WO2025212942A1

WO2025212942A1 - Pivoting telecommunications tray

Info

Publication number: WO2025212942A1
Application number: PCT/US2025/023029
Authority: WO
Inventors: Aran James Russell DAVIDSON
Original assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
Current assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
Priority date: 2024-04-05
Filing date: 2025-04-03
Publication date: 2025-10-09
Anticipated expiration: 2026-10-05

Abstract

A telecommunications panel is provided including a tray having a tray sidewall at which a cable routing opening is formed therethrough. A base wall forms a surface at which the tray is receivable. A panel sidewall extends along a periphery of the base wall. A member extends from the base wall and forms a point around which a cable may wrap around the member. A first clamp is attachable to the panel at the first side and forms a passage extending substantially co-directional to a perimeter of the base wall. A clamp assembly is selectively affixable to the base wall and includes a second clamp configured to selectively attach to the cable. The clamp assembly includes a routing passage, and a pivot member rotatable relative to a pivot axis. A mount interface is formed at which the clamp assembly selectively attaches to the tray sidewall.

Description

PIVOTING TELECOMMUNICATIONS TRAY

PRIORITY STATEMENT

[0001] The present disclosure claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional patent application number 63/575,149, filed April 05, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to telecommunications equipment, and more particularly to frames and trays for fiber optic cables.

BACKGROUND

[0003] The function of a telecommunications frame, such as for 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.

[0004] 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.

[0005] 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 ty pically 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.

[0006] A telecommunications frame that facilitates routing, placement, and articulation of fiber optic trays would be beneficial and advantageous. BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0007] 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.

[0008] An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a panel for a telecommunications equipment rack. The panel includes a tray including a tray sidewall. A cable routing opening is formed through the tray sidewall. A base wall forms a surface at which the tray is receivable. A panel sidewall extends along a periphery of the base wall. A member extends from the base wall. The member forms a point around which a cable may at least partially wrap around the member. A first clamp is attachable to the panel at the first side. The first clamp forms a passage extending substantially co-directi onal to a perimeter of the base wall when the first clamp is attached to the panel. A clamp assembly is selectively affixable to the base wall. The clamp assembly includes a second clamp configured to selectively attach the cable to the clamp assembly. The clamp assembly includes a routing passage extending substantially co-directional to the perimeter of the base wall. The clamp assembly includes a pivot member rotatable relative to a pivot axis. A mount interface is formed at which the clamp assembly selectively attaches to the tray sidewall.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an optical distribution frame assembly. 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 optical distribution frame assembly includes a frame including a body forming a substantially rigid structure. The frame includes a rack. A telecommunications panel is receivable at the rack. The panel includes a fiber optic tray including a tray sidewall. A cable routing opening is formed through the tray sidewall. A base wall forms a surface at which the tray is receivable. A sidewall extends along a periphery' of the base wall. A member extends from the base wall. The member forms a point around which a cable may at least partially wrap around the member. A first clamp is attachable to the panel at the first side. The first clamp forms a passage extending substantially co-directional to a perimeter of the base wall when the first clamp is attached to the panel. A clamp assembly is selectively affixable to the base wall. The clamp assembly includes a second clamp configured to selectively attach the cable to the clamp assembly. The clamp assembly includes a routing passage extending substantially co-directional to the perimeter of the base wall. The clamp assembly includes a pivot member including a pivot axis relative to which the pivot member is rotatable. A mount interface is formed at which the clamp assembly selectively attaches to the tray sidewall.

[0010] 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

[0011] 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:

[0012] Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a telecommunications equipment frame, including a plurality of telecommunications panels, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0013] Fig. 2 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the telecommunications equipment frame, including a tray in a pivoted position, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0014] Fig. 3 provides a top-down plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a telecommunications panel including a tray in an installed position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0015] Fig. 4 provides a top-down plan view of an exemplary’ embodiment of the telecommunications panel including the tray in a pivoted position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0016] Fig. 5A provides a top-down plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the telecommunications panel including the tray in a removed position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; [0017] Fig. 5B provides a top-down plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the telecommunications panel including the tray in a removed position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0018] Fig. 6 provides a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the telecommunications equipment frame including a bottom-fed cable in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0019] Fig. 7 provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a cable mount for the telecommunications equipment frame in a bottom-fed configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0020] Fig. 8 provides a perspective view of an exemplary' embodiment of a cable mount for the telecommunications equipment frame in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0021] Fig. 9 provides a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the telecommunications equipment frame including a top-fed cable in accordance yvith aspects of the present disclosure; and

[0022] Fig. 10 provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a cable mount for the telecommunications equipment frame in a top-fed configuration in accordance yvith aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] 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

[0024] 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 with 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. [0025] 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.

[0026] 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).

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] Embodiments of a pivoting telecommunications tray and a telecommunications frame are provided. Embodiments of the frame may form an optical distribution frame (ODF) for receiving a plurality of shelves including fiber optic trays, such as splice or splitter trays. Embodiments depicted and described herein may facilitate movement, articulation, storage, and routing of fiber optic cables and leads. For instance, in some embodiments, an incoming cable (e g., Outside Plant cable, or OSP cable) is receivable at the frame for internal distribution through splicing or splitting.

[0031] 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 separated along the transverse axis T from a reference 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 separated along the lateral axis L from a reference second side 104.

[0032] As used herein, "bottom" and “top” refer to directions along the vertical axis V relative to the frame. For instance, embodiments depicted and described herein including a bottom-fed cable include the cable extending into the frame from substantially along the vertical axis V from a lower wall and breaking out into one or more fiber optic lines. In another instance, embodiments depicted and described herein including a top-fed cable include the cable extending into the frame from substantially along the vertical axis V from an upper wall and breaking out into one or more fiber optic lines.

[0033] Referring to Figs. 1-2, a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a telecommunications equipment frame is provided (hereinafter, “frame 100”). Embodiments of the frame 100 may form an optical distribution frame. The frame 100 is configured to receive a plurality of shelves or telecommunications panels 110. In the embodiment depicted, the plurality of panels 110 is positioned in adjacent arrangement along the vertical axis V. A cable mount 200 is positioned adjacent to the panels 110, such as adjacent along the lateral axis L. However, it should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, embodiments of the frame 100 may include the cable mount 200 adjacent to the panels 110 along the transverse axis T.

[0034] Embodiments of the frame 100 may generally include a body 106 forming a substantially rigid structure for mounting the plurality of panels 1 10. The frame 100 may include a rack 108 for mounting one or more panels 110. A member 109 may extend along the lateral axis L. the transverse axis T, or both, for wrapping and sorting cables and fiber optic leads.

[0035] A wall 134 may form an outer perimeter of the frame 100 to provide a protective covering around the panels 110 and enclose an interior volume of the frame 100. Although the frame 100 depicted in Figs. 1-2 depicts open faces, it should be appreciated that various embodiments of the frame 100 may include a plurality of walls 134, including doors, configured to enclose an interior volume of the frame 100. [0036] As depicted in Fig. 2, and further described in regard to Figs. 3-4 and Figs. 5A-5B, embodiments of the panel 110 provided herein are configured to facilitate pivoting and sliding of a telecommunications tray 140 from the panel 110. Pivoting and sliding the panel 110, tray 140, or both, may facilitate a user performing tasks at the tray and panel, such as, but not limited to, splicing, splitting, adding or replacing connectors, fiber or fiber-connector testing, or other fiber optic and telecommunications functions.

[0037] Referring now to Figs. 3-4 and Figs. 5A-5B. top-down plan views of an exemplary embodiment of a telecommunications panel 110 including a tray 140 are provided. Fig. 3 depicts the tray 140 in an installed position at the panel 110. The panel 110 includes a base wall 112 forming a surface at which the tray 140 may rest. The panel 110 may include one or more sidewalls 114 extending along a periphery of the base wall 112.

[0038] A cable management member 116 extends along the vertical axis V from the base wall 112. The cable management member 116 may form a point around which a cable 90 may at least partially wrap around the member 116. For instance, the member 116 may form a rotary, pulley, or wheel configured to guide the cable 90 around a center axis 118 of the member. [0039] An interior wall 120 may extend along the vertical axis V from the base wall 112. The interior wall 120 and the cable management member 116 may form a cable routing passage 122 therebetween.

[0040] In various embodiments, a clamp 124 is attachable to the panel 110. The clamp 124 forms a passage 126 extending substantially co-directional to a perimeter 113 of the base wall 112. For instance, the clamp 124 may be attachable to the base 112 along the perimeter 113. The clamp 124 may be attached to the panel 110 along the first side 103. The passage 126 may extend substantially along the transverse axis T alongside the perimeter 113 of the base wall 112 at the first side 103.

[0041] In various embodiments, a clamp assembly 130 is selectively affixable to the panel 110. The clamp assembly 130 includes a clamp 132 configured to selectively attach the cable 90 to the clamp assembly 130. The clamp assembly 130 forms a routing passage 136 extending substantially co-directional to the perimeter of the base wall 112. For instance, the clamp assembly 130 may be attachable to the base 112 at the base wall 112. The routing passage 136 may extend substantially along the transverse axis T alongside the perimeter 113 of the base wall 1 12 at the second side 104.

[0042] In some embodiments, the clamp assembly 130 includes a base wall 138 extending co-directional to the base wall 112 of the panel 110. The clamp 132 is positioned at the base wall 138 to allow the cable 90 to extend along the routing passage 136 at the base wall 138.

[0043] In still some embodiments, the clamp assembly 130 includes a tab 142 extending along the transverse axis T, the lateral axis L, or both. The tab 142 may form a wall separated along the vertical axis V, such as to separate the tab 142 from the base wall 138. The tab 142 may provide a detent along the vertical axis V to limit movement of the cable 90 along the vertical axis V.

[0044] The clamp assembly 130 includes a pivot member 144 rotatable relative to a pivot axis 148. The tray 140 is attached to the pivot member 144 to facilitate rotational translation of the tray 140 from an installed position (depicted in Fig. 3) to a pivoted position (depicted in Fig. 4). In various embodiments, the pivot member 144 is configured to rotate the tray 140 up to approximately ninety (90) degrees. The pivot member 144 allows the tray 140 from the base wall 112, such as to position the tray 140 in an open volume away from the base wall 112.

[0045] In various embodiments, the clamp 124 and clamp assembly 130 include snaps, slides, latches, or magnetic walls configured to selectively attach to a sidewall. For instance, sidewall 114 and clamp 124 include a mount interface 125 configured to selectively attach the clamp 124 to the sidewall 114. In another instance, sidewall 141 of the tray 140 and clamp assembly 130 include a mount interface 145 configured to selectively attach the clamp assembly 130 to the sidewall 141. The mount interface 145 may extend from the base wall 138 at the clamp assembly 130.

[0046] Clamps 124, 132 may form sleeve-fixing points at the cable 90. For instance, a user may separate an outer sleeve of the cable 90 from fiber optic leads 91 within the cable 90.

[0047] Referring to Figs. 3-4 and Figs. 5A-5B, embodiments of the panel 110 form a cable routing path extending from alongside the panel 110 at the first side 103 and through the passage 126 toward the first end 101. The cable 90 may wrap around the cable management member 116 (e.g., wrap approximately 180 degrees around the cable management member 116) to position a portion of the cable 90 in the cable routing passage 122. The cable 90 may extend substantially along the transverse axis T from the cable management member 116 toward the second end 102.

[0048] The cable 90 may extend substantially along the lateral axis L from the cable management member 116 toward the second side 104 of the panel 110. The cable 90 may extend along the transverse axis T along the routing passage 136 from a rear sidewall 114 proximate to the second end 102 and toward the first end 101. The tray 140 may include a cable routing opening 143 into which the cable 90 may enter, or portions thereof, such as one or more fiber optic leads 91.

[0049] The panel 110 and clamp assembly 130 may include an attachment interface 115, 135 configured to selectively affix the clamp assembly 130 to the panel 110. The attachment interface 115, 135 includes a first portion 115 at the base wall 112 or the sidewall 114. The attachment interface includes a second portion 135 at the clamp assembly 130.

[0050] Referring to Fig. 5A, in some embodiments, one or both of the portions 115, 135 may include a magnet configured to magnetically attach to a magnetically- attachable interface, such as one or the other of portions 115, 135. The magnetically- attachable interface may include a ferrous, ferrous-based, or ferromagnetic material. In such embodiments, the attachment interface 115. 135 forms a magnetic interface configured to selectively affix the clamp assembly 130 to the panel 110.

[0051] Referring to Fig. 5B, in still some embodiments, the attachment interface 115, 135 includes a mechanical latch, clip, or snap, such as a receiving portion 154 and insertion portion 155. The insertion portion 155 may include a latch, clip, snap, pin, or other member selectively attachable and detachable to the receiving portion 154. The receiving portion 154 may include a latch interface, snap interface, opening, or clip configured to selectively receive the insertion portion 155. For instance, the insertion portion 155 may form a male member receivable at the receiving portion 154 forming a female member. In various embodiments, selective attachment and detachment may include attachment and detachment along the transverse axis T, such as depicted schematically via arrow 99.

[0052] Referring to Figs. 3-4 and Figs. 5A-5B, a user may detach the tray 140 and clamp assembly 130 from magnetic coupling at the panel 110 by separating the first portion 1 15 from the second portion 135. For instance, the panel 110 may include one or more portions 115 configured to affix the clamp assembly 130 along the lateral axis L and the transverse axis T. For instance, first portion 115 may include a magnet or magnetically -attachable interface in a first orientation along the lateral axis L. The first portion 115 may include a magnet or magnetically-attachable interface in a second orientation along the transverse axis T. The second portion 135 includes one or more respectively oriented magnets or magnetically-attachable interfaces. The user may apply a force along the transverse axis T to overcome an attractive force between the portions 115. 135, such as depicted schematically at arrow 99 in Figs. 5A-5B. The tray 140 is allowed to be removed from the panel 110 and frame 100. Additionally, the cable 90, or a protective sleeve of the cable, is allowed to move. For instance, the cable management member 116 may facilitate providing sufficient slack to facilitate movement and removal of the tray 140 from the panel 110 and frame 100 while the cable 90 is connected at the clamps 124, 132.

[0053] Referring now to Figs. 6-10, views of exemplar}' embodiments of the frame 100 and cable mount 200 are provided. Embodiments of the cable mount 200 include a mount wall 210 attachable to the frame 100. The mount wall 210 may form a portion of the body 106 of the frame 100. The mount wall 210 includes one or more slots 212 extending into the mount wall 210 forming a wall. For instance, the mount wall 210 may include one or more slots 212 extending along the vertical axis V. The slots 212 may be arranged in adjacent lateral or transversal arrangement.

[0054] The cable mount 200 includes a mount bracket 220 forming a wall having an opening to selectively receive a fastener 224. The mount bracket 220 includes a first clamp end 221 and a second clamp end 222 separated from one another along an extension of the cable 90 (e.g., separated along vertical axis V). The clamp ends 221, 222 may form I-shaped heads or other members including one or more protrusions, grooves, or recesses. For instead, clamp ends 221. 222 may form walls or detents at which a clamp 231, 232 may react against.

[0055] Clamp ends 221, 222 are configured to receive respective clamps 231, 232 to attach to the cable 90, or portions thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, a first clamp 231 is configured to wrap or attach to an outer sleeve 94 of the cable 90 and the first clamp end 221. A second clamp 232 is configured to wrap or attach to a strength member 93 of the cable 90. In still various embodiments, the second clamp 232 may wrap or attach to a fiber optic lead 91 extending from the outer sleeve 94.

[0056] In some embodiments, a guide tab 226 extends from the mount bracket 220. The guide tab 226 is configured to extend into a slot 212 at the mount wall 210. The guide tab 226 may inhibit rotational movement or translation of the mount bracket 220.

[0057] In various embodiments, the fastener 224 is extendable through the slot 212 at the mount wall 210 and into the mount bracket 220. The fastener 224 may include a threaded member and plate, such as a wing nut. The fastener 224 may clamp the mount bracket 220 to the mount wall 210 at the slot 212. In still some embodiments, the fastener 224 attaches to the mount bracket 220 and slide into the slot 212, such as to affix the mount bracket 220 to the mount wall 210.

[0058] Embodiments of the mount bracket 220 may receive the cable 90 from a bottom-fed orientation into the frame 100, such as depicted at Figs. 6-7, or from a topfed orientation into the frame 100, such as depicted in Figs. 9-10. A user may attach the mount bracket 200 and clamps 231, 232 to the cable 90, such as depicted at Fig. 8. The mount bracket 200 may allow the user to then route the cable 90 from the bottom- fed orientation or top-fed orientation. As such, embodiments of the cable bracket 200 may facilitate attachment without regard to orientation along the vertical axis V. It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the cable mount 200 may further allow for orientation along the lateral axis L or the transverse axis T.

[0059] Embodiments of the frame 100, panel 110, and tray 140 provided herein may facilitate placement and removal of the tray 140, such as to facilitate the user to perform maintenance tasks associated with fiber optic cables and connectivity. Embodiments provided herein may provide improved accessibility. Additionally, embodiments provided herein may provide improved accessibility without requiring unclamping, removal, or detachment of cable portions, the tray, or portions of the panel.

[0060] Further aspects of the disclosure are provided in one or more of the following clauses:

[0061] 1. A panel for a telecommunications equipment rack, the panel including a tray including a tray sidewall, wherein a cable routing opening is formed through the tray sidewall; a base wall forming a surface at which the tray is receivable; a panel sidew all extending along a periphery' of the base wall; a member extending from the base wall, wherein the member forms a point around which a cable may at least partially wrap around the member; a first clamp attachable to the panel at the first side, wherein the first clamp forms a passage extending substantially co-directional to a perimeter of the base wall when attached to the panel; and a clamp assembly selectively affixable to the base wall, the clamp assembly including a second clamp configured to selectively attach the cable to the clamp assembly, wherein the clamp assembly includes a routing passage extending substantially co-directional to the perimeter of the base wall, and wherein the clamp assembly includes a pivot member including a pivot axis relative to which the pivot member is rotatable, and wherein a mount interface is formed at which the clamp assembly selectively attaches to the tray sidewall.

[0062] 2. The panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the panel forms a cable routing path extending from alongside the base wall at the first side and through the passage formed at the clamp, wherein the cable routing path extends from the passage at the clamp and at least partially around the member to extend the cable from the member toward the second end, and wherein the cable routing path extends along the lateral axis from the member toward the second side of the panel, and wherein the cable routing path extends along the transverse axis along the routing passage toward the first end, and wherein the cable routing path extends from the routing passage to the cable routing opening at the tray sidewall.

[0063] 3. The panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the panel and the clamp assembly include an attachment interface configured to selectively affix the clamp assembly to the panel, wherein the attachment interface includes a first portion at the base wall or panel sidewall, and wherein the attachment interface includes a second portion at the clamp assembly.

[0064] 4. The panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the attachment interface includes a magnet at the first portion or the second portion, and wherein the attachment interface includes a magnetically-attachable interface at the other of the first portion or the second portion, and wherein the first portion is in a first orientation along the lateral axis and a second orientation along the transverse axis, and wherein the second portion is respectively oriented to the first portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured to disconnect from one another when an attractive force between the first portion and the second portion is overcome.

[0065] 5. The panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the clamp assembly includes a clamp base wall extending co-directional to the base wall of the panel, and wherein the second clamp is positioned at the clamp base wall.

[0066] 6. The panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the clamp assembly includes a tab extending along the transverse axis, the lateral axis, or both, the tab including a wall separated along the vertical axis from the clamp base wall, wherein the tab forms a detent to limit movement of the cable along the vertical axis. [0067] 7. An optical distribution frame assembly including the panel of any one or more clauses herein.

[0068] 8. An optical distribution frame assembly, wherein a mutually orthogonal reference lateral axis, transverse axis, and vertical axis are defined, 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 optical distribution frame assembly including a frame including a body forming a substantially rigid structure, the frame including a rack: and a telecommunications panel receivable at the rack, the panel including a fiber optic tray including a tray sidewall, wherein a cable routing opening is formed through the tray sidewall; a base wall forming a surface at which the tray is receivable; a sidewall extending along a periphery of the base wall; a member extending from the base wall, wherein the member forms a point around which a cable may at least partially wrap around the member; a first clamp attachable to the panel at the first side, wherein the first clamp forms a passage extending substantially co-directional to a perimeter of the base wall when attached to the panel; and a clamp assembly selectively affixable to the base wall, the clamp assembly including a second clamp configured to selectively attach the cable to the clamp assembly, wherein the clamp assembly includes a routing passage extending substantially co-directional to the perimeter of the base wall, and wherein the clamp assembly includes a pivot member including a pivot axis relative to which the pivot member is rotatable, and wherein a mount interface is formed at which the clamp assembly selectively attaches to the tray sidewall.

[0069] 9. The optical distribution frame assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the panel forms a cable routing path extending from alongside the base wall at the first side and through the passage formed at the clamp, wherein the cable routing path extends from the passage at the clamp and at least partially around the member to extend the cable from the member toward the second end, and wherein the cable routing path extends along the lateral axis from the member toward the second side of the panel, and wherein the cable routing path extends along the transverse axis along the routing passage toward the first end. and wherein the cable routing path extends from the routing passage to the cable routing opening at the tray sidewall.

[0070] 10. The optical distribution frame assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the cable routing opening at the tray sidewall is positioned adjacent to the routing passage at the clamp assembly.

[0071] 11. The optical distribution frame assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the panel and the clamp assembly include an attachment interface configured to selectively affix the clamp assembly to the panel. [0072] 12. The optical distribution frame assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the attachment interface includes a first portion at the base wall or sidewall of the panel, and wherein the attachment interface includes a second portion at the clamp assembly.

[0073] 13. The optical distribution frame assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the attachment interface includes a magnet at the first portion or the second portion, and wherein the attachment interface includes a magnetically- attachable interface at the other of the first portion or the second portion.

[0074] 14. The optical distribution frame assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the attachment interface includes a latch, snap, slide, or pin.

[0075] 15. The optical distribution frame assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the first portion of the attachment interface is in a first orientation along the lateral axis and a second orientation along the transverse axis, and wherein the second portion of the attachment interface is respectively oriented to the first portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured to disconnect from one another when an attractive force between the first portion and the second portion is overcome.

[0076] 16. The optical distribution frame assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the pivot member is configured to allow the tray to rotate from an installed position over the base wall of the panel to a pivoted position outside of the base wall of the panel.

[0077] 17. The optical distribution frame assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the pivot member is configured to allow the tray to rotate approximately ninety degrees from the base wall of the panel.

[0078] 18. The optical distribution frame assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the member at the panel includes a rotary, a pulley, or a wheel configured to guide the cable around a center axis of the member.

[0079] 19. The optical distribution frame assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the clamp assembly includes a clamp base wall extending co- directional to the base wall of the panel, and wherein the second clamp is positioned at the clamp base wall. [0080] 20. The optical distribution frame assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the clamp assembly includes a tab extending along the transverse axis, the lateral axis, or both, the tab including a wall separated along the vertical axis from the clamp base wall, wherein the tab forms a detent to limit movement of the cable along the vertical axis.

[0081] 21. The optical distribution frame assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the frame includes a plurality of racks in adjacent arrangement along the vertical axis, wherein the plurality of racks are configured to receive a plurality of panels in adjacent arrangement along the vertical axis.

[0082] 22. The optical distribution frame assembly of any one or more clauses herein, the frame including a wall forming an outer perimeter of the frame.

[0083] 23. The optical distribution frame assembly of any one or more clauses herein including the telecommunications panel of any one or more clauses herein. [0084] 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 within 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 panel for a telecommunications equipment rack, the panel comprising: a tray comprising a tray sidewall, wherein a cable routing opening is formed through the tray sidewall; a base wall forming a surface at which the tray is receivable; a panel sidewall extending along a periphery of the base wall; a member extending from the base wall, wherein the member forms a point around which a cable may at least partially wrap around the member; a first clamp attachable to the panel at the first side, wherein the first clamp forms a passage extending substantially co-directional to a perimeter of the base wall when the first clamp is attached to the panel; and a clamp assembly selectively affixable to the base wall, the clamp assembly comprising a second clamp configured to selectively attach the cable to the clamp assembly, wherein the clamp assembly comprises a routing passage extending substantially co-directional to the perimeter of the base wall, and wherein the clamp assembly comprises a pivot member rotatable relative to a pivot axis, and wherein a mount interface is formed at which the clamp assembly selectively attaches to the tray sidewall.

2. The panel of claim 1. wherein the panel forms a cable routing path extending from alongside the base wall at the first side and through the passage formed at the clamp, wherein the cable routing path extends from the passage at the clamp and at least partially around the member to extend the cable from the member toward the second end, and wherein the cable routing path extends along the lateral axis from the member toward the second side of the panel, and wherein the cable routing path extends along the transverse axis along the routing passage toward the first end, and wherein the cable routing path extends from the routing passage to the cable routing opening at the tray sidewall.

3. The panel of claim 2, wherein the cable routing opening at the tray sidewall is positioned adjacent to the routing passage at the clamp assembly.

4. The panel of claim 1, wherein the panel and the clamp assembly comprise an attachment interface configured to selectively affix the clamp assembly to the panel.

5. The panel of claim 4, wherein the attachment interface comprises a first portion at the base wall or sidewall of the panel, and wherein the attachment interface comprises a second portion at the clamp assembly.

6. The panel of claim 5, wherein the attachment interface comprises a magnet at the first portion or the second portion, and wherein the attachment interface comprises a magnetically-attachable interface at the other of the first portion or the second portion.

7. The panel of claim 5, wherein the attachment interface comprises a latch, snap, slide, or pin.

8. The panel of claim 5. wherein the first portion of the attachment interface is in a first orientation along the lateral axis and a second orientation along the transverse axis, and wherein the second portion of the attachment interface is respectively oriented to the first portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured to disconnect from one another when an attractive force between the first portion and the second portion is overcome.

9. The panel of claim 1 , wherein the pivot member is configured to allow the tray to rotate from an installed position over the base wall of the panel to a pivoted position outside of the base wall of the panel.

10. The panel of claim 9, wherein the pivot member is configured to allow the tray to rotate approximately ninety degrees from the base wall of the panel.

11. The panel of claim 1 , wherein the member at the panel comprises a rotary, a pulley, or a wheel configured to guide the cable around a center axis of the member.

12. The panel of claim 1, wherein the clamp assembly comprises a clamp base wall extending co-directional to the base wall of the panel, and wherein the second clamp is positioned at the clamp base wall.

13. The panel of claim 1, wherein the clamp assembly comprises a tab extending along the transverse axis, the lateral axis, or both, the tab comprising a wall separated along the vertical axis from the clamp base wall, wherein the tab forms a detent to limit movement of the cable along the vertical axis.

14. An optical distribution frame assembly , wherein a mutually orthogonal reference lateral axis, transverse axis, and vertical axis are defined, 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 optical distribution frame assembly comprising: a frame comprising a body forming a substantially rigid structure, the frame comprising a rack; and a telecommunications panel receivable at the rack, the panel comprising: a fiber optic tray comprising a tray sidewall, wherein a cable routing opening is formed through the tray sidewall; a base wall forming a surface at which the tray is receivable; a sidewall extending along a periphery of the base wall; a member extending from the base wall, wherein the member forms a point around which a cable may at least partially wrap around the member; a first clamp attachable to the panel at the first side, wherein the first clamp forms a passage extending substantially co-directional to a perimeter of the base wall when the first clamp is attached to the panel; and a clamp assembly selectively affixable to the base wall, the clamp assembly comprising a second clamp configured to selectively attach the cable to the clamp assembly, wherein the clamp assembly comprises a routing passage extending substantially co-directional to the perimeter of the base wall, and wherein the clamp assembly comprises a pivot member comprising a pivot axis relative to which the pivot member is rotatable, and wherein a mount interface is formed at which the clamp assembly selectively attaches to the tray sidewall.

15. The optical distribution frame assembly of claim 14, wherein the panel forms a cable routing path extending from alongside the base wall at the first side and through the passage formed at the clamp, wherein the cable routing path extends from the passage at the clamp and at least partially around the member to extend the cable from the member toward the second end, and wherein the cable routing path extends along the lateral axis from the member toward the second side of the panel, and wherein the cable routing path extends along the transverse axis along the routing passage toward the first end, and wherein the cable routing path extends from the routing passage to the cable routing opening at the tray sidewall.

16. The optical distribution frame assembly of claim 14, wherein the panel and the clamp assembly comprise an attachment interface configured to selectively affix the clamp assembly to the panel, wherein the attachment interface comprises a first portion at the base wall or panel sidewall, and wherein the attachment interface comprises a second portion at the clamp assembly.

17. The optical distribution frame assembly of claim 16. wherein the attachment interface comprises a magnet at the first portion or the second portion, and wherein the attachment interface comprises a magnetically-attachable interface at the other of the first portion or the second portion, and wherein the first portion is in a first orientation along the lateral axis and a second orientation along the transverse axis, and wherein the second portion is respectively oriented to the first portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured to disconnect from one another when an attractive force between the first portion and the second portion is overcome.

18. The optical distribution frame assembly of claim 14. wherein the clamp assembly comprises a clamp base wall extending co-directional to the base wall of the panel, and wherein the second clamp is positioned at the clamp base wall.

19. The optical distribution frame assembly of claim I S. wherein the clamp assembly comprises a tab extending along the transverse axis, the lateral axis, or both, the tab comprising a wall separated along the vertical axis from the clamp base wall, wherein the tab forms a detent to limit movement of the cable along the vertical axis.

20. The optical distribution frame assembly of claim 14. wherein the frame comprises a plurality of racks in adjacent arrangement along the vertical axis, wherein the plurality of racks are configured to receive a plurality of panels in adjacent arrangement along the vertical axis.