Communications frame with cassettes

Abstract

A communications panel is configured to hold a plurality of cassettes via cassette managers. The cassettes can be pre-mounted to the cassette managers before being loaded into the panel. The cassette managers can be vertically oriented within the chassis and may vertically orient the cassettes within the chassis. Alternatively, the cassette managers can be loaded into the panel prior to installing the cassettes on the cassette managers. The cassette managers route rear cables (e.g., input cables) of the cassettes to the front of the communications panel. Some types of cassette managers hold more than one cassette.

Description

COMMUNICATIONS FRAME WITH CASSETTESCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 578,750, filed August 25, 2023, titled “Communications Frame with Cassettes,” U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 548,365, filed November 13, 2023, titled “Communications Frame with Cassettes,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 643.125, filed May 06, 2024. titled “Communications Frame with Cassettes,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] In the telecommunications industry, the demand for added capacity is growing rapidly. This demand is being met in part by the increasing use and density of fiber optic transmission equipment. Even though fiber optic equipment permits higher levels of transmission in the same or smaller footprint than traditional copper transmission equipment, the demand requires even higher levels of fiber density. This has led to the development of high-density fiber handling equipment.

[0003] Optical fiber distribution systems include fiber terminations and other equipment which is typically frame or rack mounted. Various concerns exist for the optical fiber distribution systems, including density, ease of use, and cable management. There is a continuing need for improvements in the optical fiber distribution area.SUMMARY

[0004] In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, one or more cassettes can be mounted at a communications frame. For example, the one or more cassettes can be removably mounted within a chassis, which is mounted to the communications frame. The communications frame may hold one or more such chassis. In certain implementations, the cassettes are mounted to the chassis via one or more tray elements.

[0005] In certain implementations, when the cassette is mounted to the tray element, the tray element and the cassette move together as a unit referred to herein as a cassette unit. In some examples, the cassette units are mountable to the chassis. In other examples, the tray elements can be first mounted to the chassis and the cassettes can be subsequently mounted to the tray elements.

[0006] In some implementations, the cassete units are mounted vertically within the chassis. In other implementations, the cassete units are mounted horizontally within the chassis.

[0007] In some implementations, a tray element includes a tray configured to hold multiple cassettes. In other implementations, a tray element includes a cassete manager configured to hold only a single cassette. In some examples, the cassete manager routes the cable(s) along the same surface to which the cassette is mounted. In other examples, the cassete manager routes the cable(s) along an opposite surface.

[0008] In certain examples, the cassetes receive the input and output cables at different ends of the cassetes. However, the cassete units (and hence the chassis) are configured for front-access only. In certain examples, both input and output cables for the cassete(s) are routed to a front of the cassete unit.

[0009] In certain implementations, a routing trough is disposed beneath the chassis. Output cables of the cassetes can be routed vertically in front of the chassis to the routing trough. Input cables can be routed horizontally in front of the chassis. In some examples, the input cables are routed horizontally across a top of the cassete units and the output cables are routed horizontally along the routing through beneath the cassete units.

[0010] A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the description, illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example communications frame holding a plurality of communications panels that each hold a plurality of cassetes mounted to tray elements;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first example communications panel including a tray element holding a plurality' of cassetes and a cable routing guide;

[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the communications panel of FIG. 2 shown with only one cassete for ease in viewing;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the communication panel of FIG. 2 shown with only one cassette for ease in viewing;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of an example cassette suitable of use in any of the communication panels disclosed herein;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example cable guide member suitable for use with the tray element of FIG. 2;

[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a first example cassette unit including a cassette mounted to another example tray element, the first cassette unit being configured for cable routing;

[0019] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the first cassette unit of FIG. 7;

[0020] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the tray element of FIG. 7;

[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second example communications panel holding the first cassette units of FIG. 7;

[0022] FIG. 11 is atop plan view of the second communications panel of FIG. 10 with the top removed for ease in view ing the first cassette units;

[0023] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a second example cassette unit including a cassette mounted to another example tray element, the second cassette unit being configured for cable routing;

[0024] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the second cassette unit of FIG. 12;

[0025] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a partially loaded third communications panel configured to hold the second cassette units of FIG. 12;

[0026] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the third communications panel of FIG. 14 fully loaded;

[0027] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a fourth communications panel showing a third cassette unit removed from the panel and a plurality of the third cassette units installed within the panel;

[0028] FIG. 17 is a front elevation view of the panel of FIG. 16;

[0029] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the panel of FIGS. 16 and 17 without any cassettes;

[0030] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the cassette manager of the third cassette unit;

[0031] FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a cassette being mounted to the cassette manager of the third cassette unit;

[0032] FIG. 21 is a further perspective view showing the cassette being mounted to the cassette manager of the third cassette unit;

[0033] FIG. 22 is a front view of the cassette manager of the third cassette unit;

[0034] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cassette manager of the third cassette unit;

[0035] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the fourth communications panel, showing different sizes of cassettes mounted to the cassette managers of the communications panel;

[0036] FIG. 25 is a front view of the fourth communications panel of FIG. 24 with one of the third cassette units removed holding one of the larger cassettes;

[0037] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the removed third cassette unit from FIG. 25. showing a splice cassette which receives an incoming cable for splicing within the cassette;

[0038] FIG. 27 is a front perspective view7of another example communications panel at which a plurality of cassette managers are mounted;

[0039] FIG. 28 shows the communications panel of FIG. 27 without the cassette managers for ease in viewing the chassis and guide members;

[0040] FIG. 29 is a front perspective view of an example guide member suitable for use in the communications panel of FIG. 27;

[0041] FIG. 30 is a rear perspective view of the guide member of FIG. 29 shown mounted between tw o support members of the chassis;

[0042] FIG. 31 is a first side perspective view of an example cassette manager suitable for use w ith the communications panel of FIG. 27;

[0043] FIG. 32 shows two of the cassette managers of FIG. 31 mounted to the communications panel of FIG. 27;

[0044] FIG. 33 is a second side perspective view of the cassette manager of FIG. 31 ;

[0045] FIG. 34 is a perspective view7of a cross-section taken of the cassette manager ofFIG. 31;

[0046] FIG. 35 shows the cross-section of FIG. 34;

[0047] FIG. 36 shows an example cassette exploded forwardly of the cassette manager ofFIG. 31 with portions of input cables IC shown on the cassette manager;

[0048] FIG. 37 is a top perspective view7of an example latching arrangement suitable for use with the communications panel of FIG. 27;

[0049] FIG. 38 is a bottom perspective view of the latching arrangement of FIG. 37;

[0050] FIG. 39 is a front view of a portion of the communications panel of FIG. 27 with some of the cassette managers removed for ease in viewing;

[0051] FIG. 40 is a front perspective view- of the communications panel of FIG. 27 with a routing trough mounted beneath;

[0052] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the routing trough of FIG. 40;

[0053] FIG. 42 is a front view of the communications panel of FIG. 40 cassettes mounted at the cassette managers and with input cables shown extending along a horizontal routing path and output cables shown extending along vertical routing paths to the routing trough;

[0054] FIG. 43 shows a door arrangement in a blocking position relative to the chassis;

[0055] FIG. 44 shows a hinge arrangement mounting the door arrangement of FIG. 43 to the routing trough;

[0056] FIG. 45 shows a retainer arrangement holding the door arrangement in the blocking position;

[0057] FIG. 46 is a front perspective view of the communications panel and routing through of FIG. 40 with cassettes mounted to the cable managers;

[0058] FIG. 47 shows two different types of cassettes vertically stacked on an example cable manager to form a cassette unit suitable for use with the communications panels of any of FIGS. 16-46;

[0059] FIG. 48 is a front perspective view7of another example communications panel including guide members configured to direct both input and output cables along horizontal routing paths in front of the communications panel;

[0060] FIG. 49 is a front perspective view of another example guide member suitable for use in the communications panel of FIG. 48;

[0061] FIG. 50 is a rear perspective view of the guide member of FIG. 49; and

[0062] FIG. 51 is an enlarged view of a portion of the cassette manager of FIG. 31.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Reference will now- be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0064] FIG. 1 illustrates an example frame R configured to hold one or more communications panels 100. Each communications panel 100, 200, 300 is configured to hold one or more cassettes 120. In certain implementations, one or more of the cassettes 120 mount to a tray element 115. In some examples, the tray element 115 is configured to hold a plurality of cassettes 120. In some such examples, the tray element 1 15 extends across a w idth W of the panel 100. In other examples, the cassettes 120 are each mounted to a respective tray element 115 that retains the cassette 120 within the communications panel 200. 300. In some such examples, multiple tray elements 115 are disposed in one or more rows across the width W ofthe panel 200, 300. In certain implementations, each panel 100, 200. 300 can hold a plurality of tray elements 115 along a height H of the panel.

[0065] At each communications panel 100, 200, 300, one or more input cables IC are connected to two or more output cables OC so that data signals may pass therebetween. The input and output cables IC, OC are coupled together at the cassetes 120. It will be understood that the terms “input” and “output” are used for convenience and are not limiting to the direction of travel of the optical signals. Both types of cables may carry bi-directional data signals. In certain implementations, the tray elements 115 provide cable management for the input and / or output cables IC, OC routed to the cassetes 120. For example, the tray elements 115 may route the input cables IC towards a front of the panel 100, 200, 300 from a rear of the cassettes 120 as will be described more herein. It will be understood that only portions of the input and output cables IC, OC are show n throughout the drawings for ease in viewing.

[0066] In certain implementations, each cassete 120 extends along a depth D2 between a front 122 and a rear 124 (e.g., see FIG. 6). Each cassete 120 is configured to receive one or more output cables OC or connectorized ends of one or more output cables OC at the front end 122. For example, each cassete 120 may carry one or more front port members 126 (e.g.. optical adapters, electrical receptacles, hybrid ports, etc.) at the front 122 of the cassete 120 to receive connectorized ends of the output cables OC. In certain implementations, each cassete 120 is configured to receive one or more input cables IC or connectorized ends of one or more input cables IC at the rear 124 of the cassete 124. For example, some example cassetes 120’ carry one or more rear port members 128 (e.g., optical adapters, electrical receptacles, hybrid ports, etc.) at the rear 124 of the cassette 120 to receive connectorized ends CE of the input cables IC (e.g., see FIG. 47). Other example cassetes 120” define a cable port at the rear 124 through which the input cable IC may enter a body of the cassette 120 (e.g., see FIG. 47). In some such examples, one or more connectorized ends of the input cables IC plug into rear ports of the front port members 126. In other such examples, unterminated ends of the input cables IC may be spliced, split, or otherwise coupled to connectorized pigtails within the cassete 120 to connect the input cables IC to rear ports of the front port members 126. Examples of suitable cassetes are disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2022 / 0260799 [atorney docket no. 02316.8221USU1], the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety .

[0067] In certain implementations, the cassetes 120 are installed at the panels 100, 200,300 by mounting the cassetes 120 to the tray elements 115. In some implementations, a cassete 120 is mounted to the panels 100, 200, 300 as a unit with a corresponding tray element115. In other implementations, the tray element 115 may be installed at the panel 100. 200, 300 and then the cassette 120 can be mounted to the tray element 115. In certain implementations, each tray element 115 includes a plurality of spaced apart guides 118 at which the cassette 120 can be releasably mounted.

[0068] In certain implementations, the communications panels 100, 200, 300 enable frontaccess of both the input and output cables IC, OC. For example, the input cables IC and output cables OC enter and exit, respectively, the communications panel 100 from the front 102, 202. 302 of the communications panel 100, 200, 300. Accordingly, the communications panels 100, 200, 300 are configured to route the input cables IC from the rear 124 of each cassette 120 to the front 102, 202, 302 of the panel 100, 200, 300.

[0069] In certain implementations, the input cables IC are routed to the communications panel 100, 200, 300 from one side 106, 206, 306, 108, 208, 308 of the panel 100, 200, 300 while the output cables OC are routed from the communications panel 100, 200, 300 from the opposite side 108, 208, 308, 106, 206, 306 of the panel 100, 200, 300. In certain implementations, the cassettes 120 or tray elements 115 (e.g., trays 116, cassette managers 230, 330, etc.) to which the cassettes 120 are mounted are releasably locked in a retracted position within the chassis 100, 200, 300. In certain implementations, the cassettes 120 and tray elements 115 are not lockable in an extended position relative to the chassis 100, 200, 300. In some examples, the cassettes 120 are installed on the tray elements 115 that are then mounted within the chassis 100, 200, 300 as units. In other examples, however, the tray elements 115 may be preinstalled within the panel 100 and the cassettes 120 can be thereafter mounted to the tray elements 115.

[0070] FIGS. 2-6 illustrate one example implementation of a communications panel 100 for which the cassettes 120 are mounted to one or more trays 116, each of which mounts within a chassis 110. In certain implementations, the chassis 110 includes side walls 111b extending forwardly from a rear wall 11 la (see FIG. 3) to define an interior. In certain implementations, a bottom wall 111c also extends forwardly of the rear wall I l la and extends between the side walls 11 lb. In certain implementations, tray guides 112 can be mounted to the side walls 111b. Each tray guide 112 defines one or more slots 114 along which the tray elements 115 can be mounted to the chassis 1 10.

[0071] In certain implementations, a tray element 115 includes a tray 116 that spans the width W of the panel 100. In certain examples, multiple trays 116 can mount within a common chassis 110. In the example shown in FIG. 2, four trays 116 mount within the chassis 110. In other examples, a greater or lesser number of trays 116 (e.g., one tray, two trays, three trays,six trays, etc.) can fit within the chassis 110. In certain examples, the chassis 110 has a height of 1 rack unit (RU) space. In other examples, the chassis 110 can be taller (e.g., two RU, four RU, etc ).

[0072] Each tray 116 is configured to hold one or more cassettes 120 of various size (e.g., as discussed in U.S. Publication No. 2022 / 0260799 incorporated above). In certain implementations, each tray 116 carries one or more cassette guides 118 at which the cassettes 120 are secured to the tray 116. In certain examples, the cassette guides 118 extend in parallel along a forward-rearward axis FR1 of the panel 100. The cassette guides 118 are spaced from each other along with the width W1 of the panel 100. Each cassette guide 118 defines a stop region including a catch surface configured to engage a corresponding stop feature on the cassette 120 to hold the cassette 120 at a fixed position at the stop region of the cassette guide 1 18. Example cassette guides 118 are disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 496,183, filed April 14, 2023, [having attorney docket number 02316.8758USP1], the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety7.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 5. each cassette 120 include two or more rails 125 that engage the catch surface(s) of corresponding ones of the cassette guides 118. In certain implementations, at least one of the rails 125 is disposed within a corresponding bottom channel 127 defined along the cassette 120. In the example shown, two rails 125 are dispose within corresponding bottom channels 127. In certain implementations, one of the rails 125 extends outwardly from a side of the cassette 120. In certain implementations, no rail extends from the opposite side of the cassette 120.

[0074] In the example shown in FIG. 2, each tray 116 is configured to hold a sufficient number of cassettes 120 to enough front port members 1126 to make at least 48 fiber connections (e.g., 48 LC ports, 96 SN ports, 24 MPO ports, etc.). In the example shown, the cassette 120 includes sufficient front port members 126 to make sixteen fiber connections at the cassette 120. The tray 116 shown in FIG. 4, is sized to hold three such cassettes 120. In other examples, however, each tray 116 is configured to hold a greater or lesser number of cassettes 120 and / or sufficient port members to make a greater or lesser number of connections (e.g.. 24 fiber connections, 36 fiber connections, etc.). In certain examples, the frame R is at least a 19 inch rack. In certain examples, the frame R is larger than a 19 inch rack. For example, the frame R may be a 23 inch rack.

[0075] In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, both the input cables IC and the output cables OC are accessible at the front of the panel 100. In certain examples, the input cables IC are routed to the panel 100 from a first side 106 of the panel 100 and the output cables OC arerouted away from the panel 100 from a second side 108 of the panel 100 (e.g., see FIG. 2). In certain implementations, one or more cable routing guides 130 are carried by the tray 116 to guide the input cables IC from the rear 124 of the cassettes 120 at the rear 104 of the panel 100 towards the front 102 of the panel 100. In certain examples, the cable routing guides 130 route the cables past the front 122 of the cassettes 120.

[0076] In certain implementations, a tray 116 carries a first cable routing guide 130 at a first side of the tray 116 and a second cable routing guide 130 at a second side of the tray 116. In certain examples, the first and second cable routing guides 130 are mirror images of each other. In certain examples, each cable routing guide 130 defines a path 134 extending between an entrance 131 at the rear of the tray 116 and an exit 133 at the front of the tray 116. In certain examples, each cable routing guide 130 includes a bend radius limiter 132 disposed along the path 134. In the example shown, the bend radius limiter 132 is disposed towards the entrance 131.

[0077] In certain implementations, the cable routing guide 130 includes a protruding guide member 136 at the front. In certain examples, the protruding guide member 136 extends forwardly of the tray 116 (e.g.. see FIG. 2). In certain examples, the protruding guide member 136 extends forwardly of the panel 100. The protruding guide member 136 defines a cable passage extending parallel to the width W1 of the panel 100. In certain implementations, the protruding guide member 136 defines a bend radius limiter 138 facing into the cable passage to inhibit excess bending of cables IC. OC routed through the protruding guide member 136.

[0078] FIGS. 7-11 and 12-15 illustrate other example implementations of a communications panel 200, 300 for which the cassettes 120 are mounted to respective cassette managers or cartridges 230, 330, each of which mounts within a chassis 210, 310. In some examples, each cassette 120 is mounted to its own unique cassette manager 230, 330 (e.g., see FIGS. 7 and 12). In other examples, however, one cassette manager 230, 330 may hold two or more cassettes 120. The cassette 120 releasably locks (e.g., latches) to the corresponding cassette manager 230, 330 so that the cassette 120 and the cassette manager 230, 330 can be moved together as a unit 220, 320 (e.g., see FIGS. 7 and 12).

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 7-11, the cassette manager 230 includes a body 222 having a first side 224 and an opposite second side 226. The cassette manager 232 also includes a forward handle 232 by which the cassette manager 230 (or the cassette manager 230 with mounted cassette 120) can be manipulated (e.g., pulled and / or pushed). The cassette 120 is configured to mount to the first side 224 and the input cable IC of the cassette 120 is configuredto route along the second side 226 of the cassette manager 230 to the front of the cassette 120. A cable guide path 228 is defined at the second side 226 of the cassette manager 230.

[0080] One or more cassette guides 118 are disposed at the first side 224 of the cassette manager 230. In certain examples, the cassette guides 118 extend in parallel along a forwardrearward axis FR2 of the panel 200 (e.g., FIG. 10). The cassette guides 118 are spaced from each other along with the width W2 of the panel 200. Each cassette guide 118 defines a stop region including a catch surface configured to engage a corresponding stop feature on the cassette 120 to hold the cassette 120 at a fixed position at the stop region of the cassette guide 118. Example cassette guides 118 are disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 496,183 incorporated by reference above.

[0081] In certain implementations, a bend radius limiter 236 is disposed at the rear of the cassette manager 230 to enable routing of the input cable IC from the rear of the cassette 120 to the cable guide path 228. In certain implementations, the bend radius limiter 236 is disposed at a rear extension 234 of the cassette manager 230 that aligns with the rear port member 128 or rear cable port of the cassette 120 when the cassette 120 is mounted to the cassette manager 230. In certain examples, the rear extension 234 assists in supporting a rear connector of the input cable IC plugged into the rear port member 128 and / or the input cable IC extending out of the rear cable port.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 9, one or more bend radius limiters 238 also are disposed at the second side 224 of the cassette manager 230 to define the cable guide path 228. In certain implementations, two opposing bend radius limiters 238 define the cable guide path 228 therebetween. In certain implementations, the cable guide path 228 is aligned with one side of the bend radius limiter 236 to guide the input cable IC from the bend radius limiter 236 into the cable guide path 228. In certain implementations, the other side of the bend radius limiter 236 aligns with the rear port member 128 or rear cable port of the cassette 120 (e.g., see FIG. 7).

[0083] As show n in FIG. 10, tw o or more cassette units 220 of the cassette manager 230 and the cassettes 120 can be disposed at a chassis 210 to form the communications panel 200. In the example shown, the cassette units 220 mount in a horizontal orientation within the chassis 210. In some examples the cassettes 120 and cassette managers 230 are mounted at the chassis 210 as units 220. In other examples, the cassette managers 230 can be mounted to the chassis 210 first and the cassettes 120 can be subsequently mounted to the cassette managers 230. In certain implementations, the cassette units 220 are disposed in two or more rows. In certain implementations, multiple cassette units 220 can be disposed in each row. In certainimplementations, the cassette units 220 form alternating rows of front port members 126 and cable guide paths 228 (e.g., see FIG. 10).

[0084] In some implementations, the chassis 210 includes one or more trays to which the cassette units 220 can mount. In other implementations, the chassis 210 may include intermediate walls to which the cassette units 220 can mount. In certain implementations, the cassette 120 is secured to the cassette manager 230 and the cassette manager 230 is secured to the tray or intermediate walls. In certain implementations, the cassette units 220 (e.g., the cassette managers 230) are secured to the chassis 210 in fixed positions. In certain implementations, the cassette units 220 (e.g., the cassette managers 230) are securable to the chassis 210 in only one fixed position. In various examples, the cassette units 220 (e.g., the cassette managers 230) are latched to the chassis 210.

[0085] In certain implementations, one or more protruding guide members 240 extend forwardly of the chassis 210. In the example shown, protruding guide members 240 are disposed at opposite sides of the chassis 210. The input cables IC extending out of the cable guide paths 228 can be routed in front of the panel 200 towards one of the protruding guide members 240 while the output cables OC received at the front port members 126 can be routed in front of the panel 200 towards the other of the protruding guide members 240.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 12-15, the cassette manager 330 includes a body 322 having a first side 324 and an opposite second side 326. In certain examples, the cassette manager 330 also includes a forward handle by which the cassette manager 330 (or the cassette manager 330 with mounted cassette 120) can be manipulated (e.g., pulled and / or pushed). In certain examples, the cassette 120 is configured to mount to the first side 324 of the cassette manager 330. In certain examples, the input cable IC of the cassette 120 also is configured to route along a cable guide path 328 defined at the first side 324 of the cassette manager 330. In certain examples, the cable guide path 328 extends from an entrance 331 at the rear of the cassette manager 330 and an exit 333 at the front of the cassette manager 330.

[0087] One or more cassette guides 118 are disposed at the first side 324 of the cassette manager 330. In certain examples, the cassette guides 118 extend in parallel along a forwardrearward axis FR3 of the panel 300 (e.g., FIG. 15). The cassette guides 118 are spaced from each other along with the width W3 of the panel 300. Each cassette guide 118 defines a stop region including a catch surface configured to engage a corresponding stop feature on the cassette 120 to hold the cassette 120 at a fixed position at the stop region of the cassette guide 118. Example cassette guides 118 are disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 496,183 incorporated by reference above.

[0088] In certain implementations, a bend radius limiter 336 is disposed at the rear of the cassette manager 330 to enable routing of the input cable IC from the rear of the cassette 120 to the cable guide path 328. In certain implementations, the bend radius limiter 336 is disposed within a footprint of the cassette manager 330. In certain implementations, the bend radius limiter 336 seats on or extends upwardly from the first side 324 of the cassette manager 330. In an example, the bend radius limiter 336 is integrally formed with the body 322 of the cassette manager 330. In certain examples, one side of the bend radius limiter 336 aligns with the rear port member 128 or rear cable port of the cassette 120 when the cassette 120 is mounted to the cassette manager 330. In certain examples, the opposite side of the bend radius limiter 336 bounds and / or defines the cable guide path 328.

[0089] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. two or more cassette units 320 can be disposed at a chassis 310 to form the communications panel 300. In certain implementations, the cassette units 320 can be mounted in a vertical orientation within the chassis 310. In some examples the cassettes 120 and cassette managers 330 are mounted at the chassis 310 as units 320. In other examples, the cassette managers 330 can be mounted to the chassis 310 first and the cassettes 120 can be subsequently mounted to the cassette managers 330. In certain implementations, the cassette units 320 are disposed in a row. In certain examples, the cassette units 320 can be disposed in a plurality7of rows.

[0090] In certain implementations, the cassette units 320 are configured to latch or otherwise secure to the chassis 310. In certain examples, the cassette units 320 or cassette managers 330 are slidingly mountable to the chassis 310. In certain implementations, the cassette 120 is secured to the cassette manager 330 and the cassette manager 330 is secured to atop or bottom wall of the chassis 310. In certain implementations, the cassette units 320 (e.g., the cassette managers 330) are secured to the chassis 310 in fixed positions. In certain implementations, the cassette units 320 (e.g., the cassette managers 330) are securable to the chassis 310 in only one fixed position.

[0091] In certain implementations, one or more protruding guide members 340 extend forwardly of the chassis 310. In the example shown, protruding guide members 340 are disposed at opposite sides of the chassis 310. The input cables IC extending out of the exits 333 of the cable guide paths 328 can be routed in front of the panel 300 towards one side of the panel 300 while the output cables OC received at the front port members 126 can be routed in front of the panel 300 towards the other side of the panel 300. In certain implementations, the cassette units 320 form alternating rows of cable guide path exits 333 and front port members 126 (e.g., see FIG. 15). In some such implementations, the protruding guide members 340each define a first cable path 340a aligned with the row of cable guide path exits 333 and a second cable path 340b aligned with the front port members 126 of the cassettes 120.

[0092] Referring to FIGS. 16-46, there are illustrated other example implementations of a communications panel 400, 500 which the cassettes 120 are mounted to respective cassette managers 430, 530, each of which mounts within a chassis 410, 510, respectively. In some of these examples, each cassette 120 is mounted to its own unique cassette manager 430, 530. In other examples, two or more cassettes 120 mount to a cassette manager 530. The cassette 120 releasably locks (e.g., latches) to the corresponding cassette manager 430, 530 so that the cassette 120 and the cassette manager 430, 530 can be moved together as a unit.

[0093] The cassette manager 430, 530 includes a body 422, 522 having a first side 424, 524 and an opposite second side 426, 526. In certain examples, the cassette manager 430, 530 also includes a forward handle 432, 532 by which the cassette manager 430, 530 (or the cassette manager 430, 530 with mounted cassette 120) can be manipulated (e.g., pulled and / or pushed). In certain examples, the cassette 120 is configured to mount to the first side 424, 524 of the cassette manager 430, 530. In certain examples, the input cable IC of the cassette 120 also is configured to route along a cable guide path 428. 528 defined at the first side 424. 524 of the cassette manager 430. In certain examples, the cable guide path 428, 528 extends from an entrance 431, 531 at the rear of the cassette manager 430, 530 and an exit 433, 533 at the front of the cassette manager 430, 530.

[0094] One or more cassette guides 118 are disposed at the first side 424, 524 of the cassette manager 430, 530. In certain examples, the cassette guides 1 18 extend in parallel along a forward-rearward axis FR3 of the panel 400, 500. The cassette guides 118 are spaced from each other along with the height of the panel 400, 500. Each cassette guide 118 defines a stop region 119 including a catch surface configured to engage a corresponding stop feature on the cassette 120 to hold the cassette 120 at a fixed position at the stop region of the cassette guide 118. Example cassette guides 118 are disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 496,183 incorporated by reference above.

[0095] In certain implementations, one or more bend radius limiters 436, 536 are disposed at the rear of the cassette manager 430. 530 to enable routing of the input cable IC from the rear of the cassette(s) 120 to the cable guide path 428, 528. In certain implementations, the bend radius limiters 436, 536 are disposed within a footprint of the cassette manager 430, 530. In certain implementations, the bend radius limiters 436, 536 seat on or extend upwardly from the first side 424. 524 of the cassette manager 430, 530. In an example, the bend radius limiter 436, 536 is integrally formed with the body 422, 522 of the cassette manager 430, 530. Thebend radius limiters 436, 536 bound and / or define the cable guide path 428, 528. Cable guide fingers 434, 534 define various cable retention structures for cables extending to and from the cassette 120. An upper portion of cassette manager 430, 530 defines an open slot 438, 538 for positioning the cable extending toward the front of cassette manager 430, 530 to exit at front exit 433, 533.

[0096] As shown in FIGS. 16, 17, and 27, the cassette units 420, 520 can be disposed in chassis 410, 510 to form the communications panel 400. 500. As shown, the cassette units 420. 520 are mounted in a vertical orientation within the chassis 410, 510. In some examples the cassettes 120 and cassette managers 430, 530 are mounted at the chassis 410, 510 as units 420, 520, as above and panel 300. In other examples, the cassette managers 430, 530 can be mounted to the chassis 410, 510 first and the cassettes 120 can be subsequently mounted to the cassette managers 430, 530. In certain implementations, the cassette units 420, 520 are disposed in a row. In certain examples, the cassette units 420, 520 can be disposed in a plurality of rows.

[0097] Panel 400, 500 includes chassis 410, 510 with an open bottom. Referring now to FIGS 24 - 26. larger cassettes 120a and 120b are shown within chassis 410. Because the cassettes 120a and 120b are larger, those cassettes extend below a bottom 412 of chassis 410. In the examples shown, cassette 120 includes 8 LC front ports, cassette 120b includes 12 LC front ports, and cassette 120c includes 16 LC front ports. Blanking panels can be provided to fill unused space. In some examples, cassette units 420 can be vertically stacked, such as a first cassette unit 420 with a cassette 120 having a second cassette unit 420 w ith its own cassette 120 attached to and vertically below7the upper cassette unit. In other examples, multiple cassettes 120 can be vertically stacked on the same cassette manager 530 (e g., see FIG. 47). In certain implementations, one or more protruding guide members 440, 540 extend forwardly of the chassis 410, 510. In the example shown, protruding guide members 440, 540 are disposed at opposite sides of the chassis 410, 510, like in chassis 310. For chassis 410, 510, additional intermediate protruding guide members 440, 540 are provided.

[0098] The input cables IC extending out of the exits 433, 533 of the cable guide paths 428, 528 can be routed in front of the panel 400, 500 towards one side of the panel 400, 500 while the output cables OC received at the front port members 126 can be routed in front of the panel 400, 500 towards the other side of the panel 400, 500. In some such implementations, the protruding guide members 440, 540 each define a first cable path 440a aligned with the row of cable guide path exits 433. 533 and a second cable path 440b aligned with the front port members 126 of the cassettes 120.

[0099] Different sizes of guide members 440, 540 guiding the incoming and outgoing cables across the front of panel 400, 500 can be provided. As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, three sizes of guide members 440, 442, 444 are shown. In some examples, guide members 440, 540 can be of unique lengths, or an adjustable length (example, telescoping) or they can be constructed in several piece parts to then be assembled in an appropriate size.

[0100] In certain implementations, the cassette units 420, 520 are configured to latch or otherwise secure to the chassis 410. 510. In certain examples, the cassette units 420. 520 or cassette managers 430, 530 are slidingly mountable to the chassis 410, 510. In certain implementations, the cassette 120 is secured to the cassette manager 430, 530 and the cassette manager 430, 530 is secured to the top wall 414, 514 of the chassis 410, 510. In the examples shown, cassette managers 430. 530 define an upper rail structure 450, 550 which mates with a corresponding rail structure 452, 552 of chassis 410, 510 to define a sliding path into and out of the chassis.

[0101] In certain other implementations, the cassette units 420, 520 (e.g., the cassette managers 430. 530) are secured to the chassis 410. 510 in fixed positions. In certain implementations, the cassette units 420, 520 (e.g.. the cassette managers 430, 530) are securable to the chassis 410, 510 in only one fixed position.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 27-46, components of the panel 500 are discussed in more detail. In certain implementations, the chassis 510 includes a top wall 514 extending along a width W4 and along the depth of the chassis 510. A rear wall 515 and opposite side walls 516 extend downwardly from the top wall 514 along a height H4 of the chassis 510. At the top wall 514, a rail structure 552 is configured to receive the cassette units 520. In certain examples, the rail structure 552 includes a plurality of rails 552a spaced apart along the width W4 of the chassis 510 to define channels therebetween (e.g., see FIG. 32). In certain implementations, each channel is configured to receive the upper rail structure 550 of the cassette manager 530. In certain examples, the upper rail structure 550 of each cassette manager 530 is received by a respective rail 552a (e.g., FIG. 32). In some such examples, a channel may receive part of the upper rail structure 550 of two adjacent cassette managers 530 (e.g.. see FIG. 32).

[0103] In certain implementations, one or more stabilizing features 554 are disposed at the rear wall 515. For example, in FIG. 28, the stabilizing features 554 include stops (e.g., wedge- shaped stops) that extend into the interior of the chassis 510. In certain implementations, each guide member 540 defines recesses 556 at the rear to receive the stops 554 (e.g., see FIG. 30). In certain implementations, each cassette manager 530 defines recesses 558 at the rear toreceive the stops 554 (e.g.. see FIG. 32). Accordingly, in certain examples, the stops 554 can be used to support the guide members 540 and / or the cassette managers 530. In certain examples, the stops 554 assist in maintaining a predetermined spacing between the cassette managers 530 and / or the guide members 540. In certain examples, the stops 554 inhibit tilting of the cassette managers 530 and / or the guide members 540.

[0104] FIGS. 31-36 illustrate an example implementation of a cassette manager 530. In certain implementations, a cassette manager 530 can be formed from two pieces 535, 537. For example, each piece 535, 537 may form part of the upper rail structure 550 (e.g., see FIG. 32). In certain examples, a portion of the cable guide 528 is formed between the two pieces 535, 537 (e.g., see FIG. 32). In certain examples, the cassette guides 118 are mounted to the first piece 535. In certain examples, the bend radius limiters 536 are mounted to the first piece 535. In certain examples, one or more of the cable guide fingers 534 is defined by the second piece 537.

[0105] In certain examples, the two pieces 535, 537 slidingly mount together. For example, as shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, the first piece 535 may define a tab 535a while the second piece 537 defines a recessed ledge 537a. The tab 535a of the first piece 535 slides over the recessed ledge 537a of the second piece 537 so that engagement of the tab 535a and ledge 537a holds the pieces 535, 537 together. In certain examples, the second piece 537 also defines a latch finger 537b that inhibits sliding the tab 535a away from the ledge 537a. In an example, the latch finger 537b has a ramped surface on the side facing the first piece 535. Accordingly, the tab 535a deflects the latch finger 537b outwardly as the first piece 535 is slid relative to the second piece 537 and then snaps over a shoulder of the tab 535a to retain the tab 535a at the recessed ledge 537a.

[0106] In certain implementations, the cable manager 530 includes a cassette stop member 539 that is configured to inhibit sliding of a cassette 120 too far along the guides 1 18 of the cable manager 530. For example, the cassette stop member 539 may include a deflectable tab 539 that protrudes from the surface of the first piece 535 towards the second piece 537. The deflectable tab 539 has a shoulder 539a that faces towards a front of the cable manager 530. When a cassette 120 is mounted to the cable manager 530, the cassette 120 is pushed along the guides 120 until a stop feature of the cassette 120 engages a catch feature of the guides 118. In some examples, the shoulder 539a of the deflectable tab 539 opposes a rearward edge or other stop feature of the cassette 120 to inhibit further sliding of a standard sized cassette. In other examples, the cassette 120 may have a ramped or otherwise contoured surface to deflect the tab 539 to enable continued sliding past the shoulder 539a of a larger than standard sizedcassette 120 (e.g., see FIG. 36). In certain examples, the deflectable tab 539 may define a ramped or otherwise contoured surface 539b to assist in deflection of the tab 539 in the presence of a larger cassette 120. In the example shown in FIG. 50, the contoured surface 539b includes a tapered comer of the deflectable tab 539.

[0107] Referring now to FIGS. 37-39, the cassette units 520 are configured to latch or otherwise secure to the chassis 510. In certain implementations, a latching arrangement 570 is disposed at the top wall 514 of the chassis 510. For example, the latching arrangement 570 can be mounted at the rail structure 552. In certain examples, the latching arrangement 570 enables the cassette units 520 to be slidingly mounted to the chassis 510. In certain examples, the latching arrangement 570 is configured to inhibit removal of the cassette units 520 absent a deliberate attempt at removal.

[0108] The latching arrangement 570 includes a body 572 from which one or more latch fingers 576 extend. The body 572 defines one or more channels 574 that accommodate the rails 552a of the rail structure 552. In certain examples, the body 572 includes mounting members that secure the latching arrangement 570 to the chassis 510. For example, in FIG. 38. one or more teeth 578 are disposed at a bottom of the body 572 to facilitate retention of the latching arrangement 570 at the chassis 510. The teeth 578 may snap into apertures defined at the rail structure 552. In certain implementations, the latch fingers 576 have wedged shaped heads 576a. The latch fingers 576 enable lateral deflection of the latch heads 576a along either direction DI or direction D2 (e.g.. see FIG. 39).

[0109] Each latch head 576a has a first tapered or ramped surface 575a and a second tapered or ramped surface 575b. Sliding a cassette unit 520 or an empty cassette manager 530 towards a selected one of the rails 552a will cause part of the upper rail structure 550 to slide over one of the tapered surfaces 575 a, 575b , thereby deflecting the latch head 576a away from the selected rail 552a. Each latch head 576a also defines a first rear shoulder 577a and a second rear shoulder 577b. Once the cassette unit 520 or empty cassette manager 530 clears the latch head 576a, the latch head 576a returns to the undeflected position and thereby aligns one of the rear shoulders 577a, 577b with a front edge of the upper rail structure 550 to retain the cassette unit 520 or empty cassette manager 530 at the chassis 510. To remove the cassette unit 520. a user may manually deflect the latch head 576a away from the rail 552a to enable the cassette unit 520 to be slid off the rail 552a.

[0110] In certain implementations, each latch finger 576 is configured to provide retention for two adjacent rails 552a. For example, in FIG. 39, a first cassette manager 530a is mounted at one rail 552a and a second cassette manager 530b is mounted at an adjacent rail552a. A latch finger 576 is disposed between a respective pair of rails 552a. The first rear shoulder 577a of the latch head 576a of the latch finger 576 retains the upper rail structure 550a of the first cassette manager 530a and the second rear shoulder 577b retains the upper rail structure 550b of the second cassette manager 530b. To release the first cassette manager 530a, the latch head 576a would be deflected along direction D2. To release the second cassette manager 530b, the latch head 576a would be deflected along direction DI.

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 28-30 and 40-42, one or more guide members 540 are mounted at the chassis 510 and spaced from each other along the width W4 of the chassis 510. In certain examples, the guide members 540 extend downwardly beyond the open bottom 512 of the chassis 510. For example, the guide members 540 may define guide rings 546 towards the top of the guide members 540 (e.g.. see FIG. 28). In certain examples, the guide members 540 define forw ard extensions 548 at a bottom of each guide member 540.

[0112] In some implementations, the input cables IC and output cables OC are routed across the front of the panel 500 using the guide members 540 as described above. For example, the guide member 540A shown in FIGS. 49-50 includes a top guide ring 546 for the input cables IC and multiple guide rings 547 beneath the top guide ring 546 for the output cables OC. The guide rings 547 assist in directing the output cables OC along horizontal cable pathw ays extending across the front of the panel 500. In some examples, the input cables IC are directed along the top guide ring 546 of each guide member 540A in a first direction and the output cables OC are directed along the guide rings 547 of each guide member 540A in an opposite second direction.

[0113] In other implementations, however, a routing trough 560 is disposed beneath the chassis 510 (e.g., see FIG. 40-42). In certain implementations, the output cables OC can be routed vertically downwardly in front of the cassette units 520 towards the routing trough 560. The output cables OC can then be routed along the routing trough 560 beneath the chassis 510 towards a side of the panel 500. In some examples, the input cables IC can still be routed across the front of the panel 500 using the guide members 540 (e.g., through guide rings 546). In other examples, the input cables IC also can be routed towards the routing trough 560.

[0114] The routing trough 560 extends along a width W4 of the chassis 510. In certain examples, the sides of the routing trough 560 are contoured downwardly to ease transitioning the cables (e.g., the output cables OC) off the routing trough 560 (e.g., see FIGS. 40 and 41). In certain implementations, the routing trough 560 is coupled to the chassis 510 using a bracket 562 so that the routing trough 560 hangs beneath the open bottom 512 of the chassis 510. In certain examples, the chassis 510 and routing trough 560 are both mounted to a rack (e.g., rackR of FIG. 1) using the same bracket 562. In certain examples, the same bracket 562 can be utilized for chassis 510 of various size. For example, the bracket 562 can be mounted further down the side 516 of the chassis 510 to support a larger chassis 510 and trough 560 (e.g., see FIG. 43).

[0115] In certain implementations, guide fingers arrangements 564 extend forwardly along the depth of the routing trough 560 to define vertical cable routing paths along which the output cables OC (and / or input cables IC) can be vertically routed to the routing trough 560. Each guide finger arrangement 564 includes one or more guide fingers 565. In the example shown, each guide finger arrangement 564 includes two guide fingers 565. In certain implementations, the guide fingers 565 cooperate with the guide members 540 to define the vertical cable routing paths. For example, the guide fingers 564 may cooperate with the forward extensions 548 of the guide members 540 to define a plurality of vertical cable routing paths betw een a pair of guide members 540. In the example shown in FIGS. 40-42, three vertical cable routing paths VC1, VC2, VC3 are defined betw een each pair of guide members 540.

[0116] In certain implementations, a door arrangement 580 can be disposed at the front of the chassis 510 to cover the cassette units 520 mounted thereat. In some implementations, the door arrangement 580 includes a front panel 582 extending along at least a majority of the width W4 of the panel 500 and along at least a majority of the height H4 of the panel 500. In certain implementations, one or more hinge members 584 are mounted to the front panel 582 towards the bottom of the front panel 582 and one or more retainer members 586 are mounted to the front panel 582 towards the top of the front panel 582. The hinge members 584 enable the front panel 582 to move between blocking and unblocking positions relative to the chassis 510. The retainer members 586 enable the front panel 582 to be secured in the blocking position.

[0117] In some implementations, the hinge members 584 can be mounted to the guide members 540 (e.g., see FIG. 48). In other implementations, the hinge members 584 can be mounted to the routing trough 560 so that the door arrangement 580 covers both the cassette units 520 and the routing trough 560 (e.g., see FIG. 43). In certain examples, both the guide members 540 and the routing trough 560 define a common mounting structure 585 to receive the hinge member 584. In certain examples, a cover piece 588 can be disposed at the mounting structure 585 of any guide members 540, 540 A, 50B not supporting a hinge member 584 (e.g., FIG. 48).

[0118] The hinge member 584 has a first end 584a that attaches to the front panel 582 and a second end 584b that attaches to the mounting structure 585 (e.g., see FIG. 44). In certain examples, the hinge member 584 includes a living hinge between the first and second ends 584a, 584b. Suitable examples of hinge members 584 and retainer members 586 are disclosed in WO 2022 / 204527, titled “Communications Panel Systems,’' the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0119] Examples of the disclosure may be described according to the following aspects.

[0120] Aspect 1. A communications arrangement comprising: a tray extending along a forward-rearward axis between a front of the tray and a rear of the tray, the tray carry ing a plurality of spaced apart cassette guides extending parallel to each other along the forwardrearward axis of the tray; a cassette configured to mount to the tray, the cassette extending along the forward-rearward axis of the tray between a front of the cassette and a rear of the cassette, the cassette being configured to receive a rear cable or a connectorized end of the rear cable at the rear of the cassette, the cassette being sized to extend from a first of the cassette guides, over a second of the cassette guides, to a third of the cassette guides, the cassette being configured to inter-connect with the first cassette guide and the second cassette guide, but not the third cassette guide; and a cable routing guide mounted to the tray, the cable routing guide defining a cable guide path along the forward-rearward axis of the tray, the cable routing guide defining a front opening leading to the cable guide path at the front of the tray, and the cable routing guide defining a rear opening leading to the cable guide path at the rear of the tray, the rear opening facing at a non-zero angle relative to the forward-rearward axis.

[0121] Aspect 2. The communications arrangement of aspect 1, wherein the rear opening facing orthogonal to the forward-rearward axis.

[0122] Aspect 3. The communications arrangement of aspect 1 or aspect 2, wherein the cable guide path is contoured at the rear of the tray and is straight at the front of the tray.

[0123] Aspect 4. The communications arrangement of any of aspects 1-3, wherein the cable routing guide also includes a protruding guide member extending forwardly from the front of the tray.

[0124] Aspect 5. The communications arrangement of aspect 4, wherein the protruding guide member defines a cable passage facing at a non-zero angle relative to the forwardrearward axis.

[0125] Aspect 6. The communications arrangement of aspect 5, wherein the cable passage of the protruding guide member faces orthogonal to the forward-rearward axis.

[0126] Aspect 7. The communications arrangement of any of aspects 1-6, wherein the cable routing guide is a first cable routing guide mounted to a first side of the tray; and wherein a second cable routing guide is mounted to a second side of the tray opposite the first cable routing guide.

[0127] Aspect 8. The communications arrangement of any of aspects 1-7, wherein the cassette is configured to receive a front cable or a connectorized end of the front cable at the front of the cassette.

[0128] Aspect 9. The communications arrangement of aspect 8, wherein the cassette carries a plurality of port members, and wherein the front and rear cables are connected together at one or more of the port members.

[0129] Aspect 10. The communications arrangement of aspect 9. wherein the port members include a rear port member at which the connectorized end of the rear cable is received.

[0130] Aspect 11. The communications arrangement of aspect 9, wherein the port members include a front port member at which the connectorized end of the front cable is received.

[0131] Aspect 12. The communications arrangement of aspect 11, wherein the rear cable extends through the rear of the cassette so that the connectorized end of the rear cable is received at the front port member.

[0132] Aspect 13. A communications panel comprising: a chassis defining an interior extending along a depth between a front of the chassis and a rear of the chassis; a plurality of the cassette units disposed within the interior, each cassette unit extending along a depth between a front of the cassette unit and a rear of the cassette unit, each cassette unit including: a cassette configured to receive a rear cable or a connectorized end of the rear cable at a rear of the cassette, each cassette carrying a plurality of front ports at which data signals carried by the rear cable are received, the front ports being disposed at a front of the cassette, and a cassette manager configured to route the rear cable from the rear of the cassette to the front of the cassette unit.

[0133] Aspect 14. The communications panel of aspect 13. wherein the cassette is slidably mounted to the cassette manager.

[0134] Aspect 15. The communications panel of aspect 13 or aspect 14, wherein each cassette manager defines a bend radius limiter extending at least 180 degrees.

[0135] Aspect 16. The communications panel of any of aspects 13-15, wherein the cassette manager has opposite first and second major surfaces, and wherein the cassette mounts to the first major surface.

[0136] Aspect 17. The communications panel of aspect 16, wherein the cassette manager is configured to route the rear cable over the first major surface.

[0137] Aspect 18. The communications panel of aspect 16, wherein the cassette manager is configured to route the rear cable over the second major surface.

[0138] Aspect 19. The communications panel of any of aspects 13-18, wherein the cassette units are mounted in a vertical orientation within the chassis.

[0139] Aspect 20. The communications panel of aspect 19, wherein the chassis has an open bottom.

[0140] Aspect 21. The communications panel of any of aspects 13-18, wherein the cassette units are mounted in a horizontal orientation within the chassis.

[0141] Aspect 22. The communications panel of any of aspects 13-21, wherein each cassette manager is configured to receive only one cassette.

[0142] Aspect 23. The communications panel of any of aspects 13-22. further comprising a routing trough coupled to a bottom of the chassis, the routing trough extending along a width of the chassis, the width being transverse to the depth of the chassis.

[0143] Aspect 24. The communications panel of aspect 23, further comprising routing fingers extending along the depth of the chassis at the routing trough to define a plurality of vertical cable routing paths leading between the cassette units and the routing trough.

[0144] Aspect 25. The communications panel of aspect 23, wherein the routing trough is attached to the chassis via a bracket to hang beneath.

[0145] Aspect 26. The communications panel of aspect 23, further comprising a front door coupled to the front of the chassis, the front door also being coupled to the routing trough.

[0146] Aspect 27. The communications panel of any of aspects 13-22, further comprising a latching arrangement mounted to the chassis, the latching arrangement including a latching finger facing the front of the chassis, the latching finger being laterally deflectable between a locking position and a release position.

[0147] Aspect 28. The communications panel of aspect 27, wherein the release position is a first release position, and wherein the latching finger is further laterally deflectable to a second release position, wherein the second release position in disposed at an opposite side of the locking position from the first release position.

[0148] Aspect 29. A communications panel comprising: a chassis defining an interior extending along a depth between a front of the chassis and a rear of the chassis; a plurality- of the cassette units disposed within the interior, each cassette unit extending along a depth between a front of the cassette unit and a rear of the cassette unit, a first of the cassette units including at least one vertically oriented cassette; a routing trough mounted to the chassis beneath the cassette units; a first routing path extending horizontally across the cassette units; and a plurality of second routing paths extending vertically along each cassette unit towards the routing trough.

[0149] Aspect 30. The communications panel of aspect 29, further comprising output cables mounted to the vertically oriented cassette, the output cables routed along one of the second routing paths to the routing trough and then routed along the routing trough to a side of the chassis.

[0150] Aspect 31. The communications panel of aspect 30, wherein the side of the chassis is a first side of the chassis; and wherein the first routing path extends towards a second side of the chassis opposite the first side.

[0151] Aspect 32. A communications panel comprising: a chassis defining an intenor extending along a depth between a front of the chassis and a rear of the chassis: a cassette extending along the forward-rearward axis of the tray element between a front of the cassette and a rear of the cassette, the cassette being configured to receive a rear cable or a connectorized end of the rear cable at the rear of the cassette, each cassette carrying at the front of the cassette a plurality of front ports at which data signals carried by the rear cable are received: and a tray element mountable within the chassis, the tray element extending along a forward-rearward axis between a front of the tray element and a rear of the tray element, the tray element carrying a plurality of spaced apart guides extending parallel to each other along the forward-rearward axis of the tray element, the guides configured to receive the cassette, the tray element also defining a cable guide path extending from the rear of the tray element to the front of the tray element.

[0152] Aspect 33. The communications panel of aspect 32, wherein the tray element includes a cassette manager configured to receive only a single cassette.

[0153] Aspect 34. The communications panel of aspect 32, wherein the tray element includes a tray configured to receive multiple cassettes.

[0154] Aspect 35. A communications panel comprising:

[0155] a chassis having a front and a rear;

[0156] a plurality of cassette managers configured to mount within the chassis in vertical orientations, each cassette manager defining a cable routing path extending from an entrance at a rear of the cassette manager to an exit at a front of the cassette manager.

[0157] Aspect 36. The communications panel of aspect 35, wherein a first of the cassette managers includes a plurality of spaced apart guide rails, and wherein the communications panel further comprises a cassette mounted to the first cassette manager using the guide rails.

[0158] Aspect 37. The communications panel of aspect 36, wherein the cassette carries a plurality of front ports and a rear port.

[0159] Aspect 38. The communications panel of aspect 37, further comprising a first cable extending from the rear port, through the entrance of the cable routing path of the first cassette manager, and along the cable routing path to the exit.

[0160] Aspect 39. The communications panel of aspect 38, wherein the rear port of the cassette is one of a plurality of rear ports; and wherein the first cable is one of a plurality of cables routed from a respective one of the rear ports and along the cable routing path of the first cassette manager.

[0161] Aspect 40. The communications panel of aspect 36, wherein the cassette is one of a plurality of cassettes mounted to the first cassette manager.

[0162] Aspect 41. The communications panel of aspect 36, wherein a portion of the cassette extends below a bottom of the cassette manager.

[0163] Aspect 42. The communications panel of aspect 35, wherein the exits of the cable routing paths of the cassette managers are aligned along a first routing path extending horizontally across the cassette managers.

[0164] Aspect 43. The communications panel of aspect 42, further comprising: a routing trough mounted to the chassis beneath the cassette managers; and a plurality of second routing paths, each second routing path extending vertically from a respective one of the cassette managers towards the routing trough.

[0165] Aspect 44. The communications panel of claim 42, further comprising a plurality of cable guide members extending forwardly of the front of the chassis, the cable guide members defining a plurality of second routing paths extending across the front of the chassis.

[0166] Aspect 45. The communications panel of claim 35, further comprising a plurality of dividers configured to mount to the chassis, each divider being configured to extend downwardly below a bottom of the chassis, the dividers separating the cassette managers into sub-groups.

[0167] Aspect 46. The communications panel of aspect 45, wherein the divers define cable guides extending forwardly of the chassis.

[0168] Aspect 47. The communications panel of aspect 35, further comprising a latching arrangement configured to selectively hold each cassette manager at the chassis, the latching arrangement being configured to enable removal of individual ones of the cassette managers from the chassis through the front of the chassis.

[0169] Aspect 48. The communications panel of aspect 47, wherein the latching arrangement includes a body from which one or more fingers extend, each finger having a latch head movable laterally to selectively provide access to mounting positions along the chassis.

[0170] Aspect 49. The communications panel of aspect 48, wherein each latch head is movable between an undeflected position, a first deflected position, and a second deflected position, wherein the latch head provides access to a first of the mounting positions when disposed in the first deflected position, wherein the latch head provides access to a second of the mounting positions when disposed in the second deflected position, and wherein the latch head retains respective cassette managers at the first and second mounting positions when disposed in the undeflected position.

[0171] Aspect 50. The communications panel of aspect 35, wherein a first of the cassette managers includes a flexible cassette stop member.

[0172] Aspect 51. The communications panel of aspect 35, wherein the chassis includes a plurality of rails at a top of the chassis; and wherein each cassette manager includes a rail structure configured to engage a respective one of the rails of the chassis.

[0173] Aspect 52. The communications panel of aspect 51, wherein the rail structure of each cassette manager defines a portion of the cable routing path of the cassette manager.

[0174] Aspect 53. The communications panel of aspect 35. wherein the cassette managers may have different heights so that a first of the cassette managers extends farther beneath the chassis than a second of the cassette managers.

[0175] Aspect 54. A method of cabling a communications panel, the method comprising: sliding a cassette onto a cassette manager from a front of the cassette manager, the cassette having a plurality of front ports; routing a cable from a rear of the cassette, along the cassette manager, to the front of the cassette manager; and orienting the cassette manager vertically and sliding the vertically oriented cassette manager onto a rail structure of a chassis from a front of the chassis, wherein the front of the cassette manager is disposed at the front of the chassis when the cassette manager is mounted to the chassis.

[0176] Aspect 55. The method of aspect 54, wherein sliding the vertically oriented cassette manager onto the rail structure comprises deflecting a latch head towards a first side.

[0177] Aspect 56. The method of aspect 55, wherein the latch head is deflected towards the first side using the cassette manager.

[0178] Aspect 57. The method of aspect 55, further comprising allowing the latch head to return to the undeflected position to retain the cassette manager at the chassis.

[0179] Aspect 58. The method of aspect 54. further comprising routing the cable horizontally across the front of the chassis towards a top of the chassis.

[0180] Aspect 59. The method of any of aspect 54-58, further comprising routing a plurality of outgoing cables to the front ports of the cassette.

[0181] Aspect 60. The method of aspect 59. wherein routing the outgoing cables comprises routing the outgoing cables horizontally along a trough below the chassis and routing the outgoing cables vertically up from the trough towards the respective front ports at the front of the chassis.

[0182] Aspect 61. The method of aspect 59, and preferably of aspects 58 and 59, wherein routing the outgoing cables comprises routing the outgoing cables horizontally across the front of the chassis parallel to the cable.

[0183] Aspect 62. A cassette manager comprising: a body extending along a depth between a front and a rear, extending along a height between a top and a bottom, and extending along a thickness between a first side and an opposite second side; a rail structure disposed at the top of the body, the rail structure defining a cable path extending from the rear of the body to the front of the body, the rail structure also defining a slot leading to the cable path, the slot extending along the depth of the body; and a plurality' of cable guides extending along the depth of the body, the cable guides being spaced from each other along the height of the body.

[0184] Aspect 63. The cassette manager of aspect 62, further comprising a handle extending forwardly of the body.

[0185] Aspect 64. The cassette manager of aspect 63, wherein the handle extends forwardly of the cable path to support a cable routed into the cable path from the front of the body.

[0186] Aspect 65. The cassette manager of aspect 62, further comprising a bend radius limiter disposed at the rear of the body.

[0187] Aspect 66. The cassette manager of aspect 62, further comprising a cassette stop defining a shoulder facing towards the front of the body, the cassette stop being deflectable relative to the body.

[0188] Having described the preferred aspects and implementations of the present disclosure, modifications and equivalents of the disclosed concepts may readily occur to one skilled in the art. However, it is intended that such modifications and equivalents be included within the scope of the claims which are appended hereto.

Claims

What is claimed is:1 . A communications panel comprising: a chassis having a front and a rear; a plurality' of cassette managers configured to mount within the chassis in vertical orientations, each cassette manager defining a cable routing path extending from an entrance at a rear of the cassette manager to an exit at a front of the cassette manager.

2. The communications panel of claim 1, wherein a first of the cassette managers includes a plurality of spaced apart guide rails, and wherein the communications panel further comprises a cassette mounted to the first cassette manager using the guide rails.

3. The communications panel of claim 2, wherein the cassette carries a plurality of front ports and a rear port.

4. The communications panel of claim 3, further comprising a first cable extending from the rear port, through the entrance of the cable routing path of the first cassette manager, and along the cable routing path to the exit.

5. The communications panel of claim 4. wherein the rear port of the cassette is one of a plurality of rear ports; and wherein the first cable is one of a plurality of cables routed from a respective one of the rear ports and along the cable routing path of the first cassette manager.

6. The communications panel of claim 2. wherein the cassette is one of a plurality of cassettes mounted to the first cassette manager.

7. The communications panel of claim 2, wherein a portion of the cassette extends below a bottom of the cassette manager.

8. The communications panel of claim 1, wherein the exits of the cable routing paths of the cassette managers are aligned along a first routing path extending horizontally across the cassette managers.

9. The communications panel of claim 8, further comprising: a routing trough mounted to the chassis beneath the cassette managers; and a plurality of second routing paths, each second routing path extending vertically from a respective one of the cassette managers towards the routing trough.

10. The communications panel of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of cable guide members extending forwardly of the front of the chassis, the cable guide members defining a plurality of second routing paths extending across the front of the chassis.

11. The communications panel of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of dividers configured to mount to the chassis, each divider being configured to extend downwardly below a bottom of the chassis, the dividers separating the cassette managers into sub-groups.

12. The communications panel of claim 11, wherein the divers define cable guides extending forwardly of the chassis.

13. The communications panel of claim 1, further comprising a latching arrangement configured to selectively hold each cassette manager at the chassis, the latching arrangement being configured to enable removal of individual ones of the cassette managers from the chassis through the front of the chassis.

14. The communications panel of claim 13, wherein the latching arrangement includes a body from which one or more fingers extend, each finger having a latch head movable laterally to selectively provide access to mounting positions along the chassis.

15. The communications panel of claim 14, wherein each latch head is movable between an undeflected position, a first deflected position, and a second deflected position, wherein the latch head provides access to a first of the mounting positions when disposed in the first deflected position, wherein the latch head provides access to a second of the mounting positions when disposed in the second deflected position, and wherein the latch head retains respective cassette managers at the first and second mounting positions when disposed in the undeflected position.

16. The communications panel of claim 1, wherein a first of the cassette managers includes a flexible cassette stop member.

17. The communications panel of claim 1, wherein the chassis includes a plurality of rails at a top of the chassis; and wherein each cassette manager includes a rail structure configured to engage a respective one of the rails of the chassis.

18. The communications panel of claim 17, wherein the rail structure of each cassette manager defines a portion of the cable routing path of the cassette manager.

19. The communications panel of claim 1. wherein the cassette managers may have different heights so that a first of the cassette managers extends farther beneath the chassis than a second of the cassette managers.

20. A method of cabling a communications panel, the method comprising: sliding a cassette onto a cassette manager from a front of the cassette manager, the cassette having a plurality of front ports; routing a cable from a rear of the cassette, along the cassette manager, to the front of the cassette manager; and orienting the cassette manager vertically and sliding the vertically oriented cassette manager onto a rail structure of a chassis from a front of the chassis, wherein the front of the cassette manager is disposed at the front of the chassis when the cassette manager is mounted to the chassis.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein sliding the vertically oriented cassette manager onto the rail structure comprises deflecting a latch head towards a first side.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the latch head is deflected towards the first side using the cassette manager.

23. The method of claim 21, further comprising allowing the latch head to return to the undeflected position to retain the cassette manager at the chassis.

24. The method of claim 20, further comprising routing the cable horizontally across the front of the chassis towards a top of the chassis.

25. The method of any of claims 20-24, further comprising routing a plurality of outgoing cables to the front ports of the cassette.

26. The method of claim 25. wherein routing the outgoing cables comprises routing the outgoing cables horizontally along a trough below' the chassis and routing the outgoing cables vertically up from the trough tow ards the respective front ports at the front of the chassis.

27. The method of claim 25, and preferably of claims 24 and 25, wherein routing the outgoing cables comprises routing the outgoing cables horizontally across the front of the chassis parallel to the cable.

28. A cassette manager comprising: a body extending along a depth betw een a front and a rear, extending along a height between a top and a bottom, and extending along a thickness between a first side and an opposite second side; a rail structure disposed at the top of the body, the rail structure defining a cable path extending from the rear of the body to the front of the body, the rail structure also defining a slot leading to the cable path, the slot extending along the depth of the body; and a plurality of cable guides extending along the depth of the body, the cable guides being spaced from each other along the height of the body.

29. The cassette manager of claim 28, further comprising a handle extending forwardly of the body.

30. The cassette manager of claim 29, wherein the handle extends forwardly of the cable path to support a cable routed into the cable path from the front of the body.

31. The cassette manager of claim 28, further comprising a bend radius limiter disposed at the rear of the body.

32. The cassete manager of claim 28, further comprising a cassette stop defining a shoulder facing towards the front of the body, the cassette stop being deflectable relative to the body.

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