WO2024050510A1 - Telecommunications panel and basket - Google Patents

Abstract

A telecommunications basket for a telecommunications tray can include a base wall structure extending along a longitudinal axis, a perimeter outer wall structure extending from the base wall structure to define an interior space, the perimeter outer wall structure defining a first cable opening and a second cable opening, a splice holder secured to the base wall structure and being located proximate the longitudinal axis, and a plurality of interior wall structures extending from the base wall structure defining a first cable routing passageway defined by a first interior wall structure and the perimeter outer wall structure, a second cable routing passageway defined by a second interior wall structure and the perimeter outer wall structure, and a third cable routing passageway defined by a third interior wall structure and the first interior wall structure.

Description

TELECOMMUNICATIONS PANEL AND BASKET

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is being filed on September 1, 2023, as a PCT International application and claims the benefit of and priority to United States Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 63/374,492, filed September 2, 2022, and claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 63/418,252, filed October 21, 2022, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to telecommunications panels, trays, baskets, and related cable management structures.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Numerous telecommunications panels exist today and are used in various equipment applications. Conventional telecommunications panels include hinges that are designed to allow a tray to be rotated out of the telecommunications panel. By rotating the tray out of the telecommunications panel, access is provided to rear portions of a termination field. Such trays may include cable management structures that aid in organizing and managing telecommunications cables routed to and away from the telecommunications panel, for example telecommunications baskets having specialized routing features.

SUMMARY

[0004] A telecommunications basket for a telecommunications tray can include a base wall structure extending along a longitudinal axis; a perimeter outer wall structure extending from the base wall structure to define an interior space, the perimeter outer wall structure defining a first cable opening and a second cable opening; a splice holder secured to the base wall structure and being located proximate the longitudinal axis; and a plurality of interior wall structures extending from the base wall structure defining a first cable routing passageway defined by a first interior wall structure and the perimeter outer wall structure, a second cable routing passageway defined by a second interior wall structure and the perimeter outer wall structure, and a third cable routing passageway defined by a third interior wall structure and the first interior wall structure.

[0005] In some examples, the first cable opening includes a cable holder for retaining 900 pm diameter fiber optic cables.

[0006] In some examples, the second cable opening includes a tube holder for retaining cable overtubing.

[0007] In some examples, a portion of the perimeter outer wall structure is curved.

[0008] In some examples, a plurality of extension members are provided extending over the interior space in a direction parallel to the base wall structure.

[0009] In some examples, the extension members and the base wall structure define a clearance height.

[0010] In some examples, the first and second cable openings and the splice holder are located on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis.

[0011] In some examples, the splice holder is located between the second and third cable routing passageways.

[0012] A cabled telecommunications basket for a telecommunications tray can include a fiber optic cable, a portion of which is ribbonized; a base wall structure extending along a longitudinal axis; a perimeter outer wall structure extending from the base wall structure to define an interior space, the perimeter outer wall structure defining a first cable opening and a second cable opening; a fiber optic splice located proximate the longitudinal axis; and a plurality of interior wall structures extending from the base wall structure defining a first cable routing passageway defined by a first interior wall structure and the perimeter outer wall structure, a second cable routing passageway defined by a second interior wall structure and the perimeter outer wall structure, and a third cable routing passageway defined by a third interior wall structure and the first interior wall structure; wherein a first segment of the fiber optic cable is routed into the tray interior space through the first cable opening, through the first cable routing passageway, and to a first end of the fiber optic splice, wherein a second segment of the fiber optic cable is routed from a second end of the fiber optic splice, through the second and third cable routing passageways, and then to the second cable opening. [0013] In some examples, the fiber optic splice is a ribbon splice and ends of the first and second segments of the fiber optic cable are ribbonized.

[0014] In some examples, at least a portion of the fiber optic cable is rollable ribbon.

[0015] In some examples, at least a portion of the fiber optic cable is flat cable.

[0016] In some examples, the fiber optic splice is secured to a splice holder mounted to the base wall structure.

[0017] In some examples, the second cable opening includes a tube holder for retaining cable overtubing extending over a portion of the fiber optic cable extending from the third cable routing passageway.

[0018] In some examples, a plurality of extension members are provided extending over the interior space in a direction parallel to the base wall structure.

[0019] In some examples, the extension members and the base wall structure define a clearance height.

[0020] In some examples, wherein the first segment of fiber optic cable is stripped from a 900 pm diameter to a 250 pm diameter within the first cable routing passageway.

[0021] A method of cabling a basket can include providing a telecommunications basket; routing a first segment of a plurality of fiber optic cables into the telecommunications basket and through a first cable routing passageway; stripping each of the plurality of fiber optic cables from a 900 pm diameter to a 250 pm diameter at a split location such that the split location resides within the first cable routing passageway; routing the first segment of the plurality of cables from the first cable routing passageway, through second and third cable routing passageways, and to a fiber optic splice location; routing a second segment of the plurality of fiber optic cables from the fiber optic splice location through the second and third cable routing passageways; and routing the second segment of the plurality of fiber optic cables out of the telecommunications basket at a second opening of the telecommunications basket.

[0022] In some examples, the steps are performed sequentially in the order listed.

[0023] In some examples, the steps are performed sequentially in the reverse order listed.

[0024] In some examples, the method further includes the step of splicing the first and second segments of the plurality of fiber optic cables together. [0025] In some examples, the method further includes the step of ribbonizing the first segment of the plurality of cables prior to the splicing step.

[0026] In some examples, the second segment of the plurality of cables is a ribbonized cable.

[0027] In some examples, the second segment of the plurality of cables is a flat cable or a rollable ribbon cable.

[0028] A splice tray for a telecommunications tray can include a base wall structure extending along a longitudinal axis; a perimeter outer wall structure extending from the base wall structure to define an interior space, the perimeter outer wall structure defining a first cable opening and a second cable opening; a splice holder secured to the base wall structure and being located proximate the longitudinal axis; and a plurality of interior wall structures extending from the base wall structure defining a first cable routing passageway extending to the first cable opening, a second cable routing passageway and a third cable routing passageway extending to the second cable opening, wherein the first cable routing passageway is located proximate the splice holder, the third cable routing passageway is located proximate the perimeter outer wall structure, and the second cable routing passageway is located between the first and second cable routing passageways.

[0029] In some examples, the first cable opening includes a cable holder for retaining 900 pm diameter fiber optic cables.

[0030] In some examples, the second cable opening includes a tube holder for retaining cable overtubing.

[0031] In some examples, a pair of oppositely arranged bend control structures extending from the base wall structure is provided.

[0032] In some examples, a plurality of extension members extending over the interior space in a direction parallel to the base wall structure are provided.

[0033] In some examples, the extension members and the base wall structure define a clearance height.

[0034] In some examples, the clearance height is about 5 mm.

[0035] In some examples, the first and second cable openings and the splice holder are located on a common side of the longitudinal axis.

[0036] A cabled splice tray for a telecommunications tray can include a fiber optic cable, a portion of which is ribbonized; a base wall structure extending along a longitudinal axis; a perimeter outer wall structure extending from the base wall structure to define an interior space, the perimeter outer wall structure defining a first cable opening and a second cable opening; a fiber optic splice located proximate the longitudinal axis; and a plurality of interior wall structures extending from the base wall structure defining a first cable routing passageway extending to the first cable opening, a second cable routing passageway and a third cable routing passageway extending to the second cable opening, wherein the first cable routing passageway is located proximate the fiber optic splice, the third cable routing passageway is located proximate the perimeter outer wall structure, and the second cable routing passageway is located between the first and second cable routing passageways; wherein a first segment of the fiber optic cable is routed into the tray interior space through the first cable opening, through the first cable routing passageway, and to a first end of the fiber optic splice, wherein a second segment of the fiber optic cable is routed from a second end of the fiber optic splice, through the second cable routing passageway, then through the third cable routing passageway, and then to the second cable opening.

[0037] In some examples, the fiber optic splice is a ribbon splice and ends of the first and second segments of the fiber optic cable are ribbonized.

[0038] In some examples, at least a portion of the fiber optic cable is rollable ribbon.

[0039] In some examples, at least a portion of the fiber optic cable is flat cable.

[0040] In some examples, the fiber optic splice is secured to a splice holder mounted to the base wall structure.

[0041] In some examples, the first cable opening includes a cable holder for retaining 900 pm diameter fiber optic cables.

[0042] In some examples, the second cable opening includes a tube holder for retaining cable overtubing extending over a portion of the fiber optic cable extending from the third cable routing passageway.

[0043] In some examples, a pair of oppositely arranged bend control structures extending from the base wall structure is provided.

[0044] In some examples, a plurality of extension members extending over the interior space in a direction parallel to the base wall structure are provided.

[0045] In some examples, the extension members and the base wall structure define a clearance height.

[0046] In some examples, a width of at least a portion of the fiber optic cable is greater than half the clearance height. [0047] In some examples, the clearance height is about 5 mm and wherein a width of at least a portion of the fiber optic cable is equal to or greater than 3 mm.

[0048] In some examples, the first and second cable openings and the fiber optic splice are located on a common side of the longitudinal axis.

[0049] A method of cabling a tray can include providing a splice tray; routing a first segment of a plurality of fiber optic cables into the splice tray at a first opening and then to a fiber optic splice location along a first cable routing passageway; routing a second segment of the plurality of fiber optic cables from the fiber optic splice location along a second cable routing pathway that surrounds the first cable routing passageway; routing the second segment of the plurality of fiber optic cables along a third cable routing passageway that surrounds the second cable routing passageway; and routing the second segment of the plurality of fiber optic cables out of the splice tray at a second opening of the splice tray. In some examples, the routing steps are performed sequentially in the listed order. In some examples, the routing steps are performed sequentially in the reverse of the listed order.

[0050] In some examples, the method includes the step of splicing the first and second segments of the plurality of fiber optic cables together.

[0051] In some examples, the step of ribbonizing the first segment of the plurality of cables is performed prior to the splicing step.

[0052] In some examples, the second segment of the plurality of cables is a ribbonized cable.

[0053] In some examples, the second segment of the plurality of cables is a flat cable or a rollable ribbon cable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] 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:

[0055] Figure l is a perspective view of a telecommunications panel including a multi-positionable tray assembly in accordance with principles of the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 2 is a top view of the telecommunications panel of Figure 1. [0057] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the multi-positionable tray assembly of Figure 1, within which a telecommunications basket, in accordance with principles of the present disclosure, is installed.

[0058] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the tray assembly shown in Figure 3 with the telecommunications basket removed.

[0059] Figure 5 is a top perspective view of the telecommunications basket shown in Figure 3, with a cover of the telecommunications basket placed in an open position. [0060] Figure 6 is a bottom perspective view of the telecommunications basket shown in Figure 3.

[0061] Figure 7 is a top perspective view of the telecommunications basket shown in Figure 3, with a cover of the telecommunications basket placed in a closed position. [0062] Figure 8 is a bottom perspective view of the telecommunications basket shown in Figure 3.

[0063] Figure 9 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the telecommunications basket shown in Figure 3, with the cover in the closed position.

[0064] Figure 10 is a front perspective view of a portion of the telecommunications basket shown in Figure 3, with the cover in the open position.

[0065] Figure 11 is a side view of the telecommunications basket shown in Figure 3, with the cover in the open position.

[0066] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the cover of the telecommunications basket shown in Figure 3.

[0067] Figure 13 is a top view of the telecommunications basket shown in Figure 3 with the cover removed.

[0068] Figure 14 is a bottom view of the telecommunications basket shown in Figure 13.

[0069] Figure 15 is a front view of the telecommunications basket shown in Figure 13.

[0070] Figure 16 is a rear view of the telecommunications basket shown in Figure 13.

[0071] Figure 17 is a first side view of the telecommunications basket shown in Figure 13.

[0072] Figure 18 is a second side view of the telecommunications basket shown in Figure 13. [0073] Figure 19 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the telecommunications basket shown in Figure 13.

[0074] Figure 20 is a perspective view of a second example of a telecommunications basket usable in the tray shown in Figure 3.

[0075] Figures 21-25 are top views of the tray assembly shown in Figure 3 showing various cable routing aspects.

[0076] Figure 26 is a top perspective view of the tray assembly shown in Figure 3 with installed cables.

[0077] Figure 27 is a top view of a portion of the telecommunications basket shown in Figure 3.

[0078] Figure 28 is a perspective view of a chassis within which the telecommunications tray shown in Figure 3 may be installed.

[0079] Figure 29 is a perspective view of the telecommunications panel shown in Figure 1 provided with different internal components in which a top panel portion is removed to show internal components of the tray assembly.

[0080] Figure 30 is a top view of the telecommunications panel shown in Figure 29.

[0081] Figure 31 is a perspective view of the multi-positionable tray assembly of

Figure 30, wherein a cover of an uppermost tray in the tray assembly is shown in an open position.

[0082] Figure 32 is a top view of the multi-positionable tray shown in Figure 31.

[0083] Figure 33 is a perspective view of the multi-positionable tray shown in

Figure 31, with the splice trays removed from the interior.

[0084] Figure 34 is a perspective view of a tray of the tray assembly shown in Figure 31.

[0085] Figure 35 is an exploded perspective view of the tray shown in Figure 34.

[0086] Figure 36 is a top view of the tray shown in Figure 34 with all installed components removed.

[0087] Figure 37 is a top view of the tray shown in Figure 34.

[0088] Figure 38 is a cross-sectional side view of the tray shown in Figure 34.

[0089] Figure 39 is a top perspective view of the multi-positionable tray shown in

Figure 31, showing example cable routing from connectors to the uppermost tray.

[0090] Figures 40 to 44 sequentially show cable routing steps within a tray of the type shown in Figure 33. [0091] Figure 45 is a perspective view of a second example of a tray usable with the tray assembly shown in Figure 31.

[0092] Figure 46 is an exploded perspective view of the tray shown in Figure 45.

[0093] Figure 47 is a cross-sectional view of the tray shown in Figure 45.

[0094] Figure 48 is an interior-side perspective view of a cover of the tray shown in

Figure 45.

[0095] Figure 49 is a perspective view of the tray shown in Figure 45, with a cover of the tray removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0096] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0097] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, a telecommunications panel 100 may include a chassis 10 to which one or more multi-positionable tray assemblies 20 are removably attached. The chassis 10 may be mounted with a cabinet (not shown). In the example shown, a single tray assembly 20 is attached to the chassis 10. However, the chassis 10 may be configured to hold multiple tray assemblies 20, for example, three or more tray assemblies 20, as shown and described in the WO ‘018 publication. In one aspect, the chassis 10 can be configured to support other components of the telecommunications panel 100, as desired. For example, the chassis 10 can be configured to support a cable management structure 44. In the embodiment shown, cable management structure 44 is configured to guide patch cords extending from the tray assembly 20. The tray assembly 20 may also be configured to support various cable management structures. For example, cable management structures may be provided to guide patch cords towards cable management structure 44.

[0098] Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, the telecommunications tray assembly 20 is presented within which a telecommunications basket 200 is provided. The telecommunications panel 100 and/or the chassis/cabinet may be used for various purposes in telecommunications systems; for example, housing a cable management arrangement including, for example, a cable management basket and a patch panel. In one aspect, patch cords (i.e., patch cables, connectorized fiber optic cables, etc.) may enter the telecommunications panel 100 and/or the chassis/cabinet and be interconnected at a patch panel which may include a plurality of fiber optic adapters. Fiber optic connectors that terminate ends of the patch cords may connect with the fiber optic adapters of the patch panel. The interconnections at the patch panel may be rearranged from time-to-time, as desired, for changing configurations of the telecommunications system. The telecommunications panel 100 may further hold various other telecommunications components.

[0099] In one aspect, the telecommunications panel 100 further includes a patch panel 104 including a plurality of fiber optic adapters 108 supported by a patch panel frame 106. As shown, the fiber optic adapters 108 are LC-type adapters. However, other types of adapters may be provided, for example, SC-type adapters. The fiber optic adapters 108 are configured to receive fiber optic connectors on each side of the patch panel 104. Figure 13 shows an example patch panel frame 106 with fiber optic adapters 108 having cables 12 extending to the basket 200.

[0100] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the multi-positionable tray assembly 20 can include a tray 22 (e.g., a sub-rack) and a support arm 24 that are pivotally connected to each other via a pivot joint 26 that allows the tray assembly 20 to be moved between a folded position and an access position. The pivot joint 26 is formed by the interface between an upper joint arm of the support arm 24 and an upper joint extension of the tray 22 and by the interface between a lower joint arm of the support arm 24 and a lower joint extension of the tray 22. The interfaces can be secured together by a variety of means, for example, a snap-fit type connection via protrusions and corresponding recesses or by a connection utilizing fasteners. As depicted, the pivot joint 26 represents the connection between the tray 22 and the support arm 24 to the chassis 10 and defines a vertical hinge with an axis for the multi-positionable tray assembly 20. Although the pivot joint 26 and support arm 24 are shown as being provided on the lefthand side of the tray 22 (as viewed at Figures 1 and 2, for example) to result in a lefthand swinging tray, the tray 22 may be configured such that the pivot joint 26 and support arm 24 are provided on the right-hand side of the tray 22 to result in a righthand swinging tray 22, as depicted at Figure 26.

[0101] Referring to Figure 4, it can be seen that the tray 22 is configured with a support arrangement 50 such that cable management structures, such as telecommunications basket 200, can be secured within the tray 22. In one aspect, the support arrangement 50 includes a pair of slotted protrusions 50a and a latch tab 50b on the rear wall of the tray 20 and includes a pair of front protrusions 50c on an intermediate wall of the tray 22. With reference to Figures 6 and 7, the telecommunications basket 200 is provided with a corresponding attachment arrangement 203 including a pair of protrusion structures 203 a that are received by the slotted protrusions 50a, a center protrusion that engages with the latch tab 50b, and a pair of protrusion structures 203 a on an opposite wall of the basket that engage with the front protrusions 50c. With such an arrangement, the basket 200 can be snap-fit into the tray 22.

[0102] Referring to Figures 5 to 19, the telecommunications basket 200 is shown in further detail. As presented, the telecommunications basket 200 is formed with a basket body 202 defining a base wall structure 204 and a perimeter outer wall structure 206 extending from the base wall 204 to form an interior space 208. In one aspect, the wall structures 204, 206 can include attachment features for receiving mounted components, for example, attachment features 210, 212, 214. In the example shown, the attachment features 210, 212 are located at openings 211, 213 in the outer perimeter wall structure 206 and are configured with recesses for interconnection with corresponding tabs on cable/tube holders 218, to form a snap-fit type connection. As discussed later, the cable/tube holders 218 provide entry and exit locations for optical fibers extending to and from the tray interior space 208. As shown, each of the cable/tube holders 218 is provided with channels 218a for receiving and retaining individual cables or tubes. A suitable configuration for the openings and cable and tube holders is disclosed in PCT Publication WO 2020/115074, entitled “Telecommunications Panel”, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. It is noted, however, that the channels 218a are ovalized rather than being circular such that the channels 218a can accommodate oval-shaped overtubing that surrounds a ribbonized cable. The attachment features 214 are centrally located within the basket 200 and configured for a snap-fit type connection with splice holders 220 configured to receive and retain ribbon splices. In the example, shown, two attachment features 214 are provided to retain a first splice holder 220 between wall structures 264 , 272 while inward extending attachment features 215 extending from the wall structures 264, 272 are provided to retain a second splice holder 220 stacked on top of the first splice holder 220. Other numbers of attachment features 214, 215 and splice holders 220 can be provided, as desired. In some example embodiments, the cable/tube holders 218 and/or the splice holders 220 can be integrally formed with the basket body 202. [0103] The basket body 202 is also shown as being provided with a pair of aperture structures 229 that receive corresponding posts 234 on a cover 232 such that the cover can be rotatably attached to the body 202. In one aspect, the posts 234 extend in the same direction such that the cover can be installed by aligning the posts 234 with the aperture structures 229 and then by moving the cover 232 laterally such that the posts 234 are received into the aperture structures 229. The cover 232 is also shown as being provided with a ramped protrusion structure 237, located between the posts 234, that interacts with a tab structure 227 on the basket body 202. During lateral displacement of the cover 232, the ramped protrusion structure 237 engages against and deflects the tab structure 227 until the ramped protrusion structure 237 fully passes the tab structure 227. At this point, the tab structure 227 returns to its natural position and engages against a flat side 237a of the ramped protrusion structure 237 to secure the cover 232 onto the basket body 202, as most easily seen at Figures 9 and 10. Once connected, the cover 232 can be rotated between a closed position, in which the cover 232 covers the interior space 208 and an open position in which the interior space 208 is uncovered. To remove the cover 232 from the tray body, such as during a cabling operation where greater access to the basket interior is desired, the tab structure 227 can be depressed by an operator to allow the cover to be laterally displaced such that the posts 234 become disengaged with the aperture structures 229. As shown, the connection features 229 are shown as apertures, recesses or openings while the connection features 234 are configured as cylindrical members or posts received into the recesses or openings. The opposite arrangement is also possible. The cover 232 is also provided with a pair of latches 233 that engage with protrusion structures 221 on the outer perimeter wall structure 206 to retain the cover 232 in the closed position.

[0104] In one aspect, the outer perimeter wall 206 of the basket 200 is provided with curved sections 206a, 206b that smoothly guide cables wrapped within the interior space 208 of the basket 200. The curved sections 206a, 206b are configured with an outer radial surface having a radius or curvature that support the wrapped cables at a bend radius that does not fall below a minimum allowable radius associated with the cables.

[0105] As shown, the basket 200 is provided with a plurality of retention members 226 (226a to 226m) extending from the perimeter wall structure 206 and other interior wall structures, and over the interior space 208 and in a direction parallel to the surface of the base wall structure 204. The retention members 226 function to retain routed cables within the interior space 208 of the basket 200. In one aspect, a clearance height is defined between the underside of the of the retention members 226 and the top surface of the base wall structure 204.

[0106] The basket 200 is further shown with addition interior wall structures extending from the base wall structure 204. For example, the previously discussed wall structures 264, 272 which retain the splice holders 220 and a further wall structure 244 extending between the openings 211, 213. In one aspect, each of the interior wall structures 244, 264, 272 extend in a direction that is parallel to a longitudinal axis X of the basket 200. In one aspect, the wall structure 244 forms a first cable routing passageway 248 with the perimeter wall structure 206 on one side of the longitudinal axis X. In one aspect, the wall structure 264 forms a second cable routing passageway 249 with the perimeter wall structure 206 on an opposite side of the longitudinal axis X. In one aspect, the wall structure 272 and the wall structure 244 form a third cable routing passageway 251, such that the third cable routing passageway 251 is located between the first and second cable routing passageways 248, 249 that is on the same side of the longitudinal axis X as the first cable routing passageway 248. In the example shown, the wall structure 272 is located along the longitudinal axis X. Other positions are possible. In one aspect, slotted cable retention members 228 are provided at each end of the first cable routing passageway 248 and have horizontally extending members that extend from the wall structures 244, 206. In one aspect, the cable retention members 228 are located at a height that is below the top of the wall structure 244. In the example shown, the cable retention members 228 are located at about half the height of the wall structure 244. This location of the cable retention members 228 creates a reduced cross-sectional area through which cables routed in the first cable routing passageway 248 extend and functions to sufficiently retain the cables to a desired degree.

[0107] Referring to Figure 20, an alternative arrangement of the basket 200 is shown in which the outer perimeter wall structure 206 is provided with curved inner and outer side surfaces rather than being provided with a squared-off outer side, as shown in Figures 5-19. This configuration is the same as the first configuration with respect to the features in the interior space 208 of the basket, but provides a reduced outer footprint within the tray 22. The cover 232 shown in Figure 18 is also provided with a different shape that corresponds to the curved outer perimeter wall structure 206. [0108] With reference to Figures 21 to 26, an example cable routing configuration is presented in which optical fiber cables 12 are routed within the basket 200. Portions of the optical fiber cables 12 can be in the form of rollable ribbon or flat cable, as is known in the art. For the purpose of clarity, Figures 21 to 25 only show a routing for a single cable and splice. However, as is shown at Figure 26, multiple cables can be routed within the tray using all of the splice locations in the splice holders 220.

[0109] Referring to Figure 21, the cables 12 are routed within the tray 22 from the fiber optic adapters 108 of the patch panel 104 to the basket 200 via one or both of the openings 211, 213. The segment of the cables 12 extending from the adapters 108 to the basket 200 may be referred to as first cable segments 12a. In the example shown, the first cable segments 12a are 900 pm (micron) diameter cables including the fiber core, cladding, coating, and a buffer layer as is known in the art.

[0110] Referring to Figure 22, the first cable segments 12a, once routed to the basket 200, are routed into the first cable routing passageway 248. As shown, the cables 12 are stripped, at about the mid-point of the first cable routing passageway 248 and between the cable retention members 228, to remove the buffer layer such that the cables 12 are reduced to a 250 pm diameter. These segments of cables 12 can be referred to as second cable segments 12b. From the first cable routing passageway 248, the second cable segments 12b are routed or looped within the interior area two times (i.e., on two tours) through the second cable routing passageway 249 and the third cable routing passageway 251 and then routed to the splice holders 220.

[0111] Referring to Figure 23, it can be seen that the cables 12 have been ribbonized together to form a third cable segment 12c that extends from the second cable segment 12b to the splice holder 220 where the third cable segment 12c is spliced to a ribbon splice 276. In the particular example shown, the ribbonized third cable segment 12c is about 20 cm in length.

[0112] As shown at Figure 24, a fourth cable segment 12d extends from the ribbon splice 276. As shown, the fourth cable segment 12d is ribbonized and can be either in the form of flat cable or rollable ribbon. The individual optical fibers of the third and fourth cable segments 12c, 12d are ribbon-spliced together with the ribbon splice 276 by methods known in the art.

[0113] Referring to Figures 25 and 27, the fourth cable segment 12d is routed from the ribbon splice 276 twice, on two tours, within the basket interior space 208 through the second and third passageways 249, 251 and then the tube holder 218. At the location of the tube holder 218, the cable 12 extends into ovalized overtubing 278. The portion of the cable 12 residing within the overtubing 278 may be characterized as being a fifth cable segment 12e. As shown, the overtubing 278 is received into and retained by the channel 218a of the tube holder 218. From the tube holder 218, the fifth cable segment 12e extends into an interior space of the tray 22, through the support arm 24, and exits to a rear portion of the tray assembly. As illustrated at Figure 28, the overtubing 278 and cable 12 can be routed to a bracket structure or cable termination unit 279 mounted to the chassis 10.

[0114] With the above-described routing, the ribbonized portion of the cable 12 can be installed and sequentially wrapped from the interior central area of the basket 200 outward to the outer perimeter of the basket 200 without requiring ribbonized portions to overlap. In one example, the ribbonized cable segments 12e and 12d are routed to the splice holder 220 prior to the cable segment 12b being routed to the splice holder 220.

[0115] In some implementations, a second cable 12 can be routed within the basket 200 in parallel with the first cable 12 with the same routing pathway, as illustrated at Figure 26. As noted above, the basket 200 is configured to hold an additional splice holder 220 while the tube holder 218 is provided with two channels 218a for accommodating the second cable 12.

[0116] Referring to Figures 29 to 49, aspects of further examples of storage arrangements are presented in which tray arrangements 300, 400 are used instead of basket 200 in the same telecommunications panel 100 as previously shown and described. Accordingly, the description for the telecommunications panel 100 and chassis 10 are applicable to these examples and need not be repeated here.

[0117] Referring to Figures 29-44, tray arrangement 300, configured as a splice tray, is shown in further detail. As presented, the splice tray 300 is formed with a tray body 302 defining a base wall structure 304 and a perimeter outer wall structure 306 extending from the base wall 304 to form an interior space 308. In one aspect, the wall structures 304, 306 can include attachment features for receiving mounted components, for example, attachment features 310, 312, 314. In the example shown, the attachment features 310, 312 are located at openings 311, 313 in the outer perimeter wall structure 306 and are configured with recesses for interconnection with corresponding tabs 316b, 318b on cable/tube holders 316, 318, to form a snap-fit type connection. As discussed later, the cable/tube holders 316, 318 provide entry and exit locations for optical fibers extending to and from the tray interior space 308. As shown, each of the cable/tube holders 316, 318 is provided with channels 316a, 318a for receiving and retaining individual cables or tubes. A suitable configuration for the openings and cable and tube holders is disclosed in PCT Publication WO 2020/115074, entitled “Telecommunications Panel”, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. It is noted, however, that the channels 318a are ovalized rather than being circular such that the channels 318a can accommodate oval-shaped overtubing that surrounds a ribbonized cable. The attachment features 314 are centrally located within the tray 300 and configured for a snap-fit type connection with splice holders 320 configured to receive and retain ribbon splices. In the example, shown, two attachment features 314 and two splice holders 320 are provided. However, other numbers of attachment features 314 and splice holders 320 can be provided, as desired. In some example embodiments, the cable/tube holders 316, 318 and/or the splice holders 320 can be integrally formed with the tray body. The trays 300 are also shown as being provided with a pair of snap-fit connection features 329 that interact with corresponding snap-fit connection features 334 on a cover 332. Once connected, the cover 332 can be rotated between a closed position, in which the cover 332 covers the interior area 308 and an open position in which the interior area 308 is uncovered. As shown, the connection features 329 are shown as recesses or openings while the connection features 334 are configured as cylindrical members received into the recesses or openings. The opposite arrangement is also possible. The cover 332 is also provided with a latch 333 that engages with the outer perimeter wall structure 306 to retain the cover 332 in the closed position.

[0118] In one aspect, the tray 300 is provided with a pair of oppositely arranged semi-circular bend control structures 322, 324 extending from the base wall structure 304. In one aspect, the bend control structures 322, 324 extend up to a height generally equaling (within 10% of) the interior side height of the perimeter wall structure 306. The bend control structure 322, 324 are configured with an outer radial surface 322a, 324a having a radius or curvature that prevents fiber optic cables wrapped about the bend control structures 322, 324 from bending below a minimum allowable radius associated with the cables.

[0119] As shown, the tray 300 is provided with a plurality of retention members 326 (326a to 326y) extending from the perimeter wall structure 306, bend control structures 322, 324, and other interior wall structures, over the interior space 308 and in a direction parallel to the surface of the base wall structure 304. The retention members 326 function to retain routed cables within the interior space 308 of the tray 300. In one aspect, a clearance height h is defined between the underside of the of the retention members 326 and the top surface of the base wall structure 304. In the example shown, the tray 300 has an overall height of about 7 mm and an internal clearance height h of about 5 mm.

[0120] The tray 300 is further shown with addition interior wall structures extending from the base wall structure 304. For example, curved interior wall structures 336 and 338 are provided on opposite sides of the bend control structure 322 to define respective passageways or channels 352, 354 located between the interior wall structures 336, 338 and the bend control structure 322. The interior wall structure 338 also forms a passageway or channel 360 between the interior wall structure 338 and the perimeter outer wall structure 306. On the opposite side of the tray 300, curved interior wall structures 340 and 342 are provided on opposite sides of the bend control structure 324 to define respective passageways or channels 356, 358 located between the interior wall structures 340, 342 and the bend control structure 324. The interior wall structures 340, 342 and a front portion 306b of the outer perimeter wall structure 306 also form respective passageways 368, 370. The interior wall structure 342 also forms a passageway or channel 362 between the interior wall structure 342 and the outer perimeter wall structure 306. Additional spaced apart interior wall structures 344 and 346 are also provided and extend parallel to a back portion 306a of the outer perimeter wall structure 306 and parallel to a longitudinal axis X of the tray 300. In one aspect, the back portion 306a and the interior wall structure 344 form a channel or passageway 348 while the interior wall structure 344 and the interior wall structure 346 form a channel or passageway 350. A further interior wall structure 364 is also provided and extends parallel to the front portion 306b of the outer perimeter wall structure 306 and parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the tray 300. In one aspect the interior wall structure 364 is on an opposite side of the longitudinal axis X relative to the interior wall structures 344, 346. In one aspect, the interior wall structure 364 and the front portion 306b form a channel or passageway 366. Yet another interior wall structure 372 is also provided and extends parallel to the wall structure 346 and parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the tray 300. In one aspect, the interior wall structure 372 and the interior wall structure 346 define a channel or passageway 374. [0121] With reference to Figures 39 to 44, an example cable routing configuration is presented in which optical fiber cables 14 are routed within the tray 300. Portions of the optical fiber cables 14 can be in the form of rollable ribbon or flat cable, as is known in the art. As shown at Figure 39, the cables 14 are routed within the tray 22 from the fiber optic adapters 108 of the patch panel 104 to the trays 300. The segment of the cables 14 extending from the adapters 108 to the trays 300 may be referred to as a first cable segments 14a. In the example shown, the first cable segments 14a are 900 pm (micron) diameter cables including the fiber core, cladding, coating, and a buffer layer as is known in the art.

[0122] Referring to Figure 40, the first cable segments 14a, once routed to the tray 300, are received and retained by the channels 316a of the cable holder 316. As shown, the cables 14 are stripped past the location where they are retained in the cable holder 316 to remove the buffer layer such that the cables 14 are reduced to a 250 pm diameter. These segments of cables 14 can be referred to as second cable segments 14b.

[0123] Referring to Figure 41, from the cable holder 316, the second cable segments 14b are routed and looped through passageways 360, 374, 362, 370, and 368 while looping around the bend control structures 322, 324. Throughout this routing, the second cable segments 14b are retained within the tray by retention members 326a, 326c, 326e, 326g, 326s, 326i, 326k, 326m, 326q, 326t, 326u, and 326r.

[0124] Referring to Figure 42, it can be seen that the cables 14 have been ribbonized together to form a third cable segment 14c that extends from a location between the retention members 326a and 326b. In the particular example shown, the ribbonized third cable segment 12c is about 20 cm in length.

[0125] Referring to Figure 43, it can be seen that the third cable segment 14c is routed through passageway 352, about the bend control structure 322, through passageway 354 such that a ribbon splice 376 can be mounted into the splice holder 320. Throughout this routing, the third cable segment 14c is retained within the tray by extension members 326p, 326a, 326b, 326d, and 326h.

[0126] As also shown at Figure 43, a fourth cable segment 14d extends from the ribbon splice 376. As shown, the fourth cable segment 14d is ribbonized and can be either in the form of flat cable or rollable ribbon. The individual optical fibers of the third and fourth cable segments 14c, 14d are ribbon-spliced together with the ribbon splice 376 by methods known in the art. [0127] Referring to Figure 44, the fourth cable segment 14d is routed from the ribbon splice 376 twice, on two tours, within the tray interior space 308 and then the tube holder 318. From the ribbon splice 376, the first tour of the fourth cable segment 14d extends through passageway 362, about bend control structure 324, through passageways 370, 366, 368 (on the exterior side of the third cable segment 14c), about bend control structure 322, and through passageways 360, 350. The second tour of the fourth cable segment 14d then extends through passageway 362, about bend control structure 324, through passageways 370, 366, 368 (on the exterior side of the third and fourth cable segments 14c, 14d), about bend control structure 322, through passageways 360, 348, and then to the tube holder 318. At the location of the tube holder 318, the cable 14 extends into ovalized overtubing 378. The portion of the cable 14 residing within the overtubing 378 may be characterized as being a fifth cable segment 14e. As shown, the overtubing 378 is received into and retained by the channel 318a of the tube holder 318. From the tube holder 318, the fifth cable segment 14e extends into an interior space of the tray 22 and through the support arm 24.

[0128] The above-described routing is particularly advantageous for accommodating ribbonized cables within a splice tray having a relatively shallow interior height of the type disclosed herein where the ribbonized cable segments have a width that precludes the cable segments from crossing each other within the tray interior space 308. For example, the ribbonized cable segments depicted herein, which is a 12-cable ribbon, has a width of about 3.2 mm while the clearance height h is about 5 mm. As such, there is insufficient space for the ribbonized segments to cross-over each other as such overlap would exceed the clearance height h. With the abovedescribed routing, the ribbonized portion of the cable 14 can be installed and sequentially wrapped from the interior central area of the tray 300 outward to the outer perimeter of the tray 300 without overlapping the cable 12, or vice-versa.

[0129] In some implementations, a second cable 14 can be routed within the tray 400 in parallel with the first cable 14 with the same routing pathway. As noted above, the tray 400 is configured to hold an additional splice holder 420 while the tube holder 318 is provided with two channels 318a for accommodating the second cable 14.

[0130] Referring to Figures 45 to 49, a second example of a splice tray 400 usable within the tray assembly 20 is disclosed in accordance with the present disclosure. The tray 400 has internal wall structures and routing passageways that are similar to those already shown and described for tray 300. As such, the preceding description of those features is applicable to the tray 300 and need not be repeated. Tray 400 differs from tray 300 primarily in that a different cover 432 is provided. In one aspect, cover 432 forms a friction or press-fit type connection with the tray and is removed entirely to access the interior space 408 of the tray 400, in contrast to the hinging operation of cover 332. To facilitate this configuration, the tray body 402 is provided with a plurality of openings 403 while the cover is provided with a main body 431 from which a plurality of protrusions 433 extend that are received into the openings 403. In the example shown, five protrusions 433 and corresponding openings 403 are provided. However, fewer or more may be provided, depending upon the configuration of the tray and cover. In the example shown, the openings 403 have a rectangular or square shape while the protrusions 433 have an octagonal shape. Other shapes are possible. In one aspect, the protrusions 433 are slightly tapered such that free ends of the protrusions 433 can be more easily introduced into the openings 403. In one aspect, the protrusions 433 are hollow such that the protrusions 433 can elastically deform into the openings 403 and provide a friction or press-fit type connection with the tray body 402. In the example shown, the main body 431 and protrusions 433 are formed together as a single unitary component. In one example, the cover 432 is formed from a polymeric material. In one example, the cover 432 is cut from an initially flat sheet and the protrusions 433 are formed by a stamping or drawing process.

[0131] While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention and other modifications within the scope. Any such modifications or variations that fall within the purview of this description are intended to be included therein as well. It is understood that the description herein is intended to be illustrative only and is not intended to be limitative.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A telecommunications basket for a telecommunications tray, the telecommunications basket comprising: a) a base wall structure extending along a longitudinal axis; b) a perimeter outer wall structure extending from the base wall structure to define an interior space, the perimeter outer wall structure defining a first cable opening and a second cable opening; c) a splice holder secured to the base wall structure and being located proximate the longitudinal axis; and d) a plurality of interior wall structures extending from the base wall structure defining a first cable routing passageway defined by a first interior wall structure and the perimeter outer wall structure, a second cable routing passageway defined by a second interior wall structure and the perimeter outer wall structure, and a third cable routing passageway defined by a third interior wall structure and the first interior wall structure.

2. The telecommunications basket of claim 1, wherein the first cable opening includes a cable holder for retaining 900 pm diameter fiber optic cables.

3. The telecommunications basket of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second cable opening includes a tube holder for retaining cable overtubing.

4. The telecommunications basket of claim 1, wherein a portion of the perimeter outer wall structure is curved.

5. The telecommunications basket of claim 4, or any preceding claim, further including a plurality of extension members extending over the interior space in a direction parallel to the base wall structure.

6. The telecommunications basket of claim 5, wherein the extension members and the base wall structure define a clearance height.

7. The telecommunications basket of claim 1, wherein the first and second cable openings and the splice holder are located on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis.

8. The telecommunications basket of claim 1, wherein the splice holder is located between the second and third cable routing passageways.

9. A cabled telecommunications basket for a telecommunications tray, the telecommunications basket comprising: a) a fiber optic cable, a portion of which is ribbonized; b) a base wall structure extending along a longitudinal axis; c) a perimeter outer wall structure extending from the base wall structure to define an interior space, the perimeter outer wall structure defining a first cable opening and a second cable opening; d) a fiber optic splice located proximate the longitudinal axis; and e) a plurality of interior wall structures extending from the base wall structure defining a first cable routing passageway defined by a first interior wall structure and the perimeter outer wall structure, a second cable routing passageway defined by a second interior wall structure and the perimeter outer wall structure, and a third cable routing passageway defined by a third interior wall structure and the first interior wall structure; f) wherein a first segment of the fiber optic cable is routed into the interior space through the first cable opening, through the first cable routing passageway, and to a first end of the fiber optic splice, wherein a second segment of the fiber optic cable is routed from a second end of the fiber optic splice, through the second and third cable routing passageways, and then to the second cable opening.

10. The cabled telecommunications basket of claim 9, wherein the fiber optic splice is a ribbon splice and ends of the first and second segments of the fiber optic cable are ribbonized.

11. The cabled telecommunications basket of claim 9 or 10, wherein at least a portion of the fiber optic cable is rollable ribbon.

12. The cabled telecommunications basket of claim 9 or 10, wherein at least a portion of the fiber optic cable is flat cable.

13. The cabled telecommunications basket of claim 9, or any other preceding claim, wherein the fiber optic splice is secured to a splice holder mounted to the base wall structure.

14. The cabled telecommunications basket of claim 13, or any other preceding claim, wherein the second cable opening includes a tube holder for retaining cable overtubing extending over a portion of the fiber optic cable extending from the third cable routing passageway.

15. The cabled telecommunications basket of claim 9, further including a plurality of extension members extending over the interior space in a direction parallel to the base wall structure.

16. The cabled telecommunications basket of claim 15, wherein the extension members and the base wall structure define a clearance height.

17. The cabled telecommunications basket of claim 9, wherein the first segment of fiber optic cable is stripped from a 900 pm diameter to a 250 pm diameter within the first cable routing passageway.

18. A method of cabling a telecommunications basket, the method comprising: a) providing a telecommunications basket; b) routing a first segment of a plurality of fiber optic cables into the telecommunications basket and through a first cable routing passageway; c) stripping each of the plurality of fiber optic cables from a 900 pm diameter to a 250 pm diameter at a split location such that the split location resides within the first cable routing passageway; d) routing the first segment of the plurality of cables from the first cable routing passageway, through second and third cable routing passageways, and to a fiber optic splice location; e) routing a second segment of the plurality of fiber optic cables from the fiber optic splice location through the second and a third cable routing passageways; and f) routing the second segment of the plurality of fiber optic cables out of the telecommunications basket at a second opening of the telecommunications basket.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the steps b) to e) are performed sequentially in order from step b) to step e).

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the steps b) to e) are performed sequentially in order from step e) to step b).

21. The method of claim 20, further including the step of splicing the first and second segments of the plurality of fiber optic cables together.

22. The method of any of claims 18 to 21, further including the step of ribbonizing the first segment of the plurality of cables prior to the splicing step.

23. The method of any of claims 18 to 22, wherein the second segment of the plurality of cables is a ribbonized cable.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the second segment of the plurality of cables is a flat cable or a rollable ribbon cable.

25. A splice tray for a telecommunications tray, the splice tray comprising: a) a base wall structure extending along a longitudinal axis; b) a perimeter outer wall structure extending from the base wall structure to define an interior space, the perimeter outer wall structure defining a first cable opening and a second cable opening; c) a splice holder secured to the base wall structure and being located proximate the longitudinal axis; and d) a plurality of interior wall structures extending from the base wall structure defining a first cable routing passageway extending to the first cable opening, a second cable routing passageway and a third cable routing passageway extending to the second cable opening, wherein the first cable routing passageway is located proximate the splice holder, the third cable routing passageway is located proximate the perimeter outer wall structure, and the second cable routing passageway is located between the first and second cable routing passageways.

26. The splice tray of claim 25, wherein the first cable opening includes a cable holder for retaining 900 pm diameter fiber optic cables.

27. The splice tray of claim 25 or 26, wherein the second cable opening includes a tube holder for retaining cable overtubing.

28. The splice tray of claim 25, further including a pair of oppositely arranged bend control structures extending from the base wall structure.

29. The splice tray of claim 28, or any preceding claim, further including a plurality of extension members extending over the interior space in a direction parallel to the base wall structure.

30. The splice tray of claim 29, wherein the extension members and the base wall structure define a clearance height.

31. The splice tray of claim 30, wherein the clearance height is about 5 mm.

32. The splice tray of claim 25, wherein the first and second cable openings and the splice holder are located on a common side of the longitudinal axis.

33. A cabled splice tray for a telecommunications tray, the splice tray comprising: a) a fiber optic cable, a portion of which is ribbonized; b) a base wall structure extending along a longitudinal axis; c) a perimeter outer wall structure extending from the base wall structure to define an interior space, the perimeter outer wall structure defining a first cable opening and a second cable opening; d) a fiber optic splice located proximate the longitudinal axis; and e) a plurality of interior wall structures extending from the base wall structure defining a first cable routing passageway extending to the first cable opening, a second cable routing passageway and a third cable routing passageway extending to the second cable opening, wherein the first cable routing passageway is located proximate the fiber optic splice, the third cable routing passageway is located proximate the perimeter outer wall structure, and the second cable routing passageway is located between the first and second cable routing passageways; f) wherein a first segment of the fiber optic cable is routed into the interior space through the first cable opening, through the first cable routing passageway, and to a first end of the fiber optic splice, wherein a second segment of the fiber optic cable is routed from a second end of the fiber optic splice, through the second cable routing passageway, then through the third cable routing passageway, and then to the second cable opening.

34. The cabled splice tray of claim 33, wherein the fiber optic splice is a ribbon splice and ends of the first and second segments of the fiber optic cable are ribbonized.

35. The cabled splice tray of claim 33 or 34, wherein at least a portion of the fiber optic cable is rollable ribbon.

36. The cabled splice tray of claim 33 or 34, wherein at least a portion of the fiber optic cable is flat cable.

37. The cabled splice tray of claim 33, or any other preceding claim, wherein the fiber optic splice is secured to a splice holder mounted to the base wall structure.

38. The cabled splice tray of claim 33, wherein the first cable opening includes a cable holder for retaining 900 pm diameter fiber optic cables.

39. The cabled splice tray of claim 38, or any other preceding claim, wherein the second cable opening includes a tube holder for retaining cable overtubing extending over a portion of the fiber optic cable extending from the third cable routing passageway.

40. The cabled splice tray of claim 33, or any other preceding claim, further including a pair of oppositely arranged bend control structures extending from the base wall structure.

41. The cabled splice tray of claim 40, or any preceding claim, further including a plurality of extension members extending over the interior space in a direction parallel to the base wall structure.

42. The cabled splice tray of claim 41, wherein the extension members and the base wall structure define a clearance height.

43. The cabled splice tray of claim 42, wherein a width of at least a portion of the fiber optic cable is greater than half the clearance height.

44. The cabled splice tray of claim 43, wherein the clearance height is about 5 mm and wherein the width of at least a portion of the fiber optic cable is equal to or greater than 3 mm.

45. The cabled splice tray of claim 33, wherein the first and second cable openings and the fiber optic splice are located on a common side of the longitudinal axis.

46. A method of cabling a tray, the method comprising: a) providing a splice tray; b) routing a first segment of a plurality of fiber optic cables into the splice tray at a first opening and then to a fiber optic splice location along a first cable routing passageway; c) routing a second segment of the plurality of fiber optic cables from the fiber optic splice location along a second cable routing pathway that surrounds the first cable routing passageway; d) routing the second segment of the plurality of fiber optic cables along a third cable routing passageway that surrounds the second cable routing passageway; and e) routing the second segment of the plurality of fiber optic cables out of the splice tray at a second opening of the splice tray.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein the steps b) to e) are performed sequentially in order from step b) to step e).

48. The method of claim 47, wherein the steps b) to e) are performed sequentially in order from step e) to step b).

49. The method of claim 48, further including the step of splicing the first and second segments of the plurality of fiber optic cables together.

50. The method of any of claims 48 to 49, further including the step of ribbonizing the first segment of the plurality of cables prior to the splicing step.

51. The method of any of claims 48 to 50, wherein the second segment of the plurality of cables is a ribbonized cable.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein the second segment of the plurality of cables is a flat cable or a rollable ribbon cable.