Easily accessible patch panel

Abstract

To provide a patch panel which allows for easy access to connectors.SOLUTION: A patch panel includes at least one patch panel subassembly 2105b, each patch panel subassembly including at least one mounting plate 2115b and a plurality of port assemblies 2160e-2160g. The at least one mounting plate being configured to accommodate the port assemblies in such a way that each port assembly can individually translate along a direction parallel to a surface of the mounting plate and can rotate about an axis perpendicular to the surface of the mounting plate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 22B

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] Patch panels are widely used in network systems to monitor, interconnect, and test circuits. A patch panel typically consists of a two-sided array of connection ports adapted to accept communication lines, such as fiber optic cables. The connection ports are themselves two-sided, such that a cable inserted into one side of any connection port can be communicatively coupled to a cable inserted into the other side of the same connection port.

[0002] To save space, patch panels are becoming smaller and smaller in size. However, as patch panels become smaller in size, maintaining the patch panels and managing the cable connections also becomes more difficult. Because cables are connected and disconnected by manual latching mechanisms, users must be able to access the latching mechanisms to latch or unlatch the cables to their corresponding connection ports.

[0003] To make cable connections more accessible, patch panels are sometimes designed with sliding trays. The connection ports are integrated into the sliding tray so that when the tray is pulled out, the connection ports are pulled out with it. Sliding trays allow easier access to the connection ports because, as a single row of ports is pulled out of the array at a time, the rows of connection ports immediately above and below no longer interfere with access to the row of connection ports in the pulled-out tray.

[0004] One trade-off of the sliding tray design is that the cables connected to the connection ports must be excessively long to move inward and outward with the sliding tray to avoid undesirable bending stresses on the cables caused by the pulling of the cables as the sliding tray moves. This excessive cable length can make access to the connection ports more difficult, especially in high-density patch panel configurations where space is limited for routing long cables extending from the connection ports. Additionally, the longer the cables, the more likely they are to become tangled.

[0005] Finally, while access to the cable connections for manually latching and unlatching the cables is an important function of a patch panel, so too is providing the shortest, most slack-free cables possible. However, there is a trade-off between these functions because slack is required in the cables to allow for easier access by extending the rows of connection ports. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Therefore, what is desired is an improved patch panel that provides easy access to cable connections to the patch panel connectors while minimizing the length of cables extending from the patch panel connectors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present disclosure relates to patch panels and patch panel racks that allow improved access to cable connection ports while minimizing slack in the connected cables.

[0008] According to one aspect, a patch panel includes a frame and a plurality of trays supported by the frame and stacked in a first direction, each of the trays configured to receive a respective pair of cable connection terminals, wherein in each pair of cable connection terminals, the cable connection terminals of the pair are communicatively coupled to each other and configured to extend outwardly away from each other in the direction of a first axis, each tray of the plurality of trays adapted to slide within the frame along one or more guides between a tray-in position and at least one tray-out position by sliding in the direction of a second axis parallel or substantially parallel to other trays of the plurality of trays and angularly offset from the first axis, the tray being displaced by less than 100 mm when sliding between the tray-in position and the tray-out position, and one or more trays of the plurality of trays including at least one handle configured for use in sliding the tray.

[0009] According to one aspect, a patch panel includes a frame and a plurality of tray pairs supported by the frame and stacked in a first direction, each of the plurality of tray pairs configured to receive a respective pair of cable connection terminals, wherein, in each pair of cable connection terminals received in the tray pair, a first cable connection terminal is received in a first tray of the tray pair and a second cable connection terminal is received in a second tray of the tray pair, the first cable connection terminal and the second cable connection terminal are communicatively coupled to each other by an intermediate cable and configured to extend outward away from each other in the direction of a first axis, and the first tray of the tray pair is adapted to slide between a first tray-in position and at least one first tray-out position by sliding parallel or substantially parallel to the trays of other tray pairs of the plurality of tray pairs when the second tray of the tray pair is not moved.

[0010] According to one aspect, the latch panel includes at least one patch panel subassembly including at least one mounting plate and a plurality of port assemblies, the at least one mounting plate configured to mount the port assemblies such that each port assembly can individually move along a direction parallel to a surface of the mounting plate and rotate about an axis perpendicular to the surface of the mounting plate.

[0011] According to one aspect, a patch panel includes a plurality of port assemblies that are individually rotatable and positionable such that an axis passing through the center of a front port of any one of the plurality of port assemblies and the center of a corresponding rear port of one of the port assemblies is non-parallel to an axis passing through the center of a front port of another of the plurality of port assemblies and the center of a corresponding rear port of the other of the plurality of port assemblies.

[0012] According to one aspect, a patch panel includes a plurality of port assemblies arranged within a space, one dimension of the space being less than twice the depth dimension of the port assemblies, and the port assemblies being individually movable and rotatable within the space.

[0013] According to one aspect, a patch panel includes a plurality of port assemblies arranged within a space, one dimension of the space being less than twice the depth dimension of the port assemblies, the port assemblies being individually movable and rotatable within the space, and a distance between a port of one of the plurality of port assemblies and a port of another of the plurality of port assemblies being changeable by moving one or both of the one port assembly and the other of the plurality of port assemblies.

[0014] According to one aspect, a patch panel includes a plurality of port assemblies associated with at least one mounting means, each of the plurality of port assemblies being rotatable and translatable while remaining in contact with the at least one mounting means.

[0015] According to one aspect, a plurality of port assemblies are fixed within an elongated space, the long axis of the space defining a first direction, the port assemblies having at least one front port and one rear port, configured to receive a first cable connection terminal in the front port and a second cable connection terminal in the rear port, and to provide an energy propagation connection between the first cable connection terminal and the second cable connection terminal, the relative positions of the front port and the rear port defining a second direction, the angle between the first direction and the second direction being adjustable within a range of 30° to 90°, and the port assemblies being movable in at least the first direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a patch panel in a tray-in or stowed position according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the patch panel of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the patch panel of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a top-down perspective view of a patch panel tray according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the patch panel of FIG. 1 in the tray-out position. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a top view of the patch panel of Figure 1 in the tray-out position. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a front view of the patch panel of FIG. 1 in the tray-out position. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a bottom-up perspective view of a patch panel tray according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 9A]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a patch panel tray lock in a locked state according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a patch panel tray lock in an unlocked state according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a patch panel tray anchor according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a top-down view of another patch panel according to another aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a patch panel tray according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 1 is a perspective view of a patch panel configuration according to one embodiment having trays arranged in pairs connected by intermediate cables. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the patch panel configuration of FIG. 13 positioned within an enclosure. [Figure 15] 15A and 15B show two tray-to-patch panel arrangements in a side-by-side configuration, one with both trays in the tray-in position and the other with one tray in the tray-in position and the other tray in the tray-out position. [Figure 16A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tray to patch panel according to one embodiment. [Figure 16B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tray to patch panel according to one embodiment. [Figure 16C] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tray to patch panel according to one embodiment. [Figure 16D] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tray to patch panel according to one embodiment. [Figure 16E] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tray to patch panel according to one embodiment. [Figure 16F] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tray to patch panel according to one embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a tray-to-patch panel configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 18]FIG. 1 is a top view of a tray-to-patch panel configuration according to an embodiment in which all cable access is from the front side of the patch panel. [Figure 19A] FIG. 19 is a top view of the tray-to-patch panel of FIG. 18 with one tray in the tray-out position. [Figure 19B] FIG. 18 is a top view of the tray-to-patch panel of FIG. 17 with one tray in the tray-out position. [Figure 20A] FIG. 19 is a top view of the tray-to-patch panel of FIG. 18 with each of the two trays in the tray-out position. [Figure 20B] FIG. 18 is a top view of the tray-to-patch panel of FIG. 17 with each of the two trays in the tray-out position. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rack mount patch panel unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 22A] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a portion of the unit of FIG. 21 showing the port assembly in a neutral position. [Figure 22B] 22B is a perspective view of the portion of FIG. 22A with selected ones of the illustrated port assemblies moved from a neutral position. [Figure 23A] FIG. 22B is a plan view of the center row of FIG. 22A. [Figure 23B] 23B is a plan view of three of the port assemblies of FIG. 23A. FIG. [Figure 23C] FIG. 22C is a plan view of the center row of FIG. 22B. [Figure 24] 24A-24F are perspective views of mounting plates used in patch panel subassemblies according to several embodiments. [Figure 25] 25A to 25E are partial perspective views showing detailed examples of the port assembly and port holder fixed to the mounting plate. [Figure 26-1] 26A-26E are perspective views illustrating several embodiments of port holders and their attachment to corresponding ports. [Figure 26-2] FIG. 26F is a perspective view of an embodiment of a port holder. [Figure 27]27A-27C are perspective views of a port holder with a label tab according to an embodiment. [Figure 28] 28A and 28B are perspective views of a port assembly and mounting plate arrangement, according to an embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a port assembly and mounting plate arrangement, according to an embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a profile view of the arrangement of FIG. 29. [Figure 31A] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a port assembly and mounting plate arrangement according to one embodiment. [Figure 31B] FIG. 31B is a perspective view of the port holder of the embodiment of FIG. 31A. [Figure 31C] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a port assembly and mounting plate arrangement according to one embodiment. [Figure 31D] FIG. 31D is a perspective view of the port holder of the embodiment of FIG. 31C. [Figure 32A] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a port assembly and mounting plate arrangement according to one embodiment. [Figure 32B] FIG. 32B is a detailed view of a portion of the embodiment of FIG. 32A, including a view of one port holder separated. [Figure 32C] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a port assembly and mounting plate arrangement according to one embodiment. [Figure 32D] FIG. 32D is a detailed view of a portion of the embodiment of FIG. 32C, including a view of one port holder separated. [Figure 32E] FIG. 32D is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. [Figure 32F] 32E engaged with the mounting plate of FIG. 32E. FIG. [Figure 33A] FIG. 32D is a perspective view of a patch panel assembly with the arrangement as shown in FIG. 32C. [Figure 33B] FIG. 32D is a perspective view of a patch panel assembly with the arrangement as shown in FIG. 32C. [Figure 33C] FIG. 32D is a perspective view of a patch panel assembly with the arrangement as shown in FIG. 32C. [Figure 34A] FIG. 32D is a perspective view of a patch panel assembly with the arrangement as shown in FIG. 32C. [Figure 34B] FIG. 32D is a perspective view of a patch panel assembly with the arrangement as shown in FIG. 32C. [Figure 34C] FIG. 32D is a perspective view of a patch panel assembly with the arrangement as shown in FIG. 32C. [Figure 35A] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a port assembly and mounting plate arrangement according to one embodiment. [Figure 35B] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a port assembly and mounting plate arrangement according to one embodiment. [Figure 35C] FIG. 35B is a perspective view of a patch panel assembly with the arrangement as shown in FIG. 35A. [Figure 35D] FIG. 35C is a perspective view of a patch panel assembly with the arrangement as shown in FIG. 35B. [Figure 36] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a rack mount patch panel unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 37A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a patch panel and enclosure in a fully closed position according to one embodiment. [Figure 37B] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a patch panel and enclosure according to one embodiment in a fully open position. [Figure 37C] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a patch panel and enclosure according to one embodiment in a fully open position. [Figure 38] FIG. 37D is a perspective view of the patch panel and enclosure of FIG. 37C in a fully open position showing example cabling. [Figure 39] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a patch panel and enclosure according to one embodiment in a fully open position showing example cabling. [Figure 40A] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a patch panel configuration having a bi-directional sliding tray with the tray in a neutral position. [Figure 40B] FIG. 40B is a plan view of the patch panel configuration of FIG. 40A with the tray in the tray-out position. [Figure 41A]10A-10C illustrate placement of the port assembly and mounting plate in two different positions according to one embodiment. [Figure 41B] 10A-10C illustrate placement of a port assembly in two different positions according to one embodiment. [Figure 42] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a patch panel assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 43] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a patch panel assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 44A] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of a portion of a patch panel subassembly of one embodiment showing a portion of the mounting plate and port assembly. [Figure 44B] FIG. 43B is a profile view of the port holder of FIG. 43A engaged with the mounting plate of FIG. 43A. [Figure 45] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a patch panel subassembly according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Figures 1, 2, and 3 show patch panel 100 from various angles. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the patch panel. Figure 2 is a top view of the patch panel. Figure 3 is a front view of the patch panel. Each of Figures 1-3 is labeled with a coordinate space key [x, y, z] to clarify the relative perspectives.

[0018] The patch panel 100 includes a frame 110. The frame 110 may have a frame depth along the x-axis, a frame width along the y-axis, and a frame height along the z-axis. The frame 110 may be made of a sturdy support material such as metal or thick plastic.

[0019] The patch panel 100 further includes a plurality of trays 120. These trays 120 are supported by the frame 110 and are stacked vertically along the frame height. In this example, the trays 120 are not directly on top of or in direct contact with each other, so any one tray can be pulled out of the array of the patch panel 100 without moving or contacting the other trays. In this example, the trays are stacked three high, but in other examples, the trays may be stacked in more or less than three high levels. Additionally, in this example, two tray levels are positioned adjacent to each other, but in other examples, there may be only one tray level, or three or more tray levels may be adjacent to each other.

[0020] Each of the trays 120 may be substantially identical to one another. For clarity, the following description describes the structure and function of a single tray 120 located in the center of a vertical tray tier, but it should be understood that the same structure and function may apply to each tray in a vertical tray tier.

[0021] The tray 120 is disposed inside the frame 110. The frame 110 is open on each of a first side 112 and an opposing second side 114 along the frame depth direction, thereby allowing access to the tray from both sides of the frame 110.

[0022] A plurality of connection ports 130 are connected to the tray 120. In this example, the tray includes a row of twelve connection ports 130 aligned across the width of the frame, although other examples may include more or less than twelve connection ports. The connection ports are double-sided pluggable and configured to receive cable connections 140 from both sides 112, 114 of the frame 110.

[0023] The multiple connection ports 130 and the multiple cable connection terminals 140 may each be substantially identical to one another. For clarity, the following description describes the structure and function of a single connection port 130 and a single cable connection terminal 140, but it should be understood that the same structure and function may apply to each of the connection ports and connection terminals included in the tray.

[0024] Cable connection terminal 140 includes a rigid housing 142. Rigid housing 142 is configured to be attached to and partially house cable 150. Rigid housing 142 is adapted to fit within the opening of connection port 130. In this example, by fitting the cable connection terminals into both sides of connection port 130, the cables housed within each cable connection terminal can be communicatively coupled to each other.

[0025] The cable connection terminal 140 also includes a release latch mechanism 144, or more generally, a latch. The release latch mechanism 144 is located on the exterior surface of the rigid housing 142. The release latch mechanism 144 may be a depressible finger adapted to engage a recessed edge on the interior surface of the connection port 130. When the release latch mechanism 144 is engaged, the release latch mechanism 144 prevents the cable connection terminal 140 from being removed from the connection port 130. The release latch mechanism 144 can be manually released, for example, by a user pushing, pulling, or twisting the release latch mechanism 144. Screws, bolts, springs, or other well-known cable locking devices and mechanisms may also be used to achieve a similar effect. Additionally, in other examples, a latch may be located on the connection port itself, allowing a cable connection terminal inserted within the connection port to be released by unlatching the connection port.

[0026] The cable connection terminal 140 further includes a flexible boot 146 disposed between the rigid housing 142 and the exposed, unhoused portion of the cable 150. The boot is preferably flexible to improve the durability of the cable connection terminal 140 and to ensure that the cable 150 does not become detached from the patch panel 100. The boot provides stress relief and prevents the cable 150 from making sharp bends, which can break the internal fiber and result in transmission loss.

[0027] When inserted into the connection port 130, the cable connection terminals 140 on either side of the connection port 130 extend away from the connection port 130 along a first axis. In the example of FIGS. 1-3 , the first axis is the same as the depth direction x of the frame. However, in other examples, the first axis may be angularly offset from the frame depth direction, in which case the cable connection terminals enter the connection port at an angle relative to the frame depth direction.

[0028] Returning to tray 120, the tray is supported by guides 116 on one or both sides of frame 110. Guide 116 extends along a second axis that is angularly offset from the first axis. Second axis x' is shown in FIG. 2 as being angularly offset from the frame depth direction x. However, in instances where the first axis itself is angularly offset from the frame depth direction x, the second axis may be in the same direction as the frame depth direction.

[0029] Tray 120 may be adapted to slide along guides 116, allowing the tray to move in either direction about axis x'. This is most clearly shown in the top view of FIG. 2, where tray 120 is shaped like a parallelogram such that the tray's side edges extend along the x' axis, allowing it to slide along a direction x' that is angularly offset from the frame depth direction x. FIG. 2 further shows that the side edges of frame 110 (and consequently the frame's guides 116) extend in the same direction as the side edges of tray 120, as opposed to the direction in which cable connection terminals 140 extend. As explained in more detail below, the angling of frame 110, guides 116, and tray 120 is important to allow access to unlatch mechanisms 144 of cable connection terminals 140 without having to pull the tray from the interior of the patch panel frame to a position in which cable connection terminals 140 are completely outside of patch panel 100.

[0030] The illustrated example cable connection terminal 140 is a multi-fiber push-on (MPO) cable terminal (also known as an MTP cable), and the cable 150 connected to the terminal is a multi-fiber cable. In the example MPO cable terminal, the connection port includes a hook attached to the interior surface of the port, and the cable connection terminal includes a corresponding latch configured to be secured by the hook. Securing the latch on the hook results in the cable connection terminal being operably connected to the patch panel connection port. The connection port is further configured to release the latch when the latch is pulled away from the hook. In other examples, other types of cables and terminals may be used. For example, any known fiber cable (e.g., single-fiber cable) and any known connector (e.g., an SC connector) having a latch or other mechanism for connecting or disconnecting the cable from the port are compatible with patch panels designed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary tray 120, illustrating the tray's structure in more detail. The tray 120 includes a surface portion 410 defining a surface. The surface may be flat in the frame width direction and the frame depth direction. A vertical member 420 extends perpendicularly from the surface in the frame height direction, separating the first side 112 from the second side 114 of the tray 120. The vertical member 420 spans the entire or nearly the entire width of the surface portion 410 and includes a single row of openings 430 across the width of the surface portion 410. Each opening 430 is occupied by a respective double-sided plug-in connection port 130, such that the first side of the connection port 130 is located on the first side 112 of the tray 120 and the second side of the connection port 130 is located on the second side of the tray 120. In the example of Figure 4, the vertical member 420 extends upward and the connection port 130 is located above the surface portion 410, but in other examples the vertical member may extend downward and the connection port may be located below the surface portion.

[0032] 1-3, all of the trays 120 of the patch panel 100 are in the tray-in position. Each row of cable connection terminals 140 is aligned vertically with one another across the frame height. The tray-in position is generally suitable for storing the trays, and does not allow access to each of the cable connection terminals 140, which are not easily removable from the patch panel 100.

[0033] Figures 5, 6, and 7 show patch panel 100 with tray 120 in the tray-out position from various angles. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the patch panel. Figure 6 is a top view of the patch panel. Figure 7 is a front view of the patch panel. Each of Figures 5-7 is labeled with a coordinate space key [x,y,z] to clarify the relationship between relative viewpoints.

[0034] As described below, the tray-out position is generally a tray position suitable for accessing the cable connection terminals 140 of the pulled-out tray, provided that the trays immediately above and below the pulled-out tray 120 are still in the tray-in position or are not vertically aligned with the pulled-out tray. Pulling out of the tray 120 may be accomplished by pulling or pushing out the tray 120 from the first side 112 or by pulling or pushing out the tray 120 from the second side. The tray 120 may be adapted to slide, roll, or otherwise glide along guides 116 to move between the tray-in and tray-out positions.

[0035] The tray 120 slides from the tray-in position to the tray-out position parallel to the surface of the tray 120 along an axis parallel to a second axis (e.g., x' in FIG. 6) along which both side edges of the tray 120 extend. Here, the second axis is angularly offset from the first axis (e.g., x in FIG. 6). As a result, the cable connection terminals of the pulled-out tray are laterally displaced relative to their positions in the tray-in position. In other words, any cable connection terminal is considered to extend along a first line in the direction of the first axis when in the tray-in position, and along a second line displaced parallel to the direction of the first axis when in the tray-out position. When the tray is in the tray-out position, the distance between the first line and the second line is d / 2. This value is half the distance d between adjacent cable connection terminals.

[0036] In particular, in the example of FIGS. 5-7 , the tray 120 is adapted to slide diagonally relative to the frame depth direction. As a result, when the tray moves from the tray-in position to the tray-out position, the cable connection terminals are displaced in both the frame width direction and the frame depth direction. In addition, when the tray reaches the tray-out position, the cable connection terminals 140 of the extended tray 120 are laterally displaced in the frame width direction relative to the cable connection terminals of the trays immediately above and below the extended tray 120. To move the tray from the tray-in position to the tray-out position, the tray is slid from the tray-in position along an axis parallel to the second axis by the minimum distance necessary to position the tray in a position where the cable connection terminals are accessible. Therefore, in the tray-out position, the cable connection terminals of the tray are accessible, eliminating the need to slide the tray further along the guide to the outside of the patch panel to access the cable connection terminals. In the tray-out position, the lateral displacement is half (d / 2) of the lateral distance (d) between adjacent cable connection terminals.

[0037] 6 and 7, when the tray 120 reaches the tray-out position, the cable connection terminals 140 of the pulled-out tray 120 are laterally positioned above and below the gaps between the cable connection terminals of the trays immediately above and below, thereby enabling access to the cable connection terminals 140 of the pulled-out tray 120.

[0038] Because the cable connection terminals 140 of the pulled-out tray 120 in the tray-out position can be accessed through the gaps immediately above and below, the tray 120 does not need to be pulled out very far. In particular, the displacement of the tray between the tray-in and tray-out positions may be shorter than the length of the cable connection terminals in the direction of the first axis. For example, if the length of each cable connection terminal is 100 mm, the displacement between the tray-in and tray-out positions may be less than 100 mm, and in some instances, may be 50 mm or less.

[0039] In one example, the frame 110 shown in Figures 1-7 has a width of approximately 400 mm to approximately 500 mm, and each tray 120 has a width of approximately 200 mm to 250 mm. The twelve cable connection terminals 140 are spaced apart by approximately 15 mm to approximately 25 mm (including the width of the cable connection terminals themselves). This spacing can be the same or similar for trays with different numbers of cable connection terminals. The height of the frame is between approximately 40 mm and approximately 45 mm. This means that each tray is separated from the others by a gap of less than 15 mm. This makes it difficult for a user to access the latches on the cable connection terminals 140 without moving the tray 120 to the tray-out position.

[0040] Generally, the tray 120 has two tray-out positions: a first tray-out position in which the cable connection terminals on the first side 112 of the tray 120 are accessible, and a second tray-out position in which the cable connection terminals on the second side 114 of the tray 120 are accessible. The tray will slide from the tray-in position to one of the two tray-out positions depending on the direction the tray slides (e.g., forward or rearward). In either case, the tray position may be moved along a second axis angularly offset from the first axis (e.g., in both the frame depth and frame width directions in FIGS. 5-7 ) to provide better access to the cable connection terminals on each side of the tray.

[0041] The patch panel may include additional features to enhance its function and operation, as well as the accessibility of the cable connection terminals. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the bottom surface 810 of the tray 120 of Figure 4. As can be seen in Figure 8, the surface portion 410 of the tray 120 includes a pair of slot-like openings 812, 814 extending across the width of the frame. The first opening 812 is located directly below the rigid housings of the cable connection terminals on the first side 112 of the tray 120. The second opening 814 is located directly below the rigid housings of the cable connection terminals on the second side 114 of the tray 120.

[0042] 8, the second opening 814 is formed large enough to allow the vertical member 420 to be vertically aligned with the inner edge 824 of the second opening 814 in the frame height direction, but in other examples, the second opening may be smaller as long as the opening remains large enough to allow access to a latch or other detachment mechanism on the rigid housing of the cable connection terminal.

[0043] Additionally, in the example of Figure 8, openings 812 and 814 are located below the rigid housing of the cable connection terminal. However, in examples where the detachment mechanisms are located elsewhere, such as in the connection port, these openings in the tray surface may be located in different positions to properly align with the respective detachment mechanisms. In the example of Figure 8, opening 812 is intentionally aligned with unlatch mechanism 144 to allow for easy unlatching of cable connection terminal 140 from connection port 130.

[0044] Figures 1, 3, 5 and 7 also show a mechanical stop 160 configured to prevent the tray from accidentally sliding off the frame. Close-up views of the mechanical stop are shown in Figures 9A and 9B, respectively.

[0045] The mechanical stopper 160 is attached to the outer surface of the frame 110 and extends from the frame in the frame depth direction. The mechanical stopper 160 includes one or more notches 920 formed in the body of the stopper in the frame width direction. At the locations of these notches 920, the width of the mechanical stopper 160 in the frame width direction is shorter than the portions of the stopper 160 above and below the notches. In this regard, the mechanical stopper 160 has an overall width that overlaps at least a portion of the tray 120 in the frame width direction. However, the width of the mechanical stopper 160 at the locations of the notches does not overlap with the tray 120 in the frame width direction.

[0046] In Figure 9A, the mechanical stop 160 is in the locked position. The notches 920 are vertically misaligned with the guides 116 of the frame 110, thereby preventing each tray 120 from sliding between the tray-in and tray-out positions. In Figure 9B, the mechanical stop 160 is in the unlocked position. The notches are vertically aligned with the guides 116 of the frame 110 in the frame height direction, allowing each tray 120 to slide freely between the tray-in and tray-out positions.

[0047] 9A and 9B, moving the mechanical stop 160 between the locked and unlocked positions involves displacing the mechanical stop 160 vertically in the frame height direction. The mechanical stop 160 is biased to the locked position by a biasing element, such as a biasing spring 930. The biasing spring 930 applies a force vertically in the frame height direction to the mechanical stop 160. The biasing spring 930 is configured to be compressible so that an opposing force (an upward force in the example of FIG. 9) compresses the biasing spring 930 and displaces the mechanical stop 160 along the axis of the biasing spring force until the notch 920 is aligned with one or more trays 120 in the frame 110.

[0048] Additionally, the tray 120 can be configured to overlap the mechanical stop 160 in the frame height direction when pulled out to the tray-out position, but not overlap the mechanical stop 160 in the frame height direction when pulled out to the tray-in position. This overlap with the tray 120 in the tray-out position can prevent the mechanical stop 160 from returning to the biased locked position. Thus, the mechanical stop 160 returns to the locked position only after the tray 120 is returned to the tray-in position and no longer overlaps the mechanical stop in the frame depth direction, thereby releasing the biasing spring 930 and biasing the mechanical stop 160 to the locked position.

[0049] 4 and 8 also show anchor members configured to anchor the tray to the frame. A close-up view of the anchor member is shown in FIG. 10. The anchors 1010 are attached to edges of the tray surface 410 that extend from the tray surface 410 in the frame width direction. The anchors 1010 have a height in the frame height direction that is greater than the thickness of the tray surface 410. In addition, the guides 116 in the frame 110 may be slots. The width of each slot is equal to or greater than the thickness of the tray surface 410 but less than the height of the anchors 1010. In this regard, the tray 120 can slide back and forth along the x' axis, and thus along the slots 116, but the anchors prevent the tray 120 from rotating or sliding laterally out of the frame 110 in the frame width direction.

[0050] In the case of a patch panel having dual pluggable connection ports and a tray that can be pulled out forward or backward, mechanical stops and anchors can be provided on both sides of the patch panel. For example, a first mechanical stop on a first side of the frame can prevent the tray from being pulled out toward the first side, and a second mechanical stop on a second side of the frame can prevent the tray from being pulled out toward the second side. Similarly, each tray surface can have two anchors, one anchor on the first side to prevent lateral sliding when one side of the tray is pulled out, and another anchor on the other side of the tray to prevent lateral sliding when the other side of the tray is pulled out.

[0051] Figure 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a patch panel 1100 according to the present disclosure. Similar to the previously described embodiments, the patch panel 1100 of Figure 11 includes a frame, trays, connection ports (72 ports in the example of Figure 11, as in the previously described illustrated examples), and cable connection terminals for connecting cables to the connection ports. The patch panel 1100 of Figure 11 differs in that each tray is configured to be rotated and extended.

[0052] The frame 1110 includes posts 1118 extending vertically along the frame height. In some cases, the posts 1118 may be located adjacent to a sidewall of the frame 1110. Each of the trays 1120 also includes an elongated slot 1122 etched into a surface of the tray 1120. The elongated slot 1122 is adapted to allow the post 1118 to be inserted therein, thereby enabling the tray 1120 to rotate about a pivot point (e.g., the post 1118) within the slot 1122 and slide in the direction of the slot's extension. In this regard, the width of the slot 1122 may be approximately equal to or slightly wider than the width of the post 1118 to enable the tray 1120 to be neatly attached to and slide relative to the post 1118. In some cases, the slot 1122 may be L-shaped.

[0053] The posts 1118 may further comprise support features such as platforms or spacers that support the weight of the trays, allowing the trays 1120 received by the frame 1110 to be spaced apart vertically to avoid interference between adjacent trays.

[0054] The frame 1110 may further include a shaft (not shown) or other cable routing portion disposed adjacent the post 1118. One or more cables 1119 from the patch panel 1100 are routed through the shaft. This ensures that, for a given cable 1119, the distance from the cable connection terminal to the shaft does not change significantly when the tray 1120 rotates about the post 1118. Additionally, because the tray 1120 only slides in and out a short distance (e.g., less than 100 mm, specifically about 50 mm), displacement of the tray 1120 does not significantly affect the distance from the cable connection terminal to the shaft.

[0055] In operation, moving a tray in frame 1110 of FIG. 11 from a tray-in position to a tray-out position both rotates the tray about posts 1118 and moves the tray along a plane defined by the tray surface in the direction of extension of slots 1122. The purpose of rotating the tray is to move the cable connection terminals of the rotated tray out of vertical alignment with the cable connection terminals in the trays immediately above and below it. The purpose of moving the tray is to provide additional clearance and accessibility for the cable connection terminals closest to posts 1118 (because rotation of these terminals results in less positional change than rotation of terminals farther from posts 1118).

[0056] The rotatable trays are configured to rotate in opposite directions to each other to allow access to cable connection terminals on either side of a corresponding connection port. Each stacked tray is configured to rotate about a pivot point (e.g., a post) and move along the longitudinal axis of an elongated slot. For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , a first tray 1141 is shown rotated in one direction, and a second tray 1142 is shown rotated in a second, opposite direction. Note also that the first tray 1141 also moves along the elongated slot, while the second tray 1142 does not move along the elongated slot.

[0057] 11, the elongated slots 1120 of the tray 1120 are formed in extensions of the tray surface that extend beyond the width of the frame 1110. This allows the tray 1120 to rotate about the posts 1118 and also allows the posts 1118 to be formed near the edges of the frame 1110 in the frame width direction, while leaving a small portion of the tray surface opposite the posts 1118 in the frame width direction.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 12 , a perspective view of a patch panel tray 1200 according to one embodiment is shown. The patch panel tray 1200 is similar to each tray 120, except that the tray 1200 includes one or more handles 1205. Two handles 1205 are shown. One handle 1205 is located on the first side 112 of the tray, and the other handle 1205 is located on the second side 114 of the tray. However, it should be noted that the tray 1200 may be configured with a single handle, for example, on the first side 112 of the tray, or with three or more handles. In either case, the handles facilitate placing the tray 1200 into the tray-in and tray-out positions by providing a place for the user to grasp the tray 1200. Multiple trays, each configured similarly to the tray 1200, may be used in place of the multiple trays 120 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-10 to achieve alternative embodiments, for example. As in tray 120, in tray 1200, a vertical member 420 extends vertically from the surface portion in the frame height direction, separating the first side 112 from the second side 114 of tray 1200. The vertical member 420 extends across the entire width, or nearly the entire width, of the surface portion 410 and includes a single row of openings 430 across the width of the surface portion 410. Each opening 430 is occupied by a respective dual-sided plug-in connection port 130. Specifically, a first side of the connection port 130 is located on the first side 112 of tray 120, and a second side of the connection port 130 is located on the second side of tray 120. In one configuration, the vertical member 420 extends upward, with the connection ports 130 located above the surface portion 410, although in other examples, the vertical member may extend downward, with the connection ports located below the surface portion.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 13 , a perspective view of a patch panel configuration according to one embodiment is shown. In this configuration, trays 1305a, 1305b, 1310a, 1310b, 1315a, and 1315b are arranged in pairs. For example, trays 1305a and 1350b form a pair. Each tray pair has multiple associated intermediate or “jumper” cables. However, for clarity, FIG. 13 only shows intermediate cable 1320 associated with tray pair 1305a and 1305b. Furthermore, the two trays forming each pair are coplanar or substantially coplanar, and the cables connecting such trays are held in or substantially in the plane of the trays by supports. For example, trays 1305a and 1305b are coplanar, parallel to the XY plane, and cables 1320 are held in the plane of trays 1305a and 1305b by supports 1330. The support 1330 is mounted, for example, on a housing that surrounds the trays 1305 a , 1305 b and the cable 1320 .

[0060] Each of the trays 1305a-1315b includes a plurality of ports. For example, tray 1305a includes port 1340a, and tray 1305b includes port 1340b. Each of the ports 1340a, 1340b is adapted to receive one or more connectors for connection to external cables 1320. Furthermore, the cables 1320 are themselves coupled to the ports by their respective connectors. Thus, in one embodiment, each of the cables 1320 includes a connector at a first end 1320a of the cable, e.g., cable 1322, and a connector at a second end 1320b of the cable, e.g., cable 1322, where the connector at the first end 1320a is coupled to one of the ports 1340a and the connector at the second end 1320b is coupled to a corresponding one of the ports 1340b. A pair of external cables, for example cables 1350 and 1355, are then each coupled to one another via one of the plurality of cables 1320, for example via one of the plurality of ports 1340a and a corresponding one of the ports 1340b.

[0061] 13, the connection terminals attached to the cable 1350 can be easily accessed without interfering with the cable 1355 by moving the tray 1305a along the Y direction to the tray-out position. That is, the intermediate cable 1320 has a length sufficient to accommodate the movement of the tray 1305a without applying a significant force to the cable 1355 or the tray 1305b as a result of such movement. Similarly, the connection terminals attached to the cable 1355 can be easily accessed without interfering with the cable 1350 or the tray 1305a by moving the tray 1305b along the direction opposite the Y direction to the tray-out position.

[0062] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the patch panel configuration of FIG. 13 positioned within a housing 1400. The housing can accommodate all of the trays 1305a-1315b and include one or more guides, e.g., guides 1405a, 1405b, 1410a, and 1410b, for guiding the trays during movement between the tray-in and tray-out positions. For example, tray 1305a is guided between the tray-in and tray-out positions by guides 1405a and 1410a. Additionally, these guides are associated with respective stops, e.g., stops 1420a, 1420b, 1425a, and 1425b. The stops are provided to limit movement of the trays beyond the tray-in position determined by the design. For example, stops 1420a and 1425a prevent tray 1305a from moving beyond the tray-in position determined by the design.

[0063] 15A and 15B show two tray-to-patch panel arrangements 1500A and 1500B in a side-by-side configuration. Tray-to-patch panel arrangement 1500A has trays 1505a and 1505b in the tray-in position, while tray-to-patch panel arrangement 1500B has tray 1510a in the tray-in position and tray 1510b in the tray-out position. The two tray-to-patch panel arrangements 1500A and 1500B are contained within a frame (not shown). The frame may be integral with a panel enclosure (not shown), attached to the panel enclosure, or separate from the panel enclosure. Each of arrangements 1500A and 1500B, along with the other pair of arrangements, is supported by the frame and stacked in a first direction, e.g., the Z direction. Further, each of arrangements 1500A, 1500B is configured to receive a respective pair of cable connection terminals, such that for each pair of cable connection terminals received by the arrangement, a first cable connection terminal is received by a first tray of the tray pair and a second cable connection terminal is received by a second tray of the tray pair, the first cable connection terminal and the second cable connection terminal are configured to be communicatively coupled to each other by an intermediate cable 1520 such that the cable connection terminals extend outward from each other in the direction of the first axis. For example, arrangement 1500A is configured to receive first cable connection terminal 1512a into a port of tray 1505a and second cable connection terminal 1512b into a port of tray 1505b, and the cable connection terminals 1512a, 1512b are configured to be communicatively coupled to each other by intermediate cable 1520 such that the cable connection terminals 1512a, 1512b extend outward from each other along the Y-axis.

[0064] 15A and 15B, a first cable connection terminal, e.g., first cable connection terminal 1512a, is coupled to a respective port, e.g., port 1525a, of tray 1505a, and a second cable connection terminal, e.g., second cable connection terminal 1512b, is coupled to a respective port, e.g., port 1525b, of tray 1505b. Additionally, a first end of each intermediate cable, e.g., end 1520a of cable 1520, is coupled to a first intermediate cable connection terminal, e.g., first intermediate cable connection terminal 1530a, which is coupled to a respective port, e.g., port 1525a, of tray 1505a. A second end of each intermediate cable, e.g., end 1520b of cable 1520, is coupled to a second intermediate cable connection terminal, e.g., second intermediate cable connection terminal 1530b, which is coupled to a respective port, e.g., port 1525b, of tray 1505b. In this manner, a cable connected to one of the first cable connection terminals is coupled to a cable connected to one of the second cable connection terminals via an intermediate cable. For example, a cable coupled to first cable connection terminal 1512a is coupled to the cable connected to second cable connection terminal 1512b via first cable connection terminal 1512a, port 1525a, first intermediate cable connection terminal 1530a, intermediate cable 1520, second intermediate cable connection terminal 1530b, port 1525b, and second cable connection terminal 1512b.

[0065] 15A and 15B, a portion of the intermediate cable 1520 is disposed within a cable jacket 1540. The jacket 1540 facilitates controlled positioning of the intermediate cable 1520 in the space between trays 1505a and 1505b. The jacket is further retained by supports 1550 that constrain the jacket and, thereby, the intermediate cable in at least one direction.

[0066] Referring now to FIG. 15B, tray-to-patch panel arrangement 1500B is shown. In this arrangement, tray 1510a is in the tray-in position and tray 1510b is in the tray-out position. Arrangement 1500B is identical to arrangement 1500A except for its orientation relative to the X-axis. Along the X-axis, arrangement 1500B is a mirror image of arrangement 1500A. As can be seen from FIG. 15B, movement of tray 1510b to the tray-out position does not impart a significant force to tray 1510a due to slack in intermediate cable 1560. That is, as tray 1510b moves in the Y-direction, intermediate cable 1560 and associated jacket 1565 absorb such movement. Additionally, supports 1570 support cable 1560 and jacket 1565 along the Z-direction. The support 1570 holds the cable 1560 and jacket 1565 and allows them to move freely in the XY plane but not along the Z axis, thereby allowing the cable 1560 and jacket 1565 to move freely in the XY plane but being restricted from moving along the Z axis.

[0067] Arrangement 1500B may be stacked in a first direction, e.g., the Z direction, with other tray pair arrangements. In such a configuration, tray 1510b may be adapted to slide between a first tray-in position and at least one first tray-out position by sliding parallel or substantially parallel with the trays of the other tray pair arrangements while tray 1510a remains stationary.

[0068] 16A-16F, perspective views of a tray to patch panel 1600 are shown according to one embodiment. FIG. 16A shows a housing 1605 of the patch panel 1600. The housing includes a top 1610, a cable hanger 1615, and a door 1620. The cable hanger 1615 is provided for securing cables entering and exiting the patch panel. The door 1620 is provided for securing a slidable tray within the housing 1605 and opens to allow the tray to slide out of the housing 1605.

[0069] FIG. 16B shows the patch panel of FIG. 16A with a portion including top surface 1610 removed. The patch panel includes a first tray-to-patch panel arrangement 1625A and a second tray-to-patch panel arrangement 1625B. In one possible embodiment, arrangements 1625A and 1625B can take the form of arrangements 1500A and 1500B (as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B), respectively. In either case, arrangement 1625A includes a first tray 1630a, a second tray 1630b, and an intermediate cable (not shown) passing through a cable jacket 1635. Similarly, arrangement 1625B includes a first tray 1640a, a second tray 1640b, and an intermediate cable (not shown) passing through a cable jacket 1645. Additionally, each of trays 1630a, 1630b, 1640a, and 1640b includes a handle, e.g., handle 1650, to facilitate manipulation of the tray. As can be seen in FIG. 16B, the patch panel includes side walls 1660, 1665 and a middle wall 1670. Walls 1660, 1665, and 1670 have corresponding guides, such as a plurality of guides 1675 on side wall 1660. Guides 1675 guide the movement of patch panel trays, such as trays 1630a and 1630b, between tray-in and tray-out positions. While only two tray-to-patch panel arrangements are shown in FIG. 16B, the illustrated patch panel is configured to include six tray-to-patch panel arrangements, stacked in three layers with two tray-to-patch panel arrangements side by side in each layer. These layers are stacked upward from arrangements 1625A and 1625B toward the top of the enclosure, with each layer corresponding to one of guides 1675.

[0070] FIG. 16C shows an alternative layout to that of FIG. 16B. As can be seen in FIG. 16C, intermediate wall 1670 includes guides 1680a, 1680b, and 1680c. Each of guides 1680a, 1680b, and 1680c corresponds to one layer of the two tray pair arrangements. Specifically, for example, guide 1680a corresponds to the guide for trays 1630a and 1630b in arrangement 1625A. As can be further seen in FIG. 16C, each cable jacket, e.g., cable jacket 1635, is supported by a respective pair of supports, e.g., supports 1685a and 1685b. The supports constrain the cable jackets and cables from moving vertically through housing 1605 while allowing the cable jackets and intermediate cables therein to move perpendicular to the vertical direction of housing 1605. FIG. 16C also shows a center stop 1690 on side wall 1665. A center stop 1690 is provided to limit the movement of a tray, such as tray 1640a, guided by guide 1677 as it moves toward housing 1605. Figure 16D shows a detailed view of center stop 1695 on side wall 1660.

[0071] FIG. 16E shows an alternative to the layout of FIGS. 16B and 16C. In FIG. 16E, tray 1640b is visible in the lower left portion of the figure. Tray 1640b is shown alone in FIG. 16F. As can be seen in FIG. 16F, tray 1640b includes a lid 1640b' that opens to expose multiple ports 1640b''. In one embodiment, each of ports 1640b'' may be the same as port 1525a (shown in FIG. 15A).

[0072] FIG. 17 is a top view of a tray-to-patch panel configuration 1700 according to another embodiment. The configuration of FIG. 17 is similar to the embodiment described in connection with FIGS. 16A-16F, except for intermediate cable management. The embodiment of FIG. 17 further reduces the risk that movement of one tray pair will interfere with the cable connections of the other tray pair. For example, this embodiment features cable management that further reduces the risk that movement of tray 1640b from the illustrated tray-in position to a tray-out position (not shown) will interfere with the cable connections of tray 1640a. More specifically, intermediate cables connecting connection terminals in tray 1640b to connection terminals in tray 1640a are routed through cable jacket 1705. Cable jacket 1705 is secured to wall 1710 of the patch panel configuration by sleeves 1715a and 1715b. Thus, when either or both of the trays 1640a, 1640b move, the jacket and cable portions farthest from the trays 1640a, 1640b do not move, thereby isolating the movement of the trays 1640a, 1640b from each other. Additionally, the embodiment of Figure 17 includes pivot supports 1720a, 1720b that support the cable jacket 1705, allowing the jacket to move in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the floor 1735 of the patch panel configuration 1700, but not in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the floor 1735.

[0073] FIG. 18 illustrates a top view of a tray-to-patch panel configuration 1800 according to one embodiment, where all cable access is provided through the front of the patch panel. The configuration of FIG. 18 includes a first tray 1805a having cable connection terminals 1810a and a second tray 1805b having cable connection terminals 1810b. The trays 1805a and 1805b are positioned such that both terminals 1810a and 1810b face the same side of the configuration 1800, e.g., the front side 1820 of the configuration 1800. A cable connected to each of the terminals 1810a is communicatively coupled to a cable connected to each of the terminals 1810b via ports 1825a of the tray 1805a, intermediate cable connection terminals 1830a, intermediate cables 1835, intermediate cable connection terminals 1830b, and ports 1825b of the tray 1805b. 18, each of the trays 1805a, 1805b can be moved from the illustrated tray-in position to the tray-out position without interfering with the other tray. In the illustrated embodiment, moving either the tray 1805a or 1805b to the tray-out position includes moving the tray 1805a or 1805b along the Y direction.

[0074] To reduce the risk of movement of tray 1805a or 1805b interfering with cable connections on the other tray, intermediate cables 1835 are routed through cable jackets 1840a, 1840b. Cable jackets 1840a, 1840b are secured to wall 1845 of patch panel configuration 1800 by respective sleeves 1850a, 1850b. Thus, when either or both of trays 1805a, 1805b move their jackets 1840a, 1840b, the cable portions furthest from the trays do not move, thereby isolating the movement of trays 1805a, 1805b from each other. Additionally, the embodiment of FIG. 18 includes pivot supports 1855a, 1855b that support the cable jackets 1840a, 1840b, respectively, so that the jackets can move in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the floor 1860 of the patch panel configuration 1800, but cannot move in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the floor 1860.

[0075] Figure 19A is a top view of the tray to patch panel of Figure 18A with tray 1805b in the tray-out position. As can be seen, pivotal supports 1855b are pivoted to accommodate the tray-out position of tray 1805b and the concomitant position of cable jacket 1840b while supporting cable jacket 1840b in an orientation parallel or substantially parallel to floor 1860. As can be further seen, when tray 1805b is in the tray-out position, cable jacket 1840b remains secured to wall 1845 by sleeve 1850b.

[0076] Figure 19B is a top view of the tray to patch panel of Figure 17 with the tray 1640c in the tray-out position. As can be seen, the pivotal support 1720c is pivoted to accommodate the tray-out position of the tray 1640c and the concomitant position of the cable jacket 1707 while supporting the cable jacket 1707 in an orientation parallel or substantially parallel to the floor 1735 of the patch panel configuration 1700. As can be further seen, when the tray 1640c is in the tray-out position, the cable jacket 1707 remains secured to the wall 1710 by the sleeve 1715c.

[0077] 20A is a top view of the tray-to-patch panel of FIG. 18 with both trays 1805a and 1805b in the tray-out position. As can be seen, pivotal supports 1855a and 1855b are pivoted to accommodate the tray-out positions of trays 1805a and 1805b, respectively, while supporting cable jackets 1840a and 1840b in an orientation parallel or substantially parallel to floor 1860.

[0078] 20B is a top view of the tray-to-patch panel of FIG. 17 with both trays 1640c and 1640d in the tray-out position. As can be seen, pivotal supports 1720c and 1720d have been pivoted to accommodate the tray-out positions of trays 1640c and 1640d, respectively, while supporting cable jackets 1707 and 1708, respectively, in an orientation parallel or substantially parallel to floor 1735.

[0079] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a rack-mount patch panel unit 2100 according to one embodiment. The unit 2100 includes three patch panel subassemblies 2105a, 2105b, and 2105c stacked in a first direction, i.e., the Z direction in the figure. Each patch panel subassembly includes at least one mounting plate, which is one type of mounting means of the present disclosure, and a plurality of port assemblies. For example, subassembly 2105a includes a plurality of port assemblies 2110a, 2110b,..., 2110n and a mounting plate 2115a. The mounting plate 2115a is configured to mount the port assemblies 2110a-2110n such that each port assembly can individually translate along a direction parallel to the surface of the mounting plate, i.e., parallel to the X direction in the figure, and rotate about an axis perpendicular to the surface of the mounting plate, i.e., the Z direction in the figure. A port assembly, eg, port assemblies 2110a-2110n, is movable and rotatable while remaining in contact with a mounting plate, eg, mounting plate 2115a.

[0080] Rack mount patch panel unit 2100 also includes a frame 2120 and cable supports 2125. Frame 2120 is used to secure mounting plates, e.g., mounting plate 2115a, within unit 2100 and to secure unit 2100 to a rack (not shown) via fixtures 2130a and 2130b. Cable supports 2125 are used to support cables connected to port assemblies, e.g., port assemblies 2110a-2110n, in the Z direction.

[0081] In the configuration of Figure 21, the port assemblies, e.g., port assemblies 2110a-2110n, have a common depth dimension 2132, as shown in the example illustration. Depth dimension 2132 defines one dimension of space 2101 in which the port assemblies are disposed—the Y dimension of the space, as shown in the figure. Thus, the Y dimension of the space is equal to depth dimension 2132 when all of the port assemblies are lined up so that their depth direction extends in the Y direction. Regardless of the orientation of the port assemblies, the depth of space 2101 (the Y dimension of the space) is less than twice the depth dimension 2132 of the port assemblies.

[0082] The elements of rack unit 2100 are described in further detail below. In any case, it should be noted that unit 2100 is not limited to three subassemblies, and that unit 2100 may use one subassembly, two subassemblies, or more than three subassemblies. Furthermore, unit 2100 may not include cable supports 2125 or may include cable supports of a different configuration. Furthermore, unit 2100 may include a frame having a different configuration than frame 2120.

[0083] It should further be noted that for clarity of explanation, a port assembly, e.g., port assembly 2110a, is shown with cable connection terminals, e.g., cable connection terminals 2135a, 2140a, 2145a, and 2150a, inserted therein. The cable connection terminals are associated with respective cables (not shown), and each port assembly communicatively couples a cable connection terminal on one side of the assembly to a cable connection terminal on the other side of the assembly, such that the cables corresponding to the two cable connection terminals are communicatively coupled to each other. For example, port assembly 2110a communicatively couples cable connection terminal 2135a to cable connection terminal 2145a. It should further be noted that while the port assembly is shown as accommodating two cable connection terminals on each side, embodiments are not limited to such assemblies. For example, the port assembly may be adapted to accommodate one cable connection terminal on each side, or three or more cable connection terminals on each side.

[0084] The port assemblies may be fixed within an elongated space. For example, the port assembly in FIG. 21 is fixed within space 2101 extending in the X direction (longitudinal direction). The longitudinal direction may be referred to as the first direction. Each port assembly includes at least one pair of front and rear ports or interfaces for receiving a cable terminal assembly. For example, port assembly 2110a includes front ports 2137 and 2139 for receiving cable connection terminals 2135a and 2140a, respectively, and rear ports 2142 and 2144 for receiving cable connection terminals 2145a and 2150a, respectively. Ports 2137 and 2142 provide an energy transfer connection between cable connection terminals 2135a and 2145a, and ports 2139 and 2144 provide an energy transfer connection between cable connection terminals 2140a and 2150a. Furthermore, the relative positions of the front port 2137 to the rear port 2142 and the front port 2139 to the rear port 2144 define a second direction. The angle between the first direction and the second direction may be between 30° and 90°, depending on how much the port assembly 2110a is rotated. Furthermore, the port assembly 2110a can move along at least the first direction. In particular, the angle between the first direction and the second direction, specifically an angle between 30° and 90°, is applicable to all of the port assemblies of FIG. 21 as a characteristic for moving the port assembly along at least the first direction.

[0085] Additionally, with respect to any one of the patch panel subassemblies of FIG. 21 , e.g., subassembly 2105a, it should be noted that multiple port assemblies, e.g., port assemblies 2110a-2110n, are individually movable along a direction parallel to the surface of the mounting means, e.g., mounting plate 2115a. Furthermore, because the port assemblies are individually movable, the distance between the ports of one port assembly and the ports of another port assembly can be changed by moving one or both of the port assembly. It should also be noted that the port assemblies of FIG. 21 are individually rotatable. Specifically, with respect to any one of the port assemblies, e.g., port assembly 2152, an axis passing through the center of the front port of that port assembly and the center of the corresponding rear port of that port assembly, e.g., axis 2154, can be positioned so as not to be parallel to an axis passing through the center of the front port of another one of the port assemblies, e.g., port assembly 2156, and the center of the corresponding rear port of that port assembly, e.g., axis 2158.

[0086] Referring now to FIG. 22A, a perspective view of a portion of the rack mount patch panel unit 2100 of FIG. 21 is shown. The port assemblies are shown in a neutral position. For example, ports 2160a-2160l of subassembly 2105b are uniformly spaced apart along mounting plate 2115b with their longitudinal axes parallel to one another. FIG. 22B illustrates how selected ones of the port assemblies shown in FIG. 22A can be moved from their neutral position to allow easy access to port assembly 2160f. As can be seen in FIG. 22B, port assembly 2160e has been moved in the −X direction and rotated clockwise when viewed from the +Z direction, and port assembly 2160g has been moved in the +X direction and rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the +Z direction.

[0087] Figure 23A is a plan view of the port assemblies 2160a-2160l of Figure 22A, showing the uniform spacing of the port assemblies 2160a-2160l along the length of the mounting plate 2115b when the port assemblies 2160a-2160l are in their neutral positions.

[0088] FIG. 23B is a plan view of port assemblies 2160e, 2160f, and 2160g of FIG. 23A. This view illustrates width dimension A of port assembly 2160g. However, because each of port assemblies 2160a-2160l has the same width, width dimension A is common to port assemblies 2160a-2160l. FIG. 23B also illustrates spacing distance B between port assemblies 2160e and 2160f. However, when port assemblies 2160a-2160l are in their neutral positions, the spacing distance between any two adjacent port assemblies of port assemblies 2160a-2160l is B. In some embodiments, spacing distance B is within a range of about 2% to about 20% of width dimension A.

[0089] Figure 23C is a plan view of the center row of Figure 22B. This view shows how port assemblies 2160a-2160l are positioned to allow easy access to port assembly 2160f. As can be seen, port assemblies 2160a-2160e and 2160g-2160l have been moved from their neutral positions, and port assemblies 2160a-2160l are no longer spaced apart by spacing distance B.

[0090] 24A-24F, perspective views of mounting plates 2400-2425 for use in patch panel subassemblies are shown, according to embodiments. Each of mounting plates 2400-2425 includes multiple apertures for mounting a respective port assembly. For example, mounting plate 2420 includes multiple apertures 2420a-2420l. While mounting plates such as mounting plate 2420 are used in the configurations of FIGS. 21-23C, in light of this description, it will be clear how any of mounting plates 2400, 2405, 2410, 2415, or 2425 may be used in connection with the configurations of FIGS. 21-23C.

[0091] It should be noted that port assemblies generally can be configured as integrated assemblies, where the port assembly is in the form of a single piece, or as two-piece assemblies, where the port assembly is in the form of a port secured within a port holder. An example of a two-piece assembly is shown in Figure 25A.

[0092] 25A-25C are partial perspective views showing an example of detailed configuration of a port assembly 2500 and port holders 2505a and 2505b secured to a mounting plate 2510. As shown, the port assembly 2500 is a two-piece assembly including a port 2503 and a port holder 2505a. The port assembly 2500 is secured to the mounting plate 2510 via an engagement member 2515a. The engagement member 2515a engages with an opening 2520a, one of multiple openings in the mounting plate 2510. The engagement member 2515a is movable along the opening 2520a and is rotatable within the opening 2520a, thereby allowing the entire port assembly 2500 to move along the opening 2520a and rotate within the opening 2520a.

[0093] 25D and 25E show a port holder 2505a secured to a mounting plate 2530. The mounting plate 2530 differs from the mounting plate 2510 in that the mounting plate 2530 includes a plurality of openings that intersect the edges of the mounting plate 2530 to facilitate insertion of the port holder. For example, the mounting plate 2530 includes an opening 2530a having a narrow portion 2535a that connects the opening 2530a to the edge 2540 of the mounting plate 2530. The port holder 2505a is easily secured to the mounting plate 2530 by moving the neck 2545a of the port holder 2505a through the narrow portion 2535a.

[0094] 26A-26E, perspective views of port holders 2600a-2600e are shown, according to embodiments. For each of port holders 2600a-2600e, the holder is shown both alone and engaged with a port to form a port assembly. Additionally, for each of port holders 2600a-2600e, two views are shown: a top view and a bottom view. For example, port holder 2600a is shown both alone and engaged with port 2605a to form port assembly 2610a.

[0095] Figure 26F is a perspective view of a port holder 2600f according to an embodiment. The port holder 2600f is configured to surround a corresponding port to provide a more secure connection of the port holder 2600f to the port. In the illustrated embodiment, the port holder 2600f is similar in configuration to the port holder 2600d of Figure 26D, except that the port holder 2600f includes an upper portion 2605f.

[0096] In some embodiments, the port assembly includes a label tab. Figures 27A-27C are perspective views of a port holder and port assembly including a label tab, according to embodiments. In the embodiments of Figures 27A-27C, the label tab may be part of a single-piece port assembly or a two-piece port assembly. For simplicity, only the two-piece configuration will be described. Figure 27A shows a port holder 2700 with a label tab 2705. Figure 27B shows a port holder 2700 with a port 2710 secured therein to form a port assembly 2715. The tab 2705 provides an area that can be used to identify the cable connection terminal 2720a, 2720b received in the first interface 2725a of the port 2710, for example, by writing on the tab 2705 with ink. Figure 27C shows a port holder 2730 with two label tabs 2735a, 2735b. A port 2710 is secured within a port holder 2730 to form a port assembly 2740. Tab 2735a provides an area that can be used to identify cable connection terminals 2720a, 2720b received in a first interface 2725a of the port 2710, for example, by writing on tab 2735a with ink, and tab 2735b provides an area that can be used to identify cable connection terminals 2720c, 2720d received in a second interface 2725b of the port 2710, for example, by writing on tab 2735b with ink.

[0097] 28A, 28B, and 29, perspective views of an arrangement of port assemblies and mounting plates according to embodiments are shown. FIG. 28A shows a portion 2800 of a patch panel subassembly. The subassembly includes two mounting plates 2805a and 2805b arranged adjacent to each other so as to be coplanar. The mounting plate 2805a includes a plurality of apertures 2810a, and the mounting plate 2805b includes a plurality of apertures 2810b. The mounting plate 2805a is used to secure a port assembly 2815a through every other aperture 2810a beginning from the first aperture along the X direction of the mounting plate 2805a, and the mounting plate 2805b is used to secure a port assembly 2815b through every other aperture 2810b beginning from the second aperture along the X direction of the mounting plate 2805b. This results in the port assemblies 2815a and 2815b being arranged in a staggered pattern in the Y direction. Additionally, each of the port assemblies 2815a, 2815b is movable and rotatable when attached.

[0098] 28B shows a portion 2830 of a patch panel subassembly. The subassembly includes two mounting plates 2835a and 2835b arranged one above the other in the Z direction, with multiple port assemblies 2840a and 2840b arranged between the mounting plates 2835a and 2835b. The mounting plate 2835a includes multiple openings 2845a for securing the port assemblies 2840a through alternating openings 2845a starting from a first opening along the X direction of the mounting plate 2835a. The mounting plate 2835b includes multiple openings 2845b for securing the port assemblies 2840b through alternating openings 2845b starting from a second opening along the X direction of the mounting plate 2835b. The arrangement of the openings 2845a and 2845b results in a staggered configuration of the subassemblies 2840a and 2840b in the Y direction. Additionally, each of the port assemblies 2840a, 2840b is movable and rotatable when attached.

[0099] Figure 29 shows a portion 2850 of a patch panel subassembly. The configuration of Figure 29 is similar to the configuration of Figure 28B, except that mounting plates 2855a and 2855b replace mounting plates 2835a and 2845b of the configuration of Figure 28B.

[0100] Figure 30 is a profile view of the arrangement of Figure 29. As can be seen, the port assembly has a width dimension A and a spacing distance B when in the neutral position.

[0101] Referring now to FIG. 31A , a perspective view of an arrangement 3100 of a port assembly 3105 and a mounting plate 3110 is shown, according to one embodiment. The arrangement 3100 is used as a port in a patch panel subassembly. The port assembly 3105 of the arrangement 3100 is mounted so that it can move along a surface 3115 of the mounting plate 3110 and rotate perpendicular to the surface 3115 of the mounting plate 3110. The port assembly 3105 is a two-piece port assembly. For example, the port assembly 3105 includes a port holder 3120 a and a port 3125 a. It should be noted that the embodiment of FIG. 31A is not limited to a two-piece assembly.

[0102] Figure 31B is a perspective view of the port holder 3120a of the embodiment of Figure 31A. As can be seen in Figure 31B, the port holder 3120a includes an opening 3130a for movably and rotatably securing the port holder 3120a to the mounting plate 3110. To allow for movement and rotation of the port holder 3120a when mounted, the opening 3130a is larger than the mounting plate in at least one dimension, specifically the Y dimension in the embodiment of Figure 31B.

[0103] Figure 31C is a perspective view of an arrangement 3140 of a port assembly 3145 and mounting plate 3110 according to one embodiment. The arrangement 3140 of Figure 31C is similar to the arrangement 3100 of Figure 31A, except that the arrangement 3140 includes a different style of port holder. For example, the arrangement 3140 includes a port holder 3150a instead of port holder 3120a.

[0104] Figure 31D shows a perspective view of the port holder 3150a of the embodiment of Figure 31C. The port holder 3150a includes an opening 3155a for movably and rotatably securing the port holder 3150a to the mounting plate 3110. To allow for movement and rotation of the port holder 3150a when mounted, the opening 3155a is larger than the mounting plate in at least one dimension, specifically the Y dimension in the embodiment of Figure 31D.

[0105] FIG. 32A is a perspective view of an arrangement 3200 of a port assembly 3205 and a mounting plate 3210 according to one embodiment. The arrangement 3200 is used as a port in a patch panel subassembly. The port assembly 3205 of the arrangement 3200 is mounted so that it can move along the surface 3215 of the mounting plate 3210 and rotate in a direction perpendicular to the surface 3215 of the mounting plate 3210. In the configuration shown, the port assembly 3205 can move in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mounting plate 3210. The port assembly 3205 is also a two-piece port assembly. For example, port assembly 3205a includes a port holder 3220a and a port 3225a. Note that the embodiment of FIG. 32A is not limited to a two-piece assembly.

[0106] FIG. 32B is a detailed view of a portion of the embodiment of FIG. 32A, including an isolated view of the port holder 3220a of the embodiment of FIG. 32A. As can be seen in FIG. 32B, the port holder 3220a includes a circular engagement member 3230a. The circular engagement member 3230a includes a narrowed portion 3232a for movably and rotatably securing the port holder 3220a within the mounting plate 3210. As can be further seen in FIG. 32B, the mounting plate 3210 is formed with a restraining portion 3235. The restraining portion 3235 is adapted to engage the port assembly 3205 via an engagement member, e.g., 3230a, during mounting, while allowing movement and rotation of the port assembly. The restraining portion 3235 engages with the engagement member, e.g., 3230a, to restrain movement of the port assembly along one direction, specifically along the longitudinal axis of the mounting plate 3210 in the configuration of FIG. 32B.

[0107] Figure 32C is a perspective view of an arrangement 3240 of a port assembly 3245 and mounting plate 3210 according to one embodiment. The arrangement 3240 of Figure 32C is similar to the arrangement 3200 of Figure 32A, except that the arrangement 3240 includes a different style of port holder. For example, the arrangement 3240 includes a port holder 3240a instead of port holder 3220a.

[0108] Figure 32D is a detailed view of a portion of the embodiment of Figure 32C, including an isolated view of the port holder 3240a of the embodiment of Figure 32C. The port holder 3240a includes a circular engagement member 3250a. The circular engagement member 3250a includes a narrowed portion 3252a for movably and rotatably securing the port holder 3240a within the mounting plate 3210. An opening 3155a is provided for movably and rotatably securing the port holder 3150a to the mounting plate 3110.

[0109] FIG. 32E is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 32D.

[0110] FIG. 32F is a profile view of the port holder 3240a of FIG. 32E engaged with the mounting plate 3210 of FIG. 32E.

[0111] Figures 33A-34C are perspective views of a patch panel assembly having an arrangement similar to that shown in Figure 32C. Figure 33A shows two views of a patch panel assembly 3300 including two patch panel subassemblies 3305a, 3305b. Subassembly 3305a includes a mounting plate 3310a and a port assembly 3315a. Subassembly 3305b includes a mounting plate 3310b and a port assembly 3315b. The panel assembly 3300 can be obtained by attaching the patch panel subassemblies 3305a, 3305b to a first housing portion 3320, or by including the mounting plates 3310a, 3310b as integral parts of the first housing portion 3320. In either case, the port assembly 3315a is coupled to the port assembly 3315b by an intermediate cable 3325. Further, optical circuitry, electronic circuitry, or both are included in a circuit section 3330 of the assembly 3300 for processing signals passing through the intermediate cable 3325. Additionally, a second housing portion 3335 is attached to the first housing portion 3320 to help protect the intermediate cable 3325 and the circuit section 3330.

[0112] Figure 33B shows two views of patch panel assembly 3350. Assembly 3350 is similar to assembly 3300 of Figure 33A, except that it shows how the two assemblies are placed together. To obtain assembly 3350, port assemblies 3315a, 3315b and circuit section 3330 are secured to second housing portion 3335, and then first housing portion 3320 with mounting plates 3310a, 3310b is slid over and engages port assemblies 3315a, 3315b.

[0113] 33C shows two views of patch panel assembly 3300 in its completed form. Note that patch panel assembly 3350 in its completed form looks the same as patch panel assembly 3300.

[0114] FIG. 34A shows a patch panel assembly 3400 with patch panel arrangements 3405a, 3405b, and 3405c mounted on respective patch panel frame portions 3410a, 3410b, and 3410c. Each of the patch panel arrangements 3405a, 3405b, and 3405c is similar to the patch panel arrangement shown in FIG. 32C. The frame portions 3410a, 3410b, and 3410c may be part of a single frame. In either case, the patch panel arrangements 3405a, 3405b, and 3405c are configured to slide on the frame portions 3410a, 3410b, and 3410c, respectively. In FIG. 34A, the patch panel arrangement 3405b is shown in a slid-forward position, and the patch panel arrangements 3405a and 3405c are shown in a neutral position.

[0115] 34B shows a patch panel assembly 3415 with patch panel arrangements 3420a and 3420b mounted on respective patch panel frame portions 3425a and 3425b. The frame portions are configured to rotate about pivots 3430a and 3430b, respectively. The frame portions 3425a and 3425b may be part of a single frame.

[0116] 34C shows a patch panel assembly 3440 with patch panel arrangements 3445a and 3445b mounted on respective patch panel frame portions 3450a and 3450b. The frame portions are configured to rotate about pivots 3455a and 3455b, respectively. The frame portions 3450a and 3450b may be part of a single frame.

[0117] With respect to the configuration of Figures 34A-34C, it will be apparent from the figures of this description that patch panel arrangements of the present disclosure other than the arrangement of Figure 32C may be used in the configuration of Figures 34A-34C.

[0118] 35A shows a perspective view of an arrangement 3500 of port assemblies 3505 and mounting plates 3510a, 3510b according to one embodiment. The port assemblies 3505 each include two engagement portions that engage with both of the mounting plates 3510a, 3510b. Once attached, the port assemblies 3505 can be moved along a surface of the mounting plates 3510a, 3510b, e.g., surface 3512b, and rotated about an axis perpendicular to the surface, e.g., surface 3512b. For example, the port assembly 3515 includes engagement portions 3520a, 3520b for engaging with the mounting plates 3510a, 3510b, respectively. As can be seen from the figure, mounting plate 3510a is formed with an elongated hole 3525a extending along its longitudinal axis for engaging with port assembly 3505, and mounting plate 3510b is formed with an elongated hole 3525b extending along its longitudinal axis for engaging with port assembly 3505.

[0119] 35B is a perspective view of an arrangement 3530 of port assemblies 3535 and mounting plates 3540a, 3540b according to one embodiment. The port assemblies 3535 each include an engagement portion that is engaged by both of the mounting plates 3540a, 3540b. Once attached, the port assemblies 3535 are adapted to move along a surface of the mounting plates 3540a, 3540b, e.g., surface 3512b, and to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the surface, e.g., surface 3512b. For example, the port assembly 3545 engages the mounting plate 3540a via the engagement portion 3550 and engages the mounting plate 3540b by abutting against the mounting plate 3540b. As can be seen, the mounting plate 3540a is formed with a slot 3555a extending along its longitudinal axis for engaging the port assembly 3535.

[0120] Figure 35C is a perspective view of a patch panel assembly 3560 including three of the arrangements 3565a, 3565b, and 3565c shown in Figure 35A, stacked one on top of the other. Assembly 3560 includes frame pieces 3570a and 3570b that hold the arrangements 3565a, 3565b, and 3565c in place and serve to hold together each of the mounting plates of arrangements 3565a, 3565b, and 3656c.

[0121] Figure 35D is a perspective view of a patch panel assembly 3575 including the arrangement 3580 as shown in Figure 35B. The assembly 3575 includes a frame 3585 that serves to hold the arrangement 3580 and hold the mounting plate 3590 together.

[0122] Figure 36 is a perspective view of a portion of a rack mount patch panel unit 3600 according to one embodiment. The configuration of Figure 36 includes three patch panel subassemblies 3605a, 3605b, and 3605c. Subassemblies 3605a, 3605b, and 3605c include respective mounting plates 3610a, 3610b, and 3610c, which in turn include respective pivot holes 3615a, 3615b, and 3615c. Subassemblies 3605a, 3605b, and 3605c are mounted within a frame (not shown) such that axles (not shown) extend through pivot holes 3615a, 3615b, and 3615c, allowing subassemblies 3605a, 3605b, and 3605c to rotate independently about the axles. In the figure, subassembly 3605b is rotated counterclockwise by approximately 30 degrees relative to subassemblies 3605a and 3605c.

[0123] FIG. 37A is a perspective view of a patch panel 3700 and enclosure 3705 according to one embodiment in a fully closed position.

[0124] Figure 37B is a perspective view of a patch panel 3700 and housing 3705 according to one embodiment in a fully open position. As can be seen, the patch panel 3700 includes multiple port assemblies 3710 arranged similarly to that shown in Figure 21. However, upon review of this description, it will be apparent that patch panel arrangements of the present disclosure other than that of Figure 21 may be used in the configuration of Figure 37B. In any event, in the configuration of Figure 37B, the patch panel 3700 is formed as multiple patch panel subassemblies 3730 stacked one on top of the other in a first, or Z, direction.

[0125] As can be further seen in the figure, the housing 3705 includes a first hinged portion 3715a and a second hinged portion 3715b. The hinged portion 3715a includes multiple cable hangers 3720 and can be opened to expose a first side 3725a of the port assembly 3710. The hinged portion 3715b includes multiple cable hangers (not shown) and can be opened to expose a second side 3725b of the port assembly 3710. A first hinge 3735a for the first hinged portion 3715a has an axis of rotation that is parallel or substantially parallel to the first direction, and a second hinge 3735b for the second hinged portion 3715b has an axis of rotation that is parallel or substantially parallel to the first direction. The first hinge 3715a and the second hinge 3715b are located on the same side of the patch panel 3700 in the X direction.

[0126] It should be noted that in some embodiments, instead of two hinged portions, the housing 3705 may include a single hinged portion or more than two hinged portions. It should also be noted that cable hangers may be included in none or fewer than all of the hinged portions. It should also be noted that any hinged portion may be openable to expose only a portion of the side of the port assembly, rather than exposing the entire side of the port assembly.

[0127] Figure 37C is a perspective view of a patch panel 3700 and housing 3705 according to one embodiment in a fully open position. The embodiment of Figure 37C includes a first hinged portion 3740a and a second hinged portion 3740b. A first hinge 3745a for the first hinged portion 3740a has an axis of rotation parallel or substantially parallel to the first direction, and a second hinge 3745b for the second hinged portion 3740b also has an axis of rotation parallel or substantially parallel to the first direction. The first hinge 3745a and the second hinge 3745b are located on opposite sides of the patch panel 3700 in the X direction.

[0128] Figure 38 is a perspective view of the patch panel 3700 and housing 3705 of Figure 37C in a fully open position illustrating an example of cable routing. As can be seen, a cable 3805 coupled to a first side 3725a of the port assembly 3710 is routed by a cable hanger 3720 on a hinged portion 3740a.

[0129] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a patch panel 3700 and housing 3705 according to one embodiment in a fully open position illustrating an example of cable routing. In the embodiment of FIG. 39, the housing 3705 includes a first hinged portion 3905a and a second hinged portion 3905b. The hinged portion 3905a includes a plurality of cable hangers 3910a and can be opened to expose a first side 3725a of the port assembly 3710. The hinged portion 3905b includes a plurality of cable hangers (not shown) and can be opened to expose a second side 3725b of the port assembly 3710. The first hinge 3915a for the first hinged portion 3905a has an axis of rotation that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a first direction (the Z direction), which in the embodiment of FIG. 39 is parallel to the Y direction. The second hinge 3915b for the second hinged portion 3905b has an axis of rotation that is parallel or substantially parallel to the first direction. As can be seen, the cable 3750 coupled to the first side 3725a of the port assembly 3710 is routed by a cable hanger 3910a on the hinged portion 3905a.

[0130] FIG. 40A is a plan view of a patch panel configuration 4000 having a bi-directional sliding tray 4005, with the tray 4005 in a neutral position. The tray 4005 is actuatable to slide parallel to the X direction, and has one or more patch panel subassemblies 4010 mounted thereon. One type of patch panel subassembly that can be mounted on the tray 4005 is a patch panel subassembly of the type shown in FIG. 32C. However, the configuration 4000 is not limited to subassemblies of the type shown in FIG. 32C.

[0131] Patch panel configuration 4000 includes a first cable jacket 4015a for enclosing one or more cables 4017a extending from a first side 4020a of patch panel subassembly 4010, a first support 4025a for supporting first cable jacket 4015a in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction of slidable tray 4005 (Z direction in FIG. 40A ) and allowing first cable jacket 4015a to move in a plane parallel or substantially parallel to the plane along which the slidable tray slides (XY plane in FIG. 40A ), and a first cable hanger 4025b for positioning one end of first cable jacket 4015a. 40A ), a second cable jacket 4015b for surrounding one or more cables 4017b extending from a second side 4020b of the patch panel assembly 4010, a second support 4025b for supporting the second cable jacket 4015b in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction of the slidable tray (the Z direction in FIG. 40A ) and allowing the second cable jacket 4015b to move in a plane parallel or substantially parallel to the plane along which the slidable tray slides (the XY plane in FIG. 40A ), and a second cable hanger 4030b for positioning one end of the second cable jacket 4015b.

[0132] FIG. 40B is a top view of the patch panel configuration 4000 of FIG. 40A with the tray 4035 in the tray-out position.

[0133] FIG. 41A illustrates an arrangement of port assemblies and mounting plates in two different positions 4100a, 4100b according to one embodiment. This arrangement includes a plurality of first port assemblies 4105a mounted on a first mounting plate 4110a and a plurality of second port assemblies 4105b mounted on a second mounting plate 4110b. The first mounting plate 4110a can move along a movement direction guided by a first guide pin 4115a on a tray, frame, or housing (not shown). The first guide pin 4115a is engaged with a first slot 4117a in the mounting plate 4110a, thereby allowing the mounting plate 4110a to move only in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first slot 4117a. The second mounting plate 4110b can move according to the second guide pin 4115b and the second slot 4117b. In position 4100b, the mounting plate 4110b and port assembly 4105b are moved closer to the mounting plate 4110a and port assembly 4105a along the Y direction compared to position 4100a.

[0134] FIG. 41B illustrates a port assembly arrangement at two different positions 4130a, 4130b according to one embodiment. The arrangement includes multiple port assemblies 4135 mounted to a segmented mounting plate 4140. The segmented mounting plate 4140 is secured to a frame or housing at pivot points 4145 and configured to move about the pivot points 4145 to move the port assemblies 4135 along the Y direction while allowing the X and Z coordinates of the port assemblies 4135 to remain fixed. In the configuration of FIG. 41B, adjacent port assemblies 4135 move bidirectionally in response to movement of the mounting plate 4140. For example, the relative positions of the port assemblies 4150, 4155 are reversed at position 4130b compared to position 4130a.

[0135] 42 is a perspective view of a patch panel assembly 4200 according to one embodiment. The patch panel assembly includes a number of cable support plates 4205 and a number of intermediate cables 4210. The cable support plate 4205 has openings 4215 through which the intermediate cables 4210 pass, thereby allowing the intermediate cables 4210 to be supported by the cable support plate 4205. The patch panel assembly 4200 also includes a number of ports 4220, each pair of which is communicatively coupled to one another by a respective intermediate cable 4210. Additionally, the patch panel assembly 4200 includes cable supports 4225 for supporting cables 4230 coupled to the patch panel assembly.

[0136] Figure 43 is a perspective view of a patch panel assembly 4300 according to one embodiment. The patch panel assembly 4300 includes a number of patch panel subassemblies 4305, a frame 4310, and a number of cable hangers 4315. The patch panel subassembly 4305 is shown to be of the same type as the patch panel subassemblies 2105a, 2105b, and 2105c of the configuration of Figure 21. However, it should be noted that upon review of this description, it will be apparent that patch panel subassemblies of the present disclosure other than the type disclosed in Figure 21 may be used in the embodiment of Figure 43. The frame 4310 supports the patch panel subassemblies 4305 and provides attachment points for the cable hangers 4315. Cable hangers 4315 are provided at both ends of the assembly 4300, with a plurality of first cable hangers 4320a provided at a first end 4325a of the frame 4310 and a plurality of second cable hangers 4320b provided at a second end 4325b of the frame 4310. The first end 4325a is opposite the second end 4325b in the X direction. As shown, each of the cable hangers 4315 may extend in a direction perpendicular to the major axis of the subassembly mounting plate. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the cable hangers 4315 extend in a direction parallel to the Y direction, and the mounting plate 4330 has a major axis extending parallel to the X direction. Additionally, it should be noted that the cable hangers may be an integral part of the frame 4310 rather than being attached to the frame 4310.

[0137] 44A is a detailed view of a portion of a patch panel subassembly according to one embodiment, showing a mounting plate 4405 and a portion of a port assembly 4410. The mounting plate 4405 includes a notch 4415 having a dovetail cross-sectional shape. The port assembly includes an engagement member 4420 having a dovetail cross-section that corresponds to the cross-section of the notch 4415.

[0138] The port assembly 4410 is engaged to the mounting plate 4405 by inserting the engagement member 4420 into the notch 4415. When so engaged, the port assembly is free to move along the long axis of the mounting plate 4405 (parallel to the X direction in the figures) and is free to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the long axis of the mounting plate 4405 (parallel to the Z direction in the figures).

[0139] Figure 44B is a profile view of the port assembly 4410 of Figure 44A engaged with the mounting plate 4405 of Figure 44A. As can be seen in Figure 44B, in the configuration of Figures 44A and 44B, when the port assembly 4410 is engaged with the mounting plate 4405, the port assembly is free to rotate about an axis 4425 that passes through the center of the engagement member 4420.

[0140] In the configuration shown in FIGS. 44A and 44B, the engaging member 4420 has a circular base portion 4422. However, it should be noted that the base portion 4422 may have a non-circular shape. For example, the base portion 4422 may have an oval shape, a racetrack shape (i.e., two curved sections connected by two straight sections), etc. FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a patch panel subassembly 4500 according to one embodiment. The subassembly 4500 includes multiple port assemblies 4505a, 4505b,... 4505i. The port assemblies 4505a-4505i are attached to a mounting rod 4510, which serves as a mounting means for the subassembly 4500. The port assemblies 4505a-4505i are individually movable along a direction parallel to the surface of the mounting rod 4510, i.e., a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mounting means, as shown in FIG. Furthermore, because the port assemblies 4505a-4505i are individually movable, the distance between one port assembly port, e.g., port 4515h of port assembly 4505h, and another port assembly port, e.g., port 4515i of port assembly 4505i, can be changed by moving one or both of the one port assembly, e.g., port assembly 4505h, and the other port assembly, e.g., port assembly 4505i. Furthermore, the port assemblies 4505a-4505i are individually rotatable such that in any one port assembly, for example, port assembly 4505e, an axis, for example, axis 4520, passing through the center of a front port, for example, front port 4525, of one port assembly and the center of a corresponding rear port, for example, rear port 4530, of the one port assembly, can be positioned non-parallel to an axis, for example, axis 4535, passing through the center of a front port, for example, front port 4540, of another port assembly, for example, port assembly 4505f, and the center of a corresponding rear port, for example, rear port 4545, of the other port assembly.

[0141] Embodiments of the present technology include, but are not limited to, the following patch panels:

[0142] [1] 1. A patch panel comprising: a frame; and a plurality of trays supported by the frame and stacked in a first direction, each of the trays configured to receive a respective pair of cable connection terminals, wherein in each pair of the cable connection terminals, the cable connection terminals of the pair extend outwardly away from each other in the direction of a first axis and are configured to be communicatively coupled to each other; wherein each tray of the plurality of trays is adapted to slide within the frame along one or more guides between a tray-in position and at least one tray-out position by sliding in the direction of a second axis that is parallel or substantially parallel to the other trays of the plurality of trays and angularly offset from the first axis; wherein the tray is displaced by less than 100 mm when sliding between the tray-in position and the tray-out position; and wherein one or more trays of the plurality of trays include at least one handle configured to be used for sliding the tray.

[0143] [2] [1] The patch panel described in [1], wherein in any tray of the plurality of trays, any two adjacent cable connection terminals that are not communicatively coupled to each other are spaced apart by a distance (d), any cable connection terminal extends along a first line in the direction of the first axis when the tray is in the tray-in position, and extends along a second line in the direction of the first axis when the tray is in the tray-out position, and the first line and the second line are spaced apart by a distance (d / 2) in a direction perpendicular to the first axis.

[0144] [3] The patch panel according to [2], wherein the distance (d) is between about 15 mm and about 25 mm.

[0145] [4] 10. The patch panel of claim 1, further comprising: a mechanical stopper configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position; and a biasing spring configured to apply a force to the mechanical stopper to bias the mechanical stopper to the locked position, wherein the mechanical stopper prevents each of the trays from sliding from the tray-in position to the at least one tray-out position when the trays are in the locked position and allows each of the trays to slide from the tray-in position to the at least one tray-out position when the trays are in the unlocked position, and wherein any tray in the at least one tray-out position is configured to prevent the biasing spring from biasing the mechanical stopper to the locked position.

[0146] [5] [4] The patch panel described in [4], wherein the mechanical stopper has a plurality of notches in the frame width direction, the notches are configured not to align with the guides in the frame when the mechanical stopper is in the locked position, and the notches are configured to align with the guides in the frame when the mechanical stopper is in the unlocked position.

[0147] [6] 1. A patch panel comprising: a frame; and a plurality of tray pairs supported by the frame and stacked in a first direction, each of the plurality of tray pairs configured to receive a respective pair of cable connection terminals, wherein, for each pair of cable connection terminals received in the tray pair, a first cable connection terminal of the cable connection terminal is received in a first tray of the tray pair, and a second cable connection terminal of the cable connection terminal is received in a second tray of the tray pair, the first cable connection terminal and the second cable connection terminal are configured such that the pair of cable connection terminals extend outwardly away from each other in a first axial direction and are communicatively coupled to each other by an intermediate cable, and wherein the first tray of the tray pair is adapted to slide between a first tray-in position and at least one first tray-out position by sliding parallel or substantially parallel to the trays of other tray pairs of the plurality of tray pairs when the second tray of the tray pair is not moved.

[0148] [7] The patch panel according to [6], further comprising a support for supporting the intermediate cable.

[0149] [8] [7] A patch panel as described in [7], wherein the support provides support in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the first tray is adapted to slide, and does not provide support in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the direction in which the first tray is adapted to slide.

[0150] [9] [6] The patch panel described in [6], wherein the second tray of the tray pair is adapted to slide between a second tray-in position and at least one second tray-out position by sliding parallel or substantially parallel to the trays of other tray pairs of the plurality of tray pairs while the first tray of the tray pair is not moving.

[0151]

[10] [6] The patch panel described in [6], wherein one or more trays of the plurality of tray pairs are provided with at least one handle configured to be used to slide the tray.

[0152]

[11] A patch panel comprising at least one patch panel subassembly, the patch panel subassembly comprising at least one mounting plate and a plurality of port assemblies, the at least one mounting plate configured to mount the port assemblies such that each port assembly can individually move along a direction parallel to a surface of the mounting plate and rotate about an axis perpendicular to the surface of the mounting plate.

[0153]

[12]

[11] The patch panel according to

[11] , wherein the at least one mounting plate has at least one opening for mounting the port assembly.

[0154]

[13]

[12] A patch panel as described in

[12] , wherein the at least one mounting plate has a plurality of openings for mounting each of the plurality of port assemblies, and each port assembly is movable along the longitudinal axis of its respective opening and rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0155]

[14]

[13] A patch panel as described in

[13] , wherein in at least one subassembly, the port assemblies are operable to be uniformly spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal direction of the at least one mounting plate, the port assemblies have a common width dimension, and the spacing distance between the port assemblies is within a range of approximately 2% of the width dimension to approximately 20% of the width dimension.

[0156]

[15]

[11] The patch panel described in

[11] , wherein each port assembly includes a port fixed within a port holder, and each port is configured to receive one or more cable connection terminals at a first interface of the port and one or more cable connection terminals at a second interface of the port.

[0157]

[16]

[11] The patch panel according to

[11] , wherein each of the port assemblies includes a label tab.

[0158]

[17]

[11] The patch panel described in

[11] , further comprising at least one hinged portion having a cable hanger, the at least one hinged portion being capable of opening to expose at least a partial side of the at least one subassembly.

[0159]

[18]

[17] A patch panel as described in

[17] , comprising at least two hinged portions, a first hinged portion of the hinged portions comprising one or more first cable hangers and capable of opening to expose a first side of at least a portion of the at least one subassembly, and a second hinged portion of the hinged portions comprising one or more second cable hangers and capable of opening to expose a second side of the at least one subassembly.

[0160]

[19]

[18] A panel patch as described in

[18] , wherein the one or more first cable hangers support cables extending from the first side of the at least one subassembly, and the second cable hanger supports cables extending from the second side of the at least one subassembly.

[0161]

[20]

[18] The patch panel described in

[18] , wherein a first hinge of the first hinged portion of the hinged portion has a first axis of rotation and a second hinge of the second hinged portion of the hinged portion has a second axis of rotation, the first axis of rotation being parallel or substantially parallel to the second axis of rotation.

[0162] [twenty one]

[18] The patch panel described in

[18] , wherein a first hinge of the first hinged portion of the hinged portion has a first axis of rotation and a second hinge of the second hinged portion of the hinged portion has a second axis of rotation, the first axis of rotation being orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the second axis of rotation.

[0163] [twenty two]

[11] The patch panel according to

[11] , further comprising a sliding tray on which the plurality of patch panel subassemblies are mounted.

[0164] [twenty three]

[22] The patch panel described in

[22] further comprising: a first cable jacket for surrounding one or more cables extending from a first side of the plurality of patch panel subassemblies; a first support for supporting the first cable jacket in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction of the slidable tray and allowing the first cable jacket to move in a plane parallel or substantially parallel to the plane along which the slidable tray slides; a first cable hanger for positioning one end of the first cable jacket; a second cable jacket for surrounding one or more cables extending from a second side of the plurality of patch panel subassemblies; a second support for supporting the second cable jacket in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction of the slidable tray and allowing the second cable jacket to move in a plane parallel or substantially parallel to the plane along which the slidable tray slides; and a second cable hanger for positioning one end of the second cable jacket.

[0165] [twenty four]

[11] The patch panel according to

[11] , comprising a plurality of patch panel subassemblies stacked in a first direction.

[0166] [twenty five]

[11] The patch panel according to

[11] , wherein the at least one mounting plate comprises a cutout having a dovetail cross-section.

[0167]

[26]

[25] The patch panel described in

[25] , wherein at least a portion of the port assembly includes an engagement member having a dovetail-shaped cross-section for engaging with the mounting plate.

[0168]

[27] A patch panel comprising a plurality of port assemblies, the plurality of port assemblies being individually rotatable and positionable such that an axis passing through the center of a front port of any one of the plurality of port assemblies and the center of a corresponding rear port of said one port assembly is non-parallel to an axis passing through the center of a front port of another one of the plurality of port assemblies and the center of a corresponding rear port of said other one of the port assemblies.

[0169]

[28] A patch panel comprising a plurality of port assemblies arranged within a space, one dimension of the space being less than twice the depth dimension of the port assemblies, and the port assemblies being individually translatable and rotatable within the space.

[0170]

[29] 1. A patch panel comprising a plurality of port assemblies arranged within a space, one dimension of the space being less than twice the depth dimension of the port assemblies, the port assemblies being individually movable and rotatable within the space, and the distance between a port of one of the port assemblies and a port of another of the port assemblies being changeable by moving one or both of the one of the port assemblies and the other of the port assemblies.

[0171]

[30] 1. A patch panel comprising a plurality of port assemblies associated with at least one mounting means, each of the plurality of port assemblies being rotatable and movable while maintaining contact with the at least one mounting means.

[0172]

[31]

[30] A patch panel as described in

[30] , wherein each of the plurality of port assemblies includes an engaging member having a narrowed portion, and the attachment means includes a restraining portion for engaging with the engaging member to restrain movement of the port assembly to one direction.

[0173]

[32] a plurality of port assemblies fixed within an elongated space, a longitudinal axis of the space defining a first direction, the port assemblies having at least one front port and one rear port, and configured to receive a first cable connection terminal in the front port and a second cable connection terminal in the rear port, and to provide an energy propagation connection between the first cable connection terminal and the second cable connection terminal, the relative positions of the front port and the rear port defining a second direction, an angle between the first direction and the second direction being adjustable within a range of 30° to 90°, and the port assemblies being movable in at least the first direction.

[0174] Although the invention has been described above with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that many modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the concept and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A patch panel comprising at least one patch panel subassembly, the patch panel subassembly includes at least one mounting plate and a plurality of port assemblies; the at least one mounting plate is configured to mount the port assemblies such that the port assemblies are aligned in a first direction parallel to a surface of the mounting plate, and each port assembly can individually and freely translate along the surface of the mounting plate in the first direction or along an opening in the mounting plate, and can rotate about an axis perpendicular to the surface of the mounting plate.

2. The patch panel of claim 1 , wherein the at least one mounting plate includes at least one opening for mounting the port assembly.

3. Each port assembly includes a port secured within a port holder; 10. The patch panel of claim 1, wherein each port is configured to receive one or more cable connection terminals at a first interface of the port and one or more cable connection terminals at a second interface of the port.

4. 10. The patch panel of claim 1, further comprising at least one hinged portion comprising a cable hanger, the at least one hinged portion being openable to expose a side of at least a portion of the at least one patch panel subassembly.

5. The patch panel of claim 1 further comprising a sliding tray on which a plurality of said patch panel subassemblies are mounted.

6. The patch panel of claim 1 , wherein the at least one mounting plate includes a cutout having a dovetail-shaped cross-section.

7. The patch panel of claim 6 , wherein at least a portion of the port assembly includes an engagement member having a dovetail-shaped cross-section for engaging the mounting plate.

8. 1. A patch panel comprising a plurality of port assemblies, the plurality of port assemblies are aligned in a first direction; A patch panel, wherein the plurality of port assemblies are individually and freely translatable in the first direction and individually rotatable, and are positionable such that an axis passing through the center of the front port of any one of the plurality of port assemblies and the center of the corresponding rear port of said one port assembly is non-parallel to an axis passing through the center of the front port of another one of the plurality of port assemblies and the center of the corresponding rear port of said other one of the port assembly.

9. 9. The patch panel of claim 8, wherein the plurality of port assemblies are arranged within a space having one dimension that is less than twice a depth dimension of the port assemblies, and the port assemblies are individually translatable within the space.

10. 10. The patch panel of claim 9, wherein a distance between a port of one port assembly of the plurality of port assemblies and a port of another port assembly of the plurality of port assemblies is changeable by moving one or both of the one port assembly and the other port assembly.

11. 1. A patch panel comprising a plurality of port assemblies associated with at least one mounting means, the plurality of port assemblies are aligned in a first direction; A patch panel, wherein each of the plurality of port assemblies is rotatable and independently and freely translatable in the first direction or along an opening in the at least one mounting means while maintaining contact with the at least one mounting means.

12. The patch panel of claim 11 , wherein the at least one mounting means is movable relative to a frame or housing of the patch panel.

13. 12. The patch panel of claim 11, wherein each port assembly comprises a port secured within a port holder, each port configured to receive one or more multi-fiber push-on (MPO) cable connection terminals at a first interface of the port and one or more MPO cable connection terminals at a second interface of the port.

14. 12. The patch panel of claim 11, wherein each port assembly comprises a port secured within a port holder, each port configured to receive one or more latching cable connection terminals at a first interface of the port and one or more latching cable connection terminals at a second interface of the port.

15. 12. The patch panel of claim 11, wherein each port assembly is configured to receive one or more cable connection terminals at a first interface and one or more cable connection terminals at a second interface, at least one of the one or more cable connection terminals at the first interface being energy-propagatingly connected to at least one of the one or more cable connection terminals at the second interface.

16. The patch panel of claim 11 , wherein the port assembly is movable with the at least one attachment means relative to an enclosure portion of the patch panel.

17. each of the plurality of port assemblies includes an engagement member having a narrowed portion; The patch panel of claim 11 , wherein the attachment means comprises a restraining portion for engaging the engaging member to restrain translation of the port assembly in one direction of translation.

18. a plurality of port assemblies secured within the elongated space, a major axis of the space defines a first direction; the plurality of port assemblies are aligned in the first direction; each of the port assemblies has at least one front port and one rear port, and is configured to receive a first cable connection terminal in the front port and a second cable connection terminal in the rear port, and to provide an energy transmission connection between the first cable connection terminal and the second cable connection terminal; the relative positions of the front port and the rear port define a second direction, and the angle between the first direction and the second direction is adjustable within a range of 30° to 90°; A plurality of port assemblies, wherein the port assemblies are freely translatable in the first direction.

Images