EP4681008A1

EP4681008A1 - Optical fiber distribution system

Info

Publication number: EP4681008A1
Application number: EP24771682.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: David Jan Irma VAN BAELEN; Heidi Bleus; Willem Lea Marcel DE VIS; Geert Antoon Parton; Wouter VRANKEN
Original assignee: Commscope Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Commscope Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2023-03-13
Filing date: 2024-03-13
Publication date: 2026-01-21
Also published as: WO2024192168A1

Abstract

A fiber optic distribution element defines a drawer slidably mounted to a fixture between a closed storage position and an open access position, the drawer defining a cable entry point and a cable exit point and a plurality of bend radius limiters within the drawer for guiding optical fibers from the cable entry point to the cable exit point, wherein every one of the bend radius limiters positioned within the drawer that is configured to contact an optical fiber for causing the optical fiber to bend in a controlled manner provides a curved surface that defines a radius of curvature of at least 30 millimeters, wherein the drawer is configured such that any optical fiber within the drawer that would extend between the cable entry point and the cable exit point around all of the bend radius limiters within the drawer does not encounter a cable bend radius of less than 30 millimeters.

Description

OPTICAL FIBER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application is being filed on March 13, 2024, as a PCT International Application and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/489,945, filed March 13, 2023; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/496,126, filed April 14, 2023; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/582,284, filed September 13, 2023; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/609,225, filed December 12, 2023, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Background

[0002] Optical fiber distribution systems include fiber terminations and other equipment which is typically rack mounted. Various concerns exist for the optical fiber distribution systems, including density, ease of use, and cable management. There is a continuing need for improvements in the optical fiber distribution area.

Summary

[0003] One implementation of a system in accordance with the examples of the disclosure includes a building block element mountable to a rack or other structure. The element is provided in the form of a drawer that includes a fixed chassis and a movable tray. The tray is movably mounted to the chassis with a slide mechanism that allows the tray to slide relative to the chassis. The slide mechanism includes a synchronized movement feature for managing the cables extending to and from the tray, such that cable pull at the entry and exit locations is reduced or eliminated as the tray is moved.

[0004] One synchronized movement feature may include gears, including a rack and pinion system, allowing synchronized movement of radius limiters associated with each slide mechanism relative to the chassis and the tray to maintain fiber slack, without causing fibers to be bent, pinched, or pulled.

[0005] According to certain examples, one side of each element can be for patch cables, and the opposite side can be for cable termination of an incoming cable, such as a distribution cable or a feeder cable. Because of the synchronized movement feature, cables can be secured along the sides of the elements and still allow for sliding movement of the trays without a need for large amounts or any cable slack. [0006] The trays may allow for easy top access to connections therewithin.

[0007] Cable mounts for the distribution cables or feeder cables can be snap mounted to the elements and include strength member clamps and cable clamps. [0008] The elements can be configured as desired and form building blocks for an optical fiber distribution system (ODF).

[0009] When the elements are mounted in a column in a rack, the outgoing jumper cables can be placed in radius limiting cable guides to exit the selected element.

[0010] An example rack populated with the elements of the present disclosure is front accessible; however, the elements can be used in other racks, frames, cabinets, or boxes including in arrangements where rear access is desirable or useful.

[0011] According to one aspect, the disclosure is directed to a fiber optic distribution element comprising a drawer slidably mounted to a fixture between a closed storage position and an open access position, the drawer defining a cable entry point and a cable exit point, a plurality of termination arrangements mounted within the drawer in a stacked configuration, wherein each termination arrangement comprises at least one splice tray for splicing of optical fibers coming into the drawer via the cable entry point, and at least one adapter holder movably mounted to the drawer and movable relative to the at least one splice tray, the adapter holder structured to hold at least one optical adapter, wherein the movement of the adapter holder relative to the drawer allows the at least one optical adapter to move away from the drawer for access, wherein the at least one optical adapter is configured for relaying spliced fibers extending from the at least one splice tray toward the cable exit point via connectorized optical fibers, wherein the drawer is configured such that any optical fiber within the drawer that would extend between the cable entry point and the cable exit point through one of the termination arrangements does not encounter a cable bend radius of less than 30 millimeters.

[0012] According to yet another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a fiber optic distribution element that defines a drawer slidably mounted to a fixture between a closed storage position and an open access position, the drawer defining a cable entry point and a cable exit point and a plurality of bend radius limiters within the drawer for guiding optical fibers from the cable entry point to the cable exit point, wherein every one of the bend radius limiters positioned within the drawer that is configured to contact an optical fiber for causing the optical fiber to bend in a controlled manner provides a curved surface that defines a radius of curvature of at least 30 millimeters, wherein the drawer is configured such that any optical fiber within the drawer that would extend between the cable entry point and the cable exit point around all of the bend radius limiters within the drawer does not encounter a cable bend radius of less than 30 millimeters.

[0013] According to yet another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a fiber optic distribution element defining a drawer slidably mounted to a fixture between a closed storage position and an open access position, the drawer defining a cable entry point and a cable exit point, wherein every curved surface within the drawer between the cable entry point and the cable exit point defines a radius of curvature of at least 30 millimeters.

[0014] According to yet another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a fiber optic distribution element defining a bottom support surface, wherein every wall normal to the bottom support surface that has a curved profile defines a radius of curvature of at least 30 millimeters.

[0015] According to yet another aspect, the disclosure is directed to an optical fiber distribution assembly comprising a chassis portion configured for mounting to a telecommunications fixture, a plurality of movable trays slidably mounted to the chassis portion, each of the trays separately movable relative to the chassis portion between a closed position and an open access position, a separate slide mechanism associated with each tray which connects the movable tray to the chassis portion, wherein each of the slide mechanisms includes a radius limiter which moves with synchronized movement relative to the chassis portion and the associated tray during slidable movement of the tray, wherein each tray defines an array of fiber optic adapters, and wherein a cable entering and a cable exiting movable tray follows an S- shaped pathway to and from the array of adapters.

[0016] According to yet another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a fiber optic distribution element comprising a drawer slidably mounted to a fixture between a closed storage position and an open access position, the drawer defining a cable entry point and a cable exit point, a plurality of termination arrangements mounted within the drawer in a stacked configuration, wherein each termination arrangement comprises at least one splice tray for splicing of an optical fiber coming into the drawer via the cable entry point and at least one optical adapter for mating an optical fiber spliced at the at least one splice tray to a connectorized optical cable leading to the cable exit point, wherein the drawer is configured such that when the drawer is slidably moved from the closed storage position to the open access position a distance of about 280 millimeters (mm), any connectorized optical cable that is fixed at and extends from the cable exit point and that is coupled to any of the optical adapters of the termination arrangements within the drawer that has a cable length of about 480 mm or shorter does not encounter pulling forces on the connectorized optical cable during movement of the drawer.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] FIG. l is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an optical fiber distribution element in accordance with inventive of aspects of the present disclosure. [0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a stack of the distribution elements of FIG. 1, wherein each element includes a separate chassis portion for mounting the elements to a telecommunications fixture.

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a block of distribution elements similar to those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein the elements include a larger chassis portion that spans across all of the elements in the block for mounting the elements to a telecommunications fixture as a block.

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates an example block of elements similar to that shown in FIG. 3 utilizing a single large chassis portion, the block of elements shown with a metal rear plate that is designed to cooperate with the large chassis portion to mount the block of elements to a telecommunications fixture.

[0021] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate another embodiment of a block of distribution elements similar to those shown in FIGS. 1-4, wherein the fixed chassis portions define an integrated bend control feature in the form of a curved wall.

[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a block of distribution elements similar to those shown in FIG. 2, wherein each element includes a separate chassis portion for mounting the elements to a telecommunications fixture via the use of a rear plate.

[0023] FIGS. 8-10 illustrate various perspective views of the block of elements in FIG. 7 mounted to the rear plate.

[0024] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate one of the distribution elements of the block of elements of FIGS. 7-10 in isolation.

[0025] FIG. 13 illustrates the distribution element of FIGS. 7-12 from a top view. [0026] FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of a distribution element that includes a chassis portion on the right side that defines a bend control feature and a chassis portion on the left side that does not define a bend control feature.

[0027] FIG. 15 illustrates a block of elements defining a reduced width as compared to the elements of FIGS. 1-14, wherein radius limiters of the elements define a shorter pathway at the entry/exit points and lie flush with the fixed chassis portions of the elements.

[0028] FIG. 16 illustrates the block of elements of FIG. 15 from a top view.

[0029] FIG. 17 illustrates another block of distribution elements similar to the block of elements of FIGS 15 and 16, with slightly larger radius limiters on each of the elements.

[0030] FIG. 18 illustrates the block of elements of FIG. 17 from a top view.

[0031] FIG. 19 illustrates one example embodiment of a cable termination unit that is configured to be used with a block of elements such as the elements of FIGS. 1-18.

[0032] FIG. 20 illustrates a view showing the cable termination unit of FIG. 19 exploded off the block of elements.

[0033] FIG. 21 illustrates a plurality of blocks of elements with a plurality of the cable termination units of FIGS. 19 and 20 mounted thereon.

[0034] FIGS. 22-24 illustrate various views of another example embodiment of a cable termination unit that is configured to be used with a block of elements such as the elements of FIGS. 1-18.

[0035] FIG. 25 illustrates another example embodiment of a cable termination unit that is a slight variation of the cable termination units shown in FIGS. 19-24.

[0036] FIGS. 26-28 illustrate another example embodiment of a cable termination unit that is configured to be used with a block of elements such as the elements of FIGS. 1-18.

[0037] FIG. 29 illustrates the base portion of the cable termination unit of FIGS. 26-28.

[0038] FIG. 30 illustrates the pivotally movable cable mount portion of the cable termination unit of FIGS. 26-28 removed from the base portion.

[0039] FIGS. 31-33 illustrate another example embodiment of a cable termination unit that is a slight variation of the cable termination unit shown in FIGS. 26-30, the cable termination unit shown mounted to a block of elements in FIG. 33. [0040] FIGS. 34-36 illustrate another example embodiment of a cable termination unit that is similar in concept to the cable termination unit shown in FIGS. 26-30.

[0041] FIG. 37 illustrates the base portion of the cable termination unit of FIGS. 34-36.

[0042] FIGS. 38-39 illustrate the pivotally movable cable mount portion of the cable termination unit of FIGS. 34-36 removed from the base portion.

[0043] FIG. 40 illustrates another example embodiment of a cable termination unit that is configured to be used with a block of elements such as the elements of FIGS. 1-18.

[0044] FIG. 41 illustrates the cable termination unit of FIG. 40 with the individually mounted cable mounts shown exploded off the base portion.

[0045] FIGS 42-43 show the cable termination unit of FIGS.40-41 illustrating the concept of adding additional incoming cables to the cable termination unit.

[0046] FIGS. 44-45 illustrate the cable termination unit of FIGS. 40-43 mounted to a chassis portion defined by a block of distribution elements, guiding cabling to the elements from different directions.

[0047] FIG. 46 illustrates one example embodiment of a cable management structure that is configured to be used on the patching side of elements such as the elements of FIGS. 1-18.

[0048] FIG. 47 illustrates a view showing the cable management structure of FIG. 46 exploded off the block of elements.

[0049] FIG. 48 illustrates a plurality of blocks of elements with a plurality of the cable management structures of FIGS. 46 and 47 mounted thereon.

[0050] FIG. 49 illustrates another perspective view of the block of elements of

FIGS. 46-48 with the cable management structure mounted to the patching side of the elements.

[0051] FIG. 50 illustrates the block of elements of FIGS. 46-49 with the cable management structure mounted thereon, with the tray portion of the element in an open access position.

[0052] FIG. 51 illustrates another embodiment of the cable management structure having similar features and functionality to the cable management structure of FIGS. 46-50 mounted to a block of elements, wherein the elements define a fixed chassis portion with an integrated bend control feature in the form of a curved wall. [0053] FIG. 52 illustrates the cable management structure of FIG. 51 mounted to the block of elements from a top view.

[0054] FIG. 53 illustrates the cable management structure of FIGS. 51 and 52 mounted to the block of elements from a side view.

[0055] FIGS. 54-55 illustrate another embodiment of a cable management structure having similar features and functionality to cable management structures of

FIGS. 46-53, wherein a base portion of the cable management structure integrates a curved wall in front of the cable channel portion of the cable management structure. [0056] FIGS. 56 and 57 illustrate two different layouts for a stack of fiber optic adapters that are placed within an element similar to the elements shown in FIGS. 1-18, with FIG. 56 illustrating an example patching arrangement wherein all of the connectorized pigtail fibers extending from the adapters to the outside of the element are equal in length.

[0057] FIGS. 58-59 illustrate a distribution element with an example of an internal splice and patch arrangement therein, the internal arrangement in FIGS. 58 and 59 being similar to the arrangement shown in FIG. 57 except for the addition of the splice trays for each of the associated adapters.

[0058] FIG. 60 illustrates another example layout for an internal splice and patch arrangement, wherein the pitch of the adapter holding portions does not match the pitch of the splice trays.

[0059] FIG. 61 illustrates another version of an internal splice/patch arrangement that is similar in layout and functionality to the arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 58-60, however, with the adapter holder portions being provided in a stacked arrangement integrally with a support structure that allows hinging of the adapters.

[0060] FIG. 62 illustrates a variation of the arrangement of FIG. 61, wherein the splice trays are provided in two pivotable stacks instead of being arranged in a single stack in front-to-back direction as shown in FIG. 61.

[0061] FIG. 63 illustrates the tray of FIGS. 61 and 62 in an empty configuration with the splice trays and the adapter holder support structure removed therefrom. [0062] FIG. 64 illustrates the pivotable adapter holder support structure of FIGS. 61-63 in isolation, removed from the tray.

[0063] FIGS. 65-68 illustrate another internal layout for the splice/patch functionality of the trays, wherein the patch adapters are positioned toward the front of the tray, with the splice trays pivotally mounted in two separate stacks toward the back of the tray.

[0064] FIG. 69 illustrates a similar arrangement to the layout provided in FIGS. 65-68, however, with the splice trays stacked in a single layer in a direction from the left to the right of the tray, instead of being provided in two separate stacks.

[0065] FIG. 70 illustrates a plurality of splice/patch arrangements where the adapter holder portions are integrally formed or molded with the splice trays.

[0066] FIG. 71 illustrates one of the integrally formed splice tray and adapter holder arrangements of FIG. 70 removed from the tray in isolation.

[0067] FIG. 72 illustrates a variation on the concept illustrated in FIGS. 70-71, wherein the splice trays and the adapters are mounted in the reverse orientation within the tray.

[0068] FIG. 73 illustrates another example layout where the adapter holder portions are integrally formed or molded with the splice trays of the splice/patch arrangements. [0069] FIG. 74 illustrates one of the integrally formed splice tray and adapter holder arrangements of FIG. 73 removed from the tray in isolation.

[0070] FIGS. 75-76 illustrate another variation on the concept illustrated in FIGS. 73-74, wherein the adapter holder portions are once again integrally molded with the splice trays, however, adjacent front edges of the splice trays near the hinging point. [0071] FIG. 77 illustrates one of the integrally formed splice tray and adapter holder arrangements of FIGS. 75-76 removed from the tray in isolation.

[0072] FIGS. 78-79 illustrate another example embodiment of a telecommunications element defining a slidable drawer, wherein the drawer includes an insert therein that defines a plurality of termination arrangements integrally mounted to the insert, the telecommunications drawer having features similar to those shown in FIGS. 1-18, the telecommunications drawer shown from a top view to illustrate the internal details.

[0073] FIGS. 80 and 81 illustrate the insert of FIGS. 78-79 with the plurality of termination arrangements mounted thereon removed from the tray, shown in isolation. [0074] FIGS. 82-83 illustrate another example of a drawer similar to the drawer of FIGS. 78-81 that houses a plurality of individual termination arrangements that are mounted in a stacked arrangement.

[0075] FIG. 84 illustrates an example termination arrangement that can be used within the arrangement shown in FIGS. 82-83, wherein the termination arrangement is provided as a separate individual unit instead of being mounted on a single larger insert.

[0076] FIG. 85 illustrates another example embodiment of a larger support insert that can be used to mount termination arrangements similar to those shown in FIGS. 82-84, where such an arrangement utilizing an insert would have similar features to the arrangement shown in FIGS. 78-81.

[0077] FIGS. 86-87 illustrate an example version of an arrangement wherein pockets for receiving pigtail termination structures are positioned below the adapters on the adapter holding portion of the termination arrangements, in the version of FIGS. 86-87, the adapter holders are configured to arrange the mounted adapters where the longer dimension of the adapters defining the width are positioned vertically in a top-to-bottom direction.

[0078] FIGS. 88-89 illustrate an example similar to the arrangement of FIGS. 86-87, however, the longer width dimensions of the adapters are positioned horizontally, wherein a plurality of adapter pairs are provided in columns.

[0079] FIG. 90 illustrates an example embodiment of a drawer wherein certain portions providing cable management functionality within the tray of the drawer is provided by a removable insert.

[0080] FIG. 91 illustrates another example of an insert that has been placed within a tray, the insert providing similar cable management and bend radius protection features as the insert shown in FIG. 90.

[0081] FIGS. 92-95 illustrate another example of a stack of termination arrangements that can be mounted within trays similar to those of the elements of FIGS. 1-18, wherein the splice trays and the adapter holder portions are supported by individual support structures that are separately mounted to a larger support insert and wherein the individual support structures are pivotally movable relative to the larger support insert.

[0082] FIGS. 96 and 97 illustrate a variation on the concept of FIGS. 92-95, wherein only the adapter holder portions are pivotable with respect to the rest of the support structure of the individual termination arrangements.

[0083] FIGS. 98-104 illustrate a variation on the concept of FIGS. 96 and 97, wherein the adapter holder portions are coupled to the rest of the support structure of the individual termination arrangements via a ball/ socket mount. [0084] FIGS. 105 and 106 illustrate another embodiment of an adapter holder portion of a termination arrangement wherein a pair of pockets for receiving pigtail termination structures are positioned above the adapters, the pigtail termination structures shown mounted in FIG. 105 and shown exploded off the pockets in FIG. 106. [0085] FIGS. 107 and 108 illustrate different perspective views of one of the pigtail termination structures of FIGS. 105-106 in isolation removed from the pockets.

[0086] FIGS. 109 and 110 illustrate the wrapping of the strength members in the form of aramid yarns of the cables to the pigtail termination structures of FIGS. 107-108 when leading the cables out of the drawers.

[0087] FIGS. I l l and 112 illustrate the sideway insertion of the pigtail termination structures of FIGS. 109 and 110 into the pockets of the termination arrangements once the strength members of the cables have been wrapped around the pigtail termination structures, the exposed fibers shown extending from the splice trays toward the adapter holder portions of the termination arrangements.

[0088] FIGS. 113 and 114 illustrate another embodiment of an adapter holder portion of a termination arrangement wherein a pair of pockets for receiving pigtail termination structures are positioned above the adapters, the pigtail termination structures shown mounted in FIG. 113 and shown exploded off the pockets in FIG. 114. [0089] FIGS. 115-117 illustrate different views of one of the pigtail termination structures of FIGS. 113-114 in isolation removed from the pockets.

[0090] FIGS. 118 and 119 illustrate the wrapping of the strength members in the form of aramid yarns of the cables to the pigtail termination structures of FIGS. 115-117 when leading the cables out of the drawers.

[0091] FIG. 120 illustrates another embodiment of an adapter holder portion of a termination arrangement wherein a pair of pockets for receiving pigtail termination structures are positioned above the adapters, the pigtail termination structures shown mounted in the pockets.

[0092] FIGS. 121 and 122 illustrate different views of one of the pigtail termination structures of FIG. 120 in isolation removed from the pockets.

[0093] FIG. 123 illustrates the wrapping of the strength members in the form of aramid yams of the cables to the pigtail termination structure of FIGS. 121 and 122 when leading the cables out of the drawers. [0094] FIG. 124 illustrates a rear perspective view of a further embodiment of an optical fiber distribution element in accordance with inventive of aspects of the present disclosure.

[0095] FIG. 125 illustrates the optical fiber distribution element of FIG. 124 mounted to a rear plate that is designed for mounting to a larger telecommunications fixture such as a frame.

[0096] FIG. 126 illustrates a front perspective view of a block of distribution elements similar to those shown in FIGS. 124 and 125, wherein the elements are mounted to a rear plate such as that shown in FIG. 125.

[0097] FIG. 127 is another front perspective view of the block of distribution elements of FIG. 126.

[0098] FIG. 128 illustrates the block of distribution elements of FIG. 127 in an extended, access position.

[0099] FIG. 129 is a top view of the optical fiber distribution element of FIG. 124, illustrating the internal details thereof, the distribution element shown in a closed, storage position.

[0100] FIG. 130 illustrates the optical fiber distribution element of FIG. 129 in a fully extended, access position.

[0101] FIG. 131 illustrates a front perspective view of a further embodiment of a block of optical fiber distribution elements in accordance with inventive of aspects of the present disclosure, the block of elements mounted to a rear plate that is designed for mounting the elements to a larger telecommunications fixture such as a frame.

[0102] FIG. 132 is another front perspective view of the block of optical fiber distribution elements of FIG. 131.

[0103] FIG. 133 is a rear perspective view of the block of optical fiber distribution elements of FIG. 131.

[0104] FIG. 134 illustrates the block of optical fiber distribution elements of FIG. 131 from a side view, illustrating the block mounted to a wall of a frame.

[0105] FIGS. 135 and 136 illustrate the use of a hook feature provided on the rear plate of the block of elements of FIG. 131, the hook feature configured to temporarily fix the block of elements to a frame wall during fastening of the block to the frame wall. [0106] FIG. 137 illustrates one of the optical fiber distribution elements of the block of elements of FIG. 131 in an extended, access position, illustrating the connectivity labels that are configured to be placed on the element.

[0107] FIG. 138 is another view of the optical fiber distribution element of FIG. 137 with a splice tray cover and a cable management structure cover removed from the element.

[0108] FIG. 139 is another front perspective view of the block of optical fiber distribution elements of FIG. 137.

[0109] FIG. 140 illustrates the block of optical fiber distribution elements of FIG. 139 from a right side, front perspective view.

[0110] FIG. 141 is a first embodiment of a cable holder structure configured to be mounted to the sides of the optical fiber distribution elements of FIGS. 131-140.

[OHl] FIG. 142 illustrates the cable holder structure of FIG. 141 with a plurality of flex tubes mounted on the holder.

[0112] FIG. 143 illustrates the cable holder structure of FIG. 142 with a cover portion mounted to retain the flex tubes on the holder.

[0113] FIG. 144 illustrates the cable holder structure of FIG. 143 with a plurality of fopt tubes mounted on the holder.

[0114] FIG. 145 is another embodiment of a cable holder structure configured to be mounted to the sides of the optical fiber distribution elements of FIGS. 131-140.

[0115] FIG. 146 illustrates a pair of flex tubes mounted on a cover structure of the holder of FIG. 145.

[0116] FIG. 147 illustrates the cover structure with the pair of flex tubes mounted thereon snap-fit to a base plate of the holder structure of FIG. 145.

[0117] FIG. 148 illustrates the cable holder structure of FIG. 147 with a plurality of fopt tubes mounted on the holder.

[0118] FIG. 149 illustrates one of the splice trays of the optical fiber distribution elements of FIGS. 131-140 removed from the elements, shown in isolation.

[0119] FIG. 150 illustrates another embodiment of an adapter holder portion of a termination arrangement configured to be placed in the elements of FIGS. 131-140, wherein a pair of pockets for receiving pigtail termination structures are positioned above the adapters, the pigtail termination structures shown mounted in FIG. 150.

[0120] FIG. 151 illustrates a top perspective view of one of the pigtail termination structures of FIG. 150 in isolation removed from the pockets. [0121] FIG. 152 is a bottom perspective view showing the pigtail termination structure of FIGS. 150-151 mounted to a pocket of the adapter holder portion.

[0122] FIG. 153 is a top perspective view of the pigtail termination structure of FIG. 152 mounted to the pocket.

[0123] FIGS. 154-157 illustrate the wrapping of the strength members in the form of aramid yams of cables to the pigtail termination structures of FIGS. 150-153, when leading the cables out of the drawers.

[0124] FIGS. 158-159 illustrate the axial sliding installation of the pigtail termination structures of FIGS. 150-157 into a pocket of the adapter holder portion of a termination arrangement.

[0125] FIG. 160 is a side view showing the pigtail termination structure of FIGS. 158-159 slidably inserted into the pocket of the adapter holder portion, where the aramid yam has been cut to a desired length.

[0126] FIG. 161 illustrates the pigtail termination structure of FIGS. 150-160 with the aramid yarn wrapped therearound removed from the adapter holder portion of a termination arrangement.

Detailed Description

[0127] Referring now to FIGS. 1-18, various embodiments of an optical fiber distribution assembly formed from a plurality of distribution element are shown. All of the depicted elements are provided in the form of drawers that can be individually mounted to desired to telecommunications equipment or fixtures including racks, frames, or cabinets. Or, in other embodiments, as will be discussed, the elements can be mounted in groups or blocks, which form a stacked arrangement. A vertical stack of individual elements or a block of elements generally populates an optical fiber distribution rack or frame.

[0128] As will be discussed in further detail, each of the various elements is configured to hold fiber terminations, or other fiber components including fiber splitters and/or fiber splices. In the case of fiber terminations, incoming cables may be connected to outgoing cables through connectorized cable ends which are connected by adapters.

[0129] Generally, each element includes a fixed chassis portion and a movable tray portion. The tray may be mounted to the fixed chassis and be movable relative thereto via a slide mechanism, which may include one or more gears and a set of two opposing toothed racks or linear members.

[0130] The elements are designed such that the slide mechanism on each of the right and left sides of the elements provides for synchronized movement for managing the cables extending to and from the tray. Entry points on either side of chassis may allow for fixation of the input and output cables associated with each element.

[0131] Radius limiters associated with each slide mechanism move in synchronized movement relative to chassis and tray to maintain fiber slack, without causing fibers to be bent, pinched, or pulled (please see, e.g., FIG. 50 for an example tray that is in the open access position).

[0132] Each tray may define an interior that is designed to hold optical equipment such as fiber terminations, fiber splitters, fiber splices, or other fiber components, as will be discussed in further detail below. As shown in certain examples, optical adapters which allow for interconnection of two connectorized ends of cables may be provided within the tray in a stacked arrangement. Adapters define adapter ports for interconnecting two fiber optic connectors.

[0133] The elements may be designed such that a pathway defining a generally S- shape from radius limiters to such adapters is provided. Internal radius limiters or cable management structures may be used to help maintain cables in desired pathways within the trays.

[0134] In other embodiments, as will be discussed in further detail below, each tray may include a splice region and a patch region. The splice and the patch arrangements may be provided in separate areas. In certain embodiments, the splice and patch functionality may be provided by termination arrangements that each integrate a splice tray and associated adapters for patching in an adapter holder portion of the arrangement.

[0135] Each of the splice trays may be mounted individually within the element and may be hingable with respect to the provided termination arrangements, for access and storage. And, each adapter holder portion may be movably (and removably) mounted to the termination arrangements to be individually hingable with respect thereto for access.

[0136] As will be discussed in further detail below, in certain embodiments, the termination arrangements may be mounted individually to the trays via individual support structures. Or, in other embodiments, a plurality of the termination arrangements may be supported by a single insert that is removably mounted to the trays.

[0137] As noted above, cables extending to and from each element for termination or splicing therein can be affixed with a cable mount to the chassis portions of the elements as desired. Additional protection of the fiber breakouts can be handled with cable supports such as cable wraps. The cable mounts may include radius limiting features for supporting and protecting the cables.

[0138] One feeder cable can supply cabling to more than one element. Or, in other embodiments, multiple feeder cables can supply cabling to multiple elements.

[0139] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, one example embodiment of a telecommunications element 10 in the form of a drawer having features that are examples of inventive aspects is shown. As will be discussed in further detail, the element or drawer 10 of FIGS. 1-4 is configured such that all of the portions of the drawer, including the fiber terminations, fiber splitters, fiber splices, or other fiber components therein, that provide a curved surface (interior or exterior) or cooperatively define a curved cable path, define a radius of curvature that is at least 30 millimeters (mm). The at least 30mm radius of curvature defined by all of the curved portions of the drawer 10 significantly improves the bend radius protection for the fibers and is a concept that has not been implemented in previous drawers. For this purposes, the drawer 10 generally has a wide footprint in the right-to-left direction (about 490mm for a slidable tray portion 12 of the telecommunications element 10 and about 580mm for the entire drawer). Other dimensions of the drawer 10 are specifically shown in FIG. 1. [0140] Still referring to FIGS. 1-4, the elements 10 may be provided in a stacked arrangement, wherein each element 10 includes a separate individual chassis portion 14 that is mounted on each side of the element 10. The chassis portion 14 defines the fixed portion of the element 10 and is used to mount the elements 10 to a telecommunications fixture such as a frame or a rack.

[0141] However, in certain other examples, as shown in FIG. 3, a stack or block of elements 10 may receive a larger chassis portion 16 that spans across all of the elements 10 in the block. Such a larger chassis portion 16 may help stabilize a group of elements 10 in a stack for mounting to a rack.

[0142] FIG. 4 illustrates an example block of elements 10 utilizing a single large chassis 16. As shown, a metal rear plate 18 is designed to be mounted to the large integral chassis portion 16. In the depicted example, the metal plate 18 defines a LT- shaped structure with a rear wall 20 and forwardly-extending sidewalls 22. Each sidewall 22 includes a plurality of grooves 24 at a front edge 26 thereof. The grooves 24 are configured to receive tabs 28 located on the chassis portion 14/16 of the block of elements 10. As shown, a pair of tabs 28 (one on each side) is provided for each element 10. Once the plate 18 is slidably placed on the block of elements 10, fasteners may be mounted through fastener holes 30 provided on the sidewalls 22 that align with fastener openings 32 provided on the chassis portion 14/16.

[0143] In the depicted example, the rear wall 20 of the plate 18 includes weightsaving features such as openings 34 forming a honeycomb pattern. In the depicted example, the openings 34 cover a majority of the surface area defined by the rear wall 20.

[0001] It should be noted that openings 34 in the form of a honeycomb pattern is simply one example embodiment of a weight-saving measure and other embodiments can include other weight-saving measures and the density of the openings 34 can vary. [0144] As shown, the metal plate 18 also defines mounting flanges extending from the sidewalls 22 for mounting the plate 18 to a telecommunications rack.

[0145] It should be noted that the fixed chassis portion may be designed to provide some of the cable management and bend radius protection as the cables lead into and out of the slidable trays 12. As shown in the example element 110 of FIGS. 5 and 6, a fixed chassis portion 112 may define an integrated bend control feature in the form of a curved wall 114. The curved wall 114 helps guide cables into and out of the tray 12 with bend radius protection.

[0146] The block of elements 110 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are mounted to a rack using a rear plate similar to the plate 18 shown for the elements 10 of FIGS. 1-4.

[0147] FIGS. 7-12 illustrate a rear metal plate 118 being used for mounting a block of elements 210, wherein each of the elements 210 include its own fixed chassis portion 212. As shown, each chassis portion 212 defines a tab 214 for cooperatively mating with grooves 124 defined on the rear plate 118 and fastener openings 215 that align with fastener openings 130 of sidewalls 122 of the plate 118. As shown, the elements 210 define radius limiters 216 that have a slightly different shaped cable entry/exit portions as compared to the elements 10/110 of FIGS. 1-6. The radius limiters 216 of elements 210 include a more defined U-shaped cable pathway. [0148] As also shown in FIGS. 7-12, within slidable trays 218, there are provided cable management fingers 220 for retaining cabling within the desired pathway as the cables enter and exit the trays 218 of the elements 210.

[0149] One of the elements 210 is shown in isolation separated from the block in FIGS. 11 and 12. It should be noted that although the depicted embodiments illustrate a large metal rear plate 18/118 for mounting a group or block of elements 10/110/210, it is certainly contemplated that the elements 10/110/210 may be mounted to a rack individually using smaller rear plates or brackets. As discussed above, a larger rear plate 18/118 that spans a group of elements 10/110/210 provides further stability and rigidity to the elements 10/110/210 when the trays are being slidably moved for access. [0150] As noted above, the fixed chassis portions of the elements may be designed to also facilitate bend control for the incoming and outgoing fibers/cables. And, the radius limiter portions of the elements may be designed differently depending upon the associated shapes of the chassis portions.

[0151] FIG. 13 illustrates the element 210 of FIGS. 7-12 from a top view showing the U shape of the radius limiters 216 and the portions of the fixed chassis 212 that fit within notches 222 of the U-shaped radius limiters 216. The chassis portion 212 of the element 210 provides a flush alignment with the U-shaped radius limiter 216 when the tray 218 is in the closed position and does not include features for bend control.

[0152] In contrast, element 310 shown in FIG. 14 includes a chassis portion 312 on the right side that defines a bend control portion 316 and a chassis portion 318 on the left side that does not define a bend control portion.

[0153] The elements 10/110/210/310 shown in FIGS. 1-14 define a large footprint for the width of the elements, mainly due to the shapes of the radius limiters. In sharp contrast, as shown for element 410 in FIGS. 15 and 16 and element 510 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the width of the elements can be reduced by utilizing a smaller radius limiter that defines a shorter pathway at the entry/exit points.

[0154] In the element shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the radius limiters 416 are designed to route the cabling directly sideways. As also shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the fixed chassis portions 412 are also designed to lie flush with the radius limiters 416 so as to not add to the total width of the elements 410.

[0155] The elements 510 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 provide a slightly larger radius limiter 516 as compared to the element 410 shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. The radius limiters 516 of elements 510 define a partial U-shaped configuration, receiving or exiting cables parallel to the sides of the elements 510, generally similar to the elements 210/310 of FIGS. 7-14.

[0156] As noted above, cables extending to and from each element for termination or splicing therein can be affixed with a cable mount to the chassis portions of the elements as desired, as will be described in further detail below.

[0157] FIGS. 19-45 illustrate a number of different examples of such cable termination units (CTU’s) that can be used to fix the cables, in certain examples, the strength member portions of the cables, to the chassis portions of the elements, so as to counter any pulling forces on the cabling. As noted above and as will be discussed in further detail, the illustrated cable termination units or cable mounts may include radius limiting features for supporting and protecting the cables as the cables approach or exit the elements.

[0158] Referring now to FIGS. 19-21, one example embodiment of a cable termination unit (CTU) 600 that is configured to be used with a block of elements such as elements 10/110/210/310/410/510 is illustrated.

[0159] The CTU 600 defines a base 602 that is mounted to the chassis portions of the elements 10/110/210/310/410/510, via, for example, fasteners through fastener holes defined on the chassis portions. In the depicted example, the base 602 is large enough to span four distribution elements 10/110/210/310/410/510. The CTU 600 is designed such that the fibers of an incoming cable can be routed to any of the four elements 10/110/210/310/410/510 once the cable has been fixed using the CTU 600. [0160] Still referring to FIGS. 19-21, as shown, the base 602 of the CTU 600 defines a pair of cable mount channels 604. One of the cable mount channels 604 is angled upwardly for mounting cables that extend upwardly from the lower portion of the rack. Another of the cable mount channels 604 is angled downwardly for mounting cables that extend downwardly from an upper portion of the rack.

[0161] The cable mount channels 604 define ribs 606 for frictionally receiving and holding cables 1. In the depicted example, the cables 1 may include a friction tube 2 placed adjacent stripped ends 3 of the cables 1 for providing a tight fit within the selected cable mount channels 604.

[0162] As shown, each cable mount channel 604 is designed to lead toward an associated clamp cavity 608 defined by the base 602. Each clamp cavity 608 is configured to receive and accommodate a strength member 4 of the cable 1. The strength members 4 can be clamped against a wall 610 of the base 602 via fasteners provided within the cavities 608.

[0163] As the strength members 4 are clamped to the base 602, the fibers broken out from the incoming cable 1 may be routed to the different elements 10/110/210/310/410/510 via a cable channel 612. As seen, both the cable mount channels 604 angle toward the cable channel 612 for leading the fibers to the different levels of elements. The base 602 defines a plurality of vertically stacked radius limiters 614 for bend protection. Adjacent a front 616 of the base 602, near the entry points of the radius limiters of the elements 10/110/210/310/410/510, the base 602 may define tube holding cavities 618 that are designed to hold flex tubes surrounding a bundle of fibers. An example of a flex tube 5 frictionally held by the tube holding cavities 618 is shown in FIG. 24.

[0164] FIG. 20 illustrates a view showing the CTU 600 exploded off the block of elements. FIG. 19 illustrates the CTU 600 mounted to the block of elements. FIG. 21 illustrates a plurality of blocks of elements with a plurality of CTUs 600 mounted thereon. As shown, when the CTUs 600 are provided in a stacked arrangement, the angled cable mount channels 604 communicate and cooperate with each other to create cable pathways, whether the cables 1 are being directed at a downward angle or an upward angle toward the elements 10/110/210/310/410/510.

[0165] FIGS. 22-24 illustrate another example embodiment of a cable termination unit 700 that is configured to be used with a block of elements such as those described above. CTU 700 is similar in configuration and concept to that of CTU 600. CTU 700 also defines strength member clamp cavities 702 similar to that of CTU 600. It should be noted that both CTU 600 and CTU 700 allow for top or bottom entry of cables due to the angling of the cable mount channels 704. Both of the CTUs 600 and 700 may allow bending of cables 1 up to 150 millimeters (mm). In the depicted embodiment, both versions of the CTUs 600/700 are designed to fan-out a given cable 1 to the associated four elements 10/110/210/310/410/510. In certain examples, the fibers can lead to an upper or a lower block of elements different than the block to which the CTU 600/700 has been mounted. The cable pathways and the vertically stacked radius of limiters 614/714 allow the fibers to be routed as desired. And, as noted previously, both of the CTUs 600 and 700 are fully 30mm bend radius compliant such that all of the portions of the CTUs provide curved surfaces (interior or exterior) or cooperatively define curved cable paths that have a radius of curvature that is at least 30mm. The at least 30mm radius of curvature defined by all of the curved portions of the CTUs 600/700 or the curved paths provided by the CTUs 600/700 significantly improves the bend radius protection for the fibers.

[0166] FIG. 25 illustrates another example embodiment of a cable termination unit 800 that is a slight variation of the units 600/700 shown in FIGS. 19-24. In the CTU 800, strength members 4 are clamped via set screws 802 that are provided within upper and lower pockets 804 of each CTU 800.

[0167] FIGS. 26-30 illustrate another example embodiment of a cable termination unit 900 that is configured to be used with a block of elements such as those described above. The CTU 900 includes a base 902 (FIG. 29) and a pivotally movable cable mount 904 (FIG. 30).

[0168] As depicted, the cable mount 904 defines a cable mount portion 906 that extends integrally from a rotating head portion 908. The rotating head portion 908 defines a pivot pin 910 that is inserted into a pivot opening 912 defined on the base 902. The pivot pin 910 allows the cable mount 904 to rotate along a pre-selected angular path and snap into discrete positions relative to the base 902. The cable mount portion 906 defines a tab 914 underneath thereof that can snap into discrete locking openings 916 for establishing the angular positioning of the cable mount 904 of the CTU 900, relative to the base 902.

[0169] In this manner, depending upon the direction of the cabling coming toward the block of elements 10/110/210/310/410/510, the cable mount 904 can be rotationally moved and locked into position. In the depicted embodiment, the cable mount 904 provides three different locking positions, each with a 45-degree angular rotational difference.

[0170] Flexible bending of the cable mount portion 906 away from the base 902 unlocks the cable mount 904 for rotation.

[0171] As shown, the cable mount portion 906 defines a V-shaped groove 918 for accommodating different sized cables. In certain examples, a friction tube 2 may be used over a cable jacket 6 for frictional securement of the cable 1 to the cable mount 904.

[0172] A strength member mount 920 is positioned on the rotating head portion 908 of the cable mount 904. The strength member mount 920 defines an opening 922 that passes underneath a pair of cable management fingers 924 positioned on the rotating head portion 908. Once the strength members 4 are inserted through the opening 922, a set screw can be placed within a screw opening 925 on the rotating head portion 908. Fibers broken out from the incoming cable 1 are lead underneath the cable management fingers 924.

[0173] As shown, the base 902 defines a plurality of bulkheads 926 defining curved walls to form a plurality of fiber pathways 928. Depending upon the direction of the incoming cable 1 and the desired fiber distribution, an appropriate fiber pathway 928 may be selected and utilized. Each base 902 is large enough to span a block of four distribution elements 10/110/210/310/410/510 in the depicted example.

[0174] FIGS. 31-33 illustrate another example embodiment of a cable termination unit 1000 that is a slight variation of the unit 900 shown in FIGS. 26-30. The CTU 1000 includes a base 1002 that has a curved track 1003 that allows for pivotal adjustment of a cable mount 1004 of the CTU 1000. Even though the CTU 1000 may be designed where the cable mount 1004 is infinitely adjustable along the curved track 1003, in the depicted embodiment, the cable mount 1004 is shown to be angularly locked at three discrete positions, again, similar to CTU 900 of FIGS. 26-30. As shown, a flexible tab 1014 cooperates with three notches 1016 defined adjacent a rear 1005 of the base 1002 for locking the cable mount 1004 in three different discrete positions, each with a 45-degree angular rotational difference. The flexible tab 1014 can be flexed away from the rear 1005 of the base 1002 if it is desired to move the cable mount 1004 relative to the base 1002 of the CTU 1000.

[0175] The CTU 1000 features similar strength member clamping and similar cable pathways provided at a front 1007 of the base 1002 as that of CTU 900. Again, each base 1002 is large enough to span a block of four distribution elements 10/110/210/310/410/510 in the depicted example.

[0176] Referring now to FIGS. 34-39, the example of the cable termination unit 1100 shown is similar in concept to the unit 900 shown in FIGS. 26-30 except that the unit 1100 is configured to receive or exit cabling 1 along a transverse direction, generally normal to the sides of the elements 10/110/210/310/410/510.

[0177] The unit 1100 of FIGS. 34-39 may be utilized when the cables 1 that are coming to or extending from the elements 10/110/210/310/410/510 are provided at a 90-degree angle to the elements, as opposed to being flush or parallel to the planes defined by the sides of the stack of elements 10/110/210/310/410/510.

[0178] A strength member clamp 1120 is defined by a fastener opening 1122 positioned on a rotational cable mount 1104. [0179] A cable mount portion 1106 of the rotational cable mount 1104 is designed to receive the cables at a normal angle to the elements and again direct the fibers toward a plurality of bulkheads 1126 defining curved walls at the front of a base 1102. The bulkheads 1126 form a plurality of fiber pathways 1128, and, depending upon the desired fiber distribution, an appropriate fiber pathway 1128 may be selected and utilized.

[0180] The cable mount 1104 is designed with enough flexibility to unsnap the rotational cable mount 1104 from one of the discrete openings 1116 on the base 1102 and pivot the cable mount 1104 to a different position, depending upon the direction of the incoming cable.

[0181] Similar to the CTU’s 600/700/800/900/1000/1100 described above, each base of the CTU 1100 is large enough to span a block of four distribution elements 10/110/210/310/410/510 in the depicted example.

[0182] FIGS. 40-45 illustrate another example embodiment of a cable termination unit 1200 that is configured to be used with a block of elements such as those described above. The unit 1200 shown in FIGS. 40-45 shares concepts that are similar to those of the unit 900 shown in FIGS. 26-30, except that the cable mounts are individually removable and mountable at different angular positions to a base of the cable termination unit 1200.

[0183] As shown, a base 1202 defines a single strength member clamp 1220 at a generally central position for fixing the strength member 4 of an incoming cable 1 via, for example, fasteners.

[0184] The cable mounts 1204 are individually snapped into openings 1206 defined adjacent a curved rear wall 1208 of the base 1202. As shown, openings 1206 that allow for four different angular positions are provided. In the depicted embodiment, a flexible tab 1210 of the cable mount 1204 can cooperate with four discretely positioned catches 1212 adjacent the curved rear wall 1208 of the base 1202 for allowing the cable mount 1204 to be individually mounted in four different discrete positions, each with a 30-degree angular rotational difference.

[0185] Pressing the tabs 1210 of the cable mounts 1204 toward the rear curved wall 1208 of the base 1202 allows the tabs 1210 to be freed from the catches 1212 for removal of the cable mounts 1204.

[0186] Similar to the CTU 900 in FIGS. 26-30 and to the CTU 1000 in FIGS. 31-

33, the individually mounted cable mounts 1204 may define a V-shaped groove 1214 for accommodating different sized cables. In certain examples, again, a friction tube 2 may be used over the cable jacket 6 for frictional securement of the cable 1 to the cable mount 1204.

[0187] The CTU 1200 provides the advantage of being able to add additional incoming cables 1 to the CTU if desired, as shown in FIG. 43. The CTU 1200, thus, provides a modular building block approach. The individually mounted cable mounts 1204 can also be varied in size and interchangeable depending upon the utilized size and type of cabling 1 (e.g., large feeder cable, smaller flex tube, etc.).

[0188] From the individually mounted cable mounts 1204, fibers are again directed toward a plurality of bulkheads 1226 defining curved walls at the front of the base 1202. The bulkheads 1226 form a plurality of fiber pathways 1228, and, depending upon the desired fiber distribution, an appropriate fiber pathway 1228 may be selected and utilized.

[0189] Similar to the CTUs described above, each base of the CTU 1200 is large enough to span a block of four distribution elements 10/110/210/310/410/510 in the depicted example.

[0190] In FIGS. 44 and 45, the CTUs 1200 are shown mounted to a chassis portion defined by a block of four elements 10/110/210/310/410/510. In FIG. 44, the CTU 1200 is shown as leading cables 1 at a downward angle toward the elements from an upper portion of the rack. And, in FIG. 45, the CTU 1200 is shown as leading cables 1 at an upward angle toward the elements 10/110/210/310/410/510 from a lower portion of the rack.

[0191] Referring now to FIGS. 46-50, a block of elements similar to the elements 210 of FIGS. 7-12 is illustrated with one example embodiment of a cable management structure 1300 that can be used on the patching side of the fiber distribution elements 210 housed within a rack. It should be noted that the cable management structure 1300 can be designed to be mounted on either side of an element block, depending on the configuration of the cabling coming in and going out of the elements 210.

[0192] In the depicted examples, the cable management structures 1300 are similar to the CTUs discussed above in that each cable management structure 1300 is designed to span a block of four distribution elements 210 mounted in vertical stack.

[0193] Similar to the CTUs discussed above, the cable management structure 1300 shown in FIGS. 46-50 defines a base 1302 that is mounted to the chassis portions 212 of the elements 210, via, for example, fasteners through fastener holes defined on the chassis portions 212. As noted, in the depicted example, the base 1302 is large enough to span four distribution elements 210. The cable management structure 1300 is designed such that the fibers of an outgoing cable 1 from any of the four elements 210 can be routed within a cable channel or trough 1304 of the structure without violating preselected bend radius rules (e.g., 30mm bend radius protection).

[0194] The cable channel or trough 1304 of the cable management structure 1300 is designed such that walls 1306 forming the channel 1304 provide a curvature in all directions including along a plane parallel to the sides of the elements 210 and in a transverse direction away from the elements 210 that can support a 30mm bend radius protection as the cables 1 extend from any of the elements 210.

[0195] FIG. 46 illustrates the cable management structure 1300 mounted to the chassis portion 212 of the block of elements 210. FIG. 47 shows the cable management structure 1300 exploded off the block of elements 210. And, as illustrated in FIG. 48, when the cable management structures 1300 are individually mounted to a block of elements 210 and when a rack includes a plurality of such blocks, the cable management structures 1300 are configured to be aligned in a vertically stacked arrangement.

[0196] Although each of the cable management structures 1300 associated with a block of elements 210 is configured to guide cabling to or from those elements 210 in the block, the curved walls 1306 of the cable management structures 1300 are designed to allow cabling to be directed to other portions of the rack, vertically, or transverse to the rack, sideways, without violating the bend radius rules of 30mm desired for the overall distribution system.

[0002] FIG. 50 illustrates the synchronized movement of the trays 218 and the radius limiters 216 of the elements 210 relative to the chassis portions 212 of the elements 210. As noted previously, the tray 218 may be mounted to the fixed chassis portions 212 and be movable relative thereto via a slide mechanism, which may include one or more gears and a set of two opposing toothed racks or linear members. The slide mechanism on each of the right and left sides of the elements 210 provides for synchronized movement for managing the cables 1 extending to and from the tray 218 such that the radius limiters 216 associated with each slide mechanism move in synchronized movement relative to the chassis 212 and tray 218 to maintain fiber slack, without causing fibers to be bent, pinched, or pulled, as shown in FIG. 50. [0003] FIGS. 46, 49, and 50 illustrate the block of elements 210 with one of the examples of CTUs 600 discussed above mounted to the fixed side of the distribution elements 210 and the cable management structure 1300 mounted to the patching side of the distribution elements 210.

[0004] FIGS. 51-53 illustrate another embodiment of the cable management structure 1400 having similar features and functionality to the structure 1300 shown in FIGS. 46-50. As shown from the top view in FIG. 52, the cable management structure 1400 is designed to lie within the footprint of the elements (e.g., elements 110) so as to not increase the overall width of the element block.

[0197] The cable management structure 1400 utilizes a similar mounting method to that of the structure 1300, via, for example, fasteners through fastener holes defined on the chassis portions 112. Again, the cable management structure 1400 defines a base 1402 that is large enough to span four distribution elements 110. The cable management structure 1400 is designed such that the fibers of an outgoing cable 1 from any of the four elements 110 can be routed within a cable channel or trough 1404 of the structure without violating preselected bend radius rules (e.g., 30mm bend radius protection).

[0198] As shown in FIGS. 51-53, the cable management structure 1400 may be used with elements 110 defining a fixed chassis portion 112 with an integrated bend control feature in the form of a curved wall 114 (similar to the elements 110 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and 310 shown in FIG. 14). The curved wall 114 of the chassis portion 112 cooperates with the cable channel 1404 of the cable management structure 1400 in leading cables into and out of the radius limiter portions 116 of the elements 110 with bend radius protection.

[0199] As discussed above for cable management structure 1300 of FIGS. 46-50, the cable management structure 1400 of FIGS. 51-53 is designed with a cable channel or trough 1404, where the walls 1406 forming the channel 1404 provide a curvature in all directions including along a plane parallel to the sides of the elements 110 and in a transverse direction away from the elements 110 that can support a 30mm bend radius protection as the cables 1 extend from any of the elements 110. The curvature in a direction along a plane parallel to the sides of the elements 110 is illustrated in FIG. 53. And, FIG. 51 illustrates curvature in a direction transverse to the sides of the elements 110, away from the elements 110 for leading to other locations within a rack. [0200] Referring now to FIGS. 54 and 55, another embodiment of a cable management structure 1500 having similar features and functionality to structures 1300 and 1400 is illustrated.

[0201] The cable management structure 1500 defines a base 1502 that integrates a curved wall portion 1503 in front of a cable channel portion 1504 thereof. The curved wall 1503 is designed to be an integrated bend control feature. The curved wall 1503 of the base 1502 cooperates with the cable channel 1504 of the cable management structure 1500 in leading cables into and out of the radius limiter portions of the elements with bend radius protection.

[0202] As shown in FIG. 54 and 55, the cable management structure 1500 is designed such that the cable management structure 1500 can be used with elements such as the elements 410 of FIGS. 15 and 16 or elements 510 of FIGS. 17 and 18, where the radius limiters of the elements are designed with a smaller footprint or a partial U-shaped configuration so as to reduce the overall width of the elements. In such elements, the cables 1 may be generally routed sideways or at least partially sideways from the elements.

[0203] The curved wall portion 1503 of the base 1502 of the cable management structures 1500 provides the desired bend radius protection when being used with elements such as elements 410 and 510.

[0204] FIG. 54 illustrates the cable management structure 1500 mounted to the chassis portion 412 of the block of elements 410 (e.g., via fasteners). And, FIG. 55 shows the cable management structure 1500 exploded off the block of elements 410. Again, the cable management structure 1500 defines a base 1502 that is large enough to span four distribution elements 410. As shown, the base of the cable management structure 1500 may also define forwardly protruding pins 1505 that are designed to fit within rearward facing openings 411 defined on the chassis portion 412 of the elements 410 to provide further stability to the block of elements 410.

[0205] Again, the cable management 1500 is designed such that the fibers of an outgoing cable 1 from any of the four elements 410 can be routed within the cable channel or trough 1504 of the cable management structure 1500 without violating preselected bend radius rules (e.g., 30mm bend radius protection).

[0206] Referring now to FIGS. 56-77, various examples of the connectivity solutions that may be implemented within the trays of the distribution elements 10/110/210/310/410/510 described above are illustrated. [0207] It should be noted the that the different internal connectivity solutions shown in FIGS. 56-77 are illustrated within an element that has a similar configuration to the element 310 shown in FIG. 14, the element shown in FIGS. 56-77, however, utilizing a chassis portion on both the right side and the left side that defines a bend control portion defining a curved wall.

[0208] It should be noted that although the different internal connectivity arrangements are illustrated within an element having features similar to the element

310 of FIG. 14, the internal arrangements can be utilized in any of the above-described distribution elements 10/110/210/310/410/510, as long as the elements are modified to accommodate the different connectivity arrangements.

[0209] Now referring specifically to FIGS. 56 and 57, two different layouts are illustrated for a stack of fiber optic adapters 1600 that are placed within an element 310. In both of the layouts illustrated in FIGS. 56 and 57, the adapters 1600 are placed along a stack extending in a front-to-back direction within the tray 311 of the element 310.

[0210] FIG. 56 illustrates an example patching arrangement wherein all of the connectorized pigtail fibers extending from the adapters 1600 to the outside of the element 310 are equal in length. Thus, different length pathways 1602 may be provided but utilizing a plurality of cable management structures 1604 within the tray

311 for accommodating the different amounts of cable slack that has to be accommodated when the cables are leading from different positions within the stack of adapters 1600. For example, the cable pathways 1602 are provided such that cabling leading all the way from the front-most adapters 1600 are routed around the front-most radius limiters 1604 before being directed toward the back of the tray 311 and around a radius limiter 1605 before heading back toward the front of the element 310 and out the radius limiter 314 of the element 310. Similarly, the cabling leading all the way from the rear-most adapters 1600 are routed around the rear-most radius limiters 1604 before being directed toward the back of the tray 311 and around a radius limiter 1605 before heading back toward the front of the element 310 and out the radius limiter 314 of the element.

[0211] Even though the arrangement in FIG. 56 provides management of the excess cable slack, as illustrated in FIG. 57, if the provided pigtail lengths are different, rather than the same length as shown in FIG. 56, such an arrangement can provide more space within the tray 311. However, the arrangement shown in FIG. 57 requires that the pigtails leading from the adapters 1600 out of the tray 311 be provided at different lengths, all depending upon the positioning of the associated adapters 1600. Otherwise, the created extra cable slack can be burdensome for access within the tray 311.

[0212] Now referring to FIGS. 58 and 59, an example of an internal splice and patch arrangement is illustrated. The internal arrangement in FIGS. 58 and 59 is similar to the arrangement shown in FIG. 57 except for the addition of the splice trays 1700 for each of the associated adapters 1600 that are in a stack.

[0213] As shown in FIGS. 58 and 59, there is a given adapter holder portion 1610 that is associated with one splice tray 1700. And, in the version illustrated in FIGS. 58 and 59, both the adapter holder portions 1610 and the splice trays 1700 are individually spaced in the front-to-back direction such that a same length cable path is defined between each of the splice trays 1700 and the adapter holder portions 1610. Thus, the splice tray pitch matches the pitch of the adapter holder portions 1610.

[0214] As a variation, FIG. 60 illustrates a layout where the pitch of the adapter holding portions 1610 does not match the pitch of the splice trays 1700. In this type of an arrangement, different length cables would have to be used leading from the splice trays 1700 to the associated adapters 1600 in the holder portions 1610. However, as shown, this type of a layout, although requiring some cable slack management and utilizing different length cables, can allow more spacing for the stack of adapters 1600 for access.

[0215] Referring back to FIGS. 58 an 59, each of the splice trays 1700 may be removably mounted individually to the tray 311 and may be hingable with respect thereto along an X-axis (an axis that is parallel to a width defined by the drawer 310). And, each associated adapter holder portion 1610 may also be removably mounted to the tray 311.

[0216] In FIGS. 58-60, the tray 311 is shown populated with a total of twelve splice trays 1700 and twelve adapter holder portions 1610 within the element 310. Thus, the fibers, after being spliced within the splice trays 1700, are led to the corresponding adapter holder portions 1610 that are provided in a 1-1 ratio with the splice trays 1700. [0217] Still referring to FIGS. 58-60, the drawer or element 310 is arranged such that incoming fibers that are to be spliced at the splice trays 1700 may enter the drawer at a left side of the drawer 310 (when viewing from the front of the drawer, in a direction front to back). As discussed previously, strength members 4 of cables 1 carrying the optical fibers entering the drawer 310 may be fixed and clamped to the left sides of the distribution elements 310 via various cable termination units (CTU) that are designed to counter pulling forces on the cables 1.

[0218] The telecommunications element 310 shown in FIGS. 58-60 is configured such that, after being routed from the CTUs, fibers or cables carrying the fibers enter a cable-entry channel 320 of the drawer 310.

[0219] As discussed previously, the cable-entry channel 320 may be defined by a generally U-shaped radius-limiter 314 positioned toward the front 322 of the drawer 310 that can move in synchronized movement with the tray 311 relative to the chassis portion 312 to take up any cable slack.

[0220] After the cables make a U-shaped turn, the cables 1 are led toward the back of the tray 311. The cables then encounter and are led inwardly toward the right side of the drawer 310 via a curved wall 324 that is positioned toward the back of the tray 311. [0221] The cable path of the drawer 310 may be designed such that, after the cables are led toward the right side of the tray 311, the cables are routed around a cable management structure 326 defining a curved wall 328 toward the splice trays 1700, for splicing.

[0222] As discussed above, connectorized ends of the spliced fibers are connected to the left ports of the adapters 1600 and mate with connectorized ends of pigtails that are connected to the right ports of the adapters 1600. The adapters 1600 provide the patching side of the elements 310.

[0223] Still referring to FIGS. 58-60, the tray 311 is arranged such that outgoing fibers in the form of connectorized pigtails (e.g., 900 micron) are led out of a right side of the drawer 310 after being guided through a cable-exit channel 330 that has a similar mirrored configuration to the cable entry channel 320.

[0224] The cable-exit channel 330 is defined by another cable management structure 332 defining a curved wall 334 positioned toward the back of the tray 311. The curved wall 334 of the cable management structure 332 cooperates with a curved rear wall portion 336 of the tray 311 and guides the outgoing fibers toward the front of the tray 311.

[0225] After the cables are lead toward the front of the tray 311, once again, the cables are led around the U-shaped radius limiter 314 provided at the exit point of the cable-exit channel 330. The U-shaped radius limiter 314, similar to the radius limiter 314 at the cable entry point of the tray 311 is configured to move in synchronized movement with the tray 311 relative to the chassis portions 312. [0226] As described previously, an external cable management structure may be positioned at the left side of the telecommunications element for guiding fibers away from the element 310.

[0227] Referring now to FIG. 61, another version of an internal splice/patch arrangement is illustrated. The arrangement is similar in layout and functionality to the arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 58-60. However, in the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 61, the adapter holder portions 1610 are defined in a stacked arrangement integrally with a support structure 1611 that allows hinging of the adapters 1600 for access.

[0228] As shown in FIG. 61, the support structure 1611 defines a lift handle 1613 that can be used to pivot the support structure 1611 along a Y-axis (an axis parallel to the direction of slidable travel of the tray 311). Hinge openings 1614 are provided at the ends of the support structure 1611 that mate with hinge pins 1615 provided within the tray 311 to give the pivotability function to the support structure 1611.

[0229] In the version of the tray 311 illustrated in FIG. 61, a divider wall 1617 is provided generally at midpoint along the tray 311 to separate the splice trays 1700 from the patch side of the tray 311. A curved portion 1619 of the divider wall 1617 toward the front of the tray 311 allows all of the cabling to cross from the splice region to the patch region.

[0230] FIG. 62 illustrates a variation of the arrangement of FIG. 61, wherein the splice trays 1700 are provided in two pivotable stacks instead of being arranged in a single stack in a front-to-back direction as shown in FIG. 61.

[0231] FIG. 63 illustrates the tray 311 of FIGS. 61 and 62 in an empty configuration with the splice trays 1700 and the adapter holder support structure 1611 removed therefrom. As shown in FIG. 63 and as will be discussed in further detail below, a plurality of pockets 1621 may be provided as part of the tray 311 positioned below the pivoting support structure 1611. The pockets 1621 may be used for removably mounting pigtail termination structures (KTUs). Such KTUs, as will be described in further detail below, may be used if the adapters 1600 of the pivoting support structure 1611 are going to be bypassed. Thus, in certain examples, instead of being connectorized with optical connectors and being led from the splice trays 1700 to the adapters 1600 for patching, the cables 1 may bypass the adapters 1600 and the outer jackets thereof may be fixed via such KTUs to the trays 311 against pulling forces, before being led out of the tray 311. [0232] FIG. 64 illustrates the pivotable adapter holder support structure 1611 in isolation, removed from the tray 311.

[0233] FIGS. 65-68 illustrate another internal layout for the splice/patch functionality of the trays 311. In the version of the arrangement shown in FIGS. 65-68, the patch adapters 1600 are positioned toward the front of the tray 311, with the splice trays 1700 pivotally mounted in two separate stacks toward the back of the tray 311.

[0234] Still referring to FIGS. 65-68, in the depicted arrangement, the adapters 1600 are provided in a stacked arrangement leading from left to right of the tray 311. In the depicted embodiment, the adapters 1600 are mounted in a fixed arrangement without pivoting capability.

[0235] As shown, each tray 311 may define an opening 1623 at a bottom wall 1625 of the tray 311 toward the front side that allows access to the stack of adapters 1600 from the bottom of the stack.

[0236] Still referring to FIGS. 65-68, since the adapters 1600 are provided toward the front of the tray 311, the cable exit path defined by the tray 311 is configured such that fiber pigtails are routed adjacent the front of the tray 311 around a bulkhead 1626 defining a curved wall 1627 toward the rear of the tray 311, before being routed around another management structure 1629 defining a curved wall 1631 at the back of the tray 311. From that point, the fiber pigtails may be routed back toward the front of the tray 311 for exiting the tray 311 via the movable generally U-shaped radius limiter 314.

[0237] Regarding the cable entry path for the tray 311, the cable entry path for guiding the fibers of the incoming cables to the splice trays 1700 includes a bulkhead 1633 with a curved wall 1635 toward the back of the tray 311 that can guide the fibers all the way from the front U-shaped radius limiter 314 to each of the splice trays 1700 with bend radius protection.

[0238] FIG. 69 illustrates a similar arrangement to the layout provided in FIGS. 65- 68, where the adapters 1600 are stacked toward the front of the tray 311. However, in the layout shown in FIG. 69, the splice trays 1700 are stacked in a single layer in a direction from the left to the right of the tray 311, instead of being provided in two separate stacks.

[0239] Now referring to FIGS. 70 and 71, the arrangement shown therein defines a plurality of splice/patch arrangements 1800 where the adapter holder portions 1810 are integrally formed or molded with the splice trays 1802. As shown, the splice trays 1802 and the integral adapter holder portions 1810 are mounted in a stacked arrangement at the front of the tray 311. Since the splice trays 1802 are stacked in a partial overlapping arrangement, the adapter holder portions 1810 are provided at a slight angle relative to the front faces of the trays 311.

[0240] FIG. 71 illustrates one of the integrally formed splice tray and adapter holder arrangements 1800 removed from the tray 311 in isolation.

[0241] FIG. 72 illustrates a variation on the concept illustrated in FIGS. 70-71 in that the splice trays 1802 and the adapter holder portions 1810 are mounted in the reverse orientation within the tray 311, wherein the splice trays 1802 are provided closer to the front of the tray 311.

[0242] Referring now to FIGS. 73 and 74, another variation on the concepts illustrated in FIGS. 70-72 is depicted. In the version of the splice/patch arrangement 1900 illustrated in FIGS. 73 and 74, the adapter holder portions 1910 are once again integrally molded with the splice trays 1902, however, at the tops 1904 of the splice trays 1902, as opposed to being provided as integral extensions that protrude from the splice trays 1902.

[0243] As shown in FIGS. 73 and 74, the adapter holder portions 1910 are provided adjacent the left-most edges 1906 of the splice trays 1902 (when viewed from the front of the drawer 310), opposite from the hinging right-side edges 1908.

[0244] In the version of the arrangements, each splice tray 1902 defines cable management fingers 1911 for leading incoming cables into the splice area 1913 of the splice trays 1902 and toward the adapters after splicing. From the adapters, connector pigtails can lead out the cable exit path as discussed for previous examples.

[0245] FIG. 74 illustrates one of the integrally formed splice tray and adapter holder arrangements 1900 removed from the tray 311 in isolation.

[0246] Referring now to FIGS. 75-77, another variation on the concept illustrated in FIGS. 73-74 is depicted. In the version of the splice/patch arrangement 2000 illustrated in FIGS. 75-77, the adapter holder portions 2010 are once again integrally molded with the splice trays 2002, however, adjacent front edges 2004 of the splice trays 2002 near the hinging point. This configuration places the adapter holders 2010 toward the bottom side of the tray 311, close to the bottom wall 1625 of the tray 311, providing more room within the tray 311 when stacking the splice trays 2002.

[0247] As shown, the arrangements 2000 may define an opening 2006 for access adjacent the cable entry side 2008 of the adapter holder portions 2010. Please see FIG. 77 for one of the integrally formed splice tray and adapter holder arrangements 2000 removed from the tray 311 in isolation.

[0248] In the depicted embodiment, the splice trays 2002 of the splice/patch arrangements 2000 are stacked in two groups in a front -to-back direction within the trays 311. And, incoming cables and outgoing fiber pigtails follow a left-to-right cable path as illustrated in FIG. 75.

[0249] Referring now to FIGS. 78-104, instead of having the splice trays and the patching adapters separately positioned within a tray 2111, in certain embodiments, the splice/patch functionality may be provided in the form of individual termination arrangements 2120 wherein splice trays 2132 are generally integrally provided with the adapter holder portions 2125.

[0250] One example embodiment of such a layout is shown in FIGS. 78-81. The tray 2111 of the drawer 2110 is shown to house a plurality of individual termination arrangements 2120 that are mounted in a stacked arrangement. In the depicted embodiment, the tray 2111 of the telecommunications drawer 2110 includes an insert 2123 (FIGS. 80-81) therein that supports a plurality of termination arrangements 2120 mounted to the insert 2123 as an integral unit. The telecommunications drawer 2110 is shown from a top view in FIGS. 78-79 to illustrate the internal details.

[0251] It should be noted that, except for the differences that will be specifically discussed in further detail, the telecommunications drawer 2110 may include similar features and define a similar layout, including cable paths leading into and out of the drawer, as those discussed above.

[0252] Still referring to FIGS. 78-81, as shown, the insert 2123 is configured to support the termination arrangements 2120 such that the termination arrangements 2120 are provided in a stacked arrangement extending from a front 2101 of the drawer 2110 toward a back 2102 of the drawer 2110.

[0253] The termination arrangements 2120 are configured such that each adapter holder portion 2125 is associated with one splice tray 2132. And, both the adapter holder portions 2125 and the splice trays 2132 are individually spaced in the front-to- back direction such that a same length cable path is defined between each of the splice trays 2132 and the adapter holders portions 2125. Thus, the pitch between the splice trays 2132 are the same as the pitch between the adapter holder portions 2125.

[0254] Each of the splice trays 2132 are mounted individually to the insert 2123 and are hingable with respect to the defined termination arrangements 2120 along the X-axis. And, each adapter holder portion 2125 is removably mounted to the insert 2123 and is individually hingable with respect thereto and pivotable about the Y-axis for access.

[0255] The insert 2123 that supports the termination arrangements 2120 may include mounting features at a bottom thereof for removable mounting to a telecommunications fixture such as the tray 2111 of the drawer 2110. In certain examples, the mounting features may include dove-tail shaped members along the bottom of the insert 2123 that are configured to cooperate with respective slots provided on the tray 2111 of the drawer 2110 for insertion and slidable locking of the insert 2123 to the drawer 2110 for supporting the termination arrangements 2120. Other mounting features are possible for the insert 2123.

[0256] In certain example embodiments, once the insert 2123 supporting the termination arrangements 2120 is mounted within the drawer 2110, a cover may be placed in the drawer 2110 over all of the splice trays 2132. The cover may be provided both to protect the splices within the trays 2132 and to act as part of a safety measure to prevent closure of the tray 2111 of the drawer 2110 if any of the splice trays 2132 are still in a pivoted, access position. Placement of a cover over the splice trays 2132 when the splice trays 2132 are all in a flat position ensures that the tray 2111 of the drawer 2110 is ready to be slidably moved to a closed position and that none of the splice trays 2132 are exposed to potential damage. FIGS. 78-81 show the tray 2111 of the drawer 2110 without such a cover for the purpose of illustrating the internal details of the splice trays 2132 of the termination arrangements 2120, including the cable paths to and from the splice trays 2132.

[0257] In FIGS. 78-81, the drawer 2110 is shown populated at full capacity with all of the termination arrangements 2120 mounted therein. In the depicted embodiment, the drawer 2110 is configured to support an insert 2123 that can accommodate twelve termination arrangements 2120. Each termination arrangement 2120 includes a splice tray 2132 for a total of twelve splice trays 2132 within the drawer 2110. And, as noted above, the fibers, after being spliced within the splice trays 2132, are led to the corresponding adapter holder portions 2125 of the terminations arrangements 2120 that are provided in a 1-1 ratio with the splice trays 2132.

[0258] As shown in further detail in FIGS. 80 and 81, the adapter holder portions 2125 may include pockets 2003 above the adapters 50. As noted for the element shown in FIG. 63, such pockets 2003 may be used for removably mounting pigtail termination structures (KTUs). Such KTUs, as will be described in further detail below, may be used if the adapters 50 of the termination arrangements 2120 are going to be bypassed. Thus, in certain examples, instead of being connectorized with optical connectors and being led from the splice trays 2132 to the adapters 50 for patching, the outer jackets of the spliced fibers may bypass the adapters 50 and fixed via such KTUs against pulling forces, before being led out of the tray 2111.

[0259] FIGS. 86-89 illustrate versions of termination arrangements 3120 wherein such KTU-receiving pockets 3003 may be positioned below the adapters 50 on the adapter holding portions 3125.

[0260] It should be noted that in FIGS. 86 and 87, the adapter holders 3125 are configured to arrange the mounted adapters 50 where the longer dimension of the adapters 50 defining the width are positioned in a top-to-bottom direction. In the version of the termination arrangements 3120 shown in FIGS. 88 and 89, the adapters 50 are arranged with the longer width dimensions of the adapters 50 being positioned horizontally, wherein a plurality of adapter pairs 50 are provided in columns.

[0261] Thus, FIGS. 86-89 illustrate the possible layouts and densities that can be provided within a given tray 2111, depending upon the configuration of the adapter holder portions 3125 of the termination arrangements 3120 and the layout of the adapters 50.

[0262] In the version of the termination arrangements 3120 shown in FIGS. 86 and 87, the arrangements 3120 support twenty-four SC format adapters 50 arranged in a stack extending from the front toward the back of a tray 2111.

[0263] In the version of the termination arrangements 3120 shown in FIGS. 88 and 89, twenty-four adapters 50 are also provided, however, in vertical stacks of two extending from the front toward the back of a tray 2111.

[0264] The arrangements shown in FIGS. 86-89 simply illustrate the different layouts and orientations of the adapters 50 that can be used within elements such as those discussed above, including the locations of the KTU pockets 3003. Other arrangements are possible as will be discussed in further detail below.

[0265] Referring now back to FIGS. 78-81, the drawer 2110 is arranged such that incoming fibers that are to be spliced at the splice trays 2132 may enter the drawer at a left side 2104 of the drawer 2110 (when viewing from the front of the drawer, in a direction front to back). As illustrated diagrammatically, strength members of cables 1 carrying the optical fibers entering the drawer 2110 may be fixed and clamped to the left side of the telecommunications element via cable termination units (CTU), as discussed previously, that are designed to counter pulling forces on the cables 1.

[0266] The telecommunications element is configured such that, after being routed from the CTU’s, fibers or cables carrying the fibers enter a cable-entry channel 2005 of the drawer.

[0267] The cable-entry channel 2005 is defined by a generally U-shaped radiuslimiter 2502 positioned toward the front 2101 of the drawer 2110. After the cables make a U-shaped turn, the cables are led toward the back 2102 of the drawer 2110. The cables then encounter and are led inwardly toward the right side of the drawer 2110 via a curved wall(s) 2106 that is positioned toward the back of the drawer 2110. [0268] The cable path of the drawer 2110 is designed such that, after the cables are led toward the right side of the drawer 2110, the cables make another U-turn around another spool 2504 provided adjacent the back of the drawer 2110, positioned generally midway between the left and right sides of the drawer 2110.

[0269] After the cables are led around the spool 2504 once again toward the left side of the drawer 2110, the cables encounter another curved wall 2506 for turning the cables back again toward the right side of the drawer 2110, toward each of the splice trays 2132 that are provided in a stacked arrangement, for splicing. As shown, individual bulkheads 2508 adjacent the entry points of the splice trays 2132 provide curved paths to lead the cables individually into each of the splice trays 2132 for splicing of the fibers.

[0270] This cable channel layout and arrangement is similar to the drawers discussed above. And as noted, the cable entry and exit directions can be arranged depending upon the distribution needs.

[0271] Still referring to FIGS. 78-81, the drawer is arranged such that outgoing fibers in the form of connectorized pigtails (e.g., 900 micron) are led out of a right side 2009 of the drawer 2110 after being guided through a cable-exit channel 2011.

[0272] The cable-exit channel 2011 is defined by a curved bulkhead 2510 positioned toward the back of the drawer 2110. The curved surface of the bulkhead 2510 guides the outgoing fibers toward a U-shaped portion 2512 of the cable-exit channel 2011 that is positioned at the back of the drawer, the U-shaped portion 2512 defined by a curved rear wall(s) 2514. The curved rear wall 2514 causes the fibers to take a U-turn and lead toward the front of the drawer 2110. [0273] After the cables make a U-turn and lead toward the front of the drawer 2110 once again, the cables are led around another U-shaped radius limiter 2516 provided at the exit point of the cable-exit channel 2011. The U-shaped radius limiter 2516 is configured to turn the fibers and lead them in the rearward direction out of the drawer 2110. An external cable management structure 2518, as discussed previously, may be positioned at the left side of the telecommunications element 2110 for guiding fibers away from the element 2110.

[0274] The drawer 2110 may include cable management fingers 2012 at various locations therewithin that extend partially into the cable-entry and cable-exit channels 2005, 2011 to manage and retain the fibers within the channels.

[0275] It should be noted that certain portions providing cable management functionality within the tray of the drawer 2110 may be provided as a removable insert, as shown in FIG. 90.

[0276] FIG. 91 illustrates another example of an insert 1999 that has been placed within a tray 2111 similar to that of drawer 2110, the insert 1999 providing similar cable management and bend radius protection features as the insert shown in FIG. 90. [0277] Referring back to FIGS. 78-81, the drawer 2110 is configured such that all of the portions of the drawer 2110, including the termination arrangements 2120, that provide a curved surface (interior or exterior) or cooperatively define a curved cable path, define a radius of curvature that is at least 30 millimeters (mm). The at least 30mm radius of curvature defined by all of the curved portions of the drawer 2110 significantly improves the bend radius protection for the fibers and is a concept that has not been implemented in any of the previous drawers specifically discussed above in the present disclosure. For this purposes, the drawer 2110 generally has a wide footprint in the right-to-left direction (about 580mm for the entire telecommunications element). Other dimensions of the drawer 2110 are specifically shown in FIG. 78.

[0278] FIG. 79 diagrammatically illustrates all of the locations, areas, or regions of the drawer 2110, where a curved surface is provided, that provides the at least 30mm radius of curvature requirement.

[0279] As shown diagrammatically in FIG. 79, there are at least twelve types or kinds of curved surfaces, areas, or regions A that provide a radius of curvature of at least 30mm within the drawer 2110. [0280] The walls of the U-shaped radius limiter 2502 positioned at the entry of the cable-entry channel 2005 toward the front of the drawer 2110 may be considered region/area 1 (Al).

[0281] The curved interior and exterior walls 2006 defined toward the back of the drawer 2110 that lead the cables inwardly toward the right side of the drawer may be considered region/area 2 (A2).

[0282] The point in the cable-entry channel 2005 where the cables first encounter the spool 2504 provided adjacent the back of the drawer 2110, positioned generally midway between the left and right sides of the drawer 2110, may be considered region/area 3 (A3).

[0283] The inner and outer walls defined by the spool 2005 that cause the cables to make a U-turn and once again lead toward the left side of the drawer 2110 may be considered region/area 4 (A4).

[0284] The curved wall 2506 for turning the cables back again toward the right side of the drawer 2110, toward each of the splice trays 2132 that are provided in a stacked arrangement, for splicing may be considered region/area 5 (A5).

[0285] The individual bulkheads 2508 adjacent the entry points of the 2132 splice trays that provide curved paths to lead the cables individually into each of the splice trays for splicing of the fibers may be considered region/area 6 (A6).

[0286] The cable entry and exit points into and out of the splice trays 2132 may be considered region/area 7 (A7).

[0287] A circular spool 2511 for spooling of extra cable slack within each of the splice trays 2132 may be considered region/area 8 (A8).

[0288] The equal length cable path defined between each of the splice trays 2132 and each of the corresponding adapter holder portions 2125 may be considered region/area 9 (A9).

[0289] The curved bulkhead 2510 positioned toward the back of the drawer 2110 that initially guides all of the pigtails from the adapters of the adapter holder portions 2125 into the cable-exit channel 2011 may be considered region/area 10 (A10).

[0290] The U-shaped portion 2512 of the cable-exit channel 2011 that is positioned at the back of the drawer 2110, defined by interior and exterior curved walls 2514 may be considered region/area 11 (Al l).

[0291] And, the walls defined by the U-shaped radius limiter 2516 provided at the exit point of the cable-exit channel 2011 that is configured to turn the fibers and lead them in the rearward direction out of the drawer 2110 may be considered region/area 12 (Al 2).

[0292] FIGS. 82-84 illustrate another example of a drawer similar to the drawer 2110 of FIGS. 78-81 that houses a plurality of individual termination arrangements 3120 that are mounted in a stacked arrangement. As shown in FIG. 84, the termination arrangements 3120 may be provided as separate individual units instead of being mounted on a single larger insert. In such an arrangement, the splice trays 3132 and the adapter holder portions 3125 are supported by support structures 3123 that are individually and separately mounted to the tray 2111. The support structures 3123 may be mounted within the tray 2111 such that the termination arrangements 3120 again form a stack in extending from a front of the drawer 2110 toward a back of the drawer 2110.

[0293] Again, similar to the termination arrangements 2120 discussed above, the individually provided termination arrangements 3120 are configured such that one adapter holder portion 3125 is associated with one splice tray 3132. As shown in FIG. 84, each of the splice trays 3132 is mounted individually to the support structures 3123 and are hingable with respect to the defined termination arrangements 3120 along the X-axis. And, each adapter holder portion 3125 is removably mounted to the support structure 3123 via a hinge 3111 and is individually pivotable with respect thereto and pivotable about the Y-axis for access.

[0294] In the version of the termination arrangements 3120 shown in FIGS. 82-84, the adapter holder portions 3125 may provide the pockets 3003 for holding KTUs above the adapters 50.

[0295] It should be noted, as discussed above, that both the splice trays 3132 and the adapter holder portions 3125 are removably mounted to the termination arrangements 3120. As such, instead of providing individual support structures for each of the termination arrangements, if it was desired to use a larger insert for supporting the splice trays 3132 and the adapter holder 3125, such an insert could be mounted inside the tray 2111 instead. An example of such an insert 3007 is shown in FIG. 85. Such an arrangement would have similar features to the arrangement shown in FIGS. 78-81.

[0296] The removable mounting of the splice trays 3132 and the adapter holder portions 3125 provide a modular solution for the different layouts and arrangements that can be provided within the distribution elements. [0297] FIGS. 92-95 illustrate another example of a termination arrangement stack that can be used within the trays 2111 discussed above.

[0298] In this depicted example, the splice trays 4132 and the adapter holder portions 4125 are supported by individual support structures 4123 that are separately mounted to a larger support insert 4007. The mounting interface between the larger support insert 4007 and the individual support structures 4123, however, provides pivot functionality to the individual support structures 4123, along a Z-axis that is normal to the bottom wall of the tray 2111. As shown in FIGS. 92-95, the individual support structures 4123 define a pivot pin 4150 at a first end 4152 thereof that cooperates with pivot openings on the larger insert 4007 to allow the individual termination arrangements 4120 to have a small range of travel for access.

[0299] The individual support structures 4123 may include a curved end portion 4156 for allowing smooth rotation with respect to the larger insert structure 4007. [0300] FIGS. 96 and 97 illustrate a variation on the concept of FIGS. 92-95, wherein only the adapter holder portions 5125 are pivotable, along the Z-axis, with respect to the rest of the support structure 5123 of the individual termination arrangements 5120. In such a configuration, the support structure 5123 supporting the splice trays 5132 is fixedly mounted to the tray 2111 of the distribution element 2110, and the adapter holder portions 5125 including the cable management features for guiding fibers between the splice trays 5132 and the adapters 50 are pivotally movable for access.

[0301] It should be noted that in the version of the termination arrangement shown in FIGS. 96 and 97, pockets 5003 for holding KTUs may be positioned below the adapters on the adapter holder portions 5125.

[0302] FIGS. 98-104 illustrate a variation on the concept of FIGS. 96 and 97, wherein the adapter holder portions 6125 are coupled to the rest of the support structure 6123 of the individual termination arrangements 6120 via a ball/socket mount 6150. [0303] In such a configuration, a ball joint 6152 of the adapter holder portion 6125 is received within a socket joint 6154 defined by the support structure 6123 supporting the splice trays 6132. The support structure 6123, while fixedly mounted to the tray 2111 of a distribution element 2110, provides 360 degrees of travel to the adapter holder portions 6125 for access via the ball/socket mount 6150. The different pivot positions are shown for the adapter holder portion 6125 in FIGS. 99-104. [0304] As shown in FIG. 98, the adapter holder portion 6125 may define a fiber feed-through pocket 6158 underneath the adapters 50 for fibers that are to be bypassed instead of being terminated with connectors to be coupled to the adapters 50. The pocket 6158 may be partially covered with cable management fingers 6160 for retaining the bypass fibers therewithin.

[0305] Referring now to FIGS. 105-112, as mentioned above, in certain applications, the fibers that are spliced at the exit side of the splice trays may be provided as pass-through fibers that do not use the adapters of the adapter holder portions. In such an application, one or more of the adapters at the adapter holder portions of the termination arrangements can be bypassed, and the fibers may be routed through cable termination units (KTUs) 7000. The KTUs 7000 may also be referred to as a cable strength member fixation devices because they are used to fix the strength members 4 of the cables 1 bypassing the adapters so as to counter pulling forces on the cables 1.

[0306] As shown in FIGS. 105 and 106, according to one example, the adapter holder portion 7125 of an example termination arrangement 7120 may define a pair of KTU mounts or pockets 7003. In the illustrated example, the KTU mounts 7003 are configured to removably receive a pair of KTUs 7000 while allowing the adapters to remain on the pivotable adapter holder portions 7125.

[0307] In the depicted embodiment, the KTU pockets 7003 are located above where the adapters would be positioned on the adapter holders 7125. As shown in other embodiments, the KTU mounts 7003 can be positioned below the adapters. And, yet in certain other embodiments, the KTU pockets 7003 may be provided as part of the trays of the distribution elements, separate from any adapters used on the patch side. [0308] In the illustrated embodiment, if the adapters are not going to be used for mating a pair of connectorized pigtails and if a direct pass-through is going to be implemented via the KTUs 7000, the adapters can still remain mounted on the adapter holder portions 7125 and optical fiber(s) that have been spliced at the splice tray(s) can be routed directly to the KTUs 7000.

[0309] Figures 107-112 illustrate further details of the KTUs 7000 and the removable mounting of the KTUs 7000 to the termination arrangements 7120.

[0310] As shown, each KTU mount 7003 is configured to slidably receive the KTUs 7000 and prevent axial movement thereof once placed therein. [0311] Referring to FIGS. 107 and 108, an example of a KTU 7000 as usable within the termination arrangement 7120 is depicted in detail. As shown, the KTU 7000 defines a throughhole 7010, wherein a first cavity 7011 of the throughhole 7010 communicates with a second cavity 7013 thereof. The first cavity 7011 is sized for the 900 micron fiber side coming from the splice trays and the second cavity 7013 is sized for the cable jacket side exiting the termination arrangements 7120.

[0312] As shown in FIGS. 109 and 110, strength members 4 in the form of aramid yarns may be wrapped around the perimeter of the KTU 7000 within notches 7015 that cooperatively define a spiral path. Once the aramid yarns 4 have been wrapped in the spiral path, the KTU 7000 that is mounted within one of the pockets 7003 (via sideway insertion as shown in FIGS. 111-112) provides cable pull protection by axially fixing the strength members 4 of pass-through cables (e.g., 900 micron, as noted above).

[0313] As discussed in detail above, outgoing fibers (either in the form of connectorized pigtails (e.g., 900 micron) or pass-through fibers (e.g., 900 micron) that have been directly spliced to the incoming fibers within the splice trays and that have been fixed against cable pull via the KTUs 7000 may be led out a right side of the drawer after being guided through the cable-exit pathway.

[0314] Each termination arrangement 7120 allows a direct pass through of the spliced fibers by while leaving the adapters mounted on the adapter holder portions 7125. Thus, the termination arrangements 7120 with the KTU pockets 7003 provide further flexibility and modularity for different desired connectivity needs.

[0315] Referring now to FIGS. 113-119, another embodiment of an adapter holder portion 8125 of a termination arrangement 8120, wherein a pair of pockets 8003 for receiving pigtail termination structures or units 8000 are positioned above the adapters is illustrated. The cable termination units 8000 are shown mounted in the pockets 8003 in FIG. 113, and the cable termination units 8000 are shown exploded off the pockets in FIG. 114.

[0316] The version of the adapter holder portion 8125 shown in FIGS. 113 and 114 is different than the adapter holder portion 7125 of the termination arrangements 7120 of FIGS. 105 and 106 in that the pockets 8003 and the KTUs 8000 are configured for axial insertion and snap-fitting of the KTUs 8000 into the pockets 8003. As shown, each KTU mount 8003 is configured to slidably receive the KTUs 8000 axially, and once snapped-in, prevent axial movement thereof against any pulling forces. [0317] Figures 115-119 illustrate further details of the KTUs 8000 and the fixation of the strength members 4 to the KTUs 8000.

[0318] Referring to FIGS. 115-117 specifically, an example of a KTU 8000 as usable within the termination arrangement 8120 is depicted in isolation. As shown and similar to the KTU 7000 of FIGS. 105-112, the KTU 8000 defines a throughhole 8010, wherein a first cavity 8011 of the throughhole 8010 communicates with a second cavity 8013 thereof. The first cavity 8011 is sized for the 900 micron fiber side coming from the splice trays and the second cavity 8013 is sized for the cable jacket side exiting the termination arrangements 8120.

[0319] As shown in FIGS. 115-119, strength members 4 in the form of aramid yarns may be wrapped around the perimeter of the KTU 8000 within a pair of grooves 8015 after being led out of a notch 8017 of the KTU 8000 to a bottom side 8019 of the KTU 8000, opposite from the side where the throughhole 8010 is located.

[0320] A cut-out 8021 is provided at the bottom side 8019 of the KTU 8000 in between the two grooves 8015 for accommodating the yarn 4 being weaved through the pair of grooves 8015.

[0321] After the yarn 4 is wrapped in an overlapping fashion within the grooves 8015, as seen in FIG. 118, the yarn 4 is guided toward the exit side of the termination arrangement 8120 via a longitudinal groove 8023 positioned alongside of the cut-out 8021 at the bottom side 8019 of the KTU 8000. The groove 8023 is shown in FIG. 116, and the yarn 4 being guided away from the KTU 8000 toward the exit side is shown in FIG. 119.

[0322] Again, each termination arrangement 8120 is designed to allow a direct pass through of the spliced fibers while leaving the adapters mounted on the adapter holder portions 8125. Thus, the termination arrangements 8120 with the KTU pockets 8003 that can receive the KTUs 8000 in an axial direction provide further flexibility and modularity for different desired connectivity needs.

[0323] Referring now to FIGS. 120-123, another embodiment of an adapter holder portion 9125 of a termination arrangement 9120 wherein a pair of pockets 9003 for receiving pigtail termination structures or units 9000 are positioned above the adapters is illustrated. The cable termination units 9000 are shown mounted in the pockets 9003 in FIG. 120.

[0324] The version of the adapter holder portion 9125 shown in FIG. 120 is similar to the version 8125 shown in FIGS. 113 and 114 in that the pockets 9003 and the KTUs 9000 are also configured for axial insertion and snap-fitting of the KTUs 9000 into the pockets 9003. Each KTU mount 9003 is configured to slidably receive the KTUs 9000 axially, and once snapped-in, prevent axial movement thereof against any pulling forces.

[0325] The KTUs 9000 define a larger size such that the KTUs 9000 lie flush with the adapters on the adapter holder portion 9125 of the termination arrangement 9120 when mounted to the pockets 9003, as seen in FIG. 120.

[0326] As shown in FIGS. 114 and 120, the adapter holder portion 9125 also defines a larger area 9111 for placement of a label versus the area 8111 defined by the adapter holder portion 8125.

[0327] Figures 121-123 illustrate further details of the KTUs 9000 and the fixation of the strength members 4 to the KTUs 9000.

[0328] Referring to FIGS. 121 and 122 specifically, an example of a KTU 9000 as usable within the termination arrangement 9120 is depicted in isolation. As shown and similar to the KTU 8000 of FIGS. 113-119, the KTU 9000 defines a throughhole 9010, wherein a first cavity 9011 of the throughhole 9010 communicates with a second cavity 9013 thereof. The first cavity 9011 is sized for the 900 micron fiber side coming from the splice trays and the second cavity 9013 is sized for the cable jacket side exiting the termination arrangements 9120.

[0329] As shown in FIGS. 121-123, strength members 4 in the form of aramid yarns may be wrapped around the perimeter of the KTU 9000 within a pair of grooves 9015 (having angled edges for easier yarn routing) after being led out of a notch 9017 of the KTU 9000 to a bottom side 9019 of the KTU 9000, opposite from the side where the throughhole 9010 is located.

[0330] A cut-out 9021 again is provided at the bottom side 9019 of the KTU 9000 in between the two grooves 9015 for accommodating the yarn 4 being weaved through the pair of grooves 9015, as shown in FIGS. 122 and 123.

[0331] After the yarn 4 is wrapped in an overlapping fashion within the grooves 9015, as seen in FIG. 123, the yarn 4 is guided toward the exit side of the termination arrangement 9120 via a channel 9023 positioned at the bottom side 9019 of the KTU 9000, the channel 9023 designed to keep the yarn 4 flush with the bottom side 9019 of the KTU 9000 when the KTU 9000 is mounted within a pocket 9003. [0332] The channel 9023 and the yarn 4 being guided away from the KTU 9000 toward the exit side, after being weaved through the grooves 9015, is shown in FIG. 123.

[0333] Again, each termination arrangement 9120 is designed to allow a direct pass through of the spliced fibers by while leaving the adapters mounted on the adapter holder portions 9125. Thus, the termination arrangements 9120 with the KTU pockets 9003 that can receive the KTUs 9000 in an axial direction provide further flexibility and modularity for different desired connectivity needs.

[0334] FIGS. 124-130 illustrate another example of a drawer 10010 similar to the drawer 2110 shown in FIGS. 78-81 that houses a plurality of individual termination arrangements 10120 that are mounted in a stacked arrangement.

[0335] As shown in FIGS. 124-130, the termination arrangements 10120 again may include splice trays 10132 and adapter holder portions 10125 that are supported by support structures 10123 that are mounted to the tray 10111 of the drawer 10010. The splice trays 10132 are configured for supporting splices for fibers coming into the drawer 10010. The adapters 50 mounted on the adapter holder portions 10125 are configured for patching outgoing fibers in the form of connectorized pigtails. The support structures 10123 may be mounted within the tray 10111 such that the termination arrangements 10120 again form a stack extending from a front of the drawer 10010 toward a back of the drawer 10010.

[0336] FIG. 124 illustrates the optical fiber distribution element 10010 from a rear perspective view in isolation. FIG. 125 illustrates the optical fiber distribution element 10010 mounted to a rear plate 10118 similar to those discussed above that are designed for mounting a plurality of the distribution elements 10010 to a larger telecommunications fixture such as a frame.

[0337] As shown in FIG. 125, the chassis portion 10212 of each element 10010 may define a tab 10214 for cooperatively mating with openings 10124 defined on the rear plate 10118 and fastener openings 10215 that align with fastener openings 10130 of sidewalls 10122 of the plate 10118 for mounting to the rear plate 10118.

[0338] The plate 10118 shown in FIG. 125, similar to the plates discussed above, is designed to span a plurality of elements 10010 when mounted and provides further stability and rigidity to the elements 10010 when the trays are being slidably moved for access. [0339] FIG. 126 illustrates a front perspective view of a block of the distribution elements 10010 mounted to the rear plate 10118. FIG. 127 illustrates another front perspective view of the block of distribution elements 10010 of FIG. 126.

[0340] FIG. 128 illustrates the block of distribution elements 10010 of FIG. 127 in an extended, access position.

[0341] FIG. 129 illustrates a top view of the optical fiber distribution element 10010 of FIG. 124, showing the internal details thereof, the distribution element 10010 shown in a closed, storage position. FIG. 130 illustrates the optical fiber distribution element 10010 of FIG. 129 in a fully extended, access position. It should be noted that in certain embodiments, the tray 10111 of the drawer 10010 is extendable to a distance D of 280 millimeters (mm) from an initial unextended, storage position to a fully- extended, access position, as shown in FIG. 130.

[0342] Still referring to FIGS. 129-130, it should be noted that the drawer 10010 is arranged similar to the drawer 2110 of FIGS. 78-81 at the cable entry (splice) side of the drawer 10010. The drawer 10010 shown in FIGS. 124-130 is simply reversed in direction compared to the drawer 2110 of FIGS. 78-81, but defines similar features and functionality.

[0343] Similar to the drawer 2110, the cable entry or splice side of the drawer 10010 is arranged such that incoming fibers that are to be spliced at the splice trays 10132 enter the drawer at a right side of the drawer 10010 (when viewing from the front of the drawer, in a direction front to back). Similar to that discussed previously, strength members of cables carrying the optical fibers entering the drawer 10010 may be fixed and clamped to the right side of the telecommunications element via cable termination units (CTU) that are designed to counter pulling forces on the cables.

[0344] The telecommunications element 10010 is configured such that, after being routed from the CTU’s, fibers or cables carrying the fibers enter a cable-entry channel 10005 of the drawer 10010.

[0345] The cable-entry channel 10005 is again defined by a generally U-shaped radius-limiter 10502 positioned toward the front 10101 of the drawer 10010. After the cables make a U-shaped turn, the cables are led toward the back 10202 of the drawer 10010. The cables then encounter and are led inwardly toward the left side of the drawer 10010 via a curved wall(s) 10106 that is positioned toward the back of the drawer 10010. [0346] The cable path of the drawer 10010 is designed such that, after the cables are led toward the left side of the drawer 10010, the cables make another U-turn around another spool 10504 provided adjacent the back of the drawer 10010, positioned generally midway between the left and right sides of the drawer 10010.

[0347] After the cables are led around the spool 10504 once again toward the right side of the drawer 10010, the cables encounter another curved wall 10506 for turning the cables back again toward the left side of the drawer 10010, toward each of the splice trays 10132 that are provided in a stacked arrangement, for splicing. As shown, once again, individual bulkheads 10508 adjacent the entry points of the splice trays 10132 provide curved paths to lead the cables individually into each of the splice trays 10132 for splicing of the fibers.

[0348] This cable channel layout and arrangement, as discussed, is similar to the drawer 2110 discussed above. And as noted, the cable entry and exit directions can be arranged/reversed depending upon the distribution needs.

[0349] Still referring to FIGS. 124-130, the drawer is arranged such that outgoing fibers in the form of connectorized pigtails (e.g., 900 micron) are led out of a left side 10009 of the drawer 10010 after being guided through a cable-exit channel 10011, as will be discussed in further detail.

[0350] The cable-exit channel 10011 of the drawer 10010 is modified slightly compared to the cable exit channel 2011 of the drawer 2010 of FIGS. 78-81. The cable exit channel 10011 of the drawer 10010 is designed such that the connectorized pigtail length extending from any of the adapters 50 (front to back) to a cable exit point 10003 of the drawer 10010 is reduced compared to the pigtail length needed for the drawer 2010 of FIGS. 78-81.

[0351] It should be noted that the cable exit channel 10011 of the drawer 10010 is designed such that, when the tray of the drawer 10010 is being moved to a fully extended position (forward about a distance D of 280mm from the un-extended position for the embodiment as shown in FIG. 130), any connectorized fiber optic pigtail that is about 450-480mm in length that extends from the point 10003 and is physically coupled to any adapter 50 provided on the adapter holder portions 10125, including to the front-most adapter 50, does not encounter pulling forces or pulling stress on the cable. In certain embodiments, any pigtail that has a cable length of 520mm or shorter that extends from the point 10003 and is physically coupled to any adapter 50, including the front-most adapter, within the drawer 10010 does not encounter pulling forces or pulling stress on the cable when the drawer 10010 is moved to a fully extended position from an initial un-extended position, a distance of about 280mm.

[0352] To accomplish the reduction in pigtail length at the cable exit side of the drawer 10010, as shown in FIGS. 124-130, one modification is that the adapter stack 50 that is for patching outgoing fibers in the form of the connectorized pigtails has been shifted toward the left side of the drawer 10010, compared to the drawer 2010.

[0353] And, to accomplish the reduction in pigtail length at the cable exit side of the drawer 10010, a further modification is provided by a bulkhead structure 10510 (similar to the bulkhead 2510 of drawer 2110) that is positioned toward the back of the drawer 10010. The bulkhead structure 10510 has been shifted forwardly compared to that in the drawer 2110.

[0354] A curved surface of the bulkhead 10510 cooperates with a spool portion 10512 that also defines a curved profile to guide the outgoing fibers toward the front of the drawer 10010. The spool portion 10512 also has been shifted forwardly compared to the structure provided in drawer 2110 to reduce the length of the patch pigtails that can be used at the cable exit side of the drawer. As shown, the curved surface of the bulkhead 10510 and the spool portion 10512 cause the pigtails to make a U-turn and lead toward the front of the drawer 10010.

[0355] After the pigtails make a U-turn and lead toward the front of the drawer 10010 once again, the cables are led around another generally U-shaped radius limiter 10516 defining the exit point 10003 of the cable-exit channel 10011. The U-shaped radius limiter 10516 is configured to turn the fibers and lead them out of the drawer. [0356] As shown in FIGS. 129 and 130, the U-shaped radius limiter 10516 has been shifted rearward compared to the radius limiter 2516 of drawer 2110 for reducing the length of the patch pigtails that can be utilized at the cable exit side of the drawer 10010.

[0357] An external cable management structure, similar to the structure 2518 discussed previously, may be positioned at the left side of the telecommunications element 10010 for guiding fibers away from the element 10010.

[0358] The drawer 10010 may include cable management fingers 10012 at various locations therewithin that extend partially into the cable-entry and cable-exit channels 10005, 10011 to manage and retain the fibers within the channels. [0359] Since the U-shaped radius limiter 10516 has been shifted rearward compared to the radius limiter 2516 of drawer 2510, the cable exit that is partially defined by the U-shaped radius limiter 10516 provides an enlarged opening 9999 compared to that provided in drawer 2510. The shifted radius limiter 10516 and the enlarged opening 9999 allow shorter pigtails to be usable within the channel 10011 at the outgoing side of the drawer 10010, as discussed above.

[0360] FIGS. 131-140 illustrate another example of a block of distribution elements/drawers 12010 similar to the drawers 2110 shown in FIGS. 78-81 and the drawers 10010 shown in FIGS. 124-130, wherein each drawer houses a plurality of individual termination arrangements 12120 that are mounted in a stacked arrangement. [0361] In FIGS. 137-140, one of the drawers 12010 is shown in an open, access position, illustrating the stack of termination arrangements 12120 therewithin.

[0362] As also shown in FIGS. 137-140, the termination arrangements 12120 again may include splice trays 12132 and adapter holder portions 12125 that are supported by support structures 12123 that are mounted to the tray 12111 of each drawer 12010. The splice trays 12132 are configured for supporting splices for fibers coming into the drawer 12010. The adapters 50 mounted on the adapter holder portions 12125 are configured for patching outgoing fibers in the form of connectorized pigtails. The support structures 12123 may be mounted within the tray 12111 such that the termination arrangements 12120 again form a stack extending from a front of the drawer 12010 toward a back of the drawer 12010.

[0363] FIG. 131 illustrates the block of optical fiber distribution elements 12010 from a front perspective view. FIG. 132 illustrates the block of optical fiber distribution elements 12010 from another front perspective view. FIG. 133 illustrated the block of optical fiber distribution elements 12010 from a rear perspective view. [0364] As illustrated in FIG. 133, the block of elements 12010 are mounted to a rear plate 12118 similar to those discussed above that are designed for mounting the plurality of the distribution elements 12010 to a larger telecommunications fixture such as a frame.

[0365] The rear plate 12118 is configured similar to and provides a similar function to the plates discussed above. However, as shown in FIGS. 133-136, the rear plate

12118 includes an additional hook portion 12119 at each of the right and left sides of the rear plate 12118 adjacent the frame mount openings 12117. The hook portions

12119 are positioned in between the discrete mount openings 12117 that are provided vertically on each side of the plate 12118. The hook portions 12119 are designed to be inserted into fastener openings 12121 provided on a telecommunications frame 12101 (as shown in FIGS. 135 and 136) and temporarily support or fix the block of elements 12010 against the frame 12101 while the block is further fastened to the frame 12101 using fasteners through the vertically provided frame mount openings 12121 of the rear plate 12118.

[0366] As shown in FIGS. 135 and 136, the hooks portions 12119 can be inserted into the frame openings 12121 and allow the entire block of elements 12010 to be temporarily hooked to the frame 12101 while an installer is fastening the block of elements 12010 by aligning the rest of the mount openings 12117 with the frame openings 12121 and using fasteners to fix the plate 12118 to the frame 12101.

[0367] In this manner, with the help of the hook portions 12119, an installer does not have to independently support the weight of the block of elements 12010 while fastening the block to the frame 12101.

[0368] Referring again back to FIGS. 137-140, one of the elements 12010 of the block is shown in an extended, access position, to illustrate the internal details thereof. [0369] As noted above, the drawer 12010 is arranged similar to the drawer 10110 of FIGS. 124-130 and defines similar features and functionality.

[0370] Similar to the drawer 10110, the cable entry or splice side of the drawer 12010 is arranged such that incoming fibers that are to be spliced at the splice trays 12132 enter the drawer at a right side of the drawer 12010 (when viewing from the front of the drawer, in a direction front to back). Similar to that discussed previously, strength members of cables carrying the optical fibers entering the drawer 12010 may be fixed and clamped to the right side of the telecommunications element via cable termination units (CTU) that are designed to counter pulling forces on the cables. Or, as will be discussed in further detail below, the drawers 12010 may include cable holder structures at the sides thereof that are designed transition flex tubes 12501 to smaller fopt tubes 12503 (examples shown in FIGS. 141-148).

[0371] Still referring to FIGS. 137-140, the telecommunications element 12010 is configured such that the cable entry and exit paths are designed with cable retention fingers 12505 configured to retain incoming and outgoing cables within the U-shaped radius limiters 12507 that are positioned at the cable entry and exit points of the drawers 12010. [0372] Further aspects of the telecommunications element 12010 relate to the splice trays 12132. As shown in FIGS. 137 and 138, the front-most splice tray 12132 in the stack of splice trays 12132 is now provided with a cover 12131. Since the rest of the splice trays 12132 are covered respectively by adjacent splice trays 12132 in the stack, in the depicted example, only the frontmost tray 12132 is provided with a cover 12131. As shown in FIG. 149, the cover 12131 may include snap features that snap within holes 12129 provided on the splice trays 12132.

[0373] As also shown, the cover 12131 may be provided with a fiber-picker tool 12135 that can be used by a technician to manipulate the fibers and the routing thereof within and around the splice trays 12132.

[0374] Still Referring to FIG. 149, it should also be noted that the version of the splice trays 12132 used in the depicted drawers 12010 each define a chamfered back edge 12137. The chamfered back edge 12137 is designed to avoid catching the back edges of the splice trays 12132 with a top cover plate 12139 used on the block of elements 12010. The chamfered edge 12137 provides a generally rounded edge at the upper-most point of the splice trays 12132 to limit catching of the splice trays 12132 against the front edge 12141 of the top plate 12139 during closing of the drawers 12010.

[0375] As shown in FIGS. 137-140, another cover 12133 may be provided on the cable management bulkhead 12127 adjacent the splice trays 12132 to protect the fibers (e.g., 250 micro).

[0376] Still referring to FIGS. 137-140, a label area 12511 in the form of a cavity that can receive labels 12513 may be provided adjacent left side of the drawer 12010 as shown. The label 12513 may provide connectivity information. As also shown in FIG. 137, a port ID label 12515 may be provided on the bottom of the drawer 12010, under the boots of the pigtails extending from the adapters 50 of the termination arrangements 12120. Furthermore, a front label area 12517 may be defined by the front face of each tray 12111 as shown in FIG. 137.

[0377] Still referring to FIGS. 137-140, in the depicted embodiment of the drawer 12010, a cavity 12519 may be provided adjacent the back of the drawer 12010. The walls defining the cavity 12519 form a portion of the cable exit pathway, as shown. It should be noted that the cavity 12519 may be used as a storage cavity for, for example, storing dust-caps that might be used on adapters 50 that have not been populated with fiber pigtails. [0378] Now referring to FIGS. 140-148, as noted above, the drawers 12010 may include cable holder structures at the sides thereof that are designed to transition flex tubes 12501 to smaller fopt tubes 12503 when the cables are entering the drawers 12010. Such cable holders are designed to be snap-fit structures that are removably snap-fit to the chassis portions 12312 on the right side of the drawers 12010 as shown in FIG. 140.

[0379] A first embodiment of a holder structure 12540 is shown in FIGS. 141-144. In the depicted embodiment, the cable holder 12540 defines a base plate 12541 with two vertically stacked pockets 12542 that are toward the back of the base plate 12541 that are sized for receiving flex tubes 12501. Toward the front of the base plate 12541, the holder 12540 defines four vertically stacked pockets 12543 that are sized to receive fopt tubes 12503 that protect fibers broken out from the flex tubes 12501. Both the flex tube receiving pockets 12542 and the fopt tube receiving pockets 12543 include catch features 12545 that are designed to retain the respective tubes within the pockets when the tubes are laterally inserted into the pockets. As shown, the fopt tube pockets 12543 may be designed to hold the fopt tubes 12503 with friction while the flex tube pockets 12542 may be covered with an additional snap-on cover 12547 to retain the flex tubes 12501.

[0380] A second embodiment of a holder structure 12550 is shown in FIGS. MS- MS. In contrast to the holder structure 12540 of FIGS. 141-144, the holder structure 12550 is designed with a single pocket 12551 toward the back for the flex tubes 12501. The single pocket 12551 is configured to receive a cover structure 12553 that is initially used to mount the two flex tubes 12501 in a side-by-side orientation. Once the flex tubes 12501 are placed within the cover structure 12553, the cover structure 12553 is snap-fit around the pocket 12551 at the back end of the base plate 12555 of the holder structure 12550.

[0381] For the fopt tubes 12503, the base plate 12555 defines two upper pockets 12557 that are positioned side-by-side and two lower pockets 12557 that are positioned side-by-side for receiving a total of four fopt tubes 12503, in the depicted embodiment. As in the previous example, the fopt tube pockets 12557 may be designed to hold the fopt tubes 12503 with friction.

[0382] Now referring to FIGS. 150-161, another embodiment of an adapter holder portion 12125 of a termination arrangement 12120, wherein a pair of pockets/retainers 13003 for receiving pigtail termination structures or units 13000 are positioned above the adapters 50, for bypassing the adapters 50, is illustrated. As previously, the pigtail termination structures 13000, bypassing the adapters, may be referred to as KTUs. The cable termination units 13000 are shown mounted in the pockets 13003 in FIGS. 150, 152, 153, and 158-160 and the cable termination units 13000 are shown removed from the pockets 13003, in isolation in FIGS. 151 and 154-157.

[0383] The adapter holder portion 12125 of the termination arrangements 12120 of FIGS. 150-161 are again designed such that the pockets 13003 and the KTUs 13000 are configured for axial insertion and snap-fitting of the KTUs 13000 into the pockets 13003. As shown, each KTU mount 13003 is configured to slidably receive the KTUs 13000 axially, and once snapped-in, prevent axial movement thereof against any pulling forces.

[0384] As shown in closer detail in FIGS. 151-153, each KTU 13000 defines snap- fit catches 13005 that positioned on spread-apart tail features 13007. The catches 13005 are designed to snap into notches 13009 formed on the retainers 13003 of the adapter holder portions 12125. As shown in FIG. 153, each retainer 13003 defines two notches 13009 in a side by side position for receiving KTUs 13000 in a similar arrangement. A center extension 13051 of the retainer 13003 defines the notches 13009 on opposing sides thereof for intermating with the catches 13005 of the KTUs 13000.

[0385] As also shown in FIGS. 151 and 152, each KTU 13000 defines an alignment feature 13053 that is configured to abut against a wall 13055 forming a lower alignment pocket 13057 on each side of the retainer 13003. The combination of the catches 13005 and the alignment structures 13053 aid to stabilize the KTUs 13000 against the retainers 13003. For removing a KTU 13000 from a retainer 13003 (FIG. 161), the tails 13007 can be flexed together to free the catches 13005 from the notches 13009 and pulling the KTUs 13000 axially out of the pockets 13003.

[0386] FIGS. 151 andl54-161 illustrate further details of the KTUs 13000 and the fixation of the strength members 4 to the KTUs 13000.

[0387] Referring to FIGS. 151 and 154-157 specifically, an example of a KTU 13000 as usable within the termination arrangement 12120 is depicted in isolation. As shown and similar to the KTUs 7000, 8000 and 9000, the KTU 13000 defines a throughhole 13010, wherein a first cavity 13011 of the throughhole 13010 communicates with a second cavity 13013 thereof. The first cavity 13011 is sized for the 900 micron fiber side coming from the splice trays and the second cavity 13013 is sized for the cable jacket (e.g., 1.8mm) side exiting the termination arrangements 12120.

[0388] As shown in FIGS. 154-157, strength members 4 in the form of aramid yarns may be wrapped around the perimeter of the KTU 13000 within a pair of grooves 13015 after being led out of a notch 13017 of the KTU 13000 toward a bottom side 13019 of the KTU 13000, opposite from the side where the throughhole 13010 is located.

[0389] As shown in FIG. 156, after the aramid yarn 4 is wrapped around the grooves 13015 in a spiral patten, the aramid yarn is pulled between one of the legs/tails 13007 of the KTU 13000 and the 1.8mm jacket of the fiber, essentially clamping the yarn 4 against the KTU 13000 such that the yam 4 does not move.

[0390] A cut-out 13021 is provided at the bottom side 13019 of the KTU 13000 underneath the flexible legs 13007 for accommodating the yarn 4 that is led out of the KTU 13000.

[0391] After the yarn 4 is wrapped in a spiral fashion within the grooves 13015 and led out of the KTU 13000, the KTU 13000 is ready to be axially snapped into the retainers 13003 positioned on the top of the adapter holder portions 12125 as shown in FIGS. 158 and 159.

[0392] Once the KTUs 13000 have been snapped in, any extra yarn 4 can be trimmed to a desired length as shown in FIG. 160.

[0393] Again, each termination arrangement 12120 is designed to allow a direct pass through of the spliced fibers while leaving the adapters 50 mounted on the adapter holder portions 12125. Thus, the termination arrangements 12120 with the KTU pockets 13003 that can receive the KTUs 13000 in an axial direction provide further flexibility and modularity for different desired connectivity needs.

[0394] Having described the preferred aspects and implementations of the present disclosure, modifications and equivalents of the disclosed concepts may readily occur to one skilled in the art. However, it is intended that such modifications and equivalents be included within the scope of the claims which are appended hereto.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A fiber optic distribution element comprising: a drawer slidably mounted to a fixture between a closed storage position and an open access position, the drawer defining a cable entry point and a cable exit point; a plurality of termination arrangements mounted within the drawer in a stacked configuration, wherein each termination arrangement comprises: at least one splice tray for splicing of optical fibers coming into the drawer via the cable entry point; and at least one adapter holder movably mounted to the drawer and movable relative to the at least one splice tray, the adapter holder structured to hold at least one optical adapter, wherein the movement of the adapter holder relative to the drawer allows the at least one optical adapter to move away from the drawer for access, wherein the at least one optical adapter is configured for relaying spliced fibers extending from the at least one splice tray toward the cable exit point via connectorized optical fibers; wherein the drawer is configured such that any optical fiber within the drawer that would extend between the cable entry point and the cable exit point through one of the termination arrangements does not encounter a cable bend radius of less than 30 millimeters.

2. An element according to claim 1, wherein the at least one adapter holder is pivotally attached to the drawer via a hinge arrangement.

3. An element according to claim 2, wherein the at least one splice tray is also pivotally attached to the drawer such that the at least one splice tray and the at least one adapter holder pivot about perpendicular axes.

4. An element according to claim 1, wherein the at least one adapter holder is removably mounted to the drawer.

5. An element according to claim 1, wherein the at least one splice tray is movably mounted to the drawer.

6. An element according to claim 1, wherein the at least one splice tray is pivotally attached to the drawer.

7. An element according to claim 1, wherein the at least one adapter holder is structured to hold a plurality of optical adapters in a stack.

8. An element according to claim 1, wherein the at least one adapter holder is configured to hold SC or LC format optical adapters.

9. A fiber optic distribution element comprising: a drawer slidably mounted to a fixture between a closed storage position and an open access position, the drawer defining a cable entry point and a cable exit point; and a plurality of bend radius limiters within the drawer for guiding optical fibers from the cable entry point to the cable exit point, wherein every one of the bend radius limiters positioned within the drawer that is configured to contact an optical fiber for causing the optical fiber to bend in a controlled manner provides a curved surface that defines a radius of curvature of at least 30 millimeters, wherein the drawer is configured such that any optical fiber within the drawer that would extend between the cable entry point and the cable exit point around all of the bend radius limiters within the drawer does not encounter a cable bend radius of less than 30 millimeters.

10. An element according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of bend radius limiters includes at least five bend radius limiters, wherein every one of the bend radius limiters positioned within the drawer that is configured to contact an optical fiber for causing the optical fiber to bend in a controlled manner provides a curved surface that defines a radius of curvature of at least 30 millimeters.

11. An element according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of bend radius limiters includes at least seven bend radius limiters, wherein every one of the bend radius limiters positioned within the drawer that is configured to contact an optical fiber for causing the optical fiber to bend in a controlled manner provides a curved surface that defines a radius of curvature of at least 30 millimeters.

12. An element according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of bend radius limiters includes at least eight bend radius limiters, wherein every one of the bend radius limiters positioned within the drawer that is configured to contact an optical fiber for causing the optical fiber to bend in a controlled manner provides a curved surface that defines a radius of curvature of at least 30 millimeters.

13. An element according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of bend radius limiters includes at least eleven bend radius limiters, wherein every one of the bend radius limiters positioned within the drawer that is configured to contact an optical fiber for causing the optical fiber to bend in a controlled manner provides a curved surface that defines a radius of curvature of at least 30 millimeters.

14. A fiber optic distribution element defining a drawer slidably mounted to a fixture between a closed storage position and an open access position, the drawer defining a cable entry point and a cable exit point, wherein every curved surface within the drawer between the cable entry point and the cable exit point defines a radius of curvature of at least 30 millimeters.

15. A fiber optic distribution element defining a bottom support surface, wherein every wall normal to the bottom support surface that has a curved profile defines a radius of curvature of at least 30 millimeters.

16. An optical fiber distribution assembly comprising: a chassis portion configured for mounting to a telecommunications fixture; a plurality of movable trays slidably mounted to the chassis portion, each of the trays separately movable relative to the chassis portion between a closed position and an open access position; and a separate slide mechanism associated with each tray which connects the movable tray to the chassis portion; wherein each of the slide mechanisms includes a radius limiter which moves with synchronized movement relative to the chassis portion and the associated tray during slidable movement of the tray; wherein each tray defines an array of fiber optic adapters; and wherein a cable entering and a cable exiting a movable tray follows an S-shaped pathway to and from the array of adapters.

17. The assembly of claim 16, further comprising a cable mount along a side of the chassis portion which spans a height of all of the plurality of movable trays mounted to the chassis portion.

18. The assembly of claim 16, further comprising a cable radius limiter mounted along a side of the chassis portion which spans a height of all of the plurality of movable trays mounted to the chassis portion.

19. The assembly of claim 16, further comprising a mounting plate slidably mounted to the chassis portion, the mounting plate defining mounting flanges on both a right side and a left side of the mounting plate for mounting the assembly to the telecommunications fixture.

20. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the chassis portion defines a curved wall on at least a right side and a left side of the chassis portion configured for contacting an optical fiber for causing the optical fiber to bend in a controlled manner, wherein the curved wall defines a radius of curvature of at least 30 millimeters.

21. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the fiber optic adapters within the tray are provided as parts of a plurality of termination arrangements mounted within the tray in a stacked configuration, wherein each termination arrangement comprises: at least one splice tray for splicing of optical fibers coming into the tray via a cable entry point; and at least one adapter holder movably mounted to the tray and movable relative to the at least one splice tray, the adapter holder structured to hold at least one of the fiber optic adapters provided within the tray, wherein the movement of the adapter holder relative to the tray allows the at least one optical adapter to move away from the tray for access, wherein the at least one optical adapter is configured for relaying a spliced fiber extending from the at least one splice tray toward a cable exit point via a connectorized optical fiber.

22. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the at least one adapter holder is pivotally attached to the tray via a hinge arrangement.

23. The assembly of claim 22, wherein the at least one splice tray is also pivotally attached to the tray such that the at least one splice tray and the at least one adapter holder pivot about perpendicular axes.

24. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the at least one adapter holder is removably mounted to the tray.

25. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the at least one splice tray is movably mounted to the tray.

26. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the at least one splice tray is pivotally attached to the tray.

27. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the at least one adapter holder is structured to hold a plurality of optical adapters in a stack.

28. The assembly of claim 25, wherein the at least one adapter holder is mounted to relative to the at least one splice tray via a ball/ socket joint.

29. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the fiber optic adapters are SC or LC format optical adapters.

30. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the cable mount along the side of the chassis portion which spans a height of all of the plurality of movable trays mounted to the chassis portion defines a base portion for mounting to the chassis and a movable cable mounting portion that is pivotally movable relative to the base portion.

31. The assembly of claim 30, wherein the movable cable mounting portion is lockable relative to the base portion at a plurality of discrete angular positions.

32. The assembly of claim 30, wherein the movable cable mounting portion defines a cable entry channel, a portion of which is normal to a plane defined by the side of the chassis portion.

33. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the cable mount along the side of the chassis portion which spans a height of all of the plurality of movable trays mounted to the chassis portion defines a base portion for mounting to the chassis and a cable mounting portion that is removably attachable at a plurality of discrete angular positions relative to the base portion.

34. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the cable radius limiter mounted along the side of the chassis portion which spans a height of all of the plurality of movable trays mounted to the chassis portion defines a cable trough with curved walls, wherein the curved walls of the cable trough provide a radius of curvature of at least 30 millimeters in all directions when contacting an optical fiber for causing the optical fiber to bend in a controlled manner.

35. The assembly of claim 34, wherein the cable radius limiter defines a further curved wall outside of the cable trough and outside of the tray that provides a radius of curvature of at least 30 millimeters when contacting an optical fiber for causing the optical fiber to bend in a controlled manner.

36. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the fiber optic adapters within the tray are provided as parts of a plurality of termination arrangements mounted within the tray in a stacked configuration, wherein each termination arrangement comprises: at least one splice tray for splicing of optical fibers coming into the tray via a cable entry point; and at least one adapter holder mounted to the tray, wherein the at least one adapter holder is fixedly mounted to the at least one splice tray, the adapter holder structured to hold at least one of the fiber optic adapters provided within the tray and wherein the at least one optical adapter is configured for relaying a spliced fiber extending from the at least one splice tray toward a cable exit point via a connectorized optical fiber.

37. The assembly of claim 36, wherein the at least one splice tray is movably mounted to the tray.

38. The assembly of claim 37, wherein the at least one splice tray is pivotally attached to the tray.

39. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the tray includes a removable insert that supports a plurality of the termination arrangements mounted in a stacked arrangement, each splice tray and each adapter holder portion being movably mounted to the insert.

40. The assembly of claim 21, wherein each termination arrangement also includes at least one cable strength member fixation device in addition to the at least one splice tray and the at least one adapter holder, wherein each termination arrangement is configured such that an optical fiber spliced within the at least one splice tray can be terminated to a first connector to be mated to a second connector via a fiber optic adapter positioned on the at least one adapter holder or an optical fiber spliced within the at least one splice tray can be directly routed to the at least one cable strength member fixation device without removal of a fiber optic adapter from the at least one adapter holder, the cable strength member fixation device configured for clamping relative to the tray against pulling forces a strength member of a fiber optic cable carrying the optical fiber routed directly from the splice tray.

41. The assembly of claim 40, wherein each cable strength member fixation device is removably mounted to the termination arrangement.

42. A fiber optic distribution element comprising: a drawer slidably mounted to a fixture between a closed storage position and an open access position, the drawer defining a cable entry point and a cable exit point; a plurality of termination arrangements mounted within the drawer in a stacked configuration, wherein each termination arrangement comprises: at least one splice tray for splicing of an optical fiber coming into the drawer via the cable entry point; and at least one optical adapter for mating an optical fiber spliced at the at least one splice tray to a connectorized optical cable leading to the cable exit point; wherein the drawer is configured such that when the drawer is slidably moved from the closed storage position to the open access position a distance of about 280 millimeters (mm), any connectorized optical cable that is fixed at and extends from the cable exit point and that is coupled to any of the optical adapters of the termination arrangements within the drawer that has a cable length of about 480 mm or shorter does not encounter pulling forces on the connectorized optical cable during movement of the drawer.

43. An element according to claim 42, wherein the drawer is configured such that when the drawer is slidably moved from the closed storage position to the open access position a distance of about 280 mm, any connectorized optical cable that is fixed at and extends from the cable exit point and that is coupled to any of the optical adapters of the termination arrangements within the drawer that has a cable length of about 470 mm or shorter does not encounter pulling forces on the connectorized optical cable during movement of the drawer.

44. An element according to claim 43, wherein the drawer is configured such that when the drawer is slidably moved from the closed storage position to the open access position a distance of about 280 mm, any connectorized optical cable that is fixed at and extends from the cable exit point and that is coupled to any of the optical adapters of the termination arrangements within the drawer that has a cable length of about 460 mm or shorter does not encounter pulling forces on the connectorized optical cable during movement of the drawer.

45. An element according to claim 44, wherein the drawer is configured such that when the drawer is slidably moved from the closed storage position to the open access position a distance of about 280 mm, any connectorized optical cable that is fixed at and extends from the cable exit point and that is coupled to any of the optical adapters of the termination arrangements within the drawer that has a cable length of about 450 mm or shorter does not encounter pulling forces on the connectorized optical cable during movement of the drawer.

46. An element according to claim 42, wherein the drawer is configured such that the plurality of termination arrangements are mounted within the drawer in a stacked configuration extending in a direction from a rear of the drawer toward a front of the drawer, wherein the drawer is also configured such that when the drawer is slidably moved from the closed storage position to the open access position a distance of about 280 mm, any connectorized optical cable that is fixed at and extends from the cable exit point and that is coupled to the front-most adapter within the drawer that has a cable length of about 470 mm or shorter does not encounter pulling forces on the connectorized optical cable during movement of the drawer.

47. An element according to claim 42, wherein any optical fiber within the drawer that would extend between the cable entry point and the cable exit point through one of the termination arrangements does not encounter a cable bend radius of less than

30 mm.

48. An element according to claim 42, further comprising a chassis portion configured for mounting to a telecommunications fixture, a movable tray defined by the drawer slidably mounted to the chassis portion, a separate slide mechanism which connects the movable tray to the chassis portion, wherein the slide mechanism includes a radius limiter which moves with synchronized movement relative to the chassis portion and the tray during slidable movement of the tray, wherein an optical fiber entering the tray and a cable exiting the tray follows an S-shaped pathway to and from the optical adapters.

49. An optical fiber distribution assembly comprising a plurality of the elements of claim 48 mounted in a stacked configuration on a mounting plate that defines mounting flanges on both a right side and a left side of the mounting plate for mounting the assembly to the telecommunications fixture.