Telecommunications panel with sliding modules

Abstract

An telecommunications panel has a plurality of modules with at least one front accessible fiber optic adapter and at least one rear accessible fiber optic adapter for each module. The modules can each travel forward or rearward for improved finger access for connector insertion or removal. In the forward position and in the rearward position, the modules are locked by and adapter retainer handle engaging with panel divider openings. In the home position, forward and rearward travel of each module is limited by adapter retainer detent features interacting with a portion of the panel.

Description

[0001] TELECOMMUNICATIONS PANEL WITH SLIDING MODULES

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application is being filed as a PCT International application and claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 63 / 561,257, filed March 4, 2024, and 63 / 692,013, filed September 6, 2024, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Telecommunications panels hold telecommunications conductivity equipment, such as modules. Within the modules are various fiber optic cable routing pathways extending between adapters on one or more faces of the modules. Various concerns exist in the design of the telecommunications panels including providing a compact size; facilitating ease of use by the technician; or other concerns. In one example, adapter access is a concern for adding or removing a fiber optic connector by hand from the exposed ends of the adapters on the one or more external module faces.

[0006] Improvements are desired.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] In one aspect, a telecommunications panel has a plurality of modules with at least one front accessible fiber optic adapter and at least one rear accessible fiber optic adapter for each module. The adapters connect to mating connectors such as patch cords. In one example, the modules have multi-fiber adapters, such as MPO adapters, on the front and on the rear. The modules can each travel forward or rearward for improved finger access during connector insertion or removal.

[0009] In one example, in the forward position and in the rearward position, the modules are locked by adapter retainer handles engaging with panel divider openings.

[0010] In one example, in the home or main position, forward and rearward travel of each module is limited by adapter retainer detent features interacting with a portion of the panel.

[0011] The modules can be removed from the front or the rear of the panel and be replaced as needed. A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

[0012] A first set of front brackets and a second set of rear brackets mount the telecommunications panel to a rack. One of the sets of front and rear brackets is slideably mounted to the panel in a horizontal direction when the panel is mounted to the rack.

[0013] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the description, illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a telecommunications panel for holding modules.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a further perspective view in cross-section of the telecommunications panel of FIG. 1 for holding modules.

[0017] FIG. 3 is an enlarged first portion of the panel of FIG. 2.

[0018] FIG. 4 is an enlarged second portion of the panel of FIG. 2.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a first perspective view of one of the modules of the panel of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a second perspective view of the module of FIG. 5, showing an opposite side of the module.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the module of FIGS. 5 and 6 showing an interior of the module.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the panel of FIG. 1, without the top panel, and showing one module held by the panel in the home or main position.

[0023] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of the panel of FIG. 8, showing two divider walls and one module.

[0024] FIG. 10 is a top cross-sectional view of two divider walls and one module at a first end of the module and the divider walls.

[0025] FIG. 11 is a top cross-sectional view of the same two divider walls and the module of FIG. 10, at a second end of the module and the divider walls. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a module partially removed from the divider walls and locked in an extended position.

[0026] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the panel without the top panel, and showing the module in the process of being removed from the panel.

[0027] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of two divider walls and one module.

[0028] FIG. 15 is a further exploded perspective view of the two divider walls and the one module of FIG. 14 from an opposite end.

[0029] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a first end of the module.

[0030] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an opposite end of the module.

[0031] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the mounting assembly of the module.

[0032] FIG. 19 is a further perspective view of the mounting assembly of FIG. 18.

[0033] FIG. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the mounting assembly of FIG. 18.

[0034] FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective of the mounting assembly and the main body of a module.

[0035] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a telecommunications panel for holding modules.

[0036] FIG. 23 is a bottom view of a portion of the panel of FIG. 22.

[0037] FIG. 24 is a bottom plan view of a portion of the panel of FIG. 22.

[0038] FIG. 25 is an exploded view of a portion of the panel of FIG. 22, with other portions removed for clarity.

[0039] FIG. 26 illustrates schematically one manner of constructing a divider wall of the panel of FIG. 22 with two identical portions.

[0040] FIG. 27 shows one module of the panel of FIG. 22 in the forward position relative to adjacent modules.

[0041] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the panel of FIG. 22 showing the front movable door in the open position and the illustrated module in the home position.

[0042] FIG. 29 shows the same module of FIG. 28 in the forward position.

[0043] FIG. 30 shows a first end of a module of the panel of FIG. 22.

[0044] FIG. 31 shows an opposite second end of the module of FIG. 30.

[0045] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a cabinet for holding the panel of FIG. 22.

[0046] FIG. 33 is a top view of the cabinet of FIG. 32 having four posts for mounting telecommunications panels or other equipment.

[0047] FIG. 34 shows a portion of the panel of FIG. 22 including the rear bracket shown in the transport state. FIG. 35 shows the rear bracket and panel of FIG. 34 with the rear bracket removed for installation of the panel in the cabinet.

[0048] FIG. 36 shows the panel of FIG. 22 being mounted to the front posts of the cabinet with the front brackets.

[0049] FIG. 37 shows the panel of FIG. 22 being mounted to the rear posts of the cabinet with the rear brackets.

[0050] FIGS. 38A-L show various views of two divider walls and one of the modules in the home position. FIG. 38A is a top view. FIG. 38B is a first side view. FIG. 38C is enlarged portions of FIG. 38B. FIG. 38D is a second side view. FIG. 38E is enlarged portions of FIG. 38D. FIG. 38F is a cross-sectional top view. FIG. 38G is an enlarged view of one portion of the two divider walls and the module of FIG. 38F. FIG. 38H is an enlarged view of another portion of the two divider walls and the module of FIG. 38F. FIGS. 381 and 38J show a portion of the two divider walls and the module in a further cross-section. FIGS. 38K and 38L show a further portion of the two divider walls and the module in a further cross-section.

[0051] FIGS. 39A-L show various views of the two divider walls and one of the modules in the forward position. FIG. 39A is a top view. FIG. 9B is a first side view. FIG. 39C is enlarged portions of FIG. 39B. FIG. 39D is a second side view. FIG. 39E is enlarged portions of FIG. 39D. FIG. 39F is a cross-sectional top view. FIG. 39G is an enlarged view of one portion of the two divider walls and the module of FIG. 39F. FIG. 39H is an enlarged view of another portion of the two divider walls and the module of FIG. 39F. FIGS. 391 and 39J show a portion of the two divider walls and the module in a further cross-section. FIGS. 39K and 39L show a further portion of the two divider walls and the module in a further cross-section.

[0052] FIGS. 40A-L show various views of the two divider walls and one of the modules in the rearward position. FIG. 40A is a top view. FIG. 40B is a first side view. FIG. 40C is enlarged portions of FIG. 40B. FIG. 40D is a second side view. FIG. 40E is enlarged portions of FIG. 40D. FIG. 40F is a cross-sectional top view. FIG. 40G is an enlarged view of one portion of the two divider walls and the module of FIG. 40F. FIG. 40H is an enlarged view of another portion of the two divider walls and the module of FIG. 40F. FIGS. 401 and 40 J show a portion of the two divider walls and the module in a further cross-section. FIGS. 40K and 40L show a further portion of the two divider walls and the module in a further cross-section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0054] In one aspect, a telecommunications panel 10 has a plurality of modules 20 with at least one front accessible fiber optic adapter 24 and at least one rear accessible fiber optic adapter 26 for each module. The panel 10 includes a chassis 30 with a first end 32, and an opposite second end 34. Both the first end 32 and the second end 34 are open ends. Cable management devices 40 can be provided at one or both of the first end 32 and the second end 34 for managing cables (for example, patch cords) extending to the modules. A selectively movable door 42 can be provided at one or both of the first end 32 and the second end 34 to selectively cover the open first end 32 and second end 34. In one example, the doors 42 are pivotal downwardly.

[0055] The chassis 30 further includes a top panel 50, a bottom panel 52, a first side panel 54 and an opposite second side panel 56. The top panel 50, the bottom panel 52, the first side panel 54 and the opposite second side panel 56 can be made of sheet metal. A pair of mounting brackets 60 mount the chassis to a telecommunications frame or rack, such as with other telecommunications panels or other equipment.

[0056] Disposed within an interior 64 of chassis 30, a plurality of vertical divider walls 66 are provided to create individual pockets 68. Each pocket 68 is sized to receive one of the modules 20. The modules 20 are slideable horizontally within each pocket 68.

[0057] In one example, the modules 20 have at least one multi-fiber adapter 24, 26, such as MPO adapters, on a first end 72 and on an opposite second end 74. In a further example, at least two and up to four adapters, or more may be used on each end of each module.

[0058] In the home or main position, forward and rearward travel is limited by adapter retainer detent features interacting with a portion of the panel. The modules 20 can each travel from the home position to either a forward position or rearward position for improved finger access for connector insertion and removal. In either the forward position or the rearward position, the modules 20 are locked. In one example, the modules 20 are locked by adapter retainer handles engaging with panel divider wall openings. The modules 20 can be removed from either end 32, 34 of the panel 10 and be replaced as needed. Each module 20 includes a main body portion 80 having a first end 72 and a second end 74. Disposed within main body between the first end 72 and the second end 74 is an interior 82. On each of the first end 72 and the second end 74, an adapter mounting assembly 90 is provided for mounting the adapters 24, 26 to the module 20. Within the interior 82 of the module, fiber optic cable routing 84 extends cabling between the first end 72 with the adapters 24, and the second end 74 with the adapters 26. The interior cabling has connectorized ends for mating with the adapters.

[0059] Each module 20 includes a first arm or handle 100 at each end 72, 74 for maintaining the module in the home position. In the example, each first arm 100 includes a lower projection 102 that engages first and second edges 108, 110, respectively, of the bottom panel 52. See FIGS. 3 and 4. When the module 20 is pulled in one direction, the first arm 100 on the opposite end pivots upwardly and projection 102 slides over the edge of the bottom panel 52. When slid back, the two first arms 100 and their respective projections 102 retain each module in the home position.

[0060] Each module 20 also includes a second arm or adapter retainer handle 120 for use in locking the module in one of the extended positions, either forwardly or rearwardly, relative to the home position. In the example, each second arm 120 can engage structures on the vertical divider walls 66 to selectively lock the module in either of the forward or the rearward positions. A locking projection 122 is on one end 124 of second arm 120. A handle 126 is on an opposite end 125 of second arm 120.

[0061] Each vertical divider wall 66 defines a longitudinal central axis 130 which is parallel to the direction of movement of each of the modules 20. Each vertical divider wall 66 includes a main longitudinal slot 132, and a locking opening 134. Ramps 140 push projection 122 into slot 129 of module 20 to allow the module to be further pulled to one of the extended positions (forward or rearward). The main longitudinal slot 132 and the locking opening 134 on each end of each divider wall 66 are offset from the longitudinal central axis 130 of the vertical divider wall 66, relative to each other. Compare the locations of main longitudinal slots 132a, 132b, and locking openings 134a, 134b. This feature allows for the module to be fully removed through the first end 32 or the second end 34 of the chassis 30, without the other (opposite) second arm 120 interfering with slot and opening structures on the vertical divider wall 66.

[0062] To place the module back into the pocket to the home position, the handle 126 is pushed away from the module, wherein second arm 120 pivots about fastener 128, and projection 122 is moved out of opening 134, and into side slot 129 of module 20. Module 20 can then be pushed back until projection 122 resides in opening 134. At the opposite end, the projection 122 of the other second arm 120 never leaves its main longitudinal slot 132. Only if the module is removed from the chassis does the projection 122 of the other second arm 120 ramp out of its main longitudinal slot 132. Projection 122 never falls into the first end main longitudinal slot 132 or locking opening 134 of the neighboring divider wall due to the vertical offsets of these openings relative to the longitudinal central axis. Note further that two different second arms 120 are needed due to the offsetting of the openings. See second arms 120a, 120b.

[0063] Note that in the example, each divider wall 66 end to end is identical. In the example shown, each of the divider walls are formed of two pieces 66a, 66b.

[0064] Adapter mounting assembly 90 includes a framework 92 for being fastened to main body portion 80 of module 20, and an adapter holder portion 94 which secures each adapter 24, 26. First arm or handle 100 with projection 102 is also part of adapter mounting assembly 90.

[0065] Referring now to FIGS. 22-40, a second embodiment of a telecommunications panel 210 is shown with some similar features to panel 10. Panel 210 has a plurality of modules 220 with at least one front accessible fiber optic adapter 24 and at least one rear accessible fiber optic adapter 26 for each module.

[0066] Disposed within an interior 264 of chassis 230, a plurality of vertical divider walls 266 are provided to create individual pockets 268. Each pocket 268 is sized to receive one of the modules 220. The modules 220 are slideable horizontally within each pocket 268.

[0067] As in panel 10 above, in the home or main position, forward and rearward travel of the modules in panel 210 is limited by adapter retainer detent features interacting with bottom portion of the panel. The modules 220 can each travel from the home position to either a forward position or rearward position for improved finger access for connector insertion and removal. In either the forward position or the rearward position, the modules 220 are locked. In one example, the modules 220 are locked by adapter retainer handles engaging with panel divider wall openings. The modules 220 can be removed from either end 32, 34 of the panel 210 and be replaced as needed.

[0068] Each module 220 includes a first arm or handle 300 at each end 72, 74 for maintaining the module in the home position. In the example, each first arm 300 includes a lower projection 302 that engages first and second edges 108, 110, respectively, of the bottom panel 52. When the module 220 is pulled in one direction, the first arm 300 on the opposite end pivots upwardly and projection 302 slides over the edge of the bottom panel 52. When slid back, the two first arms 300 and their respective projections 302 retain each module in the home position. Arms 300 have an extra finger tab 304 for enhanced gripping by the user. Bottom panel 52 of chassis 230 has openings 270, 272 to accommodate projection 302 and finger tab 304 for any modules 220 not located near edges 108, 110.

[0069] Each module 220 also includes a second arm or adapter retainer handle 320 for use in locking the module in one of the extended positions, either forwardly or rearwardly, relative to the home position. In the example, each second arm 320 can engage structures on the vertical divider walls 266 to selectively lock the module in either of the forward or the rearward positions. A projection 322 is on one end 324 of second arm 320. A handle 326 is on an opposite end 325 of second arm 320.

[0070] Each vertical divider wall 266 defines a longitudinal central axis 130 which is parallel to the direction of movement of each of the modules 220. Each vertical divider wall 266 includes a main longitudinal slot 332, and a locking opening 334 on each end. Ramps 340 on projection 322 push projection 322 into slot 329 of module 220 to allow the module to be further pulled to one of the extended positions (forward or rearward).

[0071] As above in panel 10, the main longitudinal slot 332 and the locking opening 334 on each end of each divider wall 266 are offset from the longitudinal central axis 130 of the vertical divider wall 266, relative to each other. Compare the locations of main longitudinal slots 332a, 332b, and locking openings 334a, 334b. This feature allows for the module to be fully removed through the first end 32 or the second end 34 of the chassis 230, without the other (opposite) second arm 320 interfering with slot and opening structures on the vertical divider wall 266. Main slots 332 lack the ramps 140 as in panel 10, and have transverse ends 350.

[0072] To place the module 220 back into the pocket to the home position, the handle 326 is pushed away from the module (horizontally to the right), wherein second arm 320 pivots about fastener 128, and projection 322 is moved out of opening 334, and into side slot 329 of module 220. Module 220 can then be pushed back until projection 322 resides in slot 332. Transverse shoulder surfaces 342 on projections 322 and mating shoulder surfaces 336 of locking openings 334 keep the module 220 in the selected forward or rearward position unless the handle is moved (rotated) horizontally. At the opposite end, the projection 322 of the other second arm 320 never leaves its main longitudinal slot 332. Only if the module is removed from the chassis does the projection 322 of the other second arm 320 ramp out of its main longitudinal slot 332. Projection 322 never falls into the first end main longitudinal slot 332 or locking opening 334 of the neighboring divider wall due to the vertical offsets of these openings relative to the longitudinal central axis. Note further that two different second arms 320 are needed due to the offsetting of the openings. See second arms 320a, 320b. Compare FIGS. 38A-L for the home positioning of module 220, with FIGS. 39A-L for the module in the forward position, and FIGS. 40A-L for the module in the rearward position.

[0073] Locking projections 322 and locking openings 334 have a T-shape in the example shown.

[0074] Note that in the example, each divider wall 266 end to end is identical. In the example shown, each of the divider walls are formed of two identical pieces 266a, 266b. See FIG. 26 which illustrates schematically one manner of constructing divider wall 266 of panel 210 of FIG. 22 with two identical pieces 266a, 266b.

[0075] FIGS. 32 and 33 show a cabinet 400 for holding panel 210. Cabinet has a front 402 and a rear 404. Cabinet 400 has four posts for mounting telecommunications panels or other equipment. Cabinet 400 has two front posts 410, and two rear posts 412. Rear brackets 460 are added to prevent panel sag due to the longer length and increased weight of the panel and modules. If the rear brackets 460 are secured to the panel 210 during installation into the cabinet, the rear brackets 460 will interfere with the rear posts 412 as the panel 210 is inserted from the front 402 of the cabinet 400.

[0076] FIG. 34 shows a portion of the panel 210 including the rear brackets 460 shown in the transport state. FIG. 35 shows the rear brackets 460 and panel 210 with the rear brackets 460 removed by removing fasteners 470 to allow for installation of the panel in the cabinet F400. FIG. 36 shows the panel 210 being mounted to the front posts 410 of the cabinet with the front brackets 60 and fasteners 472. FIG. 37 shows the panel 210 being mounted to the rear posts 412 of the cabinet 400 with the rear brackets 460.

[0077] Rear brackets 460 each include a horizontal slot 462 in first plate portion 464 for receiving a guide structure, such as pegs 480, on side panels 54, 56 of panel 210. First plate portion 464 is parallel to the respective side panel 54, 56 it mounted adjacent to. Each rear bracket 460 is pushed forward over pegs 480 via slot 462, then fasteners 474 mount each second plate portion bracket 460 to rear posts 412.

[0078] Panels 10, 210 present to the user similarly looking and operating front and rear access to the connectors to be connected to or disconnected from the modules 20, 220.

[0079] In some cases, the modules 20, 220 can be color coded and / or labeled in a manner to let the user know they are correctly installing the modules 20, 220 into the panels 10, 210. The locking projections 122, 322 will not line up with the mating features on divider walls 66, 266 (longitudinal slots 132, 332, and locking openings 134, 334) if the incorrect opposite end of the module is inserted into the panel. In one example panel, the module 20, 220 can be moved from the home position to either the forward or rearward position by pulling the respective handle 100, 300 from the front end or rear end of the module in the direction the user wants to move the module. The module will automatically lock in the extended position and remain there until the other handle 126, 326 on the same end is moved to disengage the locking engagement of the projections 122, 322, and openings 134, 334. At that point, the module can be: 1) removed from the panel by pulling in the same direction; or 2) returned to the home position by pushing in the opposite direction, at which point it will automatically lock back in the home position.

[0080] Having described the preferred aspects and implementations of the present disclosure, modifications and equivalents of the disclosed concepts may readily occur to one skilled in the art. However, it is intended that such modifications and equivalents be included within the scope of the claims which are appended hereto.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A telecommunications panel comprising: a chassis having an interior with a plurality of vertical divider walls defining pockets; a plurality modules with a front and a rear, each module having at least one front accessible fiber optic adapter at the front, and at least one rear accessible fiber optic adapter at the rear; wherein the modules are each positioned in a pocket, one module per pocket, in a main position; wherein each module can each travel forward to a forward position or rearward to a rearward position from the main position for improved finger access during connector insertion or removal; wherein in the forward position, each module is locked by a first handle engaged with a first opening in one of the divider walls; wherein in the rearward position, each module is locked by a second handle engaged with a second opening in one of the divider walls; wherein in the main position, forward and rearward travel of each module is limited by a further first handle and a further second handle interacting with a portion of the panel.

2. The telecommunications panel of claim 1, wherein the modules each have a plurality of multi-fiber adapters, on the front and on the rear.

3. The telecommunications panel of claims 1 and 2, wherein the chassis includes: a chassis construction having a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel and an opposite second side panel, the chassis construction defining an interior, the chassis construction further defining an open front and an open rear; a pair of mounting brackets for mounting the chassis construction to a telecommunications rack; a first locking opening and a first elongated slot in each of the divider walls for receiving a first locking projection of the module; a second locking opening and an elongated slot in each of the divider walls for receiving a second locking projection of the module.

4. The telecommunications chassis of claims 1-3, wherein the chassis includes: a chassis construction having a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel and an opposite second side panel, the chassis construction defining the interior, the chassis construction further defining an open front and an open rear, and a longitudinal axis extending between the open front and the open rear; a first pair of mounting brackets for mounting the chassis construction to a telecommunications rack at a first location; a second pair of mounting brackets for mounting the chassis construction to the telecommunications rack at a second location; at least one of the first and second pairs of mounting brackets including an open ended slot extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

5. The telecommunications chassis of claim 4, wherein the first location includes two front posts, and the second location includes two rear posts.

6. The telecommunications chassis of claims 1-5, wherein each module includes: a module body with an interior; wherein the first handle is a first side handle including a first side projection at the front movable horizontally; wherein the second handle is a second side handle including a second side projection at the rear movable horizontally; wherein the further first handle is a first bottom handle including a first bottom projection at the front movable vertically; wherein the further second handle is a second bottom handle including a second bottom projection at the rear movable vertically; a connectorized cable in the interior extending between an interior end of the front accessible fiber optic adapter at the front, and an interior end of the rear accessible fiber optic adapter at the rear.

7. The telecommunications chassis of claims 1-6, further including a selectively movable door at one or both of a first end or a second opposite end of the chassis to selectively cover the first end and the second end.

8. A telecommunications module comprising: a module body with an interior, a front and a rear, at least one front accessible fiber optic adapter at the front, and at least one rear accessible fiber optic adapter at the rear; a first side handle including a first side projection at the front movable horizontally; a second side handle including a second side projection at the rear movable horizontally; a first bottom handle including a first bottom projection at the front movable vertically; a second bottom handle including a second bottom projection at the rear movable vertically; a connectorized cable in the interior extending between an interior end of the front accessible fiber optic adapter at the front, and an interior end of the rear accessible fiber optic adapter at the rear.

9. The telecommunications module of claim 8, wherein there are a plurality of multifiber adapters, on the front and on the rear.

10. A telecommunications chassis comprising: a chassis construction having a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel and an opposite second side panel, the chassis construction defining an interior, the chassis construction further defining an open front and an open rear; a pair of mounting brackets for mounting the chassis construction to a telecommunications rack; a plurality of vertical divider walls defining pockets, each pocket for receiving a module; a first locking opening and a first elongated slot in each of the divider walls for receiving a first locking projection of the module; a second locking opening and an elongated slot in each of the divider walls for receiving a second locking projection of the module.

11. The telecommunications chassis of claim 10, wherein the chassis includes: a longitudinal axis extending between the open front and the open rear;a first pair of mounting brackets for mounting the chassis construction to a telecommunications rack at a first location; a second pair of mounting brackets for mounting the chassis construction to the telecommunications rack at a second location; at least one of the first and second pairs of mounting brackets including an open ended slot extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

12. The telecommunications chassis of claim 11, wherein the first location includes two front posts, and the second location includes two rear posts.

13. The telecommunications chassis of claims 10-12, further including a selectively movable door at one or both of a first end or a second opposite end of the chassis to selectively cover the first end and the second end.

14. A telecommunications chassis comprising: a chassis construction having a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel and an opposite second side panel, the chassis construction defining an interior, the chassis construction further defining an open front and an open rear, and a longitudinal axis extending between the open front and the open rear; a first pair of mounting brackets for mounting the chassis construction to a telecommunications rack at a first location; a second pair of mounting brackets for mounting the chassis construction to a telecommunications rack at a second location; at least one of the first and second pairs of mounting brackets including an open ended slot extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

15. The telecommunications chassis of claim 14, wherein the first location includes two front posts, and the second location includes two rear posts.

16. The telecommunications chassis of claims 14 and 15, further including a selectively movable door at one or both of a first end or a second opposite end of the chassis to selectively cover the first end and the second end.

17. A method of using a telecommunications panel comprising: moving a selected module from a home position to either a forward or a rearward extended position by pulling a respective front handle or rear handle from the front end or rear end of the module in the direction the user wants to move the module; automatically locking the module in the extended position; moving another handle on the same end to disengage locking engagement of a mating projection and opening; wherein the module can be: 1) removed from the panel by pulling in the same direction; or 2) returned to the home position by pushing in the opposite direction, at which point the module will automatically lock back in the home position.

18. A method of using a telecommunications panel comprising: moving a selected module from a home position to either a forward or a rearward extended position by pulling a respective front handle or rear handle from the front end or rear end of the module in the direction the user wants to move the module; automatically locking the module in the extended position; moving another handle on the same end to disengage locking engagement of a mating projection and opening; removing the module from the panel by pulling the respective front handle or rear handle in the same direction.

19. A method of using a telecommunications panel comprising: moving a selected module from a home position to either a forward or a rearward extended position by pulling a respective front handle or rear handle from the front end or rear end of the module in the direction the user wants to move the module; automatically locking the module in the extended position; moving another handle on the same end to disengage locking engagement of a mating projection and opening; moving the module to the home position by pushing in the opposite direction, at which point the module will automatically lock back in the home position.

20. A telecommunications panel comprising: a chassis having an interior, a plurality of vertical divider walls defining pockets; a plurality modules with a front and a rear, each module having at least one front accessible fiber optic adapter at the front, and at least one rear accessible fiber optic adapter at the rear; wherein the modules are each positioned in a pocket, one module per pocket, in a main position; wherein each module can each travel forward to a forward position by being pulled forwardly, or rearward to a rearward position by pulling rearwardly, from the main position for improved finger access during connector insertion or removal; wherein in the forward position, each module is locked by a first lock; wherein in the rearward position, each module is locked by a second lock; wherein in the main position, each module is locked by a third lock.

21. The telecommunications panel of claim 20, wherein the first lock is deactivated by moving a first arm horizontally, and wherein the second lock is deactivated by moving a second arm horizontally.

22. The telecommunications panel of claims 20 and 21, wherein the third lock is automatically deactivated by sliding the module forwardly or rearwardly, from the main position, and wherein the third lock is automatically activated by sliding the module forwardly or rearwardly, toward the main position.

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