Locking system for telecommunications trays and telecommunications devices

Abstract

A locking system for a telecommunications tray and a tray assembly are provided. The locking system is attachable to a wall at a housing of the tray assembly. The locking system is configured to selectively prevent movement of the tray base from the extended position and the retracted position. The locking system includes a member extending in a direction of travel of the tray base and a limiter attachable to the mount. The member is positioned in a sliding arrangement relative to the limiter. The restrictor includes a deformable tab that is selectively deformable. The member is translatable in a first direction to apply a force from the member to the deformable tab to position the deformable tab in a locked position to align at least a portion of the deformable tab with the mount in a direction of travel. The member is translatable in a second direction to allow the deformable tab to be positioned in an unlocked position to remove the deformable tab from alignment with the mount.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Trays and racks are used in telecommunications to hold fiber optic cables in a desired position for mating with other cables. Each rack contains a separate pull-out tray. Each tray includes multiple adapters into which cables are inserted to form a pair. The tray is pulled outward from the rack to a position that allows users to easily access the cables. When inserting or removing cables from the adapters, the force of manipulating these trays can cause the tray to undesirably slide back into the rack. This undesirable backsliding results in a loss of efficiency, time, and effort, as the tray must be moved back to the desired position for users to perform tasks, manage, or manipulate the tray.

[0003] A tray that can be secured to a desired location would be beneficial and advantageous. Additionally, a mechanism for securing a tray to a desired location that limits space or interference with cables would be beneficial and advantageous. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Aspects and advantages of the disclosure 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 disclosure.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a tray assembly for a telecommunications tray. The tray assembly includes a housing including a wall coupled to a mounting member. A tray base is in a sliding arrangement relative to the mounting member. The tray base is configured to move between an extended position, extending at least partially out of the housing, and a retracted position, retracted within the housing. A locking system is coupled to the wall at the housing. The locking system is configured to selectively prevent movement of the tray base from the extended and retracted positions. The locking system includes a member extending along a direction of travel of the tray base. The locking system includes a limiter coupled to the mounting member. The member is positioned in a sliding arrangement relative to the limiter. The limiter includes a deformable tab that is selectively deformable. The member is capable of translating in a first direction to apply a force from the member to the deformable tab to position the deformable tab in a locked position, thereby aligning at least a portion of the deformable tab with the mounting member along the direction of travel of the tray base. The member is translatable in a second direction to allow the deformable tab to be positioned in an unlocked position, thereby removing the deformable tab from alignment with the mount in the direction of travel of the tray base.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a locking system for a tray assembly. The locking system includes a member extending along the direction of travel of the tray assembly. The member includes a recess. A limiter can be attached to a fixed structure at the tray assembly. The limiter includes an opening into which the member can extend in a sliding arrangement along the direction of travel of the tray assembly. The limiter includes a deformable tab that can be selectively deformed, the deformable tab comprising a compliant elastic material. The member can translate in a first direction to allow the deformable tab to at least partially extend into the recess at the member, thereby positioning the locking system in an unlocked position. The member can translate in a second direction to apply a force from the member to the deformable tab, thereby positioning the locking system in a locked position.

[0007] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure 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 present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present invention is described in the specification with reference to the accompanying drawings, which provide a complete and achievable disclosure of the present invention to one of ordinary skill in the art (including the best mode of the present invention).

[0009] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of a mounting system according to certain aspects of the present disclosure is shown;

[0010] Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of a tray assembly according to certain aspects of the present disclosure is shown;

[0011] Figure 3 An exemplary embodiment of a locking system according to certain aspects of the present disclosure is shown;

[0012] Figure 4A An exemplary embodiment of a tray assembly according to certain aspects of the present disclosure is shown, including an embodiment of a locking system in an unlocked position;

[0013] Figure 4B According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 4A Detailed view of the tray assembly;

[0014] Figure 5A An exemplary embodiment of a tray assembly according to certain aspects of the present disclosure is shown, including an embodiment of a locking system in a locked position;

[0015] Figure 5B According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 5ADetailed view of the tray assembly;

[0016] Figure 6A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a tray assembly in a closed position and a locking system in an unlocked position according to certain aspects of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 6B According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 6A Detailed view of the tray assembly;

[0018] Figure 7A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a tray assembly in a closed position and a locking system in a locked position according to certain aspects of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 7B According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 7A Detailed view of the tray assembly;

[0020] Figure 8A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a tray assembly in an open position and a locking system in an unlocked position according to certain aspects of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 8B According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 8A Detailed view of the tray assembly;

[0022] Figure 9A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a tray assembly in an open position and a locking system in a locked position according to certain aspects of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 9B According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 9A Detailed view of the tray assembly;

[0024] Figure 10A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a tray assembly in an open position and a locking system in an unlocked position according to certain aspects of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 10B According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 10A Detailed view of the tray assembly;

[0026] Figure 10C According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 10A Detailed view of the tray assembly;

[0027] Figure 11A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a tray assembly in an open position and a locking system in a locked position according to certain aspects of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 11B According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 11A Detailed view of the tray assembly;

[0029] Figure 11C According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 11A Detailed view of the tray assembly;

[0030] Figure 12A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a tray assembly in a closed position and a locking system in an unlocked position according to certain aspects of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 12B According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 12A Detailed view of the tray assembly;

[0032] Figure 12C According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 12A Detailed view of the tray assembly;

[0033] Figure 13A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a tray assembly in a closed position and a locking system in a locked position according to certain aspects of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 13B According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 13A Detailed view of the tray assembly;

[0035] Figure 13C According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 13A Detailed view of the tray assembly;

[0036] Figure 14A illustrates an exemplary detailed view of a locking system in an unlocked position according to certain aspects of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 14B An exemplary detail view of a locking system in a locked position is shown, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 15A illustrates an exemplary detailed view of a locking system in an unlocked position according to certain aspects of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 15B An exemplary detail view of a locking system in a locked position is shown, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0040] 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

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail, with one or more examples of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided to explain the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. For example, features shown or described as part of one embodiment may be used in another embodiment to obtain yet another embodiment. Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention is intended to encompass such modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0042] The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features in the drawings. The same or similar designations in the drawings and the description are used to refer to the same or similar parts of the invention.

[0043] As used herein, the terms "first", "second" and "third" are used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to indicate the position or importance of the various components. The singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "coupled", "fixed", "attached" and the like refer to direct coupling, fixing or attachment, as well as indirect coupling, fixing or attachment through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein. As used herein, the terms "comprises", "includes", "has" or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, article or device that includes a series of features is not necessarily limited to those features, but may include other features that are not explicitly listed or may include other features inherent to such a process, method, article or device. In addition, unless otherwise expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive or rather than an exclusive or. For example, any of the following satisfies condition A or B: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist), A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists), and both A and B are true (or exist).

[0044] Approximate terms (e.g., "about," "approximately," "substantially") include values within a range of ten percent greater than the stated value to ten percent less than the stated value. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include a range of ten degrees less than the stated angle or direction to ten degrees greater than the stated angle or direction. For example, "approximately perpendicular" includes directions within ten degrees of a perpendicular in any direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise).

[0045] The benefits, other advantages, and solutions to the problems will be described below with reference to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to the problems, and any features that can make any benefit, advantage, or solution more significant should not be construed as key, required, or essential features of any or all claims.

[0046] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1-1 5 shows an embodiment of a locking system 130 for a telecommunications enclosure, box, equipment, or tray assembly 115 of a tray 110. Embodiments of the mounting system 100 may include the locking system 130, the tray assembly 115, and the tray 110. However, it should be understood that embodiments of the locking system 130 may be included in various embodiments of a tray or shelf. Additionally or alternatively, embodiments of the locking system 130 and the tray assembly 115 may be used with a variety of equipment, including other telecommunications equipment, fiber optic equipment, enclosures, boxes, or trays.

[0047] A lateral axis L and a transverse axis T, which are perpendicular to each other, are provided for reference. Additionally, a vertical axis V can extend orthogonally to the lateral axis L and the transverse axis T. In various embodiments, the transverse axis T corresponds to a direction in which the locking system 130, the tray assembly 115, and / or the tray 110 can be pulled, pushed, extended, retracted, inserted, or removed (e.g., from a shelf). The lateral axis L can generally correspond to a primary axis of extension of the cassettes 110 at the shelf. However, it should be understood that the cassettes 110 can be rotated or stacked along a secondary axis (e.g., corresponding to the vertical axis).

[0048] The locking system 130 is coupled to the wall 114 at the housing 111. The locking system 130 is configured to selectively prevent the pallet base 120 from moving from the extended position and the retracted position. The locking system 130 includes members 132, 134 extending along the desired direction of travel of the pallet base 120 (e.g., along the transverse axis T). The locking system 130 includes a limiter 140 coupled to a fixed structure (e.g., the mount 118) at the housing 111. The members 132, 134 are positioned in a sliding arrangement relative to the limiter 140, for example, in a sliding arrangement along the desired direction of travel.

[0049] The limiter 140 includes a selectively deformable tab 144. The members 132, 134 are capable of moving in a first direction (e.g., in a direction of travel) along the first direction (e.g., along the Figure 12B The members 132, 134 are capable of translating in a second direction (e.g., a direction opposite to the first direction, such as along the first direction) to apply a force from the members 132, 134 to the deformable tab 144 to position the tab 144 in the locked position so that at least a portion of the tab 144 is aligned with the fixed structure along the direction of travel of the tray base 120. Figure 13B145 ) to allow the tab 144 to be positioned in the unlocked position, thereby removing the deformable tab 144 from alignment with the fixed structure along the direction of travel of the tray base 120 .

[0050] The locking system 130 may include a user interface tab 136 positioned at the members 132, 134. The user interface tab 136 is configured to receive a force to translate the members 132, 134 in a first direction or a second direction in the direction of travel. The user interface tab 136 may provide a structure that a user can push to translate the members 132, 134 to deform the tab 144. For example, Figures 4A to 5A ,from Figures 6A to 7A ,from Figures 8A to 9A ,from FIG. 10A to FIG. 11A , and from FIG. 12A to FIG. 13A The tab 144 is shown to translate along the direction of travel of the tray base 120 (eg, the transverse axis T). The deformation of the tab 144 aligns with a surface that prevents translation of the tray base 120, as seen from FIG. FIG. 14A to FIG. 14B and from FIG. 15A to FIG. 15B In various embodiments, tab 144 is deformed so that at least a portion of tab 144 is aligned with a fixed structure along the direction of travel of tray base 120. Fixed structure includes a fixed or non-moving portion of housing 111, such as mount 118 or sidewall 117 of housing 111.

[0051] In various embodiments, the deformable tab 144 comprises a resilient, compliant material configured to position the locking system 130 in the unlocked position when the members 132, 134 are removed from the deformable tab 144. The force from the members 132, 134 bends the deformable tab 144 into the locked position. For example, Figure 14A and Figure 15A The tab 144 is shown in an unstressed position, wherein the tab 144 is recessed into the restrictor 140 . Figure 14B and Figure 15B The tab 144 is shown in a stressed position, wherein the tab 144 projects to at least partially align with a fixed structure at the housing 111 along the direction of movement of the tray base 120. In various embodiments, the members 132, 134 contact the tab 144 to substantially align with the direction of travel (e.g., perpendicular to the direction of travel). Figure 15B 143 in the figure) pushes the tab 144.

[0052] In some embodiments, trays 110 may generally be connected to or rest on tray rails 114. A single tray rail 114 or multiple tray rails may be attached to base wall 116 via mounting members 118. Sidewalls 117 may extend from base wall 116, and housing 111 may provide outer walls for accommodating multiple trays 110. One or more trays 110 may be extended or retracted from housing 111, as further described herein. For example, tray rails 114 may be coupled to sidewalls 117. Rollers or roller pins may facilitate extension and retraction of tray assembly 115 into and out of the shelf. For example, a pushed-in, retracted, or closed position may position tray 110 within the shelf. A pulled-out, extended, or open position may position the tray 110 at least partially extended from the shelf. Door 112 may hinge to selectively expose or conceal one or more trays 110. The embodiments of locking system 130 illustrated and described herein are configured to selectively lock and unlock tray assembly 115 when the tray assembly is in a pushed / retracted position or a pulled-out, extended position.

[0053] The locking system 130 may include a user interface tab 136 at which a user can pull to translate the member, thereby allowing the tab 144 to return to an undeformed position, such as shown along the transverse axis T from Figure 5A to Figure 4A ,from FIG. 7A to FIG. 6A ,from FIG. 9A to FIG. 8A ,from FIG. 11A to FIG. 10A , and from FIG. 13A to FIG. 12A Pulling the user interface tab 136 removes the force applied to the tab 144, such as to allow the tab 144 to undeform or return to a non-blocking position, as shown in FIG. Figure 14A and Figure 15A In this manner, movement of the tray base 120 along the direction of travel (eg, along the transverse axis T) is selectively blocked and permitted so as to selectively block and permit movement along the direction of travel.

[0054] Embodiments of the locking system 130 allow the tray 110 to be locked and unable to move between the closed position and the open position. In this way, the locking system 130 can beneficially and advantageously limit tray movement, such as preventing accidental or undesirable cable manipulation or movement.

[0055] refer to Figure 3In various embodiments, the locking system 130 can include a user interface tab 136 attached to a member 132, 134 (e.g., a track, a rod, a platform, or a wall). The members 132, 134 can extend generally co-directionally with the desired axis of movement of the tray, such as along the transverse axis T. In some embodiments, the member includes a first portion 134 and a second portion 132 and a stop wall 142 positioned between the first portion 134 and the second portion 132. The first portion 134 can form an end proximal to the user, such as where the user interface tab 136 is located. The second portion 134 can form an end distal to the user, such as near the tray track 114 or positioned within the system 100. The stop wall 142 can be positioned at the members 132, 134 to limit or prevent movement of the members 132, 134 (e.g., along the transverse axis T).

[0056] The locking system 130 includes a restrictor 140 where a deformable tab 144 is located. In various embodiments, the tab 144 is formed of a material that is elastic or selectively deformable, such as to facilitate locking in an unlocked position (e.g., Figure 14A and Figure 15A shown) and locked positions (e.g. Figure 14B and Figure 15B The tab 144 can extend in the same direction as the desired axis of movement of the tray (e.g., along the transverse axis T) and deform in a direction substantially perpendicular to the desired axis of movement (e.g., along the transverse axis T). Figure 15B (as shown in the direction 143 in FIG. 1 ).

[0057] In various embodiments, the restrictor 140 includes a wall, block, or body at which a tab 144 is formed. The restrictor 140 is coupled or secured (e.g., at Figure 4B and Figure 5B 134 ) to the sidewall of the housing 111 or the tray rail 114. In some embodiments, the restrictor 140 is coupled to the member, for example, at the second portion 132. The restrictor 140 forms a body that allows the member, for example, at the second portion 132, to selectively contact the deformable tab 144. For example, the members 132, 134 are coupled to the restrictor 140 in a sliding arrangement. In various embodiments, the restrictor 140 includes an opening 149 through which the member 132 can extend in a sliding arrangement along the direction of travel to selectively contact the deformable tab 144.

[0058] In some embodiments, the member 132 includes a first limiter 140A and a second limiter 140B spaced apart from each other along the direction of travel of the pallet base 120 (eg, along the transverse axis T). The first limiter 140A is positioned to prevent movement of the pallet base 120 in a first direction (eg, Figure 12B147 in the direction of the first direction), while the second limiter 140B is positioned to prevent movement in the second direction (e.g. Figure 13B The tray base 120 is prevented from moving in a direction 145 along the direction of travel that is opposite to the first direction along the direction of travel. For example, the limiter 140 can be positioned adjacent to a fixed structure, such as the mounting member 118. The projection of the tab 144 aligned with the fixed structure along the direction of travel prevents movement of the tray base 120 along the direction of travel.

[0059] In various embodiments, the deformable tab 144 includes a protrusion 148 that is configured to selectively extend along the direction of travel (e.g., the transverse axis T) into and out of alignment with the fixed structure (e.g., the mount 118). The member 132 is configured to contact the protrusion 148 to position the deformable tab 144 in the locked position. The protrusion 148 extends substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel. When the member 132 contacts the deformable tab 144 at the protrusion 148, the tab 144 bends or otherwise moves to position the tab 144 in the locked position.

[0060] In some embodiments, the member 132 includes a recess 133 into which at least a portion of the deformable tab 144 can extend. The recess 133 can generally be formed as a depression, opening, or low point in the member 132. For example, the recess 133 forms a gap to allow the tab 144 or its protrusion 148 to extend perpendicular to the direction of travel of the tray base 120, for example Figure 11C For example, in an operational embodiment, when the tab 144 is in the unlocked position, the tab 144 extends into the recess 133. In other embodiments, when the tab 144 is in the unlocked position, the protrusion 148 extends into the recess 133.

[0061] In an example of operation, when a user pushes member 132 in a first direction 147, member 132 moves relative to tab 144 to remove tab 144 from recess 133. Tab 144 (e.g., protrusion 148) contacts member 132, and member 132 bends tab 144 at least partially in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel (e.g., as shown via arrow 143) to align tab 144 with mount 118 in the direction of travel. The aligned tab 144 and mount 118 prevent movement of tray rail 118, e.g., locking tray base 120 in a retracted position or an extended position, as further described herein.

[0062] In yet another example of operation, when a user pulls member 132 in second direction 145, member 132 moves relative to tab 144 to position tab 144 (e.g., protrusion 148) in recess 133. Positioning tab 144 in recess 133 removes the force deforming tab 144 into alignment with mount 118, e.g., to remove a blockage in the direction of travel and allow movement of tray base 120.

[0063] The tray assembly 115 may include a rod or track 146 that is slidably arranged relative to the mounting member 118. The tray base 120 may include a track 146 that extends along the direction of travel of the tray 110 (e.g., along the transverse axis T). The mounting member 118 includes a fastening interface at which the side wall 117 can be attached to the mounting member 118. The tray 110 or the tray assembly 115 may include rollers or roller pins that facilitate movement of the tray along the track 146, for example, to position the tray 110 in a pushed-in state retracted into the housing 111 or shelf, or in a pulled-out state extended from the housing 111 or shelf to the exterior thereof. For example, Figure 12A and Figure 13A A plurality of trays 110 are shown in a non-pull-out or non-pushed-in state. Figure 10A and Figure 11A One of the plurality of trays 110 is shown in a pulled-out state.

[0064] Reference Figures 6A-6B and Figures 7A-7B In an exemplary operation of the tray assembly 115 , the tray assembly 115 is in a pushed-in state into the shelf or tray 110 . Figures 7A-7B The locking assembly 130 is shown in a pushed or locked position along the transverse axis T to Figures 6A-6B The pulled-out or unlocked position is shown in contrast. In the pushed-in or locked position, as Figure 7B As shown in detail in FIG, the tab 144 at the locking system 130 is deformed. Figure 14B and Figure 15B Also shown are exemplary deformations of tab 144 at restrictor 140, such as with respect to Figure 14A and Figure 15A The undeformed state is shown extending or projecting outwardly or substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the members 132, 134 or the tray 115. For example, arrow 143 provides a substantially perpendicular reference direction along which the tab 144 is deformed. Arrow 143 can correspond substantially to a lateral axis L that is perpendicular to the axis of travel of the tray along the transverse axis T.

[0065] Reference Figures 8A-8B and Figures 9A-9B In an exemplary operation of the tray assembly 115 , the tray assembly 115 is in a pulled-out state, extended from or to the exterior of the shelf or tray 110 . Figures 9A-9B The locking assembly 130 is shown in a pushed or locked position along the transverse axis T to Figures 8A-8B The extended or unlocked position is shown in contrast. Figure 9B In the pushed or locked position shown in detail in FIG, the tab 144 at the locking system 130 is deformed, as described with respect to FIG. Figure 14B and Figure 15B As exemplarily shown and described.

[0066] Now refer to Figure 10A and Figure 11A , and respectively in Figure 10B and Figure 11B As shown in further detail in FIG, in some embodiments, the locking system 130 includes a limit pin 138 extending from a member 134. The limit pin 138 forms a stop along the direction of travel of the pallet (e.g., along the transverse axis T). The limit pin 138 can include a member or head that extends through a slot 139 that extends through the member 134 along the direction of travel (e.g., along the transverse axis T). The limit pin 138 can be attached to the pallet base 120. The limit pin 138 attached to the pallet base 120 can provide a point for limiting relative movement of the locking system 130 relative to the pallet base 120.

[0067] For example, refer to Figures 10A-10C and Figures 11A-11C , the tray is positioned to be pulled out or extended from the shelf. Figures 10A-10C , the limit pin 138 is in a first position (e.g., at the distal end of the slot 139), corresponding to an unlocked position of the locking system 130. In an exemplary embodiment of the operation of the locking system 130, a user can press or push the user interface tab 136 along the transverse axis T to move the locking system 130 from the unlocked state (in Figures 10A-10C as well as Figure 14A and Figure 15A ) to the locked state (shown in Figures 11A-11C as well as Figure 14B and Figure 15B ). Figures 11A-11C , the restraining pin 138 is in a second position (e.g., at the proximal end of the slot 139), corresponding to a locked position of the locking system 130. In an exemplary embodiment of the operation of the locking system 130, a user can pull the user interface tab 136 along the transverse axis T to translate the locking system 130 from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0068] In another example, referring to Figures 12A-12C and Figures 13A-13C , the tray is positioned in the shelf in the unextended or retracted state. Figures 12A-12C, the limit pin 138 is in a first position (e.g., at the distal end of the slot 139), corresponding to an unlocked position of the locking system 130. In an exemplary embodiment of the operation of the locking system 130, a user can press or push the user interface tab 136 along the transverse axis T to move the locking system 130 from the unlocked state (in Figures 12A-12C as well as Figure 14A and Figure 15A ) to the locked state (shown in Figures 13A-13C as well as Figure 14B and Figure 15B ). Figures 13A-13C , the restraining pin 138 is in a second position (e.g., at the proximal end of the slot 139), corresponding to a locked position of the locking system 130. In an exemplary embodiment of the operation of the locking system 130, a user can pull the user interface tab 136 along the transverse axis T to translate the locking system 130 from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0069] The embodiments of the locking system provided herein can advantageously and advantageously provide for preventing movement of the tray. The embodiments provided herein provide for selective locking and unlocking of the tray in either the extended or retracted position to prevent undesirable movement when in either the extended or retracted position.

[0070] The embodiments provided herein may provide benefits over friction fits between rails and restraining blocks. For example, a friction fit may hold the tray in certain positions, but the friction may be too easily overcome by the insertion or removal forces of telecommunications equipment (e.g., a patch cord from an adapter). During operation, maintenance, or other operations, various forces at the tray may be large enough to overcome the friction fit and allow undesirable movement of the tray.

[0071] Embodiments of the locking system 130 can allow one or more trays to be locked closed, for example, to prevent manipulation of the cables while in place. Various embodiments of the locking system 30 can also allow one or more trays to be locked open, for example, to facilitate better access to the cables during insertion or removal of telecommunications equipment (e.g., patch cords). Embodiments of the locking system 130 can be configured such that forces corresponding to insertion or removal of cables cannot overcome the locking system, for example, to prevent accidental and undesirable movement of the trays and cables.

[0072] Further aspects of the present disclosure are provided in one or more of the following clauses:

[0073] 1. A tray assembly for a telecommunications tray, the tray assembly comprising: a housing including a wall coupled to a mounting member; a tray base slidably arranged relative to the mounting member, the tray base being configured to move between an extended position extending at least partially out of the housing and a retracted position retracted into the housing; and a locking system coupled to the wall at the housing, the locking system being configured to selectively prevent the tray base from moving from the extended position and the retracted position, the locking system comprising a member extending in a direction of travel of the tray base, the locking system comprising a member coupled to the mounting member. and a plurality of latches configured to engage the first and second latches of the pallet base and the second and third latches, wherein the latches are configured to engage the first and second latches and to engage the second and third latches, respectively.

[0074] 2. A tray assembly according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the deformable tab comprises a resilient, compliant material configured to be positioned in an unlocked position when the member is removed from the deformable tab, and wherein a force from the member causes the deformable tab to bend into a locked position.

[0075] 3. A pallet assembly according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the deformable tab includes a protrusion configured to contact the member to position the deformable tab in a locked position, and wherein the protrusion is configured to align with the mounting member along the direction of travel of the pallet base to position the deformable tab in the locked position.

[0076] 4. A tray assembly according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the deformable tab comprises a protrusion configured to bend substantially perpendicular to the first direction or the second direction to position the deformable tab in an unlocked position.

[0077] 5. A tray assembly according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the restrictor forms a body at which the member is allowed to selectively contact the deformable tab.

[0078] 6. A tray assembly according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the deformable tab comprises a protrusion, and wherein the member is configured to contact the protrusion to position the deformable tab in a locked position.

[0079] 7. A tray assembly according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the restrictor forming the body defines an opening through which the member is extendable in the direction of travel to selectively contact the deformable tab.

[0080] 8. A tray assembly according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the member includes a recess, and wherein the deformable tab extends into the recess when the deformable tab is in the unlocked position.

[0081] 9. A tray assembly according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the deformable tab comprises a protrusion extending substantially perpendicular to the first direction or the second direction, wherein when the deformable tab is in the unlocked position, the protrusion extends into the recess.

[0082] 10. A pallet assembly according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the locking system comprises a limit pin extending from the member, the limit pin forming a stop in the direction of travel.

[0083] 11. A pallet assembly according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the limiting pin is located in a slot at the member and extends along the direction of travel of the pallet base, and wherein the extension of the slot along the direction of travel and the limiting pin extending from the slot limit the movement of the member along the direction of travel.

[0084] 12. A pallet assembly according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the restraining pin is fixed to the pallet base and extends through the slot at the member.

[0085] 13. A tray assembly according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the locking system comprises a user interface tab at the member, the user interface tab being configured to receive a force to translate the member in the first direction or the second direction.

[0086] 14. A pallet assembly according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the pallet base comprises a track extending in a direction of travel in a sliding arrangement relative to the mounting member.

[0087] 15. A pallet assembly according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the member includes a first limiter and a second limiter separated from each other along a direction of travel of the pallet base, wherein the first limiter is positioned to prevent movement along the first direction, and wherein the second limiter is positioned to prevent movement along the second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction along the direction of travel.

[0088] 16. A locking system for a pallet assembly, the locking system comprising: a member extending along a direction of travel of the pallet assembly, the member including a recess; a limiter, the limiter being attachable to a fixed structure at the pallet assembly, wherein the limiter includes an opening, the member being extendable into the opening in a sliding arrangement along the direction of travel of the pallet assembly, the limiter including a deformable tab that is selectively deformable, the deformable tab comprising a compliant elastic material, wherein the member is translatable in a first direction to allow the deformable tab to at least partially extend into the recess at the member, thereby positioning the locking system in an unlocked position, and wherein the member is translatable in a second direction to apply a force from the member to the deformable tab, thereby positioning the locking system in a locked position.

[0089] 17. A locking system according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the deformable tab comprises a resilient, compliant material configured to be positioned in an unlocked position when the member is removed from the deformable tab, and wherein a force from the member causes the deformable tab to bend into the locked position.

[0090] 18. A locking system according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the deformable tab comprises a protrusion configured to contact the member to position the deformable tab in the locked position.

[0091] 19. A locking system according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the protrusion is configured to align with the fixed structure along the direction of travel of the tray base to position the deformable tab in a locked position.

[0092] 20. A locking system according to any one or more of the clauses herein, wherein the member comprises a first limiter and a second limiter separated from each other along a direction of travel of the pallet base, wherein the first limiter is positioned to prevent movement along the first direction, and wherein the second limiter is positioned to prevent movement along a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction along the direction of travel.

[0093] 21. A tray assembly for a telecommunications tray comprising a locking system according to any one or more of the clauses herein.

[0094] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention (including the best mode) and also to enable those 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. If these other examples include structural elements that do not differ from the written language of the claims, or if these other examples include equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the written language of the claims, then these other examples should be within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A tray assembly for a telecommunications tray, the tray assembly comprising: a housing including a wall coupled to the mount; a tray base slidably arranged relative to the mount, the tray base being configured to move between an extended position at least partially extended out of the housing and a retracted position retracted into the housing; as well as 18. The foldable tray as claimed in claim 17, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a first latch, wherein the latch is adapted to latch on to the first latch and a second latch for latching the tray.

2. A tray assembly according to claim 1, wherein the deformable tab includes a resilient, compliant material that is configured to be positioned in an unlocked position when the member is removed from the deformable tab, and wherein the force from the member causes the deformable tab to bend to the locked position.

3. A tray assembly according to claim 2, wherein the deformable tab includes a protrusion, the protrusion being configured to contact the member to position the deformable tab in the locked position, and wherein the protrusion is configured to align with the mounting member along the direction of travel of the tray base to position the deformable tab in the locked position. 4 . The tray assembly of claim 2 , wherein the deformable tab comprises a protrusion configured to bend substantially perpendicular to the first direction or the second direction to position the deformable tab in the unlocked position. 5 . The tray assembly of claim 1 , wherein the restrictor forms a body where the member is allowed to selectively contact the deformable tab.

6. The tray assembly of claim 5, wherein the deformable tab includes a protrusion, and wherein the member is configured to contact the protrusion to position the deformable tab in the locked position.

7. The tray assembly of claim 5, wherein the restrictor forming the body defines an opening through which the member is extendable in a direction of travel to selectively contact the deformable tab.

8. The tray assembly of claim 5, wherein the member includes a recess, and wherein the deformable tab extends into the recess when the deformable tab is in the unlocked position.

9. The tray assembly of claim 8, wherein the deformable tab comprises a protrusion extending substantially perpendicular to the first direction or the second direction, wherein the protrusion extends into the recess when the deformable tab is in the unlocked position.

10. The tray assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking system includes a limit pin extending from the member, the limit pin forming a stop in the direction of travel.

11. The pallet assembly of claim 10, wherein the limiting pin is located in a slot at the member and extends along the direction of travel of the pallet base, and wherein the extension of the slot along the direction of travel and the limiting pin extending from the slot limit movement of the member along the direction of travel.

12. The tray assembly of claim 10, wherein the restraining pin is secured to the tray base and extends through the slot at the member.

13. The tray assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking system comprises a user interface tab at the member, the user interface tab configured to receive a force to translate the member in the first direction or the second direction.

14. The pallet assembly of claim 1, wherein the pallet base includes a track extending in a direction of travel in a sliding arrangement relative to the mount.

15. A pallet assembly according to claim 1, wherein the member includes a first limiter and a second limiter separated from each other along the travel direction of the pallet base, wherein the first limiter is positioned to prevent movement along the first direction, and wherein the second limiter is positioned to prevent movement along the second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction along the travel direction.

16. A locking system for a pallet assembly, the locking system comprising: a member extending along a direction of travel of the tray assembly, the member including a recess; A limiter, the limiter being attachable to a fixed structure at the tray assembly, wherein the limiter includes an opening into which the member is extendable in a sliding arrangement along a direction of travel of the tray assembly, the limiter including a deformable tab that is selectively deformable, the deformable tab comprising a compliant elastic material, wherein the member is translatable in a first direction to allow the deformable tab to extend at least partially into the recess at the member, thereby positioning the locking system in an unlocked position, and wherein the member is translatable in a second direction to apply a force from the member to the deformable tab, thereby positioning the locking system in a locked position.

17. A locking system according to claim 16, wherein the deformable tab includes a resilient, compliant material that is configured to be positioned in an unlocked position when the component is removed from the deformable tab, and wherein the force from the component causes the deformable tab to bend to the locked position.

18. The locking system of claim 16, wherein the deformable tab includes a protrusion configured to contact the member to position the deformable tab in the locked position.

19. The locking system of claim 18, wherein the protrusion is configured to align with the fixed structure along the direction of travel of the tray base to position the deformable tab in the locked position.

20. The locking system of claim 16, wherein the member comprises a first limiter and a second limiter separated from each other along a direction of travel of the pallet base, wherein the first limiter is positioned to prevent movement along the first direction, and wherein the second limiter is positioned to prevent movement along a second direction that is opposite to the first direction along the direction of travel.

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