Fiber optic terminal enclosure

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/542,572, filed on Jul. 10, 2017, which is a National Stage Patent Application of PCT/US2016/013053, filed on Jan. 12, 2016, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/102,407, filed on Jan. 12, 2015, the disclosures of all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

1. Field

The invention is related to a fiber optic terminal enclosure and more particularly to a terminal enclosure that can be used for hardened fiber optic adaptors.

2. Related Art

Fiber to the home is a desirable broadband deployment method that holds the promise of providing the greatest amount of bandwidth for future applications. One method of deployment utilizes a hardened fiber optic connector design. These connectors terminate at a enclosure on one end and to the home on the other. At the enclosure termination, the input cable must be sealed and transitioned into the enclosure so as to minimize space and provide a secure water tight connection. Current methods utilize bulky heat shrinks and grommets to accomplish this mating.

Exemplary implementations of the present invention address the problems and/or disadvantages of the current technology/methodology described above. Although the present invention is not required to overcome all of the disadvantages described above, an exemplary implementation of the present invention may address the above disadvantages, and further disadvantages not described above, or may not overcome any of the problems listed above while still providing improved methodology and enhancement to the present art.

In order to design a method of entry in to the enclosure, a unique transition has been conceived to terminate the cable and fan-out the fibers for connectorization and termination within the enclosure. An integrated chip holder allows for easy fan-out from the cable the 900 μm tubing used within the enclosure. Epoxy is used to fill the transition providing water blocking and cable retention. A threaded insert is used to secure the transition in the enclosure. The unique wedge shape of the transition provides additional retention and strain relieves the transition fitting. An O-ring around the threaded fitting seals the transition to the enclosure once secured with internal nut.

Advantages and benefits of the invention include, but are not limited to the following: 1. Integrated fan-out chip allows for easy fiber transition from 250 μm to protected 900 μm furcation. 2. Inherent wedge shape provides additional strain relief. 3. Two piece construction facilitates ease of manufacturing. 4. Transition piece allows for assembly separate from the enclosure also adding in manufacturing process.

One embodiment of the present invention includes a terminal enclosure with a terminal base with a hole; a terminal lid with an adaptor mounting face and a mounting hole in the adapter mounting face; a right angle transition body with a first end and a second end; and adapter which passes through the mounting hole and is mounted to the adapter mounting face; and a fiber optic cable, attached to the second end of the right angle transition body, with an optical fiber with a connector at one end. In addition, the adapter mounting face is formed at an angle α, between 0 and 180 degrees, from a plane formed where the terminal lid and terminal base meet. The optical fiber connector is connected to the adapter. The first end of the right angle transition body passes through the terminal base hole. The terminal base and terminal lid are configured to be attached together.

Other features of the present invention include a plurality of mounting faces on the terminal lid, each of the mounting faces includes a plurality of mounting holes and a plurality of adapters pass through the mounting holes and are mounted to the adapter mounting faces.

Other features of the present invention include the right angle transition body having two body halves.

Other features of the present invention include the right angle transition body having a wedge-like shape.

Other features of the present invention include having a pocket in the terminal base such that the right angle transition body can be positioned in the terminal base pocket such that the right angle transition body does not extend beyond a plane formed at the bottom of the terminal base.

Other features of the present invention include the adapter being a hardened fiber optic adapter.

Other features of the present invention include the fiber optic cable having a furcation tube organizer block.

Other features of the present invention include the angle α being approximately 45 degrees, or in a range between 30 and 60 degrees.

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure.

FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective bottom view of a first exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective bottom view of a first exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective bottom view of a first exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective end view of a first exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective side view of a second exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective bottom view of a third exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show perspective views of the terminal base and right angle transition body of a third exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure.

FIGS. 14A and 14B show cross-sectional and perspectives views of the right angle transition body of a third exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure.

FIGS. 15A and 15B show internal views of the right angle transition body of a third exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure.

FIG. 16 shows a perspective bottom view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure.

FIG. 17A shows a perspective top view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure.

FIG. 17B shows a perspective top view of a first exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure.

FIG. 17C shows a perspective top view of a third exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure.

FIG. 18A shows an end view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure.

FIG. 18B shows an end view of a first exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure.

FIG. 18C shows an end view of a third exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure.

FIG. 18D shows a side view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure.

FIG. 18E shows a side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure.

FIG. 18F shows a side view of a third exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure.

FIG. 18G shows a bottom view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure.

FIG. 18H shows a bottom view of a first exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure.

FIG. 18I shows a bottom view of a third exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure.

FIGS. 19A and 19D show perspective top views of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure.

FIGS. 19B and 19E show perspective top views of a first exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure.

FIGS. 19C and 19F show perspective top views of a third exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure.

The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the apparatuses and/or systems described herein. Various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the systems and/or apparatuses described herein will suggest themselves to those of ordinary skill in the art. Descriptions of well-known functions and structures are omitted to enhance clarity and conciseness.

FIGS. 1A, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 17B, 18B, 18E, 18H, 19B, 19E and 19B show views of a first exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure 100 . The fiber optic terminal enclosure 100 includes a six port terminal lid 101 and a terminal base 102 . The six port terminal lid 101 of the fiber optic terminal enclosure 100 includes six holes 104 (see FIG. 19B ), in adaptor mounting faces 101 A, into which hardened fiber optic adaptors (HFOA) 105 are mounted. The adaptor mounting surfaces 101 A are formed at an angle α between 0 and 180 degrees, preferably in a range between 30 and 60 degrees and more preferably at approximately 45 degrees, from a plane formed where six port terminal lid 101 and terminal base 102 meet (see FIG. 18E ), to allow for easy access and cable management. The holes 104 in each adaptor mounting surfaces 101 A are staggered to make assess easier. The six port terminal lid 101 also includes fastener shrouds 106 . The six port terminal lid 101 also includes an O-ring retainer 111 .

The terminal base 102 includes fastener bosses 107 and 107 A. Conventional fasteners (not shown) can be used to attach the six port terminal lid 101 to the terminal base 102 at the fastener shrouds 106 and fastener bosses 107 , 107 A. The terminal base 102 also includes mounting tabs 108 that can be used to mount the fiber optic terminal enclosure 100 to other structures, such as a wall or pole, with conventional fasteners (not shown). The terminal base 102 also includes an O-ring groove 112 . Thus, an O-ring (not shown) may be placed in the O-ring groove 112 before attaching the six port terminal lid 101 to the terminal base 102 , and the O-ring retainer 111 will hold the O-ring in place such that an appropriate environmental seal can be formed.

The terminal base 102 also includes a pocket 103 A for a right angle transition body 103 . The pocket 103 A may also include a space for a locking clamp 110 that can be used to attach a flat drop cable 109 to the terminal base 102 . In a preferred embodiment, said pocket 103 A is deep enough so that said right angle transition body 103 does not extend beyond a plane formed at the bottom ( 102 A) of said terminal base 102 .

The fiber optic terminal enclosure 100 may be made of thermoplastic materials, such as polycarbonates or polypropylene, or other like materials.

FIGS. 3 and 5 show a cross-sectional views of the first exemplary embodiment of the fiber optic terminal enclosure 100 with the right angle transition body 103 . The right angle transition 103 has a first threaded end 103 B that is inserted into a hole 103 C in the terminal base 102 . A nut (not shown) can be threaded on the threaded end 103 B to attach the right angle transition body 103 to the terminal base 102 . The right angle transition body 103 also has a second threaded end 103 D and transition body 103 F for holding a furcation tube organizer block 109 C. A nut 103 E can be threaded on the threaded end 103 D to attach a flat drop cable 109 to the right angle transition body 103 . The flat drop cable 109 includes optical fibers 109 A which go through the furcation tube organizer block 109 C. At the end of flat drop cable 109 are connectors 109 B that are inserted into HFOAs 105 . Flat drop cable 109 may include strength members and a buffer tube for the optical fibers.

In addition, epoxy or other suitable materials may be used to fill the right angle transition body 103 to provide water blocking and cable retention.

FIGS. 1B and 8 show of a second exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure 200 . The fiber optic terminal enclosure 200 is similar to fiber optic terminal enclosure 100 , except that it includes more ports. The fiber optic terminal enclosure 200 includes a twelve port terminal lid 201 and a terminal base 202 . The twelve port terminal lid 201 of the fiber optic terminal enclosure 200 includes twelve holes 204 , in adaptor mounting faces 201 A, into which HFOAs 205 are mounted. The adaptor mounting surfaces are formed at an angle α between 0 and 180 degrees, preferably in a range between 30 and 60 degrees and more preferably at approximately 45 degrees, from a plane formed where twelve port terminal lid 201 and terminal base 202 meet, to allow for easy access and cable management. The holes 204 in each adaptor mounting surfaces 201 A are staggered to make access easier. The twelve port terminal lid 201 also includes fastener shrouds 206 . The twelve port terminal lid 201 also includes an O-ring retainer similar to O-ring retainer 111 .

The terminal base 202 includes fastener bosses 207 and 207 A. Conventional fasteners (not shown) can be used to attach the twelve port terminal lid 201 to the terminal base 202 at the fastener shrouds 206 and fastener bosses 207 , 207 A. The terminal base 202 also includes mounting tabs 208 that can be used to mount the fiber optic terminal enclosure 200 to other structures, such as a wall or pole, with conventional fasteners (not shown). The terminal base 202 also includes an O-ring groove similar to O-ring groove 112 . Thus, an O-ring (not shown) may be placed in the O-ring groove before attaching the twelve port terminal lid 201 to the terminal base 202 , and the O-ring retainer will hold the O-ring in place such that an appropriate environmental seal can be formed.

The terminal base 202 also includes a pocket similar to pocket 103 A for a right angle transition body similar to right angle transition body 103 . The pocket may also include a space for a locking clamp similar to locking clamp 110 that can be used to attach a flat drop cable similar to flat drop cable 109 to the terminal base 202 . In a preferred embodiment, said pocket is deep enough so that said right angle transition body does not extend beyond a plane formed at the bottom ( 202 A) of said terminal base 202 .

The fiber optic terminal enclosure 200 may be made of thermoplastic materials, such as polycarbonates or polypropylene, or other like materials.

Cross sectional views of fiber optic terminal enclosure 200 would be similar to FIGS. 3 and 5 .

FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13A, 13B, 17C, 18C, 18F, 18I, 19C and 19 show views of a third exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure 300 . The fiber optic terminal enclosure 300 includes a six port terminal lid 301 and a terminal base 302 . The six port terminal lid 301 of the fiber optic terminal enclosure 300 includes six holes 304 (see FIG. 19C ), in adaptor mounting faces 301 A, into which HFOAs 305 are mounted. The adaptor mounting surfaces are formed at an angle α between 0 and 180 degrees, preferably in a range between 30 and 60 degrees and more preferably at approximately 45 degrees, from a plane where six port terminal lid 301 and terminal base 302 meet (see FIG. 18F ), to allow for easy access and cable management. The holes 304 in each adaptor mounting surfaces 301 A are staggered to make access easier. The six port terminal lid 301 also includes fastener shrouds 306 . The six port terminal lid 301 also includes an O-ring retainer similar to O-ring retainer 111 .

The terminal base 302 includes fastener bosses 307 and 307 A. Conventional fasteners (not shown) can be used to attach the six port terminal lid 301 to the terminal base 302 at the fastener shrouds 306 and fastener bosses 307 , 307 A. The terminal base 302 also includes mounting tabs 308 that can be used to mount the fiber optic terminal enclosure 300 to other structures, such as a wall or pole, with conventional fasteners (not shown). The terminal base 302 also includes an O-ring groove 312 . Thus, an O-ring (not shown) may be placed in the O-ring groove 312 before attaching the six port terminal lid 301 to the terminal base 302 , and the O-ring retainer will hold the O-ring in place such that an appropriate environmental seal can be formed.

The terminal base 302 also includes a pocket 303 A for a right angle transition body 303 . In a preferred embodiment, said pocket 303 A is deep enough so that said right angle transition body 303 does not extend beyond a plane formed at the bottom ( 302 A) of said terminal base 302 .

The right angle transition 303 has a first threaded end 303 B that is inserted into a hole 303 C in the terminal base 302 . A nut 313 can be threaded on the threaded end 303 B to attach the right angle transition body 303 to the terminal base 302 . Also, an O-ring 314 may be place around the threaded end 303 B to improve the environmental seal.

FIGS. 14A, 14B, 15A and 15B show views of right angle transition 303 and flat drop cable 309 . The right angle transition 303 includes two body halves 303 - 1 and 303 - 2 that may be held together by tabs/holes 303 D. Flat drop cable 309 may include strength members 309 E and a buffer tube 309 D including optical fibers 309 A. The optical fibers 309 A go through a furcation tube organizer block 309 C. At the end of flat drop cable 309 are connectors 309 B that are inserted into HFOAs 305 . In one embodiment, the right angle transition body 303 has a wedge-like shape.

In addition, epoxy or other suitable materials may be used to fill the right angle transition body 303 to provide water blocking and cable retention.

The fiber optic terminal enclosure 300 may be made of thermoplastic materials, such as polycarbonates or polypropylene, or other like materials.

FIGS. 16, 17A, 18A, 18D, 18G, 19A and 19D show views of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic terminal enclosure 400 . This enclosure is similar fiber optic terminal enclosure 100 , except that the holes 404 in each of the adaptor mounting surfaces 401 A are not staggered. The fiber optic terminal enclosure 400 includes a six port terminal lid 401 and a terminal base 402 . The six port terminal lid 401 of the fiber optic terminal enclosure 400 includes six holes 404 (see FIG. 19A ), in adaptor mounting faces 401 A, into which hardened HFOAs similar to HFOAs 105 (not shown) are mounted. The adaptor mounting surfaces 401 A are formed at an angle α between 0 and 180 degrees, preferably in a range between 30 and 60 degrees and more preferably at approximately 45 degrees, from a plane formed where six port terminal lid 401 and terminal base 402 meet (see FIG. 18D ), to allow for easy access and cable management. The six port terminal lid 401 also includes fastener shrouds 406 . The six port terminal lid 401 also includes an O-ring retainer similar to O-ring retainer 111 (not shown).

The terminal base 402 includes fastener bosses 407 and 407 A. Conventional fasteners (not shown) can be used to attach the six port terminal lid 401 to the terminal base 402 at the fastener shrouds 406 and fastener bosses 407 , 407 A. The terminal base 402 also includes mounting tabs 408 that can be used to mount the fiber optic terminal enclosure 400 to other structures, such as a wall or pole, with conventional fasteners (not shown). The terminal base 402 also includes an O-ring groove similar to O-ring groove 112 (not shown). Thus, an O-ring (not shown) may be placed in the O-ring groove before attaching the six port terminal lid 401 to the terminal base 402 , and the O-ring retainer will hold the O-ring in place such that an appropriate environmental seal can be formed.

The terminal base 402 also includes a pocket 403 A for a right angle transition body similar to right angle transition body 103 (not shown). The pocket 403 A may also include a space for a locking clamp similar to locking clamp 410 that can be used to attach a flat drop cable similar to flat drop cable 109 (not shown) to the terminal base 402 . In a preferred embodiment, said pocket 403 A is deep enough so that said right angle transition body 403 does not extend beyond a plane formed at the bottom ( 402 A) of said terminal base 402 .

The fiber optic terminal enclosure 400 may be made of thermoplastic materials, such as polycarbonates or polypropylene, or other like materials.

Cross sectional views of fiber optic terminal enclosure 400 would be similar to FIGS. 3 and 5 .

In addition, epoxy or other suitable materials may be used to fill the right angle transition body 103 to provide water blocking and cable retention.

As mentioned above, although the exemplary embodiments described above are various undersea housings the general inventive concept should not be limited thereto, and it could also apply to other types of housings. For example, the enclosure is not limited to lids with six or twelve holes for HFOAs.