43 of one side wall 39 of the terminal module 29 and one side 77 of the base 31. The pivotal engagement between the termination module 29 and the base 31 allows the interface between the termination module 29 and the base 31 to be selectively opened and closed. In the open position (shown in fig. 2 and 6), the termination module 29 can be pivoted away from the front side 73 of the panel 71 to provide access to the rear 43 of the termination module 29. In the closed position (shown schematically in fig. 7), the front side 73 of the panel 71 and the inner surface of the side wall 39 of the frame 37 define an interior region 83 of the housing 25. In addition, the rear side 75 of the base 31 and the outer surface of the side wall 39 of the frame 37 define the outer surface of the housing 25.

The panel 71 of the base 31 defines a cable channel 85 that extends through the rear 75 and front 73 sides. In a preferred embodiment, the cable channel 85 is chamfered, wherein the opening of the cable channel 85 at the front side 73 of the base 31 is larger than the opening of the cable channel 85 at the rear side 75. The chamfer provides bend radius protection for cables passing through the cable channel 85 by eliminating vertical corners. The panel 71 further defines a plurality of mounting holes 87.

Referring now to fig. 7, a bobbin, generally indicated at 89, is disposed on the rear side 75 of the base 31 such that the bobbin 89 is disposed on the outer surface of the housing 25. The bobbin 89 includes a first axial end 91, an oppositely disposed second axial end 93, and a coiled portion 95 disposed between the first and second axial ends 91, 93. The first axial end 91 is rigidly engaged with the rear side 75 of the base 31. In the embodiment discussed, the rigid engagement between the base 31 and the first axial end 91 of the bobbin 89 is achieved by a plurality of fasteners 97 (e.g., bolts, screws, rivets, etc.). In a preferred embodiment, the fastener 97 is recessed into the first axial end 91 so as not to interfere with the payout of the subscriber cable 22. The fastener 97 extends through the first axial end 91 of the bobbin 89 and through the mounting hole 87 in the panel 71 such that the end of the fastener is disposed within the interior region 83 of the housing 25 when the base 31 and the terminal module 29 are in the closed position. In the embodiment discussed, a retaining member 99 (shown in fig. 6), such as a nut, rivet head, cotter pin, or the like, retains the fastener 97 in the mounting hole 87, thereby rigidly retaining the bobbin 89 on the rear side 75 of the base 31.

In one embodiment, the first and second axial ends 91, 93 of the spool 89 have an outer diameter greater than or equal to the height H of the fiber optic cassette 21. In another embodiment, the first and second axial ends 91, 93 of the bobbin 89 have an outer diameter greater than or equal to the length L of the fiber optic cassette 21. In another embodiment, the first and second axial ends 91, 93 of the spool 89 have an outer diameter that is less than the length L of the fiber optic cassette 21. In another embodiment, the first and second axial ends 91, 93 of the spool 89 have an outer diameter that is less than the height H of the fiber optic cassette 21.

In the embodiment discussed, the bobbin 89 defines an axial bore 101 extending through the first and second axial ends 91, 93. The axial bore 101 is configured to receive a rotating shaft 103 having a central axis 105. The shaft 103 includes a mounting plate 107 having a plurality of mounting portions 109 for mounting the mounting plate 107 to a wall. With the spool 89 attached to the housing 25, the engagement between the axial bore 101 of the spool 89 and the spindle 103 allows the spool 89 and the housing 25 of the fiber optic cassette 21 to rotate together about the central axis 105 of the spindle 103. It will be understood that the term "together" as used in this specification and claims when used to describe the rotation of the bobbin 89 and the cassette 28 or components of the cassette 28 means that the bobbin and the cassette 28 rotate in unison with each other. In a preferred embodiment, a bearing (e.g., a needle bearing, a ball bearing, a roller bearing, a sliding bearing, etc.) is disposed between the axial bore 101 and the shaft 103.

Still referring to fig. 7, the user cable 22 is wound around the winding portion 95 of the bobbin 89. In order to protect the user cable 22 from attenuation caused by the user cable 22 being wound around the winding portion 95, the radius of the outer peripheral surface 111 of the spool 89 is larger than the minimum bending radius of the user cable 22. The subscriber cable 22 includes a first end 113 (shown in fig. 6) that passes through the cable channel 85 (shown in fig. 6) in the panel 71, and a second end 115. As previously mentioned, the subscriber cable 22 may contain a plurality of optical fibers. In the embodiment discussed, each of the plurality of optical fibers of the first end 113 of the subscriber cable 22 will have a connectorized end that connectorizes with the rear side of the termination bank 59. The connectorized end of the subscriber cable 22 will be configured to optically connect with the connectorized end of the second cable 23 (shown in fig. 1A). However, it is understood that the scope of the invention disclosed herein is not limited to a connectorized end first end 113, as the optical fibers of the first end 113 of the subscriber cable 22 may be spliced to a plurality of connectorized ends. In an alternative embodiment, the first end 113 may be optically connected to the second cable 23 by a splice connection disposed within the box 28.

The second end 115 of the subscriber cable 22 is configured to achieve continuity with the fiber distribution hub 17. However, as shown in fig. 1, the length of subscriber cable 22 required between each fiber box 21 and the fiber distribution hub 17 in the facility 13 will vary depending on the location of each fiber box 21 relative to the fiber distribution hub 17.

One method of installing and using the fiber optic enclosure 21 to account for the variable length of subscriber cable 22 required between the fiber optic enclosure 21 and the fiber distribution hub 17 will now be described. The fiber optic cabinet 21 provides the dual function of serving as a storage location for the subscriber cables 22 and selectively paying out a desired length of the subscriber cables 22.

The first length of subscriber cable 22 is stored in the fiber optic enclosure 21 by winding the first length of subscriber cable 22 around the spool 89. The first length of the subscriber cable 22 includes a mounting length that is long enough to extend from the mounting location 28 of the enclosure to the fiber distribution hub 17, and an additional length that is the length of the subscriber cable 22 that remains on the spool 89 after the mounting length has been paid out. In one embodiment, the first length is greater than or equal to about 100 feet. In another embodiment, the first length of the subscriber cable 22 is greater than or equal to about 200 feet. In another embodiment, the first length of the subscriber cable 22 is greater than or equal to about 300 feet. In another embodiment, the first length of the subscriber cable 22 is greater than or equal to about 400 feet. In another embodiment, the first length of the subscriber cable 22 is greater than or equal to about 500 feet. In another embodiment, the first length of the subscriber cable 22 ranges from about 100 to about 2,000 feet. In another embodiment, the first length of the subscriber cable 22 ranges from about 100 to about 1,500 feet. In another embodiment, the first length of the subscriber cable 22 ranges from about 500 to about 1,500 feet. In a preferred embodiment, the first length of the subscriber cable 22 wound around the bobbin 89 ranges from 100 to 500 feet. By disposing the bobbin 89 on the outer surface of the housing 25, the interior region 83 of the housing 25 can be very compact because there is no need to provide a cable storage area in the interior region 83. In addition, the fiber optic enclosure 21 with the spool 89 can provide more efficient cable management for a greater length of the subscriber cable 22 than a fiber optic enclosure without the spool 89.

In one embodiment, after the first length of the subscriber cable 22 has been paid out, a second or additional length of the subscriber cable 22 is stored around the spool 89. If the first length of the subscriber cable 22 is greater than the installed length of the subscriber cable 22, the second or additional length is stored around the spool 89.

A second function of the fiber optic cabinet 21 involves the selective payout of the subscriber cable 22. As previously described, the first end 113 of the subscriber cable 22 is in connective engagement with the first end 59 disposed in the interior region 83 of the housing 25. In one embodiment, the first end 113 of the subscriber cable 22 is in connective engagement with the adapter 401. Further, even in the presence of such engagement between the first end 113 of the subscriber cable 22 and the terminal row 59, the subscriber cable 22 can be paid out as the spool 89 and the adapter rotate in unison with one another about an axis without disrupting the connection between the first end 113 and the adapter 401. As previously described, the bobbin 89 is rigidly engaged with the housing 25, and the axial bore 101 of the bobbin 89 is engaged with the shaft 103 such that the bobbin 89 and the housing 25 can be selectively rotated about the central axis 105 of the shaft 103. Thus, with the spindle 103 mounted to a wall and the fiber optic enclosure 21 engaged with the spindle 103, a desired length of the user cable 22 may be paid out from the fiber optic enclosure 21 by rotating the fiber optic enclosure 21 about the central axis 105 of the spindle 103 in a rotational direction 117 (indicated by the dashed arrow in fig. 7). Because the housing 25 and the spool 89 rotate together about the central axis 105 of the spindle 103, the second end 115 of the user cable 22 can be paid out without the first end 113 of the user cable 22 being pulled out of the terminal row 59. Once the desired length of subscriber cable 22 has been paid out, rotation of the cassette 21 stops. At this point, the position of the cassette 21 may be fixed so that it does not rotate relative to the spindle 103. In the embodiment discussed, the pin 119 passes through an opening 121 in the second axial end 93 of the spool 89 and through a corresponding opening 123 in the mounting plate 107 to fix the position of the fiber optic cassette 21. In a preferred embodiment, the fiber optic cassette 21 is fixed in place when the fiber optic cassette 21 is substantially horizontal.

An alternative method of selectively paying out the subscriber cable 22 from the fiber optic cabinet 21 will be described. With the fiber optic enclosure 21 positioned proximate the fiber distribution hub 17, the second end 115 of the subscriber cable 22 is unwound from the spool 89. In one embodiment, the second end 115 is optically connected to the fiber distribution hub 17. With the second end 115 of the subscriber cable 22 optically connected to the fiber distribution hub 17 and the first end 113 of the subscriber cable 22 connectorily engaged with the termination row 59, the fiber optic cassette 21 is routed away from the fiber distribution hub 17. In one embodiment, the fiber optic cassette 21 is carried away from the fiber distribution hub 17 by an installer. In another embodiment, the fiber optic cassette 21 is carried away from the fiber distribution hub 17 by a wheeled cart (e.g., a trailer, a 4-wheeled cart, etc.). In a preferred embodiment, the fiber optic cassettes are placed in a containment cassette (e.g., a box) during transport. As the fiber optic enclosure 21 is transported from the fiber distribution hub 17, the subscriber cable 22 unwinds from the spool 89, causing the spool 89 and housing 25 to rotate within the enclosure. After the cassette 21 has been transported to its mounting location, the cassette 21 is removed from the enclosure, mounted to the mounting location, and secured in place.

Referring now to fig. 8 and 9, an alternative embodiment of fiber optic cassette 221 is shown. The fiber optic cassette 221 includes a housing, generally indicated at 223, a spool, generally indicated at 227, a bearing bracket, generally indicated at 229 (shown in fig. 9), and a mounting plate, generally indicated at 231.

Referring now to fig. 10, the housing 223 includes a cover 225, a base 233, a first sidewall 235 and an oppositely disposed second sidewall 237. The first and second sidewalls 235, 237 extend outwardly from the base 233 such that the base 233 and the first and second sidewalls 235, 237 cooperate to define an interior region 239.

A termination module, generally designated 241, is disposed within the interior region 239 of the housing 223. The termination modules 241 of the fiber optic cassette 221 act as a demarcation between incoming and outgoing fibers. In the embodiment discussed, the terminal module 241 is mounted to the base 233 of the housing 223.

In the embodiment discussed, the termination module 241 includes an adapter board 243 having an adapter slot 245. The adapter slots 245 are configured to receive a plurality of adapters 401 (shown in fig. 3 and 4).

Referring now to FIG. 11, the base 233 of the housing 223 defines a cable passage 247 through which an optical fiber is routed. The interior region 239 of the housing 223 contains a relaxed storage area 249 in which a plurality of bend radius protectors 251 are disposed. Each bend radius protector 251 is sized such that the outside radius of the bend radius protector 251 is greater than the minimum bend radius of the optical fiber to avoid attenuation losses of the optical fiber during storage. In the embodiment discussed, the cable channel 247 is arranged between the slack storage area 249 and the termination module 241. As the incoming optical fiber passes through the cable channel 247, the incoming optical fiber is directed to the slack storage area 249. The connectorized ends of the drop fibers are then routed from the slack storage area 249 to the front side 413 of the adapter 401. The connectorized ends of the pigtails are routed from the rear side of the adapter 401 and through fiber exit ports 253 disposed in the first and second sidewalls 235, 237.

Referring now to fig. 9, a bobbin 227 is disposed on the outer housing 223. In the embodiment discussed, the bobbin 227 is disposed on the rear side of the base 233. The bobbin 227 includes a first axial end 255, an oppositely disposed second axial end 257, and a winding portion 259 disposed between the first and second axial ends 255, 257. The first axial end 255 is rigidly joined (i.e., non-rotatably) to the rear side of the base 233. In the embodiment discussed, the rigid engagement of the base 233 and the first axial end 255 of the bobbin 227 is achieved by a plurality of fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, rivets, etc.). In one embodiment, the fastener is countersunk into the first axial end 255 so as not to interfere with payout of the subscriber cable 222. The fasteners extend through the first axial end 255 of the bobbin 227 and through a plurality of mounting holes 261 (shown in fig. 11) in the base 233 such that the ends of the fasteners are disposed within the interior region 239 of the housing 223. To retain the bobbin 227 to the rear side of the base 233, the fastener may be screwed into the base 233 or restrained by a plurality of restraining members such as nuts, rivet heads, cotter pins, and the like.

The first axial end 255 of the bobbin 227 contains the channel 262. During engagement of the first axial end 255 with the rear side of the base 233 of the housing 223, the first axial end 255 of the bobbin 227 is mounted to the base 233 such that the channel 262 is aligned with the cable channel 247. With the passage 262 of the spool 227 aligned with the cable passage 247 of the base 233, the incoming optical fiber wound around the coiled portion 259 of the spool 227 can enter the housing 223.

The bearing housing 229 includes a first plate 263 and a second plate 265. In the embodiment being discussed, each of the first and second plates 263, 265 of the bearing housing 229 includes a central aperture 267 having a central axis 269 (shown in phantom in fig. 9). The first and second plates 263, 265 are coupled by bearings, such as ball bearings. When the first plate 263 is fixed, the bearings allow the second plate 265 to rotate about the central axis 269.

The first plate 263 of the bearing housing 229 is rigidly joined to the second axial end 257 of the bobbin 227. In the embodiment discussed, the rigid engagement of the first plate 263 of the bearing housing 229 and the second axial end 257 of the bobbin 227 is accomplished by a plurality of fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, rivets, etc.). The fasteners extend through a plurality of mounting holes 271 in the first plate 263 of the bearing frame 229 and through a plurality of mounting apertures 273 in the second axial end 257 of the bobbin 227.

The second plate 265 of the bearing housing 229 is rigidly joined to the mounting plate 231. The mounting plate 231 includes a base panel 275 and a plurality of side walls 277 extending outwardly from the base panel 275. The base panel 275 includes a plurality of apertures 279 for rigidly joining the base panel 275 to the second plate 265 of the bearing frame 229. In the discussed embodiment, a plurality of fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, rivets, etc.) are used to achieve a rigid engagement between the base panel 275 and the second plate 265. The base panel 275 further comprises a plurality of holes 280 for mounting the fiber optic cabinet 221 to a wall.

Referring now to fig. 1, 12 and 13, a subscriber cable 22 including a plurality of optical fibers is wound around the coiled portion 259 of the spool 227. In order to protect the subscriber cable 22 from attenuation caused by the subscriber cable 22 being wound around the winding portion 259, the radius of the outer circumferential surface 281 of the bobbin 227 is larger than the minimum bending radius of the subscriber cable 22. The subscriber cable 22 includes a first end having connectorized ends that pass through the passages 262 and the cable passages 247 and are in connective engagement with the first end 413 of the adapter 401. The second end of the subscriber cable 22 is configured to achieve continuity with the fiber distribution hub 17. However, as shown in fig. 1, the length of subscriber cable 22 required between each fiber box 221 and the fiber distribution hub 17 in the facility 13 will vary based on the location of each fiber box 221 relative to the fiber distribution hub 17.

One method of selectively paying out the subscriber cable 22 will now be described. As previously described, the first end of the subscriber cable 22 is connectively engaged with the termination module 241 disposed in the interior region 239 of the housing 223. With the first end of the subscriber cable 22 in connectorized engagement with the front side 413 of the adapter 401 and the pigtail fibers disconnected from the rear side of the adapter 401, the subscriber cable 22 may be paid out. As previously described, the first axial end 255 of the bobbin 227 is rigidly coupled to the housing 223 and the second axial end 257 of the bobbin 227 is coupled to the first plate 263 of the bearing block 229 such that the bobbin 227 and the housing 223 are selectively rotatable about the central axis 269 of the bearing block 229. Thus, with the second plate 265 of the bearing frame 229 mounted to the mounting plate 231 and the mounting plate mounted to the wall, a desired length of the user cable 22 may be paid out from the fiber optic cassette 221 by rotating the fiber optic cassette 21 in a rotational direction about the central axis 269 of the bearing frame 229. Because the housing 223 and the spool 227 rotate together about the central axis 269 of the carrier 229, the second end of the subscriber cable 22 can be paid out without the first end of the subscriber cable 22 being pulled out of the termination module 241. Once the desired length of subscriber cable 22 has been paid out, rotation of the fiber optic cassette 221 stops. At this point, the position of the fiber optic cassette 221 may be fixed so that it does not rotate relative to the bearing frame 29.

Referring now to fig. 14, a bracket 283 may be used to secure the position of the fiber optic cassette 221 after rotation of the fiber optic cassette 221 is stopped. In the embodiment discussed, the shelf 283 is an L-shaped shelf having an upper portion 285 and a lower portion 287. However, it is to be understood that the scope of the invention disclosed herein is not limited to the holder 283 being an L-shaped holder. A plurality of through holes 289 are defined in the upper and lower portions 285, 287 of the holder 283. Through holes 289 in the lower portion 287 of the bracket 283 are aligned with the holes 291 in the side wall 277 of the mounting plate 231, while the through holes 289 in the upper portion 285 of the bracket 283 are aligned with the holes 293 in the first and second side walls 235, 237. In the embodiment discussed, fasteners pass through the through holes 289 in the upper and lower portions 285, 287 of the bracket 283 and are connectively coupled to the housing 223 and the mounting plate 231, respectively. With the bracket 283 engaged with the housing 223 and the mounting plate 231, the housing 223 and the bobbin 227 cannot move relative to the mounting plate 231, thereby fixing the position of the fiber optic cassette 221.

In an alternative method of installing and using the fiber optic enclosure 221 to account for the variable length of the subscriber cable 22, the spool 227 is disengaged from the housing 223. The subscriber cable 22 is then paid out from the spool 227 such that the spool 227 rotates about a central axis 259 of the bearing housing 229. After the desired length of the subscriber cable 22 is paid out, the housing 223 is then engaged to the first axial end 255 of the spool 227. The connectorized end at the first end of the subscriber cable 22 passes through the passage 262 in the first axial end 255 of the spool 227 and through the cable passage 247 in the base 233 of the housing 223. With the connectorized ends of the subscriber cables 22 disposed in the interior region 239 of the housing 223, the connectorized ends are in connecting engagement with the first ends 413 of the adapters 401 in the termination modules 41.

In an alternative method of installing the fiber optic cassette 221, the spool 227 is released from the housing 223 such that the spool 227 can rotate independently relative to the housing 223. In this alternative method, the connectorized ends of the subscriber cables 22 are disconnected from the first ends 413 of the adapters 401 in the termination modules 41. With the connectorized ends of the subscriber cables 22 disconnected from the termination modules 41, the spool 227 is rotated relative to the housing 223 to pay out the subscriber cables 22. In one embodiment, the fiber optic cassette 221 is mounted to a mounting location. In another embodiment, the fiber optic cassette 221 is positioned proximate to the installation site. In another embodiment, the fiber optic cassette 221 is positioned proximate to the mounting location and disposed in an enclosure (e.g., a box).

When the desired length of subscriber cable 22 has been paid out, the spool 227 is coupled to the housing 223 and the connectorized ends of the subscriber cables 22 are spliced to the termination modules 41. In one embodiment, the fiber optic cassette 221 is then mounted to the mounting site.

Referring now to fig. 15-19, a fiber optic cassette 421 in an alternative embodiment is shown. The fiber optic cabinet 421 includes a housing, generally indicated at 423, a cover 425, a spool, generally indicated at 427, a bearing bracket 229, and a mounting plate, generally indicated at 431.

In the embodiment discussed, the housing 423 includes a base 433, a first side wall 435 and an oppositely disposed second side wall 437. The first and second side walls 435, 437 extend outwardly from the base 433 such that the base 433 and the first and second side walls 435, 437 cooperate to define an interior region 439.

A termination module, generally designated 441, is disposed within the interior region 439 of the housing 423. In the embodiment discussed, the terminal module 441 is mounted to the base 433 of the housing 423. The terminal module 441 includes a plurality of sliding adapter modules 442. Similar sliding adapter modules 442 are described in commonly owned U.S. patent nos. 5,497,444, 5,717,810, 6,591,051 and U.S. patent publication No.2007/0025675, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The interior region 439 of the housing 423 includes a slack storage area 449 in which the cable management spool 451 is disposed. The cable management bobbin 451 includes a channel 447 that extends through the center of the cable management bobbin 451 and through the base 433 of the housing 423. The channel 447 allows the connectorized end of the subscriber cable 22 to pass into the housing 423.

Referring now to fig. 15, 18 and 19, a bobbin 427 is disposed on the exterior of the housing 423. In the embodiment discussed, the bobbin 427 is disposed on the rear side of the base 433. In this alternative embodiment of the fiber optic cassette 421, the spool 427 is integrally formed or molded with the housing 423 such that the coiled portion 429 of the spool 427 protrudes from the base 433 of the housing 423. In the case where the bobbin 427 is integrally formed with the housing 423, the base 433 serves as both the base 433 of the housing 423 and the first axial end of the bobbin 427. The bobbin 427 also includes a second axial end 457 disposed opposite the base 433.

The first plate 263 of the bearing housing 229 is rigidly engaged with the second axial end 457 of the bobbin 427. In the embodiment discussed, the rigid engagement between the first plate 263 and the second axial end 457 is achieved by a plurality of fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, rivets, etc.). The fasteners extend through a plurality of mounting holes 271 in the first plate 263 of the bearing frame 229 and through a plurality of mounting apertures 473 in the second axial end 457 of the bobbin 427.

The second plate 265 of the bearing housing 229 is rigidly engaged with the mounting plate 431. In the embodiment discussed, the mounting plate 431 includes a base panel 475 having a plurality of apertures 479 for rigidly joining the base panel 475 to the second plate 265 of the bearing frame 229. In the discussed embodiment, a plurality of fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, rivets, etc.) provide a rigid joint between the base panel 275 and the second plate 265. The base panel 475 further includes a plurality of eyelets 480 for mounting the fiber optic cassette 421 to a wall.

As previously mentioned, the front bobbin 427 has been described as extending from the rear side of the base 433 of the housing 423, but it will be understood that the scope of the invention disclosed herein is not limited to this configuration. In an alternative embodiment of the fiber optic enclosure, the coiled portion of the spool may provide a housing sidewall where the coiled portion and the base cooperate to define an interior region of the housing.

Referring now to fig. 20, a schematic diagram of a fiber optic cassette 651 in an alternative embodiment is shown. The fiber optic cassette 651 includes a housing 653 having a first portion 655 and a second portion 656. In one embodiment, first portion 655 and second portion 656 are joined to each other by a hinge.

The first portion 655 includes a first relaxed storage 657 and a termination module 658. The slack storage area 657 includes a first plurality of bend radius protectors 659 that provide management of the introduction and withdrawal of cables in the first portion 655 and avoid attenuation losses during storage of the optical fibers, and a first fan-out 661. The termination modules 658 of the first section 655 include adapter modules 663 and second fan-outs 665.

The second portion 656 includes a second relaxed storage area 666 having a second plurality of bend radius protectors 667 and a splicing module 669. Splice module 669 contains splice tray 670 for optically connecting optical fibers.

The bobbin assembly 701 is disposed on an outer surface of the housing 653. The bobbin assembly 701 includes a first end 703a, an oppositely disposed second end 703b, and a drum portion 705 about which the user cable 22 is wound or wound.

A first end of the subscriber cable 22 is optically connected to the fiber distribution hub 17. The second end of the subscriber cable 22 is routed through a first channel 671 in the first portion 655 of the housing 653 and into a first fan-out 661 where the individual fibers 673 of the subscriber cable 22 are separated from one another. Each optical fiber 673 includes connectorized ends that are routed and connected to a first side of the adapter module 663.

The connectorized ends of the individual optical fibers 675 of the drop cable 677 are connected to the second side of the adapter module 663 and are routed to the second fan-out 665 where the individual optical fibers 675 are rejoined into the drop cable 677. The drop cable 677 is then routed through the second channel 679 and into the second portion 656 of the housing 653.

The drop cable 677 is guided around the second plurality of bend radius protectors 667 and into the splice tray 670 of the splice module 669 where the drop cable 677 can be connected with a first end of the second cable 23 where a second end of the second cable is configured to make a connection at an end location in the facility 13 (shown schematically in fig. 1).

The first end of the subscriber cable 22 is paid out from the spool assembly 701 and routed to the fiber distribution hub 17 before the second cable 23 is spliced into the drop cable 677 at the splice module 669 in the second portion 656 of the housing 653. With the second end of the subscriber cable 22 connected to the first side of the adapter module 663 in the first portion 655 of the housing 653, the cable strain relief 735 is disposed along an intermediate portion of the subscriber cable 22 between the first and second ends of the subscriber cable. The cable strain relief 735 is configured to relieve a pulling force that may be applied to a connectorized end of the user cable 22 at the second end that is connected to a first side of the adapter module 663 within the housing 653 of the cassette 651 when an installer attempts to pull the user cable 22 from the spool assembly 701 a length other than the available length.

Referring now to fig. 21 and 22, a bobbin assembly 701 is shown. In the embodiment discussed, the first and second bobbin ends 703a, 703b of the bobbin assembly 701 are substantially similar. Since the first and second ends 703a, 703b are substantially similar in the embodiment discussed, the first and second ends 703a, 703b may be referred to collectively in this specification as the wire spool end 703, whether in the singular or plural. However, it is to be understood that the scope of the invention disclosed herein is not limited to the first and second ends 703a, 703b being substantially similar to each other.

Each bobbin end 703 is configured as a tear end. As a tear end, the bobbin end 703 contains a line of weakness 709. In the embodiment discussed, the weakened line 709 extends from the inner diameter 711 of the bobbin end 703 to the outer diameter 713 of the bobbin end 703.

Each bobbin end 703 defines an access notch 715 that extends radially outward from the inner diameter 711 and a tab 717 that extends radially inward. Access notch 715 is configured to provide access for a cable to be wound around drum portion 705 of bobbin assembly 701. The access notch 715 is also configured to provide a location through which a user cable 22 may pass into the passage 447 in the housing 223 of the fiber optic enclosure 421. The tabs 717 are configured to engage the drum portion 705 to prevent rotation of the bobbin end 703 relative to the drum portion 705.

The drum portion 705 is generally cylindrical and includes a first axial end 719 and an oppositely disposed second axial end 721. In the embodiment being discussed, the first axial end 719 is disposed proximate a bracket 722 configured to receive the housing 423, while the second axial end 721 is disposed proximate the mounting assembly 707. The drum portion further includes an inner bore 723 and an outer surface 725.

Each of the first and second axial ends 719, 721 define a recess 727. In the embodiment discussed, each groove 727 extends from the inner bore 723 through the outer surface 725 and is configured to receive a tab 717 from one end 703 of the bobbin. As previously described, the engagement of the tabs 717 of the bobbin end 703 in the grooves 727 of the drum portion 705 prevents the bobbin end 703 from rotating relative to the drum portion 705.

The second axial end 721 also defines a notch 729. In the embodiment discussed, a notch 729 extends from the internal bore 723 through the outer surface 725 and is disposed on the second axial end 721 opposite the groove 727 on the second axial end 721. The notch 729 is configured to engage with the protrusion 731 on the first plate 733 of the mounting assembly 707. The engagement of the notch 729 with the projection 731 on the first plate 733 of the mounting assembly 707 prevents rotation between the drum portion 705 and the first plate 733 of the mounting assembly 707.

Drum portion 705 is configured to receive cable strain relief 735. As previously described, the cable strain relief 735 is configured to relieve a pulling force that may be applied to the connectorized end of the subscriber cable 22 that is connected to the adapter module 441 within the housing 423 of the cassette 421 when an installer attempts to pull the subscriber cable 22 from the spool assembly 701 a length other than the length available for use. In the embodiment discussed, the cable strain relief 735 reduces this force by redirecting such force acting on the connectorized end of the user cable 22 through the cable strain relief 735 to the drum portion 705 of the bobbin assembly 701.

In one embodiment, the cable strain relief 735 is a cable tie. In another embodiment, the cable strain relief 735 is an adhesive tape. In another embodiment, the cable strain relief 735 is a protrusion that extends outwardly from the drum portion 705.

In the illustrated embodiment of fig. 22, outer surface 725 of drum portion 705 includes a plurality of through holes 737. It is to be understood, however, that the scope of the invention disclosed herein is not limited to outer surface 725 including plurality of through holes 737. In the embodiment discussed, and by way of example only, there are three through holes 737 disposed in the outer surface 725 of the drum portion 705. The through-hole 737 is configured to receive a cable strain relief 735. In the embodiment discussed, the cable strain relief 735 is a cable tie 735.

Referring now to fig. 23, a strain relief structure 739 is shown. The strain relief structure 739 secures a portion of the user cable 22 to the drum portion 705 of the bobbin assembly 701. In the embodiment discussed, the strain relief structure 739 secures the portion of the user cable 22 to the drum portion 705 of the bobbin assembly 701 via the cable strain relief 735. In the embodiment shown in fig. 23, the cable strain relief 735 is a cable tie 735.

In the embodiment discussed, a first end 741 (shown in fig. 22) of the cable strap 735 passes through one of a plurality of through holes 737 (shown in fig. 22) in the outer surface 725 of the drum portion 705, and a second end 743 (shown in fig. 22) of the cable strap 735 passes through another of the plurality of through holes 737. With cable strap 735 passing through hole 737, a first layer of user cable 22 may be wrapped or wound around drum portion 705. The first layer of user cable 22 is the layer immediately adjacent to outer surface 725 of drum portion 705. In an intermediate portion of the first layer of the subscriber cable 22, the first and second ends 741, 743 of the cable strap 735 are secured together around the subscriber cable 22. In the illustrated embodiment in fig. 23, and by way of example only, the cable strap 735 is secured in a single row in the first layer of the subscriber cable 22.

Referring now to fig. 24, an alternative embodiment cable tie structure 801 is shown. In this embodiment, a cable strap 735 is secured around the sleeve 803. In the embodiment discussed, the sleeve 803 is disposed around a portion of the subscriber cable 22. The sleeve 803 may be a semi-rigid tube, such as that sold under the trade nameSupplied tubing or any pneumatic tubing. In one embodiment, the sleeve 803 includes a longitudinal slot 805 through which the user cable 22 may be inserted into the sleeve 803. In one embodiment, the sleeve 803 protects the user cable 22 from potential over-tensioning of the cable strap 735. In another embodiment, the sleeve 803 may be used as a bend radius protector for the portion of the subscriber cable 22 secured by the cable strap 735. As the user cable 22 reaches its paid-out length, the cable strap 735 secures a portion of the user cable 22 to the drum portion 705. The sleeve 803 may reduce the risk of the user cable 22 being bent beyond a minimum cable bend radius at the location of the cable strap 735.

Referring now to fig. 25 and 26, an alternative embodiment strain relief structure 901 is shown. The strain relief structure 901 contains strain relief 903. In the embodiment discussed, the strain relief 903 is an adhesive sheet 903 with a high strength adhesive on at least one side. In the embodiment discussed, the adhesive sheet 903 comprises a first side 905 and an oppositely disposed second side 907. In one embodiment, only the first side 905 comprises an adhesive layer. In another embodiment, the first and second sides 905, 907 comprise an adhesive layer. A suitable example of an adhesive sheet 903 having an adhesive layer 7 on the first and second sides 905, 90 is manufactured by 3M under the trade name VHB^TMThe product of Tape 4932.

The adhesive sheet 903 further comprises a first end portion 909 and an oppositely disposed second end portion 911. In one embodiment, the first sides 905 of the first and second end portions 909, 911 of the adhesive sheet 903 are configured to be affixed to the outer surface 725 of the drum portion 705. In the embodiment discussed, a portion of the first side 905 is configured to be affixed to a portion of the subscriber cable 22. With the first and second end portions 909, 911 of the adhesive sheet 903 affixed to the outer surface 725 of the drum portion 705, the portion of the user cable 22 disposed below the first side 905 between the first and second end portions 909, 911 is secured to the drum portion 705 of the bobbin assembly 701.

With a portion of the user cable 22 secured to the drum portion 705 by the adhesive sheet 903, the remaining portion of the user cable 22 is wound or wrapped around the drum portion 705. In embodiments where the first and second sides 905, 907 comprise adhesive layers, the remaining user cable 22 positioned on the second end portion 911 of the second side 907 is releasably affixed to the drum portion 705. By releasably affixing the remainder of the user cable 22 to the second side 907 of the adhesive sheet 903, resistance may be provided as the user cable 22 approaches its full payout length in an attempt to prevent the remainder of the user cable 22 from being removed from the drum portion 705, thereby reducing the rotational speed of the bobbin assembly 701.

Referring now to fig. 27 and 28, an adhesive-type strain relief structure 1001 in an alternative embodiment is shown. The adhesive-type strain relief structure 1001 includes a first adhesive sheet 1003 and a second adhesive sheet 1005. The first adhesive sheet 1003 includes a first adhesive side 1007 disposed proximate the outer surface 725 of the drum portion 705 and an oppositely disposed second adhesive side 1009. The inner portion of the first layer of user cable 22 is wrapped or wound around drum portion 705 disposed on second adhesive side 1009 and releasably affixed to second adhesive side 1009. By releasably affixing a portion of the first layer of user cable 22 to the second adhesive side 1009 of the adhesive sheet 1003, resistance may be provided as the user cable 22 approaches its full payout length in an attempt to prevent the remaining portion of the user cable 22 from being removed from the drum portion 705, thereby reducing the rotational speed of the bobbin assembly 701.

With the first layer of the subscriber cable 22 wound or wound around the drum portion 705 of the bobbin assembly 701, a second adhesive sheet 1005 having an adhesive layer on at least one side is adhered to an outer portion of the first layer of the subscriber cable 22. In one embodiment, the second adhesive sheet 1005 is angularly offset from the first adhesive sheet 1003.

Referring now to fig. 22 and 29, the mounting assembly 707 will be described. The mounting assembly includes a first plate 733, a second plate 751, and a bearing assembly 753.

In the embodiment discussed, the bearing assembly 753 is a simple or plain bearing. It will be appreciated, however, that the bearing assembly 753 is not limited to simple or plain bearings. Bearing assembly 753 contains ring member 755 and disc member 757. In one embodiment, the bearing assembly 753 is made of a general purpose polycarbonate material. In another embodiment, the bearing assembly is molded from a thermoplastic polyester resin, such as Valox resin.

The ring 755 includes a first surface 759 and an oppositely disposed second surface 761. In the embodiment discussed, the first and second surfaces 759, 761 are substantially planar. The second surface 761 is configured to engage with a second plate 751 of the mounting assembly 707.

The ring 755 defines an internal bore 763 having a bearing surface 765. The bearing surface 765 is disposed at an angle α, measured from the second surface 761, as shown in fig. 29. In the embodiment in question, the angle α is an oblique angle of less than about 90 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle α ranges from about 30 degrees to about 75 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle α ranges from about 45 degrees to about 60 degrees.

Disc member 757 includes a first end face 767, an oppositely disposed second end face 769, and a mating bearing face 771. In the embodiment discussed, the first and second end faces 767, 769 are substantially planar. The first end surface 767 is configured to engage with the first plate 733 of the mounting assembly 707.

Mating bearing surface 771 is configured to engage bearing surface 765 of annular member 755 in sliding contact. The mating bearing surface 771 is disposed at an angle β measured from the plane in which the second end surface 769 is disposed, as shown in fig. 29. In the embodiment in question, the angle β is approximately equal to the angle α. In another embodiment, the angle β is an oblique angle less than about 90 degrees. In another embodiment, angle β ranges from about 30 degrees to about 75 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle β ranges from about 45 degrees to about 60 degrees.

In the embodiment discussed, the outer periphery of disc member 757 is sized slightly smaller than the inner bore 763 of ring member 755. The difference in size between the outer periphery of the disc member 757 and the inner bore 763 of the ring member 755 creates a gap 773 between the ring member 755 and the disc member 757. This gap 773 allows disc member 757 to rotate within ring member 755 even in the event that the heat generated by the rotation of disc member 757 within ring member 755 causes the outer circumferential dimension of disc member 757 to expand. In one embodiment, the gap 773 is filled with silicon grease or other lubricant to reduce the amount of heat generated.

Various modifications and alterations of the invention disclosed herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein, and the scope of the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims (10)

1. A fiber optic telecommunications device comprising:

a housing including a lid, a base, a first sidewall and an opposing second sidewall, the first and second sidewalls extending outwardly from the base such that the base and the first and second sidewalls together define an interior space, the base defining a cable channel for passage of an incoming optical fiber therethrough;

a first fiber optic adapter provided on the cassette body;

a bobbin provided on an outside of the case;

a fiber optic cable coiled about a spool, the fiber optic cable containing the drop optical fiber;

a first fiber optic connector mounted on a first end of a first of the drop fibers, the first end of the first drop fiber being disposed within the interior space of the enclosure and the first fiber optic connector being inserted into the first fiber optic adapter; and

a mount for attaching the case and the bobbin to a structure;

the cassette and the spool are configured to rotate relative to the mount in unison with each other about a common axis when the fiber optic cable is unwound from the spool.

2. A fiber optic telecommunications device according to claim 1, wherein a first length of the fiber optic cable is coiled around the spool, the first length being sufficiently long to extend from the mounting location of the cassette to a fiber distribution location where the second end of the first drop fiber is optically connected to another fiber.

3. The fiber optic telecommunications device of claim 2, wherein the first length ranges from 100 and 500 feet.

4. A fiber optic telecommunications device according to claim 1, wherein the bobbin is integrally formed with the cassette as a one-piece unit.

5. A fibre optic telecommunications device according to claim 1, wherein the mounting member includes a mounting plate defining one or more fastener holes.

6. The fiber optic telecommunications device of claim 1, further comprising a rotational bearing structure for allowing the bobbin and the cassette to rotate relative to the mount.

7. The fiber optic telecommunications device of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of fiber optic adapters provided on the cassette, a plurality of optical fibers contained in the fiber optic cable, and a plurality of fiber optic connectors mounted on the ends of the optical fibers, the ends of each optical fiber being disposed within the interior space of the cassette, and the fiber optic connectors being inserted into the fiber optic adapters.

8. The fiber optic telecommunications device of claim 6, wherein the rotary bearing structure includes a first plate and a second plate, each of the first and second plates defining a central bore having a central axis, the first and second plates being coupled in engagement by a bearing, the bearing allowing the second plate to rotate about the central axis when the first plate is stationary.

9. A fiber optic telecommunications device according to claim 8, wherein the first plate of the rotary bearing structure is rigidly coupled to the second axial end of the bobbin and the second plate of the rotary bearing structure is rigidly coupled to the mounting plate.

10. A fiber optic telecommunications device according to claim 1, wherein the spool includes a first axial end, an oppositely disposed second axial end, and a winding portion disposed between the first and second axial ends, the first axial end of the spool including a channel that is aligned with the cable channel in the base.