EP4367543A1

EP4367543A1 - Telecommunications tray

Info

Publication number: EP4367543A1
Application number: EP22838406.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Bart Mattie Claessens; El Moïz Mohammed Michel GHAMMAM
Original assignee: Commscope Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Commscope Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2021-07-07
Filing date: 2022-07-07
Publication date: 2024-05-15
Also published as: WO2023283340A1

Abstract

A telecommunications tray assembly can include a support structure including an alignment protrusion; a telecommunications tray having a longitudinal axis and including an alignment notch, a connection arrangement rotatably connecting the telecommunications tray to the support structure about a pivot axis, wherein the alignment protrusion is received within the alignment notch such that the telecommunications tray can only be connected to the support structure in a first orientation about the longitudinal axis, and a positioning arrangement enabling the telecommunications tray to be rotated, with respect to the support structure, between a closed position and an open position, wherein positioning arrangement provides resistance to rotation of the telecommunications tray between the open and closed rotational positions.

Description

TELECOMMUNICATIONS TRAY

REUATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is being filed on July 7, 2022 as a PCT International Patent Application and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 63/219,148, filed on July 7, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] To increase storage density, some telecommunications equipment resides in stacked and hinged trays. In order to gain access to one of the hinged trays, the trays above that tray must be rotated up and held in this position. In some prior art designs, a separate member, sometimes referred to as a “kickstand” is provided on each tray that can be rotated to hold the tray and all above trays in the upward position. Necessarily, the kickstand must be designed to hold the weight of multiple trays. In some configurations, multiple trays are rotatably mounted to a tower or base structure via a hinged connection point. Improvements are desired.

SUMMARY

[0003] A telecommunications tray assembly can include a support structure including an alignment protrusion; a telecommunications tray having a longitudinal axis and including an alignment notch; a connection arrangement rotatably connecting the telecommunications tray to the support structure about a pivot axis, wherein the alignment protrusion is received within the alignment notch such that the telecommunications tray can only be connected to the support structure in a first orientation about the longitudinal axis; and a positioning arrangement enabling the telecommunications tray to be rotated, with respect to the support structure, between a closed position and an open position, wherein the positioning arrangement provides resistance to rotation of the telecommunications tray between the open and closed rotational positions.

[0004] In some examples, the support structure includes a groove plate. [0005] In some examples, the connection arrangement includes one or more support members extending to rounded distal ends and the support structure includes one or more curved channels for receiving the distal ends.

[0006] In some examples, the connection arrangement includes a support wall extending between the one or more support members, wherein the alignment notch is located within the support wall.

[0007] In some examples, the alignment notch is located further away from the longitudinal axis than the positioning arrangement.

[0008] In some examples, the positioning arrangement includes a positioning member located on the telecommunications tray received in an open channel located on the support structure.

[0009] In some examples, the positioning member has a square cross-sectional shape.

[0010] In some examples, the connection arrangement includes a hinge member associated with one of the telecommunications tray and the support structure and an aperture receiving the hinge member on the other of the telecommunications tray and the support structure.

[0011] In some examples, the alignment notch is located further away from the longitudinal axis than the hinge member.

[0012] In some examples, the hinge member is positioned on a first support arm and the aperture is positioned on a second support arm.

[0013] In some examples, one or both of the first and second support arms is deflectable.

[0014] In some examples, the hinge member and the first arm includes a pair of hinge members and a pair of first support arms and wherein the aperture and the second support arm includes a pair of apertures and a pair of second support arms.

[0015] A telecommunications tray assembly can include a support structure including an alignment protrusion; a telecommunications tray having a longitudinal axis and including an alignment notch; and connection arrangement rotatably connecting the telecommunications tray to the support structure about a pivot axis, wherein the alignment protrusion is received within the alignment notch such that the telecommunications tray can only be connected to the support structure in a first orientation about the longitudinal axis.

[0016] In some examples, the connection arrangement includes one or more support members extending to rounded distal ends and the support structure includes one or more curved channels for receiving the distal ends.

[0017] In some examples, the connection arrangement includes a support wall extending between the one or more support members, wherein the alignment notch is located within the support wall.

[0018] In some examples, the assembly further includes a positioning arrangement enabling the telecommunications tray to be rotated, with respect to the support structure, between a closed position and an open position, wherein the positioning arrangement provides resistance to rotation of the telecommunications tray between the open and closed rotational positions.

[0019] In some examples, the alignment notch is located further away from the longitudinal axis than the positioning arrangement.

[0020] In some examples, the positioning arrangement includes a positioning member located on the telecommunications tray received in an open channel located on the support structure.

[0021] In some examples, the positioning member has a square cross-sectional shape.

[0022] In some examples, the connection arrangement includes a hinge member associated with one of the telecommunications tray and the support structure and an aperture receiving the hinge member on the other of the telecommunications tray and the support structure.

[0023] In some examples, the alignment notch is located further away from the longitudinal axis than the hinge member.

[0024] In some examples, the hinge member is positioned on a first support arm and the aperture is positioned on a second support arm.

[0025] In some examples, one or both of the first and second support arms are deflectable. [0026] In some examples, the hinge member and the first arm include a pair of hinge members and a pair of first support arms, wherein the aperture and the second support arm include a pair of apertures and a pair of second support arms.

[0027] A telecommunications tray assembly can include a support structure such as a structure including a groove plate; a telecommunications tray having a longitudinal axis; a connection arrangement rotatably connecting the telecommunications tray to the support structure about a pivot axis; and a positioning arrangement enabling the telecommunications tray to be rotated, with respect to the support structure, between a closed position and an open position, wherein the positioning arrangement provides resistance to rotation of the telecommunications tray between the open and closed rotational positions, wherein the positioning arrangement includes a plurality of alternating first and second arrangements, each configured to receive a telecommunications tray, wherein the first arrangements include a single pair of oppositely facing first walls and the second arrangements include two pairs of oppositely facing second walls.

[0028] In some examples, the first walls are aligned with the longitudinal axis.

[0029] In some examples, the second walls are located further away from the longitudinal axis than the first walls.

[0030] In some examples, the second walls are outbound of the first walls.

[0031] In some examples, at least some of the first walls partially overlap with at least some of the second walls along a common line extending in a direction parallel with the pivot axis.

[0032] In some examples, the first and second walls each define planar interior facing surfaces extending to distal ends of the first and second walls.

[0033] A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the examples disclosed herein are based.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0034] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the description, illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

[0035] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a schematic representation of a telecommunications tray assembly having features in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of the tray assembly shown in Figure 1.

[0037] Figure 3 is a side view of the tray assembly shown in Figure 1, with both trays in a first or closed position.

[0038] Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-section of the tray assembly shown in Figure 3 at the location of a hinge arrangement.

[0039] Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross-section of the tray assembly shown in Figure 3 at the location of a positioning arrangement.

[0040] Figure 6 is a side view of the tray assembly shown in Figure 1, with the top tray in a second position and the bottom tray in the first position.

[0041] Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-section of the tray assembly shown in Figure 6 at the location of the hinge arrangement.

[0042] Figure 8 is a longitudinal cross-section of the tray assembly shown in Figure 6 at the location of the positioning arrangement.

[0043] Figure 9 is a side view of the tray assembly shown in Figure 1, with the top tray in a third or open position and the bottom tray in the closed position.

[0044] Figure 10 is a longitudinal cross-section of the tray assembly shown in Figure 9 at the location of the hinge arrangement.

[0045] Figure 11 is a longitudinal cross-section of the tray assembly shown in Figure 9 at the location of the positioning arrangement.

[0046] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a groove plate of the tray assembly shown in Figure 1.

[0047] Figure 13 is a front view of the groove plate shown in Figure 12.

[0048] Figure 14 is a top view of the groove plate shown in Figure 12. [0049] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a portion of the groove plate shown in Figure 12.

[0050] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the groove plate shown in Figure 9, taken along the line 16-16 in Figure 14.

[0051] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the groove plate shown in Figure 9, taken along the line 17-17 in Figure 14.

[0052] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the groove plate shown in Figure 9, taken along the line 18-18 in Figure 14.

[0053] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the groove plate shown in Figure 9, taken along the line 19-19 in Figure 14.

[0054] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the groove plate shown in Figure 9, taken along the line 20-20 in Figure 14.

[0055] Figure 21 is a perspective view of a tray of the tray assembly shown in Figure 1.

[0056] Figure 22 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the tray shown in Figure 21.

[0057] Figure 23 is top view of the tray shown in Figure 21.

[0058] Figure 24 is an enlarged top view of a portion of the tray shown in Figure 21.

[0059] Figure 25 is a bottom view of the tray shown in Figure 21.

[0060] Figure 26 is an end view of the tray shown in Figure 21.

[0061] Figure 27 is a side view of the tray shown in Figure 21.

[0062] Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view of the tray shown in Figure 21, taken along the line 28-28 in Figure 24.

[0063] Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view of the tray shown in Figure 21, taken along the line 29-29 in Figure 24.

[0064] Figure 30 is a perspective schematic view of a telecommunications system having an enclosure housing a plurality of the tray assemblies shown in Figure 1.

[0065] Figure 31 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the telecommunications system shown at Figure 30. [0066] Figure 32 is a perspective schematic view of a telecommunications system having an enclosure housing a plurality of the tray assemblies shown in Figure 1.

[0067] Figure 33 is a perspective schematic view of a stack of the tray assemblies shown in Figure 1 arranged on a base for mounting within the enclosure of the telecommunications system shown at Figure 32.

[0068] Figure 34 is a perspective schematic view of an alternate configuration of the stack of tray assemblies that can be used in conjunction with the base shown at Figure 33 and enclosure shown at Figure 32.

[0069] Figure 35 is an exploded perspective schematic view of the stack of tray assemblies shown at Figure 34.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] Various examples will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various examples does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible examples for the appended claims. Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numbers correspond to like or similar components throughout the several figures.

[0071] It is noted that the following description may utilize directional language (e.g., raised, lowered, upper, lower, horizontal, vertical, etc.) that indicates a particular orientation. Although the disclosed tray assemblies 100 can be oriented as shown in the drawings, many other orientations are possible, and the directional language used herein should not be taken to limit the disclosure.

[0072] Referring to Figures 1-11, a tray assembly 100 is presented. As shown, the tray assembly 100 includes a plurality of stacked trays 110 rotatably connected to and supported by a support structure 160. In the particular example shown, the support structure 160 can include a groove plate 160 of the type shown in isolation at Figures 12 to 20. The support structure 160 can also be configured as a support tower to which multiple trays 110 are directly and rotatably attached . In one aspect, and as most easily seen at Figures 31 33, the groove plates 160 can be mounted to interconnected support frames 190 with a snap-fit type of connection or via another method, such as with fasteners. In the example shown at Figure 31, two interconnected support frames 190 are provided to which two groove plates 160 are attached on each. In the example shown at Figures 32 and 33, a single groove plate 160 is mounted to a single support frame 190 via connection features 162, 192, wherein a total of three groove plates 160 and three support frames 190 are provided. As shown, connection feature 162 is located on the groove plate 160 and is configured as a pair of T-shaped or flange members and connection features 192 is configured as a pair of slots that receive the flange members. The support frames 190 can also be configured to hold fewer or more groove plates 160, for example, a support frame 190 could be configured to hold only a single groove plate 160 or more than two groove plates 160, such as four or more groove plates 160. Some examples of support frames 190 usable with the tray assembly 100 are shown and described in International PCT Publication No. WO 2020/205569, published on October 8, 2020 and entitled Optical Fiber Splice Tray Organizer, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. In an alternative arrangement, the groove plates 160 can be configured to interconnect with each other such that multiple tray assemblies 100 can be stacked together. In the example shown, two stacked trays 110 are provided on each groove plate 160. However, the groove plates 160 are provided with four mounting locations such that four shallower trays can also be mounted to each groove plate 160. It is also possible to configure a groove plate supporting other numbers of trays, for example, one, two, six, or more trays 110 may be mounted onto a groove plate 160 configured with fewer or more mounting locations.

[0073] As shown, the trays 110 are connected to the groove plate 160 with interconnecting features provided on the trays 110 and the groove plate 160. The tray assembly 100 also includes positioning features that enable the trays 110 to be held at predetermined rotational positions with respect to the groove plate 160. The positioning features includes interconnecting features provided on the trays 110 and the groove plate 160.

[0074] Referring to Figures 21 to 29, a single tray 110 is shown in isolation. In one aspect, the tray 110 includes a main body portion 112. The main body portion 112 is shown as defining a base surface or end wall 112a from which perimeter sidewalls 112b extends. Together, the end wall 112a and sidewalls 112b define an interior storage space 112c for housing telecommunications cables and other related components. The main body 112 is also shown with retention features 112d, 112e such as projections and structures, to facilitate the retention of telecommunications components and cables. In some examples, the tray 110 is configured as a fiber optic splice tray.

[0075] Still with reference to Figures 21 to 29, a first portion or part 140 of a connection arrangement 114 can be viewed in further detail. The first portion 140 is the part of the connection arrangement 114 that is associated with the tray 110 and is configured to interconnect with a second portion or part 170 of the connection arrangement 114 associated with the groove plate 160.

[0076] In one aspect, the first portion 140 of the connection arrangement 114 includes a support wall or sidewall 142 extending from the end wall 112a of the tray 110. A pair of arms 144 extend from the sidewall 142 with a hinge member 146 extending from each of the arms 144. As shown, the arms 144 extend in a generally parallel relationship to each other and parallel with a longitudinal axis X of the tray. The hinge members 146 extend towards each other from the arms 144 such that the hinge members 146 extend generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X. In one aspect, the hinge members 146 are coaxially aligned along a common axis, which defines a pivot axis P of the tray 110. As most easily viewed at Figures 24 and 28, the hinge members 146 are provided with a cross-section that is square shaped with rounded comers. A generally cylindrical in shape with a circular cross-section is also possible. The hinge members 146 further include a ramped surface 146a at a distal end 146b of the hinge member 146. As shown, the ramped surface 146a extends at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis X and the pivot axis P and faces away from the support wall 142 to give the hinge member 146 a generally tapered shape at the distal end 146b. As discussed later in more detail, the ramped surface 146a and the deflectability of the arms 144, which may be characterized as deflectable members, enable the tray 110 to be more easily connected to the groove plate 160. The first part 140 of the connection arrangement 114 can also include a first pair of support members 148 and a second pair of support members 149 extending from the wall 142. The support members

148, 149 are shown as being located on the outbound sides of the arms 144 and are provided with rounded distal ends 148a, 149a. In one aspect, the rounded distal ends 148a, 149a have a circular shape.

[0077] On one side of the tray 110, a support wall 147 extends between the support members 148, 149, which can increase the structural integrity of the support members 148,

149. As shown, the support wall 147 is provided with an alignment notch or opening 147a for receiving an alignment protrusion 178b located on one side of the groove plate 160. Each alignment protrusion 178b is shown as being located on a groove 178. Other locations are possible. In one aspect, the groove plate 160 is asymmetrical about a longitudinal axis X of the groove plate 160 due to the presence of the protrusion 178b. In one aspect, the first part 140 of the connection arrangement 114 is also asymmetrical due about the longitudinal axis X of the tray 110 due to the presence of the notch 147a. As the notch 147a is provided on only one side of the tray 110 and the protrusion 178b is provided on only one side of the groove plate 160, it is thus ensured that the tray 110 can only be installed in one orientation with respect to the groove plate 160. For example, the notch 147a and protrusion 178b prevent a tray 110 from being installed upside down onto the groove plate 160. It is noted that where a groove plate is not used and the trays 110 connect directly to a tower having similar features, the tower can be provided with a protrusion or notch similar to that shown and described for the groove plate. In some examples, the tray 110 is provided with a protrusion while the groove plate 160 is provided with a notch. In some examples, the tray 110 includes both protrusions and notches that are received by respective notches and protrusions on the groove plate 160. It is also noted that the tray and/or groove plate can each be provided with a plurality of spaced apart notches and/or a plurality of spaced apart protrusions. Further, each of the grooves 178 on the groove plate can be provided with notch or protrusion alignment features that have different shapes or profdes from each other while each of the support walls 147 can also be provided with notch or protrusion alignment features that have different shapes or profdes from each other. Such an arrangement still results in the tray and groove plate having an asymmetrical design that ensures the trays are mounted in the proper orientation. In another example, the tray is provided with a protrusion on one support wall and a notch on the other support wall for respectively interacting with a notch on one groove of the groove plate and a protrusion on the other groove of the groove plate. In one aspect, the protrusion 178b has a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape with a rounded or curved distal end. Other shapes are possible. In one aspect, the notch 147a has a rectangular cross-sectional shape. Other shapes are possible. In one aspect, the protrusion 178b and notch 147a can be characterized as having complementary shapes to each other.

[0078] On the opposite side of the tray, a support structure 145 is provided and extends between the support members 148, 149. As shown, the support structure 145 includes a pair of support walls 145a between which a third support member 145b is provided. The support member 145b has a rounded distal end 145c that functions in a similar manner as distal ends 148a, 149a. In an alternative arrangement, a single support member 148 or 149 could be used on each side of the arms 144. In an alternative arrangement, a single cylindrically shaped support member having a length equal to the distance between the shown support members 148, 149 could be used instead of a pair of spaced apart support members 148, 149.

[0079] The second portion 170 of the connection arrangement 114, located on the groove plate 160, is most easily viewed at Figures 12-14, 16, and 18. In one aspect, the second portion 170 includes a pair of arms 172, with each defining an aperture 174 for receiving the hinge members 146 on the tray 110. In the example shown, each aperture 174 has an elongate shape, such as an oblong or slotted shape with a width that is generally equal to the diameter of the hinge members 146 and a length that is greater than the diameter of the hinge members 146. In one aspect, the arms 172 are provided with a recess or channel structure 176 extending from the distal end of the deflectable member 172 to the aperture 174. The channel structure 176 defines side surfaces 176a and an end surface 176b. As shown, each of the surfaces 176a, 176b is sloped such that the channel structure narrows in each dimension towards the aperture 174. The configuration of the channel structure 176 operates to initially receive and guide the hinge members 146 into the apertures 174. When installing a tray 110 onto the groove plate 160, the tray 110 is oriented such that hinge members 146 are initially aligned with the channel structures 176 and such that the ramped surfaces 146a of the hinge members 146 will initially contact the sloped end surface 176b of the channel structure 176. The distance between the distal ends 146b of the hinge members is greater than the distance between the arms 172 and apertures 174. Accordingly, as the tray 110 is moved towards the groove plate 160, the contact between the hinge members 146 and end surfaces 176b will cause the arms 144 to expand in an outward direction and will cause the arms 172 to deflect in an inward direction until the hinge members 146 are received into the apertures 174. At this point, the arms 144 and 172 snap back into their natural resting state and a snap-fit type connection results. Simultaneously, the distal ends 148a, 149a of the support members 148, 149 are brought into contact with channels or grooves 178 on the groove plate 160. Each of the channels or grooves 178 have rounded or circular concave surfaces 178a that are complementary to the distal ends 148a, 149a of the support members 148, 149. The surfaces 148a, 149a, 178a remain in contact while the tray 110 rotates relative to the groove plate 160 and also define a maximum insertion of the tray 110 with respect to the groove plate 160. Thus the support members 148, 149 and the channels or grooves 178 cooperate to ensure that the hinge members 146 are properly positioned within the apertures 174 such that the hinge members 146 are held proximate and/or pressed against an inner distal end surface 174a of the apertures 174 and also to ensure that the positioning members 154 are properly positioned between below-discussed walls 182, 183 of the groove plate 160. With such a configuration, the tray is able to pivot about a static pivot axis P even though the apertures 174 are not round and centered on the pivot axis. Also, with the configuration of the arms 172 having elongate apertures 174 that are open to the back side of the groove plate 160, the groove plate 160 is more easily moldable as slide pins are not needed to form a circular, enclosed aperture.

[0080] In one aspect, the arms 172 can also be provided with a thickened portion or projection 172a at the distal end of the arms 172 and opposite the end surface 176b. The additional material provided by the projection 172a adds structural integrity to the arms 172 above the aperture 174 where the channel structure 176 has decreased the material thickness of the arms 172. Once connected, the tray 110 can rotate with respect to the groove plate 160. Although both pairs of arms 144 and 174 are described as being deflectable, one set of arms can be configured to be relatively more flexible than the other pair of arms such that the majority or all of the deflection occurs in one set of arms with little or no deflection occurring in the other set of arms. In an alternative arrangement, the hinge members could be provided on arms 172 while the apertures could be provided on the arms 144.

[0081] In one aspect, the tray 110 also includes a first part 150 of a positioning arrangement. As shown, the positioning arrangement includes a pair of extension members 152 extending from the support wall or sidewall 142 with a positioning member 154 extending therebetween. As shown, the extension members 152 extend in a generally parallel relationship to each other and parallel with the longitudinal axis X of the tray. The positioning member 154 extends generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X and is coaxially aligned with the pivot axis P of the tray 110 and the hinge members 146. As most easily seen at Figure 29, the positioning member 154 is provided with exterior surfaces 154a, 154b, 154c, 154d. The exterior surfaces 154a- 154d interact with a second part 180 of the positioning arrangement. As most easily seen at Figure 29, the positioning member 154 has a general cross-sectional overall height and a width. In the example shown, the height is the same as the width, but other configurations are possible.

[0082] As most easily seen at Figures 12-14 and Figure 17, the second parts 180, located on the groove plate 160, of the positioning arrangement are shown. In one aspect, the second parts 180 include alternating first arrangements 180a and second arrangements 180b such that one tray 110 will connect to one of the arrangements 180a, 180b, and an immediately adjacent tray(s) 110 can connect to the other of the arrangements 180a, 180b. As noted elsewhere, the trays 110 shown in the drawings have a height such that only every other second part 180 is utilized, and in particular only the first arrangements 180a are used. However, where shallower or lesser height trays 110 are provided (i.e., trays having one half the height of the depicted trays 110), each of the second parts 180 is used wherein every other tray 110 connects to a first arrangement 180a and every other tray connects to a second arrangement 180b. In one aspect, the first arrangements 180a each include a single pair of spaced apart oppositely-facing walls 182 while the second arrangements 180b each include two pairs of spaced apart oppositely-facing walls 183 that are laterally offset from the walls 182 such that they are outbound of the walls 182. With such an arrangement, the walls 182, 183 can be located closer together in a slightly overlapping configuration which reduces the spacing between adjacent walls 182, 183. This relationship is most easily seen at Figure 13 where it can be seen that the three uppermost walls 182 at least partially overlap with the three bottommost walls 183, in a direction between the top and bottom of the groove plate 160. As a point of illustration, it can also be seen in Figure 13 that a portion of the uppermost wall 182 and a portion of the second-to-top wall 183 each at least partially lie along a common axis or line L. This arrangement results in closer stacking of the trays 110 and/or for narrower trays 110 to be used, as compared to an arrangement including only walls 182 or only walls 183 without requiring a reduction in wall thickness. Accordingly, a more robust and compact arrangement is achieved using the disclosed design.

[0083] In one aspect, the first arrangement 180a has a single pair of spaced apart oppositely-facing walls 182 with interior surfaces 182a defining an open channel 182b.

The walls 182 are disposed in a generally parallel arrangement, but the interior surfaces 182a do diverge at a small angle towards the distal end such that the distance between the interior surfaces 182a at the distal ends of the walls 182 is wider than at the base end of the walls 182 such that the positioning member 154 can be more easily received into the open channel 182b. Once the tray 110 is connected to the groove plate 160, the positioning member 154 resides in the open channel 182b. As the trays 110 are held in position by the hinge members 146, the interior surfaces 182a are planar and/or extend straight to distal ends of the walls 182, wherein the walls 182 are provided without latch or hook type features that would otherwise be required to retain the tray 110 to the groove plate 160 via the positioning member 154 alone.

[0084] In one aspect, the second arrangement 180b has two pairs of spaced apart, oppositely-facing walls 183 with interior surfaces 183a defining an open channel 183b.

The walls 183 are disposed in a generally parallel arrangement, but the interior surfaces 183a do diverge at a small angle towards the distal end such that the distance between the interior surfaces 183a at the distal ends of the walls 183 is wider than at the base end of the walls 183 such that the positioning member 154 can be more easily received into the open channel 183b. Once the tray 110 is connected to the groove plate 160, the positioning member 154 resides in the open channel 183b. As the trays 110 are held in position by the hinge members 146, the interior surfaces 183a are planar and/or extend straight to distal ends of the walls 183, wherein the walls 183 are provided without latch or hook type features that would otherwise be required to retain the tray 110 to the groove plate 160 via the positioning member 154 alone.

[0085] Referring to Figures 3 to 11, the progressive operation and interaction between the positioning member 154 with respect to the walls 182 during rotation of the tray 110 is illustrated. It is noted that the walls 182, 183 are not actually shown as being deflected in the drawings for the purposes of illustration and such that the degree of otherwise occurring interference can be more easily visualized. A skilled person will readily understand that the walls 182, 183 will deflect away from the positioning member 154 as a contact force between the parts generates.

[0086] As most easily seen at Figures 3-5, the trays 110 are rotated into a first or closed position in which the exterior surfaces 154a, 154c are not in contact, or are at most in minimal contact, with the interior surfaces 182a of the walls 182. The same would be true for trays 110 installed utilizing walls 183 as well. In this first position, it can also be seen that a sloped portion at the bottom of the tray 110 is supported by the arms 172 associated with a lower mounting location such that the tray 110 is held in a horizontal position and will not rotate downwardly or in a counterclockwise direction, as shown on the page. [0087] As the tray 110 rotates beyond the position shown at Figures 6-8, resistance caused by the interaction between the positioning member 154 and the walls 182 or 183 will occur as the comers of the positioning member 154 forces outward deflection of the walls 182 or 183. As the tray 110 is further rotated, the tray 110 will reach a fully open position at 90 degrees, as shown at Figures 9-11. In this position, the exterior surfaces 154b, 154d are brought into contact with the interior surfaces 182a or 183a to index or hold the tray 110 in the open position. At this position, the walls 182 will deflect back towards their resting position. Thus, an operator will receive tactile feedback that the open position has been reached as the initially encountered resistance will rapidly decrease at 90 degrees of rotation. In the open position, there is sufficient resistive force between the positioning member 154 and the walls 182 or 183 in both rotational directions such that the tray 110 is retained in the open position. As the comers formed by positioning member 154 are generally provided at a right angle and are not chamfered, the tray 110 is essentially prevented from opening beyond the open position, as an unusually high rotational force would be required to facilitate continued rotation of the tray 110. Other configurations for the positioning member are possible. For example, a positioning member of the type disclosed in International PCT Publication WO 2020/205572, published on October 8, 2020 and entitled Tray Hinge Interface System may be used. The entirety of the WO ‘572 publication is incorporated by reference herein.

[0088] In one aspect, the groove plate 160 is shown with four connection arrangement second parts 170 and four corresponding positioning arrangement second parts 180 such that multiple trays can be supported by the groove plate 160. However, more or fewer second parts 170, 180 can be provided without departing from the concepts presented herein. For example, the groove plate can be provided with one, two, six, eight, ten, twelve, or more second parts 170, 180.

[0089] In the example shown, the connection arrangement first part 140 and the positioning arrangement first part 150 are integrally formed with the main body 112 of the tray 110. In some examples, the main body portion 112 and the first parts 140, 150 of each tray 110 are unitarily formed as a single component. In some examples, the trays 110 and/or the groove plate 160 are formed from a polymeric material, such as an ABS polycarbonate material.

[0090] Referring to Figures 30-35, examples of telecommunications systems 10 and 20 housing a plurality of the tray assemblies 100 are shown. Some aspects of the telecommunications systems 10 are shown and described in the PCT International Publication WO 2020/205569 previously mentioned and in PCT International Publication WO 2013/149846, published on October 10, 2013 and entitled Telecommunications Enclosure and Organizer, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0091] In one aspect, and as shown at Figures 30-31, the telecommunications system 10 includes an enclosure 200 with a base 202 and a removable cover 204. Within the enclosure 200 is an internal supporting structure 206 to which the groove plates 160 can be mounted either directly or indirectly. It is noted that the trays 110 shown at Figure 31 have a lower profile in comparison to the trays 110 shown in Figures 1-29 such that more trays can be mounted to a single groove plate 160 using both walls 182 and 183.

However, the trays 110 shown at Figures 1-29 can also be mounted within the system 10.

[0092] Referring to Figures 32 to 35, telecommunications system 20 is shown in further detail. In one aspect, and as shown at Figure 32, the telecommunications system 20 includes an enclosure 300 with a base 302 and a cover 304 operable to close and open with respect to the base 302. As shown at Figure 33, a base tray 306 is shown that is mountable to the enclosure base 302. The base tray 306 is configured to receive and retain a groove plate 160 in a manner such that the groove plate 160 is rotatable with respect to the base tray 306. An additional three groove plates 160 are stacked onto the bottom groove plate 160, wherein each groove plate 160 rotatably supports four trays 110. It is noted that the trays 110 shown at Figure 33 have a lower profile in comparison to the trays 110 shown in Figures 1-29 such that more trays can be mounted to a single groove plate 160 using both walls 182 and 183. However, the trays 110 shown at Figures 1-29 can also be mounted within the system 20. It is also noted that the trays 110 shown at Figures 33- 35 would necessarily have a positioning member 154 that is rotated about the pivot axis P about 45 degrees in comparison to the depicted position such that the trays 110 are in the first or closed position, as shown at Figures 33-35 and can be rotated 90 degrees into the second or open position.

[0093] Other configurations of enclosures and supporting structures are also possible. For example, the groove plates may be stacked and mounted to other types of structure, such as a tower that is non-vertical, for example a tower sloped at 45 degrees.

[0094] From the forgoing detailed description, it will be evident that modifications and variations can be made in the aspects of the disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the aspects. While the best modes for carrying out the many aspects of the present teachings have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which these teachings relate will recognize various alternative aspects for practicing the present teachings that are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A telecommunications tray assembly comprising: a) a support structure including an alignment protrusion; b) a telecommunications tray having a longitudinal axis and including an alignment notch; c) a connection arrangement rotatably connecting the telecommunications tray to the support structure about a pivot axis, wherein the alignment protrusion is received within the alignment notch such that the telecommunications tray can only be connected to the support structure in a first orientation about the longitudinal axis; and d) a positioning arrangement enabling the telecommunications tray to be rotated, with respect to the support structure, between a closed position and an open position, wherein the positioning arrangement provides resistance to rotation of the telecommunications tray between the open and closed positions.

2. The telecommunications tray assembly of claim 1, wherein the connection arrangement includes one or more support members extending to rounded distal ends and the support structure includes one or more curved channels for receiving the distal ends.

3. The telecommunications tray assembly of claim 2, wherein the connection arrangement includes a support wall extending between the one or more support members, wherein the alignment notch is located within the support wall.

4. The telecommunications tray assembly of claim 1, or any other preceding claim, wherein the alignment notch is located further away from the longitudinal axis than the positioning arrangement.

5. The telecommunications tray assembly of claim 1, or any other preceding claim, wherein the positioning arrangement includes a positioning member located on the telecommunications tray received in an open channel located on the support structure.

6. The telecommunications tray assembly of claim 5, wherein the positioning member has a square cross-sectional shape.

7. The telecommunications tray assembly of claim 1, or any other preceding claim, wherein the connection arrangement includes a hinge member associated with one of the telecommunications tray and the support structure and an aperture receiving the hinge member on the other of the telecommunications tray and the support structure.

8. The telecommunications tray assembly of claim 7, wherein the alignment notch is located further away from the longitudinal axis than the hinge member.

9. The telecommunications tray assembly of claim 7, wherein the hinge member is positioned on a first support arm and the aperture is positioned on a second support arm.

10. The telecommunications tray assembly of claim 9, wherein one or both of the first and second support arms are deflectable.

11. The telecommunications tray of claim 9, wherein the hinge member and the first support arm include a pair of hinge members and a pair of first support arms, and wherein the aperture and the second support arm include a pair of apertures and a pair of second support arms.

12. A telecommunications tray assembly comprising: a) a support structure including an alignment protrusion; b) a telecommunications tray having a longitudinal axis and including an alignment notch; and c) a connection arrangement rotatably connecting the telecommunications tray to the support structure about a pivot axis, wherein the alignment protrusion is received within the alignment notch such that the telecommunications tray can only be connected to the support structure in a first orientation about the longitudinal axis.

13. The telecommunications tray assembly of claim 12, wherein the connection arrangement includes one or more support members extending to rounded distal ends and the support structure includes one or more curved channels for receiving the distal ends.

14. The telecommunications tray assembly of claim 12 or 13, wherein the connection arrangement includes a support wall extending between the one or more support members, wherein the alignment notch is located within the support wall.

15. The telecommunications tray assembly of claim 12, or any other preceding claim, further including a positioning arrangement enabling the telecommunications tray to be rotated with respect to the support structure between a closed position and an open position, wherein the positioning arrangement provides resistance to rotation of the telecommunications tray between the open and closed positions.

16. The telecommunications tray assembly of claim 15, wherein the alignment notch is located further away from the longitudinal axis than the positioning arrangement.

17. The telecommunications tray assembly of claim 15, wherein the positioning arrangement includes a positioning member located on the telecommunications tray received in an open channel located on the support structure.

18. The telecommunications tray assembly of claim 17, wherein the positioning member has a square cross-sectional shape.

19. The telecommunications tray assembly of claim 12, or any other preceding claim, wherein the connection arrangement includes a hinge member associated with one of the telecommunications tray and the support structure and an aperture receiving the hinge member on the other of the telecommunications tray and the support structure.

20. The telecommunications tray assembly of claim 19, wherein the alignment notch is located further away from the longitudinal axis than the hinge member.

21. The telecommunications tray assembly of claim 19, wherein the hinge member is positioned on a first support arm and the aperture is positioned on a second support arm.

22. The telecommunications tray assembly of claim 21, wherein one or both of the first and second support arms are deflectable.

23. The telecommunications tray of claim 21, wherein the hinge member and the first arm include a pair of hinge members and a pair of first support arms, and wherein the aperture and the second support arm include a pair of apertures and a pair of second support arms.

24. A telecommunications tray assembly comprising: a) a support structure; b) a telecommunications tray having a longitudinal axis; c) a connection arrangement rotatably connecting the telecommunications tray to the support structure about a pivot axis; and d) a positioning arrangement enabling the telecommunications tray to be rotated with respect to the support structure, between a closed position and an open position, wherein the positioning arrangement provides resistance to rotation of the telecommunications tray between the open and closed positions, wherein the positioning arrangement includes a plurality of alternating first and second arrangements, each configured to receive a telecommunications tray, and wherein the first arrangements include a single pair of oppositely facing first walls and the second arrangements include two pairs of oppositely facing second walls.

25. The telecommunications tray assembly of claim 24, wherein the first walls are aligned with the longitudinal axis.

26. The telecommunications tray assembly of claim 24 or 25, wherein the second walls are located further away from the longitudinal axis than the first walls.

27. The telecommunications tray assembly of claim 24, or any other preceding claim, wherein the second walls are outbound of the first walls.

28. The telecommunications tray assembly of claim 24, or any other preceding claim, wherein at least some of the first walls partially overlap with at least some of the second walls along a common line extending in a direction parallel with the pivot axis.

29. The telecommunications tray assembly of claim 24, or any other preceding claim, wherein the first and second walls each define planar interior facing surfaces extending to distal ends of the first and second walls.