WO2025188482A1

WO2025188482A1 - Rack mount telecommunications panel

Info

Publication number: WO2025188482A1
Application number: PCT/US2025/016478
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jian Yu; Kai Wong
Original assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
Current assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
Priority date: 2024-03-04
Filing date: 2025-02-19
Publication date: 2025-09-12
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-04
Also published as: WO2025188482A8

Abstract

A telecommunications equipment panel is provided, including a body including a base wall, an end wall, and sidewalls having a cable opening. A tray assembly includes a tray base, a tray wall, a rail platform, and a first portion of a latch interface, and a tray selectively placeable onto the tray base. A tray routing passage extends between the rail platform and the tray. A tray slack area is formed between the tray and the tray wall. The tray routing passage extends to the tray slack area. A pair of rail assemblies include a rail wall configured to receive the tray assembly. The rail wall is configured to receive the rail platform. A fiber routing passage is positioned between the mount wall and sidewall. A latch assembly includes a main body and a second portion of the latch interface. The first and second portions are releasably attachable to one another.

Description

RACK MOUNT TELECOMMUNICATIONS PANEL

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to telecommunications equipment, and more particularly to panels and routing for fiber optic cables.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The function of a rack-mount telecommunications panel, such as a fiber optic splice panel, is to serve as an intermediary point for connecting external incoming cables (e g., Outside Plant, or OSP, cable) to internal distribution lines through fusion splicing. Rack mount panels are generally fabricated in fixed sizes, such as a three (3) rack unit RU height, or five (5) RU height.

[0003] Splice trays may be positioned in vertical arrangement or in horizontal arrangement. Vertical arrangement generally reduces the height requirements for splice trays by increasing the area of each tray to add capacity. This makes the panel more versatile in terms of height, ranging from 1 RU to 5 RU, with up to 12 trays. However, cable routing inside the vertical arrangement panel is generally adversely affected, such as may result in binding, kinking, breakage, or obstruction to movement of one or more trays.

[0004] Horizontal arrangement generally reduces the space required for splice trays, providing more room for bare fibers. Horizontal arrangement may be desired for relatively large quantities of trays, such as up to 48 trays. However, horizontal arrangement is typically only suitable for panels with a height of 4 RU or more. Horizontal arrangement may be undesirable for relatively low quantity of trays, such as one tray, or generally fewer than 12 trays.

[0005] As such, a telecommunications equipment panel that is able to retain a greater range of trays and cable slack would be beneficial and advantageous.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0006] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be understood from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. [0007] An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a telecommunications equipment panel. A mutually orthogonal reference lateral axis, transverse axis, and vertical axis are defined. A reference first end is separated along the transverse axis from a reference second end. A reference first side is separated along the lateral axis from a reference second side. The panel includes a body including a base wall, an end wall positioned proximate to the second end, and a first sidewall separated along the lateral axis from a second sidewall. A cable opening is formed at the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The first sidewall is proximate along the lateral axis to the first side. The second sidewall is proximate along the lateral axis to the second side. A tray assembly includes a tray base. A tray wall extends along the vertical axis from the tray base. A rail platform extends along the transverse axis. The tray assembly includes a first portion of a latch interface. The first portion of the latch interface is positioned at the tray wall. The tray assembly includes a tray selectively placeable onto the tray base. A tray routing passage extends between the rail platform and the tray. A tray slack area is formed along the transverse axis between the tray and the tray wall. The tray routing passage extends along the transverse axis to the tray slack area. A pair of rail assemblies is separated from one another along the lateral axis. Each rail assembly includes a mount wall extending substantially along the vertical axis and the transverse axis. The rail assembly includes a rail wall extending at the mount wall along the transverse axis. The rail wall is configured to receive the tray assembly between the pair of rail assemblies. The rail wall is configured to receive the rail platform of the tray assembly along the transverse axis from the first end. A fiber routing passage is positioned between the mount wall and each of the first sidewall and second sidewall. A latch assembly includes a main body at which a second portion of the latch interface is positioned. The first portion and the second portion are configured to releasably attach to one another. The main body is coupled to the body at a body slack area positioned between the end wall and the tray assembly.

[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0009] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

[0010] Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a telecommunications equipment panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0011] Fig. 2 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a telecommunications equipment panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0012] Fig. 3 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a telecommunications equipment panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0013] Fig. 4 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a telecommunications equipment panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0014] Fig. 5 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a telecommunications equipment panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0015] Fig. 6A depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a telecommunications equipment panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0016] Fig. 6B depicts a detailed view of a portion of the exemplary’ embodiment of the telecommunications equipment panel of Fig. 6A;

[0017] Fig. 7 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the telecommunications equipment panel of Fig. 6A, including a tray assembly in an open position, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0018] Fig. 8 depicts an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the telecommunications equipment panel of Fig. 6A in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; [0019] Fig. 9A depicts a top-dow n plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a telecommunications equipment panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0020] Fig. 9B depicts a detailed view of a portion of the exemplary embodiment of the telecommunications equipment panel of Fig. 9A;

[0021] Fig. 9C depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a latch interface in a released position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0022] Fig. 9D depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the latch interface in an attached position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0023] Fig. 10 depicts a rear perspective view of an exemplary⁷ embodiment of a telecommunications equipment panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0024] Fig. 11 depicts a rear perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the telecommunications equipment panel of Fig. 10 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0025] Fig. 12 depicts a top-down plan view of the exemplary embodiment of the telecommunications equipment panel of Fig. 10 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0026] Fig. 13 depicts a front perspective view⁷ of the exemplary embodiment of the telecommunications equipment panel of Fig. 10 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0027] Fig. 14 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the telecommunications equipment panel of Fig. 10, omitting portions for clarity, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0028] Fig. 15 A depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a telecommunications tray assembly of the telecommunications equipment panel in accordance w ith aspects of the present disclosure;

[0029] Fig. 15B depicts an exploded view of the exemplary embodiment of the telecommunications tray assembly of Fig. 15A in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0030] Fig. 15C depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a routing clip in accordance aspects of the present disclosure; [0031] Fig. 16A depicts a perspective view of an exemplar}' embodiment of a telecommunications tray assembly of the telecommunications equipment panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0032] Fig. 16B depicts an exploded view of the exemplar}' embodiment of the telecommunications tray assembly of Fig. 16A in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0033] Fig. 17A depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a rail assembly of the telecommunications equipment panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0034] Fig. 17B depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a rail assembly of the telecommunications equipment panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0035] Fig. 17C depicts a perspective view of an exemplar}⁷ embodiment of a rail assembly of the telecommunications equipment panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0036] Fig. 17D depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a rail assembly of the telecommunications equipment panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0037] Fig. 17E depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a rail assembly of the telecommunications equipment panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0038] Fig. 18A depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of portions of an exemplar}⁷ embodiment of the telecommunications equipment panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0039] Fig. 18B depicts a perspective view of the embodiment of portions of the exemplary embodiment of the telecommunications equipment panel of Fig. 18A in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0040] Fig. 19A depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a rail assembly of the telecommunications equipment panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0041] Fig. 19B depicts an exploded view of the exemplar}' embodiment of the rail assembly of Fig. 19A in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; [0042] Fig. 19C depicts an exploded view of an exemplary⁷ embodiment of a rail assembly of the telecommunications equipment panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0043] Fig. 20A depicts a perspective view of an exemplary⁷ embodiment of a routing bracket for a telecommunications equipment panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0044] Fig. 20B depicts an exploded view of the routing bracket of Fig. 20A in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0045] Fig. 21 depicts a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the routing bracket of Fig. 20A in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0046] Fig. 22 depicts a top-down plan view of the routing bracket at an exemplary embodiment of a telecommunications equipment panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0047] Fig. 23A depicts a side view of an exemplary⁷ embodiment of a routing bracket for a telecommunications equipment panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0048] Fig. 23B depicts a side view of the routing bracket of Fig. 23 A, including an exemplary⁷ embodiment of cables and cable elements routing thereat, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0049] Fig. 23C depicts a perspective view of the routing bracket of Fig. 23B in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0050] Fig. 24A depicts a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a routing bracket for a telecommunications equipment panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0051 ] Fig. 24B depicts a side view of the routing bracket of Fig. 24A, including an exemplary⁷ embodiment of cables and cable elements routing thereat, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0052] Fig. 24C depicts a perspective view of the routing bracket of Fig. 24B in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0053] Fig. 25A depicts a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a routing bracket for a telecommunications equipment panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; [0054] Fig. 25B depicts a side view of the routing bracket of Fig. 25 A, including an exemplary embodiment of cables and cable elements routing thereat, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0055] Fig. 25C depicts a perspective view of the routing bracket of Fig. 25B in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0056] Fig. 26A depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a telecommunications equipment panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0057] Fig. 26B depicts an exploded view of the exemplary embodiment of the telecommunications equipment panel of Fig. 26A in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0058] Fig. 27A depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a telecommunications equipment panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0059] Fig. 27B depicts an exploded view of the exemplary embodiment of the telecommunications equipment panel of Fig. 27A in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0060] Fig. 28 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary' embodiment of a telecommunications equipment panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0061] Fig. 29 depicts an exploded view of the exemplary embodiment of the telecommunications equipment panel of Fig. 28 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0062] Fig. 30 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary’ embodiment of a telecommunications equipment panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; and

[0063] Fig. 31 depicts an exploded view of the exemplary' embodiment of the telecommunications equipment panel of Fig. 30 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0064] Fig. 32 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary' embodiment of a telecommunications equipment panel in a 5RU configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [0065] Fig. 33 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary' embodiment of a telecommunications equipment panel in a 3RU configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0066] Fig. 34 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary' embodiment of a telecommunications equipment panel in a 1RU configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0067] Fig. 35 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary’ embodiment of a telecommunications equipment panel, with a tray assembly in a retracted position, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0068] Fig. 36 depicts a detailed view of a portion of the exemplary embodiment of the telecommunications equipment panel of Fig. 35 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0069] Fig. 37 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the telecommunications equipment panel of Fig. 35, w ith a tray assembly in an extended position, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0070] Fig. 38 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary’ embodiment of a telecommunications equipment panel in accordance w ith aspects of the present disclosure.

[0071] Fig. 39A depicts a perspective view' of an embodiment of a routing bracket for a telecommunications equipment panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0072] Fig. 39B depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the routing bracket of Fig. 39A in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0073] Fig. 40A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a routing bracket for a telecommunications equipment panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0074] Fig. 40B depicts a perspective view' of an embodiment of the routing bracket of Fig. 40A in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0075] Fig. 41 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a base wall for a telecommunication equipment panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [0076] Fig. 42A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a front wall for a telecommunication equipment panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0077] Fig. 42B depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a front wall for a telecommunication equipment panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0078] Fig. 43 A depicts a top-down plan view of an embodiment of a telecommunications equipment panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0079] Fig. 43B depicts a top-down plan view of the embodiment of the telecommunications equipment panel of Fig. 43 A. including an exemplary routing method for fiber cables, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0080] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used ith another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. [0082] The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features in the drawings. Like or similar designations in the drawings and description have been used to refer to like or similar parts of the invention.

[0083] As used herein, the terms “first”, “second”, and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms “coupled,” “fixed.” “attached to,” and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attaching, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive- or and not to an exclusive- or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0084] Terms of approximation, such as “about,” “generally,” “approximately,” or “substantially,” include values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction. For example, “generally vertical” includes directions within ten degrees of vertical in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise.

[0085] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems are described below with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims.

[0086] As used herein, the term “rack unit” (RU) is understood by those skilled in the art as a unit of measure of approximately 1.75 inches (in) or approximately 44.45 millimeters (mm), or up to 0.03125 in or 0.794 mm less when applied to telecommunications equipment attached to a mount structure.

[0087] Embodiments of a telecommunications equipment panel 100 are provided herein that address one or more of the aforementioned issues. Embodiments depicted and described herein may facilitate user work, maintenance, and manipulation at a rack or frame at which one or more of the panel 100 is mountable. For instance, embodiments of the panel 100 may facilitate in-rack splicing or other fiber optic tasks while the panel 100 is mounted to the rack. Embodiments of the panel 100 may provide an interconnection point for receiving an outside plant (OSP) cable entering a customer location.

[0088] Referring to the drawings, a mutually orthogonal reference lateral axis L, transverse axis T, and vertical axis V are provided. A reference first end 101 is provided separated along the transverse axis from a second end 102. The first end 101 may generally refer to a front end and the second end 102 may generally refer to a rear end. A reference first side 103 is provided separated along the lateral axis L from a second side 104.

[0089] Referring to Figs. 1-14, and further depicted in Figs. 26-37, embodiments of the panel 100 may form a body including a base wall 1 12 and a plurality of sidewalls 1 14. The sidewalls 114 may include one or more portions at each side of the panel 100, such as depicted at Figs. 26-37. A front wall 116 and a rear wall 118 may be included and, with the sidewalls 114 and a top cover 120, form an enclosed volume at which one or more telecommunications tray assemblies 200 may be positioned. The front wall 116, the rear wall 118, or both, may be attachable in pivoting or rotatable arrangement with the base wall 112, such as to facilitate opening of the panel 100 to insert and remove the tray assembly 200.

[0090] Referring briefly to Fig. 41, in some embodiments, the base wall 112 forms an opening 213 at or between mount interfaces 113 for a cable mounting bracket 155 (see, e.g., Fig. 27A-27B). A transparent cover 215 may form a window over the opening 213, such as to facilitate viewing of cables or transmission elements routed at the routing area proximate to the rear wall 118, such as further described herein.

[0091] Referring briefly to Figs. 42A-42B, in some embodiments, the front wall 116 is selectively articulatable relative to the base wall 112. In Fig. 42A, an attachment interface 206 may include an opening or slot configured to receive a member and affix to the base wall 112. In Fig. 42B. the attachment interface 206 may include a hinge assembly, such as, but not limited to, a torque detent or spring hinge assembly configured to permit rotation of the front wall 116 relative to the base wall 112. [0092] The panel 100 includes a rail assembly 130 configured to receive the one or more trays 250. The rail assembly 130 is attachable to the body within the enclosed volume. The rail assembly 130 is attachable to the body at the base wall 112 or the sidewall 114. In various embodiments, the rail assembly 130 is configured to receive one or more tray assemblies 200 along the transverse axis T, such as depicted in Fig. 7 or Figs. 35-37.

[0093] Referring briefly to Fig. 12, Figs. 17A-17E, Figs. 18A-18B. and Figs. 19A-19C, in various embodiments, the rail assembly 130 forms a mount wall 131 extending substantially along the vertical axis V and the transverse axis T when connected to the sidewall 114 or the base wall 112. A rail wall 132 extending along the transverse axis T is attached to the mount wall 131, such as to receive and release the tray assembly 200 along a direction of travel along the transverse axis T.

[0094] Referring to Figs. 17A-17E, various embodiments of the rail assembly 130 include a spring fastener 135 configured to articulate a pin 235, such as perpendicular to an extension of the tray assembly 200 along the rail wall 132. The spring fastener 135 may include a spring plunger. The spring fastener 135 extends through an opening 234 at the rail assembly 130, such as extending through the mount wall 131. The spring fastener 135 may include a user interface end 233 and the pin 235 opposite of the user interface end 233. The pin 235 selectively attaches to the tray assembly 200 at an opening, such as to selectively affix the tray assembly 200 in an extended or retracted position.

[0095] Referring briefly to Figs. 32-37, in some embodiments, a rail platform 214 includes a sidewall 215 offsetting the rail platform 214 from the tray base 210 along the vertical direction V. An opening 232 extends into the sidewall 215 to receive the pin 235 at the spring fastener 135. In some embodiments, tray assembly- 200 includes a plurality of openings 232 separated from one another along the transverse axis T to form positions at which the tray base 210 is locked. For instance, a first opening 232A is separated along the transverse axis T from a second opening 232B, such as to permit the pin 235 to extend into the opening 232A and affix the tray base 210 in a retracted position (e.g., depicted in Fig. 35), or extend into the opening 232B and affix the tray base 210 in an extended position (e.g., depicted in Fig. 37). [0096] Referring to Figs. 19A-19C, in some embodiments, the rail assembly 130 includes a plurality of mount walls 131 attachable to one another in adjacent arrangement along the vertical axis V. The mount wall 131 may include a platform

138 extending substantially along the lateral axis L and the transverse axis T when connected to the sidewall 114 or the base wall 112. A fastener opening 133 is formed at the platform 138 and configured to receive a fastener 139. For instance, the fastener

139 may form a pin, threaded rod or shank, clip, latch, or other device configured to adhere to the mount wall 131 at the fastener opening 133. The fastener opening 133 may form a hole or slot, such as to allow for the fastener 139 to extend along the lateral axis L or transverse axis T couple two or more mount walls 131 together. In some embodiments, the fastener opening 133 and fastener 139 may form a friction-fit interface, such as to retain the mount walls 131 together without require threading and facilitate quicker assembly and expansion of the panel 100 to accommodate additional tray assemblies 200 along the vertical axis V.

[0097] In various embodiments, the mount wall 131 includes a first side alongside which a fiber routing passage 134 is formed. The mount wall 131 includes a second side opposite of the first side alongside which the rail wall 132 is attached and configured to receive the tray assembly 200, such as along rail passage 136. When connected to the base wall 112 or sidewall 114, the fiber routing passage 134 is positioned between the mount wall 131 and the sidewall 114, and the rail passage 136 is positioned to receive the tray assembly 200, or plurality of trays 250 and tray bases 210, between a pair of rail assemblies 130 separated from one another along the lateral axis L.

[0098] Referring to Fig. 19C, in some embodiments, the mount wall 131 is configured to receive a routing clip 137 at the first side at which the fiber routing passage 134 is formed. The routing clip 137 includes contours and one or more cups, members, or arms configured to receive one or more cables or fiber optic leads, such as to facilitate separation of various cable elements from one another through the fiber routing passage 134.

[0099] In various embodiments, the plurality of mount walls 131 each form corresponding fiber routing passages 134 separated from one another along the vertical axis V by the platform 138. A plurality of routing clips 137 may be positioned at each fiber routing passage 134. As such, platform 138, routing clip 137, or both, may facilitate separation and organization of fiber optic leads and cable elements from one another along the vertical axis V.

[00100] Referring to Figs. 1-5 and Figs. 26-31, embodiments of the rail assembly 130, such as depicted in Fig. 19A-19B, may allow a user to selectively stack mount walls 131 along the vertical axis V to form the rail assembly 130 to various desired RU heights, such as 5 RU, 4 RU, 3 RU, 2 RU. or 1 RU, etc.

[00101] For instance, referring to Fig. 1, a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the panel 100 in a five (5) RU configuration is illustrated. Referring to Fig. 2, a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the panel 100 in a four (4) RU configuration is illustrated. Referring to Fig. 3, a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the panel 100 in a three (3) RU configuration is illustrated. Referring to Fig. 4, a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the panel 100 in a two (2) RU configuration is illustrated. Referring to Fig. 5, a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the panel 100 in a one (1) RU configuration is illustrated.

[00102] Referring briefly to Figs. 26-27, an embodiment of the panel 100 configured as a five (5) RU height along the vertical axis V is depicted. An exploded view of the panel 100 of Fig. 26 is provided in Fig. 27. Referring briefly to Figs. 28- 29, an embodiment of the panel 100 configured as a three (3) RU height along the vertical axis V is depicted. An exploded view of the panel 100 of Fig. 28 is provided in Fig. 29. Referring briefly to Figs. 30-31, an embodiment of the panel 100 configured as a one (1) RU height along the vertical axis V is depicted. An exploded view of the panel 100 of Fig. 31 is provided in Fig. 30.

[00103] Referring to Figs. 26-31. embodiments of a latch assembly 150 may include separately attachable arms 152, such as to facilitate stacking the arms 152 along the vertical axis V corresponding to the RU height of the rail assembly 130 and desired quantity' of tray assemblies 200 received at the panel 100.

[00104] Referring back to Figs. 1-14. various embodiments of the panel 100 include a routing bracket 140 attachable to the sidewall 114. The routing bracket 140 is configured to receive and selectively retain a cable 90, 92, such as an OSP cable. The sidewall 114 includes an opening 115 providing egress and ingress to the enclosed volume, such as to allow the cable 90, 92, or portions thereof, to extend into the volume through the sidewall 114. In various embodiments, such as further described herein, the routing bracket 140 is configured to receive the cable 90, 92 along the vertical axis V and allow the cable, or portions thereof, to bend and extend through opening 115 through the sidewall 114. In various embodiments, the routing bracket 140 is positioned at the sidewall 114 proximate to the rear end 102.

[00105] The panel 100 includes the latch assembly 150 positioned within the volume. The latch assembly 150 includes a main body 151 at which a latch interface 160 is configured to releasably attach or lock the tray assembly 200 to panel 100. For instance, Fig. 9A provides a top-down view of an exemplary' embodiment of the panel 100. Figs. 9B-9C provide detailed views of a portion of the panel 100 of Fig. 9A. Fig. 9D provides a detailed view of a key portion 164 and a receiving portion 162 of the latch interface 160 connected to one another. In various embodiments, the latch interface 160 includes the key portion 164 and the receiving portion 162. In an embodiment, the receiving portion 162 is positioned at the main body 151, and the key portion 164 is positioned at the tray assembly 200. However, it should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the receiving portion 162 may be positioned at the tray assembly 200 and the key portion 164 may be positioned at the main body 151.

[00106] A plurality of the receiving portions 162 may be positioned at the main body 151 in adjacent arrangement along the vertical axis V, such as to receive a corresponding array of a plurality of tray bases 210 including respective key portions 164. For instance, the latch interface 160 may include a male/female interface, such as the receiving portion 162 forming an opening configured to receive a pin or member at forming the key portion 164. The key portion 164 may form a friction fit with the receiving portion 162, such as retain the tray assembly 200 to the panel 100 together. A user may apply an overcoming force to pull the panel 200 from engagement with the panel 100 at the latch assembly 150, such as by pulling the panel 200 along the transverse axis T toward the first end 101.

[00107] Referring to Figs. 1-5, in various embodiments, the latch assembly 150 includes an arm 152 forming a routing passage 154 across the latch assembly 150. The arm 152 may form a member extending from a main body 151. The main body 151 includes a wall extending along the vertical axis V. In an embodiment, a plurality of arms 152 extend along the transverse axis T toward the rear wall 118. As such, the routing passage 154 may be formed between the rear wall 1 18 and the latch assembly 150. Furthermore, the routing passage 154 may be formed between the rear wall 118 and the tray assembly 200. As further described herein, cables, or portions thereof, such as optical fiber leads, may extend along the lateral axis L between opening 115 at sidewall 114 and through the routing passage 154.

[00108] In some embodiments, the plurality of arms 152 are in adjacent arrangement along the vertical axis V. As such, a plurality of routing passages 154 may be formed in adjacent arrangement along the vertical axis V. For instance, referring to Figs. 1-5, in various embodiments, the plurality of arms 152 in adjacent arrangement along the vertical axis V corresponds to an extension of the main body 151 along the vertical axis V, such as corresponding to a rack unit (RU) height of the panel 100.

[00109] Additionally, or alternatively, a pair or more of arms 152 may be separated from one another along the lateral axis L. As such, the routing passage 154 may extend along the lateral axis L. Additionally, a plurality of routing passages 154 may be formed in adjacent arrangement along the vertical axis V and extending along the lateral axis L.

[00110] Referring briefly to Figs. 27A-27B and Figs. 43A-43B, in various embodiments, panel 100 includes a cable mounting bracket 155 forming a vertical array of routing passages 154 through which cables are extendable. The cable mounting bracket 155 includes a plurality of w alls separated along the vertical direction to form routing passages 154 corresponding substantially to the rack unit distances along vertical direction V. The mount interface 113 at the base wall 112 may form an opening, latch, or clip configured to receive the routing bracket 155. In various embodiments, the routing bracket 155 is positioned in a routing volume between the rear end of a tray base 210 and the rear wall 118, such as further described herein.

[00111] Referring now to Figs. 15A-15C, and Figs. 16A-16B, embodiments of a telecommunications tray assembly 200, and portions thereof, for the panel 100 are provided. Embodiments of the tray assembly 200 include a tray base 210 forming a plane extending substantially along the lateral axis L and the transverse axis T. The tray base 210 includes a rail platform 214 extending co-directional to an extension of the rail wall 132 at the rail assembly 130, such as along transverse axis T. The rail platform 214 forms a plane configured to be received at the rail wall 132, such as at the rail passage 136, to support the tray assembly 200 at the rail assembly 130 in sliding arrangement along the direction of extension of the rail wall 132.

[00112] A telecommunications tray 250 is positionable onto the tray base 210. The tray 250 may form a closure, cassette, casing, or other apparatus for receiving, connecting, splicing, splitting, or other operable joining procedures to telecommunications equipment, cables, or leads. For instance, embodiments of the tray 250 may form a splice tray or splitter try for fiber optic leads.

[00113] The tray 250 includes openings 251, 252 configured to ingress and egress cables, or portions thereof, such as fiber optic leads, through the tray 250. In various embodiments, the openings 251, 252 are formed proximate to the second end 102, or distal to the first end 101 along the transverse axis T, such as to position the openings 251, 252 proximate to opening 1 15 at the sidewall 114 when the tray assembly 200 is inserted into the panel 100. In various embodiments, the openings include a second opening 252 separated along the lateral axis L from a first opening 2 1. The second opening 252 is positioned more proximate to the second side 104 relative to the first opening 251 positioned more proximate to the first side 103.

[00114] The tray assembly 200 includes one or more features to promote routing and arrangement of cables, or portions thereof, at the tray base 210. In some embodiments, such as depicted in Figs. 15A-15C, the tray base 210 includes a tray wall 218. The tray wall 218 may form a lip. The tray wall 218 forming the lip may be bent or curved toward an interior of the tray base 210. such as toward the tray 250. In various embodiments, the tray wall 218 forms a passage 219 along which the cable or fiber optic leads may be positioned. The tray wall 218 may form a wall extending along the vertical axis V from the tray base 210. The tray wall 218 may include a portion extending substantially co-planar or curved relative to the tray base 210, such as to form the passage 219 at which the cable or fiber optic lead may be positioned and inhibited or limited from movement or positioning along the vertical axis V. As such, the cable may be prevented from binding or interference with adjacent tray assemblies 200 along the vertical axis V. In some embodiments, the tray wall 218 may extend along a perimeter of the tray base 210, or form one or more segments along the perimeter of the tray base 210.

[00115] In various embodiments, a portion of the latch interface 160 extends from the tray base 210, such as from the tray wall 218. For instance, as described herein, the key portion 164 may be positioned at the tray assembly 200 to selectively attach or lock the tray base 210 to the main body 151 at the latch assembly 150. The key portion 164 may extend substantially along the transverse axis T toward the second end 102, such as to be received at the receiving portion 162 when the tray base 210 is pushed into the panel 100 along the transverse axis T. As described herein, it should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the tray assembly 200 may include the receiving portion 162 and the latch assembly 150 may include the key portion 164. [00116] Referring briefly to Figs. 16A-16B, in some embodiments, the tray base 210 is formed having a cross-section or footprint similar to the tray 250. For instance, Embodiments of the tray base 210 depicted at Figs. 16A-16B may remove a rear portion (e.g.. depicted in Figs. 15A-15C) and permit increased volume between the rear of the tray base 210 and rear wall 118 for housing and routing fiber optic leads, such as depicted at Figs. 43A-43B.

[00117] Referring briefly to the detailed perspective view in Fig. 6B, the user may push and pull the tray base 210 at a user interface platform 216 at the first end 101. such as forming a surface extending substantially along the vertical axis V at which the user can grab or push the tray base 210. Additionally, or alternatively, the user interface platform 216 may protrude along the transverse axis T from the tray base 210, such as to facilitate the user grabbing or pushing the tray assembly 200.

[00118] Referring to Figs. 15A-15C, and Figs. 16A-16B. in some embodiments, the tray assembly 200 may include a tray routing clip 237 attachable to the tray base 210. Referring to the detailed perspective view provided in Fig. 17, the tray routing clip 237 may include a base 238 at which the routing clip 237 is attachable to the tray base 210. A clip wall 239 extends from the base 238 to form a passage 240 at which the cable, or elements thereof, such as fiber optic leads, positions and passes through. The clip wall 239 may include an open face allowing for sideways access to the passage 240. [00119] Referring to Figs. 15A-15C, in various embodiments, the tray routing clip 237 is positioned at the tray base 210 such that the passage 240 is positioned between the clip wall 239 and the rail wall 214 or the tray wall 218 at the tray base 210. As such, the rail wall 214 and the clip wall 239 may each form barriers extending along the transverse axis T while providing the passage 240 and open volume extending between the walls 214, 239. The clip wall 239 may further provide a barrier along the vertical axis V. The clip wall 239 may allow for an open volume between the rail wall 214 and the tray 250, such as to provide constraint of the cable or leads within the area between the rail wall 214 and the tray 250 while providing the user physical or visual access to the cable or leads along the vertical axis V.

[00120] In various embodiments, the base 238 of the tray routing clip 237 may be releasably adhered or secured to the tray base 210. In an embodiment, the base 238 includes an adhesive or glue to allow the user to selectively attach a desired quantity of tray routing clips 237 to the tray base 210 in a desired arrangement. In still other embodiments, the base 238 and tray base 210 may include openings configured to receive mechanical fasteners, such as, but not limited to, bolts, screws, pins, latches, or clips.

[00121] The tray 250 and tray base 210 are together configured to form a routing passage 244 extending along the transverse axis T between the tray 250 and the tray base 210. The routing passage 244 may be formed, at least in part, between the rail platform 214 and a sidewall 264 of the tray 250. In various embodiments, the routing passage 244 extends along the transverse axis T greater than a distance of the rail platform 214, such as to facilitate extending a cable or lead from the routing passage 244 to the routing passage 134 at the rail assembly 130, such as further described herein.

[00122] Referring briefly to Fig. 15B, in some embodiments, a pin 208 extends along the vertical axis V from the tray base 210. The pin 208 may provide a detent or positioning member configured to be received at the tray 250.

[00123] Referring now to Figs. 10-14, and further depicted in Fig. 16B, in various embodiments, the tray 250 includes a connection area 254, such as a position at the tray 250 at which a user may position and retain splices, splitters, coupling devices, multiplexers, or other junctions or transformations between fiber optic leads. For instance, embodiments of a splice tray 253 are depicted positioned at the connection area 254. However, it should be appreciated that, in various embodiments, a splitter device, a coupler, multiplexer, or other fiber optic equipment may be positioned in place of the splice tray 253.

[00124] The connection area 254 may be positioned adjacent to one or more routing areas 256. The routing area 256 may include a plurality of walls or tabs 257 configured to receive cables or fiber optic leads. The tabs 257 may be arranged to promote wrapping of the cables or leads at the routing area 256. For instance, the tabs 257 may be arranged to promote wrapping the cables or leads in a circular, ovular or racetrack, figure-8, or other pattern, such as to allow excess length of cable or lead to position at the routing area 256.

[00125] A wall 255 may separate the routing area 256 from the connection area 254. A pass-through opening 258 is formed through the wall 255 to allow cables or leads to ingress or egress through the routing area 256 to the connection area 254. [00126] Openings 251, 252. such as described above, may be positioned to allow cables or leads to ingress or egress to the routing area 256 from the second end 102. [00127] Referring still to Figs. 10-14, an exemplary embodiment of a method for fiber optic routing at a panel is depicted. Embodiments of the panel 100 and the method described herein may promote in-rack splicing, splitting, or other user tasks, and interconnection of cables or fibers for OSP cable entering a customer/end-user location. A first cable 90, such as an OSP cable, is received at the routing bracket 140 at the first side 103, such as a first routing bracket 140. Fiber optic leads from the first cable 90, such as depicted as first fiber optic lead 91, route into the panel 100 through opening 115 at the sidewall 114 at the first side 103, such as a first opening 115 through a first sidewall 114. The first fiber optic lead 91 routes from the first opening 115 along the lateral axis L toward the second side 104. In various embodiments, the first fiber optic lead 91 is directed through the routing passage 154 at the latch assembly 150. The first fiber optic lead 91 turns toward the transverse axis T and enters the fiber routing passage 134 at the second end 102 of the rail assembly 130. The first fiber optic lead 91 routes through the fiber routing passage 134, such as a second fiber routing passage, proximate to the second side 104. The first fiber optic lead 91 is routed along the transverse axis T toward the first end 101 through the second fiber routing passage 134.

[00128] The first fiber optic lead 91 egresses from the fiber routing passage 134 at the first end 101 and is turned approximately 180 degrees to route to the along the routing passage 244, such as a second routing passage proximate to the second side 104, from the first end 101 toward the second end 102.

[00129] The first fiber optic lead 91 is routed from the routing passage 244 to an area 217 between the tray wall 218 at the second end 102 extending along the lateral axis L and the tray 250. The first fiber optic lead 91 may route through passage 219 at tray wall 218. For instance, the first fiber optic lead 91 may route along the lateral axis L from the routing passage 244 toward the first side 103. The first fiber optic lead 91 may turn or bend approximately 180 degrees to route along the lateral axis L from the first side 103 toward the second side 104. In some embodiments, the first fiber optic lead 91 may route through one or more tray routing clips 237, such as to facilitate retaining the bends, folds, or turns of the first fiber optic lead 91.

[00130] The first fiber optic lead 91 is routed from the area 217 into the tray 250, such as through the second opening 252 proximate along the lateral axis T to the second side 104. In various embodiments, the first fiber optic lead 91 may route, splice, split, connect, etc. within the tray 250 as desired. A second fiber optic lead 93, operably coupled to the first fiber optic lead 91, such as via splice, split, connection, or other telecommunications or fiber optic process, egresses from the tray 250 through the first opening 251 proximate along the lateral axis L to the first side 103.

[00131] For instance, in some embodiments, the first fiber optic lead 91 routes through a second routing area 256 at the tray 250. The first fiber optic lead 91 may route, such as in circular, ovular, racetrack, figure-8, or other arrangement, at the second routing area 256 proximate along the lateral axis L to the second side 104. One or more tabs 257 may promote organization and limit springing along the vertical axis V. The first fiber optic lead 91 may pass through opening 258 to enter the connection area 254. The first fiber optic lead 91 may be operably connected to the second fiber optic lead 93 at the splice tray 253 or other telecommunications connectivity apparatus. The second fiber optic lead 93 may pass through opening 255 to a first routing area 256 proximate along the lateral axis L to the first side 103. The second fiber optic lead 93 egresses from the first routing area 256 through first opening 251. [00132] The second fiber optic lead 93 egresses from the tray 250 through first opening 251 to area 217 at tray base 210. The second fiber optic lead 93 routes substantially along the lateral axis L toward the second side 104. The second fiber optic lead 93 may turn or bend approximately 180 degrees to route along the lateral axis L from the second side 104 toward the first side 103. In some embodiments, the second fiber optic lead 93 may route through one or more tray routing clips 237, such as to facilitate retaining the bends, folds, or turns of the second fiber optic lead 93. The second fiber optic lead 93 may route through passage 219 at tray wall 218. [00133] The second fiber optic lead 93 is routed from the area 217 to the routing passage 244, such as a first routing passage proximate to the first side 103. The second fiber optic lead 93 routes through the routing passage 244 from the second end 102 toward the first end 101. The second fiber optic lead 93 egresses from the routing passage 244 at the first end 101 and is turned approximately 180 degrees to route along the fiber routing passage 134 proximate to the first side 103, such as a first fiber routing passage. The second fiber optic lead 93 extends along the transverse axis T through the first fiber routing passage 134 from the first end 101 toward the second end 102.

[00134] The second fiber optic lead 93 turns toward the lateral axis L to route toward the opening 115 at the sidewall at the second side 104, such as at a second opening 115. The second fiber optic lead 93 routes from the second fiber routing passage 134 along the lateral axis L toward second side 104. For instance, the second fiber optic lead 93 may route substantially co-directional or parallel to the first fiber optic lead 91 at an area 117 between the rear wall 118 and a rear end of the tray base 210. In various embodiments, the second fiber optic lead 93 is directed through the routing passage 154 at the latch assembly. The second fiber optic lead 93 routes through the second opening 115 at the sidewall 114 at the second side 104, such as through a second sidewall 114.

[00135] The second fiber optic lead 93 may be operably coupled to or joined with a second cable 92 receivable at the routing bracket 140 at the second side 104, such as a second routing bracket 140. [00136] Embodiments of the method for fiber optic routing at a panel such as described herein may be repeated with tray assemblies 200 in adjacent arrangement along the vertical axis V.

[00137] Embodiments of the panel 100 may provide vertical arrangement of tray assemblies 200, such as splice trays, splitters, connectors, or other telecommunications or fiber optic apparatuses. Vertical arrangement of the tray assemblies 200 may facilitate providing variations of size of panel 100. such as, but not limited to, ranging from one (1) rack unit (RU) to five (5) RU.

[00138] For instance, stackable rail assemblies 130 and latch assemblies 150 may allow for a modular arrangement that facilitates a consistent installation process without regard for RU size, such as may mitigate user confusion or undesired variation.

[00139] Individual tracks, such as rail walls 132 corresponding to respective tray bases 210 and trays 250, may facilitate a user to remove and operate at a single tray without affecting other trays. Additionally, individual latches or locks, such as latch interface 160 including a respective pair of key portion 162 and receiving portion 164 for the tray base 210 and tray 250, may provide locking and unlocking of an individual tray assembly 200, such as to facilitate a user to remove and operate at a single tray without affecting other trays.

[00140] Embodiments of the panel 100, or additionally, the panel 100 and tray assembly 200, may provide for storing extra cable or lead slack at the tray base 210. For instance, in some embodiments, up to one (1) meter of lead, such as fiber optic lead 91, 93, may be retained at the tray base 210. Such slack lead retention may facilitate convenience for users working at different heights. Embodiments of the panel 100 may promote safe removal of the tray 250 or tray base 210 from the panel 100, and placement on a working surface (e.g., a table) for troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, or other operation, such as may significantly improve user safety and reduce risks associated with working at various heights.

[00141] Embodiments of the panel 100, and the method for fiber optic routing at a panel, may facilitate providing for storing extra cable or lead slack at the tray base 210, such as by providing one or more approximately 180 degree turns of the fiber optic lead. The turns may generate a springing or slack effect that may facilitate positioning the fiber optic lead at the area 217, while furthermore mitigating binding, catching, or obstruction by the fiber optic lead when the user articulates the tray assembly 200 along the transverse axis T. Still further, clips 237 may promote retention of the fiber optic leads while pushing and pulling the tray assembly 200 in and out of the panel 100. Various embodiments of the panel 100 may facilitate storing extra slack, and furthermore, mitigate binding of fiber optic leads when pushing and pulling the tray assembly 200 in and out of the panel 100.

[00142] Referring now to Figs. 20A-20B, Figs. 21-22, Figs. 23A-23C, Figs. 24A- 24C, and Figs. 25A-25C, exemplary embodiments of the routing bracket 140 and methods for cable routing are provided. Embodiments of the routing bracket 140 include a base plate 142 attachable to the sidewall 114 at the panel 100. A mount clamp 141 extends from the base plate 142. For instance, the mount clamp 141 may be attachable to the base plate 142 via a fastener extending through the mount clamp 141 and base plate 142. The mount clamp 141 forms a cable passage 146 configured to receive a cable 88. such as depicted at Figs. 25B-25C. Cable 88 may form cable 90, 92, such as depicted and described in regard to Figs. 10-14. Additionally, or alternatively, cables may extend and retain between pairs of mount clamps 141, or adjacent to the mount clamp 141, such as depicted at Figs. 23B-23C and Figs. 24B- 24C.

[00143] In various embodiments, the mount clamp 141 includes one or more arms 145 extending from a central member 144. In some embodiments, such as depicted in Figs. 1-5 and Fig. 22, the central member 144 may extend along the lateral axis L when the routing bracket 140 is positioned at the sidewall 114. However, in other embodiments, the central member 144 may extend along the transverse axis T when the routing bracket 140 is positioned at the panel 100. such as at rear wall 118.

[00144] In some embodiments, one or more arms 145 extend along the vertical axis V when the routing bracket 140 is positioned at the sidewall 114. A passage 143 may be formed between adjacent arms 145. The passage 143 may form a fastener passage, such as to position a tie-wrap, strap, band, or other retainer around the arm 145 and/or the central member 144 and a cable 88 extending through the cable passage 146 (e.g., depicted in Figs. 25B-25C) or alongside the mount clamp 141 (e.g., depicted in Figs. 23B-23C and Figs. 24B-24C). [00145] Referring to Figs. 20A-20B, in still some embodiments, the routing bracket 140 includes an organizer plate 148 forming a plurality of fiber optic lead passages 147 configured to retain fiber optic leads along the vertical axis V. the passages 147 may extend as a slot forming an open end allowing the fiber optic leads, or sleeves 89 for the fiber optic leads, to be pushed in laterally into the passage 147. A removable cover plate 149 may position onto the organizer plate 148 to provide a terminal end to the passages 147. In some embodiments, the base plate 142 or the organizer plate 148 may form a terminal end opposite of the cover plate 149.

[00146] In an embodiment, such as depicted in Fig. 23B-23C, a fiber optic lead 86, such as fiber optic leads 91, 93 depicted and described in regard to Figs. 10-14, may extend into sleeve 89. A plurality’ of sleeves 89, with respective leads 86, are positionable into passages 147. In various embodiments, a plurality of passages 147 is formed in adjacent arrangement to one another through the organizer plate 148. Fiber optic leads 86 may extend into cable 88, such as depicted at fiber optic leads 87.

[00147] Various embodiments of the panel 100 and routing bracket 140 may facilitate optimized internal cable routing, such as by providing distinct differentiators that facilitate users to identify each fiber quickly and precisely. For instance, referring to Figs. 23B-23C, fiber optic leads 87 from a single cable 88 may be separated and differentiated and routed through separate sleeves 89 and across one or more passages 147. In another instance, referring to Figs. 24B-24C and Figs. 25B-25C, fiber optic leads 87 from a plurality of cables 88 may be separated and differentiated and routed through separate sleeves 89 and across one or more passages 147.

[00148] Referring to Fig. 23B, in an exemplary embodiment, a cable 88 including 3,456 fibers may be attached to the routing bracket 140. Referring to Fig. 23C, the user may utilize the panel 100 to differentiate the 3.456 fibers into twelve (12) sets of 288 fibers, such as depicted at fiber optic leads 86. The user may further divide the twelve (12) sets of fiber optic leads 86 into four (4) groups. The four (4) groups of three (3) fibers each are positioned into respective four (4) passages 147, such as depicted at Fig. 23C. The three (3) individual fibers 86 may be differentiated as the fibers 86 (e.g., fiber optic leads 91, 93) are routed to the tray 250, such as through opening 115 and described in regard to Figs. 10-14. Embodiments of the panel 100 and routing bracket 140 such as described herein may significantly reduce time for a user to find and search for specific fibers at the panel 100 or routing bracket 140. [00149] Embodiments of the panel 100 and routing bracket 140 provided herein may promote high fiber count organization, identification, routing, and storage, while reducing an area and volume requirement at the closure, tray, or rack. Embodiments of the routing bracket 140, and further with embodiments of individually-removable tray assemblies 200, may promote search and organization of individual fibers at the panel 100.

[00150] Referring briefly to Figs. 39A-39B and Figs. 40A-40B, in some embodiments, the routing bracket 140 includes a housing including a fastener 156 extending through a rear wall, such as the base plate 142, to mount the routing bracket 140 to the sidewall 1 14 of the panel 100. The cover plate 149 may extend along the vertical direction V to obscure the mount clamp 141 along a side direction (e.g., along the transverse or lateral directions). The cover plate 149 may be detachably mounted or rotatable, e.g., at a hinge connection.

[00151] Referring to Figs. 40A-40B, in some embodiments, the housing at the routing bracket 140 may include a separate rear wall 159 having an opening 157 permitting access to routing elements at the routing bracket 140. A mount arm 158 may form a hook, latch, or attachment interface configured to selectively attach onto the panel 100 (e.g.. at an opening or other receiving interface at the sidewall 114). The housing may form an interior configured to receive the routing bracket 140, such as to receive the base plate 142 and mount clamp 141 within the housing formed between the cover plate 149 and the rear wall 159. A sidewall 153 may connect the cover plate 149 and rear wall 159, such as to obscure the mount clamp 141 along a side perpendicular to the cover plate 149.

[00152] Further aspects of the disclosure are provided in one or more of the following clauses:

[00153] 1. A telecommunications equipment panel, wherein a mutually orthogonal reference lateral axis, transverse axis, and vertical axis are defined, and wherein a reference first end is separated along the transverse axis from a reference second end, and wherein a reference first side is separated along the lateral axis from a reference second side, the panel including a body including a base w all, an end wall positioned proximate to the second end, and a first sidewall separated along the lateral axis from a second sidewall, wherein a cable opening is formed at the first sidewall and the second sidewall, wherein the first sidewall is proximate along the lateral axis to the first side, and wherein the second sidewall is proximate along the lateral axis to the second side; a tray assembly including a tray base, a tray wall extends along the vertical axis from the tray base, and a rail platform extending along the transverse axis, the tray assembly including a first portion of a latch interface, the first portion of the latch interface positioned at the tray wall, the tray assembly including a tray selectively placeable onto the tray base, wherein a tray routing passage extends between the rail platform and the tray, and wherein a tray slack area is formed along the transverse axis between the tray and the tray wall, the tray routing passage extending along the transverse axis to the tray slack area; a pair of rail assemblies separated from one another along the lateral axis, wherein each rail assembly includes a mount wall extending substantially along the vertical axis and the transverse axis, the rail assembly including a rail wall extending at the mount wall along the transverse axis, the rail wall configured to receive the tray assembly between the pair of rail assemblies, wherein the rail wall is configured to receive the rail platform of the tray assembly along the transverse axis from the first end, and wherein a fiber routing passage is positioned between the mount wall and each of the first sidewall and second sidewall; and a latch assembly including a main body at which a second portion of the latch interface is positioned, wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured to releasably attach to one another, the main body coupled to the body at a body slack area positioned between the end wall and the tray assembly. [00154] 2. The panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the opening at the first sidewall and the second sidewall is positioned adjacent along the lateral axis to the body slack area.

[00155] 3. The panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the fiber routing passage and the tray routing passage extend substantially along the transverse axis. [00156] 4. The panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the rail assembly includes a plurality of mount walls attachable to one another along the vertical axis. [00157] 5. The panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the plurality' of mount walls are separately attachable to one another along the vertical axis. [00158] 6. The panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the mount wall includes a platform extending substantially along the lateral axis and the transverse axis, and wherein a fastener opening is formed at the platform and configured to receive a fastener through adjacent pair of platforms of adjacent mount walls along the vertical axis.

[00159] 7. The panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the fastener opening and the fastener form a friction-fit interface to retain the plurality of mount walls together.

[00160] 8. The panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the plurality of mount walls each form corresponding fiber routing passages separated from one another along the vertical axis by the platform.

[00161] 9. The panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the mount wall is configured to receive a routing clip at the fiber routing passage.

[00162] 10. The panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the latch assembly includes an arm forming a latch routing passage extending along the lateral axis.

[00163] 11. The panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the main body extends along the vertical axis, and wherein a plurality' of arms are positioned in adjacent arrangement along the vertical axis to form a corresponding plurality' of latch routing passages separated from one another along the vertical axis.

[00164] 12. The panel of any one or more clauses herein, the panel forming a routing circuit extending in serial arrangement from the opening at the first sidewall to the body slack area to the fiber routing passage proximate to the second side to the tray routing passage proximate to the second side to the tray slack area to an interior area of the tray.

[00165] 13. The panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the panel forms the routing circuit extending in serial arrangement from the interior area of the tray to the tray slack area to the tray routing passage proximate to the first side to the fiber routing passage proximate to the first side to the body slack area to the opening at the second sidewall.

[00166] 14. The panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the routing circuit extending from the fiber routing passage to the tray routing passage includes an approximately 180 degree turn between the fiber routing passage and the tray routing passage.

[00167] 15. The panel of any one or more clauses herein, including a tray routing clip releasably securable to the tray base at the tray slack area.

[00168] 16. The panel of any one or more clauses herein, including a routing bracket attachable to one or both of the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

[00169] 17. The panel of any one or more clauses herein, the routing bracket including a base plate attachable to one or both of the first sidewall or the second sidewall; and a mount clamp extending from the base plate, the mount clamp forming a cable passage configured to receive a cable along the vertical axis.

[00170] 18. The panel of any one or more clauses herein, the routing bracket including an organizer plate forming a plurality of organizer lead passages forming a slot extending along the lateral axis, the organizer plate positioned adjacent to the mount clamp along the vertical axis.

[00171] 19. The panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the mount clamp includes a plurality of arms extending substantially along the vertical axis from a central member extending substantially along the lateral axis, wherein the plurality of arms form a passage between adjacent arms.

[00172] 20. The panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the routing bracket is positioned along the vertical axis above the opening at one or both of the first sidewall or second sidewall.

[00173] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be w ithin the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A telecommunications equipment panel, wherein a mutually orthogonal reference lateral axis, transverse axis, and vertical axis are defined, and wherein a reference first end is separated along the transverse axis from a reference second end, and wherein a reference first side is separated along the lateral axis from a reference second side, the panel comprising: a body comprising a base wall, an end wall positioned proximate to the second end, and a first sidewall separated along the lateral axis from a second sidewall, wherein a cable opening is formed at the first sidewall and the second sidewall, wherein the first sidewall is proximate along the lateral axis to the first side, and wherein the second sidewall is proximate along the lateral axis to the second side; a tray assembly comprising a tray base, a tray wall extends along the vertical axis from the tray base, and a rail platform extending along the transverse axis, the tray assembly comprising a first portion of a latch interface, the first portion of the latch interface positioned at the tray wall, the tray assembly comprising a tray selectively placeable onto the tray base, wherein a tray routing passage extends between the rail platform and the tray, and wherein a tray slack area is formed along the transverse axis between the tray and the tray wall, the tray routing passage extending along the transverse axis to the tray slack area; a pair of rail assemblies separated from one another along the lateral axis, wherein each rail assembly comprises a mount wall extending substantially along the vertical axis and the transverse axis, the rail assembly comprising a rail wall extending at the mount wall along the transverse axis, the rail wall configured to receive the tray assembly between the pair of rail assemblies, wherein the rail wall is configured to receive the rail platform of the tray assembly along the transverse axis from the first end, and wherein a fiber routing passage is positioned between the mount wall and each of the first sidewall and second sidewall; and a latch assembly comprising a main body at which a second portion of the latch interface is positioned, wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured to releasably attach to one another, the main body coupled to the body at a body slack area positioned between the end wall and the tray assembly.

2. The panel of claim 1, wherein the opening at the first sidewall and the second sidewall is positioned adjacent along the lateral axis to the body slack area.

3. The panel of claim 1, wherein the fiber routing passage and the tray routing passage extend substantially along the transverse axis.

4. The panel of claim 1. wherein the rail assembly comprises a plurality of mount walls attachable to one another along the vertical axis.

5. The panel of claim 4, wherein the plurality of mount walls are separately attachable to one another along the vertical axis.

6. The panel of claim 4, wherein the mount wall comprises a platform extending substantially along the lateral axis and the transverse axis, and wherein a fastener opening is formed at the platform and configured to receive a fastener through adjacent pair of platforms of adjacent mount walls along the vertical axis.

7. The panel of claim 6, wherein the fastener opening and the fastener form a friction-fit interface to retain the plurality of mount walls together.

8. The panel of claim 6, wherein the plurality of mount walls each form corresponding fiber routing passages separated from one another along the vertical axis by the platform.

9. The panel of claim 1. wherein the mount wall is configured to receive a routing clip at the fiber routing passage.

10. The panel of claim 1, wherein the latch assembly comprises an arm forming a latch routing passage extending along the lateral axis.

11. The panel of claim 10, wherein the main body extends along the vertical axis, and wherein a plurality of arms are positioned in adjacent arrangement along the vertical axis to form a corresponding plurality of latch routing passages separated from one another along the vertical axis.

12. The panel of claim 1, the panel forming a routing circuit extending in serial arrangement from the opening at the first sidewall to the body slack area to the fiber routing passage proximate to the second side to the tray routing passage proximate to the second side to the tray slack area to an interior area of the tray.

13. The panel of claim 12, wherein the panel forms the routing circuit extending in serial arrangement from the interior area of the tray to the tray slack area to the tray routing passage proximate to the first side to the fiber routing passage proximate to the first side to the body slack area to the opening at the second sidewall.

14. The panel of claim 12, wherein the routing circuit extending from the fiber routing passage to the tray routing passage comprises an approximately 180 degree turn between the fiber routing passage and the tray routing passage.

15. The panel of claim 12, comprising: a tray routing clip releasably securable to the tray base at the tray slack area.

16. The panel of claim 1, comprising: a routing bracket attachable to one or both of the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

17. The panel of claim 16, the routing bracket comprising: a base plate attachable to one or both of the first sidewall or the second sidewall; and a mount clamp extending from the base plate, the mount clamp forming a cable passage configured to receive a cable along the vertical axis.

18. The panel of claim 17, the routing bracket comprising: an organizer plate forming a plurality of organizer lead passages forming a slot extending along the lateral axis, the organizer plate positioned adjacent to the mount clamp along the vertical axis.

19. The panel of claim 17, wherein the mount clamp comprises: a plurality of arms extending substantially along the vertical axis from a central member extending substantially along the lateral axis, wherein the plurality of arms form a passage between adjacent arms.

20. The panel of claim 16, wherein the routing bracket is positioned along the vertical axis above the opening at one or both of the first sidewall or second sidewall.