ES2451509B2 - Splice Tray Selector - Google Patents

Abstract

One or more splice trays (115) are pivotally mounted on an arrangement of brackets (120) so that the pivot axes of the splice trays (115) are vertically staggered. A selection bracket (130) is arranged adjacent to the bracket arrangement. The selection bracket (130) has an inclined surface (132) through which a track (133) is defined. The track (133) has a plurality of pairs (134) of spaced notches. A selector (140) is slidably mounted on the selection bracket (130). The selector (140) includes a retention tab (142) that extends towards the splice trays (115). The retention tab (142) is configured to be applied to one of the splice trays (115) when the selector (140) is located on the selection bracket (130) to align with the splice tray (115).

Description

Splice Tray Selector

Background

In the telecommunications industry, the use of fiber optic cables for signal transmission is growing rapidly. Fiber distribution frames are adapted to assist in the connection of fiber optic equipment. To connect fiber optic equipment in the fiber distribution frame or to connect fiber optic equipment between fiber distribution racks, the fiber optic cable is routed between the fiber optic equipment and / or the fiber distribution racks . For example, feeder cables may be routed to the frame from the optical signal source; cable distribution can be routed from the racks to the subscriber equipment; and patch cords can be routed between racks or between equipment within the frame.

One or more coupler modules (eg termination modules, splice modules, etc.) can be mounted on the frame as fiber optic equipment. In some practical executions, one or more termination modules (eg, patch panels) are mounted on the frame. Ends with intermediate fiber connectors can be plugged into rear openings of adapters of the termination modules and routed to splice trays for connecting the feeder and / or the distribution fibers. The ends with patch connectors can be plugged into the front openings of the adapters. Typically, the connections made by the patch cords are intended to be temporary or changing while the connections made in the splice trays are intended to be more permanent or fixed.

Further development in fiber distribution frame systems is desired.

Summary

Aspects of the present invention relate to a selection arrangement that includes a selection bracket; a selector body; and an elastic or spring mount. The selection bracket includes a body that has a mounting flange and an inclined surface. The inclined surface defines an elongated track that extends through it. The track defines a series of notches along the length of the track. Indications are provided on the inclined surface. The selector body is disposed above the inclined surface of the selection bracket. The selector body includes a retention tab that extends outward from the selection bracket. The selector body also defines a window through which the indications on the inclined surface are visible. The elastic mount is arranged below the inclined surface of the selection bracket. The elastic mount is attached to the selector body using fasteners that pass through the track so that the elastic mount moves in unison with the selector body. The elastic mount defines at least one flexible tongue that is applied to one of the notches of the track to keep the retention tab of the body of the stationary selector relative to the selection bracket.

Other aspects of the present invention relate to a method of accessing a first splice tray from a track of splice trays mounted in a bracket arrangement and held in a position stored by a selector and

selection bracket. The method includes moving the selector relative to the selection bracket until a retention tab of the selector separates from the first splice tray. Therefore, the first splice tray is free to move to a free position.

S 10 15

Other aspects of the present invention relate to a splice tray arrangement that includes a bracket arrangement located in a splice region of a frame interior. One or more splice trays are pivotally mounted in the bracket arrangement so that the pivot axes of the splice trays are vertically staggered. A selection bracket is arranged in the splicing region inside the frame. The selection bracket has an inclined surface through which a track is defined. The track has separate pairs of notches. A selector is slidably mounted on the selection bracket. The selector includes a retention tab that extends to the splice trays. The retention tab is configured to be applied to one of the splice trays when the selector is located in the selection bracket to align with the splice tray.

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A variety of additional aspects are set forth in the description that follows. These aspects can be related to individual characteristics and combinations of characteristics. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad concepts on which the embodiments described herein are based.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a telecommunications frame that includes a coupling region, a storage region and a splice region;

Figure 2 includes a perspective view of a stack of splice trays mounted in a corbel arrangement and held in positions stored by an example selection bracket and an example selector;

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Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the stack of splice trays of Figure 2 with the eleven front splice trays in the released position and the five rear splice trays in the stored position:

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Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the stack of splice trays of Figure 3 showing the selector being applied to a leading edge of the twelfth splice tray of the stack;

Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a part of Figure 4 in which the selector is visible;

Figure 6 is an exploded view of an example selection bracket, an example selector and an example spring or spring mount;

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Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the example of the selection bracket, the selector and the elastic mount of Figure 6 assembled together;

Figure 8 is an exploded view of a part of Figure 3, in which the selector is visible retaining the five rear splice trays in the crenellated position;

Figure 9 shows one of the splice trays of Figure 8 being moved towards the released position; Y

Figure 10 shows the four rear splice trays of Figure 8 being retained in the position stored by the selector.

Detailed description

Reference will now be made in more detail to exemplary aspects of the present invention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout all the drawings to refer to the same or similar structure.

Figure 1 illustrates an example of a practical embodiment of a telecommunications frame 100 that includes a frame body 101 defining an interior 108 accessible through an open front 102. The interior 108 of the frame body 101 defines a splicing region 114 In some practical executions the interior 108 of the frame also defines a coupling region 0110 and / or a storage region 112. In certain practical embodiments, the coupling region 110 is disposed above the splice region 114 and the storage region 112 extends along both the coupling region 110 and the splicing region 114. In other practical embodiments, regions 110, 112, 114 may be arranged in any desired configuration. In certain practical embodiments, the splice region 114 is separated from the rest of the interior 108 of the frame by a delimitation wall. In other practical executions, the splicing region 114 is freely accessible from the rest of the interior 108.

In the coupling region 110 one or more coupling modules (for example, termination modules and / or splicing modules) 111 may be arranged. Each coupler module 111 is configured to optically couple at least two optical fibers together. In certain practical embodiments, each coupler module is configured to couple multiple pairs of optical fibers together. In a practical embodiment example, the coupler module 111 includes a termination module. In another example of practical implementation, the coupler module 111 includes a splice tray / cassette. One or more cable storage structures 113 (eg, reels, half reels, radio limiters) can be arranged in the storage region

112. Cable storage structures 113 guide the optical cables (i.e.

or the fibers) through the interior 108 of the frame, organize the cables / fibers, and / or inhibit excess bending or bending of the cables / fibers. One or more splice trays 115 may be arranged in the splice region 114, as will be described in more detail herein.

The body 101 of the frame defines one or more openings 109 for cables through which one or more fiber optic cables can be routed to the body 101 of the frame. In certain practical embodiments, the frame body 101 defines at least one cable opening 109 at the top of the frame body 101 and at least one cable opening 109 at the bottom or bottom of the frame body 101. One or more side openings for cables may also be provided in order to facilitate the routing of cables between racks. In the example shown, the frame body 101 defines two upper openings 109 for cables and a lower opening 109 for cables. Additional cable openings can also be defined by the frame body 101 (for example, a cable opening through which cleaning cords can be routed to adjacent racks).

One or more cable routing paths extend between several sections of the interior 108 of the frame and the cable openings 109. For example, a

or more vertical routing paths can extend from the upper and / or lower openings 109 for cables to the rest of the interior 108 of the frame. In some practical embodiments, the interior 108 of the frame includes one or more exterior vertical paths extending from the upper cable openings 109 towards the bottom of the body 101 of the frame. In some practical embodiments, the interior 108 of the frame includes one or more interior vertical paths. Retention fingers 106, retention tabs 107 or other guide structures may be arranged along the paths. In the example shown, the interior 108 of the frame includes exterior vertical paths that extend along opposite sides of the interior 108 of the frame and an interior vertical path that couples the storage region 112 to the coupling region 110 and / or the splice region 114.

The cables can be routed to the frame 100 from any of the openings 109. The cables entering the body 101 of the frame from one of the upper cable openings 109 (for example, right side of Figure 1) are routed vertically towards down through one of the outer cable paths, along a lower part of the interior 108, and vertically upward along an inner cable path to the coupling region 110. Cable ends with connectors can be plugged into adapter openings in the coupling region 110. The loose length of the cables can be wound around reels 113 in the storage region 112, which is located between the outer and inner paths.

The cables entering the body 101 of the frame from the upper cable opening 109 (for example, left side of Figure 1) are routed vertically down through another outer cable path to the splice region 114 and / or up to the coupling region 110. In certain practical embodiments, an internal cable routing path may be arranged adjacent to the external cable routing path. In some practical embodiments, ends without connectors of one or more of the cables can be routed beyond the splice region114 to the coupling region 110 in which the ends with connectors can be plugged into adapter openings.

In some practical embodiments, the cables entering the body 101 of the frame from the bottom opening 109 for cables are routed vertically up to the splice region 114. Ends without cable connectors can be coupled to other cable ends without connectors in splice trays 115 arranged in splice regions 114. In other practical embodiments, ends with connectors of one or more cables entering the body 101 of the frame through the bottom opening 109 for cables can be routed beyond the joint region 114, towards and along an inner cable path, to the coupling region 110 for connection to adapters. In other practical embodiments, ends without cable connectors entering from any of the openings 109 are routed to the coupling region 110 for optical coupling to other fibers through cassettes or other coupling elements.

In some practical embodiments, one or more main doors 103 can be coupled to the body 101 of the frame to move between open and closed positions. Each door 103 at least partially covers the interior 108 of the frame when it is in the closed position. In certain practical embodiments, the doors 103 may be fixed or otherwise loosely secured in the closed positions. In some practical embodiments, two doors 103 are pivotally coupled to the body 101 of the frame. In the example shown, one of the doors 103 is configured to cover at least the coupling region 110 when it is closed and another of the doors 103 is configured to cover at least the storage region 112 when it is closed. As shown in Figure 1, one of the doors 103 is shorter than the other of the doors, so that a third door can be used to securely close the splice region 114 as described in the Patent Application Provisional of the United States, No. 61 / 579,243, filed on December 22, 2011, and entitled "Region of Insulated Splice with Removable Wall", the description of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Figures 2-4 show examples of components that may be mounted in the splice region 114 of the frame 100. For example, multiple splice trays 115 may be arranged in the splice region 114. In some practical embodiments, the splice trays 115 may be mounted in a bracket arrangement 120 having one or more brackets 121 that are fixedly mounted on the body 101 of the frame. In the example shown in Figure 2, sixteen splice trays are mounted on the brackets arrangement 120. Each splice tray 115 is configured to pivot along a respective pivot axis P (Figure 4) relative to the bracket 121 and / or in relation to the body 101 of the frame. Each splice tray 115 pivots between a stored position and a released position. A stack cover 119 may also be mounted on the bracket arrangement 120 at the front of the splice trays 115. The stack cover 119 may be pivotally mounted between a stored position and a released position. In the example shown in Figures 3 and 4, the 5 splice trays 115 located at the top appear in storage position and the 11 splice trays 115 located at the bottom and the stack cover 119 appear in the released position.

In the example shown, the splice trays 115 are positioned such that the pivot axis P of each tray 115 extends between a first side and a second side of the body 101 of the frame (see Figure 1). The splice trays 115 are vertically and laterally staggered in such a way that the pivot axes P define a plane that is angled with respect to the upper part, the bottom, the front part 102 and the rear part of the frame body 101. For example, the pivot axis P of a first splice tray 11 5A is located above and behind the pivot axis P of a second splice tray 115B shown in Figure 4. Such a configuration makes it possible to access a tray splice 115 located towards the rear of the stack by pivoting forward and downward that splice tray 115 and any splice trays 115 in front of it from the stored positions to the released positions.

When the splice tray 115 is in the stored position, an upper part of the splice tray 115 is turned toward the clear part of the body 101 of the frame. In certain practical embodiments, the upper part of each splice tray 115 is closed by a cover (for example, a removable cover, a pivoting cover, etc.). Therefore, the cover is accessible when the splice tray is in the stored position. The splice trays 115 can be

held in the stored position until access is desired (see Figure 2). The particular tray 115 may be moved to the stored position when any tray 115 located behind the particular tray 115 is also in, or is moved toward, the stored position. For example, in Figure 4, a first splice tray 115A is configured in the stored position. The upper part of the first splice tray 115A is turned towards the splice trays 115 mounted behind the first splice tray 115A.

When a splice tray 115 is in the released position, the upper part of the splice tray 115 is generally turned upward toward the upper part of the body 101 of the frame. Of course, in certain practical executions, the splice trays may be partially angled up or down when they are in the released position. When access to one of the splice trays115 is desired, the desired splice trays 115 and any splice trays 115 located in front of the desired splice tray 115 are pivoted to the released position so that the top of the tray desired splice 115 is accessible to the user (see Figures 3 and 4). For example, in Figure 4, a second splice tray 11 5B is configured in the released position. The second splice tray 115B sits on the splice tray 115 in front of it and the top of the second splice tray 115B is accessible to a user (for example, so that the user can open the cover).

In some practical embodiments, the bracket arrangement 120 includes two spaced brackets 121, each of which has a primary surface 122 with an angled section. Each bracket 121 includes a flange or mounting flange 123 in which the bracket 121 can be secured to the body 101 of the frame. One or more pivot openings 128 are defined along the angled section of the primary surface 122 of each bracket 121. Pivot pins 116 of splice trays115 extend into pivot openings 128 to allow splice trays 115 to pivot with respect to brackets 121. The pivot pins 116 extend along the pivot axes P of the splice trays 115. In certain practical embodiments, each pivot opening 128 is associated with a limiting slot 124 that receives a stopper pin 117 of the respective splice tray 115. In the example shown, each limiting slot 124 defines a curved groove along which the stopper pin 117 can limit the movement of splice tray 115. For example, in several practical embodiments, the groove Limiter 124 may limit the pivoting movement of splice tray 115 to no more than 120 °; at no more than 110 °; at no more than 100 °; at no more than 90 °, etc.

In some practical embodiments, each bracket 121 includes a lower support surface 125. The lower support surface 125 inhibits the trays 115 from continuing to pivot down beyond the released position. For example, the lower support surface 125 is configured to support the front splice tray 115 when the front tray 115 is pivoted to the released position. In certain practical executions, the stack cover 119 sits on the lower support surface and the front splice tray 115 sits on the stack cover 11 9. In other practical embodiments, the front splice tray can sit directly on the lower support surface 125. Each tray 11 5, when moved to the released position, is supported by the trays 115 in front of it. Therefore, the lower support surface 125 also provides a support for the other trays 115 mounted on the bracket arrangement 120.

In some practical embodiments, each bracket 121 includes an upper bearing surface 126 configured to support the rear tray 115 when the rear tray 115 is pivoted to the stored position. For example, the upper bearing surface 126 inhibits the rear tray 115 from continuing to pivot back beyond the stored position. Therefore, the upper support surface 126 also provides support for the other trays 11 5 mounted on the brackets arrangement 120. Each tray 115, when moved to the stored position, is supported against further backward movement by the trays 115 located behind it. Each tray 115 is supported against forward movement by a selector 140, as will be described in more detail herein.

According to some aspects, a user can selectively hold and release splice trays 115 using a selection bracket 130 and a selector 140. The selection bracket 130 is disposed in the region of splice 114 of body 101 of the frame and selector 140 it is mounted on the selection bracket 130. In general, the selector 140 is configured to hold a desired number of splice trays 115 in the stored position. For example, Figure 2 shows the selector 140 holding all the splice trays 115 in the stored position. Figure 2 shows the selector 140 holding five splice trays 115 in the stored position. In certain practical executions, the selector 140 can release all of the splice trays to allow the splice trays 115 to move to the released position.

In some practical embodiments, selector 140 is configured to slide or otherwise move along a track 133 defined by the selection bracket

130. The selector 140 can be stopped at various intervals along the track 133 to select one of the splice trays 115 mounted on the brackets arrangement 120. The selector 140 retains any of the splice trays 115 located behind the selected splice tray 115 in the stored position. The selected splice tray 115 and any splice trays 115 located in front of the selected splice tray 115 are free to move to the released position. In some practical embodiments, the splice trays 115 released by the selector 140 automatically fall to the released position. In other practical embodiments, the splice trays 115 released by the selector 140 are free to be moved (for example, attracted or pushed) by the user to the released position.

Figure 6 is an exploded view of the selection bracket 130 and selector 140. The selection bracket 130 includes a bracket body 131 defining an inclined surface 132. The inclined surface 132 generally extends along it. angle than the angled section of the brace arrangement 120. In the example shown, the inclined surface 132 extends forward and downward. An elongated track 133 is defined through the inclined surface 132. In certain practical embodiments, the track 133 extends from a lower part of the inclined surface 132 to the upper part of the inclined surface 132. Notches 134 are located at intervals spaced along opposite sides of track 133. Notches 134 along each side line up to form pairs of notches.

The bracket body 131 includes a flange or mounting flange 136 by which the selection bracket 130 is secured to the body 101 of the basler. For example, as shown in Figs. 2-4, the selection bracket 130 may be disposed vertically upwardly from the bracket arrangement 120, so that the selection bracket 130 is located adjacent to leading edges 118 of splice trays 115 when splice trays 115 are in the stored position. In certain practical embodiments, the bracket body 131 defines a profiled cut-out portion 137 that provides manual access to the splice trays 115 in the stored position (see Figures 2-4).

The selector 140 includes a body 141 that is mounted on the top of the inclined surface 132 of the selection bracket 130. An elastic or spring mount 147 is disposed below the inclined surface 132 in alignment with the body 141 of the selector . The elastic mount 147 includes a mounting section 148 and at least one flexible tongue 149. In the example shown, the elastic mount 147 includes a mounting section 148 disposed between the flexible tongues 149. Each flexible tongue 149 defines a bent or bent portion. 149a (figure 6). Fasteners 146 extend through the body 141 of the selector, through the track 133 defined in the inclined surface 132, and through the mounting section 148 of the elastic mount 147 to secure the selector 140 to the selection bracket 130.

The selector body 141 is configured to slide over the upper part of the inclined surface 132. Upper and lower coupling tabs 143 extend upwardly from the selector body 141 to facilitate contact by the user. For example, the user can push against the upper coupling tab 143 to slide the selector 140 up and the user can pull the lower coupling tab 143 to slide the selector 140 down. The fasteners 146 slide into the track 133 as the body 141 of the selector slides on the inclined surface 132. Guide tabs 144 extend from the body 141 of the selector on one side of the selection bracket 130 to help maintain selector 140 on bracket 130. Guide tabs 144 can help provide smooth sliding when selector 140 slides on inclined surface 132.

The flexible tongues 149 of the elastic mount 147 are configured to be applied to the notches 134 of the footprint 133 when the selector 140 slides on the inclined surface 132. For example, in some practical embodiments, the bent or bulged part 149a of each tongue Flexible 149 is wide enough to extend laterally through track 133 and be applied to one of the pairs of notches 134 when aligned with the pair of notches. The coupling between the flexible tabs 149 and the notches 134 retains the selector 140 in position on the inclined surface 132. The flexible tabs 149 of the elastic mount 147 are sufficiently loaded or pushed to hold the selector 140 in position against the weight of the trays. splice 115 stored when bent or bulged parts 149 are coupled with notches 134. Flexible tabs 149 are flexible enough to allow a user to overcome the load by applying pressure to selector 140 to move selector 140 up and down the inclined surface 132.

The body 141 of the selector includes a retention tab 142 that protrudes outward toward the splice trays 115 and separates from the inclined surface 132. The retention tab 142 is configured to contact the leading edge 118

of a splice tray 115 held in the stored post when the

selector 140 is aligned with splice tray 115 (see Figures 5 and 8-10).

The retention tab 142 is rigid enough to retain the tray

splice 11 5 against movement from the stored position to the released position.

S

In certain practical executions, the inclined surface 132 also defines a region

135 of indications in which a label or other indication can be placed. By

For example, the region of indications 135 may be arranged along one side of the

inclined surface 132 adjacent to runway 133. One or more of the indicators

arranged in region 135 of indications identifies particular splice trays

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115 in region 114 of splice trays. To select a tray of

particular junction 115, selector 140 is moved along track 133 until

the indicator that identifies the tray appears in window 145 of selector 140

Junction 115 desired.

In some practical embodiments, retention tab 142 extends outwardly.

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from the body 141 of the selector in lateral alignment with the window 145. In some of

these practical embodiments, flexible tabs 149 of elastic mount 147 are

located on opposite sides of retention tab 142 and applied to pairs of

notches 134 not adjacent when selector 140 is aligned with the tray

splice 115. In other practical executions, however, tabs 149 of the

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elastic mount 147 may be separated from window 145 to

apply to pairs of adjacent notches 134. For example, retention tab 142

and / or the window 145 can be aligned laterally with one of the flexible tabs 149

of the elastic mount 147.

The indicators are separated so that the retention tab 142 is in

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coupling with splice tray 115 behind splice tray 115

desired when the indicator identifying the desired splice tray 115 is

presents in window 145 of the selector. In some practical executions, a first

of flexible tabs 149 of elastic mount 147 is coupled with the pair of

notches 134 below the indicator of the desired splice tray 115 and a

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second of flexible tabs 149 is coupled with pair of notches 134 by

above the desired splice tray 115 indicator. In other executions

practical, a flexible tongue 149 can be coupled with the pair of notches 134

aligned with the indicator. In certain practical executions, the indications may

be separated so that each of the indications is adjacent to the end

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front of one of the splice trays 115 when the splice tray 115

It is in the stored position.

In some practical executions, the indications include numbers to identify the

splice trays 115. For example, in Figure 6, the region 132 of indications

includes numbers from "O" to "15" to identify each of the fifteen trays of

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splice 115 mounted on the 120 brackets arrangement. In certain executions

practices, indications may also include symbols. For example, in Figure 6, the

region 135 of indications includes an image of a bolt or latch to indicate that

all splice trays 115 are retained in the stored position when the

lock is presented in window 145 of the selector (see figure 2). In others

Four. Five

practical executions, an image of an open bolt or other may be provided

image instead of "O" to indicate that all splice trays 115 are in the

position released.

In some practical executions, track 133 includes at least one pair of notches that are not labeled. For example, in Figures 2-7, when the bolt appears in the window 145 of the selector, the first flexible tongue 149 of the elastic mount 147 is coupled to a pair of unlabeled notches 134 and the second flexible tongue 149 of the

5 elastic mount 147 is coupled with the pair of notches 134 adjacent to the number ~ 15 ". When the selector 140 is moved to release the first splice tray (ie splice tray 115 labeled" 15 "), the first Flexible tab 149 is moved towards the pair of notches 134 adjacent to the number "14" so that the number "15" is visible through the window 145 of the selector.

1 O In certain practical embodiments, one or both flexible tabs 149 are configured to move out of the track 133. For example, in the case shown, the second flexible tab 149 slides below the inclined surface 132 when the selector 140 is moved along the inclined surface 132 of the selection bracket 130 so that the number "O" appears in window 145. When the

The selector 140 is in this position, the retention tab 142 does not align with any of the splice trays 115. Therefore, all splice trays 115 are movable to the released position. Since the retention tab 142 does not need to support any weight, the first flexible tongue 149 alone is sufficient to retain the selector 140 in position along the inclined surface 132. In others

20 positions, the retention tab 142 supports the splice trays 115 against forward movement. In the example shown, the track 133 and the notches 134 are configured to engage with both flexible tongues 149 of the elastic mount 147 when the retention tab 142 is positioned to retain any of the splice trays 115. In other practical embodiments, without However, it may be

25 arranged a pair of notches 134 not labeled above the pair of "O" notches.

Figures 8 · 10 show an example procedure for selecting a splice tray 115 to be accessed. In Fig. 8, the selector 140 is positioned with respect to the inclined surface 132 so that the retention tab 142 is applied to the leading edge 118 'of an example splice tray 115'. The elastic mount 30 of the selector 140 is coupled to the pair of notches 134 defined through the inclined surface 132 to hold the selector 140 in position, thereby retaining the splice tray 115 'against movement towards the released position. Four splice trays 115 mounted behind the example splice tray 115 'are also held in the position stored by splice tray 115' of

35 example. Any splice trays 115 that are mounted on the front of the example splice tray 115 'are in, or are moveable toward, the released position.

As shown in Figure 9, in order to release the splice tray 115 'for example, a user moves the selector 140 upward along the inclined surface 132 to 40 that the retention tab 142 is applied to the leading edge 118 of splice tray 115 behind the splice tray 115 'example to be released. In some practical executions, the example splice tray 115 'pivots along the direction D (Figure 9) automatically (for example, falls) towards the released position. In the example shown, the direction D extends in a forward arc,

45 down. In other practical executions, the example splice tray 115 'is manually moved to the released position. Figure 10 shows the flexible tongue 142 of the selector 140 being applied to the leading edge 118 of the splice tray 115 stored in a more advanced position.

In some practical embodiments, the retention tab 142 is flexible enough to flex, bend or otherwise deform on the leading edge 118 'of the splice tray 115' for example after an application of force by the user against the body 141 of the selector. In other practical embodiments, the upper bearing surface 5 126 is located sufficiently far back to allow a user to push the splice trays 115, 11 5 'stored back until the retention tab 142 has sufficient clearance to slide over the leading edge 118 'of the example splice tray 115'. In some practical executions, the user pushes the splice trays 11 5, 115 'stored no more than 100 backwards. In certain practical executions, the user pushes the splice trays 115, 115 'stored no more than 80 backwards. In certain practical executions, the user pushes the splice trays 115, 115 'stored no more than 50 backwards. In certain practical executions, the user pushes the splice trays 115, 115 'no more than 30 backwards. In certain practical executions, the user pushes the trays

Splicing 15 115, 115 'stored no more than 10 back.

Having described the preferred embodiments and aspects of the present invention, modifications and equivalents of the description can easily occur to one skilled in the art. However, it should be understood that such modifications and equivalents are included within the scope of the claims appended thereto.

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List of parts

100 frame 101 frame body 102 open front 103 door 106 retention fingers 107 retention tabs 108 inside 109 cable opening 110 coupling region 11 1 coupler modules 112 storage region 113 storage structures 114 splice region 115 splice tray 116 pivot pin 117 butt pin 118 front edge of splice tray 119 stack cover 120 bracket arrangement 121 brackets 122 primary surface 123 mounting flange 124 pivot openings 125 lower seat 126 upper seat 130 selection bracket 131 selection bracket 131 selection 132 inclined surface 133 track 134 notches

13 135 indication region 136 mounting flange 137 profiled trimmed part 140 selector

5 141 elector body 142 selector tab 143 coupling tabs 144 guide tabs 145 fastener openings

10 146 window 147 elastic mount 148 mounting section 149 flexible tabs

Claims (20)

1. A splice tray arrangement comprising a bracket arrangement (120); and a plurality of splice trays (115) pivotally mounted in the arrangement of brackets (120) so that the pivot axes of the splice trays (11 5) are vertically staggered, the arrangement of splice trays being characterized in that a selection bracket (130) is arranged adjacent to the splice trays (115), the selection bracket (130) having an inclined surface (132) through which a pisla (133), the pisla (133) holding a plurality of pairs (134) of spaced notches; and a selector (140) slidably mounted on the selection bracket (130), the selector (140) including a retention tab (142) extending towards the splice trays (115), the retention tongue ( 142) configured to apply to one of the splice trays (115) when the selector (140) is located in the selection bracket (130) to align with the splice tray (11 5).

2.

The splice tray arrangement of claim 1, wherein the selection bracket (130) includes a region of indicators (135) in which indicators that identify the splice trays (115) are arranged.

3.

The splice tray arrangement of claim 2, wherein the selector (140) defines a window (145) through which one of the indicators of the region (135) of indicators is visible.

Four.

The splice tray arrangement of claim 2, wherein the track

(133) includes a number of pairs (134) of notches that is greater than the number of splice trays mounted pivotally in the arrangement of brackets (120).

5.

The splice tray arrangement of any of the preceding claims, wherein the retention tab (142) is configured to be applied to the leading edge (1 18) of the splice tray (115).

6.

The splice tray arrangement of any of the preceding claims, wherein the selector (140) includes an elastic spring mount O (147) having at least one flexible tongue (149) that is applied in one of the pairs ( 134) of track notches (133).

7.

The splice tray arrangement of claim 6, wherein the elastic mount (147) includes two flexible tongues (149), each flexible tongue (149) being applied to one of the pairs (134) of notches.

8.

The splice tray arrangement of claim 7, wherein the flexible tabs (149) are applied to pairs (134) of non-adjacent notches.

9.

The splice tray arrangement of any of the preceding claims, wherein the selector (140) includes upper and lower tabs (143) that facilitate contact by the user.

10.

The splice tray arrangement of any of the preceding claims, wherein the splice tray arrangement is located in a splice region (114) within the interior (108) of a basler (100).

eleven . A method of accessing a splice tray (115) from a stack of splice trays (115) mounted in a bracket arrangement (120) and held in a stored position, characterized in that the splice trays (11 5) are held in the position stored by the selector (140) and the selection bracket (130), further comprising the method of moving the selector (140) with respect to the selection bracket (130) until a tongue of selector retention (142) (140) is separated from the first splice tray (115), whereby the first splice tray (115) is free to move to a released position. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein moving the selector (140) with respect to the selection bracket (130) until the retention tab (142) of the selector (140) separating from the first splice tray (115) causes the retention tab (142) to be applied to a splice tray (115) located behind the first splice tray (115).

13.

The method of claim 11, wherein moving the selector (140) includes moving the selector (140) along an inclined surface (132) of the selection bracket (130).

14.

The method of claim 11, wherein moving the selector (140) includes pushing the splice trays (115), held in the stored position, backward until the retention tab (142) separates from the first tray of splice (115).

fifteen.

The method of claim 11, further comprising moving the first splice tray (115) to the released position.

16.

The method of claim 11, further comprising allowing the first splice tray (115) to automatically move to the released position.

17.

The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising accessing the first splice tray (1 15).

18.

The method of claim 17, further comprising:

routing at least one optical fiber to a splice region (130) disposed within the interior (108) of a frame (100); Y couple the at least one optical fiber to another optical fiber in the first splice tray (115). 19. A selection provision characterized by: a selection bracket (130) includes a body (131) that has a mounting flange (136) and an inclined surface (132), the inclined surface (132) defining an elongated track (133) extending therethrough, the track defining (133) a series of notches (134) along the track length (133), in which indications are arranged on the inclined surface (132); a selector body (141) is disposed above the inclined surface (132) of the selection bracket (130), the selector body (141) including a retention tab (142) extending outwardly from the bracket of selection (130), the body (141) of the selector also defining a window (145) through which the indications located on the inclined surface (132) are visible; Y an elastic or spring mount (147) is disposed below the inclined surface (132) of the selection bracket (130), the elastic mount (147) being attached to the body (141) of the selector using fasteners (146) that they extend through the track (133) so that the elastic mount (147) moves in unison with the 5 body (141) of the selector, defining the elastic mount (147) at least one flexible tongue (149) that is applied to one of the notches (134) of the track (133) to hold the retention tab (142) of the body (141) of the stationary selector with respect to the selection bracket (130). 20. The selection arrangement of claim 19, wherein the bracket of The selection (130) is arranged adjacent to a plurality of splice trays (115) pivotally mounted so that the retention tab (142) of the body (141) of the selector is configured to selectively apply to any of the splice trays (115) upon movement of the body (141) of the selector and the elastic mount (147).