BR112019009857B1 - FIBER OPTIC CLOSURE TERMINAL AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to fiber optic closure terminals with increased versatility. A fiber optic closure terminal is provided that includes a mounting assembly for mounting at least one fiber optic module within an enclosure. The mounting assembly includes a pivotable plate and a translatable plate configured to pivot at least one fiber optic module more than ninety degrees, thereby providing improved access to fiber management features at a bottom of the base of the fiber optic closure terminal. The improved access increases versatility by facilitating the installation and/or maintenance of a fiber optic cable connection to optical connections in the fiber optic module(s). The fiber optic closure terminal may also include a strain relief assembly configured for attachment to and removal from the base of the enclosure for increased versatility with respect to installation and/or maintenance of the fiber optic closure terminal.

Description

PRIORITY REQUEST

[0001] This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/CN17/84347, filed on May 15, 2017, the contents of which are relied upon and incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The disclosure relates to fiber optic equipment and, in particular, to a fiber optic closure terminal that serves as a junction point in a fiber optic network.

[0003] To improve network performance, data and communications networks are increasingly using optical fiber. The benefits of optical fiber are well known and include higher signal-to-noise ratios and increased bandwidth. To further improve network performance, fiber optic networks are increasingly providing fiber optic connectivity all the way to end subscribers. These initiatives include various fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP), fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), and other fiber initiatives (commonly referred to as FTTx). A fiber optic network delivers optical signals over a distribution network consisting of fiber optic cables. Optical signals can be transported over fiber optic cables to end subscribers via a fiber optic termination terminal. A fiber optic termination terminal, as used herein, is a device used in fiber optic distribution networks that provides a network access point in FTTx applications.

[0004] Fiber optic closure terminals include an enclosure or housing that houses fiber management features and include a plurality of ports to allow convenient connection and disconnection of distribution fibers to subscriber fibers for connecting and disconnecting data services to subscribers. Such fiber optic closure terminals may also provide the ability to add incremental subscribers via one or more connection ports. Fiber optic closure terminals may be designed to have a small size and footprint, thus requiring compact internal layout and design of multiple fiber optic features.

[0005] Deployment and/or maintenance of fiber optic termination terminals, such as by connecting fiber optic cables to one or more connection ports, may require on-site fiber optic connection and/or installation with a fiber optic termination terminal, which may be difficult, cumbersome, and/or time-consuming. In addition, such deployment and/or maintenance may require operators to move internal components within the fiber optic termination terminal to access different interior areas and/or fiber management features within the fiber optic termination terminals, which may also be difficult, cumbersome, and/or time-consuming.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a desire to increase the versatility of a fiber optic closure terminal to facilitate installation and maintenance of the fiber optic closure terminal.

SUMMARY

[0007] Embodiments of the disclosure relate to fiber optic closure terminals with increased versatility. In exemplary embodiments, a fiber optic closure terminal is provided including a housing and a mounting assembly for mounting at least one fiber optic module within the housing. The housing includes a base and a cover pivotally attached to the base. The mounting assembly includes a swivel plate and a translatable plate configured to rotate the at least one fiber optic module by more than ninety degrees, thereby providing improved access to fiber management features at a bottom of the base of the fiber optic closure terminal. The improved access increases versatility by facilitating installation and/or maintenance of the connection of a fiber optic cable to optical connections on the fiber optic module (or modules). In exemplary embodiments, the fiber optic closure terminal may also include a strain relief assembly for a fiber optic cable. The strain relief assembly is configured for attachment to and removal from the base of the enclosure for increased versatility with respect to installing and/or maintaining the connection of a fiber optic cable to optical connections on the fiber optic module(s). The strain relief assembly includes a first strain relief bracket and a second strain relief bracket translatable relative to each other, which together define an adjustable opening configured to receive differently sized fiber optic cables for increased versatility.

[0008] One embodiment of the disclosure relates to a fiber optic closure terminal comprising a housing, a mounting assembly, and a fiber optic module. The housing defines an interior and comprises a base and a cover pivotally attached to the base. The cover is configured to pivot between a first closed position relative to the base and a first open position relative to the base. The mounting assembly is positioned within the interior of the housing. The mounting assembly comprises a swivel plate and a translatable plate. The swivel plate is pivotally attached to the base of the housing. The swivel plate is configured to pivot between a second closed position relative to the base and a second open position relative to the base. The translatable plate is translatorily attached to the swivel plate. The translatory plate is configured to translate between a third closed position relative to the swivel plate and a third open position relative to the swivel plate. The fiber optic module is fixedly mounted to the translatory plate. The fiber optic module is configured to rotate from a home position relative to the base to a position rotated relative to the base by more than ninety degrees from the home position when the translatable plate is translated to the third open position.

[0009] A further embodiment of the disclosure relates to a fiber optic closure terminal comprising a housing, a fiber optic module, and a strain relief assembly. The housing defines an interior and comprises a base and a cover movably attached to the base. The base defines a port and a receptacle proximate to the port. The fiber optic module is positioned within the interior of the housing. The fiber optic module is configured to facilitate optical connection to a fiber optic cable. The strain relief assembly is removably positioned within the receptacle of the base. The strain relief assembly comprises a first strain relief bracket and a second strain relief bracket removably attached to the first strain relief bracket. The first strain relief bracket and the second strain relief bracket define an opening. The opening is adjustable by moving the first strain relief bracket relative to the second strain relief bracket. The strain relief assembly is configured to secure the fiber optic cable within the opening. When the strain relief assembly secures the fiber optic cable within the opening, the strain relief assembly is configured to remain attached to the fiber optic cable when the strain relief assembly is removed from the receptacle, and the strain relief assembly is configured to remain attached to the fiber optic cable when the strain relief assembly is inserted into the receptacle.

[0010] An additional embodiment of the disclosure relates to a method of producing a fiber optic closure terminal, comprising pivotally attaching a cover of a housing to a base of the housing. The cover is configured to pivot between a first closed position relative to the base and a first open position relative to the base. The method further comprises pivotally attaching a swivel plate of a mounting assembly to the base of the housing. The swivel plate is configured to pivot between a second closed position relative to the base and a second open position relative to the base. The method further comprises translatably attaching a translatable plate of the mounting assembly to the swivel plate. The translatable plate is configured to translate between a third closed position relative to the swivel plate and a third open position relative to the swivel plate. The method further comprises attaching a fiber optic module to the translatable plate of the mounting assembly. The fiber optic module is configured to rotate from a home position relative to the base to a position rotated relative to the base by more than ninety degrees from the home position when the translatable plate is translated to the third open position. The method further comprises rotating the housing cover from the first open position to the first closed position to confine the mounting assembly and the fiber optic module within the interior of the housing.

[0011] An additional embodiment of the disclosure relates to a method of producing a fiber optic closure terminal, comprising positioning a fiber optic cable within an opening of a strain relief assembly. The opening is defined by a first strain relief bracket and a second strain relief bracket of the strain relief assembly. The method further comprises translating the second strain relief bracket relative to the first strain relief bracket to adjust the opening to secure the fiber optic cable within the opening. The method further comprises positioning the fiber optic cable in a port of a base of a housing. The method further comprises positioning the strain relief assembly in a receptacle of the base of the housing. The receptacle is proximate to the port. The method further comprises moving a cover of the housing relative to the base of the housing to confine a fiber optic module within the interior of the housing. The fiber optic module is in optical communication with the fiber optic cable.

[0012] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the following detailed description and, in part, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from such description or recognized by practice of the embodiments as described herein, including the following detailed description, the claims, and the accompanying drawings.

[0013] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary only, and are intended to provide a general overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claims. The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary fiber optic closure terminal;

[0015] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a housing of the exemplary fiber optic closure terminal of Figure 1 with a cover in a closed position.

[0016] Figure 2B is a perspective view of the exemplary fiber optic closure terminal of Figures 1 and 2A with the cover in an open position;

[0017] Figure 2C is a perspective view of the cover of the exemplary fiber optic closure terminal of Figure 2A with an insertion splitter removed from the cover;

[0018] Figure 3A is a top view of the exemplary fiber optic closure terminal of Figures 1 through 2C with a mounting assembly in an open position;

[0019] Figure 3B is a top view of the exemplary fiber optic closure terminal mounting assembly of Figure 3A with a translatable plate in an open position;

[0020] Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary fiber optic closure terminal of Figures 1-3B illustrating a rotating plate and the translatable plate of the mounting assembly in a closed position;

[0021] Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary fiber optic closure terminal of Figure 4A illustrating the rotatable plate in an open position and the translatable plate in a closed position;

[0022] Figure 4C is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary fiber optic closure terminal of Figures 4A and 4B illustrating the swivel plate and the translatable plate in an open position;

[0023] Figure 4D is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary fiber optic closure terminal of Figures 4A through 4C illustrating the swivel plate in an open position greater than ninety degrees;

[0024] Figure 5A is a perspective view of the exemplary fiber optic closure terminal of Figures 1-4D with the mounting assembly in an open position, illustrating removable strain relief assemblies positioned in base strain relief receptacles and including removable grommets positioned in base grommet receptacles;

[0025] Figure 5B is a top view of the exemplary fiber optic closure terminal of Figure 5A;

[0026] Figure 6A is a perspective view of a removable strain relief assembly of the exemplary fiber optic closure terminal of Figures 1-5B;

[0027] Figure 6B is a top perspective view of a bottom strain relief bracket of the removable strain relief assembly of Figure 6A;

[0028] Figure 6C is a bottom perspective view of the bottom strain relief bracket of Figure 6B;

[0029] Figure 6D is a top perspective view of a top strain relief bracket of the removable strain relief assembly of Figure 6A;

[0030] Figure 6E is a bottom perspective view of the top strain relief bracket of Figure 6D; and

[0031] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary fiber optic closure terminal grommet of Figures 1-6E;

[0032] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process that may be employed to produce the fiber optic closure terminal of Figures 1 through 7; and

[0033] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary process that may be employed to produce the fiber optic closure terminal of Figures 1 through 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Embodiments of the disclosure relate to fiber optic closure terminals with increased versatility. In exemplary embodiments, a fiber optic closure terminal is provided including a housing and a mounting assembly for mounting at least one fiber optic module within the housing. The housing includes a base and a cover pivotally attached to the base. The mounting assembly includes a swivel plate and a translatable plate configured to rotate the at least one fiber optic module by more than ninety degrees, thereby providing improved access to fiber management features at a bottom of the base of the fiber optic closure terminal. The improved access increases versatility by facilitating installation and/or maintenance of the connection of a fiber optic cable to optical connections on the fiber optic module (or modules). In exemplary embodiments, the fiber optic closure terminal may also include a strain relief assembly for a fiber optic cable. The strain relief assembly is configured for attachment to and removal from the base of the enclosure for increased versatility with respect to installing and/or maintaining the connection of a fiber optic cable to optical connections on the fiber optic module(s). The strain relief assembly includes a first strain relief bracket and a second strain relief bracket translatable relative to each other, which together define an adjustable opening configured to receive fiber optic cables of different dimensions for increased versatility.

[0035] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary fiber optic closure terminal 100. As will be discussed below, fiber optic closure terminal 100 includes certain features to support increased versatility. Fiber optic closure terminal 100 includes a housing 102 and a mounting assembly 104 for mounting at least one fiber optic module 106 within housing 102. As used herein, a fiber optic module 106 includes an enclosed housing (e.g., made from plastic and/or metal, etc.) with one or more fiber optic cables (e.g., ribbons) positioned within the housing. The housing 102 includes a base 108 and a cover 110 pivotally attached to the base 108. As will be discussed in more detail below, the mounting assembly 104 includes a swivel plate 112 and a translatable plate 114 configured to rotate the at least one fiber optic module 106 by more than ninety degrees, thereby providing improved access to fiber management features 116 at a bottom of the base 108 of the fiber optic closure terminal 100. The improved access increases versatility by facilitating installation and/or maintenance of the fiber optic closure terminal 100. The improved access increases versatility of the fiber optic closure terminal 100 by facilitating installation and/or maintenance of connecting a fiber optic cable for optical connections to the fiber optic module (or modules) 106. As will be discussed in more detail below, the fiber optic closure terminal 100, in this example, also includes a removable strain relief assembly (as one of the strain relief assemblies 118A-118F) for a fiber optic cable (not shown) that is configured to attach to and remove from a receptacle (such as one of receptacles 120A-120F) of the base 108 of the housing 102 for increased versatility regarding installation and/or maintenance of connection of a fiber optic cable to optical connections on the fiber optic module(s) 106. The removable strain relief assembly 118A-118F includes a first strain relief bracket 122 and a second strain relief bracket 124 translatable relative to each other, which together define an adjustable opening 126 configured to receive fiber optic cables of different dimensions for increased versatility.

[0036] Figures 2A-2C are views of the exemplary fiber optic closure terminal 100 of Figure 1. The fiber optic closure terminal 100 (also referred to as a universal fiber optic closure access, universal optical cable closure access, fiber optic splice organizer, splice closure, terminal closure, terminal box, etc.) can be used in a number of different applications, such as FTTx applications, including fiber to the home (FTTH), fiber to the premises (FTTP), etc. The fiber optic closure terminal 100 is configured to be installed as new infrastructure or to fit into pre-existing infrastructure. The fiber optic closure terminal 100 can be connectorized or pre-connectorized (also referred to as stubbed). It is noted that a pre-connectorized fiber optic closure terminal 100 decreases installation time and overall operating expenses. In certain embodiments, the fiber optic closure terminal 100 splits a fiber optic cable from a network (also referred to as an office fiber optic cable) into multiple fiber optic cables for a subscriber (also referred to as a subscriber fiber optic cable), where one end of the subscriber fiber optic cable is connected to a subscriber facility. The fiber optic closure terminal 100 could be configured for hardened single or multiple fiber connectivity.

[0037] As noted above, the fiber optic closure terminal 100 includes a mounting assembly 104 discussed in greater detail in Figures 3A-4D and a removable strain relief assembly 118A-118F discussed in greater detail in Figures 5A-6E.

[0038] The housing 102 of the fiber optic closure terminal 100 allows fiber optic cables, fiber optic connections, fiber optic equipment, and/or fiber optic management resources to be housed within the housing 102 to secure such components therein and protect such components from environmental contamination (e.g., dust, water, etc.). The housing 102 may be made of plastic and/or metal, etc. The housing 102 may be configured for a variety of desired sealing requirements, such as those of Ingress Protection (IP) ratings (also known as International Protection ratings), which define different levels of sealing effectiveness against the intrusion of foreign matter (e.g., dirt, dust, water, etc.). IP ratings are published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), which is an international standards organization that prepares and publishes international standards for electrical, electronic, and related technologies. In particular, IP ratings indicate the level of protection for solids (the first digit) and liquids (the second digit). For solids, IP ratings include the following levels indicating the size of the object protected against: Level 0 (not protected), Level 1 (>50 mm), Level 2 (>12.5 mm), Level 3 (>2.5 mm), Level 4 (>1 mm), Level 5 (protected against dust), and Level 6 (dusttight). For liquids, IP ratings include the following levels indicating the size of the object protected against: Level 0 (not protected), Level 1 (dripping water), Level 2 (dripping water when tilted up to 15°), Level 3 (spraying water), Level 4 (splashing water), Level 5 (jetting water), Level 6 (powerful jets of water), Level 7 (immersion up to 1 m), and Level 8 (immersion beyond 1 m). The fiber optic closure terminal 100 may achieve an IP 68 rating. Accordingly, the fiber optic closure terminal 100 may be located in a street or underground. In particular, the fiber optic closure terminal 100 may be configured for a variety of mounting configurations, such as aerial (e.g., pole, suspended, etc.), façade (e.g., wall), underground (e.g., in chamber, direct buried, etc.). In addition, the fiber optic closure terminal 100 may be configured as a variety of closure types (e.g., in-line, butt-jointed, dome, etc.) and a variety of sizes (e.g., 365 mm long, 150 mm high, 160 mm wide, etc.).

[0039] As discussed above, fiber optic closure terminal 100 includes base 108 and cover 110 pivotally attached to base 108. Cover 110 pivots between a first position (also referred to herein as a closed position), shown in Figure 2A, and a second position (also referred to herein as an open position), shown in Figures 2B and 2C. Base 108 includes a back wall 200, a left wall 202A extending from a left side of back wall 200, a right wall 202B extending from a right side of back wall 200 (opposite left wall 202A), a front wall 204A extending from a front side of back wall 200, and a back wall 204B extending from a back side of back wall 200 (opposite front wall 204A). Base 108 and walls 200, 202A, 202B, 204A, 204B define an interior of base 206.

[0040] The left wall 202A of the base 108 of the fiber optic closure terminal 100 in Figure 1 defines a plurality of feeder ports 208A-208C. The right wall 202B of the base 108 defines a plurality of feeder ports 208D-208F. Feeder ports 208A-208F (also referred to as cable ports, distribution ports, etc.) are openings and/or connectors in the base 108 configured to receive and/or connect a fiber optic feeder cable. The fiber optic feeder cable may have a variety of sizes (e.g., 2 mm to 18 mm in diameter, etc.). Feeder ports 208A-208F are each configured to receive at least a portion of a fiber optic cable (such as a fiber optic feeder cable), as explained in greater detail below. In particular, the left wall 202A includes a first feeder port 208A, a second feeder port 208B, and a third feeder port 208C, where the first feeder port 208A is positioned toward the front wall 204A, the third feeder port 208C is positioned toward the rear wall 204B, and the second feeder port 208B is positioned between the first feeder port 208A and the third feeder port 208C. The right wall 202B includes a fourth feeder port 208D, a fifth feeder port 208E, and a sixth feeder port 208F, where the fourth feeder port 208D is positioned toward the front wall 204A, the sixth feeder port 208F is positioned toward the rear wall 204B, and the fifth feeder port 208E is positioned between the fourth feeder port 208D and the sixth feeder port 208F. In this mode, the first and fourth feeder ports 208A, 208D of the left and right walls 202A, 202B are positioned opposite each other, the second and fifth feeder ports 208B, 208E of the left and right walls 202A, 202B are positioned opposite each other, and the third and sixth feeder ports 208C, 208F of the left and right walls 202A, 202B are positioned opposite each other.

[0041] The front wall 204A of the base 108 includes a plurality of latches 210 (e.g., five latches 210) extending between the left and right walls 202A, 202B. The latches 210 are configured to latch and release from the cover 110 to secure the cover 110 to the base 108 in a closed position.

[0042] Cover 110 includes a top wall 212, a left wall 214A extending from a left side of top wall 212, a right wall 214B extending from a right side of top wall 212 (opposite left wall 214A), a front wall 216A extending from a front side of top wall 212, and a back wall 216B extending from a back side of top wall 212 (opposite front wall 216A). Cover 110 (and in particular walls 212, 214A, 214B, 216A, 216B) define a cover interior 218. Left wall 214A includes a plurality of connection ports 220A and right wall 214B includes a plurality of connection ports 220B. Connection ports 214A, 214B are openings and/or connectors in housing 102 for receiving and/or connecting fiber optic patch cables. In particular, left wall 214A includes eight connection ports 220A, and right wall 214B includes eight connection ports 220B (for a total of sixteen connection ports 220A, 220B). An interior surface of cover 110 includes a cable storage feature 222 for storing cabling, which includes engagement pins 224 for engaging an insert splitter 226, as discussed in more detail below.

[0043] Housing 102 further includes a hinge 228 that pivotally secures rear wall 204B of base 108 to rear wall 216B of cover 110. Accordingly, cover 110 may pivot relative to base 108 to selectively confine an interior (interiors 206, 218) of housing 102.

[0044] The fiber optic closure terminal 100 includes fiber optic equipment 230 contained within the housing 102 of the fiber optic closure terminal 100. The fiber optic equipment 230 includes the at least one fiber optic module 106 mounted on the mounting assembly 104, as explained in more detail below. Further, the fiber optic equipment 230 includes a first cabling 232 (also referred to as bottom cabling) positioned within an interior of the cover 110 and a second cabling 234 (also referred to as top cabling) positioned within the base 108. The top cabling 234 is in fiber optic communication with the connection ports 220A, 220B of the cover 110. The connection ports 220A, 220B may be configured to receive a fiber optic cable of a variety of sizes (e.g., 2 mm to 18 mm in diameter, etc.). The top cabling slack 234 is positioned around the cable storage feature 222 of the canopy 110. The bottom cabling 232 is in fiber optic communication with the plurality of feeder ports 208A-208F of the base 108. The bottom cabling 232 may provide six feet (1.82 m) or more of slack storage.

[0045] The fiber optic closure terminal 100 further includes the insertion splitter 226 for separating the at least one fiber optic module 106 from the top cabling 234 and/or connection ports 220A, 220B of the cover 110. The insertion splitter 226 defines a recessed interior 236 configured to receive at least a portion of the at least one fiber optic module 106 from the fiber optic equipment 230 when the cover 110 is in a closed position relative to the base 108. Further, the insertion splitter 226 includes a plurality of slots 238 configured to receive the engagement pins 224 of the cable storage feature 222 of the top wall 212 of the cover 110. The engagement pins 224 are angled to engage the slots 238 for securing the insertion splitter 226 to the cover 110, so that the insertion splitter 226 is securely attached to the cover 110. that the insert divider 226 moves with the cover 110 when the cover 110 is moved between the open and closed positions relative to the base 108.

[0046] Figures 3A and 3B are views of the mounting assembly 104 of the fiber optic closure terminal 100 of Figures 1-2C. As discussed above, the mounting assembly 104 is configured to mount the at least one fiber optic module 106 within the fiber optic closure terminal 100. The at least one fiber optic module 106 comprises a plurality of fiber optic splice trays 300A-300F stacked (e.g., vertically stacked) to split a fiber optic network cable into multiple subscriber fiber optic cables. In particular, the fiber optic splice trays 300A-300F include housings where fiber optic cables begin and/or terminate. Each fiber optic splice tray 300A-300F may include 36 ribbons or single fiber splices 144. Fiber optic splice trays 300A-300F are in optical communication with feeder ports 208A-208F of base 108 via bottom cabling 232 and/or in optical communication with connection ports 220A, 220B of cover 110 via top cabling 234.

[0047] Mounting assembly 104 includes swivel plate 112 pivotally mounted to back wall 204B of base 108 at a top of back wall 204B by a hinge 304. Swivel plate 112 of mounting assembly 104 pivots between a closed position and an open position to provide selective access to a bottom of base 108 (and fiber management features 116 located therein). Back wall 200 of base 108 includes a first post 302A (also referred to as a left post, left column, left cylinder, left cylindrical column, etc.) and a second post 302B (also referred to as a right post, right column, right cylinder, right cylindrical column, etc.) for contacting swivel plate 112 of mounting assembly 104 when swivel plate 112 is in a closed position. The height of the left and right posts 302A, 302B relative to the rear wall 200 of the base 108 is approximately equal to the height of the hinge 304 relative to the rear wall 200 of the base 108. Accordingly, in a closed position, the swivel plate 112 is elevated (also referred to as parallel) relative to the rear wall 200 of the base 108. A rear portion of the swivel plate 112 is supported by the hinge 304, and a front portion of the swivel plate 112 is supported by the left and right posts 302A, 302B. However, fewer or more posts 302A, 302B may be used.

[0048] The turntable 112 includes a recessed channel 306 (also referred to as an open channel) extending from a front portion of the turntable 112 for receiving the translatable plate 114 therein. The recessed channel 306 includes a rear wall 308, a first side wall 310A (also referred to as a left side wall), and a second side wall 310B (also referred to as a right side wall) opposite the left side wall 310A. The left side wall 310A includes a first lateral track 312A (also referred to as a left lateral track), and the right side wall 312B includes a second lateral track 312B (also referred to as a right lateral track). The tracks comprise guides or grooves for receiving a rail therein for translation of the rail within the track. Left and right lateral paths 312A, 312B of turntable 112 interact with translateable plate 114 to slidably mount translateable plate 114 to turntable 112.

[0049] A bottom surface of the turntable 112 includes a first post hole 314A (also referred to as a left post hole) and a second post hole 314B (also referred to as a right post hole). It is noted that, as used herein, hole includes any aperture, sized or shaped cavity, etc. The left post hole 314A is configured to align with a top of the left post 302A of the rear wall 200 of the base 108 when the turntable 112 is in a closed position. The right post hole 314B is configured to align with a top of the right post 302B of the rear wall 200 of the base 108 when the turntable 112 is in a closed position. Accordingly, a screw or other fastener may be used to mount the turntable 112 to the left and right posts 302A, 302B. In addition, the turntable 112 further includes one or more retainer channels 315 to prevent the translatable plate 114 from disengaging from the turntable 112, as explained in more detail below.

[0050] The translatable plate 114 is configured to translate (also referred to as linearly translating, linearly moving, etc.) relative to the swivel plate 112 to allow the swivel plate 112 to rotate more than ninety degrees (e.g., 100 degrees, 110 degrees, 120 degrees, 150 degrees, 180 degrees, 190 degrees, etc.) from the original closed position to provide increased access to a bottom of the housing 102. Upon translating forward, the fiber optic module 106 mounted to the translatable plate 114 is also translated forward and away from the rear wall 204B and/or hinge 228, thereby providing clearance for the fiber optic modules 106 to rotate about the rear wall 204B and/or hinge 228 more than ninety degrees. The translatable plate 114 includes a first side rail 316A (e.g., left side rail) along a left side of the translatable plate 114 (extending between a front and a rear portion of the translatable plate 114), and a second side rail 316B (e.g., right side rail) along a right side of the translatable plate 114 (extending between a front and a rear portion of the translatable plate 114). The left and right side rails 316A, 316B of the translatable plate 114 engage the left and right side rails 312A, 312B of the turntable plate 112 to slidably secure the translatable plate 114 to the turntable plate 112. In other words, the left and right side rails 316A, 316B of the translatable plate 114 engage the left and right side rails 312A, 312B of the turntable plate 112 to prevent the translatable plate 114 from lifting off the turntable plate 112. Furthermore, the translatable plate 114 includes one or more screw holes 318A, 318B for mounting the plurality of fiber optic splice trays 300A-300F to the translatable plate 114, as explained in more detail below.

[0051] The at least one fiber optic module 106 comprises a plurality of fiber optic splice trays 300A-300F that are fixedly and vertically stacked mounted to the translatable plate 114, as explained in more detail below. The translatable plate 114 is translatable relative to the turntable plate 112 between a closed position and an open position. The translatable plate 114 includes a first front slot 320A (also referred to as a left front slot 320A) and a second front slot 320B (also referred to as a right front slot 320B). The left and right front slots 320A, 320B are positioned along a front portion of the translatable plate 114.

[0052] Mounting assembly 104 includes a strap 322 positioned within left or right front slot 320A, 320B. In particular, strap 322 is used to further secure fiber optic modules 106 to mounting assembly 104 and to prevent relative movement of translateable plate 114 relative to turntable 112. Accordingly, strap 322 feeds into one of the left or right front slots 320A, 320B beneath turntable 112, positioned along a back of turntable 112, translateable plate 114, and fiber optic modules 106, over a top of fiber optic modules 106, and along a front of turntable 112, translateable plate 114, and fiber optic modules 106. Accordingly, the length of strap 322 is adjustable, such that strap 322 may provide no relative movement when strap 322 is fully tightened, and may provide limited relative movement when strap 322 is loosened.

[0053] Figures 4A-4D are views of exemplary fiber optic closure terminal 100 illustrating operation of mounting assembly 104. Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view of exemplary fiber optic closure terminal 100 illustrating swivel plate 112 and translatable plate 114 of mounting assembly 104 in a closed position. Vertical stacks of fiber optic modules 106 are secured to each other. Furthermore, the vertical stacks of fiber optic modules 106 are fixedly mounted to the translatable plate 114 by a mounting path screw 400. In particular, the mounting path screw 400 extends through a back wall of the fiber optic module 106 into the bottom of the vertical stack, into the screw hole 318A of the translatable plate 114, and into the retainer channel 315 of the turntable plate 112. The retainer channel 315 includes a first wall 517A (also referred to as a front wall) and a second wall 517B (also referred to as a back wall) opposite thereto. In this mode, the translatable plate 114 cannot be removed from the recessed channel 306 of the turntable 112 due to the fact that the mounting path screw 400 contacts and cannot extend beyond the front wall 517A of the retainer channel 315 of the turntable 112, as explained in more detail below.

[0054] In a closed position, the cover 110 is rotatable relative to the base 108 to confine the fiber optic modules 106 within the housing 102 of the fiber optic closure terminal 100. When the cover 110 is in a closed position, at least a portion of the fiber optic modules 106 are positioned within the interior 218 of the cover 110. When the cover 110 is in a fully open position, and the rotatable plate 112 is in a closed position, no portion of the fiber optic modules 106 are positioned within the interior 218 of the cover 110. Furthermore, when the rotatable plate 112 is in a closed position, the rotatable plate 112 is generally elevated to a first angle θi of about 0 degrees, and the rotatable plate 112 and the translatable plate 114 are positioned between the front wall 204A and the rear wall 204B of the base 108. Consequently, when the swivel plate 112 is in the closed position, the translatable plate 114 may not have sufficient clearance to translate from a closed position to an open position due to interference with the front wall 204A of the base 108. In addition, the mounting path screw 400 contacts the rear wall 517B of the retainer channel 315.

[0055] Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of exemplary fiber optic closure terminal 100 illustrating swivel plate 112 in an open position and translatable plate 114 in a closed position. Swivel plate 112 is rotated upwardly about hinge 304 of swivel plate 112 until swivel plate 112 reaches a second angle θ2. At the second angle θ2, a rear of at least one of fiber optic modules 106 contacts rear wall 204B of base 108. At the second angle θ2, a front edge of swivel plate 112 and a front edge of translatable plate 114 are positioned above front wall 204A of base 108, thereby providing clearance for translation of translatable plate 114 relative to swivel plate 112.

[0056] Figure 4C is a cross-sectional view of exemplary fiber optic closure terminal 100 illustrating swivel plate 112 and translatable plate 114 in an open position. Swivel plate 112 is rotated upwardly about hinge 304 of swivel plate 112 until swivel plate 112 reaches a third angle θ3. At the third angle θ3, the translatable plate 114 extends forward relative to the swivel plate 112 such that at least a portion of the translatable plate 114 extends over the front wall 204A of the base 108. Translating the translatable plate 114 forward also moves the fiber optic modules 106 forward, thereby providing sufficient clearance between the rear wall 204B of the base 108 and the rear of the fiber optic modules 106 such that the swivel plate 112 can rotate from the second angle θ2 to the third angle θ3. The translatable plate 114 is prevented from further extending and from accidental removal from the swivel plate 112 by the contact of the mounting path screw 400 with the front wall 517A of the retainer channel 315 of the swivel plate 112.

[0057] Figure 4D is a cross-sectional view of exemplary fiber optic closure terminal 100 illustrating swivel plate 112 and translatable plate 114 in an open and fully rotated position. When translatable plate 114 is fully translated forward relative to swivel plate 112, swivel plate 112 has sufficient clearance to rotate to a fourth angle θ4 greater than ninety degrees from the first angle θi. Accordingly, swivel plate 112 contacts a top of rear wall 204B of base 108 in a fully rotated position. Furthermore, when the swivel plate 112 and translatable plate 114 are in a fully open position, at least a portion of the fiber optic modules 106 are positioned within the interior 218 of the cover 110. In particular, at least a portion of the swivel plate 112 and/or the translatable plate 114 are positioned on the hinge 228 of the housing 102. Accordingly, rotation greater than ninety degrees provides increased access to a bottom area of the base 108 of the housing 102, so as to access the fiber management features 116 located in a bottom of the base 108 below the fiber optic modules 106.

[0058] Figures 5A and 5B are views of the exemplary fiber optic closure terminal 100 of Figures 1-4D with the mounting assembly 104 in an open position, illustrating removable strain relief assemblies 118A-118F positioned in strain relief receptacles 120A-120F of the base 108 and including removable grommets 500A-500F positioned in grommet receptacles 502A-502F of the base 108.

[0059] As mentioned above, the base 108 includes a plurality of feeder ports 208A-208F in the left and right walls 202A, 202B. In addition, the left wall 202A of the base 108 includes a first vertical channel 504A extending from a top of the left wall 202A to the first feeder port 208A, a second vertical channel 504B extending from a top of the left wall 202A to the second feeder port 208B, and a third vertical channel 504C extending from a top of the left wall 202A to the third feeder port 208C. The right wall 202B of the base 108 includes a fourth vertical channel 504D that extends from a top of the right wall 202B to the fourth feeder port 208D, a fifth vertical channel 504E that extends from a top of the right wall 202B to the fifth feeder port 208E, and a sixth vertical channel 504F that extends from a top of the right wall 202B to the sixth feeder port 208F. These vertical channels 504A-504F allow a fiber optic cable to be placed into their respective feeder port 208A-208F from the top without requiring the fiber optic cable to be fed through port 208A-208F.

[0060] The base 108 further includes a first medial wall 506A (also referred to as a left medial wall), a second medial wall 506B (also referred to as a right medial wall), a first distal wall 508A (also referred to as a left distal wall 508A), and a second distal wall 508B (also referred to as a right distal wall 508B). The left and right medial walls 506A, 506B and left and right distal walls 508A, 508B form strain relief receptacles 120A-120F and grommet receptacles 502A-502F, as explained in more detail below.

[0061] The left medial wall 506A is positioned toward the left wall 202A of the base 108 and extends from the front wall 204A to the rear wall 204B of the base 108. The left distal wall 508A is positioned between the left wall 202A and the left medial wall 506A and extends from the front wall 204A to the rear wall 204B of the base 108. The left medial wall 506A includes a first vertical channel 510A extending from a top of the left medial wall 506A, and the left distal wall 508A includes a first vertical channel 512A extending from a top of the left distal wall 508A. The first vertical channel 510A of the left medial wall 506A and the first vertical channel 512A of the left distal wall 508A are generally aligned with the first feeder port 208A and the first vertical channel 504A of the left wall 202A. Thus, a cable extending from the interior 218 of the base 108 to an exterior of the base 108 may be positioned within the first vertical channels 504A, 510A, 512A from above. The left medial wall 506A further includes a second vertical channel 510B and third vertical channel 510C, and the left distal wall 508A further includes a second vertical channel 512B and third vertical channel 512C, which are aligned similarly to the second vertical channel 504B and third vertical channel 504C of the left wall 202A.

[0062] The plurality of strain relief receptacles 120A-120C are defined between the left medial wall 506A and the left distal wall 508A. In particular, the base 108 includes a plurality of receptacle dividers 514A, 514B (also referred to as receptacle walls, cross walls, etc.) to define and separate the strain relief receptacles 120A-120C. In particular, the base 108 includes a first receptacle divider 514A extending between the left medial wall 506A and the left distal wall 508A and positioned toward the front wall 204A of the base 108. The base 108 also includes a second receptacle divider 514B extending between the left medial wall 506A and the left distal wall 508A and positioned toward the rear wall 204B of the base 108. Each of the first and second receptacle dividers 514A, 514B may define a gap 516 extending from the top of the left medial wall 506A and the left distal wall 508A.

[0063] Accordingly, each of the first, second, and third strain relief receptacles 120A-120C is defined by the left medial wall 506A and the left distal wall 508A, where the first strain relief receptacle 120A is separated from the second strain relief receptacle 120B by the first receptacle divider 514A, and the second strain relief receptacle 120B is separated from the third strain relief receptacle 120C by the second receptacle divider 514B.

[0064] The plurality of grommet receptacles 502A-502C are defined between the left wall 202A and the left distal wall 508A. In particular, the base 108 includes a plurality of receptacle dividers 518A, 518B (also referred to as receptacle walls, cross walls, etc.) for defining and separating the grommet receptacles 502A-502C. In particular, the base 108 includes a first receptacle divider 518A extending between the left wall 202A and the left distal wall 508A and positioned toward the front wall 204A of the base 108. The base 108 also includes a second receptacle divider 518B extending between the left medial wall 506A and the left distal wall 508A and positioned toward the rear wall 204B of the base 108. Each of the first and second receptacle dividers 518A, 518B may define a recess 520 extending from the top of the left wall 202A and the left distal wall 508A.

[0065] Accordingly, each of the first, second, and third grommet receptacles 502A-502C is defined by left wall 202A and left distal wall 508A, wherein the first grommet receptacle 502A is separated from the second grommet receptacle 502B by first receptacle divider 518A, and the second grommet receptacle 502B is separated from the third grommet receptacle 502C by second receptacle divider 518B.

[0066] The right medial wall 506B is positioned toward the right wall 202B of the base 108 and extends from the front wall 204A to the rear wall 204B of the base 108. The right distal wall 508B is positioned between the right wall 202B and the right medial wall 506B and extends from the front wall 204A to the rear wall 204B of the base 108. The right medial wall 506B includes a fourth vertical channel 510D extending from a top of the right medial wall 506B, and the right distal wall 508B includes a fourth vertical channel 512D extending from a top of the right distal wall 508B. The fourth vertical channel 510D of the right medial wall 506B and the fourth vertical channel 512D of the right distal wall 508B are generally aligned with the fourth feeder port 208D and the fourth vertical channel 504D of the right wall 202B. Thus, a cable extending from the interior 218 of the base 108 to an exterior of the base 108 may be positioned within the fourth vertical channels 504D, 510D, 512D from above. The right medial wall 506B further includes a fifth vertical channel 510E and sixth vertical channel 510F, and the right distal wall 508B further includes a fifth vertical channel 512E and sixth vertical channel 512F, which are similarly aligned with the fifth vertical channel 504E and sixth vertical channel 504F of the right wall 202B.

[0067] The plurality of strain relief receptacles 120D-120F are defined between the right medial wall 506B and the right distal wall 508B. In particular, the base 108 includes a plurality of receptacle dividers 514C, 514D (also referred to as receptacle walls, cross walls, etc.) to define and separate the strain relief receptacles 120D-120F. In particular, the base 108 includes a third receptacle divider 514C extending between the right medial wall 506B and the right distal wall 508B and positioned toward the front wall 204A of the base 108. The base 108 also includes a fourth receptacle divider 514D extending between the right medial wall 506B and the right distal wall 508B and positioned toward the rear wall 204B of the base 108. Each of the third and fourth receptacle dividers 514C, 514D may define a gap 516 extending from the top of the right medial wall 506B and the right distal wall 508B.

[0068] Accordingly, each of the fourth, fifth, and sixth strain relief receptacles 120D through 120F is defined by right medial wall 506B and right distal wall 508B, wherein the fourth strain relief receptacle 120D is separated from the fifth strain relief receptacle 120E by third receptacle divider 514C, and the fifth strain relief receptacle 120E is separated from the sixth strain relief receptacle 120F by fourth receptacle divider 514D.

[0069] The plurality of grommet receptacles 502D-502F are defined between the right wall 202B and the right distal wall 508B. In particular, the base 108 includes a plurality of receptacle dividers 518C, 518D (also referred to as receptacle walls, cross walls, etc.) for defining and separating the grommet receptacles 502D-502F. In particular, the base 108 includes a third receptacle divider 518C extending between the right wall 202B and the right distal wall 508B and positioned toward the front wall 204A of the base 108. The base 108 also includes a fourth receptacle divider 518D extending between the right medial wall 506B and the right distal wall 508B and positioned toward the rear wall 204B of the base 108. Each of the third and fourth receptacle dividers 518C, 518D may define a recess 520 extending from the top of the right wall 202B and the right distal wall 508B.

[0070] Accordingly, each of the fourth, fifth, and sixth grommet receptacles 502D through 502F is defined by right wall 202B and right distal wall 508B, wherein the fourth grommet receptacle 502D is separated from the fifth grommet receptacle 502E by third receptacle divider 518C, and the fifth grommet receptacle 502E is separated from the sixth grommet receptacle 502F by fourth receptacle divider 518D.

[0071] In this mode, each of the removable strain relief assemblies 118A-118F may be attached to a fiber optic cable outside and independently of the housing 102 to allow for installation flexibility and versatility. For example, a removable strain relief assembly 118A may be attached to a fiber optic cable and/or a first removable grommet 500A may be attached to the fiber optic cable outside of the base 108. The fiber optic cable may then be positioned within the first vertical channels 504A, 510A, 512A, the removable strain relief assembly 118A may be placed in the first strain relief receptacle 120A (while remaining attached to the fiber optic cable), and the first removable grommet 500A may be placed in the first grommet receptacle 502A (while remaining attached to the fiber optic cable). This provides greater flexibility for an operator installing a fiber optic cable within the fiber optic closure terminal 100 and facilitates easy installation and maintenance of the fiber optic closure terminal 100.

[0072] Furthermore, when removable grommets 500A-500F are positioned within their respective grommet receptacles 502A-502F, grommets 500A-500F at least partially form a gasket mounting surface 522 that extends around a peripheral edge of base 108. Gasket mounting surface 522 is configured in size and shape to mate with a gasket 524 positioned around a peripheral edge of cover 110.

[0073] Figures 6A-6E are views of a removable strain relief assembly 118A of the exemplary fiber optic closure terminal 100 of Figures 1-5B. Removable strain relief assembly 118A includes first strain relief bracket 122 (also referred to as a bottom strain relief bracket) and second strain relief bracket 124 (also referred to as a top strain relief bracket). Bottom strain relief bracket 122 and top strain relief bracket 124 translate relative to each other to secure a fiber optic cable therein, as explained below.

[0074] Referring to Figures 6A-6C, bottom strain relief bracket 122 includes a body 600, a first rail 602A (also referred to as a left rail) vertically positioned along a left side of body 600, and a second rail 602B (also referred to as a right rail) vertically positioned along a right side of body 600 opposite left rail 602A. Left and right rails 602A, 602B secure and/or align removable strain relief assembly 118A within one of strain relief receptacles 120A-120F (shown in Figures 1, 2B, 3A, 3B, 5A, and 5B). The bottom strain relief bracket 122 includes a first lip 604A (also referred to as a front lip) that extends along at least a portion of a peripheral edge of a front surface of the body 600 and a second lip 604B (also referred to as a rear lip) opposite the front lip 604A and that extends along at least a portion of a peripheral edge of a rear surface of the body 600. The front and rear lips 604A, 604B guide the relative movement of and retain the top strain relief bracket 124 relative to the bottom strain relief bracket 122.

[0075] The bottom strain relief bracket 122 further includes a first threaded screw hole 606A (also referred to as a left threaded screw hole) proximate a left side of the body 600 and a second threaded screw hole 606B (also referred to as a right threaded screw hole) proximate a right side of the body 600 opposite the left threaded screw hole 606A. The left and right threaded screw holes 606A, 606B receive a fastener therein for securing the bottom strain relief bracket 122 to the top strain relief bracket 124, as discussed in more detail below. The bottom strain relief bracket 122 further includes a first arcuate surface 608 (also referred to as a bottom arcuate surface) defined on a top of the bottom strain relief bracket 122 between the left and right threaded screw holes 606A, 606B. The bottom arcuate surface 608 includes a plurality of longitudinal splines 610 extending between a front side and a back side of the body 600 and circumferentially positioned along the bottom arcuate surface 608. The longitudinal splines 610 frictionally engage an outer surface of the fiber optic cable positioned therein.

[0076] Referring to Figures 6A, 6D, and 6E, the top strain relief bracket 124 includes a body 612, a first rail 614A (also referred to as a left rail 614A) positioned along a left side of the body 612 at a top thereof, and a second rail 614B (also referred to as a right rail 614B) positioned along a right side of the body 612 at a top thereof opposite the left rail 614A. The left and right rails 614A, 614B secure and/or align the removable strain relief assembly 118A within one of the strain relief receptacles 120A-120F (shown in Figures 1, 2B, 3A, 3B, 5A, and 5B). The left and right rails 614A, 614B of the top strain relief bracket 124 align with the left and right rails 602A, 602B of the bottom strain relief bracket 122 when the bottom strain relief bracket 122 and top strain relief bracket 124 are assembled together. The top strain relief bracket 124 includes a first wall 616A (also referred to as a front wall) and a second wall 616B (also referred to as a back wall) opposite the front wall 616A. When the bottom strain relief bracket 122 and the top strain relief bracket 124 are assembled with each other, the front wall 616A of the top strain relief bracket 124 fits within the front lip 604A of the bottom strain relief bracket 122, and the rear wall 616B of the top strain relief bracket 124 fits within the rear lip 604B of the bottom strain relief bracket 122. In this manner, the front and rear lips 604A, 604B of the bottom strain relief bracket 122 horizontally align the top strain relief bracket 124 relative to the bottom strain relief bracket 122 (in the left and right direction). Furthermore, the front wall 616A and the rear wall 616B are configured relative to each other to receive at least a portion of the body 600 of the bottom strain relief bracket 122 therebetween. Accordingly, the front and rear walls 616A, 616B of the top strain relief bracket 124 horizontally align the top strain relief bracket 124 relative to the bottom strain relief bracket 122 (in the front and rear direction).

[0077] The top strain relief bracket 124 further includes a first through hole 618A (also referred to as a left through hole) proximate a left side of the body 612 and a second through hole 618B (also referred to as a right through hole) proximate a right side of the body 612 opposite the left through hole 618A. Accordingly, when the bottom strain relief bracket 122 and the top strain relief bracket 124 are assembled together, the left and right threaded screw holes 606A, 606B of the bottom strain relief bracket 122 are aligned, respectively, with the left and right through holes 618A, 618B of the top strain relief bracket 124 to receive a fastener therethrough, as explained in more detail below.

[0078] The top strain relief bracket further includes a second arcuate surface 620 (also referred to as a top arcuate surface 620) defined on a bottom of the top strain relief bracket 124 between the left and right through holes 618A, 618B and extending from a front side to a back side of the body 612 of the top strain relief bracket 124. The top arcuate surface 620 includes a plurality of longitudinal splines 622 extending between a front side and a back side of the body 612 and circumferentially positioned along the top arcuate surface 620. The longitudinal splines 622 frictionally engage an outer surface of the fiber optic cable positioned therein.

[0079] Removable strain relief assembly 118A further includes a first screw 624A (also referred to as a left screw) and a second screw 624B (also referred to as a right screw). When bottom strain relief bracket 122 and top strain relief bracket 124 are assembled together, left screw 624A is positioned through left through hole 618A of top strain relief bracket 124 and into left threaded screw hole 606A of bottom strain relief bracket 122, and right screw 624B is positioned through right through hole 618B of top strain relief bracket 124 and into right threaded screw hole 606B of bottom strain relief bracket 122.

[0080] When assembled, the bottom arcuate surface 608 of the bottom strain relief bracket 122 and the top arcuate surface 620 of the top strain relief bracket 124 define the adjustable opening 126 for receiving one of a variety of sized fiber optic cables. In particular, a fiber optic cable may be fed through the assembled removable strain relief assembly 118A such that the fiber optic cable is positioned within the adjustable opening 126, or the removable strain relief assembly 118A may be mounted around the fiber optic cable such that the fiber optic cable is positioned within the adjustable opening 126. The fiber optic cable is then secured within the adjustable opening 126 by tightening the left and right screws 624A, 624B. Other types of fasteners may be used, and more or fewer screws may be used. One advantage of having left and right screws 624A, 624B is that it increases the pressure along the fiber optic cable.

[0081] As discussed above, when removable grommets 500A-500F are positioned within their respective grommet receptacles 502A-502F, grommets 500A-500F at least partially form a gasket mounting surface 522 that extends around a peripheral edge of base 108. Gasket mounting surface 522 is configured in size and shape to mate with a gasket 524 positioned around a peripheral edge of cover 110.

[0082] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a removable grommet 500A of the exemplary fiber optic closure terminal 100 of Figures 1-6E. The removable grommet 500A defines a central opening 702 for receiving a fiber optic cable therebetween. The removable grommet 500A further includes a rounded bottom 702 for facilitating insertion of the grommet 500A into the grommet receptacle 502A of the base 108 of the housing 102 (shown in Figures 5A and 5B). Removable grommet 500A further includes a first wing 704A (also referred to as a left wing) at a top of grommet 500A and a second wing 704B (also referred to as a right wing) opposite left wing 704A at a top of grommet 500A. A sealing groove 706 is defined at the top of grommet 500A and extends between a left side and a right side of grommet 500A. Sealing groove 706 forms gasket mounting surface 522 described above. Accordingly, when removable grommets 500A-500F are positioned within their respective receptacles 502A-502F, removable grommets 500A-500F form a continuous gasket mounting surface 522 that extends across removable grommets 500A-500F. Thus, for example, left wing 704A of removable grommet 500B is adjacent to right wing 704B of removable grommet 500A.

[0083] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process that may be employed to produce the fiber optic closure terminal 100 of FIGS. Step 800 includes pivotally attaching a cover 110 of a housing 102 to a base 108 of the housing 102, the cover 110 configured to pivot between a first closed position relative to the base 108 and a first open position relative to the base 108. Step 802 includes pivotally attaching a swivel plate 112 of a mounting assembly 104 to the base 108 of the housing 102, the swivel plate 112 being configured to pivot between a second closed position relative to the base 108 and a second open position relative to the base 108 of the housing 102. Step 804 includes translatably attaching the translatable plate 114 of a mounting assembly 104 to the swivel plate 112, the translatable plate 114 configured to translate between a third closed position relative to the swivel plate 112 and a third open position relative to the swivel plate 112. Step 806 includes securely attaching a fiber optic module 106 to the translatable plate 114 of the mounting assembly 104, the fiber optic module 106 configured to move with the translatable plate 114 from a starting position relative to the base 108 to a rotated position relative to the base 108, wherein the swivel plate 112 rotates more than ninety degrees to move the fiber optic module 106 from the starting position to the rotated position. Step 808 includes rotating cover 110 of housing 102 from the first open position relative to base 108 to the first closed position relative to base 108 to confine mounting assembly 104 and fiber optic module 106 within an interior 206, 218 of housing 102.

[0084] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating another example process that may be employed to produce the fiber optic closure terminal 100 of Figures 1-7. Step 900 includes positioning a fiber optic cable within the opening 126 of the removable strain relief assembly 118A-118F, the opening 126 defined by the first strain relief bracket 122 and the second strain relief bracket 124 of the removable strain relief assembly 118A-118F. Step 902 includes moving (e.g., translating) the second strain relief bracket 124 relative to the first strain relief bracket 122 to adjust the opening 126 to secure the fiber optic cable within the opening 126. Step 904 includes positioning the fiber optic cable into a feeder port 208A-208F of the base 108 of the housing 102. Step 906 includes positioning the removable strain relief assembly 118A-118F into a receptacle 120A-120F of the base 108 of the housing 102, the receptacle 120A-120F being proximate to the feeder port 208A-208F. Step 908 includes moving cover 110 of housing 102 relative to base 108 of housing 102 to confine a fiber optic module 106 within an interior 206, 218 of housing 102, fiber optic module 106 being in optical communication with the fiber optic cable.

[0085] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

[0086] Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “fiber optic cables” and/or “optical fibers” are intended to include all types of single-mode and multimode waveguides, including one or more optical fibers that may be coated, colored, buffered, ribboned, and/or have other organizing or protective structure in a cable, such as one or more tubes, strength members, jackets, or the like. Likewise, other types of suitable optical fibers include optical fibers that are insensitive to bending, or any other expedient of a medium for the transmission of light signals. An example of a bend-insensitive, or bend-resistant, optical fiber is the commercially available ClearCurve® Multimode fiber from Corning Incorporated. Suitable fibers of this type are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2008/0166094 and 2009/0169163.

[0087] Many modifications and other embodiments of the embodiments disclosed herein will come to the mind of one skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain having the benefit of the teachings set forth in the preceding descriptions and the associated drawings. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the description and claims are not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The embodiments are intended to include modifications and variations of the embodiments so long as they are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims (12)

1. A fiber optic closure terminal (100), comprising: a housing (102) defining an interior, the housing comprising a base (108) and a cover (110) pivotably attached to the base, the cover (110) configured to pivot between a first closed position relative to the base (108) and a first open position relative to the base (108); a mounting assembly (104) positioned within the interior of the housing (102), the mounting assembly (104) comprising: a pivotable plate (112) pivotably attached to the base of the housing (102), the pivotable plate (112) configured to pivot between a second closed position relative to the base (108) and a second open position relative to the base (108); and a translatable plate (114) translatablely attached to the pivotable plate (112), the translatable plate (114) is configured to translate between a third closed position relative to the pivotable plate (112) and a third open position relative to the pivotable plate (112), characterized in that the pivotable plate (112) is configured to rotate more than ninety degrees from the second closed position only when the translatable plate (114) is in the third open position; and a fiber optic module (106) mounted to the translatable plate (114), the fiber optic module (106) is configured to be movable with the translatable plate (114) from an initial position relative to the base (108) to a rotated position relative to the base (108), wherein the pivotable plate (112) rotates more than ninety degrees to move the fiber optic module (106) from the initial position to the rotated position. 2. The fiber optic closure terminal (100) of claim 1, wherein the mounting assembly (104) is configured to be closed within the interior of the housing (102) when the cover (110) is in the first closed position. 3. Fiber optic closure terminal (100) according to either of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the fiber optic module (106) is configured to be movable to the initial position when the translatable plate (114) is in the third closed position and the pivotable plate (112) is in the second closed position, and in which the fiber optic module (106) is configured to be movable to the rotated position when the translatable plate (114) is in the third open position and the pivotable plate (112) is in the second open position. 4. Fiber optic closure terminal (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the translatable plate (114) is configured such that when the pivotable plate (112) is in the second closed position, the translatable plate (114) is positioned within an interior of the base (108) in proximity to a wall of the base to prevent the translatable plate (114) from translating from the third closed position to the third open position. 5. The fiber optic closure terminal (100) of claim 4, wherein the translatable plate (114) is configured such that when the pivotable plate (112) is in the second open position, a portion of the translatable plate (114) is configured to be positioned outside of the interior of the base (108) and non-adjacent to the wall of the base (108) to allow the translatable plate (114) to translate from the third closed position to the third open position. 6. The fiber optic closure terminal (100) of any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the interior comprises a lid interior and a base interior, wherein a portion of the fiber optic module (106) is configured to be positioned within the lid interior when the hinged plate is in the second open position. 7. Fiber optic closure terminal (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the pivotable plate (112) comprises a recessed channel (306) and the translatable plate (114) is configured to be translatable within the recessed channel (306). 8. Fiber optic closure terminal (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that the pivotable plate (112) further comprises a rail (312A, 312B) in the recessed channel (306) and the translatable plate (114) comprising a rail slidingly engaged with the rail. 9. Fiber optic closure terminal (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the base (108) comprises a first wall, wherein the cover (110) and the pivotable plate (112) are pivotably fixed to the first wall. 10. Fiber optic closure terminal (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the fiber optic module (106) comprises a plurality of stacked fiber optic splice trays. 11. Fiber optic closure terminal (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the base (108) comprises a plurality of feed ports and the cover comprises a plurality of drop ports. 12. A method of manufacturing a fiber optic closure terminal (100) as defined in claims 1 to 10, comprising: pivotally attaching a cover of a housing (102) to a base of the housing (102), the cover is configured to pivot between a first closed position relative to the base (108) and a first open position relative to the base (108); pivotally attaching a hinged plate (112) of a mounting assembly (104) to the base (108) of the housing (102), the pivotable plate (112) is configured to pivot between a second closed position relative to the base (108) and a second open position relative to the base (108); translationally attaching a translatable plate of the mounting assembly (104) to the pivotable plate (112), the translatable plate (114) is configured to translate between a third closed position relative to the pivotable plate (112) and a third open position relative to the translatable plate (114), characterized in that the pivotable plate (112) is configured to rotate more than ninety degrees from the second closed position only when the translatable plate (114) is in the third open position; and attaching a fiber optic module (106) to the translatable plate of the mounting assembly (104), the fiber optic module (106) is configured to move with the translatable plate (114) from an initial position relative to the base (108) to a rotational position relative to the base (108), wherein the pivotable plate rotates more than ninety degrees to move the fiber optic module (106) from the initial position to the rotated position.