WO2021168108A1

WO2021168108A1 - Devices, systems, and methods for routing cables inside a telecommunications closure

Info

Publication number: WO2021168108A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/018571
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kristof Vastmans; Johan Geens; Bart Vos
Original assignee: Commscope Technologies Llc
Priority date: 2020-02-18
Filing date: 2021-02-18
Publication date: 2021-08-26
Also published as: EP4107567A1

Abstract

A cable guide for a telecommunications closure is disclosed. The cable guide includes: a first opening on a first side; a second opening opposite the first opening on the first side; a third opening on a second side, the second side being orthogonal to the first side; and at least one arcuate feature projecting from a base of the cable guide and defining a plurality of cable passageways between the first, second, and third openings. A cable manager is provided to manage cables entering and exiting a column of groove plates. A cable guide channel manages cables entering the cable manager. The cable guide channel can be in the shape of a trumpet with one end being larger than an opposite end. The cable guide channel can include a flexible construction wherein a distal second end is positionable in multiple positions relative to a proximal first end.

Description

DEVICES. SYSTEMS. AND METHODS FOR ROUTING CABLES INSIDE A

TELECOMMUNICATIONS CLOSURE

Cross-Reference to Related Application

This application is being filed on February 18, 2021 as a PCT International Patent Application and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 62/977,991, filed on February 18, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Background

Fiber optic networks utilize fiber optic cables that often require optical fiber splicing and storage. Typically, one or more feeder cables from a service provider enter a telecommunications closure for splicing with one or more distribution cables. A plurality of splice trays store the splices inside the telecommunications closure. The one or more distribution cables exit the telecommunications closure to deliver high bandwidth communication capabilities to one or more subscriber locations.

Summary

This disclosure relates generally to devices used in the telecommunications industry. More particularly, this disclosure relates to devices for routing optical fibers inside a telecommunications closure.

One aspect relates to a cable guide for a telecommunications closure. The cable guide comprises a first opening on a first side; a second opening opposite the first opening on the first side; a third opening on a second side, the second side being orthogonal to the first side; and at least one arcuate feature projecting from a base of the cable guide and defining a plurality of cable passageways between the first, second, and third openings.

Another aspect relates to a telecommunications closure comprising a panel; a first column of groove plates having a plurality of pivotable trays; and a first cable guide having first, second, and third openings, and at least one arcuate feature defining a plurality of cable passageways between the first, second, and third openings, and being structured to transfer one or more cables from the first column of groove plates. Another aspect relates to a cable manager at one end of the first column of groove plates and a first cable guide channel having first and second ends, wherein a first end is mounted adjacent to the cable manager on an opposite side of the cable manager from the column of groove plates; and wherein a second end of the cable guide channel is mountable in a plurality of positions relative to the first end of the cable guide channel on the panel.

Another aspect relates to a method of routing cables inside a telecommunications closure, where the telecommunications closure has a panel with one or more columns of groove plates, each column of groove plates having a plurality of pivotally attached trays. The method comprising: routing a cable from a first column of groove plates though a first or second opening of a first cable guide, the first and second openings located on a first side of the cable guide; routing the cable around at least one arcuate feature of the first cable guide; and routing the cable through a third opening of the cable guide to a second column of groove plates, the third opening being orthogonal to the first and second openings.

Another aspect relates to a cable guide for a telecommunications closure where the cable guide comprises a first opening on a first side; a second opening opposite the first opening on the first side; a third opening on a second side, the second side being orthogonal to the first side; and a fourth opening on a third side, the third side being opposite to the first side; and at least one arcuate feature projecting from the base of the cable guide and defining one or more internal passageways in communication with one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth openings.

In one example embodiment of the cable guide, one or more of the openings can be initially closed, and selectively opened, as desired. In alternative embodiments, one or more of the openings can be initially open, and selectively closed, as desired.

Another aspect relates to a cable guide including an arcuate pathway positioned along a minor side of the cable guide.

In one embodiment, the cable guide can communicate with one or more cable channels of a groove plate arrangement.

Another aspect relates to a telecommunications closure comprising a panel; a first column of groove plates having a plurality of pivotable trays; a second column of groove plates having a plurality of pivotable trays; a first type of cable guide having a plurality of openings, and at least one arcuate feature defining a plurality of cable passageways between the openings; and a second type of cable guide having an arcuate internal pathway extending from one side to an opposite side between a plurality of openings, at least one opening being blocked by a door, and one of the sides having an arcuate exit pathway; wherein the first and second types of cable guides are detachably mounted to the panel such that the relative positioning between the first and second types of cable guides with respect to the first and second columns of groove plates can be rearranged on the panel.

In another aspect, a method for assembling a panel for a telecommunications closure comprises removing one or more components from the panel; rotating the panel; and reassembling one or more components onto the panel.

Cable guide channels are provided with cable managers for managing cables entering and exiting from structures on the panel, such as one or more of the columns of groove plates with the pivoting trays. In some embodiments, the cable guide channels are constructed as cable entrance trumpets having a wider entry end and a narrower exit end which leads cables onto and off of the columns of groove plates. The cable manager is typically positioned between the cable guide channels and the columns of groove plates.

In one embodiment, the cable guide channels are flexible between a linear passage in line with or parallel to a cable passage of the column of groove plates, and an angled orientation to accommodate cables entering at an angle relative to the column of groove plates.

In some examples, the cable guide channels are flexible relative to a central axis in two directions, as desired. The cable guide channels can be mounted to a panel in an axial orientation, or in an angled orientation.

In some examples, the cable guide channels include a plurality of fingers for organizing tubes and/or cables entering and exiting the cable guide channels. The fingers define a plurality of slots which each receive one or more tubes or cables. In some examples, two rows of fingers are provided for each cable guide channel.

Some cable managers include a first side and a second side, wherein each side defines a cable entrance region. One or more cable guide channels can be mounted to each cable entrance region, as desired.

In some examples, the cable guide channel can be mounted to the panel, or to the cable manager at the end of the cable guide channel closest to the cable manager. A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The inventive 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

The following drawing figures, which form a part of this application, are illustrative of the described technology and are not meant to limit the scope of the disclosure in any manner.

FIG. l is a front isometric view of a panel of a telecommunications closure.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the panel.

FIG. 3 is a detailed front view of a top portion of the panel.

FIG. 4 is a rear isometric view of the panel.

FIG. 5 is a detailed front view of a bottom portion of the panel.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a first cable guide.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the first cable guide.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the first cable guide.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a second cable guide.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the second cable guide.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the second cable guide.

FIG. 12 is a front view of an alternative example of a cable guide.

FIG. 13 is a front isometric view of an alternative panel of a telecommunications closure.

FIG. 14 is an exploded front isometric view of the panel of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a front view of the panel of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a front isometric view of a cable guide in the panel of FIGS IS IS.

FIG. 17 is a front view of the cable guide of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a rear view of the cable guide of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is a top view of the cable guide of FIG. 16.

FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the cable guide of FIG. 16.

FIG. 21 is a right end view of the cable guide of FIG. 16.

FIG. 22 is a left end view of the cable guide of FIG. 16. FIG. 23 is a rear isometric view of the cable guide of FIG. 16.

FIG. 24 shows the cable guide of FIG. 16 with three different openings, showing doors separated from the openings to expose the openings for the passage of fiber optic cables.

FIGS. 25-29 show similar views of the panel of FIG. 15, illustrating example fiber optic cables managed by the panel.

FIG. 30 is a front isometric view of another panel for a telecommunications closure.

FIG. 31 is a side view of the panel of FIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is an exploded front isometric view of the panel of FIG. 30.

FIG. 33 is an exploded rear isometric view of the panel of FIG. 30.

FIG. 34 shows the panel inverted upside down with respect to the orientation shown in FIGS. 30-33.

FIG. 35 is a front isometric view of another panel for a telecommunications closure.

FIG. 36 is a side view of the panel of FIG. 35.

FIG. 37 is a front isometric view of a cable guide in the panel of FIG. 35. FIG. 38 is a front view of the cable guide of FIG. 37.

FIG. 39 is a top view of the cable guide of FIG. 37.

FIG. 40 is a front view of the panel of FIG. 35.

FIG. 41 is a front view of another panel for a telecommunications closure. FIG. 42 is a front view of another panel for a telecommunications closure. FIG. 43 illustrates a method for assembling a panel for a telecommunications closure.

FIG. 44 is a front view of a cable manager and two cable guide channels, showing the cable guide channels generally axially aligned with the cable entrance regions of the cable manager.

FIG. 45 is an enlarged view of the cable manager and cable guide channels of FIG. 44.

FIG. 46 shows the cable manager and the cable guide channels of FIG. 44, with a left cable guide channel in a first angled orientation.

FIG. 47 shows the cable manager and the two cable guide channels of FIG. 44 wherein both cable guide channels are in angled orientations extending in opposite directions to one another. FIG. 48 shows two cable guide channels mounted to the cable manager at one of the two cable entrance regions, wherein one cable guide channel is axially positioned relative to the column of groove plates, and another cable guide channel is an angled orientation.

FIG. 49 is a front, side, and bottom isometric view of one of the cable guide channels shown in FIG. 44.

FIG. 50 is a back, side, and bottom isometric view of the cable guide channel of FIG. 49.

FIG. 51 is a front and side isometric view of the cable guide channel of FIG. 47, shown in an angled orientation.

FIG. 52 is a front, side, and top isometric view of the cable guide channel of FIG. 49.

FIG. 53 is a back, side, and bottom isometric view of the cable guide channel of FIG. 52.

FIG. 54 is a front view of the cable guide channel of FIG. 52.

FIG. 55 is a back view of the cable guide channel of FIG. 52.

FIG. 56 is a side view of the cable guide channel of FIG. 52.

FIG. 57 is a top view of the cable guide channel of FIG. 52.

FIG. 58 is a bottom view of the cable guide channel of FIG. 52.

Detailed Description

Various embodiments 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 embodiments 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 embodiments for the appended claims.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are isometric and front views, respectively, of a panel 100 of a telecommunications closure. The telecommunications closure houses fiber optic equipment in a telecommunications network. The panel 100 includes one or more projecting edges 107 that support attachment to additional panels of the telecommunications closure. The additional panels such as side panels, top and bottom panels, front panel, door panel, etc. are not shown. It is contemplated that the telecommunications closure including the panel 100 can be mounted in a variety of vertical and horizontal positions. For example, in some embodiments, the panel 100 can be mounted upside down relative to the orientation shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In some further embodiments, the panel 100 can be mounted horizontally. Thus, references to orientation including above, below, up, down, left side, right side, and the like are relative.

The panel 100 includes a cable entry portion 106 next to one or more connector ports in the closure. The connector ports receive one or more fiber optic cables including feeder cables and distribution cables that run inside and outside of the telecommunications closure.

In the example depicted in the figures, the panel 100 includes a first column 102 of groove plates 105 and a second column 104 of groove plates 105. In alternative embodiments, the panel 100 may include only one column of groove plates. In further embodiments, the panel 100 may include more than two columns of groove plates such as three or more columns.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first and second columns 102, 104 of groove plates 105 each include a plurality of groove plates 105. In some embodiments, the groove plates 105 are similar to the groove plates described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/695,525 filed July 9, 2018, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

As shown in FIG. 2, each groove plate 105 holds a plurality of trays 109. Each tray 109 is pivotable with respect to the groove plates 105. Each tray 109 can be used to manage optical fibers and store splices. The plurality of trays 109 held by the groove plates 105 include splice trays, splitter trays, wave division multiplexer trays, storage trays, and the like.

In some examples, the first column 102 of groove plates 105 holds a first type of tray while the second column 104 of groove plates 105 holds a second type of tray that is different from the first type of tray. In alternative examples, the first and second columns 102, 104 of groove plates 105 each hold the same type of tray. In further examples, the first and second columns 102, 104 of groove plates 105 each hold a plurality of different types of trays.

In one example, one column of groove plates 105 holds a plurality of trays for managing and splicing incoming cables such as feeder cables from a service provider while the other column of groove plates 105 holds a plurality of trays for managing and splicing outgoing cables such as distribution cables routed to one or more subscriber locations.

The panel 100 includes one or more apertures 108. Each aperture 108 includes a tab 110. In some embodiments, the tabs 110 have a substantially “T” shape.

One or more clamps 111 are attachable to the tabs 110 to fix one or more cables to the panel 100. The one or more clamps 111 can be in the form of a hose clamp, zip tie, clip, and the like. In some embodiments, the one or more clamps 111 slide over the tabs 110.

In other embodiments, the clamps 111 clip onto the tabs 110. The one or more clamps 111 can help to position one or more cables from the cable entry portion 106 toward the first and second columns 102, 104 of groove plates 105.

Funnels 112 direct the one or more cables from the cable entry portion 106 toward the first and second columns 102, 104 of groove plates 105. Also, the funnels 112 can direct one or more cables from the first and second columns 102, 104 of groove plates 105 toward the cable entry portion 106. The funnels 112 are attached to the panel 100 by a plate shaped elbow 113. A funnel 112 is positioned above each side of each column of groove plates 105.

Below the funnels 112 are grooves 114 positioned on each side of the first and second columns 102, 104 of groove plates 105. The grooves 114 guide one or more cables between the funnels 112 and cable managers 116. For example, the grooves 114 can guide one or more cables from the funnels 112 toward the cable managers 116. Also, the grooves 114 can guide one or more cables from the cable managers 116 toward the funnels 112. In the depicted example, the cable managers 116 are positioned above the first and second columns 102, 104 of groove plates 105. Alternatively, the cable managers 116 can be positioned below the first and second columns 102, 104 of groove plates 105. The cable managers 116 each have a removable cover 118.

FIG. 3 is a detailed front view of the panel 100 showing the cable managers 116 without the removable covers 118. FIG. 4 is an isometric rear view of the panel 100. Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, each cable manager 116 includes an aperture 120 that provides access from a front portion to a rear portion of the panel 100. The apertures 120 enable the one or more cables to go from the front portion to the rear portion of the panel 100. In some embodiments, the telecommunications closure can include a second panel behind the panel 100 such that one or more cables can be routed through the aperture 120 to the second panel. Each cable manager 116 includes one or more spools 122. The spools 122 can be used to route cables between opposite sides (e.g., left and right sides) of a column of groove plates 105. Also, the spools 122 can be used to change the direction of the cables. In some examples, excess cable can be looped around the spools 122 for storage. Outlets 126 on opposite sides of the cable managers 116 guide the cables to one side (e.g., left or right side) of a first groove plate in a column of groove plates. A plurality of tabs 124 manage the cables inside the cable managers 116 such as around the spools 122 and in the outlets 126.

FIG. 5 is a detailed front view of a bottom portion of the panel 100. Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, a first cable guide 200a and a second cable guide 200b are attached to the panel 100 below the first and second columns 102, 104 of groove plates 105, respectively. In alternative embodiments, the first cable guide 200a and a second cable guide 200b are attached to the panel 100 above the first and second columns 102,

104 of groove plates 105, respectively. In some embodiments, the first and second cable guides 200a, 200b are attached to the panel 100 by one or more fasteners 128 including rivets, screws, and the like. In other embodiments, the first and second cable guides 200a, 200b are attached to the panel 100 by a snap-fit. The first and second cable guides 200a, 200b can be molded from plastic or similar material.

The first and second cable guides 200a, 200b are mirrored parts and share the same features. In a preferred embodiment, the panel 100 includes both the first and second cable guides 200a, 200b. However, it is contemplated that in some embodiments the panel 100 may include only one of the first and second cable guides 200a, 200b. Additionally, it is contemplated that the panel 100 may include three or more cable guides.

The first and second cable guides 200a, 200b provide a smooth transition for cables 130 from at least one of the first and second columns 102, 104 of groove plates 105. In some examples, a single cable guide 200a, 200b can provide a transition for cables from one of the first and second columns 102, 104 of groove plates 105 to another portion of the panel 100. In such examples, the single cable guide 200a, 200b eliminates a stepped transition for the cables from the groove plates 105 to the other portion of the panel 100.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, the first and second cable guides 200a, 200b provide a smooth transition for cables between the first and second columns 102, 104 of groove plates 105 such that cables can smoothly transition from the first column 102 of groove plates 105 to the second column 104 of groove plates 105, or alternatively, from the second column 104 of groove plates 105 to the first column 102 of groove plates 105. As shown in FIG. 5, a first side of the first column 102 of groove plates 105 is labeled “A”, a second side of the first column 102 of groove plates 105 is labeled “B”, a first side of the second column 104 of groove plates 105 is labeled “C”, and a second side of the second column 104 of groove plates 105 is labeled “D”. The first and second cable guides 200a, 200b provide a plurality of fiber routing options for cables 130 between the first and second columns 102, 104 of groove plates 105.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first and second cable guides 200a, 200b provide a plurality of fiber routing options for cables 130 including, but not limited to, fiber routing options between (1) A-A; (2) A-B; (3) B-A; (4) A-C; (5) C-A; (6) A-D; (7) D-A; (8) B-B; (9) B-C; (10) C-B; (ll) B-D; (12) D-B; (13) C-C; (14) C-D; (15) D-C; and (16) D-D.

FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 are isometric, front and top views of the first cable guide 200a. The first cable guide 200a includes a first opening 202a to receive one or more cables 130 from the first side of the first column 102 of groove plates (labeled “A” in FIG. 5), a second opening 202b to receive one or more cables 130 from the second side of the first column 102 of groove plates (labeled “B” in FIG. 5), and a third opening 204a to transfer and/or receive one or more cables 130. For example, the third opening 204a transfers one or more cables 130 from the first cable guide 200a to the second cable guide 200b. In another example, the third opening 204a receives one or more cables 130 from the second cable guide 200b or from elsewhere on the panel 100.

As shown in FIGS. 6-8, the first opening 202a is on a first side 201 of the first cable guide 200a, and the second opening 202b is opposite the first opening 202a on the first side 201. The third opening 204a is on a second side 203 that is orthogonal to the first side 201.

Additionally, the first cable guide 200a includes a projection 207 on the second side 203. The third opening 204a is at a distal end of the projection 207. In some examples, the projection 207 extends in a direction parallel to the first side 201. In some further examples, a transition 209 between the second side 203 and the projection 207 is curved such that cables routed between the second opening 202b and the third opening 204a have a smooth transition without any sharp turns or bends that can damage the optical fibers within the cables.

The first cable guide 200a includes one or more arcuate features 140a, 140b that project from a base 142 of the cable guide to define cable passageways inside the first cable guide 200a. In some examples, the first cable guide 200a includes only a first arcuate feature 140a. In some examples, the first cable guide 200a includes a second arcuate feature 140b such that the first and second arcuate features 140a, 140b together define the cable passageways. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 5-8, the first and second arcuate features 140a, 140b each have a different shape. For example, the first arcuate feature 140a has a circular shape whereas the second arcuate feature 140b has a tear drop shape. In this example, a cable passageway is defined between the first and second arcuate features 140a, 140b. In an alternative example illustrated in FIG. 12, the first and second arcuate features 140a, 140b each have the same circular shape.

The first arcuate feature 140a defines cable passageways proximate the first opening 202a, and the second arcuate feature 140b defines cable passageways proximate the second opening 202b. As an illustrative example, and with reference now to FIG. 5, a cable 130 can be routed from the second opening 202b around the second arcuate feature 140b, through a passageway between the first and second arcuate features 140a, 140b, around the first arcuate feature 140a, and past the second arcuate feature 140b for routing back to the second opening 202b such that the fiber route is B-B (see above description of fiber routing options).

FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 are isometric, front and top views of the second cable guide 200b. The second cable guide 200b includes a first opening 202c to receive one or more cables 130 from the first side of the second column 104 of groove plates 105 (labeled “C” in FIG. 5), a second opening 202d to receive one or more cables 130 from the second side of the second column 104 of groove plates 105 (labeled “D” in FIG. 5), and a third opening 204b to transfer and/or receive one or more cables 130. For example, the third opening 204b transfers one or more cables 130 from the second cable guide 200b to the first cable guide 200a. In another example, the third opening 204b receives one or more cables 130 from the first cable guide 200a.

As shown in FIGS. 9-11, the first opening 202c is on a first side 201 of the second cable guide 200b, and the second opening 202d is opposite the first opening 202c on the first side 201. The third opening 204b is on a second side 203 that is orthogonal to the first side 201.

Additionally, the second cable guide 200b includes a projection 207 on the second side 203. The third opening 204b is at a distal end of the projection 207. In some examples, the projection 207 extends in a direction parallel to the first side 201. In some further examples, a transition 209 between the second side 203 and the projection 207 is curved such that cables routed between the first opening 202c and the third opening 204b have a smooth transition without any sharp turns or bends that can damage the optical fibers within the cables. Also, the first and second cable guides 200a, 200b are mirrored parts such that the projections 207 abut one another on the panel 100 for transferring and receiving cables through the third openings 204a, 204b of each of the first and second cable guides 200a, 200b.

The second cable guide 200b includes one or more arcuate features 140a, 140b that project from a base 142 of the cable guide to define cable passageways inside the second cable guide 200b. In some examples, the second cable guide 200b includes only a first arcuate feature 140a. In some examples, the second cable guide 200b includes a second arcuate feature 140b such that the first and second arcuate features 140a, 140b together define the cable passageways. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 9-11, the first and second arcuate features 140a, 140b each have a different shape. For example, the first arcuate feature 140a has a circular shape whereas the second arcuate feature 140b has a tear drop shape.

The first arcuate feature 140a defines cable passageways proximate the second opening 202d, and the second arcuate feature 140b defines cable passageways proximate the first opening 202c. As an illustrative example, and with reference now to FIG. 5, a cable 130 can be routed from the second opening 202b in the first cable guide 200a, through the third opening 204a in the first cable guide 200a, and into the third opening 204b of the second cable guide 200b. Thereafter, in the second cable guide 200b, the cable 130 can be routed around the second arcuate feature 140b, through a passageway between the first and second arcuate features 140a, 140b, around the first arcuate feature 140a, and past the second arcuate feature 140b for routing the cable 130 back through the third opening 204b of the second cable guide 200b and into the third opening 204a of the first cable guide 200a. Thereafter, in the first cable guide 200a, the cable 130 can be routed back to the second opening 202b such that the fiber route is B-B.

In another illustrative example, a cable 130 can be routed from the second opening 202b in the first cable guide 200a, through the third opening 204a in the first cable guide 200a, and into the third opening 204b of the second cable guide 200b. Thereafter, the cable 130 can be routed to the first opening 202c of the second cable guide 200b such that the fiber route is B-C.

In yet another illustrative example, a cable 130 can be routed from the second opening 202b in the first cable guide 200a, through the third opening 204a in the first cable guide 200a, and into the third opening 204b of the second cable guide 200b. Thereafter, the cable 130 can be routed past the second arcuate feature 140b, and around the first arcuate feature 140a to the second opening 202d of the second cable guide 200b such that the fiber route is B-D.

In some examples, the cable guides 200a, 200b can include one or more doors (such as the doors 430 shown in FIG. 16 and described in more detail below with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 13-29) for blocking cable routing in the cable guides 200a, 200b so as to prevent a technician from misrouting the cables in the panel 100. The doors are removable as desired to unblock the openings for cables to go into and out of cable guides 200a, 200b. For example, the doors can be breakout or knock out style doors that can be snapped off, or can be inserted and retained by the cable guides 200a, 200b, and can be added or removed as desired. Benefits of the doors may include preventing improper routing around a sharp edge within panel 100. Another benefit may be to assist the technician with proper fiber routing.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-11, the first and second cable guides 200a, 200b each include a plurality of tabs 132 to manage the cables 130 inside the passageways defined by the first and second arcuate features 140a, 140b. Also, the first and second cable guides 200a, 200b include apertures 134 that are able to receive tabs from covers (not shown) attachable to the first and second cable guides 200a, 200b to protect the one or more cables 130 routed therein.

Additionally, the first and second cable guides 200a, 200b each include one or more slots 136 to fix one or more supports 138 (see FIG. 1). The supports 138 snap-fit into the slots 136 for attachment to the cable guides. The supports 138 extend from the first and second cable guides 200a, 200b at a 45 degree angle to support the trays 109 that pivot with respect to the groove plates 105. The supports 138 are made from a material able to support the weight of the trays 109. In one example, the supports 138 are made from aluminum or similar material.

FIG. 12 is a front view of an alternative example of a cable guide 200c. In this example, the cable guide 200c includes a first opening 206a, a second opening 206b, a third opening 206c, and a fourth opening 206d. The cable guide 200c can be used in examples where the panel 100 includes three columns of groove plates such that the cable guide 200c can be positioned relative to a middle column of groove plates, and the first opening 206a can receive and/or transfer cables to a first side of the middle column of groove plates and the second opening 206b can receive and/or transfer cables to a second side of the middle column of groove plates. The third opening 206c can receive and/or transfer cables to a cable guide corresponding to a first side column of groove plates, and the fourth opening 206d can receive and/or transfer cables to a cable guide corresponding to a second side column of groove plates.

As shown in FIG. 12, the cable guide 200c includes one or more arcuate features 140a that project from a base 142 of the cable guide to define cable passageways inside the cable guide 200c. In some examples, the first cable guide 200a includes only a one arcuate feature 140a. In some examples, the first cable guide 200a includes more than one arcuate feature 140a (such as two arcuate features 140a) that define the cable passageways. In the example illustrated in FIG. 12, the arcuate features 140a each have the same circular shape. In alternative examples, the arcuate features 140a can each have a different shape to define the cable passageways.

In another aspect, a method of routing cables inside a telecommunications closure includes routing a cable 130 from the first column 102 of groove plates to the second column 104 of groove plates. In one example, the first column 102 of groove plates 105 holds a plurality of trays for managing and splicing incoming cables such as feeder cables from a service provider while the second column 104 of groove plates 105 holds a plurality of trays for managing and splicing outgoing cables such as distribution cables routed to one or more subscriber locations.

The method includes routing the cable 130 though a first or second opening 202a, 202b of the first cable guide 200a. The method further includes routing the cable 130 around at least one arcuate feature 140a, 140b of the first cable guide 200a. The method further includes routing the cable 130 through a third opening 204a of the cable guide to the second column 104 of groove plates 105, the third opening 204a being orthogonal to the first and second openings 202a, 202b. In some examples, the method further includes routing the cable 130 to the second cable guide 200b before routing the cable 130 to the second column 104 of groove plates 105. In some examples, the method further includes routing the cable 130 around at least one arcuate feature 140a, 140b of the second cable guide 200b, and routing the cable 130 to a first or second opening 202c, 202d of the second cable guide 200b. In one example, the cable 130 is routed to the first opening 202c of the second cable guide 200b to reach a first side of the second column 104 of groove plates 105. In another example, the cable 130 is routed to the second opening 202d of the second cable guide 200b to reach a second side of the second column 104 of groove plates.

Referring now to FIGS. 13-15, a panel 300 of a telecommunications closure is shown similar in some respects to panel 100 noted above. The panel 300 is typically contained within a closure that houses fiber optic equipment in a telecommunications network. The back panel and other panel portions of the closure are not shown in FIGS. 13-15. The panel 300 can be mounted in a variety of vertical and horizontal positions. Cables enter and exit the panel 300 and are managed by the various structures associated with panel 300.

In the example panel 300, the panel 300 includes first and second columns 302, 304 of groove plates 105, similar to the first and second columns 102, 104 of groove plates 105 noted above. The groove plates 105 hold a plurality of trays (not shown) similar to trays 109 noted above. Each tray is pivotable with respect to the groove plates 105. Each tray can be used to manage optical fibers and store splices. The plurality of trays on the groove plates 105 can include splice trays, splitter trays, wave division multiplexer trays, storage trays, and the like.

Cable managers 116 guide cables toward and away from the first and second columns 302, 304 of groove plates 105. As shown in FIG. 14, the panel 300 includes a first cable manager 116a below the first column 302 of groove plates, and a second cable manager 116b below the second column 304 of groove plates. Alternative arrangements are possible.

Panel 300 includes a plurality of cable guides 400. In the example shown, four cable guides 400 are shown, one cable guide 400 on each end of each column 302, 304 of groove plates. Cable guides 402, 404 are mirrored parts and share the same features. Cable guides 406, 408 are identical to cable guides 402, 404, respectively. The cable guides 402-408 provide a smooth transition for cables being managed by the one or more columns of groove plates to the cable managers 116 or other cable guides 402-408. The cable guides 402, 404 are positioned between the columns 302, 304 of groove plates and the cable managers 116a, 116b, respectively. The cable guides 406, 408 are positioned on opposite ends of the columns 304, 302, respectively.

Referring now to FIG. 16, the cable guide 402 is shown. The cable guide 402 is identical to the cable guide 406, and is a mirror image of the cable guides 404, 408. As shown, the cable guide 402 has four openings 420, 422, 424, and 426. The openings 420, 422, 424 are shown with covers or doors 430 in place. The doors 430 are removable as desired to unblock the openings for cables to go into and out of cable guide 402. The doors 430 can be breakout or knock out style doors that can be snapped off. Alternatively, the doors 430 can be inserted and retained by a body 432 of cable guide 402, and can be added or removed as desired. In some examples, the doors 430 can also be included in the cable guides 200a, 200b described above.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the cable guide 402 includes an arcuate pathway 436 formed by a projection 438 for cables entering and exiting the cable guide 402 from a minor side 434 of the cable guide 402. The minor side 434 is orthogonal to major sides 450, 452.

With reference to FIGS. 16-23, further features of cable guide 402 are shown. The cable guide 402 can include an internal arcuate passageway 440 and retention fingers or tabs 442 internal to the body of cable guide 402 to retain cables inside the internal arcuate passageway 440. The arcuate pathway 436 also includes cable retention fingers or tabs 442.

Referring now to FIGS. 25-29, various cable routing pathways can be defined by panel 300. As noted above, the pivoting trays communicate with cable routing pathways on the columns 302, 304 of groove plates. A feeder cable 500 enters through cable manager 116b and can be spliced to a point-to-point fiber 520 or a splitter input fiber 510. The feeder cable 500 can be a multi-fiber cable wherein different splices can connect to the different fibers 520, 510. Alternatively, fibers 520, 510 can be multi-fiber cables themselves which can be mass fusion spliced to feeder cable 500. A splitter 508 includes two example splitter output fibers 514, 516 which are routed to two different columns,

302, 304 of groove plates. In the case of the splitter outputs 514, 516 and the point-to- point fiber 520, the fibers are spliced to different customer cables 502, 504, 506 which exit the panel 300 through one of the cable managers 116a, 116b.

As shown, panel 300 includes various open passageways in cable guides 402, 404, 406, and 410. In addition, various blockers (i.e., the doors 430) are illustrated for blocking cable routing so as to prevent a technician from misrouting the cables in the particular panel 300. One benefit of the blocker or door feature may be to prevent improper routing around a sharp edge within panel 300. Another benefit may be to assist the technician with proper fiber routing. In the example shown in FIG. 26, open passages are label O, and blocked or closed passages are labeled B. The panel 300 is just one example or the arrangements for the cables, trays and columns. Other variations and combinations are possible.

FIGS. 30-33 are front isometric, side, exploded front isometric, and exploded rear isometric views, respectively, of a panel 600 for a telecommunications closure. The panel 600 as shown is similar in some respects to panel 100 noted above. The panel 600 is typically part of a closure that houses fiber optic equipment in a telecommunications network. The other panel portions of the closure are not shown in FIGS. 30-33. The panel 600 can be mounted in a variety of vertical and horizontal positions. Cables enter and exit the panel 600 and are managed by the various structures associated with panel 600.

The panel 600 includes a back plate 602 and rails 604a-604d mounted thereto. The rails 604 are substantially L shaped and have a plurality of holes for receiving fasteners such as screws, threaded bolts, and the like. A first side of each rail 604 is fixed to the back plate 602 while an orthogonal, second side of each rail 604 projects from the back plate 602 when the rails 604 are fixed to the back plate 602. The rails 604 can be fixed to the back plate 602 by one or more fasteners that are passed through the holes on the rails 604 and through corresponding holes on the back plate 602. In some examples, the fasteners are threaded bolts such that a nut can be secured to the end of each threaded bolt after it has passed through the corresponding holes on the rails 604 and back plate 602 to secure the rails 604 to the back plate 602.

The panel 600 further includes one or more columns of groove plates. In the illustrated example, the panel 600 includes first and second columns 606, 608 of groove plates 610 that are similar to the first and second columns 102, 104 of groove plates 105 described above. The groove plates 610 are attached to the panel 600 between the rails 604. For example, the groove plates 610 in the first column 606 are fixed between rails 604a and 604b while the groove plates 610 in the second column 608 are fixed between rails 604c and 604d. In some examples, the groove plates 610 are secured to the rails 604 using one or more fasteners such as screws for attachment to the panel 600. In other examples, the groove plates 610 are snap-fitted between the rails 604 for attachment to the panel 600. Alternatively, the groove plates 610 can be attached directly to the back plate 602 without attachment to the rails 604 by one or more fasteners that attach the groove plates 610 directly to the back plate 602. The groove plates 610 are detachably mounted to the panel 600 such that the groove plates 610 as well as other components can be rearranged on the panel 600.

The groove plates 610 each hold a plurality of trays 612 that are similar to the trays 109 described above (only a few trays 612 being shown in FIGS. 30-33). The trays 612 are pivotable with respect to the groove plates 610. Each tray 612 can be used to manage optical fibers and store splices. The plurality of trays 612 on the groove plates 610 can include splice trays, splitter trays, wave division multiplexer trays, storage trays, and the like.

The panel further includes cable managers 614 that can be mounted to the rails 604 of the panel 600. Alternatively, the cable managers 614 can be attached directly to the back plate 602. The cable managers 614 are detachably mounted to the panel 600 such that the cable managers 614 can be rearranged to modify the configuration of the panel 600.

Each cable manager 614 includes grooves 616 to guide cables toward and away from the first and second columns of groove plates. In the illustrated examples, a cable manager 614 is position above the first column 606 of groove plates, and another cable manager 614 is positioned above the second column 608 of groove plates. Alternative arrangements are possible.

Each cable manager 614 includes one or more spools 618. The spools 618 can be used to route cables between opposite sides (e.g., left and right sides) of a column of groove plates. Also, the spools 618 can be used to change the direction of the cables.

In some examples, excess cable can be looped around the spools 618 for storage.

FIG. 34 shows the panel 600 inverted upside down (i.e., rotated 180 degrees) with respect to the orientation shown in FIGS. 30-33. As shown in FIG. 34, the cable managers 614 are positioned toward the bottom of the panel 600 such that the cable managers 614 are positioned below the first and second columns 606, 608 of groove plates 610.

Referring now to FIGS. 30-34, the spools 618 support the trays 612 when the cable managers 614 are located towards the bottom of the panel 600. When inverted upside down, the trays 612 are pivoted about the groove plates 610 in a direction towards the cable managers 614 by gravity. The spools 618 each have an angled surface 619 (see FIG. 31) running along a length of each spool 618. The angled surface 619 of each spool 618 can support the trays 612 when the trays 612 are pivoted toward the cable managers 614. In some examples, the angled surface 619 supports the trays 612 in a substantially 45 degree angle. In some examples, a cover (such as the one shown in FIG. 1) is attached to the cable managers 614 and thereby covers the spools 618 such that the cover contacts the trays 612 when the trays 612 are supported by the spools 618.

The panel 600 includes cable guides 620, 622, similar to the cable guides 200a, 200b described above. In the example shown, two cable guides 620, 622 are shown, with a first cable guide 620 at the end of the first column 606 of groove plates 610 and a second cable guide 622 at the end of the second column 608 of groove plates 610. Cable guides 620, 622 are mirrored parts and share the same features. The cable guides 620, 622 provide a smooth transition for cables being managed by the one or more columns of groove plates on the panel 600.

The cable guides 620, 622 include an angled projection 624 (see FIG. 31) that supports the trays 612 when the trays 612 are pivoted toward the cable guides 620, 622. In some examples, the angled projection 624 supports the trays 612 in a substantially 45 degree angle.

The cable guides 620, 622 are detachably mounted to the panel 600 such that the cable guides 620, 622 can be rearranged on the panel 600. Thus, the configuration of the cable guides 620, 622, cable managers 614, and groove plates 610 can be rearranged on the panel 600 in the field, as needed. For example, the cable guides 620, 622 are shown located towards the bottom of the panel 600 in FIGS. 30-33, however, in other examples the cable guides 620, 622 can be located towards the top of the panel 600 as shown in FIG. 34.

FIGS. 35 and 36 are front isometric and side views, respectively, of a panel 700 for a telecommunications closure. The panel 700 as shown is similar in some respects to panel 300 noted above. The panel 700 is typically part of a closure that houses fiber optic equipment in a telecommunications network. The other panel portions of the closure are not shown in FIGS. 35 and 36. The panel 700 can be mounted in a variety of vertical and horizontal positions. Cables enter and exit the panel 700 and are managed by the various structures associated with panel 700.

The panel 700 includes first and second columns 702, 704 of groove plates 706, similar to the first and second columns 102, 104 of groove plates 105 noted above. The groove plates 706 hold a plurality of trays 708 similar to trays 109 noted above. Each tray is pivotable with respect to the groove plates 706. Each tray 708 can be used to manage optical fibers and store splices. The plurality of trays 708 on the groove plates 706 can include splice trays, splitter trays, wave division multiplexer trays, storage trays, and the like.

The groove plates 706 are attached to the panel 700 between rails 710a- 710d that are substantially similar to the rails 604a-604d described above with respect to FIGS. 30-34. For example, the groove plates 706 in the first column 702 are fixed between rails 710a and 710b while the groove plates 706 in the second column 704 are fixed between rails 710c and 710d. In some examples, the groove plates 706 are secured to the rails 710 using one or more fasteners such as screws for attachment to the panel 700. In other examples, the groove plates 706 are snap-fitted between the rails 710 for attachment to the panel 700. Alternatively, the groove plates 706 can be attached directly to a back plate 712 without attachment to the rails 710. The groove plates 706 are detachably mounted to the panel 700 such that the groove plates 706 as well as the other components of the panel 700 can be rearranged on the panel 700.

Cable managers 716a, 716b guide cables toward and away from the first and second columns 702, 704 of groove plates 706. The panel 700 includes a first cable manager 716a below the first column 702 of groove plates, and a second cable manager 716b below the second column 704 of groove plates. Alternative arrangements are possible.

The cable managers 716a, 716b can be mounted to the rails 710 of the panel 700. Alternatively, the cable managers 716a, 716b can be attached directly to the back plate 712. The cable managers 716a, 716b are detachably mounted to the panel 700 such that the cable managers 716a, 716b can be rearranged on the panel 700.

The panel 700 has a plurality of cable guides 720a-720d. In the illustrated example, four cable guides 720a-720d are shown. Each cable guide 720a-720d is positioned at an end of each column 702, 704 of groove plates 706. Alternative configurations are contemplated.

The cable guides 720a, 720b are mirrored parts and share the same features. Cable guides 720c, 720d are identical to cable guides 720a, 720b, respectively. The cable guides 720 provide a smooth transition for cables and fibers between the columns of groove plates, cable managers, and other cable guides mounted onto the panel 600.

The cable guides 720 can be mounted to the rails 710 of the panel 700. Alternatively, the cable guides 720 can be attached directly to the back plate 712. The cable guides 720 are detachably mounted to the panel 700 such that the cable guides 720 can be rearranged on the panel 700, and thereby the configuration of the cable guides 720, cable managers 716a, 716b, and groove plates 706 can be rearranged on the panel 700, as needed in the field.

FIGS. 37-39 are front isometric, front, and top views, respectively, of the cable guide 720a. The cable guide 720a is identical to the cable guide 720d, and is a mirror image of the cable guides 720b, 720c. As shown in FIGS. 37-39, the cable guide 720a has four openings 722, 724, 726, and 728. The openings 722, 724, 728 are shown with doors 730 in place. The doors 730 are substantially similar to the doors 430 described above with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. The doors 730 are removable as desired to unblock the openings for cables to go into and out of cable guide 720a. The doors 730 can be breakout or knock out style doors that can be snapped off. Alternatively, the doors 730 can be inserted and retained by a body 732 of cable guide 720a, and can be added or removed from the body 732 as desired.

The cable guide 720a has an internal arcuate passageway 736 defined by an arcuate structure 738. Retention fingers or tabs 740 retain cables inside the internal arcuate passageway 736. The cable guide 720a also has an arcuate pathway 742 formed by a projection 744 for cables entering and exiting the cable guide 720a from a minor side 760 of the cable guide 720a. As shown in FIG. 38, the minor side 760 is orthogonal to major sides 770, 772. The arcuate pathway 742 has cable retention fingers or tabs 740 to retain cables therein.

As shown in FIG. 38, the cable guide 720a can include holes 746 each configured for receiving a fastener such as a screw, threaded bolt, and the like for securing the cable guide 720a to the back plate 712. The cable guide 720a can also include pegs 748 that can be received by the holes in the rails 710 for securing at least one side of the cable guide 720a to a rail 710.

The cable guide 720a further includes an angled surface 750 that projects from the body 732, and that terminates at a planar surface 752 substantially orthogonal to the body 732. The angled surface 750 is configured to support the trays 708 when the trays 708 are pivoted in a direction toward cable guide 720a (see, for example, cable guides 720b, 720d supporting the trays 708 in FIGS. 35 and 36). In some examples, the angled surface 750 supports the trays 708 in a substantially 45 degree angle. In some examples, the planar surface 752 has a slot 754 for attaching a long strap to hold the trays 708 down when the trays 708 are not being accessed. In some examples, the long strap is made from Velcro.

Referring now to FIG. 39, the projection 744 that forms the arcuate pathway 742 is elevated with respect to the remainder of the body 732 by a distance D1 such that the projection 744 can pass over the rails 710, and hence the arcuate pathway 742 is not obstructed by the rails 710 when the cable guide 720a is mounted to the rails 710. For example, FIGS. 35 and 36 show the cable guides 720b, 720d mounted to the rails 710 such that the arcuate pathways 742 in the cable guides 720b, 720d are operatively connected without obstruction from the rails 710 for providing a smooth transition between the first and second columns 702, 704 of groove plates. FIG. 40 is a front view of the panel 700. Referring now to FIG. 40, the respective arcuate pathways 742 in cable guides 720a and 720c are operatively connected to provide a smooth transition between the first and second columns 702, 704 of groove plates, while the respective arcuate pathways 742 in cable guides 720b and 720d are operatively connected to provide a smooth transition between the first and second columns 702, 704. As described above, the projection 744 in each cable guide 720a-720d is elevated with respect to the remainder of the body 732 such that the arcuate pathway 742 is not obstructed by the rails 710a-710d.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 40, the groove plates 706, cable guides 720b and 720d, and cable managers 716a, 716b are mounted to the rails 710a-710d. However, cable guides 720a and 720c are not mounted to the rails. Instead, cable guides 720a and 720c are mounted directly to the back plate 712. The cable guides 720b, 720d are positioned between the columns 702, 704 of groove plates and the cable managers 716a, 716b, respectively. The cable guides 720a, 720c are positioned on opposite ends of the columns 702, 704, respectively.

FIG. 41 is a front view of an alternative configuration for a panel 800 for a telecommunications closure. As shown in FIG. 41, the panel 800 includes a combination of the cable guides 620, 622 (described above with respect to FIGS. 30-34) and the cable guides 720a-720d (described above with respect to FIGS. 35-40). In the illustrative example of FIG. 41, cable guides 720a, 720b are positioned between the columns 702, 704 of groove plates and the cable managers 716a, 716b, respectively, while cable guides 620, 622 are positioned on opposite ends of the columns 702, 704, respectively. Also, the cable managers 716a, 716b are positioned above the columns 702, 704 of groove plates, while the cable guides 620, 622 are positioned below the columns 702, 704 of groove plates. Alternative configurations for the placement of the cable guides 620, 622, 720a, and 720b on the panel 800 are possible because, as described above, the cable guides 620, 622, 720a-720d, cable managers 716a, 716b, and groove plates are detachably mounted to the panel 800 such that the cable guides 620, 622, 720a-720d, cable managers 716a, 716b, and groove plates can be rearranged on the panel 800, as needed in the field. The rearrangement of the cable guides 620, 622, 720a-720d, cable managers 716a, 716b, and groove plates would will typically occur before any cables or fibers are routed in these structures.

FIG. 42 is a front view of another alternative configuration for a panel 900 for a telecommunications closure. As shown in FIG. 42, the panel 900 has a plurality of cable guides 720a-720d. In the illustrated example, the cable guides 720a, 720c are positioned at the ends of the columns 702, 704 of groove plates, respectively, while the cable managers 716a, 716b are positioned at opposite ends of the columns 702, 704, respectively. The cable guides 720b, 720d are positioned at intermediate positions in the columns 702, 704 of groove plates, respectively.

Enabling the cable guides 620, 622, 720a-720d, cable managers 716a,

716b, and groove plates to be rearranged on the panel 800 enhances the flexibility and versatility of the panel. For example, the cable guides 620, 622 may allow for more fiber routing options in some embodiments by providing more access to the vertical channels in the groove plates. Alternatively, the cable guides 720a-720d, with one or more openings blocked by doors 730, can help less experienced technicians by providing fewer fiber routing options so that the fibers do not get misrouted. Thus, by combining both types of cable guides 620, 622, 720a-720d on a single panel, or by reconfiguring a panel from utilizing one type of cable guide to utilizing another type of cable guide, the flexibility and versatility of the system is enhanced.

FIG. 43 illustrates a method 1000 for assembling a panel for a telecommunications closure. The method 1000 can be performed to reconfigure the panel 600 of FIG. 30 into the panel 700 of FIG. 35. Alternatively, the method 1000 can be performed to reconfigure the panel 700 of FIG. 35 into the panel 600 of FIG. 30. Additionally, it is contemplated that the method 1000 can be performed to reconfigure the panel 700 of FIG. 40 into one of the panels 800, 900 shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, respectively, or to reconfigure one of the panels 800, 900 shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, respectively, into the panel 700 of FIG. 40. Additional reconfigurations between the various panels that are described above and shown in the figures are contemplated.

The method 1000 includes an operation 1002 of removing one or more components from the panel, an operation 1004 of rotating the panel, and an operation 1006 of reassembling one or more components onto the panel. Preferably, the method 1000 is performed before the various cables and fibers are routed through the components on the panel.

With respect to operation 1002, various components such as cable guides 620, 622, 720a-720d, cable managers 716a, 716b, and groove plates 105, 610, 706 are removed from a back plate of the panel. As described above, these components can be detachably mounted to the rails 604, 710 of the panel or can be detachably mounted directly to the back plate of the panel using one or more types of fasteners or snap-fit connections.

In some examples, operation 1002 is optional. For example, when the panel is being installed for the first time in the field, there are no components for removal from the back plate.

With respect to operation 1004, the back plate is rotated 180 degrees. In some examples, the back plate is rotated to provide room at the top or bottom portions of the back plate to accommodate the various components that are reassembled during operation 1006. In some examples, operation 1004 is optional such that the back plate is not rotated.

With respect to operation 1006, various components such as cable guides 620, 622, 720a-720d, cable managers 716a, 716b, and groove plates 105, 610, 706 are detachably mounted to the panel. In some examples, new components that were not previously mounted on the panel are added, while components that were previously mounted on the panel are not added. As an illustrative example, in an example where the panel 600 of FIG. 30 is reconfigured into the panel 700 of FIG. 35, the cables guides 620, 622 are removed at operation 1002 and are not added back in operation 1006. Instead, the cable guides 720a-720d which were not previously mounted on the panel, are added in operation 1006. Thus, the method 100 can be performed to reconfigure the various panels described above to enhance the flexibility and customization of the panels.

Referring now to FIGS. 44-48, a cable manager 1202 is shown including two cable guide channels 1204. The cable manager 1202 including the two cable guide channels 1204 can be used with the various disclosed panels and other telecommunications devices where fiber optic cables are managed. The cable guide channels 1204 allow for increased cable management for cables to enter and exit the cable manager 1202. Cable manager 1202 is similar to the various cable managers 116, 614, 716, noted above. Cable manager 1202 manages cables entering and exiting the column of groove plates with the trays mounted to a panel or other structure. In some cases the cable guide channels provide an area to secure cables and/or cable tubes to the panel at the entry location to the groove plates and trays.

Cable manager 1202 includes two cable entry regions 1220, and two cable exit regions 1222. More or less entry and exit regions 1220, 1222 are possible. Cable manager 1202 can have various devices 1224 to manage the cables such as spools, tabs, walls, and cable securement devices, too. Referring back to FIGS. 1-3 and 5, the arrangement of groove plates 105 into columns provides for vertical cable channels on each side of each column 102, 104 to access the functional features on each tray 109. The cables entering and exiting each panel 100 may enter parallel to the vertical channels of the groove plates. If the cables enter at an angle, the ability to manage and/or secure the cables coming on or off of the cable managers is useful. Preferably, the cable guide channels 1204 are positionable to define straight pathways or curved pathways. The pathways can be funnel shaped or uniformly shaped end to end.

Each cable guide channel 1204 includes a body 1206 having a generally trough shape. Body 1206 includes a base 1208, first side 1210, and second side 1212.

First end (proximal end) 1214 connects either to cable manager 1202 or directly to the panel and is positioned adjacent to cable manager 1202 adjacent to cable entry region 1220. Opposite second end (distal end) 1216 is where cables enter and exit the cable guide channel 1204.

As shown, cable guide channel 1204 includes a plurality of fingers 1230 which define slots 1232 for receipt of cable tubes for cables. Fingers 1230 are arranged in at least one row 1234. In some embodiments, a second row 1236 of fingers 1230 is provided. Tubes containing cables can be loaded into slots 1232. Retention elements can be added to maintain the tubes or cables in the slots 1232. One type of cable or tube can have a corrugated exterior.

As shown in FIG. 44, two different mounting positions of the two cable guide channels 1204 are shown. Cable guide channel 1204a is mounted to the panel below cable manager 1202. Cable guide channel 1204b is mounted to cable manager 1202 at proximal end 1214.

Also as shown in FIG. 44, cable guide channels 1204 define a trumpet shape wider at proximal end 1214 relative to distal end 1216.

Referring again to FIG. 44 and 45, each cable guide channel 1204 is mounted axially relative to cable manager 1202 in alignment with either side of the cable channels of the groove plates shown above. Axes 1260 are vertical.

Referring now to FIG. 46, cable guide channel 1204a is shown in an angled configuration where end 1216 is angled relative to end 1214. Axis 1260 is curved.

Referring now to FIG. 47, both cable guide channels 1204a, b are shown in angled positions. Cable guide channel 1204 in FIG. 47 is even more angled than cable guide channel 1204a of FIG. 46. Such angling allows for better cable management for cables entering and exiting the panel wherein the cables may not be axially aligned with the column of groove plates and/or the cable channels of the groove plates.

Referring now to FIG. 48, two cable guide channels 1204a, b are shown mounted adjacent to one another on one side of cable manager 1202. Cable guide channel 1204a is mounted axially, while cable guide channel 1204b is shown in an angled orientation.

Referring now to FIGS. 50-58, each cable guide channel 1204 is provided with a first mounting arrangement 1240 to allow for end 1214 to be mounted to a structure such as the panel, or the cable manager 1202. A second mounting arrangement 1242 adjacent to second end 1216 allows for end 1216 to be mounted to the panel and secured in its desired location relative to end 1214. Mounting arrangements 1240, 1242 can take various configurations, such as clips, snaps, or other devices for holding the ends 1214, 1216. The panel can be provided with holes or other structures for mating with the mounting arrangements 1240, 1242 to secure cable guide channels 1204 in the desired locations.

Cable guide 1204 can include a body 1206 comprising multiple different materials. In particular, middle trough portion 1254 can be made of rubber or other more flexible material relative to end trough portions 1250, 1252 which can be made of more rigid material, such as molded plastic.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claims attached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example embodiments and application illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A telecommunications closure comprising: a panel; a first column of groove plates having a plurality of pivotal trays; a cable manager at one end of the first column of groove plates; a first cable guide channel having first and second ends, wherein a first end is mounted adjacent to the cable manager on an opposite side of the cable manager from the column of groove plates; and wherein a second end of the cable guide channel is mountable in a plurality of positions relative to the first end of the cable guide channel on the panel.

2. The telecommunications closure of claim 1, wherein the cable guide channel defines a trumpet shape having a proximal first end which is smaller than a distal second end.

3. The telecommunications closure of claims 1 and 2, wherein the distal second end of the cable guide channel includes a plurality of fingers and slots.

4. The telecommunications closure of claims 1-3, further comprising a cable guide including: a first opening on a first side; a second opening opposite the first opening on the first side; a third opening on a second side, the second side being orthogonal to the first side; and at least one arcuate feature projecting from a base of the cable guide and defining a plurality of cable passageways between the first, second, and third openings.

5. The telecommunications closure of claim 4, wherein the cable guide is configured to transfer one or more cables from a column of groove plates having a plurality of pivotable trays to another portion of a telecommunications closure.

6. The telecommunications closure of claim 4, wherein the cable guide is configured to transfer one or more cables from a first column of groove plates having a plurality of pivotable trays to a second column of groove plates having a plurality of pivotable trays.

7. The telecommunications closure of claim 4, further comprising a fourth opening on a third side, the third side being orthogonal to the first side and parallel to the second side.

8. The telecommunications closure of claim 7, wherein the cable guide is structured to transfer one or more cables from a middle column of groove plates having a plurality of pivotable trays to a first side column and a second side column of groove plates each having a plurality of pivotable trays.

9. A telecommunications closure comprising: a panel; a first column of groove plates having a plurality of pivotable trays; a first cable guide having first, second, and third openings, and at least one arcuate feature defining a plurality of cable passageways between the first, second, and third openings, and being structured to transfer one or more cables from the first column of groove plates; a trumpet with a flexible body for cables to enter and/or exit the panel.

10. The telecommunications closure of claim 9, further comprising a second column of groove plates having a plurality of pivotable trays, and the first cable guide being structured to transfer one or more cables from the first column of groove plates to the second column of groove plates, and to receive one or more cables from the second column of groove plates.