EP3994512A1

EP3994512A1 - Protective apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP3994512A1
Application number: EP19737090.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Robert Watson; Andrew Goodman; Paul TILYARD; Luke SIMMS
Original assignee: British Telecommunications PLC
Current assignee: British Telecommunications PLC
Priority date: 2019-07-05
Filing date: 2019-07-05
Publication date: 2022-05-11
Also published as: WO2021004612A1

Abstract

A protective apparatus (100) for a multi-node junction (10) for fibre optic cables (20), the multi-node junction having an internal splice organiser (30) for receiving fibre optic cables and having a rigid closure (40) for enclosing the internal splice organiser, the protective apparatus comprising: an adjustable body (110) capable of being manipulated by a user so as to surround the internal splice organiser, wherein the protective apparatus is dimensioned so as to allow the rigid closure to enclose the internal splice organiser and the protective apparatus when the protective apparatus surrounds the internal splice organiser; and a retaining formation (120) for retaining the adjustable body in a form that surrounds the internal splice organiser.

Description

PROTECTIVE APPARATUS

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a protective apparatus for a multi-node junction for fibre optic cables.

Background

Multi-node junctions for fibre optic cables are an essential part of modern fibre optic telecommunications networks. Such multi-node junctions facilitate joining of two or more fibre optic cables, and to this end comprise a splice organiser for receiving and coupling such cables.

To protect the fragile fibre optics cables and splices, the multi-node junction is provided with a rigid closure for sealing the splice organiser (and therefore the fibre optic cables).

However, whilst the rigid closure is intended to guard the fibre optic cables, removal or replacement of the closure ( e.g . during upkeep of the multi-node fibre optic junction) may in fact dislodge and/or damage the fibre optic cables. In turn, this can cause network downtime.

It is an aim of the present invention to at least alleviate some of the aforementioned problems.

Statements of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided: a protective apparatus for a multi-node junction for fibre optic cables, the multi-node junction having an internal splice organiser for receiving fibre optic cables and having a rigid closure for enclosing the internal splice organiser, the protective apparatus comprising: an adjustable body capable of being manipulated by a user so as to surround the internal splice organiser, wherein the protective apparatus is dimensioned so as to allow the rigid closure to enclose the internal splice organiser and the protective apparatus when the protective apparatus surrounds the internal splice organiser; and a retaining formation for retaining the adjustable body in a form that surrounds the internal splice organiser.

Preferably, the retaining formation is releasable, and preferably refastenable (i.e. capable of being re-fastened).

Preferably, the retaining formation comprises a pair of complementary couplings. Preferably, the retaining formation is mechanical, and preferably the complementary couplings are mechanical couplings. Preferably, the pair of complementary couplings are arranged at distal, or opposite, ends of the adjustable body. Preferably, the pair of complementary couplings comprises a male and female coupling for engaging one another.

Optionally, the pair of complementary couplings are aligned, and may be aligned so as to mate when forming the adjustable body into a cylinder.

Optionally, at least one of the pair of complementary couplings is arranged at an edge of the adjustable body.

Optionally, at least one of the pair of complementary couplings extends in prolongation of the adjustable body.

Optionally, the retaining formation comprises: a tongue and slit; a tie cable; adhesive; a magnetic strip; an electrostatic fastener; a snap fastener; a friction fit fastener; and/or velcro.

Preferably, the adjustable body is capable of being manipulated so as to form a cylinder, and wherein the retaining formation is arranged to retain the adjustable body in the form of a cylinder. As used herein, the term“cylinder” preferably connotes a tube, sheath, sleeve, or any shape that is capable of substantially enclosing the internal splice organiser. Optionally, the cylinder is available to have a circumference that is equal to or greater than the circumference of the internal splice organiser. Optionally, the cylinder is available to have a circumference that is less than the circumference of the rigid closure. Preferably, the cylinder is available to have a circumference that is less than the circumference of the internal circumference of the rigid closure.

Optionally, the retaining formation is selectively adjustable so as to allow the adjustable body to envelop different volumes of space, and may therefore form cylinders of different circumferences. Optionally, the retaining formation is adjustable by providing a plurality of pairs of couplings.

Preferably, the adjustable body and/or the retaining formation is/are formed, and more preferably only formed, of a flexible and/or malleable material. Preferably, the adjustable body and/or the retaining formation is/are formed, and more preferably only formed, of a compliant material. Optionally, the adjustable body is formed, and more preferably only formed, of a compressible material. Preferably, the adjustable body and/or the retaining formation is/are formed, and more preferably only formed, of an elastic material. Preferably, the adjustable body and/or the retaining formation is/are formed, and more preferably only formed, of a waterproof material. Optionally, the adjustable body and/or the retaining formation is/are formed of plastic and/or rubber, and may only be formed of plastic and/or rubber.

Optionally, the protective apparatus and/or the adjustable body is formed, or composed entirely of, poly(methyl methacrylate); polyethylene; polyvinyl chloride; polypropylene; polystyrene; polylactic acid; polycarbonate; polyoxymethylene; nylon and/or silicone.

Preferably, the adjustable body is in the form of a sheet. Preferably, the adjustable body is elongate, and may be in the form of a rectangle.

Preferably, the adjustable body has a thickness of up to 10mm, more preferably up to 5mm, still more preferably up to 2.5mm, yet more preferably up to 1 mm, still more preferably up to 0.5mm, and yet more preferably 0.04mm.

Preferably, the adjustable body has a length of between 200mm and 1 ,000mm in length, and more preferably between 300mm and 900mm, still more preferably of between 400mm and 800mm, and yet more preferably between 500mm and 700mm. As used herein, the term“length” preferably connotes a dimension that is perpendicular to a direction in which the retaining formation is fastened.

Preferably, the adjustable body has a width between 500mm and 1 ,500mm, and more preferably, the adjustable body has a width between 600mm and 1 ,300mm, still more preferably between 700mm and 1 ,100mm, and yet more preferably between 800mm and 1 ,000mm.

Preferably, the width is greater than the length, which is greater than the thickness.

Preferably, the adjustable body comprises a marking for indicating a length to which the adjustable body may be cut. Optionally, the marking runs across the entire width of the adjustable body. Optionally, the marking runs is parallel to an edge of the adjustable body. Optionally, the marking is a score line, an incision and/or is printed.

Optionally, the adjustable body or protective apparatus is formed as a single piece.

Preferably, the adjustable body comprises at least one rigid panel, and more preferably comprises a plurality of rigid panels. Optionally, the plurality of rigid panels are coupled together by means of an articulating coupling. Optionally, the articulating coupling extends perpendicularly to the plurality of rigid panels.

Preferably, the retaining formation and the adjustable body are integrally formed.

Preferably, the adjustable body comprises a transparent or translucent portion. Optionally, the transparent or translucent portion is a viewing window. Preferably, the protective apparatus and/or the adjustable body is entirely composed of a transparent or translucent material.

Preferably, the adjustable body is in the form of a net or mesh. Optionally, the adjustable body is formed of a woven material.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a multi-node junction for fibre optic cables comprising a protective apparatus as described above.

The invention extends to any novel aspects or features described and/or illustrated herein. The invention extends to methods and/or apparatus substantially as herein described and/or as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Any apparatus feature as described herein may also be provided as a method feature, and vice versa. As used herein, means plus function features may be expressed alternatively in terms of their corresponding structure, such as a suitably programmed processor and associated memory.

Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa. Furthermore, any, some and/or all features in one aspect can be applied to any, some and/or all features in any other aspect, in any appropriate combination. It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the invention can be implemented and/or supplied and/or used independently.

In this specification the word 'or' can be interpreted in the exclusive or inclusive sense unless stated otherwise.

The invention extends to a protective apparatus as described herein and/or substantially as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is now described, purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an example of a multi-node junction for fibre optic cables;

Figures 2a, 2b and 2c show a protective apparatus for the multi-node junction;

Figures 3a, 3b and 3c show the protective apparatus being deployed as part of the multi-node junction;

Figures 4a and 4b show a further example of the protective apparatus; and

Figure 5 shows yet a further example of the protective apparatus.

Specific Description

Figure 1 shows a multi-node junction for fibre optic cables 10, which comprises: a plurality of fibre optic cables 20; a plurality of splice organisers 30 (also referred to as“trays”) for receiving and coupling the fibre optic cables; and a rigid closure 40 for enclosing the splice organisers so as to protect the fibre optic cables 20. The fibre optic cables 20 and the plurality of splice organisers 30 are herein referred to as“internal components” 50 of the multi-node junction 10.

Figures 2 show a protective apparatus 100 for the internal components 50 of the multi-node junction 10.

The protective apparatus 100 comprises: an adjustable body 1 10; and a retaining formation 120.

The adjustable body 1 10 is available to be formed into a structure that envelopes the internal components 50 so as to protect, at least, the fibre optic cables 20. In particular, the adjustable body is intended to protect the fibre optic cables from being dislodged and/or damaged when fitting or removing the rigid closure 40.

To this end, the adjustable body 1 10 is adjustable so that it may be formed into a sheath 130 ( e.g . an open-ended cylinder) that may be arranged to surround the internal components 50, but such that the adjustable body does not interfere with fitment or removal of the rigid body 40.

In the examples shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4, the adjustable body 1 10 is in the form of a flexible sheet (as best shown in Figures 2c and 3a). For example, the adjustable body is formed, entirely or predominantly, of pliable plastic, rubber or metal (e.g. a thin sheet). The adjustable body is shaped as a rectangle in these examples.

In particular, the adjustable body and/or the retaining formation is/are formed of: poly(methyl methacrylate); polyethylene; polyvinyl chloride; polypropylene; polystyrene; polylactic acid; polycarbonate; polyoxymethylene; nylon and/or silicone. By means of user manipulation, the adjustable body may be bent around the internal components 50 (as best shown in Fig. 3a) so as to form the sheath 130 (as best shown in Figures 2c, 3b and 3c).

The adjustable body 1 10 is dimensioned so as (whilst in the form of the sheath 130) not to interfere with fitment or removal of the rigid body 40, whilst enveloping substantially all of the internal components and without compromising the integrity of the adjustable body.

Multi-node junctions are typically between 300mm and 900mm in length, and between 200mm and 400mm in width (although multi-node junctions outside of these ranges of dimensions are possible). Accordingly, the adjustable body is typically dimensioned between around 200mm and 900mm in length, and between around 600mm and 1300mm in width (i.e. the dimension that forms the circumference of the sheath). Longer and/or wider dimensions of the adjustable body are also permissible.

The adjustable body is also available to wrap around itself, which therefore allows an adjustable body with a substantially larger circumference than that of the internal components 50 to be used with such relatively smaller-circumference multi-node junctions.

The protective apparatus 100 further comprises a retaining formation 120 so as to retain the adjustable body 1 10 in the form of the sheath 130. The retaining formation is in the form of, for example:

• a tongue (or“arrowhead”) or hook and a loop or slit (or“gill”);

• a tie cable (or cord);

• friction fit fastener;

• a snap fastener;

• adhesive;

• a magnetic strip;

• an electrostatic (or“static cling”) fastener; and/or

• velcro.

As shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4, the retaining formation comprises a plurality of first retaining formations 120-1 and a plurality second retaining formation 120-2, whereby a first retaining formation is configured to engage with a corresponding second retaining formation. The retaining formations 120-1 are provided on the adjustable body 1 10, and in particular the first retaining formations 120-1 are arranged and aligned at a distal end to the second retaining formations 120-2 so as to retain the adjustable body in the form of the sheath 130.

Figure 3a shows the protective apparatus 100 being deployed onto a multi-node junction 10 as it is being flexed to envelop the internal components 50, whereas Figure 3b shows the protective apparatus 100 in the form of the sheath 130 enveloping the internal components 50 and retained as such by means of the retaining formation 120.

To allow the adjustable body 1 10 to be restrained against (and to constrain) the internal components 50, the adjustable body and the retaining formation 120 are dimensioned so as to form a sheath having a circumference that is substantially that of the internal components 50.

T o adapt the protective apparatus for use with various widths of multi-node junctions, the retaining formation 120 comprises a plurality of points (or a continuum of points) at which the adjustable body may be retained as a sheath, thereby forming sheaths of different circumferences (and volumes). Accordingly, it is also possible to adjust how tightly the adjustable body restrains the internal components 50.

In terms of thickness, the adjustable body is sufficiently thin so as to provide clearance to allow installation and removal of the rigid closure 40. That is, the thickness of the adjustable body (or multiples thereof where the adjustable body may wrap around itself and/or plus the retaining formation where this overlies the adjustable body) is less than the clearance between the internal components and the inside of the rigid closure. For example, the sheet is up to around 1 cm in thickness, and no less than around 0.005cm in thickness.

In Figure 4, the adjustable body 1 10 of the protective apparatus 100 comprises markings 150 to help guide a user to trim the protective apparatus so as to adjust its length, thereby to allow the protective apparatus 100 to be deployed into shorter length multi-node junctions. The markings 150 run across the width of the adjustable body, and trimming the adjustable body along one of the markings allows for circumferential truncation of the sheath 130. The markings may be in the form of: folds; printed guides (lines, dots, etc.) scorings; and/or incisions.

Figure 5 shows a further example of the protective apparatus 200, in which the adjustable body 1 10 comprises a plurality of rigid or semi-rigid panels 210 that are coupled together by means of articulating couplings 220 so as to form a sheet that is capable of being manipulated to form the sheath 130. Alternatives and modifications

In one example, the adjustable body is advantageously formed of a transparent or translucent material, thereby to allow a user to inspect the internal components 50 without having to remove the adjustable body. To the same end, the adjustable body alternatively comprises at least one window, where the window is in the form of an aperture (or“cut-out”), or in the form of a transparent or translucent pane amongst an otherwise opaque adjustable body.

In a further alternative, the adjustable body is formed as a mesh of woven material, and is for example in the form of a net.

In another alternative, the adjustable body is provided in the form of the sheath 130 (rather than as a sheet that is then to be formed into the sheath), and is permanently retained in this form. In this case, the sheath 130 is oversized relative to the internal components 50, such that the adjustable body may receive the internal components 50 with sufficient clearance so as to help avoid contact between the adjustable body and the internal components 50 (thereby reducing the chance of dislodgement of, and/or damage to, the fibre optic cables). By means of the retaining formation 120, the adjustable body 1 10 is then available to be tightened around the internal components 50. It will, however, be appreciated that a sheet may afford greater packing efficiency than a three-dimensional sheath, whilst pre-forming the adjustable body into a sleeve affords time-efficiency as part of the installation process.

In the aforementioned the protective apparatus is shown and described as forming a cylindrical sheath 130; this is so as to conform with the typically-cylindrical form of multi-node junctions (as shown in Figure 1 ). However, it will be appreciated that the protective apparatus is not limited to being formed into a cylinder. In an alternative example, the protective apparatus is formed into an open-ended prism or cuboid; to assist forming the protective apparatus into such shapes, the protective apparatus is provided with inflexion lines ( e.g . in the form of a joint or thinned / scored lines). For example, by providing three inflexion lines along the length of the adjustable body that are distributed equally across the width of the adjustable body will ease the formation of the adjustable body into an open-ended cuboid.

In one example, for ease of construction, the retaining formation (or at least part thereof, as appropriate) is integrally formed with the adjustable body.

Each feature disclosed in the description, and (where appropriate) the claims and drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination. Reference numerals appearing in the claims are by way of illustration only and shall have no limiting effect on the scope of the claims.

Claims

1 . A protective apparatus for a multi-node junction for fibre optic cables, the multi-node junction having an internal splice organiser for receiving fibre optic cables and having a rigid closure for enclosing the internal splice organiser, the protective apparatus comprising:

an adjustable body capable of being manipulated by a user so as to surround the internal splice organiser, wherein the protective apparatus is dimensioned so as to allow the rigid closure to enclose the internal splice organiser and the protective apparatus when the protective apparatus surrounds the internal splice organiser; and

a retaining formation for retaining the adjustable body in a form that surrounds the internal splice organiser.

2. An apparatus according to Claim 1 , wherein the retaining formation is releasable.

3. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the retaining formation comprises: a tongue and slit; a tie cable; adhesive; a magnetic strip; an electrostatic fastener; a snap fastener; a friction fit fastener; and/or velcro.

4. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the retaining formation comprises a pair of complementary couplings.

5. An apparatus according to Claim 5, wherein the pair of complementary couplings are arranged at distal ends of the adjustable body.

6. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the adjustable body is capable of being manipulated so as to form a cylinder, and wherein the retaining formation is arranged to retain the adjustable body in the form of a cylinder.

7. An apparatus according to Claim 7, wherein the cylinder is available to have a circumference that is equal to or greater than the circumference of the internal splice organiser.

8. An apparatus according to Claim 7 or 8, wherein the cylinder is available to have a circumference that is less than the circumference of the rigid closure.

9. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the retaining formation is adjustable so as to allow the adjustable body to envelop different volumes of space.

10. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the adjustable body and/or the retaining formation is/are formed of a flexible material.

1 1 . An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the adjustable body and/or the retaining formation is/are formed of an elastic material.

12. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the adjustable body and/or the retaining formation is/are formed of a waterproof material.

13. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the adjustable body and/or the retaining formation is/are in the form of a sheet.

14. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the adjustable body and/or the retaining formation is/are formed of plastic and/or rubber.

15. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the protective apparatus and/or the adjustable body is formed, or composed entirely of, poly(methyl methacrylate); polyethylene; polyvinyl chloride; polypropylene; polystyrene; polylactic acid; polycarbonate; polyoxymethylene; nylon and/or silicone.

16. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the adjustable body is in the form of a rectangular sheet.

17. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the adjustable body has a thickness of up to 10mm.

18. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the adjustable body has a length of between 200mm and 1 ,000mm in length.

19. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the adjustable body has a width between 500mm and 1 ,500mm.

20. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the adjustable body comprises a marking for indicating a length to which the adjustable body may be cut.

21 . An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the protective apparatus is formed as a single piece.

22. An apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 20, wherein the adjustable body comprises a plurality of rigid panels.

23. An apparatus according to Claim 22, wherein the plurality of rigid panels are coupled together by means of an articulating coupling.

24. An apparatus according to Claim 23, wherein the articulating coupling extends perpendicularly to the plurality of rigid panels.

25. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the retaining formation and the adjustable body are integrally formed.

26. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the adjustable body comprises a transparent or translucent portion.

27. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the protective apparatus and/or the adjustable body is entirely composed of a transparent or translucent material.

28. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the adjustable body is in the form of a net or mesh.

29. A multi-node junction for fibre optic cables comprising a protective apparatus according to any preceding claim.