Adjustable cable tie-off device and telecommunications closure

Abstract

An adjustable cable-tie off device (100) and method for coupling at a telecommunications closure includes positioning a sleeve (110) around a cable (200) extending through an opening at a base (400) having a member positioning a tie-off interface (320). First and second portions (136,138) of a strap (120) extend between an inner surface (119) of the sleeve (110) and the cable (200). An intermediate section of the strap between the first and second portions (136,138) is flexible to form a loop portion (137) extending from a second end opening (118) of the sleeve (110). The loop portion (137) is coupled to the tie-off interface (320). The method includes applying heat to the sleeve to adhere the sleeve to an outer jacket (210) of the cable (200) and retain the first and second portions of the strap (120) between the sleeve (110) and the outer jacket (210). An adhesive layer of the sleeve retains the strap between the cable and the inner surface of the sleeve.

Description

ADJUSTABLE CABLE TIE-OFF DEVICE AND TELECOMMUNICATIONSCLOSUREPRIORITY STATEMENT

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 572,559, filed on April 01. 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present subject matter is directed generally to telecommunications closures, fiber optic cables, and apparatuses and methods for retention of cables.BACKGROUND

[0003] Several fiber optic cable designs have strength rods embedded into the outer jacket of the cable. These strength rods provide tensile strength and flexibility. For these cables, it is difficult to secure the cable within the splice closure tight enough to prevent it from accidentally being pulled out in the field.

[0004] The typical procedure for securing a cable against being pulled out is to apply a compressive force to secure the outer jacket with a hose clamp, a gripping device, or felt. Smaller cable designs are prone to being forced into an oval while under compression from clamps and gripping devices. Optical fibers inside the cable can be damaged and make the cable unusable when too much compression is applied.

[0005] While cable seals at a closure may assist with providing cable pullout tension, cable seals may not be designed solely for that purpose.

[0006] Accordingly, devices, and improvements thereto, that address the abovedescribed issues are desired in the art and would be beneficial and advantageous.BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0007] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0008] An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a telecommunications closure having a base and an adjustable cable tie-off device. The base includes an opening through which a telecommunications cable is extendable. The base includes a member extending to position a tie-off interface approximately along an axis of extension of the telecommunications cable through the opening. The adjustable cable tie-off device includes a sleeve extending co-directional to the axis of extension of the telecommunications cable, the sleeve having a sleeve length relative to the axis of extension. The sleeve forms a passage extending between a first end opening and a second end opening, and includes an adhesive layer along an inner surface along which the passage is extended. The adjustable cable-tie off device includes a strap having a strap length relative to the axis. The strap includes a first end and a second end distal to one another along the strap length. An intermediate section is formed along the strap length between the first end and the second end, the intermediate section having a first portion extending from the first end and a second portion extending from the second end. The intermediate section is flexible to form a loop portion between the first portion and the second portion when the first portion and the second portion are disposed in the passage. The strap length is greater than the sleeve such that the first portion and the second portion are extendable though the passage through the first end opening of the sleeve, and the loop portion is extendable from the second end opening of the sleeve, and the first end and the second end of the strap are disposable outside of the passage and more proximate to the first end opening than the second end opening. The sleeve is positioned around the telecommunications cable. The first portion and the second portion of the strap extend between the inner surface of the sleeve and the telecommunications cable, the loop portion extends from the second end opening of the sleeve and is coupled to the tie-off interface of the base. The adhesive layer of the sleeve retains the strap between the telecommunications cable and the inner surface of the sleeve.

[0009] An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method for cable coupling at a telecommunications closure. The method includes extending a cable through an opening at a base of the telecommunications closure, and positioning a sleeve around an outer jacket of the cable. The method includes forming, with a strap having a strap length, a loop portion extending from a second end opening of thesleeve more proximate to a tie-off interface of the base than a first end opening of the sleeve, in which the strap includes an intermediate section having a first portion extending from a first end and a second portion extending from a second end, and the intermediate section includes the loop portion extending between the first portion and the second portion, and forming the loop portion positions the first portion and the second portion between the sleeve and the outer jacket of the cable and positions the first end and the second end outside of the sleeve and more proximate to the first end opening of the sleeve. The method includes applying heat to the sleeve to adhere the sleeve to the outer jacket of the cable and retain the first portion and the second portion of the strap between the sleeve and the outer jacket, and attaching the loop portion to the tie-off interface at the base.

[0010] An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an adjustable cable tie-off device for a telecommunications cable. The cable-tie-off device includes a sleeve extending along an axis, the sleeve having a sleeve length relative to the axis, and the sleeve forming a passage extending along the axis between a first end opening and a second end opening. The sleeve includes an adhesive layer along an inner surface along which the passage is extended. A strap includes a strap length relative to the axis. The strap includes a first end and a second end distal to one another relative to the axis. An intermediate section is formed along the strap length between the first end and the second end, the intermediate section having a first portion extending from the first end and a second portion extending from the second end. The intermediate section is flexible to form a loop portion between the first portion and the second portion when the first portion and the second portion are disposed in the passage. The strap length is greater than the sleeve such that the first portion and the second portion are extendable though the passage through the first end opening of the sleeve, and the loop portion is extendable from the second end opening of the sleeve, and the first end and the second end of the strap are disposable outside of the passage and more proximate to the first end opening than the second end opening.

[0011] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in andconstitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

[0013] Fig. 1 depicts an embodiment of a telecommunications cable and components of a cable tie-off device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0014] Fig. 2 depicts an embodiment of the cable tie-off device attached to a telecommunications cable in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0015] Fig. 3 depicts an embodiment of a cable attachment unit for an embodiment of a cable tie-off device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0016] Fig. 4 depicts an embodiment of a cable tie-off device attached to a telecommunications cable in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0017] Fig. 5 depicts a close-up perspective view of the embodiment of the cable tie-off device of Fig. 4 attached to the telecommunications cable in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0018] Fig. 6 depicts a plan view of an embodiment of a portion of a telecommunications closure and cable-tie off device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0019] Fig. 7 depicts a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a telecommunications cable for embodiments of the cable tie-off device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; and

[0020] Fig. 8 provides a flowchart outlining steps of a method for cable coupling at a telecommunications closure in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0021] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0023] As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i. e. , “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and / or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherw ise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0024] Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,” “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and / or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10percent margin, i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction, e.g., ‘'generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V.

[0025] The word “exemplary ” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0026] The present disclosure generally addresses the above-described issues by providing an improved adjustable cable tie-off device for use in telecommunications closures, such as fiber optic closures. Embodiments of the adjustable cable tie-off device depicted and described herein may be secured within any type of splice closure while mitigating application of excessive compressive forces that may damage, crush, or otherwise compromise a fiber optic cable or components thereof.

[0027] Referring now to the drawings. Figs. 1-2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an adjustable cable tie-off device 100 for a telecommunications cable 200. The cable tie-off device 100 includes a sleeve 110 extending along an axis 101. The sleeve 110 includes a sleeve length 112 extending relative to the axis 101. The sleeve 110 forms a passage 114 extending along the axis 101 between a first end opening 116 and a second end opening 118. The sleeve 110 includes an adhesive layer along an inner surface 119 along which the passage 114 is extended. Embodiments of the sleeve 110 may include a solid uncut tube, a split-sleeve having acut extending along the sleeve length, or a wrap-around sleeve extending circumferentially around the cable.

[0028] The cable tie-off device 100 includes a strap 120 having a strap length 122 extending relative to the axis 101. The strap 120 includes a first end 126 and a second end 128 distal to one another relative to an extension along the axis 101. The strap 120 includes an intermediate section 124 formed along the strap length 122 between the first end 116 and the second end 118. As depicted more clearly in Fig. 2, the intermediate section 124 includes a first portion 136 extending from the first end 126 and a second portion 138 extending from the second end 128. The intermediate section 124 is flexible to form a loop portion 137 between the first portion 136 and the second portion 138 when the first portion 136 and the second portion 138 are disposed in the passage 114 of the sleeve 110.

[0029] Referring to Figs. 1-2, the strap length 122 is greater than the sleeve length 112 (Fig. 1) such that the first portion 136 and the second portion 138 are extendable through the passage 114 through the first end opening 116 of the sleeve 110 (Fig. 2). Referring to Fig. 2. the loop portion 137 is extendable from the second end opening 118 of the sleeve 1 10. The first end 126 and the second end 128 of the strap 120 are disposable outside of the passage 114 and more proximate to the first end opening 116 than the second end opening 118.

[0030] In some embodiments, the strap 120 includes a plurality of grooves 129 along the strap length 122. In some embodiments, such as depicted, grooves 129 may extend substantially perpendicular to the strap length 122. In other embodiments, grooves 129 may extend oblique or co-directional to strap length 122. In still some embodiments, grooves 129 may form recesses or openings. In various embodiments, grooves 129 provide recesses or protrusions configured to receive adhesive from the sleeve 110 to promote retention of the strap 120 between the sleeve 1 10 and the outer jacket 210 of the telecommunications cable 200.

[0031] Referring now to Fig. 3, an exemplary embodiment of a cable attachment unit (CAU) 300 is provided. In various embodiments, the CAU 300 includes a member 310 extending to position a tie-off interface 320 approximately along an axis of extension (axis 101) of the telecommunications cable 200.

[0032] Referring still to Fig. 3, in some embodiments, the CAU 300 includes a body 330 from which the member 310 extends. The body 330 may include a fastener opening 332 and a fastener 334 extendable through the fastener opening 332 to attach the body 330 to a telecommunications closure assembly, such as a base 400 thereof (Fig. 6). Body 330 may form a cradle configured to receive the cable 200, such as from along the direction of extension 102 from an opening at the base 400 (Fig. 6).

[0033] In some embodiments, body 330 and base 400 (Fig. 6) may form an integral, unitary component. While depicted as extending substantially along axis 101 or co-directional thereto (e.g., direction of cable extension 102), it should be appreciated that embodiments of member 310 may extend along a radial direction relative to the axis 101 to position the tie-off interface 320 approximately along the axis of extension of the cable 200. For instance, the tie-off interface 320 may be positioned up to approximately six (6) inches, or approximately 15.3 centimeters (cm), radially from the axis 101 of extension of the telecommunications cable 200.

[0034] In various embodiments, the tie-off interface 320 includes a shaft 322, or furthermore, a platform 324 extending substantially radially from the shaft 322. The shaft 322 may include a bolt, shank, or threaded member extending into the member 310. The platform 324 may include a washer or disk, such as may form a surface extended radially outward of the shaft 322. Platform 324 may provide a surface limiting or inhibiting movement of the loop portion 137 of the strap 120 positioned between the platform 324 and the member 310. For instance, platform 324 may promote retention of the loop portion 137 of the strap 120 along directions orthogonal to the axis 101 of extension.

[0035] Referring now to Figs. 4-5. an embodiment of an adjustable cable tie-off device 100 for a telecommunications cable 200 is provided. The embodiment depicted in Figs. 4-5 provides the cable 200 extending along the axis 101. A sleeve 110 extends co-directional to the axis 101 of extension of the telecommunications cable 200. The sleeve 110 forms a passage, such as corresponding to a hollow tube, extending between a first end opening 116 and a second end opening 118, The sleeve 110 includes an adhesive layer along an inner surface along which the passage is extended.

[0036] The adjustable cable tie-off device 100 includes a strap 120 having a first end 126 and a second end 128 distal to one another along a strap length. An intermediate section is formed along the strap length between the first end 126 and the second end 128. The intermediate section includes a first portion 136 extending from the first end 126 and a second portion 138 extending from the second end 128. The intermediate section is flexible to form a loop portion 137 between the first portion 136 and the second portion 128 when the first portion 136 and the second portion 138 are at least partially disposed within the sleeve 110 at the passage. The strap length of the strap 120 is greater than a sleeve length of the sleeve 110 such that the first portion 136 and the second portion 138 are extendable though the passage through the first end opening 116 of the sleeve 110, and the loop portion 137 is extendable from the second end opening 118 of the sleeve 110. The first end 126 and the second end 128 of the strap 120 are disposable outside of the passage and more proximate to the first end opening 116 than the second end opening 128.

[0037] The sleeve 110 is positioned around the telecommunications cable 200, or particularly, around an outer jacket 210 of the cable 200. The first portion 136 and the second portion 138 of the strap 120 extend between the inner surface 119 of the sleeve 110 and the telecommunications cable 200. The loop portion 137 extends from the second end opening 118 of the sleeve 110. The loop portion 137 couples to the tie- off interface 320. For instance, the loop portion 137 extends around the shaft 322. The adhesive layer at the sleeve 110 retains the strap 120, such as the first portion 136 and second portion 138 of the strap 120, between the telecommunications cable 200 and the inner surface 119 of the sleeve 110. In particular embodiments, the adhesive layer at the sleeve 110 retains the first portion 136 and second portion 138 of the strap 120 between the outer jacket 210 of the telecommunications cable 200 and the inner surface 119 of the sleeve 110.

[0038] Referring briefly to Fig. 6, an embodiment of a telecommunications closure 600 including an adjustable cable tie-off device 100 for a telecommunications cable 200 is provided. Embodiments of the telecommunications closure 600 include a base 400 forming a cable extension opening 410 through which the telecommunications cable 200 is extendable. The base 400 includes a member 310extending to position a tie-off interface 320 approximately along an axis 101 of extension of the telecommunications cable 200 through the opening 410.

[0039] In some embodiments, the first portion 136 and the second portion 138 each extending from the loop portion 137 of the strap 120 are positioned between approximately thirty (30) degrees and approximately one-hundred eighty (180) degrees from one another along an outer diameter of the outer jacket 210. For instance, the first portion 136 and the second portion 138 extending between the inner surface 119 of the sleeve 1 10 and the outer jacket 210 of the telecommunications cable 200 are extending opposite of one another such that tensile forces applied between the tie-off interface 320 and adhesion to the outer jacket 210 and sleeve 110 are substantially evenly distributed to the outer jacket 210 and sleeve 110.

[0040] In various embodiments, the tie-off interface 120 is positioned within a distance of a working end 212 of the telecommunications cable 200 extended through the opening 410. The strap length 122 (Fig. 1) is such that a major axis 103 (Fig. 2, Fig. 6) of the loop portion 137 from the second end opening 118 of the sleeve 110 extends to the tie-off interface 120. For instance, the strap length is such that the loop portion 137 is extendable around the shaft 322. The strap length 122 is such that the first end 126 and the second end 128 are outside of the passage 114 and more proximate to the first end opening 116 than the second end opening 118 of the sleeve 110.

[0041] In some embodiments, the distance of the tie-off interface 120 from the working end 212 of the telecommunications cable 200 is approximately six (6) inches or approximately 15.3 cm. The distance may be up to 6.5 inches or approximately 16.5 cm, or at least one (1) inch or approximately 2.5 cm.

[0042] In still some embodiments, the distance of the tie-off interface 120 from the working end 212 of the telecommunications cable 200 corresponds to up to seventy-five (75) percent of the strap length 122 of the strap 120.

[0043] In various embodiments, the sleeve length 112 is at least 0.75 inches or at least approximately 1.9 cm. In some embodiments, the sleeve length 112 is up to approximately five (5) inches or approximately 12.7 cm. In still some embodiments, the sleeve length 112 is between two (2) inches (or approximately 5.1 cm) and five (5) inches (or approximately 12.7 cm).

[0044] In still various embodiments, the strap length 122 is at least ten (10) inches or at least approximately 25.4 cm. In some embodiments, the strap length 122 is up to approximately fourteen (14) inches (or approximately 35.6 cm), or up to approximately eighteen (18) inches (or approximately 45.7 cm), or up to approximately twenty -four (24) inches (or approximately 60. 1 cm).

[0045] Embodiments of the sleeve length 112 and strap length 122 provided herein may desirably limit an amount of force or pressure applied to the telecommunications cable 200. For instance, ranges provided herein, or combinations thereof, may provide desired tensile strength to the cable tie-off device 100 for retaining the cable 200 in position relative to the tie-off interface 320 without applying undesired magnitudes of force, such as shearing force, compressive force, or both, at the cable 200. In some embodiments, the sleeve 1 10 includes a polyolefin material and the adhesive layer at the inner surface 119 includes a thermoplastic material. In various embodiments, the sleeve 110 includes a heat shrink tubing including any appropriate material and adhesive for receiving heat application and for attachment to the outer jacket 210 such as described herein.

[0046] Heat application to the adhesive layer adheres the sleeve 110 to the outer jacket 210. Additionally, the first portion 136 and second portion 138 of the strap 120 positioned radially between the sleeve 110 and the outer jacket 210 are adhered and retained to the sleeve 110 and the outer jacket 210. As such, the sleeve 110, the strap 120, and the outer jacket 210 are bonded together and permit attachment of the loop portion 137 to the tie-off interface 320 to retain the telecommunications cable 200 in position.

[0047] Referring now to Fig. 7, a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a telecommunications cable 200 is provided. The telecommunications cable 200 includes an outer jacket 210 forming a volume through which a plurality of optical fibers 214 extend. In an exemplary' embodiment, the plurality of optical fibers 214 may be organized or bundled into a plurality' of optical fiber units 215. The plurality of optical fiber units 215 may form ribbons or bundles each including identifiers, color-codes, tags, etc. facilitating user identification. A wrap 216, such as a moisture-blocking tape, forms a layer surrounding the plurality of optical fiber units215. The wrap 216 provides a protective layer between an inner surface of the outer jacket 210 and the optical fibers 214 or optical fiber units 215.

[0048] In particular embodiments, the telecommunications cable 200 may omit a central strength member from extending within the outer jacket 210, such as among the plurality7of optical fibers 214 or optical fiber units 215. In the exemplary embodiment depicted in Fig. 7, the telecommunications cable 200 includes a strength member 218 embedded in the outer jacket 210. The cable including a plurality of strength members 218 embedded in adjacent circumferential arrangement in the outer jacket 210 may improve tensile strength and flexibility. The arrangement may assist with additional cable retention, such as may provide additional pull-out strength for an installed fiber optic cable.

[0049] Referring now to Fig. 8, a flow chart outlining steps of a method for cable coupling at a telecommunications closure is provided (hereinafter, ‘’method 1000”). Steps of the method 1000 may include structures such as depicted and described in regard to Figs. 1-6. However, method 1000 may be applied to other structures, such as other cable configurations, including cables having a central strength member, or other configurations of telecommunications closure or base from those depicted herein. Steps of the method 1000 may be ordered, arranged, or re-arranged and reordered, or may include sequential, serial steps.

[0050] Method 1000 includes at 1010 extending a cable (e.g.. cable 200) through an opening (e.g., opening 410) at a base (e.g., CAU 300 or base 400) of the telecommunications closure (e.g., closure 600).

[0051] Method 1000 includes at 1020 positioning a sleeve (e.g., sleeve 110) around an outer jacket (e.g., outer jacket 210) of the cable. Positioning the sleeve may include sliding the sleeve over the cable, or wrapping a split-sleeve tube or sheet around the cable. Method 1000 at 1020 may include sliding the sleeve over an end (e.g., end 212) of the cable, or wrapping the sleeve over the cable at a mid-access or intermediate position of the cable (e.g., a position between ends of the cable).

[0052] Method 1000 includes at 1030 forming, with a strap (e.g., strap 120) including a strap length, a loop portion (e g., loop portion 137) extending from a second end opening (e.g., opening 118) of the sleeve more proximate to a tie-off interface (e.g., tie-off interface 320) of the base than a first end opening (e.g., opening116) of the sleeve. The strap includes an intermediate section (e.g., section 124) including a first portion (e.g., portion 136) extending from a first end (e.g., end 126) and a second portion (e.g.. portion 138) extending from a second end (e.g., end 128). The intermediate section includes the loop portion extending between the first portion and the second portion. Forming the loop portion positions the first portion and the second portion between the sleeve and the outer jacket of the cable and positions the first end and the second end outside of the sleeve and more proximate to the first end opening of the sleeve. In some embodiments, forming the loop portion further includes adjusting a length of the first portion and second portion of the strap relative to one another, such that the first end and the second end each extend from the first end opening (e.g., opening 116) while the loop portion extends from the second end opening (e.g., opening 118).

[0053] Method 1000 includes at 1040 applying heat to the sleeve to adhere the sleeve to the outer jacket of the cable and retain the first portion and the second portion of the strap between the sleeve and the outer jacket. For instance, heat application may include temperatures of at least, but not limited to, 121°C (250°F).

[0054] Method 1000 includes at 1050 attaching the loop portion to the tie-off interface at the base.

[0055] Embodiments of the method 1000 may include at 1060 cutting the sleeve, the strap, or both, to length such as described herein.

[0056] Embodiments of the method 1000 may include at 1070 positioning an end of the cable within a distance from the tie-off interface at the base, such as described herein.

[0057] In some embodiments, the sleeve may include a heat shrink tube. Substantially even application of heat around the sleeve and cable may cause adhesive to extrude from one or more ends. In some embodiments, method 1000 includes permitting cooling for a period of time such that the adhesive cures to retain the outer jacket, sleeve, and strap together. After heating and curing, the loop portion of the strap may be attached to the tie-off interface (e.g.. loop portion extending around the shaft) to affix the telecommunications cable to the telecommunications closure.

[0058] Referring briefly to Figs. 4-5, in various embodiments, after retention of the loop portion 137 of the strap 120 to the tie-off interface 320, a portion of the outerjacket 210 may be removed to form the working end 212 from which optical fibers 214 and other internal portions of the cable 200 (e.g., wrap 216) are exposed for further work by the user.

[0059] Referring briefly to Fig. 3, in some embodiments, the CAU 300 or base 400 may include a clamp interface 340 for receiving a clamp 342. For instance, the clamp 342 may include a compression apparatus 344 (e g., a screw) configured to squeeze the clamp 342 around the cable 200. However, it should be appreciated that embodiments of the cable tie-off device 100, telecommunications closure 600, and method 1000 described herein may remove a desire and requirement for a clamp compressing the cable to retain the cable in position for work by the user. While a clamp may be included to further assist in limiting movement of the cable orthogonal to the direction of extension 102, it should be appreciated that embodiments of the cable tie-off device 100, telecommunications closure 600, and method 1000 depicted and described herein may provide cable retention that prevents movement along the axis 101 of extension, such as may prevent pulling the cable from the telecommunications closure. Additionally, embodiments provided herein may provide such retention without the compressive forces generally applied by a clamp onto the cable for restraint along the axis 101 of extension. Embodiments herein may altogether remove a need for a clamp. Embodiments provided herein may substantially replace compressive or crushing forces from a clamp with tensile forces pulling at the outer jacket 210 substantially along the axis 101 of extension.

[0060] Embodiments depicted and described herein may provide a retention solution for cables that may be sensitive to application of compressive forces, such as cables without a central strength member. Embodiments provided herein may remove from a user a need to avoid over-compression of a clamp to a cable, such as may mitigate or eliminate damage to the cable from application of compressive forces thereto. Embodiments provided herein may distribute loads over larger areas, rather than along relatively shorter areas, or furthermore, shorter areas concentrated along a circumferential portion of the cable. The larger distribution of loads may further mitigate damage or wear to the cable.

[0061] Embodiments depicted and described herein may provide a greater degree of positioning along the cable, the closure, or both. For instance, embodimentsprovided herein may be utilized in a variety of closure and cable geometries without requiring substantial changes in geometry to the tie-off device.

[0062] In exemplary embodiments, adjustable cable tie-off devices in accordance with the present disclosure may be utilized in butt- or dome-style closures, such as, but not limited to, those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,561,354 and U.S. Patent No. 10,996,414, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

[0063] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An adjustable cable tie-off device for a telecommunications cable, the cable- tie-off device comprising: a sleeve extending along an axis, the sleeve comprising a sleeve length relative to the axis, wherein the sleeve forms a passage extending along the axis between a first end opening and a second end opening, and wherein the sleeve comprises an adhesive layer along an inner surface along which the passage is extended; and a strap comprising a strap length relative to the axis, the strap comprising a first end and a second end distal to one another relative to the axis, wherein an intermediate section is formed along the strap length between the first end and the second end, the intermediate section comprising a first portion extending from the first end and a second portion extending from the second end, wherein the intermediate section is flexible to form a loop portion between the first portion and the second portion when the first portion and the second portion are disposed in the passage, and wherein the strap length is greater than the sleeve such that the first portion and the second portion are extendable though the passage through the first end opening of the sleeve, and wherein the loop portion is extendable from the second end opening of the sleeve, and wherein the first end and the second end of the strap are disposable outside of the passage and more proximate to the first end opening than the second end opening.

2. The cable tie-off device of claim 1, wherein the strap comprises a plurality of grooves along the strap length.

3. The cable tie-off device of claim 1, wherein the sleeve length is at least 0.75 inches.

4. The cable tie-off device of claim 1, wherein the sleeve length is between approximately two inches and approximately five inches.

5. The cable tie-off device of claim 4, wherein the strap length is at least ten inches.

6. The cable tie-off device of claim 1, comprising: a cable attachment unit comprising a body and a member extending from the body, the member comprising a tie-off interface comprising a shaft and a platform extending from the shaft, wherein the loop portion of the strap is configured to be received around the shaft.

7. The cable tie-off device of claim 1, wherein the sleeve comprises a heat shrink tubing.

8. A telecommunications closure, comprising: a base comprising an opening through which a telecommunications cable is extendable, the base comprising a member extending to position a tie-off interface approximately along an axis of extension of the telecommunications cable through the opening; and an adjustable cable tie-off device comprising: a sleeve extending co-directi onal to the axis of extension of the telecommunications cable, the sleeve comprising a sleeve length relative to the axis of extension, wherein the sleeve forms a passage extending between a first end opening and a second end opening, and wherein the sleeve comprises an adhesive layer along an inner surface along which the passage is extended; and a strap comprising a strap length relative to the axis, the strap comprising a first end and a second end distal to one another along the strap length, wherein an intermediate section is formed along the strap length between the first end and the second end, the intermediate section comprising a first portion extending from the first end and a second portion extending from the second end, wherein the intermediate section is flexible to form a loop portion between the first portion and the second portion when the first portion and the second portion are disposed in the passage, and wherein the strap length is greater than the sleeve such that the first portion and the second portion are extendable though the passage through the first end opening of thesleeve, and wherein the loop portion is extendable from the second end opening of the sleeve, and wherein the first end and the second end of the strap are disposable outside of the passage and more proximate to the first end opening than the second end opening; wherein the sleeve is positioned around the telecommunications cable, and wherein the first portion and the second portion of the strap extend between the inner surface of the sleeve and the telecommunications cable, the loop portion extending from the second end opening of the sleeve and coupled to the tie-off interface of the base, and wherein the adhesive layer of the sleeve retains the strap between the telecommunications cable and the inner surface of the sleeve.

9. The telecommunications closure of claim 8, wherein the strap comprises a plurality of grooves along the strap length.

10. The telecommunications closure of claim 8, wherein the sleeve length is at least 0.75 inches.

11. The telecommunications closure of claim 8, wherein the sleeve length is between approximately two inches and approximately five inches.

12. The telecommunications closure of claim 11, wherein the strap length is at least ten inches.

13. The telecommunications closure of claim 8, wherein the tie-off interface is positioned within approximately six inches of an end of the telecommunications cable extending through the opening at the base, and wherein the strap length is such that a major axis of the loop portion from the second end opening of the sleeve extends to the tie-off interface, and wherein the strap length is such that the first end and the second end are outside of the passage and more proximate to the first end opening than the second end opening of the sleeve.

14. The telecommunications closure of claim 8, wherein the sleeve comprises a heat shrink tubing.

15. The telecommunications closure of claim 8, wherein the telecommunications cable does not comprise a central strength member.

16. A method for cable coupling at a telecommunications closure, the method comprising: extending a cable through an opening at a base of the telecommunications closure; positioning a sleeve around an outer jacket of the cable; forming, with a strap comprising a strap length, a loop portion extending from a second end opening of the sleeve more proximate to a tie-off interface of the base than a first end opening of the sleeve, wherein the strap comprises an intermediate section comprising a first portion extending from a first end and a second portion extending from a second end, and wherein the intermediate section comprises the loop portion extending between the first portion and the second portion, wherein forming the loop portion positions the first portion and the second portion between the sleeve and the outer jacket of the cable and positions the first end and the second end outside of the sleeve and more proximate to the first end opening of the sleeve; applying heat to the sleeve to adhere the sleeve to the outer jacket of the cable and retain the first portion and the second portion of the strap between the sleeve and the outer jacket; and attaching the loop portion to the tie-off interface at the base.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein forming the loop portion positions the first portion and the second portion of the strap between 30 degrees and 180 degrees from one another relative an outer diameter of the outer jacket.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein positioning the sleeve around the outer jacket of the cable comprises positioning at least 0.75 inches of sleeve length along the outer jacket of the cable.

19. The method of claim 16, comprising: positioning an end of the cable within a distance from the tie-off interface at the base, the distance corresponding to up to seventy-five percent of the strap length of the strap.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein positioning the end of the cable is within approximately six inches of the tie-off interface, and wherein the strap length is such that a major axis of the loop portion from the second end opening of the sleeve extends to the tie-off interface.

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