Storage device for optical fibers

Abstract

Optical fiber storage device for storing excess length of an optical fiber at the end of a primary length of an optical fiber, the optical fiber storage device comprising: a cover defining a fiber exit aperture that allows the stored optical fiber to be pulled through an interior of the optical fiber storage device and out of the fiber exit aperture while the cover remains mounted on the optical fiber storage device, the optical fiber storage device also having a fiber entry aperture through which the excess length of the optical fiber enters the optical fiber storage device and from which the main length of the optical fiber extends away from the storage device; wherein the storage device for optical fibers extends along a central axis between a first end and a second end; wherein the optical fiber storage device has a side wall section extending around the central axis and between the first and second ends of the optical fiber storage device; wherein the fiber entry opening is defined adjacent to the second end of the storage device for optical fibers; wherein the storage device for optical fibers has an annular seal that surrounds a central axis of the storage device for optical fibers and provides a circumferential seal; wherein the first end has a conical configuration with a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface and wherein the first end defines the fiber exit opening; and wherein seals are provided at the fiber exit opening and the fiber entry opening.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority over the following preliminary US patent application, serial number 63 / 643,370, filed on May 6, 2024; the preliminary US patent application, serial number 63 / 660,980, filed on June 17, 2024; the preliminary US patent application, serial number 63 / 696,661, filed on September 19, 2024; the preliminary US patent application, serial number 63 / 723,260, filed on November 21, 2024; and the preliminary US patent application, serial number 63 / 747,838, filed on January 21, 2025; each entitled “OPTICAL FIBER STORAGE DEVICE” (OPTICAL FIBER STORAGE DEVICE). whose revelations are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL AREA

[0002] The present disclosure relates to devices for storing lengths of optical fibers. BACKGROUND

[0003] It is desirable to prevent optical fibers from being bent beyond the specified minimum bending radii. It is also desirable that optical fibers be stored in a protected manner while still remaining easily accessible. SUMMARY

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a device that makes it possible to easily store excess lengths of optical fibers on site in such a way that easy access to the lengths of optical fibers is possible even at a later time after the initial storage.

[0005] A multitude of further inventive aspects are set forth in the following description. These inventive aspects may relate to individual features as well as combinations of features. It is understood that both the preceding general description and the subsequent detailed description are merely exemplary and explanatory and do not limit the broad inventive concepts on which the embodiments disclosed herein are based. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The accompanying drawings, which are part of and form an integral part of the description, illustrate various aspects of the present revelation. A brief description of the drawings is as follows: Fig. 1 is an exploded view of a storage device for optical fibers according to the principles of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 represents the storage device for optical fibers of Fig. 1 in an assembled configuration; Fig. 3 is an exploded view of another storage device for optical fibers according to the principles of the present disclosure; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of another storage device for optical fibers according to the principles of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the storage device for optical fibers from Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of another storage device for optical fibers according to the principles of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic representation of the storage device for optical fibers from Fig. 6; Fig. 8 represents a basis of another storage device for optical fibers according to the principles of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 9 shows the base of the storage device for optical fibers from Fig. 8 in combination with removable fiber guides; Fig. 10 forms the basis of the storage device for optical fibers of Fig. 8, wherein the fiber guide is removed and an upper cover is fitted over the base; Fig. 11 is a perspective view of another storage device for optical fibers according to the principles of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 12 shows a different perspective view of the optical fiber storage device of Fig. 11; Fig. Figure 13 is a perspective view of a ferrule holder / ferrule cover, which, in combination with the optical fiber storage device of Fig. 11 can be used; Fig. 14 is another perspective view of the ferrule holder / ferrule cover of Fig. 13; Fig. Figure 15 is a partial exploded view of the optical fiber storage device of Fig. 11; Fig. Figure 16 is a partial exploded view of the optical fiber storage device of Fig. 11 with an optical fiber shown passing through a cover of the optical fiber storage device; Fig. Figure 17 shows a longitudinal section view showing the cover of the storage device for optical fibers. Fig. 11 halved; Fig. Figure 18 is a transverse cross-sectional view through the cover of the optical fiber storage device of Fig. 11 adjacent to a base end of the cover; Fig. 19 is a longitudinal section view showing the Fig. Figure 11 shows the optical fiber storage device cut in half and shows how the optical fiber runs through the interior of a dome of the optical fiber storage device; Fig. Figure 20 is a longitudinal section view showing the optical fiber storage device of Fig. 11 halved and compared to the cross-sectional view of Fig. 19 opposite side of the interior of the device; a fiber receiving finger of a coil of the storage device for optical fibers is shown; Fig. 21 is another exploded view of the optical fiber storage device from Fig. 11; Fig. Figure 22 is another exploded view of the optical fiber storage device from Fig. 11; Fig. 23 is a front view of another storage device for optical fibers according to the principles of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 24 shows a side view of the optical fiber storage device of Fig. 23; Fig. Figure 25 is a perspective view of the optical fiber storage device of Fig. 23; Fig. Figure 26 shows another perspective view of the optical fiber storage device of Fig. 23; Fig. Figure 27 is a top view of the storage device for optical fibers of Fig. 23; Fig. Figure 28 is a bottom view of the optical fiber storage device of Fig. 23; Fig. Figure 29 is an exploded front view of the optical fiber storage device of Fig. 23; Fig. Figure 30 is a side exploded view of the optical fiber storage device from Fig. 23; Fig. Figure 31 is a perspective exploded view of the optical fiber storage device of Fig. 23; Fig. Figure 32 shows another perspective exploded view of the optical fiber storage device from Fig. 23; Fig. Figure 33 is a front view of the coil of the storage device for optical fibers from Fig. 23; Fig. 34 is a side view of the coil of Fig. 33; Fig. 35 is a perspective view of the coil of Fig. 33; Fig. 36 is a top view of the coil of Fig. 33; Fig. 37 is a bottom view of the coil of Fig. 33; Fig. Figure 38 is a front view of the sleeve of the storage device for optical fibers of Fig. 23; Fig. 39 is a side view of the sleeve of Fig. 38; Fig. 40 is a perspective view of the sleeve of Fig. 38; Fig. Figure 41 is a front view of the fiber end cap of the optical fiber storage device of Fig. 23; Fig. 42 is a side view of the fiber end cap of Fig. 41; Fig. Figure 43 is a perspective view of the fiber end cap of Fig. 41; Fig. 44 is a top view of the fiber end cap of Fig. 41; Fig. 45 is a bottom view of the fiber end cap of Fig. 41; Fig. Figure 46 illustrates a first step of a method for arranging the storage device for optical fibers of Fig. 23 according to the principles of the present revelation; Fig. 47 illustrates a second step in the process of Fig. 46; Fig. 48 illustrates a third step in the process of Fig. 46; Fig. 49 illustrates a fourth step in the process of Fig. 46; Fig. 50 illustrates a fifth step in the process of Fig. 46; Fig. Figure 51 illustrates a sixth step in the process of Fig. 46; Fig. Figure 52 illustrates a seventh step in the process of Fig. 46; Fig. 53 illustrates an eighth step in the process of Fig. 46; Fig. Figure 54 illustrates a ninth step in the process of Fig. 46; Fig. Figure 55 illustrates a tenth step in the process of Fig. 46; Fig. Figure 56 illustrates an eleventh step in the process of Fig. 46; Fig. Figure 57 illustrates a twelfth step in the process of Fig. 46; Fig. Figure 58 illustrates a thirteenth step in the procedure of Fig. 46; Fig. Figure 59 illustrates a fourteenth step in the procedure of Fig. 46; Fig. Figure 60 illustrates a fifteenth step in the procedure of Fig. 46; Fig. Figure 61 illustrates a sixteenth step in the procedure of Fig. 46; Fig. 62 illustrates a final step in the process of Fig. 46; Fig. Figure 63 illustrates the storage device for optical fibers of Fig. 23, which according to the procedure of Fig. 46 was assembled; Fig. Figure 64 illustrates a first step in a procedure for installing the storage device for optical fibers of Fig. 23 according to the principles of the present revelation; Fig. 65 illustrates a second step in the process of Fig. 64; Fig. Figure 66 illustrates the storage device for optical fibers of Fig. 23, which according to the procedure of Fig. 64 was assembled; Fig. Figure 67 illustrates a first step in a procedure for unwinding an optical fiber from the optical fiber storage device of Fig. 23 according to the principles of the present revelation; Fig. 68 illustrates a second step in the process of Fig. 67; Fig. 69 illustrates a third step in the process of Fig. 67; Fig. 70 illustrates a fourth step in the process of Fig. 67; Fig. 71 illustrates a fifth step in the process of Fig. 67; Fig. 72 illustrates a final step in the process of Fig. 67; Fig. 73 represents a cover for a storage device for optical fibers according to the principles of the present disclosure, which has a fiber entry opening and an internal fiber guide within the cover to ensure that the optical fibers drawn into the fiber storage device are guided onto the coil in a circumferential direction; Fig. 74 represents a cover for a storage device for optical fibers according to the principles of the present disclosure, which has a fiber exit aperture defined by an axial fiber exit stub which is at least partially surrounded by a reinforcing structure of the cover which forms a pocket for receiving a tube coupler used to couple the fiber exit stub to a tube, such as a blown fiber tube; Fig. 75 represents a cover for a storage device for optical fibers according to the principles of the present disclosure, which has a fiber exit aperture defined by a tangentially aligned fiber entry stub, which is at least partially surrounded by a reinforcing structure of the cover, which forms a pocket for receiving a tube coupler used to couple the fiber entry stub to a tube, such as a blown fiber tube; Fig. 76 is a perspective view of another storage device for optical fibers according to the principles of the present disclosure; Fig. 77 is a side view of the optical fiber storage device of Fig. 76; Fig. 78 is a bottom view of the optical fiber storage device of Fig. 76; Fig. 79 is a bottom view of the storage device for optical fibers from Fig. 76 with a coil having an alternative internal arrangement; Fig. Figure 80 is a perspective view from below of the optical fiber storage device of Fig. 76; Fig. Figure 81 is a perspective view from below of the optical fiber storage device of Fig. 76 with the coil which has the alternative internal arrangement; Fig. Figure 82 is a cross-sectional view of the optical fiber storage device of Fig. 76; Fig. Figure 83 is a cross-sectional view of the optical storage device of Fig. 76 with the coil which has the alternative internal arrangement; Fig. Figure 84 is a perspective view of the coil from below with the alternative internal arrangement; Fig. Figure 85 is a top view of the coil with the alternative internal arrangement; Fig. Figure 86 is a perspective view of the top of the coil with the alternative internal arrangement, which represents a fiber attachment point at the upper axial end of the coil; Fig. 87 is a perspective view of another optical storage device according to the principles of the present disclosure, comprising an externally accessible compartment integrated into an outer surface of a side wall of the optical storage device; and Fig. Figure 88 shows a perspective view of the optical storage device of Fig. 87 with a cover that was removed from the externally accessible compartment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to fiber storage devices that enable optical fibers to be stored quickly and easily on-site at a first point in time (i.e., wound onto reels, etc.). In one example, a primary length of fiber, such as a blown fiber, is routed from a first location (e.g., a hub, an end device, etc.) to a second location, which may be near a subscriber location. The second location may include (or have) an enclosure in which an additional quantity of the optical fiber (e.g., a secondary length, excess length, etc.) can be stored for later use (e.g., when the subscriber location is ready to connect to the network).Aspects of this disclosure relate to fiber storage devices that allow a field service technician to easily wind excess fiber onto a reel at the time of initial installation to ensure safe and reliable fiber storage, and which also allow quick and easy access to the optical fiber at a later time when service is requested at the subscriber's location. In one example, the primary length (e.g., length L1) of the optical fiber can be over 100 meters, over 200 meters, over 300 meters, over 400 meters, or over 500 meters. In another example, the excess length of the optical fiber (e.g., the stored length, the reel length, etc.) can be less than 50 meters or less than 30 meters.In certain examples, a free end of the excess length of the fiber can be provided with a ferrule, a non-hardened fiber optic connector, in particular a connector, or a hardened fiber optic connector, in particular a connector.

[0008] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 represents an example of an optical fiber storage device 20 for storing excess length of an optical fiber 22 at the end of a primary length of an optical fiber 24. The optical fiber storage device 20 includes a spool 26 that defines a winding area 28 around which the excess length of the optical fiber 22 can be wound. The optical fiber storage device also includes a cover 30 that is mounted over the spool 26. The cover 30 defines a fiber exit opening 32 that allows the optical fiber 22 wound onto the spool 26 to be pulled through the interior of the cover 30 and out of the fiber exit opening 32 while the cover 30 remains mounted on the spool 26.The fiber storage device 20 also includes a fiber entry opening 34, where the excess length of the optical fiber 22 enters the optical fiber storage device and from which the primary length of the optical fiber 24 extends away from the optical storage device 20. As in . Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the fiber entry opening 34 is defined between the coil 26 and the cover 30.

[0009] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the excess length of the optical fiber 22 can be wound around the coil 26 before the cover 30 is placed over the coil 26. Once the optical fiber 22 has been wound around the coil 26, the cover 30 can be slid axially over the coil 26. As shown, both the coil 26 and the cover 30 have an elongated shape, each having a maximum dimension (i.e., a length) extending along a central axis 36. At least some coils of the wound optical fiber 22 can be located outside the cover 30 (e.g., by means of a flange 38 at a lower end of the coil 26, as shown in Figure 2). Fig. (2 shown) as soon as the cover has been placed on the reel 26 (e.g., slid over it). In certain examples, at least some of the wound optical fibers 22 are located radially between the cover 30 and the reel 26 (e.g., in a radial space 40 between the outside of the reel 26 and the inside of the cover 30) as soon as the cover 30 has been placed on the reel 26. In one example, the opposing surfaces of the reel 26 and the cover 30, which define the radial space 40, are cylindrical. The excess length of the optical fiber 22 can be removed from the optical fiber storage device 20 by manually pulling the optical fiber 22 out of the interior of the optical fiber storage device 20 through the fiber exit aperture 32, thereby pulling the fiber axially out of its wound state on the reel 26.

[0010] The cover 30 and / or the spool 26 can have a flexible design that facilitates efficient unwinding of the wound optical fiber 22. For example, the spool 26 can be made of a material with an elastic structure, such as foam. In another example, a power tool, such as a drill, can be used to rotate the spool 26 while winding the optical fiber 22 onto it.

[0011] Referring to Fig. 1 The cover 30 has an elongated configuration with a cover length CL extending from a first end 42 to a second end 44 of the cover 30. In certain examples, the cover length CL can be at least 2, 3, or 4 times an inner transverse dimension (e.g., an inner diameter) of the cover 30. The first end 42 of the cover 30 defines the fiber exit opening 32, and the second end 44 of the cover 30 is open and configured to allow the second end 44 to be inserted over the reel 26.

[0012] The first end 42 of the cover 30 has a conical configuration. In one example, the conical configuration of the first end 42 has a rounded dome shape 46, which is concave on the inside and convex on the outside. Other conical shapes could also be used. The cover 30 also has a cylindrical sleeve section 48 that extends from the conical configuration of the rounded dome 46 to the second end 44.

[0013] The spool 26 of the fiber storage device 20 has an elongated configuration, comprising a spool length SL extending between a first end 50 and a second end 52. The first end 50 is designed to be received in the cover 30 and has a rounded dome 55. The winding surface 28 extends from the rounded dome 55 toward the second end 52 of the cover 26. In one example, the winding surface 28 is cylindrical.

[0014] Fig. Figure 3 presents another example of an optical fiber storage device 120 for storing excess length of an optical fiber 22 at the end of a primary length of an optical fiber 24. The optical fiber storage device 120 includes a spool 126, which defines a winding area 128 around which the excess length of the optical fiber 22 can be wound. The optical fiber storage device 120 also includes a cover 130, which is mounted over the spool 126. The cover 130 defines a fiber exit opening 132, which allows the optical fiber 22 wound onto the spool 126 to be pulled through the interior of the cover 130 and out of the fiber exit opening 132 while the cover 130 remains mounted on the spool 126.The fiber storage device 120 also includes a fiber entry opening 134, where the excess length of the optical fiber 22 enters the optical fiber storage device and from which the primary length of the optical fiber 24 extends away from the optical storage device 120. As in . Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the fiber exit opening 132 is formed at one end of the cover 130.

[0015] The cover 126 of the fiber storage device 120 extends along a central axis 127 between a first end 131 and a second end 133. The first end 131 is defined by a rounded dome 143, and the fiber exit opening 132 passes through the first end 131. The cover 130 includes a side wall section 135 that extends from the rounded dome 143 to the second end 133. The second end 133 is open and configured to allow insertion over the reel 126. In one example, the side wall section 135 is cylindrical. The side wall section 135 defines an axial through-slot 137. A slide 139 is provided to slide along the axial through-slot 137. The fiber entry opening 134 is defined by the slide 139.

[0016] To wind up the excess length of the optical fiber 22 in the fiber optic storage device 120, the excess length of the optical fiber 22 is guided through the fiber entry opening of the slide 139 into the interior of the cover 130. The excess length of the optical fiber 22 is then guided out of the interior of the cover 130 through the fiber exit opening 132. After the excess length of the optical fiber 22 has been guided through the cover 130 as described above, the spool 126 is inserted coaxially through the second end 133 of the cover 130 into the cover 130. Once the spool 126 is inserted into the cover 130, it is rotated about the central axis 127 so that a driver 141 on the spool 126 engages the excess length of the optical fiber 22 and thereby winds the optical fiber 22 around the spool 126.As the optical fiber winds around the spool 126, the excess length of the optical fiber 22 is drawn inward through the fiber entry aperture 134 to accommodate and wind it up. The wound optical fiber can be withdrawn (i.e., unwound) from the optical fiber storage device 120 by pulling the optical fiber 22 out of the fiber storage device 120 through the opening 132, thereby axially pulling the excess fiber off the spool 126. The spool 126 may include a handle 145 to facilitate rotation of the spool 126 about the axis 127 relative to the cover 130. In an alternative example, the device is configured such that rotation of the cover 130 relative to the spool 126 causes the optical fiber 22 to be drawn into the device through the entry aperture 134 and wound around the spool 126.

[0017] The slider 139 is configured to slide along the axial through-slot 137 while the excess length of the optical fiber 22 is wound onto the winding surface 128, thus indicating the amount of excess optical fiber 22 wound onto the winding surface 128. Fiber length markings 147 can be provided on the cover 130 along the length of the through-slot 137.

[0018] Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 presents another example of an optical fiber storage device 220 for storing excess length of an optical fiber 22 at the end of a primary length of an optical fiber 24. The optical fiber storage device 220 includes a spool 226 that defines a conical winding surface 228 around which the excess length of the optical fiber 22 can be wound. The optical fiber storage device 220 also includes a conical cover 230 that is placed over the spool 226. The cover 230 defines a fiber exit opening 232 that allows the optical fiber 22 wound onto the spool 226 to be pulled through the interior of the cover 230 and out of the fiber exit opening 232 while the cover 230 remains mounted on the spool 226.The fiber storage device 220 also includes a fiber entry opening 234, where the excess length of the optical fiber 22 enters the optical fiber storage device and from which the primary length of the optical fiber 24 extends away from the optical storage device 220. As in . Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the fiber entry opening 234 extends through a base of the spool 226. The fiber 22 can be guided through the entry opening 234 and manually wound around the conical winding surface 228. Subsequently, the end of the fiber 22 can be inserted through the fiber exit opening 232 of the cover 230, and the cover can be placed over the spool 226 such that the wound fiber 22 lies between the conical spool surface 228 and the conical interior of the cover 230. By pulling on the section of the fiber 22 extending from the fiber exit opening 232, the fiber 22 can be manually withdrawn from the fiber optic storage device 220.

[0019] Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 represents a further storage device for optical fibers 320 for storing excess length of an optical fiber 22 at the end of a primary length of an optical fiber 24. The storage device for optical fibers 320 includes a frame 322 configured to rotate about a first axis 324. The storage device for optical fibers 320 also includes a first bevel gear 326 connected to the frame 322 such that the first bevel gear 326 can rotate together with the frame 322 about the first axis 324. The storage device for optical fibers 320 further includes a second bevel gear 328 that meshes with the first bevel gear 326. The second bevel gear 328 is mounted on the frame 322 and is rotatable relative to the frame 322 about a second axis 330. The storage device for optical fibers 320 also includes a spool 332, which is supported by the frame 322.The coil 332 is coupled to the second bevel gear 328 such that the coil 332 and the second bevel gear 328 are rotatable together about the second axis 330 relative to the frame 322. The storage device for optical fibers 320 further includes a fiber passage 340, which has a first section 342 extending axially through the first gear 326 along the first axis 324, a second section 344 defined axially through the second gear 328 along the second axis 330, and a third section 346 defined axially through the coil 332 along the second axis 330. The excess length of the optical fiber 22 is wound around the coil 332 for storage about the second axis 330. By pulling the additional fiber length 22 from the spool 332 (e.g. through the guide 348), the fiber 22 is unwound from the spool 332 and causes the spool 332 to rotate around the second axis 330.The rotation of the spool 332 causes the second bevel gear 328 to rotate about the second axis 330, which in turn causes the first bevel gear 326 and the frame 322 to rotate about the first axis 324, thus preventing the primary length of the optical fiber 24 from twisting while the excess length of the optical fiber 22 is unwound from the spool 322. To store the excess length of the optical fiber 22 on the spool 332, the excess length can be guided through the gears and the spool, wound around the spool several times, and then threaded through the guide 348. The frame 322 can then be manually rotated about the first axis 324 to rotate the spool 332, so that the fiber 22 is wound onto the spool and drawn into the device from the primary fiber end. In certain examples, the device 320 can be housed in an outer casing 350.

[0020] Fig. Figure 8-10 represents another storage device for optical fibers 420 for storing excess length of an optical fiber 22 at the end of a primary length of an optical fiber 24. The storage device for optical fibers 420 includes a storage housing 421 with a base 422 that defines an interior 424. The base 422 includes a bottom surface 425 that has openings 447 for removably receiving fiber winding guides 447 through the bottom surface of the base 422. The base 422 may have an open top surface, the open configuration being designed to facilitate manual routing of the optical fiber 22 around the fiber winding guides 427. The guides 427 can be temporarily positioned in the base 422 to facilitate routing the excess length of the optical fiber 22 in a figure-eight pattern within the base 422.The fiber winding guides 427 are removable from the base 422 after the excess length of the optical fiber 22 has been wound in the base 422 in a figure-eight pattern. The base 422 defines a fiber entry opening 434, or the fiber can be inserted into the base 422 through one of the openings 427. The housing 421 includes a cover 440, which is attached to the base 422. The cover 440 defines a fiber exit opening 432, allowing the excess length of the optical fiber 22 to be pulled out of the interior of the housing 421 when the fiber 22 is to be unwound and made accessible. The fiber exit opening 432 can have a contoured bell shape extending upward from an upper main wall of the cover to facilitate the smooth withdrawal of the wound fiber 22 from the housing 421.The opening 432 can be enlarged so that it overlaps a section of each figure-eight coil within the housing 421.

[0021] In certain examples, fiber storage devices can be sealed against environmental influences according to the principles of this disclosure (e.g., with seals, O-rings, gels, etc.), so that the fiber storage devices can serve as fiber closures. In certain examples, sections of fiber storage devices can be flexible and bendable according to the principles of this disclosure when the optical fiber is pulled from inside the fiber storage devices, in order to improve the reliable routing of the optical fiber.

[0022] Fig. Figures 11, 12, and 15-22 provide another example of an optical fiber storage device 520 for storing a length of optical fiber 22 at the end of the primary length of an optical fiber 24. The primary length of the optical fiber 24 can extend through a blown fiber tube 25. As shown in Fig. 21 and Fig. As shown in Figure 22, the storage device for optical fibers 520 includes a spool 526, a cover 530, and an end cap 599. The spool 526 defines a winding surface 528 around which the excess length of the optical fiber 22 can be wound. In one example, the winding surface 528 is cylindrical and oriented outwards from a central axis of the spool 526. The winding surface 528 can define an outer diameter (OD) (see Figure 22). Fig. 16). The cover 530 is designed to be fitted over the spool 526 and defines a fiber exit opening 532 (see Fig. 17), which makes it possible to pull the optical fiber 22 wound on the reel 526 through the interior of the cover 530 and out of the fiber exit opening 532, while the cover 530 remains mounted on the reel 526. The cover 530 also defines a fiber entry opening 534, where the excess length of the optical fiber 22 enters the optical fiber storage device and from which the primary length of the optical fiber 24 extends away from the optical storage device 520. The blown fiber tube 25 can be attached to the fiber entry opening 534 on the cover 530. The end cap 599 can secure the reel 526 inside the cover 530 (see Fig. 19) In one example, the end cap 599 can snap onto an end flange 597 of the cover 530 and hold the reel 526 inside the cover 530. In certain examples, an environmental seal can be provided between the end cap 599 and the cover 530 to prevent moisture and / or contaminants from entering the interior of the optical fiber storage device 524. In one example, an annular seal can provide a circumferential seal at the lower end of the fiber storage device (e.g., between the cover and the reel, and / or between the cover and the end cap). In certain examples, seals can also be provided at the fiber exit port 532 and the fiber entry port 534.

[0023] The cover 526 of the fiber storage device 520 extends along a central axis 527 between a first end 531 and a second end 533 (see Fig. 16). The first end 531 is defined by a rounded dome 543 (see Fig. 17), and the fiber exit opening 532 is defined by the first end 531 in a central region of the rounded dome 543. In one example, the fiber exit opening 532 is aligned with the central axis 527. The cover 530 includes a side wall section 535 extending from the rounded dome 543 to the second end 533. The second end 533 is open and configured to allow insertion over the winding section 528 of the reel 526. In a preferred example, the side wall section 535 is cylindrical and includes an inwardly facing cylindrical surface 595 configured to face the cylindrical winding surface of the reel 526 when the reel 526 is positioned within the cover 530. In one example, the inwardly facing cylindrical surface 595 defines the inner diameter (ID) of the cover 530.The fiber entry opening 534 is defined by the cover 530 adjacent to the second end 533. As shown, the fiber entry opening 534 is positioned directly above the flange 597 and is defined by a channel 593. As shown, the channel is in fluid communication with the interior of the cover 530 and defines a fiber entry passage formed within a structure such as a nozzle or projection. As shown, the channel 593 is oriented tangentially with respect to an outer surface of the cylindrical side wall of the cover 530. The blown fiber tube 25 can be attached to the channel 593 and sealed with respect to it.

[0024] In certain examples, a plate 591 (see Fig. 22) at the lower end of the coil 526. In certain examples, the plate may include an interface (not shown) for connecting a power tool to the coil to rotate the coil 526 within the cover 530. The plate 591 may reinforce the base end of the coil and allow the winding section to have a relatively thin, flexible construction. In certain examples, the coil 526 may be rotated within the cover 532 to draw the optical fiber 22 into the interior of the fiber storage device and cause the optical fiber 22 to wind around the winding surface of the coil 526. The coil may be rotated manually by grasping a section of the coil protruding from the cover 530 prior to the installation of the end cap 599. Alternatively, a power tool may be used to rotate the coil 526 prior to the installation of the end cap 599.In certain examples, a base end of the coil 526 may include a flange 589 designed to abut the flange 597 of the cover 530 to limit the insertion depth of the coil 526 into the cover 530. The coil 526 may include an elastic fiber receiving finger 587 (see . Fig. 20) include, which projects axially from an axial end of the coil 526 opposite the base end (i.e., the axial end of the coil that is positioned adjacent to the dome structure of the cover when the coil is installed in the cover). In one example, the receiving finger 587 is configured to engage with an inner side of the dome structure when the coil 526 is mounted in the cover 530.

[0025] In certain examples, a ferrule 585 and a spring 583 (see Fig. 12) at the end of the optical fiber 22. In certain examples, the ferrule 585, the spring 583, and the section of the fiber 22 projecting outwards from the fiber exit aperture 532 can be enclosed by a protective structure. The protective structure can include a tube 581 attached to the dome structure of the cover adjacent to the exit aperture 532, as well as a ferrule cover 579 (see Fig. 13 and Fig. 14), which is attached to the rear end of the tube 581. In certain examples, the ferrule cover 579 can be configured to light up when light is passed through the optical fiber 22.

[0026] In certain examples, a radial distance of less than twice the diameter of the optical fiber 22 is provided between the cylindrical winding surface of the spool 526 and the cylindrical receiving surface of the side wall of the cover 550. This type of distance allows the optical fiber 22 to be wound in a single layer within the space between the cylindrical winding surface and the cylindrical receiving surface. This helps to prevent the spools of the wound optical fiber 22 from overlapping.

[0027] To wind up the excess length of the optical fiber 22 in the fiber optic storage device 520, the excess length of the optical fiber 22 is fed through the fiber entry opening 534 on the underside of the cover 530 into the interior of the cover 530. The excess length of the optical fiber 22 is then fed out of the interior of the cover through the fiber exit opening 532. The optical fiber 22 protruding from the fiber exit opening 532 can be secured (e.g., with adhesive tape) to prevent it from being pulled back into the fiber optic storage device during winding. After the excess length of the optical fiber 22 has been fed through the cover 530 as described above, the spool 526 is inserted coaxially through the second end 533 of the cover 530 into the cover 530.Once the coil 526 is inserted into the cover 530, it is rotated about the central axis 527 so that the fiber receiving finger on the coil 526 captures the excess length of the optical fiber 22 and winds the optical fiber 22 around the cylindrical winding section of the coil 526. During winding, the optical fiber 22 is drawn through the fiber entry opening 534 into the interior of the fiber optic storage device. As the coil 526 rotates within the cover 530, the optical fiber 22 is wound around the lower section of the winding section of the coil 526, thereby gradually pushing previously wound sections of the optical fiber upwards along the winding section of the coil 526. Preferably, the optical fiber is stored in a single layer of turns within the area between the cylindrical winding surface and the cylindrical side wall surface of the cover.Once the excess optical fiber has been stored in the fiber storage device 520, the blown fiber tube 25 can be attached to the cover 530 adjacent to the fiber entry opening 534, and a protective structure such as the tube 581 can be installed at the fiber exit opening 532 to protect the otherwise exposed section of the optical fiber 22. The wound optical fiber can be withdrawn (i.e., unwound) from the optical fiber storage device 520 by pulling the optical fiber 22 out of the fiber storage device 520 through the opening 532, thereby axially pulling the excess fiber off the spool 526.

[0028] Fig. Figure 23-45 presents another example of an optical fiber storage device 620 for storing a length of optical fiber 22 at the end of the primary length of an optical fiber 24. The primary length of the optical fiber 24 can extend through a blown fiber tube 25. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figures 23-32, the optical fiber storage device 620 includes a reel 626 and a cover 630. The cover 630 has a two-part construction with a sleeve 631 and a fiber end cap 633. The cover 630 is designed to be placed over the reel 626, with the excess optical fiber 22 wound between the reel 626 and the sleeve 631 of the cover 630.

[0029] The coil 626 defines a winding area 628 (see Fig. 33), around which the excess length of the optical fiber 22 can be wound. In one example, the winding surface 628 is cylindrical and oriented outwards from a central axis 625 of the coil 626. The winding surface 628 can define an outer diameter (OD). The coil 626 includes a base end 627 and an opposite fiber connection end 629. The base end 627 includes a base flange 635 that projects radially outwards from the winding surface 628. When the sleeve 631 is mounted over the coil 626, the sleeve 631 sits on the base flange 635. The base flange 635 may include a locking mechanism 637 (e.g., a snap lock) for engaging the sleeve 631 of the cover 630 when the sleeve is mounted over the coil 626, in order to hold the sleeve 631 on the coil 626 while simultaneously allowing relative rotation between the coil 626 and the sleeve 631 about the central axis 625.The base flange 635 may further include a cable guide slot 636 through which the optical fiber can be guided when the optical fiber storage device 620 is installed. The slot 636 can be used to hold the blown fiber tube 25. The reel 626 may have curved finger profiles 638 (see ). Fig. 37) include, which extend outwards from the central axis 625 and are embedded in the coil 626. The curved finger profiles 638 are accessible through the base end 627 of the coil 626, so that the coil 626 can be manually rotated relative to the sleeve 631 about the axis of rotation 625. The fiber connection end 629 has a closed configuration and includes a fiber holder 639 (see Fig. 35). Curved fiber bending radius protection devices 641 are also provided at the fiber connection end 629 adjacent to the fiber holder 639.

[0030] The sleeve 631 of the cover 630 has an open configuration. When the sleeve 631 is fitted over the reel 626, a first open end 643 of the sleeve 631 rests on the base flange 635 of the reel 626, while the fiber connection end 629 of the reel 626 is accessible at a second open end 645 of the sleeve 631. The fiber end cap 633 is designed to be fitted over the second open end 645 of the sleeve 631. The fiber end cap 633 can be attached to the sleeve 631 by a mechanical connection, such as a snap-fit, bayonet, or screw connection. The fiber end cap 633 has a conical configuration (e.g., a convex configuration) that transitions into a fiber exit opening 647 (see Fig. 43), which preferably aligns with the central axis 625 when the fiber end cap 633 is secured to the sleeve 631 while the sleeve 631 is installed over the reel 626. The fiber exit opening 647 allows the optical fiber 22 wound on the reel 626 to be pulled through the interior of the cover 630 and out of the fiber exit opening 647 while the cover 630 remains mounted on the reel 626. The sleeve 631 defines a fiber entry opening 649 (see Fig. 38), where the excess length of the optical fiber 22 enters the optical fiber storage device 620 and from which the primary length of the optical fiber 24 extends away from the optical storage device 620. The blown fiber tube 25 can be attached to the fiber entry opening 649 on the sleeve 631 (e.g., via an inline tube connector 10 that connects and seals the blown fiber tube 25 to a tangential nozzle that defines the fiber entry opening 649 of the sleeve 631).

[0031] The sleeve 631 includes a sidewall section 651 between the first and second open ends 643, 645. The sidewall section 651 is cylindrical and includes an inwardly facing cylindrical surface 653, which is configured to face the cylindrical winding surface of the spool 626 when the spool 626 is positioned within the cover 630. In one example, the inwardly facing cylindrical surface 653 defines an inner diameter (ID) of the sleeve 631. The fiber entry opening 649 is defined by the sleeve 631 adjacent to the first open end 643. As shown, the fiber entry opening 649 is defined by a channel 655. As shown, the channel 655 is in fluid communication with the interior of the sleeve 631 and defines a fiber entry passage formed within a structure such as a nozzle or projection.As shown, the channel 655 is oriented tangentially with respect to an outer surface of the cylindrical side wall of the sleeve 631. The blown fiber tube 25 can be attached to the channel 655 using the inline tube connector and sealed with respect to it.

[0032] In certain examples, the fiber storage device 620 can be sealed against environmental influences. An environmental seal (e.g., via a seal such as an elastomer O-ring) can be provided between the fiber end cap 633 and the second open end of the sleeve 631. Additionally, a seal can be provided between the first open end of the sleeve 631 and the reel 626. Alternatively, a sealing cap can be fitted over the second open end of the sleeve 631. In certain examples, seals can also be provided at the fiber exit opening 647 and the fiber entry opening 649.

[0033] In certain examples, the ferrule 585, the spring 583, and the section of fiber 22 projecting outwards from the fiber exit opening 647 can be enclosed by a protective structure. The protective structure can be a first tube 25a (see Fig. 63) include, which is attached to the fiber end cap 633 adjacent to the outlet opening 647 (e.g. via an inline pipe connector which also fulfills a sealing function), as well as a second pipe 25b (see Fig. 63), in which the ferrule 585 and the spring 583 are housed. The ferrule 585 can be covered with a dust cap that glows when light passes through the optical fiber 22. The second tube 25b can be connected to the first tube 25a via an inline tube connector, which seals the connected ends of the tubes 25a and 25b and also axially fixes the optical fiber 22 relative to the tubes 25a and 25b. A free end of the second tube 25b can be closed by an end tube seal.

[0034] In certain examples, a radial distance of less than twice the diameter of the optical fiber 22 is provided between the cylindrical winding surface of the spool 626 and the cylindrical receiving surface of the side wall of the sleeve 631. This type of distance makes it possible to wind the optical fiber 22 in a single layer within the space between the cylindrical winding surface and the cylindrical receiving surface. This helps to prevent the spools of the wound optical fiber 22 from overlapping.

[0035] Fig. 46-66 describes a method for assembling and installing the storage device for optical fibers 620. Fig. Figure 46 illustrates a first step of connecting a first end 11 of the inline tube connector 10 to the channel 655, so that the optical fiber 22 can be guided through the inline tube connector 10 and via the fiber entry opening 649 into the interior of the sleeve 631, as shown in Fig. 47. The sleeve 631 is then placed over the coil 626 such that the optical fiber 22 runs through the second open end 645 of the sleeve 631 proximal to the fiber connection end 629 of the coil 626, as shown in Fig. shown in figures 48-49. The sleeve 631 can then be attached to the coil 626 via a locking mechanism 637. Fig. Figure 50 illustrates how one end 23 of the optical fiber 22 is subsequently attached to the fiber connection end 629 via the fiber holder 639. Once the end 23 of the optical fiber 22 is attached, the fiber storage device 620 is brought into a horizontal orientation, and the reel 626 is manually rotated by pressing on the curved finger profiles 638, causing the reel 626 to rotate relative to the sleeve 631. As the reel 626 rotates, the optical fiber 22 is drawn into the interior of the sleeve 631 through the fiber entry aperture 649 and wound around the reel 626 until all the excess length of fiber extending beyond the blown fiber tube is stored, as shown in Figure 50. Fig. shown on 51-52. The blown fiber tube 25 is then connected at a second end 12, which is opposite the first end 11, to the inline tube connector 10.

[0036] After the optical fiber 22 has been wound onto the spool 626 and the blown fiber tube 25 has been connected to the inline tube connector 10, the end 23 of the optical fiber 22 is removed from the fiber holder 639 and guided through the fiber exit opening 647 of the fiber end cap 633, as shown in Fig. shown on 53-54. The fiber end cap 633 is then attached to the sleeve 631 ( Fig. 55). Fig. Figure 56 illustrates how one end 23 of the optical fiber 22 is threaded through a second inline tube connector 10a. The inline tube connector 10a runs along the optical fiber 22 and is connected at a first end 11a to the fiber exit aperture 647. The optical fiber 22 is pulled out of the optical fiber storage device 620 through the fiber exit aperture 647 until it reaches a desired length taken from the optical fiber storage device 620. The optical fiber 22 then passes through a blown fiber tube 25a, which is shorter than the length of the optical fiber 22, so that the end 23 extends beyond the blown fiber tube 25a. The blown fiber tube 25a is then connected at its second end 12a to the inline tube connector 11a, as shown in Figure 56. Fig. shown on 57-58. After connecting the blown fiber tube 25a to the inline tube connector 1 Oa, a fiber block connector 13 is screwed along the optical fiber 22 and connected to the proximal end 23 of the optical fiber 22 ( Fig. 59) connected to the blown fiber tube 25a. The fiber block connector 13 includes an optical fiber retaining element 14 which can be tightened to prevent additional pulling of the optical fiber 22, as shown in Fig. Figure 60 shows that after the fiber block connector 13 is attached to the blown fiber tube 25a, the remaining length of the optical fiber 22 is threaded through a blown fiber tube 25b, the length of which is greater than the remaining length of the optical fiber 22, so that the end 23 does not extend beyond the blown fiber tube 25b. The blown fiber tube 25b is then connected to the fiber block connector 13 opposite the blown fiber tube 25a, as shown in Figure 60. Fig. 61. Finally, an end cap connector 15 is connected to the blown fiber tube 25b at one end opposite the fiber block connector 13, as shown in Fig. 62 shown. Fig. 63 represents a fully assembled storage device for optical fibers 620.

[0037] After the optical fiber storage device 620 has been fully assembled, the blown fiber tube 25 is guided through the cable guide slot 636, as shown in Fig. 64. The optical fiber storage device 620 and the blown fiber tube 25 are finally, as shown in Fig. 65 shown, placed in channel 16. In Fig. Figure 66 shows an installed storage device for optical fibers 620.

[0038] Fig. 67-72 describe a method for unwinding the optical fiber 22 from an installed optical fiber storage device 620. Fig. Figure 67 illustrates the removal of the blown fiber tube 25b (and the end cap connector 13) from the optical fiber 22, thereby exposing the end 23. In other examples, the end 23 may be closed by a ferrule with a spring installed behind the ferrule. Subsequently, the optical fiber retaining element 14 is released so that an additional optical fiber 22 can be pulled from the optical fiber storage device 620 through the fiber exit aperture 647, as shown in Figure 67. Fig. shown on 68-69. After drawing the desired length of the optical fiber 22, it can be routed through a blown fiber tube 25c ( Fig. 70) to a desired location. If excess length of the optical fiber 22 has been pulled out of the optical fiber storage device 620, it can be pushed back through the fiber exit opening 647 via the fiber block connector 13 and the blown fiber tube 25a. Finally, the blown fiber tube 25c is connected to the fiber block connector 13 in the same way as the blown fiber tube 25b.

[0039] Fig. Figures 73-75 represent an alternative cover 630a that can be used with the optical fiber storage device 620. The cover 630a includes notches 702 (see Figure 73-75). Fig. 73), which can engage with cams of the coil 626 to act as a ratchet assembly, allowing relative rotation between the cover 630a and the coil 626 in a first direction of rotation to draw the optical fiber into the optical fiber storage device 620, but limiting rotation in an opposite second direction. The cover 630a also includes a fiber guide 704 (see Fig. 73), which projects radially inward from a circumferential fiber receiving surface 706 of the cover 630a adjacent to the fiber entry opening 649. The fiber guide 74 is configured to guide the optical fiber drawn through the fiber entry opening 649 to the open / lower end of the cover 630a to ensure that the optical fiber is guided circumferentially around the circumferential winding surface of the reel 626 adjacent to the lower axial end of the reel 626. The cover 630a also includes a structure for reinforcing the nozzles that define the fiber exit opening 647 and the fiber entry opening 649 to limit the lateral stress on the nozzles. For example, the cover 630a includes a reinforcing structure 708 (see Fig. 74), which at least partially surrounds the nozzle defining the fiber exit opening 647. The reinforcing structure 708 defines a pocket around the fiber exit nozzle for receiving the tube connector 10a, which is attached to the fiber exit opening 647, to provide lateral support around the outside of a tube connector 10a. Referring to Fig. 75 The cover 630a also includes a reinforcing structure 710 that at least partially surrounds the inlet nozzle, which defines the fiber entry opening 649. The reinforcing structure 710 defines a pocket around the fiber entry nozzle for receiving the pipe connector 10, which is attached to the fiber entry opening 649, in order to provide lateral support around the outside of the pipe connector 10.

[0040] Fig. Figures 76-85 describe another optical fiber storage device 820 according to the principles of the present disclosure. The optical fiber storage device 820 functions similarly to the optical fiber storage device 620, except that the optical fiber storage device 820 is configured such that the optical fiber can be inserted into and withdrawn from the optical fiber storage device via the same axial end. In one example, the optical fiber is inserted circumferentially into the optical fiber storage device 820 at a first axial end, and the optical fiber is withdrawn from the optical fiber storage device 820 axially from the first axial end.The optical fiber storage device 820 is configured such that the stored optical fibers reverse their axial direction within the device. In one example, the optical fiber exits the optical fiber storage device 820 through a fiber exit aperture located inside the coil. This fiber exit aperture can be aligned with the central axis of the coil. A key advantage of this configuration is that the axial length of the device can be significantly reduced, resulting in a more compact device.

[0041] The storage device for optical fibers 820 includes a coil 822 that defines a circumferential winding surface 824 (i.e., a circumferential area) around which the optical fiber 22 can be wound. The circumferential winding surface 824 extends circumferentially around a central axis 826 of the coil 822 and extends axially between a first axial end 828 and a second axial end 830 of the coil 822.

[0042] The optical fiber storage device also includes a cover 832, which is mounted over the reel 822. The cover 832 includes a circumferential cover surface 834 (i.e., a fiber receiving surface) that covers and is opposite the circumferential winding surface 824 of the reel 822 when the cover 832 is mounted over the reel 822. The circumferential cover surface 834 and the circumferential winding surface 824 both extend around the central axis 826 of the reel 822 when the cover 832 is mounted on the reel 822. A radial distance of a fiber storage area 836 is defined between the circumferential winding surface 824 and the circumferential cover surface 834 and is dimensioned to prevent the optical fiber 22 stored in the fiber storage area 836 from crossing over each other. Preferably, the optical fiber coils are arranged within the fiber storage area in a single, non-overlapping layer (see Fig. 82 and Fig. 83).

[0043] The optical fiber storage device 820 defines a fiber exit opening 840, which allows the wound optical fiber 22 to be pulled from the fiber storage area 836 through the fiber exit opening 840 while the cover 832 remains mounted over the reel 822. The fiber storage device 820 also includes a fiber entry opening 842, which is defined by the cover 832. The fiber entry opening 842 is separate from the fiber exit opening 840. The optical fiber 22 can be pulled into the fiber storage area 836 by rotating the reel 822 relative to the cover 832 about the central axis 826 of the reel 822.

[0044] The fiber entry opening 842 is defined by a fiber entry structure (e.g., a tangential fiber entry nozzle) located adjacent to the first axial end 828 of the reel 822 when the cover 832 is mounted on the reel 822. The optical fiber storage device 820 is configured such that the fiber exit opening 840 receives the optical fiber 22 stored in the fiber storage area 836 from the second axial end 830 of the reel. The fiber entry opening 842 is configured to guide the optical fiber 22 from the first axial end 828 of the reel into the optical fiber storage area 836 in an orientation circumferential to the central axis 826 of the reel 822.When the optical fiber 22 is inserted into the fiber storage area 836, the fiber is wound in a single layer around the spool, with the spools being advanced axially along the circumferential winding surface 824 in one direction from the first axial end 828 to the second axial end 830 during fiber insertion. In the illustrated example, the fiber entry opening 842 is defined by a fiber entry nozzle of the cover 832, which is oriented tangentially to the main body of the cover 832. The fiber exit opening 840 is defined and configured within the spool 822 along the central axis 826 of the spool 822 to allow the optical fiber 22 to exit the optical fiber storage device 820 through the first axial end 828 of the spool 822. The fiber exit opening 840 is defined by a fiber exit structure, such as a fiber exit nozzle 850 aligned along the axis 826.The exit nozzle 850 extends toward the first axial end 828 of the coil 822, extending from a base end to a free end. The optical fiber storage device 820 is configured such that the optical fiber 22 changes its axial direction within the optical fiber storage device 820 adjacent to the second axial end of the coil 830. The coil 822 incorporates curved bend radius limiting structures 852 to define a fiber reversal path RP at the second end 830 of the coil 820. The reversal path extends from the fiber storage area 836 to the fiber exit aperture 840. The bend radius limiting structures 852 can define an annular transition structure that provides a curved transition between the circumferential winding surface 824 and the fiber exit aperture 840.

[0045] In certain examples, the reel 822 can be referred to as the base. The fiber exit nozzle 850 is positioned within a pocket area 823 of the reel, which is surrounded by the inner fiber storage area 836 and separated from it by at least one wall 825 of the base, which defines the circumferential winding surface 824.

[0046] The spool 822 includes a fiber fastening structure 856 (e.g., one or more clamps, see Fig. 85 and Fig. 86) at the second axial end 830 of the coil to temporarily secure the optical fiber 22 to the coil 822, at least during the winding of the optical fiber 22 onto the coil 822. The coil 822 may include curved internal ribs 860 to facilitate manual rotation of the coil 822 relative to the cover 832. Fig. 78 and Fig. 80 represent a version of the coil 822 with four ribs 860, while Fig. Figures 79, 81, and 84-86 show a version of the coil with two ribs 860. The coil 822 can include a tool holder 862 for receiving a tool, for example, a screwdriver, to facilitate rotation of the coil 822 relative to the cover 832.

[0047] The cover 832 includes a circumferential cover section 870 (e.g., a sleeve) that defines the circumferential cover surface 834. The circumferential cover section 870 has a first axial end 872 and an opposing second axial end 874. The first axial end 872 of the circumferential cover section 870 is open and configured to receive the reel 822. The cover includes a removable end section 876 that is detachably attached to the second axial end 874 of the circumferential cover section 870 to enclose the second axial end 874. In examples, the fiber attachment may be designed to detach from the fiber when the fiber is withdrawn from the fiber exit opening 840. In this type of configuration, the cover 832 may have a one-piece construction.

[0048] To load the optical fiber 22 into the optical fiber storage device 820, the optical fiber 22 is guided through the fiber entry aperture 842 while the circumferential cover section 870 is mounted on the reel 822 and the end cover section 876 is detached from the second axial end 874 of the circumferential cover section 870. The optical fiber 22 is guided through the fiber storage area 836 and secured by the fiber fastening structures 856 at the second axial end 830 of the reel 822. The reel 822 is then usually rotated manually relative to the circumferential cover section 870, as the optical fiber is to be wound in a single layer within the fiber storage area 836. Once the required amount of optical fiber is stored in the fiber storage area 836, the optical fiber can be released from the fastening structure 856 and guided through the fiber exit aperture 840.The fiber exit aperture 840 and the fiber entry aperture 842 can then be coupled to fiber support tubes (e.g., blow-molded fiber tubes) via inline connections. The free end of the optical fiber can be protected in a support tube in the same manner as described with respect to the optical fiber storage device 620. After the optical fiber has been passed through the fiber exit aperture 840, the end cover section 876 can be mounted onto the second axial end 874 of the circumferential cover section 870 to enclose the second axial end 874 of the circumferential cover section 870.To withdraw the optical fiber 22 from the optical fiber storage device 820, the optical fiber 22 is pulled out of the fiber exit aperture 842, thereby withdrawing the optical fiber 22 from the fiber storage area 836 adjacent to the second end 830 of the reel 822 and guiding it via the bend reversal path to the fiber exit aperture 840. In this way, the optical fiber can be inserted into the optical fiber storage device 820 and withdrawn from the optical fiber storage device 820 at a single end. The support tube at the fiber exit aperture 840 can be connected via a sealed connector to a blown fiber tube through which the optical fiber 22 is routed during installation to a subscriber's location.

[0049] Fig. 87 and Fig.Reference 88 represents an optical fiber storage device 820a, which has the same basic structure as the optical fiber storage device 820, except that an externally accessible compartment 900 is integrated into the outer surface of the cover 832. For example, the externally accessible compartment 900 is integrated on the outer circumference of the circumferential cover section 870. The compartment 900 includes a main compartment body 902, which is formed integrally with the circumferential cover section 870. The main compartment body 902 includes an open outer surface 904. The compartment 900 includes a compartment cover 906 for opening and closing the open outer surface 904. Fasteners such as screws can be used to attach the compartment cover 906 to the main compartment body 902. The interior of the compartment within the main compartment body is sealed against environmental influences when the compartment cover 906 is positioned over the open side.The interior of the compartment is accessible from the outside of the device when the compartment cover 906 has been slid open. A sealing material such as a gasket or gel can be used to provide a seal between the main compartment body and the compartment cover 906. The main compartment body can define openings or ports 908 for routing cables into and out of the interior of the main compartment body. Seals can be fitted to the ports 908 to seal the entry and exit points. The compartment 900 can be positioned adjacent to the fiber entry opening 842. A fiber routing path 910 can be provided between the fiber entry opening 842 and one of the ports 908. The compartment cover 906 can have a main body to cover the open exterior 904 and an extension 912 to cover the fiber routing path 910.One or more optical splice holders 914 can be positioned within the compartment. In one example, the primary length of the optical fiber is optically connected at an optical splice located in the compartment to the excess length of the optical fiber stored in the optical storage device for optical fibers. The primary length of the optical fiber can be routed into the compartment through one of the terminals 908 to the splice inside the compartment. The excess length of the optical fiber can be routed from the splice inside the compartment through the other terminal 908 to the fiber routing path. The excess length of the fiber can be routed along the routing path 910 into the interior of the device to the fiber entry aperture 842.

[0050] In certain examples, the excess length of the optical fiber can be loaded into the fiber storage device 820a before it is delivered to the installation site (e.g., at the factory / production facility). For instance, the excess length of the optical fiber can be pre-wound around the surrounding winding surface in storage area 836. A leading end of the excess optical fiber can extend through the fiber exit opening 840 and be stored in the support tube 25a or 25b attached to the fiber exit opening 840 (e.g., via the connector 10a), while a trailing end of the excess optical fiber can extend through the fiber entry opening 842 into compartment 900. The trailing end of the excess optical fiber can be ready for splicing. In this way, a field service technician does not need to load the excess optical fiber into storage area 836 on site.Instead, the technician can optically splice the rear end of the excess fiber to the main fiber, store the splice in compartment 900, and then position the storage device 820a in the floor, leaving the front end (e.g., end 23) of the excess fiber accessible for later access.

[0051] In certain examples of the present disclosure, fiber spools can be stored in a single layer without crossing or radial stacking. In other examples, more space may be provided, allowing the spools to cross within the device and / or be arranged radially above one another. Aspects of Revelation

[0052] Aspect 1. An optical fiber storage device for storing excess length of an optical fiber at the end of a primary length of an optical fiber, wherein the optical fiber storage device comprises: a coil that defines a winding area around which the excess length of the optical fiber is wound can be wrapped; a cover that is mounted over the coil; and the cover defining a fiber exit aperture that allows the optical fiber wound on a spool to be pulled through the interior of the cover and out of the fiber exit aperture while the cover remains mounted over the spool, the fiber storage device also including a fiber entry aperture through which the excess length of the optical fiber enters the optical fiber storage device and from which the main length of the optical fiber extends out of the storage device.

[0053] Aspect 2. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 1, wherein an excess length of the optical fiber is wound around the coil before the cover is placed over the coil.

[0054] Aspect 3. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 1, wherein the cover has an elongated configuration with a cover length extending from a first end to a second end of the cover.

[0055] Aspect 4. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 3, wherein the length of the cover is at least 2, 3 or 4 times an inner transverse dimension of the cover.

[0056] Aspect 5. Storage device for optical fibers according to one of aspects 3 or 4, wherein the first end defines the fiber exit aperture and the second end is open and configured to be inserted over the coil.

[0057] Aspect 6. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 5, wherein the first end has a conical configuration.

[0058] Aspect 7. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 6, wherein the conical configuration has a rounded dome shape with a concave inside and a convex outside.

[0059] Aspect 8. Storage device for optical fibers according to aspect 7, wherein the cover has a cylindrical sleeve section extending from the conical configuration to the second end.

[0060] Aspect 9. Storage device for optical fibers according to one of aspects 1-8, wherein at least some coils of the wound optical fiber are located outside the cover once the cover has been fitted onto the coil.

[0061] Aspect 10. Storage device for optical fibers according to one of aspects 1-9, wherein at least some coils of the wound optical fiber are located radially between the cover and the coil once the cover has been fitted onto the coil.

[0062] Aspect 11. Storage device for optical fibers according to any of Aspects 1-10, wherein the coil has an elongated configuration with a length extending between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is designed to be received in the cover and has a rounded dome shape, and wherein the winding surface extends from the rounded dome shape towards the second end of the cover.

[0063] Aspect 12. Storage device for optical fibers according to aspect 11, wherein the winding surface is cylindrical.

[0064] Aspect 13. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 1, wherein the cover extends along a central axis between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is defined by a rounded dome and the fiber exit aperture passes through the first end, wherein the cover includes a side wall section extending from the rounded dome to the second end, and wherein the second end is open and configured to be inserted over the coil.

[0065] Aspect 14. Storage device for optical fibers according to aspect 13, wherein the side wall section is cylindrical.

[0066] Aspect 15. Storage device for optical fibers according to aspect 13 or 14, wherein the side wall section defines an axial through-slot, wherein a slider is fitted to slide along the axial through-slot, and wherein the fiber entry opening is defined by the slider.

[0067] Aspect 16. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 15, wherein the excess length of the optical fiber is guided through the fiber entry opening of the slide into the interior of the cover, wherein the excess length of the optical fiber is guided out of the interior of the cover through the fiber exit opening of the cover, wherein, after the excess length of the optical fiber has been guided through the cover, the coil is inserted coaxially through the second end of the cover into the cover, wherein, once the coil is inserted into the cover, the coil is rotated about the central axis, such that a locking mechanism on the coil captures the excess length of the optical fiber and pulls the excess length of the optical fiber inwards through the fiber entry opening and causes the excess length of the optical fiber to be wound onto the winding surface as the coil is rotated.

[0068] Aspect 17. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 16, wherein the slider is configured to slide along the axial through-slot while the excess length of the optical fiber is wound onto the winding surface to indicate the amount of excess length of optical fiber that has been wound onto the winding surface.

[0069] Aspect 18. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 1, wherein the cover further comprises: a sleeve and a fiber end cap; wherein the sleeve comprises a first open end and a second open end, the second open end being configured to be attached to the fiber end cap, and the first open end being configured to sit on a base flange of the reel when the cover is fitted on the reel; wherein the fiber end cap has a conical configuration; and where the fiber exit opening is defined at one end of the fiber end cap.

[0070] Aspect 19. Storage device for optical fibers according to aspect 18, wherein the fiber entry opening is defined by the sleeve adjacent to the first open end.

[0071] Aspect 20. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 19, wherein the fiber entry opening is further defined by a channel, the channel being oriented tangentially to an outer surface of the sleeve.

[0072] Aspect 21. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 18, wherein the coil further comprises: a first end and a second end; the first end encompassing the base flange; wherein the first end further comprises a curved finger profile extending outwards from a central axis and recessed in the coil such that the coil can be manually rotated relative to the cover when the cover is fitted on the coil; and the second end being a closed end configuration; and wherein the second end furthermore includes a fiber holder.

[0073] Aspect 22. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 22, wherein the second end further comprises a fiber bend radius protection device.

[0074] Aspect 23. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 1, wherein the cover extends along a central axis between a first end and a second end, the first end being defined by a rounded dome and the fiber exit opening being defined by the first end, the cover including a sidewall section extending from the rounded dome to the second end, the second end being open and configured to be inserted over the reel, the sidewall section being cylindrical and including an inner cylindrical surface defining an inner diameter, the reel including a cylindrical fiber winding surface facing the inner cylindrical surface of the sidewall section of the cover when the cover is inserted over the reel, the cylindrical fiber winding surface defining an outer diameter.and wherein a radial distance between the inner cylindrical surface and the cylindrical fiber winding surface is less than or equal to twice the diameter of the optical fiber.

[0075] Aspect 24. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 1, wherein the cover extends along a central axis between a first end and a second end, the first end being defined by a rounded dome and the fiber exit aperture passing through the first end, the cover including a side wall section extending from the rounded dome to the second end, the second end being open and configured to be inserted over a winding section of the coil.

[0076] Aspect 25. Storage device for optical fibers according to aspect 23 or 24, wherein the fiber entry opening is defined by the cover adjacent to the second end of the cover.

[0077] Aspect 26. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 25, wherein the fiber entry aperture is defined by a channel that is oriented tangentially to the outside of the side wall section of the cover.

[0078] Aspect 27. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 25, wherein the coil is held in the cover by an end cap.

[0079] Aspect 28. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 27, wherein an annular seal is provided which surrounds a central axis of the storage device for optical fibers and provides a circumferential seal at the second end of the cover.

[0080] Aspect 29. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 23 or 24, wherein the coil includes a fiber receiving finger with an elastic construction, the fiber receiving finger being configured to extend from an axial end of the coil into the rounded dome of the cover when the coil is installed inside the cover.

[0081] Aspect 30. An optical fiber storage device for storing excess length of an optical fiber at the end of a primary length of an optical fiber, wherein the optical fiber storage device comprises: a frame configured to rotate around a first axis; a first bevel gear that is coupled to the frame in such a way that the first bevel gear rotates with the frame around the first axis; a second bevel gear which engages with the first bevel gear, wherein the second bevel gear is mounted on the frame and is rotatable relative to the frame about a second axis; a coil which is carried by the frame, wherein the coil is coupled to the second bevel gear such that the coil and the second bevel gear are configured to rotate together around the second axis; a fiber passage comprising a first section extending axially through the first gear along the first axis, a second section extending axially through the second gear along the second axis, and a third section extending axially through the coil along the second axis, wherein the excess length of the optical fiber for storage around the coil is wound around the second axis, and wherein by pulling the excess length of the optical fiber from the coil the fiber is unwound from the coil and the coil is caused to rotate about the second axis, the rotation of the coil driving the rotation of the second bevel gear about the second axis, which in turn drives the rotation of the first bevel gear and the frame about the first axis, such that the main length of the optical fiber is not twisted when the excess length of the optical fiber is unwound from the coil.

[0082] Aspect 31. An optical fiber storage device for storing excess length of an optical fiber at the end of a primary length of an optical fiber, wherein the optical fiber storage device comprises: a base that defines an interior space; Fiber winding guides that can be positioned in the base to facilitate the routing of the excess length of the optical fiber in a figure-eight loop within the base, wherein the fiber winding guides can be removed from the base after the excess length of the optical fiber has been wound in the figure-eight loop within the base; and a cover that is attached to the base and has a fiber exit opening so that the excess length of the optical fiber can be pulled out of the base.

[0083] Aspect 32. An optical fiber storage device for storing excess length of an optical fiber at the end of a primary length of an optical fiber, wherein the optical fiber storage device comprises: a coil that defines a circumferential winding surface around which the excess length of the optical fiber can be wound; a cover that is mounted over the coil; and wherein the optical fiber storage device defines a fiber exit aperture which makes it possible to pull the wound optical fiber out from the winding surface through the fiber exit aperture while the cover remains in place over the coil, wherein the optical fiber storage device also includes a fiber entry aperture separate from the fiber exit aperture, through which the excess length of the optical fiber enters the optical fiber storage device and from which the main length of the optical fiber extends out of the optical fiber storage device.

[0084] Aspect 33. Optical fiber storage device according to Aspect 32, wherein the cover includes a circumferential cover surface that covers and is opposite the circumferential winding surface of the reel when the cover is fitted on the reel, wherein the circumferential cover surface and the circumferential winding surface both extend about a central axis of the reel when the cover is fitted on the reel, and wherein a radial distance of a fiber storage area is provided between the The surrounding winding area and the surrounding covering area are defined and dimensioned in such a way as to prevent the optical fibers stored in the fiber storage area from crossing over each other.

[0085] Aspect 34. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 33, wherein the radial distance is less than or equal to twice the outer diameter of the optical fiber.

[0086] Aspect 35. Storage device for optical fibers according to one of Aspects 33-34, wherein the fiber entry opening is defined by the cover and is configured to guide the optical fiber in the circumferential direction with respect to the circumferential winding surface into the fiber storage area.

[0087] Aspect 36. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 35, wherein the fiber entry aperture includes a fiber entry channel defining a fiber entry axis that is substantially tangential to the cover.

[0088] Aspect 37. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 36, wherein the fiber entry channel is defined by a fiber entry nozzle projecting from a main body of the cover.

[0089] Aspect 38. Storage device for optical fibers according to aspect 37, further comprising a tube connector for connecting an entry fiber carrier tube to the fiber entry nozzle and for sealing the entry fiber carrier tube against the fiber entry nozzle.

[0090] Aspect 39. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 38, wherein the entry fiber carrier tube is a blown fiber tube.

[0091] Aspect 40. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 38, wherein the cover includes a reinforcement structure defining a pocket which at least partially surrounds the fiber entry nozzle to accommodate the tube connector when mounted on the fiber entry nozzle in order to reduce the lateral load on the fiber entry nozzle.

[0092] Aspect 41. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 35, wherein the fiber entry aperture includes a fiber entry passage defining a fiber entry axis that is oriented circumferentially relative to the central axis of the coil when the cover is fitted on the coil.

[0093] Aspect 42. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 41, wherein the fiber entry passage is defined by a nozzle projecting from an outside of a main body of the cover.

[0094] Aspect 43. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 42, wherein the cover includes a fiber guide which projects radially inwards from the circumferential surface of the cover adjacent to the fiber entry axis in order to guide the optical fiber passed through the fiber entry channel along the fiber entry axis in a circumferential orientation with respect to the central axis of the coil.

[0095] Aspect 44. Storage device for optical fibers according to any of Aspects 32-43, wherein the cover includes a circumferential cover section defining the circumferential cover area, wherein the circumferential cover section has a first axial end and an opposite second axial end, wherein the first axial end of the circumferential cover section is open and configured to receive the coil, and wherein the cover includes a removable end section that is detachably attached to the second axial end of the circumferential cover section to enclose the second axial end.

[0096] Aspect 45. Storage device for optical fibers according to one of aspects 32-44, wherein the The circumferential winding surface of the coil extends axially between a first axial end of the coil and a second axial end of the coil, the cover defining the fiber entry aperture, the fiber entry aperture being adjacent to the first axial end of the coil when the cover is fitted on the coil, and the optical fiber being guided from the second end of the coil to the fiber exit aperture.

[0097] Aspect 46. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 45, wherein the coil includes a fiber fastening structure at the second axial end of the coil to temporarily secure the optical fiber to the coil at least during the winding of the optical fiber onto the coil.

[0098] Aspect 47. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 45, wherein the optical fiber is wound in a single layer within the fiber storage area.

[0099] Aspect 48. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 47, wherein the coils of the optical fiber are pushed from the first axial end of the coil to the second axial end of the coil while the optical fiber is pulled into the fiber storage area.

[0100] Aspect 49. Optical fiber storage device according to any of Aspects 32-48, wherein the optical fiber storage device is configured to draw the optical fiber into the fiber storage area by rotating the coil relative to the cover about the central axis of the coil.

[0101] Aspect 50. Storage device for optical fibers according to one of Aspects 32-49, wherein the fiber exit aperture is defined by the cover.

[0102] Aspect 51. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 50, wherein the fiber exit opening includes a fiber exit passage defined by a fiber exit nozzle projecting from the cover, and wherein the fiber exit nozzle defines a fiber exit axis aligned axially to the central axis of the coil when the cover is placed on the coil.

[0103] Aspect 52. Optical fiber storage device according to Aspect 51, wherein the optical fiber storage device comprises a first axial end and an opposite second axial end, wherein the fiber entry aperture is adjacent to the first axial end of the optical fiber storage device and wherein the fiber exit aperture is configured to direct the optical fiber axially from the second axial end of the optical fiber storage device in a direction away from the first axial end of the optical fiber storage device.

[0104] Aspect 53. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 51, further comprising a tube connector for connecting an exit fiber carrier tube to the fiber exit nozzle and for sealing the exit fiber carrier tube against the fiber exit nozzle.

[0105] Aspect 54. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 53, wherein the cover includes a reinforcement structure defining a pocket which at least partially surrounds the fiber exit nozzle to accommodate the tube connector when mounted on the fiber exit nozzle in order to reduce the lateral load on the fiber exit nozzle.

[0106] Aspect 55. Optical fiber storage device according to Aspect 51, wherein the optical fiber storage device comprises a first axial end and an opposite second axial end, wherein the fiber entry opening is adjacent to the first axial end of the optical fiber storage device and wherein the fiber exit nozzle is located at the second axial end of the optical fiber storage device and projects outwards from the cover in a direction away from the first axial end of the optical fiber storage device.

[0107] Aspect 56. Fiber storage device according to one of Aspects 32-49, wherein the fiber exit opening is defined by the coil.

[0108] Aspect 57. Optical fiber storage device according to Aspect 56, wherein the optical fiber storage device comprises a first axial end and an opposite second axial end, wherein the fiber entry aperture is adjacent to the first axial end of the optical fiber storage device, and wherein the fiber exit aperture is defined within the coil along the central axis of the coil and is configured such that the optical fiber can exit the optical fiber storage device through the first axial end of the storage device.

[0109] Aspect 58. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 57, wherein the fiber entry aperture is configured such that the optical fiber is guided into the storage device for optical fibers in an orientation radial to the central axis of the coil.

[0110] Aspect 59. Optical fiber storage device according to Aspect 58, wherein the coil includes a first axial end adjacent to the first axial end of the optical fiber storage device and a second axial end adjacent to the second axial end of the optical fiber storage device, wherein the fiber entry aperture is configured to direct the optical fiber onto the coil adjacent to the first axial end of the coil, and wherein the fiber exit aperture receives the optical fiber from the second axial end of the coil.

[0111] Aspect 60. Optical fiber storage device according to one of Aspects 56-59, wherein the optical fiber storage device is configured such that the optical fiber reverses its axial direction within the optical fiber storage device.

[0112] Aspect 61. Storage device for optical fibers, comprising: a coil that defines a circumferential winding surface around which an optical fiber is wound can be, wherein the circumferential winding surface extends in the circumferential direction around a central axis of the coil and extends in the axial direction between a first axial end and a second axial end of the coil; a cover that is fitted over the coil, wherein the cover includes a circumferential surface that covers and is opposite the circumferential winding surface of the coil when the cover is fitted over the coil, wherein both the circumferential cover surface and the circumferential winding surface extend about a central axis of the coil when the cover is fitted on the coil, and wherein a radial distance of a fiber storage area between the circumferential winding surface and the circumferential cover surface is dimensioned such that crossing of the optical fibers stored in the fiber storage area is prevented; and wherein the storage device for optical fibers defines a fiber exit aperture which makes it possible to pull the optical fiber wound onto the reel out of the fiber storage area through the fiber exit aperture while the cover remains in place over the reel, wherein the storage device for optical fibers also includes a fiber entry aperture defined by the cover, wherein the fiber entry aperture is separate from the fiber exit aperture, and wherein the optical fiber can be pulled into the fiber storage area by rotating the reel relative to the cover about the central axis of the reel.

[0113] Aspect 62. Optical fiber storage device according to Aspect 61, wherein the fiber entry aperture is adjacent to the first axial end of the coil when the cover is fitted on the coil, and wherein the optical fiber storage device is configured such that the fiber exit aperture receives the stored optical fiber from the second axial end of the coil.

[0114] Aspect 63. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 62, wherein the fiber entry aperture is configured such that the optical fiber is guided into the optical fiber storage area at the first axial end of the coil in an orientation extending circumferentially to the central axis of the coil.

[0115] Aspect 64. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 63, wherein the fiber entry opening is defined by a fiber entry nozzle of the cover which is oriented tangentially to the main body of the cover.

[0116] Aspect 65. Optical fiber storage device according to Aspect 62 or 63, wherein the fiber exit aperture inside the coil is defined along the central axis of the coil and is configured so that the optical fiber can exit the optical fiber storage device through the first axial end of the coil.

[0117] Aspect 66. Optical fiber storage device according to Aspect 65, wherein the optical fiber storage device is configured such that the optical fiber reverses its axial direction within the optical fiber storage device adjacent to the second axial end of the coil.

[0118] Aspect 67. Storage device for optical fibers according to aspect 62 or 63, wherein the fiber exit aperture is defined by the cover and is adjacent to the second axial end of the coil when the cover is fitted on the coil.

[0119] Aspect 68. Optical fiber storage device according to Aspect 67, wherein the fiber exit aperture is aligned along the central axis of the coil when the cover is fitted on the coil, and wherein the optical fiber storage device is configured such that the optical fiber does not change its axial direction within the optical fiber storage device.

[0120] Aspect 69. Storage device for optical fibers according to aspect 62 or 63, wherein the coil includes a fiber fastening structure at the second axial end of the coil to temporarily secure the optical fiber to the coil at least during the winding of the optical fiber onto the coil.

[0121] Aspect 70. Storage device for optical fibers according to one of Aspects 62 or 63, wherein the cover includes a circumferential cover section defining the circumferential cover area, wherein the circumferential cover section has a first axial end and an opposite second axial end, wherein the first axial end of the circumferential cover section is open and configured to receive the coil, and wherein the cover includes a removable end section that is detachably attached to the second axial end of the circumferential cover section to enclose the second axial end.

[0122] Aspect 71. Storage device for optical fibers according to aspect 32 or 61, further comprising an externally accessible compartment integrated into the outside of the cover.

[0123] Aspect 72. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 71, wherein the externally accessible compartment can be opened and closed.

[0124] Aspect 73. Storage device for optical fibers according to claim 71, wherein the compartment includes a main compartment body formed integrally with the cover, wherein the main compartment body has an open side, and wherein the compartment includes a compartment cover for opening and closing the open side.

[0125] Aspect 74. Optical storage device according to aspect 73, wherein the interior of the compartment within the main compartment body is sealed against environmental influences when the compartment cover is positioned so that it closes the open side, and wherein the interior of the compartment is accessible from outside the cover when the compartment cover is positioned so that the open side is open.

[0126] Aspect 75. Optical storage device according to Aspect 73, wherein the fiber entry aperture defined by the cover is positioned adjacent to the tray, wherein a fiber routing path is defined between the tray and the fiber entry aperture, and wherein the tray cover includes an extension that covers a fiber routing path when the tray cover is positioned to cover the open side of the main tray body.

[0127] Aspect 76. Optical storage device according to any of Aspects 71-75, wherein one or more optical splice holders are positioned within the compartment.

[0128] Aspect 77. Optical storage device according to any of Aspects 71-76, wherein the primary length of the optical fiber is optically spliced ​​with the excess length of the optical fiber which is stored in the optical storage device at an optical splice point within the compartment.

[0129] Aspect 78. Storage device for optical fibers, comprising: a coil that defines a circumferential winding surface around which an optical fiber is wound can be, wherein the circumferential winding surface extends in the circumferential direction around a central axis of the coil and extends in the axial direction between a first axial end and a second axial end of the coil; a cover that is fitted over the coil, wherein the cover includes a circumferential surface that covers and is opposite the circumferential winding surface of the coil when the cover is fitted over the coil, wherein both the circumferential cover surface and the circumferential winding surface extend about a central axis of the coil when the cover is fitted on the coil, and wherein a radial distance of a fiber storage area between the circumferential winding surface and the circumferential cover surface is dimensioned such that crossing of the optical fibers stored in the fiber storage area is prevented; and wherein the storage device for optical fibers defines a fiber exit aperture which makes it possible to pull the optical fiber wound onto the reel out of the fiber storage area through the fiber exit aperture while the cover remains in place over the reel, wherein the storage device for optical fibers also includes a fiber entry aperture defined by the cover, wherein the fiber entry aperture is separate from the fiber exit aperture, and wherein the optical fiber can be pulled into the fiber storage area by rotating the reel relative to the cover about the central axis of the reel.

[0130] Aspect 79. Optical fiber storage device according to Aspect 78, wherein the fiber entry aperture is adjacent to the first axial end of the coil when the cover is fitted on the coil, and wherein the optical fiber storage device is configured such that the fiber exit aperture receives the stored optical fiber from the second axial end of the coil.

[0131] Aspect 80. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 79, wherein the fiber entry aperture is configured such that the optical fiber is guided into the optical fiber storage area at the first axial end of the coil in an orientation extending circumferentially to the central axis of the coil.

[0132] Aspect 81. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 80, wherein the fiber entry opening is defined by a fiber entry nozzle of the cover which is oriented tangentially to the main body of the cover.

[0133] Aspect 82. Optical fiber storage device according to Aspect 79 or 80, wherein the fiber exit aperture inside the coil is defined along the central axis of the coil and is configured so that the optical fiber can exit the optical fiber storage device through the first axial end of the coil.

[0134] Aspect 83. Optical fiber storage device according to Aspect 82, wherein the optical fiber storage device is configured such that the optical fiber reverses its axial direction within the optical fiber storage device adjacent to the second axial end of the coil.

[0135] Aspect 84. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 79 or 80, wherein the fiber exit aperture is defined by the cover and is adjacent to the second axial end of the coil when the cover is fitted on the coil.

[0136] Aspect 85. Optical fiber storage device according to Aspect 84, wherein the fiber exit aperture is aligned along the central axis of the coil when the cover is fitted on the coil, and wherein the optical fiber storage device is configured such that the optical fiber does not change its axial direction within the optical fiber storage device.

[0137] Aspect 86. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 79 or 80, wherein the coil includes a fiber fastening structure at the second axial end of the coil to temporarily secure the optical fiber to the coil at least during the winding of the optical fiber onto the coil.

[0138] Aspect 87. Storage device for optical fibers according to one of Aspects 79 or 80, wherein the cover includes a circumferential cover section defining the circumferential cover area, wherein the circumferential cover section has a first axial end and an opposite second axial end, wherein the first axial end of the circumferential cover section is open and configured to receive the coil, and wherein the cover includes a removable end section that is detachably attached to the second axial end of the circumferential cover section to enclose the second axial end.

[0139] Aspect 88. Storage device for optical fibers according to aspect 32 or 78, further comprising an externally accessible compartment integrated into the outside of the cover.

[0140] Aspect 89. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 88, wherein the compartment accessible from the outside can be opened and closed.

[0141] Aspect 90. Storage device for optical fibers according to claim 88, wherein the compartment includes a main compartment body formed integrally with the cover, wherein the main compartment body has an open side, and wherein the compartment includes a compartment cover for opening and closing the open side.

[0142] Aspect 91. Optical storage device according to aspect 90, wherein the interior of the compartment within the main compartment body is sealed against environmental influences when the compartment cover is positioned so that it closes the open side, and wherein the interior of the compartment is accessible from outside the cover when the compartment cover is positioned so that the open side is open.

[0143] Aspect 92. Optical storage device according to Aspect 90, wherein the fiber entry aperture defined by the cover is positioned adjacent to the tray, wherein a fiber routing path is defined between the tray and the fiber entry aperture, and wherein the tray cover includes an extension that covers a fiber routing path when the tray cover is positioned to cover the open side of the main tray body.

[0144] Aspect 93. Optical storage device according to any of Aspects 88-92, wherein one or more optical splice holders are positioned within the compartment.

[0145] Aspect 94. Optical storage device according to any of Aspects 88-93, wherein the primary length of the optical fiber is optically spliced ​​with the excess length of the optical fiber which is stored in the optical storage device at an optical splice point within the compartment.

[0146] Aspect 95. Storage device for optical fibers, comprising: A fiber storage enclosure with a circumferential wall extending around a central axis of the fiber storage enclosure, wherein the fiber storage enclosure includes a base and a cover attached to the base, wherein the fiber storage enclosure includes an inner fiber storage area between the base and the cover, wherein the fiber storage enclosure defines a fiber exit opening that allows stored optical fibers to be pulled from the inner fiber storage area through the fiber exit opening while the cover remains attached to the base, wherein the fiber storage enclosure also includes a fiber entry opening separate from the fiber exit opening, wherein the fiber entry opening is defined by an outer fiber entry structure configured such that the fiber entry opening is oriented tangentially to the circumferential wall.and wherein the fiber exit aperture is defined along the central axis of the fiber storage housing and configured such that the optical fiber can be pulled axially out of the inner fiber storage area along the central axis of the fiber storage housing.

[0147] Aspect 96. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 95, wherein the fiber exit aperture is defined by a fiber exit structure configured such that the fiber exit aperture is aligned along the central axis of the fiber storage housing.

[0148] Aspect 97. Optical fiber storage device according to Aspect 96, wherein the cover defines a first axial end of the fiber storage housing, wherein the base defines a second axial end of the fiber storage housing which is offset from the first axial end, wherein the base defines a circumferential surface which projects at least partially outwards in the direction of the circumferential wall, wherein the inner fiber storage area is defined between the circumferential wall and the circumferential surface, and wherein the base defines an annular fiber transition structure which provides a curved transition between the circumferential surface and the fiber exit aperture.

[0149] Aspect 98. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 97, wherein the fiber exit structure is positioned within a pocket area of ​​the base, which is surrounded by the inner fiber storage area and separated from it by at least one wall of the base defining the circumferential surface.

[0150] Aspect 99. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 98, wherein the fiber exit structure has a base end and a free end, wherein the base end is formed integrally with the base and wherein the fiber exit structure extends towards the second axial end of the fiber storage housing, while the fiber exit structure extends from the base end towards the free end.

[0151] Aspect 100. Fiber optic storage device according to Aspect 98, wherein the fiber exit structure has a fiber exit end that is oriented towards the second axial end of the fiber storage housing.

[0152] Aspect 101. Fiber optic storage device according to Aspect 98, wherein the fiber exit structure is configured such that the optical fiber exits the fiber storage housing through the fiber exit structure in an axial direction towards the second axial end of the fiber storage housing.

[0153] Aspect 102. Fiber storage device according to Aspect 101, wherein pipe sealing structures are provided at the fiber exit structure and the fiber entry structure.

[0154] Aspect 103. Storage device for optical fibers, comprising: A fiber storage enclosure with a circumferential wall extending around a central axis of the fiber storage enclosure, wherein the fiber storage enclosure includes a base and a cover attached to the base, wherein the fiber storage enclosure includes an inner fiber storage area between the base and the cover, wherein the fiber storage enclosure defines a fiber exit opening that allows stored optical fibers to be pulled from the inner fiber storage area through the fiber exit opening while the cover remains attached to the base, wherein the fiber storage enclosure further includes a fiber entry opening separate from the fiber exit opening, which is defined by a fiber entry structure, wherein the fiber exit opening is defined along the central axis of the fiber storage enclosure and configured such thatthat the optical fiber can be pulled axially out of the inner fiber storage area along the central axis of the fiber storage housing, wherein the fiber exit aperture is defined by a fiber exit structure configured such that the fiber exit aperture is aligned along the central axis of the fiber storage housing, wherein the cover defines a first axial end of the fiber storage housing, wherein the base defines a second axial end of the fiber storage housing offset from the first axial end, wherein the base defines a circumferential surface that points at least partially outwards towards the circumferential wall, wherein the inner fiber storage area is defined between the circumferential wall and the circumferential surface, and wherein the base defines an annular fiber transition structure that forms a curved transition between the circumferential surface and the fiber exit aperture.wherein the fiber exit structure is positioned within a pocket region of the base, which is surrounded by the inner fiber storage region and separated from it by at least one wall of the base that defines the circumferential surface.

[0155] Aspect 104. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 103, wherein the fiber exit structure has a base end and a free end, wherein the base end is formed integrally with the base and wherein the fiber exit structure extends towards the second axial end of the fiber storage housing, while the fiber exit structure extends from the base end towards the free end.

[0156] Aspect 105. Fiber optic storage device according to Aspect 103, wherein the fiber exit structure has a fiber exit end that is oriented towards the second axial end of the fiber storage housing.

[0157] Aspect 106. Fiber optic storage device according to Aspect 103, wherein the fiber exit structure is configured such that the optical fiber exits the fiber storage housing through the fiber exit structure in an axial direction towards the second axial end of the fiber storage housing.

[0158] Aspect 107. Fiber storage device according to Aspect 106, wherein pipe sealing structures are provided at the fiber exit structure and the fiber entry structure.

[0159] Aspect 108. An optical fiber storage device for storing excess length of an optical fiber at the end of a primary length of an optical fiber, wherein the optical fiber storage device comprises: A fiber storage housing that defines an inner fiber storage area for storing the excess length of the optical fiber, wherein the fiber storage housing also includes a fiber exit opening that allows the stored excess length of the optical fiber to be pulled out of the inner storage area of ​​the fiber storage housing through the fiber exit opening, wherein the fiber storage housing also includes a fiber entry opening separate from the fiber exit opening, from which the primary length of the optical fiber extends away from the optical fiber storage device, and wherein the fiber storage housing also includes a splice chamber separate from the fiber storage area.

[0160] Aspect 109. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 108, wherein the excess length of the optical fiber is preloaded in the fiber storage housing, wherein the rear end of the excess length of the optical fiber is ready for splicing and is stored in the splice chamber.

[0161] Aspect 110. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 108, further comprising a splice holder positioned within the splice chamber.

[0162] Aspect 111. An optical fiber storage device for storing excess length of an optical fiber at the end of a primary length of an optical fiber, wherein the optical fiber storage device comprises: A fiber storage housing defining an inner fiber storage area for storing the excess length of the optical fiber, wherein the fiber storage housing also includes a fiber exit opening that allows the stored excess length of the optical fiber to be pulled from the inner storage area of ​​the fiber storage housing through the fiber exit opening, wherein the fiber storage housing also includes a fiber entry opening separate from the fiber exit opening, from which the primary length of the optical fiber extends away from the optical fiber storage device, wherein the fiber storage housing has a first axial end and an opposite second axial end, wherein the fiber entry opening is arranged and configured such that excess length of the optical fiber is fed through the fiber entry opening in the circumferential direction at the first axial end of the fiber storage housing. wherein the fiber exit aperture is arranged and designed such that the excess length of the optical fiber is pulled out of the fiber storage housing in an axial orientation from the first axial end thereof, and wherein the fiber storage housing is configured such that the excess length of the optical fiber stored in the optical fiber storage device changes its axial direction within the optical fiber storage device as the optical fiber passes from the fiber storage area to the fiber exit aperture.

[0163] Aspect 112. Storage device for optical fibers according to Aspect 111, wherein the fiber exit aperture is located within an inner pocket or recess defined by the fiber storage housing and is aligned with the central axis of the fiber storage housing.

[0164] The various examples described above serve only for illustration and are not to be interpreted as limiting the scope of this revelation. Experts in the field readily recognize that various modifications and changes can be made that do not correspond to the examples and applications presented and described here, without deviating from the actual spirit and scope of this revelation. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 63 / 643,370

[0001] US 63 / 660,980

[0001] US 63 / 696,661

[0001] US 63 / 723,260

[0001] US 63 / 747,838

[0001]

Claims

[1] Optical fiber storage device for storing excess length of an optical fiber at the end of a primary length of an optical fiber, the optical fiber storage device comprising: a cover defining a fiber exit aperture that allows the stored optical fiber to be pulled through an interior of the optical fiber storage device and out of the fiber exit aperture while the cover remains mounted on the optical fiber storage device, the optical fiber storage device also having a fiber entry aperture through which the excess length of the optical fiber enters the optical fiber storage device and from which the main length of the optical fiber extends away from the storage device; wherein the storage device for optical fibers extends along a central axis between a first end and a second end; wherein the optical fiber storage device has a side wall section extending around the central axis and between the first and second ends of the optical fiber storage device; wherein the fiber entry opening is defined adjacent to the second end of the storage device for optical fibers; wherein the storage device for optical fibers has an annular seal that surrounds a central axis of the storage device for optical fibers and provides a circumferential seal; wherein the first end has a conical configuration with a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface and wherein the first end defines the fiber exit opening; and wherein seals are provided at the fiber exit opening and the fiber entry opening. [2] Storage device for optical fibers according to claim 1, further comprising a clamp which is connected to an outer surface of the cover, wherein the clamp has a C-shaped profile. [3] Storage device for optical fibers according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fiber entry opening is oriented tangentially to the side wall section. [4] Storage device for optical fibers according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fiber exit opening defines a pocket in which an end of a fiber tube is received, and wherein the fiber tube projects outwards away from the fiber exit opening. [5] Storage device for optical fibers according to claim 4, wherein an end section of the optical fiber is protected inside the fiber tube. [6] Storage device for optical fibers according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the optical fiber is terminated with a ferrule. [7] Storage device for optical fibers according to claim 6, further comprising a spring which is provided at the end of the optical fiber. [8] Optical fiber storage device according to claim 1, wherein a ferrule and a spring may be provided at one end of the optical fiber, wherein the ferrule, the spring and a section of the optical fiber are enclosed by a protective structure attached to the cover adjacent to the fiber exit opening, and wherein the protective structure includes a tube. [9] Storage device for optical fibers according to claim 8, wherein the ferrule and the spring are directly covered by the protective structure. [10] Storage device for optical fibers according to claim 8, wherein the ferrule and the spring are not covered by a connector body. [11] Optical fiber storage device according to claim 1, wherein the conical configuration at the first end of the optical fiber storage device is defined by a rounded dome and the fiber exit opening is defined by the first end in a central area of ​​the rounded dome. [12] Storage device for optical fibers according to one of claims 1-11, wherein the side wall section is cylindrical.

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