Telecommunications system

Abstract

The disclosure is to fiber optic cassettes that include a front latch extending forwardly and a back latch extending rearward. The front and back latches flex inwardly during slidable insertion of the cassette into a chassis and also flex inwardly during slidable removal of the cassette from a chassis. Each of the front and back latches includes a catch defining a portion that ramps away from the latch and a portion that ramps toward the latch for interacting with the chassis to cause the latches to flex during both insertion and removal.

Description

TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMCross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 753,053, filed February 3, 2025; and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 649,659, filed May 20, 2024, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to fiber optic connection systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to fiber optic connection systems that include optical cassettes / modules.BackgroundAs demand for telecommunications increases, fiber optic networks are being extended in more and more areas. Management of the cables, ease of installation, and ease of accessibility for later management are important concerns. As a result, there is a need for fiber optic devices which address these and other concerns. Systems utilizing optical cassettes have been used to provide optical connections in various environments. Such systems can include rack mounted chassis in which optical cassettes can be slidably mounted. The optical cassettes can each include a front row of fiber optic adapters as connection location for input / output of optical signals.Summary

[0001] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a panel-based telecommunications system. Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to fiber optic devices in the form of fiber optic distribution cassettes or modules and panels for housing such cassettes / modules.

[0002] According to certain aspects, the cassettes / modules include a signal entry location and signal exit location. The signal entry location may be provided by fiber optic adapters. Outside connectors may be coupled to the exterior ports of the adapters at the signal entry location. Internal connectors coupled to the internal sides of theadapters may relay the fibers extending into the cassettes. Depending upon the cassette, the signals may be processed by optical equipment within the cassettes.

[0003] Once the fiber optic signals are processed within the cassettes, fibers lead to the signal exit locations of the cassettes, which may also be defined by fiber optic adapters. The adapters defining the signal exit locations can receive outside fiber optic connectors that mate with internal connectors that are also terminated to the internal fibers that have been processed within the cassettes.

[0004] In certain examples, instead of outputting the processed signals via front adapters, the cassettes may include a number of furcation or potting blocks that are mounted at the front of the cassettes for outputting the output signals in the form of pigtails extending from the interior optical equipment.

[0005] In certain examples, the fiber optic adapters at the fronts of the cassettes may be mounted in a connection block that is configured to be pivotally movable relative to the rest of the cassette body for facilitating access to the front ports of the adapters. In certain other examples, as noted, the fiber optic cassettes / modules may house optical equipment such as power splitters for processing the signals. The connection blocks that are pivotally disposed on the cassette bodies may be configured to hold different types of adapters, such as SC, LC, and duplex LC, depending upon the desired connectivity and density. As noted above, in certain examples, the connection blocks may hold furcation blocks (in the form of epoxy-filled retainers) that can be used for transitioning split fibers to connectorized pigtails.

[0006] The fiber optic cassettes / modules may be mounted (e.g., removably) to mounting locations within a panel. The fiber optic cassettes / modules and / or the panels may be configured with cable management features for guiding the cabling going to and from the cassettes / modules.

[0007] The panels disclosed herein define a front and a rear. The fiber optic cassettes / modules may be mounted to the panels from the front or the rear of the panels, depending upon the desired connectivity. The fiber optic cassettes / modules may also be removed from the front or the rear of the panels. The fiber optic cassettes / modules may be mounted with a snap-fit interlock using elastically flexible features. The cassettes / modules may be removed using such flexible features, e.g., in the form of finger latches.

[0008] The cassettes / modules may each include a cable management structure for managing cables coming into and going out from the cassettes, wherein the cable management structure may be removably snapped-on. The panels may also include cable management structures associated with each horizontal row of the panels for managing cables to and from the cassettes.

[0009] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a telecommunications cassette adapted to be mounted within a telecommunications chassis includes a cassette body including a width that extends between opposite first and second sides of the cassette body, a depth that extends between opposite front and back ends of the cassette body and a height that extends between top and bottom sides of the cassette body. The cassette further includes front fiber-optic adapters mounted to an adapter holder that is pivotally mounted adjacent the front end of the cassette body, the adapter holder pivotable about an axis that extends between the first and second sides of the cassette body, the front fiber-optic adapters each including a front port facing in a forward direction and a rear port facing in a rearward direction. The cassette further includes a front flexible latch extending forwardly from the front end of the cassette body and a back flexible latch extending rearward from the back end of the cassette body, the front and back flexible latches provided at at least one of the first and second sides of the cassette body, wherein each of the front and back flexible latches is configured to flex inwardly toward the cassette body during slidable insertion of the telecommunications cassette into the telecommunications chassis and also flex inwardly toward the cassette body during slidable removal of the telecommunications cassette from the telecommunications chassis, wherein each of the front and back flexible latches includes a catch that defines a portion that ramps away from the respective latch and a portion that ramps toward the respective latch for interacting with the chassis and causing the front and back latches to flex inwardly toward the cassette body during both slidable insertion of the cassette body into the telecommunications chassis and slidable removal of the cassette body from the telecommunications chassis, wherein the catches are configured to simultaneously rest within spaced apart recesses provided within the telecommunications chassis when the cassette is in the fixedly mounted position.

[0010] According to another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a telecommunications system including a chassis configured to be secured to a telecommunication rack, the chassis including a main chassis body including a frontend and a rear end, the chassis including side flanges for securing the chassis to a rack, the chassis defining cassette mounting locations provided in a stacked arrangement, each cassette mounding location defining spaced apart recesses for cooperating with and latching a cassette in a fixedly mounted position within the chassis. A plurality of telecommunications cassettes are mounted within the chassis, each telecommunications cassette comprising a cassette body including a width that extends between opposite first and second sides of the cassette body, a depth that extends between opposite front and back ends of the cassette body and a height that extends between top and bottom sides of the cassette body and a front flexible latch extending forwardly from the front end of the cassette body and a back flexible latch extending rearward from the back end of the cassette body, the front and back flexible latches provided at at least one of the first and second sides of the cassette body, wherein each of the front and back flexible latches is configured to flex inwardly toward the cassette body during slidable insertion of the telecommunications cassette into the chassis and also flex inwardly toward the cassette body during slidable removal of the telecommunications cassette from the chassis, wherein each of the front and back flexible latches includes a catch that defines a portion that ramps away from the respective latch and a portion that ramps toward the respective latch for interacting with the chassis and causing the front and back latches to flex inwardly toward the cassette body during both slidable insertion of the cassette body into the chassis and slidable removal of the cassette body from the chassis, wherein the catches are configured to simultaneously rest within the spaced apart recesses provided within the chassis when the cassette is in the fixedly mounted position.

[0011] A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individual features and combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing 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.Description of the Drawings

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fiber optic telecommunications system having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the presentdisclosure, the system including a telecommunications panel configured for mounting to a telecommunications rack or frame, the panel configured to house a plurality of fiber optic distribution cassettes / modules that are removably mounted to the panel, one of which is shown, the panel also including cable management structures for guiding cabling to and from the panel.

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates the front and rear access capabilities of the telecommunications system of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates an example instance when the telecommunications system of FIGS. 1-2 is mounted in a cabinet that allows front access only, wherein the panels provided may be pre-cabled panels.

[0015] FIG. 4 diagrammatically illustrates a panel, a pre-cabled cassette mounted within the panel, and the cable routing that are used in an environment where only front access is available.

[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a number of example fiber optic connector types (e.g., SC, LC simplex, LC duplex, LC duplex with movable uniboot) that can be used on the fiber optic distribution cassettes / modules that are mountable in the panels of the system of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates the different example sizes of panels and their connection densities that can be used with the system of the present disclosure, the example sizes that can be provided range among 1RU, 1.5RU, 3RU, and 6RU heights.

[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates the panels of FIG. 6 with front pivot covers provided on the panels.

[0019] FIG. 8 shows an example panel of the system of the present disclosure from a top view illustrating the dimensions related to the panel depth.

[0020] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the different rack mounting positions that can be used for the panels of the present disclosure from a top view.

[0021] FIG. 11 illustrates an example panel from a front perspective view, the panel shown as having a front mounting position.

[0022] FIG. 12 illustrates the panel of FIG. 11 with a mid-mounting position.

[0023] FIG. 13 illustrates examples of mounting brackets that can be used on the panels of the present disclosure for mounting to different width telecommunications racks, one panel illustrated with mounting brackets that can be used for mounting to a19-inch rack and another panel illustrated with mounting brackets that can be used for mounting to a 23-inch rack.

[0024] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a panel according to the present disclosure that occupies a 1RU rack space in a telecommunications rack.

[0025] FIG. 15 illustrates the panel of FIG. 14 fully populated with fiber optic distribution cassettes / modules.

[0026] FIG. 16 is a front view of the panel of FIG. 15.

[0027] FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a panel according to the present disclosure that occupies a 1.5RU rack space in a telecommunications rack.

[0028] FIG. 18 illustrates the panel of FIG. 17 fully populated with fiber optic distribution cassettes / modules.

[0029] FIGS. 19-20 illustrate a front view of the panel of FIG. 18.

[0030] FIG. 21 illustrates a close-up view of the left half of the panel of FIGS. 19-20.

[0031] FIG. 22 illustrates an example of a panel according to the present disclosure that occupies a 3RU rack space in a telecommunications rack.

[0032] FIG. 23 illustrates the panel of FIG. 22 fully populated with fiber optic distribution cassettes / modules.

[0033] FIG. 24 is a front view of the panel of FIG. 23.

[0034] FIG. 25 illustrates an example of a panel according to the present disclosure that occupies a 6RU rack space in a telecommunications rack.

[0035] FIG. 26 illustrates the panel of FIG. 25 fully populated with fiber optic distribution cassettes / modules.

[0036] FIG. 27 is a front view of the panel of FIG. 26.

[0037] FIG. 28 illustrates a number of example fiber optic cassettes / modules that can be used on the panels of the present disclosure (e.g., Patching Cassettes, Splice Cassettes, Splitter Cassettes; Distribution Cassettes; and pre-cabled CMOD Cassettes).

[0038] FIG. 29 diagrammatically illustrates the front-mounting option for mounting the cassettes to the panels of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 30 diagrammatically illustrates the rear-mounting option for mounting the cassettes to the panels of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 31 is a top view of one of the Patching Cassettes of the present disclosure, illustrating the front and rear flexible latches of the cassette used forremoval from front and rear of a panel, respectively, wherein catches are provided as part of both the front latch and the rear latch for interlocking with the panels.

[0041] FIG. 32 illustrates a stack of cassettes as mounted within a panel of the present disclosure, the connection blocks of the cassettes holding the adapters provided at the front of the cassettes being at a neutral position.

[0042] FIG. 33 illustrates the pivoting capability of the connection blocks of the cassettes that hold the adapters that are mounted to the front of the cassettes of the present disclosure, where the connection blocks holding the adapters of a given cassette are pivotally movable in both the up and down directions for improving finger access.

[0043] FIG. 34 illustrates the cable routing features of the panels of the present disclosure, wherein cabling extending from the cassettes mounted within the panels can be routed out the sides of the panels by cable management fingers positioned in vertical stacks at both the right and left side of the panel.

[0044] FIG. 35 illustrates a perspective view of an example Patch Cassette that can be used on the panels of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 36 illustrates an exploded view of the Patch Cassette of FIG. 35 showing a cable management finger being mounted with a snap-fit interlock to the front connection block of the cassette.

[0046] FIGS. 37 and 38 illustrate the top and bottom port labeling options that can be used on the connection block for the adapters of the cassettes of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 39 illustrates one of the front connection blocks that can used on the cassettes of the present disclosure in an exploded configuration, wherein the adapters, the cable management finger, and the port labels are shown separately from the main body of the block.

[0048] FIG. 40 illustrates the front connection block of FIG. 39 in a fully assembled configuration, ready for pivotable mounting to a cassette body.

[0049] FIG. 41 illustrates an exploded view of the Patch Cassette of FIG. 35, with the pivotable connection block shown being mounted to the cassette body.

[0050] FIG. 42 illustrates the cassette body and the connection block of FIG. 41 in an assembled configuration.

[0051] FIG. 43 illustrates another cassette body and connection block in an assembled configuration similar to the cassette of FIG. 42.

[0052] FIG. 44 illustrates a close-up view showing the pivotal mounting interface between the connection block and the cassette of FIG. 43.

[0053] FIG. 45 illustrates the pivot pin portion of the mounting interface positioned at the side edges of the cassette of FIG. 44.

[0054] FIG. 46 illustrates the pivot pin portion of the mounting interface positioned at the center of the cassette of FIG. 44.

[0055] FIG. 47 illustrates an exploded view of a cassette similar to the Patch Cassette of FIG. 35, with the pivotable connection block shown removed from the cassette body, the flexible latches of the cassette also illustrated from the left side perspective view of the cassette.

[0056] FIG. 48 illustrates the cassette body and the connection block of FIG. 47 in an assembled configuration, showing the pivotal interface.

[0057] FIG. 49 illustrates an example Patch Cassette from a top view, fully populated with fiber pigtails being connected to the rear ports of the adapters of the cassette.

[0058] FIG. 50 illustrates a perspective view of an example Splice Cassette that can be used on the panels of the present disclosure, the splice cassette designed for splicing incoming fibers to fibers that are led to the adapter ports of the cassette.

[0059] FIG. 51 illustrates an example Splice Cassette from a top view, fully populated with connectors terminated with fiber pigtails that are to be spliced to incoming fibers.

[0060] FIG. 52 illustrates another perspective view of the Splice Cassette of FIG. 50 with the cover of the cassette removed to illustrate the internal features.

[0061] FIG. 53 is an example splice tray (6x2 smouve) that can be used within the Splice Cassettes of the present disclosure.

[0062] FIG. 54 illustrates another version of a Splice Cassette similar to that of FIG. 52 with the cover of the cassette removed to illustrate the internal features.

[0063] FIG. 55 is an example splice tray (2x3 smouve) that can be used within the Splice Cassettes of the present disclosure.

[0064] FIG. 56 illustrates one of the front connection blocks that can used on the cassettes of the present disclosure, such as the Splice Cassettes, in an assembled configuration, ready for pivotable mounting to a cassette body.

[0065] FIG. 57 illustrates the front connection block of FIG. 56 with connectors terminated to fiber pigtails to be spliced to incoming fibers being mounted to the rear ports of the adapters of the cassette.

[0066] FIG. 58 illustrates the body of one of the Splice Cassettes of the present disclosure in a partially exploded configuration with the splice trays removed from the interior of the cassette.

[0067] FIG. 59 illustrates an exploded view of the Splice Cassette of FIG. 52, with the pivotable connection block shown being mounted to the cassette body.

[0068] FIG. 60 illustrates the cassette body and the connection block of FIG. 59 in an assembled configuration.

[0069] FIG. 61 illustrates an exploded view of the Splice Cassette of FIG. 60, with the cassette cover shown being mounted to the cassette body.

[0070] FIG. 62 illustrates the cassette body and the cover of FIG. 61 in an assembled configuration.

[0071] FIG. 63 illustrates another Splice Cassette in an assembled configuration similar to the cassette of FIG. 62.

[0072] FIG. 64 illustrates a perspective view of an example Splitter Cassette that can be used on the panels of the present disclosure, the splitter cassette designed for housing optical equipment such as fiber optic splitters for power-splitting an incoming signal into a number of the same outgoing signals, all via the front adapters.

[0073] FIG. 65 illustrates another Splitter Cassette similar to the cassette of FIG. 63.

[0074] FIG. 66 is another version of Splitter Cassette that includes a number of furcation blocks mounted on the connection block of the cassette, adjacent the adapters of the connection block, the cassette shown configured with four 1:16 splitters.

[0075] FIG. 67 illustrates the Splitter Cassette of FIG. 67 from a top view.

[0076] FIG. 68 illustrates an example of a Splitter Cassette, similar to that shown in FIG. 64, that is designed for holding splitters with lower split counts.

[0077] FIG. 69 illustrates an example of a Splitter Cassette, similar to that shown in FIG. 66, that is designed for holding splitters with higher split counts.

[0078] FIG. 70 diagrammatically illustrates one of the furcation blocks (in the form of an epoxy-filled retainer) that can be used on a Splitter Cassette for transitioning split fibers to connectorized pigtails, used for splitters having higher split counts.

[0079] FIG. 71 is a front perspective view of a parking clip that is configured to be used in the same panel as one holding splitter cassettes, the parking clip used for temporarily holding connectors, the parking clip configured with flexible features for mounting to a panel from the front side of the panel.

[0080] FIG. 72 is a rear perspective view of the parking clip of FIG. 71.

[0081] FIG. 73 illustrates the parking clip of FIGS. 71 and 72 from a top view.

[0082] FIG. 74 illustrates a perspective view of an example CMOD (pre-cabled) Cassette that can be used on the panels of the present disclosure, the CMOD cassette designed with factory circuitry that splits the fibers coming from a distribution cable internally within the cassette to connectorized pigtails that are mounted to the internal ports of the adapters of the cassette, the exterior ports of the adapters are configured to receive mating connectors for continuing the signals.

[0083] FIG. 75 is another perspective view of the CMOD Cassette of FIG. 74.

[0084] FIG. 76 illustrates the concept of breaking out the fibers of a distribution cable into a plurality (e.g., two) of CMOD Cassettes via a break-out device.

[0085] FIG. 77 further illustrates the concept of breaking out the fibers of a distribution cable into a plurality (e.g., three) of CMOD Cassettes via a break-out device, wherein the same breakout length is used for all of the CMOD Cassettes.

[0086] FIG. 78 diagrammatically illustrates two different types of CMOD Cassettes (e.g., SC based and LC based) and their various distribution capacities / options.

[0087] FIG. 79 illustrates the LC based CMOD Cassette of FIG. 78 from a rear perspective view.

[0088] FIG. 80 illustrates the SC based CMOD Cassette of FIG. 74 with the cover removed to show the internal details.

[0089] FIG. 81 illustrates the CMOD Cassette of FIG. 80 with additional splice trays therewithal for providing a splice option.

[0090] FIGS. 82-83 illustrate the capability of adding additional CMOD Cassettes to the panels of the present disclosure for accommodating growth in connectivity.

[0091] FIG. 84 illustrates a perspective view of an example Distribution Cassette that can be used on the panels of the present disclosure, the Distribution Cassette configured for connectivity solutions such as distributing the fibers of a 12f MPO connector to 12 separate SC connectors.

[0092] FIG. 85 illustrates a perspective view of an example Patch Cassette that can be used on the panels of the present disclosure similar to the cassette of FIG. 35, the Patch Cassette configured for use with LC type connectors.

[0093] FIG. 86 illustrates a perspective view of an example Splice Cassette that can be used on the panels of the present disclosure similar to the cassette of FIG. 50, the Splice Cassette configured for use with LC type connectors.

[0094] FIG. 87 illustrates a perspective view of an example CMOD Cassette that can be used on the panels of the present disclosure similar to the cassette of FIG. 74, the CMOD Cassette configured for use with LC type connectors.

[0095] FIG. 88 illustrates a perspective view of an example Distribution Cassette that can be used on the panels of the present disclosure similar to the cassette of FIG. 84, the Distribution Cassette configured for use with LC type connectors and shown with two MPO connectors at the signal entry side.

[0096] FIGS. 89-91 illustrate further details of break-out assemblies used for breaking out the fibers of a distribution cable into a plurality of CMOD Cassettes.

[0097] FIG. 92 illustrates an example of a 3RU panel similar to that shown in FIGS. 22-24 from a rear perspective view, illustrating a pivotable door for covering the rear of the panel.

[0098] FIG. 93 illustrates another rear perspective view of the 3RU panel of FIG. 92.

[0099] FIG. 94 illustrates a partial assembly view of an example panel that can be used in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0100] FIG. 95 illustrates the panel of FIG. 94 with a top cover provided.

[0101] FIG. 96 illustrates the use of magnet holders that are inserted into portions of cable management fingers at the front and back of the panels of the present disclosure, the magnets within the holders used for keeping the pivotable front and rear doors of the panels in a closed position, with FIG. 96 further illustrating the mounting of door hinges to the bottom-most cable management fingers at the front and rear of the panels.

[0102] FIG. 97 illustrates the use of a cable bracket that can be mounted to a rear of the panels of the present disclosure for fixing a distribution cable to the panel.

[0103] FIG. 98 illustrates the use of mounting brackets on an example panel for mounting the panel to a telecommunications rack, the mounting brackets being mountable at different positions on a panel as discussed previously.

[0104] FIG. 99 illustrates the mounting of pivotal doors at the front and rear of an example panel using the door hinges shown in FIG. 96.

[0105] FIG. 100 illustrates the panel of FIGS. 94-99 in a fully assembled configuration.

[0106] FIG. 101 illustrates an example of a 3RU panel similar to that shown in FIGS. 22-24 from a front perspective view, illustrating the pivotable door for covering the front of the panel.

[0107] FIG. 102 illustrates the 3RU panel of FIG. 101 with the front and rear doors of the panel in an open, access position.

[0108] FIG. 103 illustrates an example packaging assembly that can be used to transport one of the panels of the present disclosure.

[0109] FIG. 104 illustrates the concept of fixing a distribution cable to a post of a telecommunications rack or frame that supports one of the panels of the present disclosure.

[0110] FIG. 105 illustrates the use of a cable-tie bracket for fixing a distribution cable to a post of a 19-inch telecommunications rack or frame that supports one of the panels of the present disclosure, wherein the cable-tie bracket is mounted to the post.

[0111] FIG. 106 illustrates the use of a cable-tie bracket for fixing a distribution cable to a post of a 23 -inch telecommunications rack or frame that supports one of the panels of the present disclosure, wherein the cable-tie bracket is mounted to the post.

[0112] FIG. 107 illustrates the use of a cable-tie bracket for fixing a distribution cable to a portion of the panel that is supported by a 23 -inch telecommunications rack or frame, wherein the cable-tie bracket is mounted to a sidewall of the panel itself.

[0113] FIG. 108 further illustrates the concept of breaking out the fibers of a distribution cable into a plurality cassettes, similar to that shown in FIG. 77, wherein the fibers of the distribution cable are initially broken out in the form of mesh- overtubing via a break-out device and the fibers are further broken out from the mesh- overtubing via breakout devices provided at the entry points of the cassettes.

[0114] FIG. 109 illustrates a retainer that can be used to receive one of the Cassettes of the present disclosure for mounting the Cassettes to a sheet-metal type fixture.

[0115] FIG. 110 illustrates a stack of the retainers of FIG. 109.

[0116] FIG. 111 illustrates the mounting of two of the retainers of FIGS. 109-110 in a side-by-side orientation to a sheet-metal type fixture, wherein the mounting holes of the retainers are provided in an offset, juxtaposed relationship, for intermating.

[0117] FIG. 112 illustrates one of the example mounting brackets that can be used for mounting some of the panels of the present disclosure to a telecommunications rack or frame.

[0118] FIG. 113 illustrates various views of another example mounting bracket that can be used for mounting some of the panels of the present disclosure to a telecommunications rack or frame.

[0119] FIG. 114 illustrates yet another example mounting bracket that can be used for mounting some of the panels of the present disclosure to a telecommunications rack or frame.

[0120] FIG. 115 illustrates various views of yet another example mounting bracket that can be used for mounting some of the panels of the present disclosure to a telecommunications rack or frame.

[0121] FIG. 116 illustrates various views of yet another example mounting bracket that can be used for mounting some of the panels of the present disclosure to a telecommunications rack or frame.

[0122] FIG. 117 illustrates several examples of splice trays that can be used within various Cassettes of the present disclosure for holding splices.

[0123] FIG. 118 illustrates an example of a single-capacity cassette retainer configured for receiving the different embodiments of the cassettes of the present disclosure and mounting them to existing telecommunications fixtures via fasteners, three such cassette retainers are shown.

[0124] FIG. 119 illustrates the cassette retainers of FIG. 118 from a rear perspective view (from the rear side of the telecommunications fixture).

[0125] FIG. 120 illustrates another cassette retainer for mounting the different embodiments of the cassettes of the present disclosure to existing telecommunications fixtures via fasteners, the cassette retainer designed to hold two cassettes in a stacked configuration.

[0126] FIG. 121 illustrates another perspective view of the cassette retainer of FIG. 120.

[0127] FIG. 122 illustrates one of the cassette retainers of FIGS. 120-121 being mounted to a telecommunications fixture from the front side of the fixture.

[0128] FIG. 123 illustrates the telecommunications fixture of FIG. 122 with five of the cassette retainers of FIGS. 120-121 having been mounted to the fixture.

[0129] FIG. 124 diagrammatically illustrates the front and rear mounting options for mounting cassettes similar to those of the present disclosure to cassette retainers such as the cassette retainer of FIGS. 120-121.

[0130] FIG. 125 illustrates a stack of four of the cassette retainers of FIGS. 120-121 populated with cassettes ready for mounting to a telecommunications fixture.

[0131] FIG. 126 illustrates five of the cassette retainers of FIGS. 120-121 populated with cassettes and having been mounted to the fixture of FIG. 123.

[0132] FIG. 127 illustrates another perspective view of the telecommunications fixture of FIG. 126 with the five cassette retainers mounted thereto.

[0133] FIG. 128 illustrates the telecommunications fixture of FIGS. 126-127 from a rear perspective view.

[0134] FIG. 129 illustrates the telecommunications fixture of FIGS. 126-128 from a front view.

[0135] FIG. 130 illustrates an exploded view of a cassette retainer similar to those of FIGS. 120-129 that is provided with an optional snap-on front cover.

[0136] FIG. 131 illustrates the cassette retainer of FIG. 130 in an assembled configuration with the front cover mounted on.

[0137] FIG. 132 illustrates five of the cassette retainers of FIGS. 130-131 populated with cassettes and having been mounted to the fixture of FIG. 123.

[0138] FIG. 133 illustrates another perspective view of the telecommunications fixture of FIG. 132 with the five cassette retainers mounted thereto.

[0139] FIG. 134 illustrates another embodiment of a cassette retainer configured to hold two cassettes in a stacked configuration, the cassette retainer having similar features to those of the cassette retainer of FIGS. 120-133.

[0140] FIG. 135 illustrates the cassette retainer of FIG. 134 from a different front perspective.

[0141] FIG. 136 illustrates another cassette retainer for mounting the different embodiments of the cassettes of the present disclosure to existing telecommunicationsfixtures via fasteners, the cassette retainer designed to hold eight cassettes in a stacked configuration.

[0142] FIG. 137 illustrates the cassette retainer of FIG. 136 populated with cassettes;

[0143] FIG. 138 illustrates the option of using the cassette retainer of FIGS. 136-137 in a different orientation where the cassettes are oriented vertically.

[0144] FIG. 139 illustrates the cassette retainer of FIG. 138 used in a vertical orientation populated with cassettes, FIG. 139 also diagrammatically illustrating both correct and incorrect cable routing paths when the cassette retainer is used in such a vertical orientation.

[0145] FIG. 140 is a perspective view of another fiber optic telecommunications system having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the present disclosure, the system including a telecommunications panel similar to those shown in FIGS. 11-14, the panel configured to house a plurality of fiber optic distribution cassettes / modules that are removably mounted to the panel, one of which is shown, the panel shown with a different mounting mechanism for mounting a front pivot cover / door to the panel.

[0146] FIG. 141 illustrates the different example sizes of panels and their connection densities that can be used with the system of the present disclosure, the example sizes that can be provided range among 1RU, 1.5RU, and 3RU heights.

[0147] FIG. 142 illustrates the panels of FIG. 141 with front pivot covers provided on the panels.

[0148] FIG. 143 illustrates the different rack mounting positions that can be used for the panels of the present disclosure from a front perspective view.

[0149] FIG. 144 illustrates examples of mounting brackets that can be used on the panels of the present disclosure for mounting to different width telecommunications racks, one panel illustrated with mounting brackets that can be used for mounting to a 19-inch rack and another panel illustrated with mounting brackets that can be used for mounting to a 23-inch rack.

[0150] FIG. 145 illustrates an example of a panel similar to the panels of FIGS. 140- 144 according to the present disclosure that occupies a 1RU rack space in a telecommunications rack.

[0151] FIG. 146 illustrates the panel of FIG. 145 fully populated with fiber optic distribution cassettes / modules.

[0152] FIG. 147 is a front view of the panel of FIG. 145.

[0153] FIG. 148 illustrates an example of a panel similar to the panels of FIGS. 140-147 according to the present disclosure that occupies a 1.5RU rack space in a telecommunications rack.

[0154] FIG. 149 illustrates the panel of FIG. 148 fully populated with fiber optic distribution cassettes / modules.

[0155] FIG. 150 illustrates a front view of the panel of FIG. 149.

[0156] FIG. 151 illustrates an example of a panel similar to the panels ofFIGS. 140-150 according to the present disclosure that occupies a 3RU rack space in a telecommunications rack.

[0157] FIG. 152 illustrates the panel of FIG. 151 fully populated with fiber optic distribution cassettes / modules.

[0158] FIG. 153 is a front view of the panel of FIG. 152.

[0159] FIG. 154 diagrammatically illustrates the front-mounting option for mounting the cassettes to panels similar to the panels of FIGS. 140-153 of the present disclosure.

[0160] FIG. 155 diagrammatically illustrates the rear-mounting option for mounting the cassettes to the panels of the present disclosure.

[0161] FIG. 156 illustrates a front perspective close-up view of the cable management features of the panels of FIGS. 140-153.

[0162] FIG. 157 illustrates the cable management features of FIG. 156 from a side view.

[0163] FIG. 158 illustrates a perspective view of another example Splice Cassette that can be used on the panels of the present disclosure, the splice cassette designed for splicing incoming fibers to fibers that are led to the adapter ports of the cassette, the cassette shown without a cover to illustrate the internal details and the front connection block of the splice cassette shown in an exploded configuration.

[0164] FIG. 159 illustrates the Splice Cassette of FIG. 158 with the cable management finger of the cassette in an exploded configuration.

[0165] FIG. 160 illustrates the Splice Cassette of FIGS. 158-159 fully assembled with the cover of the cassette mounted thereon.

[0166] FIG. 161 illustrates the Splice Cassette of FIG. 160 from a bottom perspective view.

[0167] FIG. 162 diagrammatically illustrates the mounting of the cover to a cassette similar to the Splice Cassette of FIGS 160-161, the cassette shown with LC format adapters at the front.

[0168] FIG. 163 illustrates an example of a Splice Cassette similar to the Splice Cassette of FIGS. 160-162 with an example splice tray (2x) that can be used within the cassette, the cassette illustrates as having twelve SC front adapters.

[0169] FIG. 164 illustrates an example of a Splice Cassette similar to the Splice Cassette of FIGS. 160-163 with an example splice tray (lx) that can be used within the cassette, the cassette illustrates as having twelve SC front adapters.

[0170] FIG. 165 illustrates an example Splice Cassette similar to the Splice Cassette of FIGS. 160-164 having twenty-four LC adapter ports at the front.

[0171] FIG. 166 illustrates the Splice Cassette of FIG. 165 with an example splice tray (2x) that can be used within the cassette.

[0172] FIG. 167 illustrates the Splice Cassette of FIG. 165 with an example splice tray (lx) for use with LC ribbon cables that can be mounted within the cassette.

[0173] FIG. 168 illustrates a front perspective view of another example Patch Cassette that can be used on the panels of the present disclosure having similar functionality to the Patch Cassette of FIGS. 35-49.

[0174] FIG. 169 illustrates a 3RU panel from a rear perspective view populated with a number of the Patch Cassettes of FIG. 168.

[0175] FIG. 170 illustrates the use of another example of a cable-tie bracket for fixing a distribution cable to a post of a 19-inch telecommunications rack or frame that supports one of the panels of the present disclosure, wherein the cable-tie bracket is mounted to the post.

[0176] FIG. 171 illustrates the use of the cable-tie bracket of FIG. 170 for fixing a distribution cable to a post of a 23 -inch telecommunications rack or frame that supports one of the panels of the present disclosure, wherein the cable-tie bracket is mounted to the post.

[0177] FIG. 172 illustrates the use of hinge and latch structures that are inserted into portions of cable management fingers at the front and back of the panels of the present disclosure, the hinge and latch structures used for keeping the pivotable front and rear doors of the panels in a closed position, with FIG. 172 illustrating the hinge and latch structures in an exploded configuration.

[0178] FIG. 173 illustrates the door hinge and latch structures of FIG. 172 fully assembled with the panels of the present disclosure.

[0179] FIG. 174 illustrates a close-up view of the door latch structure ofFIGS. 172-173 inserted into the panel;

[0180] FIG. 175 illustrates the door latch structure of FIGS. 172-174 in isolation removed from the panel.

[0181] FIG. 176 illustrates a close-up view of the door hinge structure of FIGS. 172-173 inserted into the panel.

[0182] FIG. 177 illustrates the door hinge structure of FIGS. 172-173 and 176 in isolation removed from the panel.

[0183] FIG. 178 illustrates another example mounting bracket that can be used for mounting some of the panels of the present disclosure to a telecommunications rack or frame, for example one of the 1RU panels to a 19-inch telecommunications rack.

[0184] FIG. 179 illustrates another example mounting bracket that can be used for mounting one of the 1RU panels of the present disclosure to a 23-inch telecommunications rack.

[0185] FIG. 180 illustrates another example mounting bracket that can be used for mounting one of the 1.5RU panels of the present disclosure to a 19-inch telecommunications rack.

[0186] FIG. 181 illustrates another example mounting bracket that can be used for mounting one of the 1.5RU panels of the present disclosure to a 23-inch telecommunications rack.

[0187] FIG. 182 illustrates another example mounting bracket that can be used for mounting one of the 3RU panels of the present disclosure to a 19-inch telecommunications rack.

[0188] FIG. 183 illustrates another example mounting bracket that can be used for mounting one of the 3RU panels of the present disclosure to a 23-inch telecommunications rack.Detailed Description

[0189] FIGS. 1-4 and 6-27 depict various versions of a telecommunication chassis / panel 20 that is part of a telecommunications system 10 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0190] The present disclosure describes various sizes and connection densities for the telecommunications chassis 20 including example sizes in the range of 1RU (standard rack unit), 1.5RU, 3RU, and 6RU heights.

[0191] It should be noted that, other than density, all of the described chassis 20 share certain features; and, therefore, such described features will be understood to apply to all of the different sizes of chassis 20.

[0192] The telecommunication chassis 20 (1RU, 1.5RU, 3RU, and 6RU, as seen in FIG. 7) is configured to be secured to a telecommunication rack 15 (FIGS. 104-107).

[0193] Referring to FIGS. 94-103, the telecommunication chassis 20 includes a main chassis body 22 having a front end 24 and a rear end 26. The telecommunication chassis 20 also includes a top 27, a bottom 28, a left side 30 and a right side 32. Side mounting flanges or brackets 34 for securing the telecommunication chassis 20 to the rack 15 are provided at the left and right sides 30, 32. It should be noted that the mounting brackets 34 can be provided at different locations at the sides 30, 32 of the chassis, depending upon the desired mounting configuration. FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the different rack mounting positions that can be used for the panels 20 of the present disclosure from a top view.

[0194] The main chassis body 22 includes a plurality of cassette mounting locations 11 within the main chassis body 22. The cassette mounting locations 11 are configured for allowing fiber optic modules / cassettes 47 to be slid into the main chassis 22 from the front end 24 of the main chassis body 22 and from the rear end 26 of the main chassis body 22. Similarly, the cassette mounting locations 11 are configured for allowing cassettes 47 to be removed from the main chassis body 22 from the front and 24 and from the rear end 26 of the main chassis body 22.

[0195] FIG. 2 illustrates the front and rear access capabilities of the telecommunications system 10 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 illustrates an example instance when the telecommunications system 10 of FIGS. 1-2 is mounted in a cabinet that allows front access only, wherein the panels 20 provided may be pre-cabled panels. FIG. 4 diagrammatically illustrates a panel 20, a pre-cabled cassette 47 mounted within the panel 20, and the cable routing that are used in an environment where only front access is available.

[0196] As illustrated in FIGS. 6-27, 29, and 30, the cassette mounting locations 11 of the panels 20 can be defined by grooves, rails, tracks, or other structures 13.

[0197] As noted above, the cassette mounting locations 11 may vary depending upon the size of the chassis 20 utilized.

[0198] As an illustrative example, a 1RU panel 20, as shown in FIGS.14-16, may define cassette mounting locations 11 that accommodate a first pair of cassettes 47 at a lower level and a second pair of cassettes 47 at an upper level. The cassettes 47 may be mounted in a side-by-side configuration at each of the levels. In other examples, more than two levels can be provided within the chassis 20 as discussed above.

[0199] In all of the depicted versions of the chassis 20, a front door 39 can be provided and be pivoted to an open position to facilitate accessing the front of the main chassis body 22.

[0003] The different sizes of the telecommunication chassis 20 can also include a rear cover 36 that detachably mounts to the rear end 26 of the main chassis body 22.The rear cover 36 includes a rear wall 38 that can be used to enclose the rear end 26 of the main chassis body 22 but can be detached from the main chassis body 22 to access cassettes 47 (e.g., to allow cassettes to be inserted into or removed from the main chassis body 22 through the rear end 26). Detachment of the rear cover 36 can also allow certain types of cassettes 47 having a depth larger than the depth of the main chassis body 22 to be installed in the main chassis body 22.

[0004] As illustrated in FIGS. 92-102, the main chassis body 22 may include a first connection arrangement 40 that interfaces with a second connection arrangement 42 of both the front door 39 and the rear cover 36 to secure the front door 39 and the rear cover 36 to the main chassis body 22.

[0005] In the depicted example, the first connection arrangement 40 includes a plurality of openings 44 (e.g., sockets, receptacles, etc.) provided as part of the cable routing fingers 17 of the chassis 20. Hinge structures 46 are inserted into lower receptacles 44 and magnet holders 19 are inserted into upper receptacles 44 to form the first connection arrangement 40. As will be discussed in further detail, the hinge structures 46 can be secured within the openings 44 by a snap-fit interlock.

[0006] The second connection arrangement 42 is provided on the front door 39 and the rear cover 36. The second connection arrangement 42 is defined as notches 101 that are formed at the lower side of the front door 39 and the rear cover 36 for mating with the hinge structures 46 of the chassis and metallic material 103 of the front door39 and the rear cover 36 for cooperating with the magnets 105 on the chassis 20 to keep the door / cover 39 / 36 closed.

[0007] Illustrated in further detail, FIG. 92 depicts an example of a 3RU panel 20 similar to that shown in FIGS. 22-24 from a rear perspective view, illustrating a pivotable door 36 for covering the rear of the panel 20. FIG. 93 illustrates another rear perspective view of the 3RU panel 20 of FIG. 92. FIG. 94 illustrates a partial assembly view of an example panel 20 that can be used in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 95 illustrates the panel 20 of FIG. 94 with a top cover 27 provided. FIG. 96 illustrates the use of magnet holders 19 that are inserted into portions of cable management fingers 17 at the front and back of the panels 20 of the present disclosure, the magnets 105 within the holders 19 used for keeping the pivotable front and rear doors 39 / 36 of the panels 20 in a closed position, with FIG. 96 further illustrating the mounting of door hinges 46 to the bottom-most cable management fingers 17 at the front and rear of the panels 20. FIG. 97 illustrates the use of a cable bracket 107 that can be mounted to a rear of the panels 20 of the present disclosure for fixing a distribution cable to the panel 20. FIG. 98 illustrates the use of mounting brackets 34 on an example panel 20 for mounting the panel to a telecommunications rack 15, the mounting brackets 34 being mountable at different positions on a panel 20 as discussed previously. FIG. 99 illustrates the mounting of pivotal doors 39, 36 at the front and rear of an example panel 20 using the door hinges 46 shown in FIG. 96. FIG. 100 illustrates the panel 20 of FIGS. 94-99 in a fully assembled configuration. FIG. 101 illustrates an example of a 3RU panel 20 similar to that shown in FIGS. 22-24 from a front perspective view, illustrating the pivotable door 39 for covering the front of the panel 20. FIG. 102 illustrates the 3RU panel 20 of FIG. 101 with the front and rear doors 39, 36 of the panel 20 in an open, access position.

[0200] As shown in FIG. 97, in certain other embodiments, as noted above, instead of a rear cover / door, a cable bracket 107 can be mounted to a rear of the panels 20 of the present disclosure for fixing a distribution cable to the panel 20.

[0008] Now referring back to FIG. 28, various types of optical cassettes 47 that are configured to be mounted within the telecommunication chassis 20 are illustrated. It will be appreciated that each of the optical cassettes 47 is depicted including a row of front fiber optic adapters 50 that are accessible at the front end 24 of the telecommunication chassis 20 when the optical cassettes 47 are installed within thetelecommunication chassis 20. The optical cassettes 47 have opposite sides respectively including a latching arrangement 82 and a slide rail 80. The optical cassettes 47 each have a depth less than the depth of the main chassis body 22 such that the rear cover 36 can be mounted to the rear end 26 of the main chassis body 22 without interference from the cassettes 47.

[0009] In the illustrated example, optical cassette 47a (as shown in FIGS. 35-49 and 85) is depicted as a patching cassette in which connectorized ends of a patch cord are routed through a rear opening 111 of the optical cassette 47a and plugged into rear ports of the fiber-optic adapters 50. Cable management fingers 113 are provided within the cassette 47a for managing the cabling within the cassette 47a. Please see FIG. 49.

[0010] In the illustrated example, optical cassette 47b (as shown in FIGS. 50-63 and 86) is depicted as a splice cassette in which a cable is routed through a rear of the optical cassette 47b and optical fibers of the cable are spliced to connectorized fiberoptic pigtails having connectorized ends plugged into rear ports of the fiber optic adapters 50. The optical cassette 47b can include splice trays 115 (different sizes for the needed circuitry) for holding the splices (shown in FIGS. 50-63). Cable management fingers 117 are again provided within the cassette 47b for managing the cabling within the cassette 47b. Please see FIG. 51. FIG. 117 illustrates several examples of splice trays 115 that can be used within various cassettes 47b of the present disclosure for holding splices.

[0011] In the illustrated example, optical cassette 47c (as shown in FIG. 64-70) is depicted as a splitter cassette including one or more passive optical power splitters having inputs optically connected to optical fibers of cables routed to the splitter cassette 47c (e.g., through the rear of the cassette 47c) and outputs optically connected to connectorized optical pigtails having connectorized ends plugged into rear ports of the fiber optic adapters 50 or routed out through the front of the cassette 47c through pass-through openings or furcation blocks 117 located at the front of the cassette 47c.

[0012] FIG. 71 is a front perspective view of a parking clip 49 that is configured to be used in the same panel 20 as one holding splitter cassettes 47c, the parking clip 49 used for temporarily holding connectors, the parking clip 49 configured with flexible features for mounting to a panel from the front side of the panel 20. FIG. 72 is a rear perspective view of the parking clip 49 of FIG. 71.

[0013] In the illustrated example, optical cassette 47d (as shown in FIGS. 84 and 88) is depicted as a distribution cassette having at least one rear multi-fiber connection interface that can include a multi-fiber adapter 108 having a front port and a rear port. A multi-fiber connector can be installed within the front port of the multi-fiber adapter 108. Optical fibers can connect the multi-fiber connector to single fiber connectors installed within rear ports of the fiber-optic adapters 50. Depending upon the density of the connections, more than one multi-fiber adapter 108 may be provided at the back of the optical cassette 47d (as shown in FIG. 88, for example, when utilized with LC format front adapters 50).

[0014] In the illustrated example, optical cassette 47e (as shown in FIGS. 74-83, 87, and 108) can be a CMOD cassette having an optical cable routed through a rear of the optical cassette 47e and anchored (e.g., crimped) to the optical cassette 47e. Optical fibers of the cable can be terminated by fiber optic connectors such as single-fiber optical connectors that are plugged into rear ports of the fiber-optic adapters 50.

[0015] It should be noted that the insertion and removal functionality of all of the cassettes 47a-e are similar to each other, and such functionality will be discussed with respect to only one example cassette type, with the understanding that the other cassettes 47 will include similar features.

[0016] Referring now to FIGS. 29-49, the mounting and removal of the cassettes 47 to and from chassis 20 will be described with respect to an example patching cassette 47a.

[0017] FIG. 29 diagrammatically illustrates the front-mounting option for mounting the cassettes 47 to the panels 20 of the present disclosure and FIG. 30 diagrammatically illustrates the rear-mounting option for mounting the cassettes 47 to the panels 20 of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 31 is a top view of one of the patching cassettes 47a of the present disclosure, illustrating the front and rear flexible latch portions of the cassette 47a used for removal from front and rear of a panel 20, respectively. Parts of the latching portions are designed to interlock with the panels 20.

[0019] FIG. 32 illustrates a stack of cassettes 47a as mounted within a panel 20 of the present disclosure, where connection blocks or adapter holders 92 of the cassettes 47a holding the adapters 50 provided at the front of the cassettes 47a being at a neutral position. FIG. 33 illustrates the pivoting capability of the connection blocks 92 of thecassetes 47a that hold the adapters 50 that are mounted to the front of the cassetes 47a of the present disclosure, where the connection blocks 92 holding the adapters 50 of a given cassete 47a are pivotally movable in both the up and down directions for improving finger access.

[0020] FIG. 34 illustrates the cable routing features of the panels 20 of the present disclosure, wherein cabling extending from the cassettes 47 mounted within the panels 20 can be routed out the sides of the panels 20 by cable management fingers 17 positioned in vertical stacks at both the right and left side of the panel 20, as discussed previously.

[0021] FIG. 35 illustrates a perspective view of an example patch cassete 47a that can be used on the panels 20 of the present disclosure. FIG. 36 illustrates an exploded view of the patch cassette 47a of FIG. 35 showing a cable management finger 123 being mounted with a snap-fit interlock to the front connection block 92 of the cassete 47a. FIGS. 37 and 38 illustrate the top and botom port labeling options that can be used on the connection block 92 for the adapters 50 of the cassettes 47a of the present disclosure. FIG. 39 illustrates one of the front connection blocks 92 that can used on the cassetes 47a of the present disclosure in an exploded configuration, wherein the adapters 50, the cable management finger 123, and the port labels are shown separately from the main body of the block 92. FIG. 40 illustrates the front connection block 92 of FIG. 39 in a fully assembled configuration, ready for pivotable mounting to a cassete body 66.

[0022] FIG. 41 illustrates an exploded view of the patch cassette 47a of FIG. 35, with the pivotable connection block 92 shown being mounted to the cassete body 66 and FIG. 42 illustrates the cassette body 66 and the connection block 92 of FIG. 41 in an assembled configuration.

[0023] FIG. 43 illustrates another cassette body 66 and connection block 92 in an assembled configuration similar to the cassete 47a of FIG. 42.

[0024] FIG. 44 illustrates a close-up view showing the pivotal mounting interface between the connection block 92 and the cassette 47a of FIG. 43.

[0025] FIG. 45 illustrates the pivot pin portion 125 of the mounting interface positioned at the side edges of the cassette 47a of FIG. 44 and FIG. 46 illustrates the pivot pin portion 125 of the mounting interface positioned at the center of the cassette 47a of FIG. 44.

[0026] FIG. 47 illustrates an exploded view of a cassette similar to the patch cassette 47a of FIG. 35, with the pivotable connection block 92 shown removed from the cassette body 66, the flexible latch portions of the cassette 47a also illustrated from the left side perspective view of the cassette 47a. FIG. 48 illustrates the cassette body 66 and the connection block 92 of FIG. 47 in an assembled configuration, showing the pivotal interface. FIG. 49 illustrates an example patch cassette 47a from a top view, fully populated with fiber pigtails being connected to the rear ports of the adapters 50 of the cassette 47a.

[0027] Still referring to FIGS. 29-49, the telecommunication cassette 47a includes a cassette body 66 that extends between opposite first and second sides 68, 70 (e.g., left and right sides) of the cassette body 66. The cassette body also extends between opposite front and back ends 72, 74 of the cassette body 66. The cassette body 66 extends between top and bottom sides 76, 78 of the cassette body 66.

[0028] A rail 80 for engaging a complementary structure within the main chassis body 22 can be provided at the second side 70 of the cassette body 66 and a latching arrangement 82 for latching the optical cassette 60 within the telecommunication chassis 20 can be provided at the first side 68 of the cassette body 66. The latching arrangement 82 can include a front latch portion 82a adapted to be accessible from the front of the chassis 20 and a rear latch portion 82b adapted to be accessible from the rear of the chassis 20. The telecommunication cassette 47a can be slid in and out of the chassis 20 through the front end 24 of the chassis 20 and also can be slid in and out of the chassis 20 through the rear end 26 of the chassis 20.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 94-96, the front latch portion 82a can be adapted to engage a front catch / recess 127 provided within the chassis 20, and the rear latch portion 82b can be configured to engage a rear catch / recess 127 provide within the chassis 20. The front and rear latch portions 82a, 82b can be configured as resilient latching arms that are biased toward a retaining position in which the front and rear latch portions 82a, 82b are adapted to engage their corresponding catches 127 to retain the optical cassette 20 within the main chassis body 22.

[0030] By flexing the resilient latching arms from the retaining position to a release position, the optical cassette 47a can be removed from the main chassis body 22. For example, by flexing the front latch portion 82a to the release position, the front latch portion 82a disengages from the front catch of the main chassis body 22 allowingoptical cassette 60 to be removed from the main chassis body 22 through the front end 24 of the main chassis body 22. By flexing the rear latch portion 82b to the release position, the rear latch portion 82b disengages from the rear catch of the main chassis body 22 allowing the optical cassette 47a to be removed from the main chassis body 22 through the rear end 26 of the main chassis body 22.

[0031] The front and rear latch portions 82a, 82b can include ramp surfaces 129 for allowing the rear latch portion 82b to snap past the front catch / recess 127 when the optical cassette 47a is loaded into the main chassis body 22 through the front end 24, and for allowing the front latch portion 82a to snap past the rear catch / recess 127 when the cassette 47a is loaded into the main chassis body 22 through the rear end 26.

[0032] As discussed above, the front flexible latch 82a extending forwardly from the front end of the cassette body 66 and the rear flexible latch 82b extending rearward from the back end of the cassette body 66 are both configured to flex inwardly toward the cassette body 66 during slidable insertion of the telecommunications cassette 47a into the chassis 20. The flexible front and rear latches 82a, 82b are also configured to flex inwardly toward the cassette body 66 to clear the catches 127 during slidable removal of the telecommunications cassette 47a from the chassis 20.

[0033] As noted above, each of the front and rear flexible latches 82a, 82b defines a catch formed from a first portion 129a that ramps away from the respective latch and a second portion 129b that ramps toward the respective latch for causing the front and rear latches 82a, 82b to flex inwardly toward the cassette body during both slidable insertion of the cassette body 66 into the chassis 20 and slidable removable of the cassette body 66 from the chassis 20. The ramp surfaces 129 are configured to simultaneously rest within the spaced apart recesses 127 provided within the chassis 20 when the cassette 47a is in the fixedly mounted position therein.

[0034] The optical cassette 47a includes front fiber-optic adapters 50 mounted adjacent the front end 72 of the cassette body 66. FIG. 5 illustrates a number of example fiber optic connector types (e.g., SC, LC simplex, LC duplex, LC duplex with movable uniboot) that can be used on the fiber optic cassettes / modules 47 that are mountable in the panels 20 of the system 10 of the present disclosure.

[0035] In certain examples, the front fiber optic adapters 50 can be arranged in one or more rows. As depicted and discussed above, the front fiber optic adapters 50coupled to an adapter mount 92 (e.g., a connection block, an adapter block, an adapter holder, etc.) that attaches to the front end 72 of the cassette body 66.

[0036] As also shown (in FIG. 36), a cable management finger 123 may be mounted with a snap-fit interlock to the front connection block 92 of the cassette 47 at the center between the two sets of adapters 50. The cable management finger 123 can be used for guiding the cabling extending from the cassettes 47 toward the exit points of the panels 20.

[0037] In one example, the front adapter mount 92 can attach to the front end 72 of the cassette body 66 by a snap-fit connection which is engaged by inserting the front adapter mount 92 in a front to rear direction into engagement with the cassette body 66. As noted above, the adapter mount 92 may be pivotally movable for accessing the desired adapters 50 of the cassettes 47 when the cassettes 47 have been mounted in a stacked configuration within a chassis 20.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 39-48, the pivotable adapter mount 92 may include a plurality of rear extensions 140 that define pivot receptacles 142 for pivotally mounting the adapter mounts 92 to the fronts of the cassettes 47. In the depicted versions, each adapter mount 92 defines an extension 140 adjacent the right and left sides of the adapter mount 92 and an additional center extension 140.

[0039] Mating pivot pins 144 within the cassettes 47 receive and snap into the pivot receptacles 142 of the connection blocks 92 when the connection blocks 92 are inserted in a front to rear direction into engagement with the cassette bodies 66.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 33, the pivotability of the connection blocks 92 are limited to a certain range of travel via top and bottom engagement walls 146, 148 provided adjacent the pivot pins 144 of the cassettes 47. Please see FIGS. 44-48.

[0041] As depicted at FIGS. 29-49, the fiber optic adapters 50 each include a front port 93 facing in a forward direction and a rear port 94 facing in a rearward direction. The fiber optic adapters 50 are configured for coupling together single-fiber optical connectors inserted into the front and rear ports 93, 94 and include ferrule alignment sleeves 96 adapted for coaxially aligning ferrules of the connectors. In the depicted example, the fiber optic adapters 50 are SC fiber optic adapters. But as noted above, a number of example fiber optic adapter / connector types (e.g., SC, LC simplex, LC duplex, LC duplex with movable uniboot) that can be used on the fiber opticcassettes / modules 47 that are mountable in the panels 20 of the system 10 of the present disclosure.

[0042] In the depicted example, the fiber optic adapters 50 are aligned in a single row on the cassette 47a including twelve of the fiber-optic adapters 50. In an alternative example, the SC fiber optic adapters 50 can be replaced with LC fiber optic adapters 50. It will be appreciated that by using LC fiber optic adapters 50, a larger number of adapters 50 can be provided on the optical cassette 47a. In one example, by using LC fiber optic adapters 50, the number of adapters 50 provided on the optical cassette 47a can be doubled (e.g., twenty-four fiber optic adapters can be provided). In alternative examples, one or more fiber optic adapters 50 adapted for coupling multi-fiber optical connectors can be provided at the front of the optical cassette 47a.

[0043] Still referring to FIGS. 29-49, the cassette body 66 defines a fiber routing region 98. The fiber routing region 98 is located between the front fiber optic adapters 50 and a cable exit 150 provided at the rear of the cassette body 66.

[0044] As discussed above, in certain cassettes such as the distribution cassettes 47d, the cassettes may have at least one rear multi-fiber connection interface that can include a multi-fiber adapter 108 having a front port and a rear port. A multi-fiber connector can be installed within the front port of the multi-fiber adapter 108. Optical fibers can connect the multi-fiber connector to single fiber connectors installed within rear ports of the fiber-optic adapters 50. And, in an optical cassette such as the CMOD cassette 47e, an optical cable may be routed through a rear of the optical cassette 47e and anchored (e.g., crimped) to the optical cassette 47e. The optical fibers of the cable can then be terminated by fiber optic connectors such as single-fiber optical connectors that are plugged into rear ports of the fiber-optic adapters 50.

[0045] It will be appreciated that, when utilized, the multi-fiber optical connectors received at the rear fiber optic adapters 108 can have different numbers of fiber counts (e.g., eight fibers, 12 fibers, 16 fibers, 24 fibers). In one example, where the front fiber optic adapters 50 include twelve SC fiber-optic adapters, a rear fiber-optic adapter 108 is used to provide an optical connection interface with the fiber optic adapters 50. For example, a 12-fiber MPO connector 114 can be received within the front port 110 of the fiber-optic adapter 108 and optically coupled to single fiber optical connectors 116 received within the rear ports 94 of the front fiber optic adapters 50 by optical fibers 118 routed though the fiber routing region 98. Where the front fiber optic adapters 50include twenty-four LC fiber optic adapters, higher fiber count connectors may be provided at the rear of the cassette 47d.

[0046] FIG. 103 illustrates an example packaging assembly that can be used to transport one of the panels 20 of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 104 illustrates the concept of fixing a distribution cable to a post of a telecommunications rack or frame 15 that supports one of the panels 20 of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 105 illustrates the use of a cable-tie bracket 160 for fixing a distribution cable to a post of a 19-inch telecommunications rack or frame 15 that supports one of the panels 20 of the present disclosure, wherein the cable-tie bracket 160 is mounted to the post.

[0049] FIG. 106 illustrates the use of a cable-tie bracket 160 for fixing a distribution cable to a post of a 23-inch telecommunications rack or frame 15 that supports one of the panels 20 of the present disclosure, wherein the cable-tie bracket 160 is mounted to the post.

[0050] FIG. 107 illustrates the use of a cable-tie bracket 160 for fixing a distribution cable to a portion of the panel 20 that is supported by a 23-inch telecommunications rack or frame 15, wherein the cable-tie bracket 160 is mounted to a sidewall of the panel 20 itself.

[0051] FIG. 108 further illustrates the concept of breaking out the fibers of a distribution cable into a plurality cassettes 47, similar to that shown in FIG. 77, wherein the fibers of the distribution cable are initially broken out in the form of mesh- overtubing via a break-out device and the fibers are further broken out from the mesh- overtubing via breakout devices provided at the entry points of the cassettes 47.

[0052] FIG. 109 illustrates a retainer 200 that can be used to receive one of the cassettes 47 of the present disclosure for mounting the cassettes to a sheet-metal type telecommunications fixture 202. FIG. 110 illustrates a stack of the retainers 200 of FIG. 109. FIG. 111 illustrates the mounting of two of the retainers 200 of FIGS. 109- 110 in a side-by-side orientation to a sheet-metal type fixture 202, wherein the mounting holes of the retainers 200 are provided in an offset, juxtaposed relationship, for intermating. It should be noted that such retainers 200 include similar inner latching structures as those of the panels 20 for removable latching of the cassettes 47 thereto.

[0053] FIG. 112 illustrates one of the example mounting brackets 34 that can be used for mounting some of the panels 20 of the present disclosure to a telecommunications rack or frame 15.

[0054] FIG. 113 illustrates various views of another example mounting bracket 34 that can be used for mounting some of the panels 20 of the present disclosure to a telecommunications rack or frame 15.

[0055] FIG. 114 illustrates yet another example mounting bracket 34 that can be used for mounting some of the panels 20 of the present disclosure to a telecommunications rack or frame 15.

[0056] FIG. 115 illustrates various views of yet another example mounting bracket 34 that can be used for mounting some of the panels 20 of the present disclosure to a telecommunications rack or frame 15.

[0057] FIG. 116 illustrates various views of yet another example mounting bracket 34 that can be used for mounting some of the panels 20 of the present disclosure to a telecommunications rack or frame 15.

[0058] Referring now to FIGS. 118 and 119, illustrated is another example of a single-capacity cassette retainer 210 configured for receiving the different embodiments of the cassettes 47 of the present disclosure and mounting them to existing telecommunications fixtures 202 via fasteners. Three such cassette retainers 210 are shown. FIG. 119 illustrates the cassette retainers 210 of FIG. 118 from a rear perspective view (from the rear side of the telecommunications fixture 202). It should be noted that the single cassette retainers 210 shown in FIGS. 118 and 119 are similar in function to the retainers 200 shown in FIGS. 109-111.

[0059] FIG. 120 illustrates another cassette retainer 220 for mounting the different embodiments of the cassettes 47 of the present disclosure to existing telecommunications fixtures 202 via fasteners, the cassette retainer 220 designed to hold two cassettes 47 in a stacked configuration. FIG. 121 illustrates another perspective view of the cassette retainer 220 of FIG. 120. FIG. 122 illustrates one of the cassette retainers 220 of FIGS. 120-121 being mounted to a telecommunications fixture 202 from the front side of the fixture 202. FIG. 123 illustrates the telecommunications fixture 202 of FIG. 122 with five of the cassette retainers 220 of FIGS. 120-121 having been mounted to the fixture 202. FIG. 124 diagrammatically illustrates the front and rear mounting options for mounting cassettes 47 similar tothose of the present disclosure to cassette retainers such as the cassette retainer 220 of FIGS. 120-121.

[0060] FIG. 125 illustrates a stack of four of the cassette retainers 220 of FIGS. 120- 121 populated with cassettes 47 ready for mounting to a telecommunications fixture 202. FIG. 126 illustrates five of the cassette retainers 220 of FIGS. 120-121 populated with cassettes 47 and having been mounted to the fixture 202 of FIG. 123. FIG. 127 illustrates another perspective view of the telecommunications fixture 202 of FIG. 126 with the five cassette retainers 220 mounted thereto. FIG. 128 illustrates the telecommunications fixture 202 of FIGS. 126-127 from a rear perspective view. FIG. 129 illustrates the telecommunications fixture 202 of FIGS. 126-128 from a front view.

[0061] FIG. 130 illustrates an exploded view of a cassette retainer 230 similar to those of FIGS. 120-129 that is provided with an optional snap-on front cover 232. FIG. 131 illustrates the cassette retainer 230 of FIG. 130 in an assembled configuration with the front cover 232 mounted on. FIG. 132 illustrates five of the cassette retainers 230 of FIGS. 130-131 populated with cassettes 47 and having been mounted to the fixture 202 of FIG. 123. FIG. 133 illustrates another perspective view of the telecommunications fixture 202 of FIG. 132 with the five cassette retainers 230 mounted thereto.

[0062] Referring now to FIGS. 134 and 135, illustrated is another embodiment of a cassette retainer 240 configured to hold two cassettes 47 in a stacked configuration, the cassette retainer 240 having similar features to those of the cassette retainer 220 of FIGS. 120-129. The cassette retainer 240 is designed as an asymmetric structure that only has cable management features at one side of the retainer 240, which can allow for a more compact footprint in the width dimension. FIG. 135 illustrates the cassette retainer 240 of FIG. 134 from a different front perspective.

[0063] Referring now to FIGS. 136-139, illustrated is another cassette retainer 250 for mounting the different embodiments of the cassettes 47 of the present disclosure to existing telecommunications fixtures 202 via fasteners, the cassette retainer 250 designed to hold eight cassettes 47 in a stacked configuration. FIG. 137 illustrates the cassette retainer 250 of FIG. 136 populated with cassettes 47. FIG. 138 illustrates the option of using the cassette retainer 250 of FIGS. 136-137 in a different orientation where the cassettes 47 are oriented vertically. FIG. 139 illustrates the cassette retainer 250 of FIG. 138 used in a vertical orientation populated with cassettes 47. FIG. 139also (U grammatically illustrates both correct and incorrect cable routing paths when the cassette retainer 250 is used in such a vertical orientation. As shown, when the cassettes 47 are mounted in a vertical orientation using a cassette retainer such as the retainer 250 of FIGS. 136-139, the cabling extending from the adapter ports should preferably be directed and cascade downwardly, instead of in a sideways direction.

[0064] Now referring to FIGS . 140-183, another fiber optic telecommunications system 300 having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated in detail. The system 300 includes telecommunications panels 320 similar to those discussed above, except for some differences. The panels 320 are configured to house a plurality of fiber optic distribution cassettes / modules 47 that are removably mounted to the panel 320. The panels 320 of FIGS. 140-183 are different from those discussed above such that a different mounting mechanism for mounting a front / rear pivot cover / door 339, 336 to the panel 320 is utilized.

[0065] FIG. 141 illustrates the different example sizes of panels 320 and their connection densities that can be used with the system 300 of the present disclosure, the example sizes that can be provided range among 1RU, 1.5RU, and 3RU heights. FIG. 142 illustrates the panels 320 of FIG. 141 with front pivot covers 339 provided on the panels 320. FIG. 143 illustrates the different rack mounting positions that can be used for the panels 320 of the present disclosure from a front perspective view.

[0066] FIG. 144 illustrates examples of mounting brackets 334 that can be used on the panels 320 of the present disclosure for mounting to different width telecommunications racks 15, one panel 320 illustrated with mounting brackets 334 that can be used for mounting to a 19-inch rack 15 and another panel 320 illustrated with mounting brackets 334 that can be used for mounting to a 23-inch rack 15.

[0067] FIG. 145 illustrates an example of a panel 320 similar to the panels of FIGS. 140-144 according to the present disclosure that occupies a 1RU rack space in a telecommunications rack 15. FIG. 146 illustrates the panel 320 of FIG. 145 fully populated with fiber optic distribution cassettes / modules 47. FIG. 147 is a front view of the panel 320 of FIG. 145.

[0068] FIG. 148 illustrates an example of a panel 320 similar to the panels 320 of FIGS. 140-147 according to the present disclosure that occupies a 1.5RU rack space in a telecommunications rack 15. FIG. 149 illustrates the panel 320 of FIG. 148 fullypopulated with fiber optic distribution cassettes / modules 47. FIG. 150 illustrates a front view of the panel 320 of FIG. 149.

[0069] FIG. 151 illustrates an example of a panel 320 similar to the panels 320 of FIGS. 140-150 according to the present disclosure that occupies a 3RU rack space in a telecommunications rack 15. FIG. 152 illustrates the panel 320 of FIG. 151 fully populated with fiber optic distribution cassettes / modules 47. FIG. 153 is a front view of the panel 320 of FIG. 152.

[0070] FIG. 154 diagrammatically illustrates the front-mounting option for mounting the cassettes 47 to panels similar to the panels 320 of FIGS. 140-153 of the present disclosure. FIG. 155 diagrammatically illustrates the rear-mounting option for mounting the cassettes 47 to the panels 320 of the present disclosure.

[0071] FIG. 156 illustrates a front perspective close-up view of the cable management features 317 of the panels 320 of FIGS. 140-153. The cable management features 317 of the panels are similar to those discussed above except the channel lip designs 315 are changed to a V-shape to improve containment of the cables extending from the cassettes 47 in the panels 320. As will be discussed in further detail, the cable management features 317 define receptacles 344 for receiving the door hinge features 346 of the panels 320.

[0072] FIG. 157 illustrates the cable management features 317 of FIG. 156 from a side view, showing the abutting relationship of the pivot door 339 to the channel lips 315 for containing the cabling within the cable management area.

[0073] FIG. 158 illustrates a perspective view of another example splice cassette 47f that can be used on the panels 20 / 320 of the present disclosure, the splice cassette 47f designed for splicing incoming fibers to fibers that are led to the adapter ports of the cassette 47f, the cassette 47f shown without a cover 51 to illustrate the internal details and the front connection block 92 of the splice cassette 47f shown in an exploded configuration. The splice cassette 47f, although including a different structure, includes similar functionality to the cassette 47b illustrated in FIGS. 50-63.

[0074] FIG. 159 illustrates the splice cassette 47f of FIG. 158 with the cable management finger 123 of the cassette 47f in an exploded configuration. FIG. 160 illustrates the splice cassette 47f of FIGS. 158-159 fully assembled with the cover 51 of the cassette 47f mounted thereon.

[0075] FIG. 161 illustrates the splice cassette 47f of FIG. 160 from a bottom perspective view.

[0076] FIG. 162 diagrammatically illustrates the mounting of the cover 51 to a cassette similar to the splice cassette 47f of FIGS 160- 161 , the cassette 47f shown with LC format adapters 50 at the front.

[0077] FIG. 163 illustrates an example of a splice cassette similar to the splice cassette 47f of FIGS. 160-162 with an example splice tray (2x) 315 that can be used within the cassette 47f, the cassette 47f illustrated as having twelve SC front adapters 50.

[0078] FIG. 164 illustrates an example of a splice cassette similar to the splice cassette 47f of FIGS. 160-163 with an example splice tray (lx) 315 that can be used within the cassette 47f, the cassette 47f illustrated as having twelve SC front adapters 50.

[0079] FIG. 165 illustrates an example splice cassette similar to the splice cassette 47f of FIGS. 160-164 having twenty-four LC adapter ports at the front.

[0080] FIG. 166 illustrates the splice cassette 47f of FIG. 165 with an example splice tray (2x) 315 that can be used within the cassette 47f.

[0081] FIG. 167 illustrates the splice cassette 47f of FIG. 165 with an example splice tray (lx) 315 for use with LC ribbon cables that can be mounted within the cassette 47f.

[0082] In the splice cassette 47f of FIGS. 158-167, the splice trays 315 are surrounded by half spools 350 in each of the side by side chambers 352 within the cassettes 47f. The spools 350 define cable management fingers 354 for retaining the cables around the spools 350, while outer cable management fingers 356 are configured to retain cables around the exterior wall 358 of each of the chambers 352. A central cable channel 360 is defined between the two side-by-side chambers 352 in the splice cassette 47f. A front cable routing wall 362 is provided for directing the cabling to the two separate chambers 352 via side channels 364, as shown in FIGS. 163 and 164.

[0083] FIG. 168 illustrates a perspective view of another example patch cassette 47g that can be used on the panels 20 / 320 of the present disclosure. The patch cassette 47g, although having a different structure, includes similar functionality to the patch cassette 47a of FIGS. 35-49.

[0084] FIG. 169 illustrates a 3RU panel 320 from a rear perspective view populated with a number of the patch cassettes 47g of FIG. 168.

[0085] As illustrated in FIGS. 168 and 169, the patch cassette 47g defines a central cable retainer structure 366 that is used to guide cables to a rear opening 368.

[0086] FIG. 170 illustrates the use of another example of a cable-tie bracket 370 for fixing a distribution cable to a post of a 19-inch telecommunications rack or frame 15 that supports one of the panels 20 / 320 of the present disclosure, wherein the cable-tie bracket 370 is mounted to the post.

[0087] FIG. 171 illustrates the use of the cable-tie bracket 370 of FIG. 170 for fixing a distribution cable to a post of a 23-inch telecommunications rack or frame 15 that supports one of the panels 20 / 320 of the present disclosure, wherein the cable-tie bracket 370 is mounted to the post.

[0088] As discussed above, FIG. 172 illustrates the use of hinge and latch structures 346, 319 that are inserted into portions of cable management fingers 317 at the front and back of the panels 320 of the present disclosure, the hinge and latch structures 346, 319 used for keeping the pivotable front and rear doors 339, 336 of the panels 320 in a closed position, with FIG. 172 illustrating the hinge and latch structures 346, 319 in an exploded configuration. FIG. 173 illustrates the door hinge and latch 346, 319 structures of FIG. 172 fully assembled with the panels 320 of the present disclosure.

[0089] FIG. 174 illustrates a close-up view of the door latch structure 319 of FIGS. 172-173 inserted into the panel 320.

[0090] FIG. 175 illustrates the door latch structure 319 of FIGS. 172-174 in isolation removed from the panel 320.

[0091] FIG. 176 illustrates a close-up view of the door hinge structure 346 of FIGS. 172-173 inserted into the panel 320.

[0092] FIG. 177 illustrates the door hinge structure 346 of FIGS. 172-173 and 176 in isolation removed from the panel 320.

[0093] As illustrated in FIGS. 172-177, the door hinge structure 346 defines flexible side hooks 380 that are configured to snap-fit into receptacles 382 defined by the cable management structures 317 of the panels. At the front of the door hinge structure 346, a top retaining structure 384 prevents removal of the door lip 401 once placed within the pivot receptacle 403.

[0094] The upper latch structure 319 also includes flexible side hooks 386 that are configured to snap-fit into receptacles 383 defined by the cable management structures 317 of the panels 320. A front catch 388 of the latch structure 319 is configured toretain the door 339 / 336 in a closed position, as shown in FIGS. 174-175. The front catch 388 defines a ramped surface 390 that the door 339 / 336 can slidably ride over before being latched by the front catch 388.

[0095] FIG. 178 illustrates another example mounting bracket 334 that can be used for mounting some of the panels 20 / 320 of the present disclosure to a telecommunications rack or frame 15, for example one of the 1RU panels 20 / 320 to a 19-inch telecommunications rack 15.

[0096] FIG. 179 illustrates another example mounting bracket 334 that can be used for mounting one of the 1RU panels 20 / 320 of the present disclosure to a 23-inch telecommunications rack 15.

[0097] FIG. 180 illustrates another example mounting bracket 334 that can be used for mounting one of the 1.5RU panels 20 / 320 of the present disclosure to a 19-inch telecommunications rack 15.

[0098] FIG. 181 illustrates another example mounting bracket 334 that can be used for mounting one of the 1.5RU panels 20 / 320 of the present disclosure to a 23-inch telecommunications rack 15.

[0099] FIG. 182 illustrates another example mounting bracket 334 that can be used for mounting one of the 3RU panels 20 / 320 of the present disclosure to a 19-inch telecommunications rack 15.

[0100] FIG. 183 illustrates another example mounting bracket 334 that can be used for mounting one of the 3RU panels 20 / 320 of the present disclosure to a 23-inch telecommunications rack 15.

[0101] The various examples described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example examples and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A telecommunications cassette adapted to be mounted within a telecommunications chassis, the telecommunications cassette comprising: a cassette body including a width that extends between opposite first and second sides of the cassette body, a depth that extends between opposite front and back ends of the cassette body and a height that extends between top and bottom sides of the cassette body; front fiber-optic adapters mounted to an adapter holder that is pivotally mounted adjacent the front end of the cassette body, the adapter holder pivotable about an axis that extends between the first and second sides of the cassette body, the front fiber-optic adapters each including a front port facing in a forward direction and a rear port facing in a rearward direction; and a front flexible latch extending forwardly from the front end of the cassette body and a back flexible latch extending rearward from the back end of the cassette body, the front and back flexible latches provided at at least one of the first and second sides of the cassette body, wherein each of the front and back flexible latches is configured to flex inwardly toward the cassette body during slidable insertion of the telecommunications cassette into the telecommunications chassis and also flex inwardly toward the cassette body during slidable removal of the telecommunications cassette from the telecommunications chassis; wherein each of the front and back flexible latches includes a catch that defines a portion that ramps away from the respective latch and a portion that ramps toward the respective latch for interacting with the chassis and causing the front and back latches to flex inwardly toward the cassette body during both slidable insertion of the cassette body into the telecommunications chassis and slidable removal of the cassette body from the telecommunications chassis, wherein the catches are configured to simultaneously rest within spaced apart recesses provided within the telecommunications chassis when the cassette is in the fixedly mounted position.

2. The telecommunications cassette of claim 1 , wherein the front and back flexible laches and the catches defined by the front and back flexible latches allow thetelecommunications cassette to be insertable and removable from either a front end or a rear end of the telecommunications chassis.

3. The telecommunications cassette of claim 1, further defining a rear adapter mounting location adjacent the back end of the cassette body for mounting a rear fiber optic adapter, the rear fiber optic adapter having a front port facing in the forward direction and a rear port facing in the rearward direction.

4. The telecommunications cassette of claim 1, further comprising an optical device within the cassette body configured to process a signal input into the telecommunications cassette.

5. The telecommunications cassette of claim 1, further comprising a splice tray for splicing optical fibers within the cassette body.

6. The telecommunications cassette of claim 1 , wherein the front and back flexible latches are provided at one of the first and second sides of the cassette body and the other opposing side defining a guide rail for guiding the cassette body into the telecommunications chassis during mounting.

7. The telecommunications cassette of claim 1 , further comprising a cable management finger extending forwardly from the adapter holder that is pivotally mounted adjacent the front end of the cassette body, the cable management finger pivotable with the adapter holder.

8. The telecommunications cassette of claim 1 , further comprising cable management fingers within the cassette body for guiding connectorized cables that extend from the front fiber-optic adapters into the cassette body.

9. The telecommunications cassette of claim 1 , further comprising a cover for enclosing an interior of the cassette body.

10. A telecommunication system comprising:a chassis configured to be secured to a telecommunication rack, the chassis including a main chassis body including a front end and a rear end, the chassis including side flanges for securing the chassis to a rack, the chassis defining cassette mounting locations provided in a stacked arrangement, each cassette mounding location defining spaced apart recesses for cooperating with and latching a cassette in a fixedly mounted position within the chassis; a plurality of telecommunications cassettes mounted within the chassis, each telecommunications cassette comprising: a cassette body including a width that extends between opposite first and second sides of the cassette body, a depth that extends between opposite front and back ends of the cassette body and a height that extends between top and bottom sides of the cassette body; and a front flexible latch extending forwardly from the front end of the cassette body and a back flexible latch extending rearward from the back end of the cassette body, the front and back flexible latches provided at at least one of the first and second sides of the cassette body, wherein each of the front and back flexible latches is configured to flex inwardly toward the cassette body during slidable insertion of the telecommunications cassette into the chassis and also flex inwardly toward the cassette body during slidable removal of the telecommunications cassette from the chassis, wherein each of the front and back flexible latches includes a catch that defines a portion that ramps away from the respective latch and a portion that ramps toward the respective latch for interacting with the chassis and causing the front and back latches to flex inwardly toward the cassette body during both slidable insertion of the cassette body into the chassis and slidable removal of the cassette body from the chassis, wherein the catches are configured to simultaneously rest within the spaced apart recesses provided within the chassis when the cassette is in the fixedly mounted position.

11. The telecommunication system of claim 10, wherein each cassette includes front fiber-optic adapters mounted to an adapter holder that is pivotally mounted adjacent the front end of the cassette body, the adapter holder pivotable about an axis that extends between the first and second sides of the cassette body, the front fiber-opticadapters each including a front port facing in a forward direction and a rear port facing in a rearward direction.

12. The telecommunication system of claim 10, wherein the front and back flexible laches and the catches defined by the front and back flexible latches allow each telecommunications cassette to be insertable and removable from either a front end or a rear end of the chassis.

13. The telecommunications system of claim 10, wherein the front and back flexible latches are provided at one of the first and second sides of each cassette body and the other opposing side defining a guide rail for guiding the cassette body into the chassis during mounting.

14. The telecommunications system of claim 10, wherein the chassis defines a plurality of cable management fingers extending forwardly from the front end of the chassis, each cable management finger associated with each mounting location of the chassis for guiding cables extending from the telecommunications cassettes mounted at the mounting locations.

15. The telecommunications system of claim 14, wherein the chassis defines a pivotally disposed door adjacent at least the front end and the rear end of the main chassis body.

16. The telecommunications system of claim 15, wherein the pivotally disposed door interacts with a door latch that is inserted within a receptacle defined by one of the cable management fingers.

17. The telecommunications system of claim 10, wherein the chassis can be provided in 1RU, 1.5RU, 3RU, and 6RU sizes.

18. The telecommunications system of claim 10, wherein the side flanges allow the chassis to be mountable to a standard 19-inch telecommunications rack.

19. The telecommunications system of claim 10, wherein the side flanges allow the chassis to be mountable to a standard 23 -inch telecommunications rack.

20. The telecommunications system of claim 10, wherein the plurality of telecommunications cassettes are mounted within the chassis in a vertically stacked arrangement and in side-by-side pairs.

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