WO2019162473A1

WO2019162473A1 - Cable storage device

Info

Publication number: WO2019162473A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/054495
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pieter Vermeulen; Johan Geens
Original assignee: CommScope Connectivity Belgium BVBA
Priority date: 2018-02-23
Filing date: 2019-02-22
Publication date: 2019-08-29

Abstract

A self-winding cable storage device is disclosed. In one aspect, the cable storage device includes a housing with a sidewall defining an unobstructed hollow interior volume, for example a spheroid shaped interior volume. A length of telecommunications cable will automatically and organically wind into a coreless coil as the length of coil is fed into the housing through an opening. As the cable self-winds and organizes itself within the spheroid-shaped interior, the disclosed design advantageously provides a time-efficient method of storing excess cable lengths in a safe and protective environment.

Description

CABLE STORAGE DEVICE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No.

62/634,505, filed on February 23, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The demand for the installation of fiber optic telecommunications cables within existing building structures, for example multiple dwelling units (MDU’s), has recently increased. However, providing for such installations can be challenging using conventional optical fiber installation techniques and standard optical fiber cable sizes. For example, pulling long riser cables in buildings with congested cable pathways can be extremely difficult and time consuming. At the concentration points of the cables, for example, a basement, many times the fiber density is too high to provide for adequate organization. Due to this congestion, the number of cable splicing locations increases, especially where congestion prevents the use of pre-connectorized cables. This further increases costs and also increases the skill level requirement for field installers.

Additionally, winding techniques used for conventionally sized fiber optic cables can be problematic when applied to winding fiber optic cables of a smaller dimension and of the type that may be more suitable for installation in a pre-existing building structure with limited available space.

SUMMARY

[0003] A cable storage device is disclosed. In one aspect, the cable storage device includes a housing with a sidewall defining a hollow spheroid- shaped interior and includes a length of telecommunications cable wound into a coreless coil within the spheroid- shaped interior. The cable storage device can also include an opening in the housing sidewall through which the length of cable extends to allow the length of cable to be wound into and dispensed from the housing interior.

[0004] In some examples, the cable storage device further includes a spindle mounted to the hollow shell, the spindle being in contact with the length of cable, wherein rotation of the spindle in a first direction causes the length of cable to be fed into the hollow shell interior through the opening.

[0005] In some examples, the spindle is provided with frictional features for increasing the friction between the length of cable and the spindle.

[0006] In some examples, the hollow shell includes a guide portion for urging the length of cable against the spindle.

[0007] In some examples, the cable is an optical fiber cable and a first end of the length of cable is provided with an optical connector.

[0008] In some examples, the cable storage device includes a flange or plate portion attached to the hollow shell with features for connecting to a wall outlet

[0009] In some examples, an optical adapter is secured to the flange portion and an optical connector associated with the length of cable is connected to the optical adapter.

[0010] In one embodiment, a cable storage device is provided that includes a housing having a sidewall defining a hollow spheroid- shaped interior and a length of

telecommunications cable wound into a coreless coil within the housing interior. The cable storage device can also include a first opening in the housing sidewall through which the length of cable extends in conjunction with carrier laminated to the first length of cable, the first opening allowing the first length of cable to be wound into the housing interior, and a second opening in the housing sidewall to allow the carrier to be pulled out of the housing interior to cause the first length of cable to be separated from the carrier.

[0011] In some examples, the housing interior has an ovoid or egg-shape.

[0012] In some examples, the first length of cable is an optical fiber cable.

[0013] In one aspect, a method for winding a cable into a housing is disclosed. The method can include the steps of placing a first length of cable into and out of an ovoid shaped interior of the housing, securing the length of cable to the housing, and feeding at least some of the first length of cable into the ovoid-shaped interior such that the length of cable self-winds within the ovoid-shaped interior.

[0014] In some examples, the feeding step is performed by rotating a spindle in contact with the length of cable.

[0015] In some examples, the step of feeding is performed by pulling a second length of cable that is laminated to the first length of cable through the ovoid- shaped interior such that the first length of cable becomes delaminated from the second length of cable and wound within the ovoid- shaped interior.

[0016] In some examples, the step of feeding is performed by rotating the spindle with a power tool.

[0017] The method can also include mounting the housing to a wall outlet after the first length of cable has been fed into the housing interior.

[0018] In some examples, the housing has a first housing part and a separable second housing part. In such configurations, the step of placing the first length of cable within the interior of the housing can be performed with the second housing part removed from the first housing part and wherein the feeding step is performed with the first and second housing parts joined together.

[0019] A cable storage device is also disclosed including a housing including a sidewall having an interior surface, wherein the interior surface defines an unobstructed hollow interior volume. The cable storage device also includes a length of telecommunications cable wound into a coreless coil within the hollow interior volume and an opening in the housing sidewall through which the length of cable extends to allow the length of cable to be fed into and wound within the hollow interior volume.

[0020] In some examples, the hollow interior volume defines a spherical shape.

[0021] In some examples, the hollow interior volume defines a spheroid shape. [0022] In some examples, the hollow interior volume defines a smooth, continuous surface.

[0023] In some examples, the sidewall is defined by a first housing part mating to a second housing part.

[0024] A cable storage device can include a housing including a sidewall having an interior surface defining a hollow spheroid- shaped interior, the interior surface being generally smooth and free of internal cable organizing features; and a length of telecommunications cable wound into a coreless coil within the spheroid- shaped interior.

[0025] In some examples, the cable storage device further includes an opening in the housing sidewall through which the length of cable extends to allow the length of cable to be fed into and wound within the hollow spheroid- shaped interior.

[0026] In some examples, the cable storage device further includes a spindle mounted to the housing, the spindle being in contact with the length of cable, wherein rotation of the spindle in a first direction causes the length of cable to be fed into the interior through the opening.

[0027] In some examples, the telecommunications cable is a fiber optic cable.

[0028] In some examples, the telecommunications cable has a diameter of about 0.9 mm and a length of at least one meter.

[0029] In some examples, the interior surface has a nominal dimension or diameter of about 4.5 cm.

[0030] A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the description that follows.

The aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the examples disclosed herein are based. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the description, illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a wall outlet assembly including a cable storage device in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the wall outlet shown in figure 1 with the cable storage device removed from a wall outlet of the wall outlet assembly.

[0034] Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the cable storage device shown in Figure 1.

[0035] Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of the cable storage device shown in Figure 1.

[0036] Figure 5 is a front perspective view of a first housing part of the cable storage device shown in Figure 1.

[0037] Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of the first housing part shown in Figure 5.

[0038] Figure 7 is a front perspective view of a second housing part of the cable storage device shown in Figure 1.

[0039] Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of the second housing part shown in Figure 7.

[0040] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a spindle of the cable storage device shown in Figure 1.

[0041] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the cable storage device shown in Figure 1 with the second housing part removed and with a fiber extending into the housing.

[0042] Figure 11 is a side perspective view of the cable storage device shown in Figure 10 with the second housing part installed onto the first housing part. [0043] Figure 12 is a first perspective view of the cable storage device shown in Figure 10 with the second housing part removed after fiber has been wound into the housing via operation of the spindle.

[0044] Figure 13 is a second perspective view of the cable storage device shown in Figure 12 with the second housing part removed.

[0045] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a second example of a cable storage device usable with the wall outlet assembly shown in Figure 1.

[0046] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a laminated or ribbon cable usable with the cable storage device shown in Figure 14.

[0047] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the cable of Figure 15 being aligned with an opening in the cable storage device shown in Figure 13.

[0048] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the cable storage device and cable shown in Figure 16, with a first housing part partially removed from a second housing part of the cable storage device, and with a carrier of the laminated cable extending through a first opening of the cable storage device and a cable of the laminated cable extending through a second opening of the cable storage device.

[0049] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the cable storage device shown in Figure 17 with the first and second housing parts fully joined together.

[0050] Figure 19 is a perspective view of the cable storage device shown in Figure 18 during a fiber storage operation in which the carrier is pulled through the cable storage device and the cable is wound within the cable storage device.

[0051] Figure 20 is a perspective view of the cable storage device shown in Figure 19 after the fiber storage operation and showing the second cable wound within the cable storage device. [0052] Figure 21 is a perspective view of the cable storage device shown in Figure 20 with the first housing part partially removed from the second housing part to more clearly show the stored cable.

[0053] Figure 22 is a schematic representation of a fiber optic network disposed in a facility.

[0054] Figure 23 is a schematic representation of an example residence in which a subscriber cable is deployed to an optical network terminal (ONT) having rapid cable deployment and storage features.

[0055] Figure 24 is a perspective view of a third example of a cable storage device in accordance with the concepts disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Various examples will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various examples does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible examples for the appended claims. Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numbers correspond to like or similar components throughout the several figures.

General Application

[0057] Referring to Figures 22 and 23, schematic representations of a fiber optic network 900 disposed in a facility F including residences R are presented. In examples, the facility F includes multiple individual residences R (e.g., apartments, condominiums, businesses, etc.). In the example shown, the facility F includes five floors, including a basement, that each have one or more residences R located thereat. In other examples, the facility F can have a greater or lesser number of floors.

[0058] The fiber optic network 900 includes a feeder cable 902 from a central office (not shown). The feeder cable 902 enters a feeder cable input location 904 (e.g., a fiber distribution hub, a network interface device, etc.) disposed at the facility F (e.g., in the basement of the facility). The fiber distribution hub 104 has one or more optical splitters (e.g., l-to-8 splitters, l-to-l6 splitters, or l-to-32 splitters) that generate a number of individual fibers. Alternatively, the splitters can also be located in a cabinet or enclosure outside of the facility F.

[0059] At least one fiber optic enclosure 906 is mounted at each floor of the facility F. In the example shown, a fiber optic enclosure 906 is mounted at each floor above the basement. The individual fibers generated by the optical splitters are routed to the fiber optic enclosures 906 via one or more riser cables 908. Examples of fiber optic enclosures 906 suitable for use in the fiber optic network 900 can be found in U.S. Publication No. 2013/0094828, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0060] Subscriber cables 910 are routed from the fiber optic enclosures 906 to respective residences R. The subscriber cable 910 includes an optical fiber disposed in a jacket or protective tubing. In some implementations, a subscriber cable 910 is routed to a transition box at the respective residence R. In other examples, a subscriber cable 910 is routed through the walls of the residence R (e.g., within ducts) towards a wall outlet 912.

[0061] Figure 23 is a schematic representation of an example residence R including walls and a floor defining a room. A wall outlet 912 is disposed at a desirable location within the residence R for optical and/or optoelectronic equipment. In some implementations, the subscriber cable 910 extends through ducts in the wall and enters the residence R behind the wall outlet 912. In other implementations, the subscriber cable 910 enters the residence and extends over the wall to the wall outlet 912. In certain implementations, the subscriber cable 910 can be routed through the room by adhesively affixing the subscriber cable 910 to the walls, floor, ceiling, and/or moldings within the room.

[0062] The wall outlet 912 serves as a demarcation point within the residence R for the optical service provider. The subscriber cable 910 is optically coupled to an optical connector at the wall outlet 912. Accordingly, optical signals carried by the subscriber cable 910 are available at the optical connector. [0063] In some implementations, the optical connector terminates the subscriber cable 910. In some examples, the end of the subscriber cable 910 can be fully connectorized with an optical connector so that the end can be plugged into a corresponding port at the wall outlet 912. The terminated end can be factory installed and factory inspected prior to installation in the field. In other examples, the subscriber cable 910 can have a partially terminated end that is fully connectorized as optical connector in the field and plugged into a port at the wall outlet 912. Partially terminated ends can be

advantageously routed through small ducts to facilitate passage through walls of the residence R. The partially terminated end can be quickly installed in the field without tools, such as an optical fusion splicer.

[0064] In other implementations, the optical connector terminates a pigtail that is optically coupled to the subscriber cable 910. In an example, the pigtail is spliced (e.g., fusion spliced or mechanically spliced) to an unterminated end of the subscriber cable 910. Unterminated ends can be advantageously routed through small ducts to facilitate passage through walls of the residence R. In another example, another connectorized end of the pigtail is connected to a connectorized end of the subscriber cable 910 at an adapter disposed at the wall outlet 912.

[0065] A user can choose to connect an optical network terminal (ONT) 914 or other equipment to the connector of the wall outlet 912 to connect the ONT 914 or other equipment to the fiber optic network 900. In some examples, the ONT 914 is provided with a fiber storage device 110 having a patch cord or jumper cable that can extend between the ONT 914 and the wall outlet 912. In some examples, the fiber storage device 110 can be provided as part of the wall outlet 912. The ONT 914 also can have a power cord 918 that plugs into an electrical outlet 911 to provide power to the ONT 914.

Fiber Storage Device 110

[0066] Referring to Figures 1 to 13, a first example of a wall outlet assembly 100 including a wall outlet box 102 and a fiber storage device 110 is presented. An alternative embodiment of a wall outlet assembly 100 is also presented at Figure 24. The wall outlet assembly 100 is usable as the above described wall outlet 912 shown in Figure 23. The fiber storage device 110 can also be provided as part of the ONT 914. In either case, the fiber storage device 110 can be utilized to safely and neatly store excess lengths of cable 10 after an installation procedure has been completed.

[0067] In one aspect, the wall outlet box 102 is configured as a standard electrical outlet box and receives the fiber storage device 110. The fiber storage device 110 can be secured to the wall outlet box with fasteners, such as screws. The wall outlet box can also include an opening for allowing the cable 10 to extend from the fiber storage device 10, through the outlet box 102, and to other connected equipment. In some examples, a conduit is connected to the wall outlet box 102 to protect the cable 10. The wall outlet box 102 can be provided in any shape. For example, Figures 1 and 2 show a round wall outlet box 102 while Figure 24 shows a rectangular or square shaped wall outlet box 102.

[0068] Referring to Figures 5 to 9, the components of the fiber storage device 110 are shown in isolation. Figures 5 and 6 show a first housing part 120 of the fiber storage device 110 while Figures 7 and 8 show a second housing part 130 of the fiber storage device 110. In one aspect, the first housing part 120 includes a sidewall 122 defining a hollow half-shell while the second housing part 130 also includes a sidewall 132 defining a hollow half-shell. The two half-shell sidewalls 122, 132 mate together to define an interior region 112 for storing a length of the cable 10. In one aspect, the sidewalls 122, 132 define a smooth, spheroid- shaped interior surface. By use of the term spheroid shaped, it is meant to include spherical, spheroid (e.g. oblate and prolate spheroids), ellipsoid, egg-shaped, and ovoid shapes. Any of these shapes can be formed by either a smooth, continuously curved surface and/or a plurality of multi-faceted planar surfaces (i.e. a polyhedron). In the particular example shown at Figures 1-13, the sidewalls 122, 132 define an unobstructed spherical interior shape without interior obstructions.

[0069] In one aspect, each of the first and second housing parts 120, 130 is also provided with openings or apertures 124, 134 for receiving fasteners 114 to secure the sidewalls 122, 132 together. In the embodiment shown, friction-fit studs are utilized. However, any type of fastener can be used. Where it is desired to access the interior region 112, the fasteners can be removable such that the sidewalls 122, 132 can be separated. In one alternative, the sidewalls 122, 132 can be provided with integral fasteners (e.g. snap-fit features, cooperating threads, etc.) such that separate fasteners are not necessary.

Adhesives may also be used to secure the sidewalls 122, 132 together.

[0070] Each of the sidewalls 122, 132 is also configured with a notch or recess l22a, l32a that together form an opening 116 through which the cable 10 can extend after the sidewalls 122, 132 are joined together. The resulting opening 166 allows for the length of cable 10 to continue to its respective end-point without requiring any sort of re-routing of the cable 10.

[0071] In one aspect, the first and second housing parts 120, 130 are also provided with a spindle support structure l22b, l32b for supporting a rotatable spindle 140. The spindle 140 is shown in isolation at Figure 9. Once the housing parts 120, 130 are joined together, the spindle support structure l22b, l32b further defines an opening 118 through which the length of cable 10 can be fed into the interior region 112. The first housing part 120 further includes a guide portion l22c adjacent the spindle 140. The guide portion l22c serves as an abutment surface for the cable 10 such that the cable 10 is pinched against the spindle 140. Thus, when the spindle is rotated, sufficient friction exists between the spindle 140 and the cable 10 to cause the cable 10 to be fed into the interior region 112. To enhance friction between the spindle 140 and the cable 10, friction engagement features 142, such as knurling, can also be provided on the spindle 140.

[0072] In one aspect, the first housing part 120 is also provided with a second sidewall or front plate 126 connected to and supporting the sidewall 122. The front plate 126 can be made integral to the first housing part 120, as shown at Figures 1-13, or can be a separate component attached to the first and/or second housing parts 110, 120, as shown at Figure 24. Although not shown, the front plate 126 can be provided with apertures such that fasteners can be used to secure the assembled fiber storage device 100 to the wall outlet box 102. The front plate 126 is shown as being provided with an aperture l26a for receiving a coupling device 14, such as a fiber optic adapter 14, as shown at Figures 1 to 4. In such a configuration, the length of cable 10 can be terminated with a coupling device 12, such as a fiber optic connector 12 for connection with the adapter 14. In the example, shown the cable 10 is a fiber optic cable, the coupling device 12 is an SC type fiber optic connector, and the coupling device 14 is a simplex SC type fiber optic adapter. However, the cable 10 and coupling devices 12, 14 can be provided with different configurations.

[0073] Referring to Figures 10 to 13, the winding process of the cable 10 is further illustrated. At Figure 10, the second housing part 130 is removed to allow the cable 10 to be routed between the spindle 140 and guide portion l22c and through the recess l22a. The cable 10 can be secured (e.g. with tape) near the recess l22a so that operation of the spindle 140 does not simply cause the cable 10 to be fed out of the interior region 112 through the opening 116 defined by the recesses l22a, l32a. After the cable 10 has been routed as described, the second housing part 130 can be installed onto the first housing part 120, as shown at Figure 11. At this point, the spindle 140 can be rotated to feed the desired unused or excess length of cable 10 into the interior region 112 for storage. In one example, a hand power drill chuck can be tightened onto the spindle shaft such to speed the feeding process. The spindle 140 can also be provided with an interface at the end of the shaft for receiving a drive bit of the drill or a screwdriver, as is shown at Figure 24.

[0074] Unexpectedly, and without any internal guiding or organizing features, the cable 10 will feed into the interior region 112 and wind itself in a generally organized fashion without kinking or tangling. In one aspect, the wound cable 10 can be characterized as being a wound coreless coil as there is no central member or core about which the cable 10 is wrapped. Rather, the space interior of the coreless coil is a void space with the sidewalls 122, 132 being the only structure that maintains the shape of the coreless coil. Figures 12 and 13 show the second housing part 130 removed after the winding process to illustrate how the cable 10 will self- wind within the interior region 112 during the winding process. In the example shown, about 10 meters of 0.9 mm diameter fiber optic cable can be easily stored in an interior region having an internal dimension or diameter of 4.5 cm. As the cable 10 self-winds and organizes within the interior region 112, the disclosed design advantageously provides a time-efficient method of storing excess cable lengths in a safe and protective environment.

Fiber Storage Device 210

[0075] Referring to Figures 14 to 21, a second example of a fiber storage device 210 usable with a wall outlet assembly 100, 912 or ONT 914 is presented. Similar to the fiber storage device 110, the fiber storage device 210 is provided with a first housing part 220 and a second housing part 230 that define a spheroid- shaped interior 212. In the example shown, the interior 212 has an ovoid or egg- shape, but can be provided with any spheroid-type shape. Referring to Figure 15, a length of cable 10 is shown in which the cable 10 is provided as a ribbon in which a cable lOa is laminated to a carrier line lOb. During the winding process, the cable lOa is stored in the interior region 212 by pulling the carrier line lOb into and out of the interior region, whereby the cable lOa is stripped from the carrier line lOb by the first and/or second housing parts 220, 230. Figure 16 shows an opening 222 through which the cable 10 can be inserted through the first housing part 220 and into the interior region 212. Figure 17 shows a notch or recess 232 through which the carrier line lOb can be pulled through during the winding process and shows an opening 234 through which the cable lOa can extend such that the cable lOa can extend to an endpoint location. Figure 18 shows the cable 10 pulled through the opening 222, the second cable pulled through 232, and the cable lOa pulled through and secured to the opening 234. Figure 19 shows the winding process by which an operator pulls the carrier line lOb through the interior region 12 which causes the cable lOa to draw towards the sidewalls of the first and second housing parts 220, 230 and be stripped away from the carrier line lOb. During this action, the cable lOa self-winds within the interior region 212. Figures 20 and 21 illustrate how the cable lOa winds within the spheroid- shaped interior region 212 without kinking and without the need for any internal structures. As such, the disclosed design advantageously provides a time-efficient method of storing excess cable lengths in a safe and protective environment. In the example shown, the cable lOa is a fiber optic cable while the carrier line 10b is a non telecommunication line or cable (e.g. cable with aramid yarn) with sufficient tensile strength to support the pulling action required by the winding process. [0076] From the forgoing detailed description, it will be evident that modifications and variations can be made in the aspects of the disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the aspects. While the best modes for carrying out the many aspects of the present teachings have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which these teachings relate will recognize various alternative aspects for practicing the present teachings that are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A cable storage device comprising:

a) a housing including a sidewall defining a hollow spheroid- shaped interior; b) a length of telecommunications cable wound into a coreless coil within the spheroid- shaped interior; and

c) an opening in the housing sidewall through which the length of cable extends to allow the length of cable to be fed into and wound within the hollow spheroid- shaped interior.

2. The cable storage device of claim 1, further including a spindle mounted to the housing, the spindle being in contact with the length of cable, wherein rotation of the spindle in a first direction causes the length of cable to be fed into the interior through the opening.

3. The cable storage device of claim 2, wherein the spindle is provided with a

frictional feature for increasing the friction between the length of cable and the spindle.

4. The cable storage device of claim 2, wherein the housing includes a guide portion for urging the length of cable against the spindle.

5. The cable storage device of claim 1, wherein the cable is an optical fiber cable and a first end of the length of cable is provided with an optical connector.

6. The cable storage device of claim 5, further including a flange portion attached to the housing.

7. The cable storage device of claim 6, further including an optical adapter secured to the flange portion, wherein the optical connector is connected to the optical adapter.

8. A cable storage device comprising: a) a housing including a sidewall defining a hollow spheroid- shaped interior; b) a length of telecommunications cable wound into a coreless coil within the housing interior; and

c) a first opening in the housing sidewall through which the length of cable

extends in conjunction with a carrier line laminated to the length of cable, the first opening allowing the first length of cable to be wound into the housing interior;

d) a second opening in the housing sidewall to allow the carrier line to be pulled out of the housing interior to cause the length of cable to be separated from the carrier line.

9. The cable storage device of claim 8, wherein the housing interior has an ovoid or egg-shape.

10. The cable storage device of claim 8, wherein the length of cable is an optical fiber cable.

11. A method for winding a cable into a housing, the method comprising:

a) placing a first length of cable into and out of an ovoid- shaped interior of the housing;

b) securing the length of cable to the housing;

c) feeding at least some of the first length of cable into the ovoid- shaped interior such that the length of cable self- winds within the ovoid- shaped interior.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of feeding is performed by rotating a spindle in contact with the length of cable.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of feeding is performed by pulling a carrier line that is laminated to the first length of cable through the ovoid-shaped interior such that the first length of cable becomes delaminated from the carrier line and wound within the ovoid-shaped interior.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the first length of cable is a fiber optic cable.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of feeding is performed by rotating the spindle with a power tool.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the spheroid- shaped interior is a spherical shaped interior.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the spheroid- shaped interior is an ovoid-shaped interior.

18. The method of claim 11, further including mounting the housing to a wall outlet after the first length of cable has been fed into the housing interior.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the housing has a first housing part and a separable second housing part.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of placing the first length of cable within the interior of the housing is performed with the second housing part removed from the first housing part and wherein the feeding step is performed with the first and second housing parts joined together.

21. A cable storage device comprising:

a) a housing including a sidewall having an interior surface, wherein the interior surface defines an unobstructed hollow interior volume;

b) a length of telecommunications cable wound into a coreless coil within the hollow interior volume; and

c) an opening in the housing sidewall through which the length of cable extends to allow the length of cable to be fed into and wound within the hollow interior volume.

22. The cable storage device of claim 21, wherein the hollow interior volume defines a spherical shape.

23. The cable storage device of claim 21, wherein the hollow interior volume defines a spheroid shape.

24. The cable storage device of claim 21, wherein the hollow interior volume defines a smooth, continuous surface.

25. The cable storage device of claim 21, wherein the sidewall is defined by a first housing part mating to a second housing part.

26. A cable storage device comprising:

a) a housing including a sidewall having an interior surface defining a hollow spheroid- shaped interior, the interior surface being generally smooth and free of internal cable organizing features; and

b) a length of telecommunications cable wound into a coreless coil within the spheroid- shaped interior.

27. The cable storage device of claim 26, further including an opening in the housing sidewall through which the length of cable extends to allow the length of cable to be fed into and wound within the hollow spheroid- shaped interior.

28. The cable storage device of claim 26, further including a spindle mounted to the housing, the spindle being in contact with the length of cable, wherein rotation of the spindle in a first direction causes the length of cable to be fed into the interior through the opening.

29. The cable storage device of claim 26, wherein the telecommunications cable is a fiber optic cable.

30. The cable storage device of claim 26, wherein the telecommunications cable has a diameter of about 0.9 mm and a length of at least one meter.

31. The cable storage device of claim 26, wherein the interior surface has a nominal dimension or diameter of about 4.5 cm.