EP4594804A1

EP4594804A1 - Optical fiber management system

Info

Publication number: EP4594804A1
Application number: EP23873738.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Peterson Vilela MOREIRA; Karel A C VANWINKEL; Kristof Vastmans
Original assignee: Commscope Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Commscope Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2022-09-30
Filing date: 2023-09-14
Publication date: 2025-08-06
Also published as: WO2024073242A1

Abstract

An optical fiber management system, including a cabinet defining a planar surface, at least one optical fiber management tray hingedly couplable to the planar surface of the cabinet by way of a groove plate, at least one patch panel selectively couplable to the planar surface, and a pre-terminated optical cable at least partially secured within the at least one patch panel, wherein the pre-terminated optical cable includes a first connectorized end mounted to a patch panel face of the at least one patch panel for selective connection to one or more drop cables, and a second non-connectorized end optically connectable to one or more feeder cables by one of at least a splice or splitter fixedly couplable to the one or more optical fiber management tray, wherein excess cable between the at least one patch panel and the at least one optical fiber management tray is storable in a cable storage enclosure defined by the at least one patch panel.

Description

Attorney Docket No.02316.8595WOU1/6756 OPTICAL FIBER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is being filed on September 14, 2023, as a PCT International application and claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/411,940, filed September 30, 2022, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND In telecommunications industry, the demand for added capacity is growing rapidly. This demand is being met in part by the increasing use and density of fiber optic transmission equipment. Even though fiber optic equipment permits higher levels of transmission in the same or smaller footprint than traditional copper transmission equipment, the demand requires even higher levels of fiber density. This has led to the development of high-density fiber handling equipment. Optical fiber connection apparatuses, such as distribution cabinets, distribution frames, patch panels, and splice terminations are used wherever the interconnection or cross-connection of multiple optical fibers is required. For example, optical fiber cable comprising numerous individual fibers may enter a distribution cabinet, fiber frame, or patch panel for connection to the individual optical fibers that split off to provide service to homes or businesses. Often, it is desirable that such optical fiber management, and/or optical fiber connection apparatus, allow for the interconnection of a large number of individual fibers in as small a space as possible (e.g., high density connections). One example of such a system is described in US Patent No.9,195,021, the contents of which are incorporated by reference to the extent that the disclosure does not conflict with the teachings herein. It is further desirable to make the work of technicians installing and servicing the optical fiber connection apparatuses and associated optical fibers as simple as possible. Spools, reels, cassettes, and cartridges can be used to store excess optical fiber. The spools include a hub or a drum about which the cable is wound. The hub of the spools is often cylindrical, and the cable is often wrapped around the cylindrical hub in a predominantly circumferential manner. By winding up the cable on the spool, the cable can be compactly stored and transported, protected from tangling and kinking, and kept ready for easy deployment. Further development in such systems is desired. SUMMARY One aspect of the disclosure provides an optical fiber management system, including a cabinet defining a planar surface, at least one optical fiber management tray hingedly couplable to the planar surface of the cabinet by way of a groove plate, at least one patch panel selectively couplable to the planar surface, and a pre-terminated optical cable at least partially secured within the at least one patch panel, wherein the pre- terminated optical cable includes a first connectorized end mounted to a patch panel face of the at least one patch panel for selective connection to one or more drop cables, and a second non-connectorized end optically connectable to one or more feeder cables by one of at least a splice or splitter fixedly couplable to the one or more optical fiber management tray, wherein excess cable between the at least one patch panel and the at least one optical fiber management tray is storable in a cable storage enclosure defined by the at least one patch panel. In one aspect, the at least one patch panel defines at least one inlet port through which a portion of the pre-terminated optical cable traverses. In one aspect, the at least one patch panel further defines at least one cable retainer positioned in proximity to the at least one inlet port. In one aspect, the at least one cable retainer includes a protrusion defining at least one cable mount shaped and sized to receive a portion of the pre- terminated optical cable, and a slot configured to receive a cable tie. In one aspect, the protrusion defines a pair of substantially orthogonally oriented cable mounts and a pair of substantially orthogonally oriented slots configured to receive cable ties. In one aspect, an interior of the cable storage enclosure defines a storage spool upon which a portion of the pre-terminated cable is wound. In one aspect, an interior of the cable storage enclosure further defines a plurality of cable retaining hooks equally spaced around a perimeter of the storage spool. In one aspect, the at least one patch panel includes a first patch panel cover portion and a second patch panel cover portion. In one aspect, the first patch panel cover portion is hingedly coupled to the second patch panel cover portion enabling selective access to an interior of the cable storage enclosure. In one aspect, the system further includes one or more brackets mountable to the planar surface of the cabinet, the one or more brackets configured to receive a portion of the at least one patch panel to retain the at least one patch panel relative to the cabinet. In one aspect, the at least one patch panel defines one or more resilient arms defining one or more ramp surfaces configured to interact with one or more apertures defined within the one or more brackets, enabling the at least one patch panel to be coupled and decoupled from the cabinet. In one aspect, the patch panel face of the at least one patch panel includes a resilient arm defining opposed ramp surfaces with a channel positioned therebetween, enabling the at least one patch panel to be coupled and decoupled from an aperture defined within the cabinet. Another aspect of the disclosure provides an optical fiber management apparatus, including at least one optical fiber management tray, at least one patch panel, and a pre- terminated optical cable at least partially secured within the at least one patch panel, wherein the pre-terminated optical cable includes a first connectorized end mounted to a patch panel face of the at least one patch panel, and a second non-connectorized end, wherein excess cable between the first connectorized end and second non-connectorized end is storable in a cable storage enclosure defined by the at least one patch panel. In one aspect, an interior of the cable storage enclosure defines a storage spool upon which a portion of the pre-terminated cable can be wound. In one aspect, an interior of the cable storage enclosure further defines a plurality of cable retaining fingers or hooks spaced around a perimeter of the storage spool. In one aspect, the at least one patch panel includes a first patch panel cover portion and a second patch panel cover portion. In one aspect, the first patch panel cover portion is hingedly coupled to the second patch panel cover portion enabling selective access to an interior of the cable storage enclosure. Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of managing optical fiber, including: connecting a network subscriber cable to a first connectorized end of a pre-terminated optical cable, the pre-terminated optical cable at least partially secured within a patch panel; connecting a second non-connectorized end of the pre-terminated optical cable to a network provider cable by way of at least one of a splice or splitter; affixing the at least one of the splice or splitter to an optical fiber management tray pivotably connected to a supporting surface within a cabinet; coupling the patch panel to the supporting surface; and storing an excess cable length of the pre-terminated optical cable within a cable storage enclosure defined by the patch panel. In one aspect, the method further includes wrapping a portion of the excess cable length of the pre-terminated optical cable around a storage spool defined within the cable storage enclosure. In one aspect, the method further includes tying a portion of the pre- terminated optical cable to a cable retainer defined within the cable storage enclosure of the patch panel. The summary above is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The figures and the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The disclosure can be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the disclosure, in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.1 is a schematic view of an optical fiber management system, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 2A is a first perspective view of an optical fiber management system, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG.2B is a second perspective view of the optical fiber management system of FIG.2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG.3 is a perspective view of an optical fiber management system, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG.4 is an exploded, perspective view of an optical fiber management tray and mounting plate, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG.5A is an exploded, perspective view of a patch panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 5B is a close-up view of a cable retainer of the patch panel of FIG. 5A, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 5C is a close-up view of a resilient arm of the patch panel of FIG. 5A, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a plurality of patch panels position within a corresponding plurality of apertures defined in a supporting surface of a cabinet, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 6B is a partial cross-sectional view depicting a routing of one or more pre- terminated cables within a pair of patch panels, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG.7A is a perspective view of a portion of the patch panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 7B is a close of view of a cable retainer of the patch panel of FIG. 7A, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. FIGS. 8A-B depict removal of a patch panel from a first side of a supporting surface of a cabinet, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. FIGS.9A-B depict removal of the patch panel from a second side of a supporting surface of the cabinet, and accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. FIGS.10A-B depict a hinged coupling between a first patch panel cover portion and a second patch panel cover portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 11A depicts a plurality of patch panels operably coupled to a supporting surface of a cabinet by a corresponding plurality of brackets, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 11B depicts the plurality of brackets of FIG. 11A operably coupled to a supporting surface of a cabinet, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. FIGS. 12A-D depict a coupling between a patch panel and a bracket, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. While embodiments of the disclosure are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof shown by way of example in the drawings will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, where like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any example set forth in the specification is not intended to be limiting and merely sets forth some of the many possible embodiments for the claimed invention. Referring to FIG.1, a schematic view of an optical fiber management system 100 (hereinafter "system") is depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. As depicted, the system 100 can include a cabinet 102, one or more optical fiber management trays 104A-C, and one or more patch panels 106A-B. With additional reference to FIGS.2A-B and 3, in some embodiments, the cabinet 102 can be in the form of a housing or distribution cabinet generally defined as an enclosure, including a planar surface 108 suitable for mounting hardware thereto, and a plurality of walls with one or more selectively accessible covers configured to generally shield the planar surface 108 from environmental factors, including moisture intrusion. For example, in some embodiments, the cabinet 102 can include a cabinet housing and a door that is hingedly coupled to the housing, thereby enabling the door to open and close to provide selective access to a cabinet interior. The cabinet 102 can be provided with a perimeter seal that provides a seal against the elements when the door is closed and/or locked. In some embodiments, the cabinet 102 can include a handle and a locking mechanism to enable the door to be locked and unlocked, with manipulation of the handle causing the locking arrangement to lock and unlock the door with respect to the housing. The cabinet 102 can serve as a node (e.g., between network provider cables, such as feeder cables, and network subscriber cables, such as drop cables). As depicted, the planar surface 108 can serve as a base for mounting the one or more optical fiber management trays 104, and the one or more patch panels 106, as well as various mounting points for management of excess optical fiber within the cabinet 102. In some embodiments, the planar surface 108 can be located internal to a sealable housing (such as that depicted in FIGS.2A-B), such that aspects of hardware components mounted to the cabinet 102 are accessible on both sides of the planar surface 108 (e.g., a rear portion of the patch panels 106 are accessible on a first side 108A of the surface, and a front portion of the patch panels 106 are accessible on a second side 108B of the surface). In other embodiments, the planar surface 108 may need to only be accessed on one side. The planar surface 108 can be formed as a back surface of an enclosure, such that the various hardware components are mounted directly onto the surface 108 of the cabinet 102. As further depicted in FIG.1, the cabinet 102 can include one or more ports 110A-C configured to enable cables (e.g. optical cables, electrical cables, etc.) to pass therethrough and into the enclosure, which in embodiments can be selectively sealable to inhibit the intrusion of moisture and other contaminants. Although various optical fiber and hardware configurations are contemplated, in the example depicted in FIG.1, one or more feeder cables 112A-B enter the cabinet 102 at port 110A. Thereafter, optical fibers from the one or more feeder cables 112A-B can pass through the one or more optical fiber management trays 104A-C, and one or more patch panels 106A-B, and exit the cabinet 102 in the form of one or more drop cables 114A-C through ports 110B and 110C. For example, in one embodiment, a first feeder cable 112A can be routed to a first fiber management tray 104A, wherein at least one optical fiber within the first feeder cable 112A can be spliced to a pre-terminated optical cable 116 by way of a splice 118. The pre-terminated optical cable 116, which can be fitted with a standardized connector 120 (e.g., LC connector, SC connector, etc.) at a terminal end, can be optically connected to an adapter 122 housed within the patch panel 106A. A drop cable 114C, also fitted with a standardized connector 124, can be optically connected to the adapter 122 and routed through port 110C. As further depicted, a second feeder cable 112B can be routed to a second fiber management tray 104B, where at least one optical fiber within the second feeder cable 112B can be spliced by way of a splice 126 to an optical cable 128. The optical cable 128 can be routed to a splitter 130, which can split the optical cable 128 into a number of distinct optical cables 132A-C, each of which can be in the form of a pre-terminated optical cable fitted with a standardized connector 134A-C. The standardized connectors 134A-C can be optically connected to adapters 136A-C. A drop cable 114B, also fitted with a standardized connector 138A, can be optically connected to the adapter 136A and routed through port 110C. Another cable 140, also fitted with a standardized connector 138B, can be optically connected to the adapter 136B and routed to a third optical fiber management tray 104C. At the third optical fiber management tray 104C, at least one optical fiber of the cable 140 can be spliced by way of a splice 142 to a drop cable 114A, which can be routed through port 110B. As the various cables 116, 132A-C can represent pre-terminated cables having a fixed length, the optical fiber management system 100 can include various structures to aid in management of excess amounts of optical cable within the cabinet 102. For example, in embodiments, each of the patch panels 106A-B can include cable retaining members 144, 146A-C (e.g., spools, fingers, hooks, tie-offs, etc.) generally configured to secure portions of the optical cable for a cleaner, more organized arrangement of optical cables within the cabinet 102. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides system 100 configured to enable the routing of one or more feeder cables 112 to one or more drop cables 114 through various hardware components (e.g., optical fiber management trays 104, patch panels 106, etc.) having one or more features generally enabling improved optical cable management within a cabinet or enclosure. As depicted in FIG. 2A and 3, in some embodiments, the optical fiber management trays 104 can be pivotably mounted to the support surface 108 in a generally stacked arrangement. The optical fiber management trays 104 are shown in FIG.2A and 3 in a pivoted down position, such that pivoting any one of the optical fiber management trays 104 upwardly can provide access to the fiber management area of the tray below it within the stack. With additional reference to FIG. 4, an exploded view of an optical fiber management tray 104 is depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. As depicted, each optical fiber management tray 104 can generally include a mounting plate or groove plate 148, a tray portion 150, a retainer 152, and a tray portion cover 154. Each groove plate 148 can be configured for mounting to the planar surface 108, with one or more resilient retaining clips 156 configured to selectively mate with a retainer 158 of the tray portion 150, thereby enabling the tray portion 150 to be selectively and pivotably coupled to the planar surface 108. Additionally, in some embodiments, each groove plate 148 can include one or more walls 160 defining cable passages generally configured to aid in management of cable routings within the cabinet 102. Each tray portion 150 can include a fiber management surface 162 and one or more walls 164 extending upwardly away from the fiber management surface 162 to define an outer perimeter wall, as well as one or more cable passages generally configured to aid in management of cable routing relative to the tray portion 150. The fiber management surface 162 can generally support one or more protective splice bodies (e.g., splice 118, 126, etc.), one or more splitter bodies (e.g., splitter 130, etc.), one or more wave division multiplexors and/or, one or more fiber-optic adapters between various portions of fiber optic cable positioned within the cabinet 102. In some embodiments, a retainer 152 can be configured to interconnect with the tray portion 150 to generally aid in retention of the protective splice bodies, splitter bodies, wave division multiplexors and/or, fiber-optic adapters with retention tabs 166. In some embodiments, each retainer 152 can define one or more mounting tabs on a bottom surface configured to fit within one or more corresponding apertures 168 defined on the fiber management surface 162; although other features for operably coupling the retainer 152 to the tray portion 150 are also contemplated. In some embodiments, each tray portion 150 can include one or more excess cable retaining members 170 generally configured to enable retain excess optical cable (for example, slack) in an organized manner. The tray portion cover 154 can selectively couple to the tray portion 150, thereby securing the protective splice bodies, splitter bodies, wave division multiplexors and/or, fiber-optic adapters and any excess optical cable routed around the one or more excess cable retaining members 170. In some embodiments, the tray portion cover 154 can include one or more walls 172 configured to mate with at least a portion of the one or more excess cable retaining members 170 is a further aid in retaining excess cable within the optical fiber management tray 104, and to ensure proper alignment between the tray portion 150 and the tray portion cover 154. With reference to FIG.5A, an exploded view of a patch panel 106 is depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In embodiments, the patch panel 106 can include a patch panel base 174, a first patch panel cover portion 176, a second patch panel cover portion 178, and a patch panel face 180. Patch panel 106 may also be referred to as a patch module, or a module. In embodiments, the patch panel base 174 can include an orthogonally extending wall 182 (depicted as three distinct sections of wall 182A-C) positioned along an outer perimeter of the patch panel 106, which along with divider wall 202 can generally define a cable storage enclosure 183, which can be selectively closed along a top surface by first patch panel cover portion 176. In some embodiments, the wall 182 can further define one or more inlet ports 184A-B configured to enable a length of pre-terminated cable (e.g., cable 116, 132A-C, etc.) to pass therethrough, thereby enabling the pre-terminated cable to enter the cable storage enclosure 183. To aid in cable management, in some embodiments, one or more cable retainers 186 can be included within the cable storage enclosure 183. With additional reference to FIG.5B, in some embodiments, the one or more cable retainers 186 can generally include a protrusion 188 extending upwardly from the patch panel base 174 defining a cable mount 190 with an upper concave surface into which a portion of optical cable can be positioned, which can optionally be held in place with a cable tie. In some embodiments, the protrusion 188 can further define a cable tie slot 192 configured to enable a cable tie to pass therethrough. An example of a cable 200 routing within the patch panel 106 is depicted in FIG. 6B, with the cable 200 securely mounted to the cable retainer 186 and at least partially wound around the storage spool 194. Alternatively, as depicted in FIGS.7A-B, in some embodiments, the one or more cable retainers 186’ can generally include a protrusion 188’ defining a pair of substantially orthogonally oriented cable mounts 191A-B into which a portion of optical cable can be positioned along one of two substantially orthogonal axes. In this embodiment, the protrusion 188’ can define a pair of cable tie slots 193A-B generally aligned with the pair of substantially orthogonally oriented cable mount 191A-B, configured to enable a cable tie to pass therethrough in one of two substantially orthogonal orientations. In some embodiments, a cable retainer 186’ can be positioned in proximity to each of the one or more inlet ports 184A-B. To generally aid in cable management within the cable storage enclosure 183, in some embodiments, the patch panel base 174 can further define a storage spool 194 and one or more fingers or hooks 196A-C. For example, in one embodiment, the patch panel base 174 can define three hooks 196A-C equally spaced around a perimeter of the storage spool 194, with an additional hook 198 defined by wall 182C. In some embodiments, the patch panel base 174 can further define a divider wall 202 generally positioned opposite wall 182B, which can define an additional hook 204 to aid in cable management within the cable storage enclosure 183. To enable cable to pass therethrough, the divider wall 202 can define a cable port 204. As depicted in FIG.7A, in some embodiments, a cable retainer 195 (similar to that described in connection with cable retainer 186, 186’) can be positioned in proximity to the cable port 204. In embodiments, the patch panel base 174 can include an orthogonally extending wall 206 (depicted as two distinct sections of wall 206A-B connected to sections of wall 182A-B) positioned along an outer perimeter of the patch panel 106, which along with divider wall 202 can generally define an adapter enclosure 208, which can be selectively closed along a top surface by second patch panel cover portion 178 and along a front face by patch panel face 180. For example, in some embodiments, the patch panel base 174 can define a securement post 210 to aid in coupling the patch panel base 174 to the to the second patch panel cover portion 178. For example, in some embodiments, the securement post 210 can define an aperture configured to receive a threaded fastener traversing through a portion of the second patch panel cover portion 178. In other embodiments, the second patch panel cover 178 can define one or more resilient tabs configured to grip a portion of the securement post 210, thereby securing the second patch panel cover 178 to the patch panel base 174, with or without a fastener. In some embodiments, at least one of the patch panel base 174 and/or second patch panel cover portion 178 can define a channel 212 configured to receive a portion of the patch panel face 180, thereby securing the patch panel face 180 relative to the patch panel base 174 when the patch panel face 180 is positioned within the channel 212 and the second patch panel cover portion 178 is fixedly coupled to the patch panel base 174. The patch panel face 180 can include a resilient arm 214 configured to aid in securement or retention of the patch panel 106 relative to the cabinet 102. For example, with additional reference to FIG. 5C, in some embodiments, the resilient arm 214 can define a pair of opposed ramp surfaces 216A-B with a channel 218 defined therebetween, wherein the pair of opposed ramp surfaces 216A-B are positioned opposite one another such that the opposed ramp surfaces 2146A-B are angled upwardly towards one another with a drop off channel 218 positioned between the opposed ramp surfaces 216A-B. To further aid in retention of the patch panel 106 within the cabinet 102, in some embodiments, the patch panel face 108 can define a tab 220 and the patch panel base 174 can define a tab 222 thereby defining a channel or notch 224 positioned therebetween. With additional reference to FIGS.8A-B and 9A-B, the resilient arm 214 can be manipulated such that the patch panel 106 can be removed from either of the first side 108A or the second side 108B of the patch panel face 108 of the cabinet 102. For example, with reference to FIGS.8A-B, decoupling of the patch panel 106 from the first side 108A can be accomplished by manipulating the resilient arm 214 such that the ramp surfaces 216A-B are generally moved away from the cabinet 102 (toward the patch panel face 180) the against a natural bias of the resilient arm 214. Thereafter, the patch panel 106 can be pivoted relative to the cabinet 102 (generally away from the first side 108A) about the notch 224 receiving a portion of the cabinet 102 (as depicted in FIG.8A). The patch panel 106 can then be lifted to clear the portion of the cabinet 102 from the notch 224, thereby enabling full separation of the patch panel 106 from the cabinet 102. Installation of the patch panel 106 within the cabinet 102 from the first side 108A can be accomplished in the reverse order. In one example, the resilient arm 214 does not need to be directly manipulated to install the patch panel 106 from the rear, due to the shape of the ramp surface 216A. In some examples, single handed insertion and removal is possible with the disclosed design. With reference to FIGS. 9A-B, the coupling of the patch panel from the second side 108B of the surface can be accomplished by manipulating the resilient arm 214 such that the ramp surfaces 216A-B are generally moved away from the cabin 102 against a natural bias of the resilient arm 214. Thereafter, the patch panel 106 can be pivoted relative to the cabinet 102 (generally away from the second side 108B) about the notch 224 receiving a portion of the cabinet 102 (as depicted in FIG.9A). The patch panel 106 can then be lifted to clear the portion of the cabinet 102 from the notch 224, thereby enabling full separation of the patch panel 106 from the cabinet 102. Installation of the patch panel 106 within the cabinet from the second side 108B can be accomplished in the reverse order. Similarly, in one example, the resilient arm 214 does not need to be directly manipulated to install the patch panel 106 from the front, due to the shape of the ramp surface 216B. In some examples, single handed insertion and removal is possible with the disclosed design. With continued reference to FIG. 5A and additional reference to FIGS. 10A-B, in some embodiments, the first patch panel cover portion 176 can be hingedly coupled to the second patch panel cover portion 178. For example, in some embodiments, at least one of the first patch panel cover portion 176 or second patch panel cover portion 178 can define one or more hinge fingers 226 (depicted as a portion of the second patch panel cover portion 178), while at least one of the second patch panel cover portion 178 or first patch panel cover portion 176 can define one or more hinge posts 228 (depicted as a portion of the first patch panel cover portion 176). With the one or more hinge posts 228 at least partially received within the one or more hinge fingers 226, the first patch panel cover portion 176 can be pivotably connected to the second patch panel cover portion 178. As the one or more hinge fingers 226 do not entirely wrap around the one or more hinge posts 228, the first patch panel cover portion 176 is selectively removable from the second patch panel cover portion 178. In embodiments, the first patch panel cover portion 176 can be secured to the patch panel base 174 by an interference fit between wall 182C of the patch panel base 174 and one or more features 230 defined by the first patch panel cover portion 176. For example, in one embodiment, the first patch panel cover portion 176 can include an extending wall 232 defining the one or more features 230 (for example, snaps, lips, etc.), which in a closed position can at least partially overlap with wall 182C of the patch panel base 174 thereby effectively closing the cable storage enclosure 183. With additional reference to FIGS.11A-B, in some embodiments, the patch panel 106 can be selectively coupled to the cabinet 102 with the aid of one or more brackets 234. For example, as depicted in FIG.11B, in some embodiments, each bracket 234 can generally have a U-shaped configuration including a base 236 and a pair of substantially orthogonally oriented fingers 238A-B. As further depicted in FIGS.12A-D, with the base 236 of the bracket 234 secured to the planar surface 108 of the cabinet 102, a portion of the patch panel 106 can be inserted into a channel generally defined between the fingers 238A-B. For example, in some embodiments, the first patch panel cover portion 176 can define a pair of resilient arms 240A-B, which can include a corresponding pair of ramp surfaces 242A-B, which can be configured to selectively reside within a pair of apertures 244A-B defined by one of the fingers 238A. Accordingly, in embodiments, sliding the patch panel 106 between the fingers 238A-B causes the pair of resilient arms 240A-B to temporarily deform against the natural bias of the resilient arms 240A-B as the ramp surfaces 242A-B interact with the fingers 238A-B. With the ramp surfaces 242A-B positioned within the apertures 244A-B, natural bias of the resilient arms 240A-B can lock the patch panel 106 in position relative to the bracket 234. Release of the patch panel 106 from the bracket 234 can be affected by manipulation of the resilient arms 240A-B against a natural bias of the resilient arms 240A-B. To aid in alignment of the patch panel 106 with the backet 234, in some embodiments the patch panel 106 can define one or more alignment rails 248 configured to mate with one or more corresponding slots 250 defined in the bracket 234. In some examples, single handed insertion is provided. Single handed removal is possible, too, such as by providing only on resilient arm 240A or 240B. In some embodiments, the optical fiber management system 100 can include a column of hingedly coupled fiber-optic management trays 104 and one or more patch panels 106, thereby enabling various functions (e.g., splicing, splitting, etc.) to be performed between one or more feeder cables 112 and one or more drop cables 114. In some embodiments, one or more groove plate 148 can be preinstalled in the cabinet 102, such that fiber-optic management trays 104 can be snapped into place within the groove plates 148, thereby pivotably coupling the fiber-optic management trays 104 relative to the cabinet 102. In some embodiments, the one or more patch panels 106 can be include a pre-terminated optical cable 116, which can optionally include a standardized connector 120 and adapter 122, thereby enabling the pre-terminated cable 116 to be operably connected to the one or more feeder cables 112, for example via a splice or splitter arrangement, which can be coupled to the hingedly coupled fiber-optic management trays 104. Excess cable from the pre-terminated cable 116 can be stored within the cable storage enclosure 183 of the patch panel 106, for example, the excess cable can be wound around the storage spool 194, secured under hooks 198, or retained via cable retainers 186, 186’ or 195. With the various disclosed designs, discrete storage of cable slack between trays 104 and patch panels 106 is provided. The amount of slack is varied in cabinet, depending on where the specific tray 104 and connected patch panel 106 are located. The extra slack not needed, due to the specific tray 104 and connected patch panel 106 being relatively close together is stored in the cable storage enclosure 183 of each panel. A bulk storage area for cable slack from all the trays and patch panels can be reduced in size or altogether eliminated by use of the discrete storage of each cable on each patch panel 106. Some slack can be stored around spool 194 during shipping, and then deployed during installation of the tray and patch panel. Any excess cable not needed in after installation, can be placed around spool 194. In some cases, slack may be would by hand and placed over and then around spool 194 to secure it in area 183. Ties can be used as desired to then secure the final cable deployment to the patch panel 106. From the foregoing detailed description, it will be evident that modifications and variations can be made in the devices and methods of the disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is: 1. An optical fiber management system, comprising: a cabinet defining a planar surface; at least one optical fiber management tray hingedly couplable to the planar surface of the cabinet by way of a groove plate; at least one patch panel selectively couplable to the planar surface; and a pre-terminated optical cable at least partially secured within the at least one patch panel, wherein the pre-terminated optical cable includes a first connectorized end mounted to a patch panel face of the at least one patch panel for selective connection to one or more drop cables, and a second non-connectorized end optically connectable to one or more feeder cables by one of at least a splice or splitter fixedly couplable to the one or more optical fiber management tray, wherein excess cable between the at least one patch panel and the at least one optical fiber management tray is storable in a cable storage enclosure defined by the at least one patch panel.

2. The optical fiber management system of claim 1, wherein the at least one patch panel defines at least one inlet port through which a portion of the pre-terminated optical cable traverses.

3. The optical fiber management system of claim 2, wherein the at least one patch panel further defines at least one cable retainer positioned in proximity to the at least one inlet port.

4. The optical fiber management system of claim 3, wherein the at least one cable retainer includes a protrusion defining at least one cable mount shaped and sized to receive a portion of the pre-terminated optical cable, and a slot configured to receive a cable tie.

5. The optical fiber management system of claim 4, wherein the protrusion defines a pair of substantially orthogonally oriented cable mount and a pair of substantially orthogonally oriented slots configured to receive cable ties.

6. The optical fiber management system of claim 1, wherein an interior of the cable storage enclosure defines a storage spool upon which a portion of the pre-terminated cable can be wound.

7. The optical fiber management system of claim 1, wherein an interior of the cable storage enclosure further defines a plurality of cable retaining hooks equally spaced around a perimeter of the storage spool.

8. The optical fiber management system of claim 1, wherein the at least one patch panel includes a first patch panel cover portion and a second patch panel cover portion.

9. The optical fiber management system of claim 1, wherein the first patch panel cover portion is hingedly coupled to the second patch panel cover portion enabling selective access to an interior of the cable storage enclosure.

10. The optical fiber management system of claim 1, further comprising one or more brackets mountable to the planar surface of the cabinet, the one or more brackets configured to receive a portion of the at least one patch panel to retain the at least one patch panel relative to the cabinet.

11. The optical fiber management system of claim 10, wherein the at least one patch panel defines one or more resilient arms defining one or more ramp surfaces configured to interact with one or more apertures defined within the one or more brackets, enabling the at least one patch panel to be coupled and decoupled from the cabinet.

12. The optical fiber management system of claim 1, wherein the patch panel face of the at least one patch panel includes a resilient arm defining opposed ramp surfaces with a channel positioned therebetween, enabling the at least one patch panel to be coupled and decoupled from an aperture defined within the cabinet.

13. The optical fiber management system of claim 1, comprising a stack of optical fiber management trays hingedly couplable to the planar surface of the cabinet.

14. The optical fiber management system of claim 1, comprising a plurality of patch panels selectively couplable to the planar surface.

15. An optical fiber management apparatus, comprising: at least one optical fiber management tray; at least one patch panel; and a pre-terminated optical cable at least partially secured within the at least one patch panel, wherein the pre-terminated optical cable includes a first connectorized end mounted to a patch panel face of the at least one patch panel, and a second non- connectorized end, wherein excess cable between the first connectorized end and second non-connectorized end is storable in a cable storage enclosure defined by the at least one patch panel.

16. The optical fiber management apparatus of claim 15, wherein an interior of the cable storage enclosure defines a storage spool upon which a portion of the pre- terminated cable can be wound.

17. The optical fiber management apparatus of claim 16, wherein an interior of the cable storage enclosure further defines a plurality of cable retaining hooks equally spaced around a perimeter of the storage spool.

18. The optical fiber management apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one patch panel includes a first patch panel cover portion and a second patch panel cover portion.

19. The optical fiber management apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first patch panel cover portion is hingedly coupled to the second patch panel cover portion enabling selective access to an interior of the cable storage enclosure.

20. A method of managing optical fiber, comprising: connecting a network subscriber cable to a first connectorized end of a pre- terminated optical cable, the pre-terminated optical cable at least partially secured within a patch panel; connecting a second non-connectorized end of the pre-terminated optical cable to a network provider cable by way of at least one of a splice or splitter; affixing the at least one of the splice or splitter to an optical fiber management tray pivotably connected to a supporting surface within a cabinet; coupling the patch panel to the supporting surface; and storing an excess cable length of the pre-terminated optical cable within a cable storage enclosure defined by the patch panel.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising wrapping a portion of the excess cable length of the pre-terminated optical cable around a storage spool defined within the cable storage enclosure.

22. The method of claim 20, further comprising tying a portion of the pre-terminated optical cable to a cable retainer defined within the cable storage enclosure of the patch panel.