Modular fiber optic cable fixation and sealing assemblies for telecommunications distribution boxes

Abstract

Cable fixation and sealing modules for telecommunications boxes, and methods of using the same. Cable fixation and sealing hardware of telecommunications boxes is provided with features that allow for more compactness of optical fiber management assemblies and / or greater versatility in how telecommunications boxes can be set up and used in the field.

Description

MODULAR FIBER OPTIC CABLE FIXATION AND SEALING ASSEMBLIES FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS DISTRIBUTION BOXESCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is being filed as a PCT International application and claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 712,626, filed October 28, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to improvements in distribution closures of telecommunications networks.BACKGROUND

[0003] In a typical fiber optic distribution network, sealed and re-enterable enclosures or boxes are used to provide access to optical fibers from one or more fiber optic cables. For example, the optical fibers from multi-fiber distribution cables can be accessed within the boxes. The boxes can be mounted to a surface, such as a wall inside of a building.

[0004] Splice trays, patch panels, and various optical components can be provided within the boxes. In some examples, the optical fibers from the distribution (or feeder) cable are spliced inside the enclosures to optical fibers corresponding to drop cables that are routed out of the enclosure through sealed ports.

[0005] The multitude of optical fiber management components that a distribution box can be fitted with can be heavy, occupy a lot of space within the distribution box, and be cumbersome to install, remove and adjust. Generally, there is a desire for lighter weight and more compact optical fiber distribution boxes and optical fiber organizer assemblies that are positioned within these boxes.SUMMARY

[0006] In general terms, the present disclosure relates to cable fixation and sealing components of optical fiber organizer assemblies of optical fiber distribution boxes. The components can provide one or more of: improved versatility of use for different optical fiber management schemes; minimization of the amount of space the components occupy, weight reduction of the components, and / or facilitation in assembling and maintaining the components.

[0007] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a telecommunications box, including: housing pieces defining a sealable and re-enterable closure volume, one of the housing pieces defining a pocket extending between an exterior wall of the one of the housing pieces and an interior wall of the one of the housing pieces, the pocket including coupling structures; and a cable fixation and sealing assembly, including: a seal module positioned entirely within the pocket and interfacing with the coupling structures, the seal module defining a cable port, the cable port defining a port axis that extends through the cable port from an exterior of the telecommunications box into the closure volume; and a jacket fixation module, the jacket fixation module including a jacket fixation module body, the jacket fixation module interfacing with the coupling structures, the jacket fixation module further interfacing with the seal module parallel to the port axis, the jacket fixation module body including a first portion positioned entirely within the pocket and a second portion that extends parallel to the port axis from the pocket into the closure volume, the second portion including a support structure configured to support a cable jacket and to allow a wrap to be wrapped around the support structure and the cable jacket to secure the cable jacket to the support structure.

[0008] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a telecommunications box, including: housing pieces defining a sealable and re-enterable closure volume, one of the housing pieces defining a pocket extending between an exterior wall of the one of the housing pieces and an interior wall of the one of the housing pieces, the pocket including coupling structures; and a cable fixation and sealing assembly, including: an elastomeric seal module positioned within the pocket, interfacing the coupling structures, and abutting an interior facing surface of the exterior wall of the one of thehousing pieces; and a jacket fixation module, the jacket fixation module interfacing with the coupling structures, the jacket fixation module further interfacing with the elastomeric seal module, the jacket fixation module including a first portion positioned within the pocket and abutting an exteriorly facing surface of the interior wall of the one of the housing pieces.

[0009] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a cable fixation and sealing assembly for a telecommunications box, including: cable jacket fixation modules of identical construction one to another, each cable jacket fixation module defining cable ports for receiving a plurality of cables therethrough, the cable jacket fixation modules being configured to couple to one another by snap connection to form a stack of the cable jacket fixation modules; and elastomeric seal modules of identical construction one to another, each of the elastomeric seal modules defining openings and being configured to be coupled directly to a different one of the cable jacket fixation modules such that the openings align with the cable ports.

[0010] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of building a cable fixation assembly, including: selecting a first number of a plurality of cable jacket fixation modules of identical construction, each cable jacket fixation module defining cable ports for receiving a plurality of cables therethrough; selecting a second number of a plurality of elastomeric seal modules, each of the elastomeric seal modules defining openings, the second number being equal to the first number; securing each of plurality of elastomeric seal modules to a different one of the cable jacket fixation modules to form combined modules; and stacking the combined modules one atop another by snap connection.

[0011] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a cable fixation device, including: a strength rod fixation body including, and having integrally formed therewith: a boss defining a through hole; a strength rod receiving pocket; and a press plate positioned within the strength rod receiving pocket and aligned with the through hole.

[0012] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a telecommunications box, including: housing pieces defining a sealable and re-enterable closure volume, one ofthe housing pieces defining a pocket extending between an exterior wall of the one of the housing pieces and an interior wall of the one of the housing pieces, the pocket including coupling structures; and a jacket fixation module, the jacket fixation module being configured to couple to the coupling structures by inserting a latch arm of the jacket fixation module into the pocket in a direction parallel to an axis of a cable port positioned in the pocket, to establish a snap connection between the jacket fixation module and the coupling structures.

[0013] In another aspect, a telecommunications box, includes: housing pieces defining a sealable and re-enterable closure volume, one of the housing pieces defining a pocket extending between an exterior wall of the one of the housing pieces and an interior wall of the one of the housing pieces, the pocket including coupling structures; and a cable fixation and sealing assembly, including: a seal module positioned within the pocket, interfacing the coupling structures, and abutting an interior facing surface of the exterior wall of the one of the housing pieces; and a jacket fixation module, the jacket fixation module interfacing with the coupling structures, the jacket fixation module further interfacing with the seal module, the jacket fixation module including a first portion positioned within the pocket and abutting an exteriorly facing surface of the interior wall of the one of the housing pieces and a second portion that extends parallel to the axis from the pocket into the closure volume.

[0014] In another aspect, a jacket fixation module for a cable, includes: a jacket fixation module body; a flexibly resilient latch arm; a receiver defined between the flexibly resilient latch arm; and a latch blocking member configured to lockingly engage the jacket fixation module body by being inserted in the receiver.

[0015] A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the examples disclosed herein are based.DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0016] The following drawing figures, which form a part of this application, are illustrative of described technology and are not meant to limit the scope of the disclosure in any manner.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example telecommunications box according to the present disclosure, the box being in a closed and sealed configuration.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a further perspective view of the box of FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the box of FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 4 is an enlarged, perspective view of an area of the portion of the box of FIG. 3.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a further portion of the box of FIG. 1 according to another configuration.

[0022] FIG. 6 is an enlarged, perspective view of an area of the portion of the box of FIG. 5.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of cable seal modules of the box of FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a further perspective view of the cable seal modules of FIG. 7.

[0025] FIG. 9 is an enlarged, perspective view of components of the box of FIG. 1.

[0026] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the components of FIG. 9.

[0027] FIG. 11 is a planar view of a cable fixation module that can be used with the box of FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 12 is a further planar view of the cable fixation module of FIG. 11.

[0029] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the cable fixation module of FIG. 11.

[0030] FIG. 14 is a further perspective view of the cable fixation module of FIG. 11.

[0031] FIG. 15 is perspective view of a strength rod fixation piece of the box of FIG. 1.

[0032] FIG. 16 is a further perspective view of the strength rod fixation piece of FIG. 15.

[0033] FIG. 17 is a further perspective view of the strength rod fixation piece of FIG. 15.

[0034] FIG. 18 is a further perspective view of the strength rod fixation piece of FIG. 15.

[0035] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a portion of another example telecommunications box with further cable sealing and fixation components.

[0036] FIG. 20 is a further perspective view of the portion and components of FIG. 19.

[0037] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the plug module of the portion and components of FIG. 19.

[0038] FIG. 22 is a further perspective view of the plug module of FIG. 21.

[0039] FIG. 23 is an enlarged, perspective view of a portion of the box and components of FIG. 19.

[0040] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the cable sealing and fixation assembly of the portion of the box and components of FIG. 19.

[0041] FIG. 25 is a further perspective view of the cable sealing and fixation assembly of FIG. 24.

[0042] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a component of the portion of the box and components of FIG. 19.

[0043] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a cable seal module of the portion of the box and components of FIG. 19.

[0044] FIG. 28 is a further perspective view of the cable seal module of FIG. 27.

[0045] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a cable fixation module of the portion of the box and components of FIG. 19.

[0046] FIG. 30 is a further perspective view of the cable fixation module of FIG. 29.

[0047] FIG. 31 is a further perspective view of the cable fixation module of FIG. 29.

[0048] FIG. 32 is a further perspective view of the cable fixation module of FIG. 29.

[0049] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a portion of the box of FIG. 19 with further cable sealing and fixation components.

[0050] FIG. 34 is an enlarged, perspective view of an area of the portion of the box and components of FIG. 33.

[0051] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the cable fixation module and cable seal modules of the components of FIG. 33.

[0052] FIG. 36 is a further perspective view of the cable fixation module and the cable seal modules of FIG. 35.

[0053] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the cable fixation module of FIG. 35.

[0054] FIG. 38 is a further perspective view of the cable fixation module of FIG. 37.

[0055] FIG. 39 is a further perspective view of the cable fixation module of FIG. 37.

[0056] FIG. 40 is an enlarged, perspective view of an area of the portion of the box of FIG. 5.

[0057] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a portion of the box of FIG. 1 with a further example of cable seal and fixation assemblies.

[0058] FIG. 42 is an enlarged, perspective view of a portion of what is shown in FIG. 41.

[0059] FIG. 43 is an enlarged, perspective view of a further portion of what is shown inFIG. 41.

[0060] FIG. 44 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of what is shown in FIG. 43 along the line 44-44 in FIG. 43.

[0061] FIG. 45 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of what is shown in FIG. 43 along the line 45-45 in FIG. 43.

[0062] FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the cable fixation module of one of the cable seal and fixation assemblies of FIG. 41 before the latch blocking member is removed.

[0063] FIG. 47 is a further perspective view of the cable fixation module of one of the cable seal and fixation assemblies of FIG. 41 before the latch blocking member is removed.

[0064] FIG. 48 is a planer view of the cable fixation module of one of the cable seal and fixation assemblies of FIG. 41 before the latch blocking member is removed.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 1-6 and 40, aspects of an example telecommunications box 100 will be described. Features of the box and / or the contents of the box 100 can provide one or more advantages over existing fiber management systems, such as improved compactness of component arrangements, smaller profile and / or lighter weight of individual components, and / or greater ease in assembling, adjusting and / or disassembling component arrangements.

[0067] The box 100 includes housing pieces 102 and 104 that are hingedly coupled together with a hinge 106 to selectively open and close the box 100. When the box is closed as shown in FIG. 1, the interior closure volume 108 defined by the housingpieces 102 and 104 is sealed, e.g., adequately sealed for certain environments, such as indoor environments.

[0068] The box 100 is configured to be mounted to a surface inside a structure, such as mounted to a wall inside of a building. For instance, fasteners can be inserted through holes 110 defined by tabs 112 of the housing piece 104 to secure the closure to a surface or another structure (e.g., a column, a pole, a ceiling, and the like).

[0069] The housing piece 102 can include a handle 117 for grasping to open and close the box 100. In some examples, the housing pieces 102 and 104 can include complementary latching features that latch to each other when the box 100 is in the closed configuration. A sealing element can be compressed between the housing pieces 102 and 104 when they are in the closed configuration to seal the interior closure volume 108.

[0070] In some examples, the housing pieces 102 and 104 are constructed of plastic.

[0071] Many different types of optical fiber management components can be mounted within the closure volume 108. Such components can include, for instance, cable fixation and termination components, fiber routing components, fiber splicing components, signal splitting components, wave division multiplexers, fiber indexing components, fiber slack storage components (e.g., spools, fiber guides), fiber optic adapters that receive and optically couple connectorized ends of optical fibers, optical fiber breakouts, optical fiber management trays for managing such things as splices, fiber slack storage, fiber optic adapters and signal splitting components, and the like.

[0072] Fiber optic cables (e.g., feeder cables and drop cables) can enter the closure volume 108 through various ports 118 defined by different sides (e.g., three or more sides) of the housing piece 104 or cable port defining modules that are received in pockets 120 of the housing piece 104. Such ports can form seals around the cable jackets as the cables pass through into the closure volume 108.

[0073] The housing piece 104 includes pockets 120, e.g., three pockets 120. Each pocket 120 extends from exterior walls 122 of the pocket 120 to interior walls 124 ofthe pocket 120. The exterior walls 122 each have an exterior facing surface 126 and an interior facing surface 128. The interior walls 124 each have an interior facing surface 130 and an exterior facing surface 132.

[0074] Each pocket 120 includes coupling structures. The coupling structures include ribs 134 and grooves 136. These coupling structures define inner channels 138 and outer channels 140 within each pocket. The inner channels 138 and the outer channels 140, together with other portions of the ribs 134 and grooves 136 are configured to slidingly receive complementary structures of modules.

[0075] Depending on the types of cables and optical fiber management needs at a given box, different types of modules and module assemblies can be received in one or more of the pockets 120, as will be described in further detail herein. For instance, the example shown in FIG. 5, in the middle of the three pockets 120 there is installed a blind plug 199 (FIGS. 21 -22). The plug 199 effectively closes up the middle pocket 120. The plug 199 can be used, for instance, when there are enough cable ports supported by modules in the other two pockets 120 to receive all of the needed cables entering the closure volume 108 for further optical fiber management.

[0076] In one example arrangement, one of the pockets 120 is arranged with a first type of cable seal modules to receive feeder cables of relatively larger diameter, whereas another of the pockets 120 is arranged with a second type of cable seal modules to receive drop cables of relatively smaller diameter. The outer jackets of the feeder cables and drop cables are fixed (as will be described herein) as they enter the closure volume, and the optical fibers emerge from the ends of the outer jackets so that they can be managed (e.g., by connecting or splicing a fiber of a feeder cable to a fiber of a drop cable) on optical fiber organizing equipment positioned within the closure volume 108.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 3-4 and 7-8, each of the pockets 120 has installed therein an assembly 150 of cable seal modules. In some examples, these cable seal modules are adapted to receive feeder cables. The assemblies 150 can have different configurations one from another.

[0078] Each assembly 150 includes a base cable seal module 152, a middle cable seal module 154, and a top cable seal module 156. The assembly 150 includes coupling features, such as parallel tracks 158 separated by grooves that are complementary to the coupling structures (e.g., the ribs, grooves, and channels) of a pocket 120 and can be slid therein to provide coupling between the modules of the assembly 150 and the coupling structures of the pocket 120.

[0079] The base module 152 includes tabs 162 that have through holes 164 for receiving fasteners (e.g., screws) that can fasten the base module 152 to bosses formed on an interior surface of the housing piece 104.

[0080] The middle module 154 connects by snap connection to the base module 152. The top module 156 connects by snap connection to the middle module 154. The snap connections are achieved by flexible latch arms 166 of the lower module of two modules that have catches 168 for catching on shoulders 170 of the module 154, 156 immediately above.

[0081] The assembly 150 defines two feeder cable ports 172 one atop another for receiving two (or more) cables, such as feeder cables. In some examples, sealing material, such as a foam or elastomeric wrap can be positioned on or wrapped around the cable jacket to fill the ports 172 and thereby create seals around the cable jackets.

[0082] Variations of cable seal modules, as shown in the drawings can provide for more or fewer cable ports.

[0083] Each cable port (e.g., each cable port 172) defines a port axis 180 that is centered in the port and extends from the exterior of the box into the interior of the box perpendicular to an outward facing surface 159 of the cable seal module(s).

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 9-14, one or more cable jacket fixation modules 200 are coupled to the assemblies 150 and to the coupling structures of the corresponding pockets 120.

[0085] Each jacket fixation module 200 includes a jacket fixation module body202. The body 202 includes support structures 204. Any suitable number of support structures 204 can be provided. In this example, there are three T-shaped supportstructures 204. In this example, the support structures 204 include teeth 205 to enhance fixation of a cable jacket thereto. Each support structure is configured to allow for a cable jacket of a cable to be secured to the support structure with a wrap, such as a tie wrap. For example, a wrap 14 is shown securing a cable 10 with a cable jacket 12 to a support structure 204 in FIG. 14. In this example, the cable 10 is a feeder cable carrying a plurality of optical fibers that will be routed and optically connected to drop cable fibers via optical fiber organizing hardware within the interior volume of the box.

[0086] Each jacket fixation module 200 includes one or more latch arms 208. In the example shown, the jacket fixation module 200 includes two opposing latch arms 208 configured to resiliently flex toward each other to interface with the coupling structures of the pocket and thereby mount the jacket fixation module to the coupling structures of a pocket 120. Each latch arm 208 includes a catch 210. To mount a jacket fixation module 200 to a pocket 120, the one or more latch arms 208 a configured to enter the pocket parallel to the port axis 180 and thereby engage the coupling structures by snap connection.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 10, latch arms 208 flex toward each other until the catches 210 resiliently catch on shoulders 177 defined by the interior wall 124.

[0088] Once the jacket fixation module 200 is mounted to the coupling structures of the pocket 120, one or more latch blocking members 250 can be inserted into receivers 252 defined by the body 202. The latch blocking members 250 are configured to prevent the latch arms 208 from disengaging the coupling structures of the pocket 120 without first removing the latch blocking members 250 from the receivers 252. In particular, the latch blocking members 250 minimize the capability of the latch arms 208 to flex toward each other.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 11-14, the latch blocking members 250 can, in some examples, be unitarily formed integrally (e.g., in a single polymer molding process) with the rest of the cable jacket fixation module 200. The latch blocking members 250 can extend from the body 202 via break locations 260. To use the blocking members 250, they can be broken from (e.g., tom from) the body 202 at the break locations 260 and then inserted in the receivers 252. The receivers 252 include latch arms 254 withcatches 256 configured to engage by snap connection into a groove 258 of the blocking member 250. In addition, the receivers 252 can be configured with channels that are complementary in shape complementary to rib structures 259 of the latch blocking members 250, to provide a snug, frictional interface between the latch blocking member 250 and the receiver 252 when the blocking member 250 is inserted in the receiver 252.

[0090] Advantageously, in the formed cable jacket fixation module 200 as shown in FIG. 11, the blocking members 250 are formed so as not to increase the thickness (perpendicular to the plane of the page in FIG. 11) of the module 200. When used, the blocking members are rotated 90 degrees from this orientation to be inserted into the receivers 252.

[0091] In alternative examples, the blocking members can be formed to be in a hinged arrangement with the body 202 (e.g., with a living hinge), that allows the blocking member to be pivoted about the living hinge from a not in use position to an in-use position in which it is received in a receiver 252.

[0092] Referring to FIG .7, the cable seal modules 152, 154, 156 each define upward facing surfaces 149. When installed in a pocket 120, the cable jacket fixation module 200 can engage one of these surfaces 149. In addition, the jacket fixation module can float upward relative to the surface 149 and within the pocket 120 in order to adjust the vertical positioning of the cable jacket for variations in cable jacket diameter relative to the diameter of the port through which the cable enters the box. That is, the module 200 can float within a given pocket 120 along a floating axis 277 while remaining engaged with the coupling structures of the pocket 120 to more fully align the module with the central axis of the cable. The floating axis 277 is perpendicular to the port axis 180.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 9-18, in some examples, one or more strength rod fixation pieces 300 can be selectively attached to the jacket fixation module 200. The jacket fixation module 200 includes receivers 206 for receiving a strength rod fixation piece 300 at any of a plurality of selectable positions defined by the receivers 206. Inthis example, the receivers 206 are T-shaped corresponding to T-shaped couplers 306 of the strength rod fixation piece 300.

[0094] The strength rod fixation piece 300 can be constructed of plastic. The strength rod fixation piece 300 can include various integrally formed structures of unitary construction, including a strength rod fixation piece body 302, the T-shaped coupler 306, latch arms 308 with catches 310, a boss 312 defining a through hole 314, a strength rod receiving pocket 316, and a press plate 318 positioned within the strength rod receiving pocket 316 and vertically aligned with the through hole 314. The press plate 318 extends into the pocket 316 from a rear wall 320 of the body 302.

[0095] The catches 310 of the latch arms 308 are configured to latch to the catch surface 288 defined on opposite sides of the receivers 206 of the module 200. To install a strength rod fixation piece 300 to a module 200, the piece 300 is pressed vertically (perpendicular to the port axis 180) into a selected receiver 206. The receiver 206 can be selected based on the location (e.g., the port and the position within the port) through which a cable having a strength rod extends into the box. The end portion of the strength rod is then received in the pocket 316 and a fastener (e.g., a screw is) threadably rotated downward into the through hole 314 such that the fastener presses on the press plate 318 causing the press plate 318 to bend downward and frictionally engage and hold the strength rod between the press plate 318 and the bottom surface of the pocket 316. A schematically represented end portion 23 of a strength rod is shown in FIG. 17, together with a schematically represented fastener 25 (e.g., a threaded fastener) that can be inserted into the through hole 314 to sandwich the strength rod portion 23 between the press plate 318 and the bottom surface 319 of the pocket 316.

[0096] In other examples, the strength rod fixation piece 300 can be secured to a differently configured cable jacket fixation module. For example, a cable jacket fixation module with a T-shaped structure for tying a tie wrap around a cable and securing it to the T-shaped structure can be configured to be fastened directly to the housing piece of the closure. For instance, the cable jacket fixation module can be secured to the housing piece within the closure volume and adjacent a cable port 118. A cable enters through a grommet that seals around the cable jacket and is positioned atthe port 118 and the jacket of the cable can then be tied to the T-shaped structure of the jacket fixation module.

[0097] The strength rod fixation piece 300 can be selectively fastened to such a cable jacket fixation module if the cable jacket fixation module is fixing a cable that includes a strength rod. A fastener (e.g., a screw) can be used to selectively secure and remove the strength rod fixation piece 300 to a sheet metal configuration or other configuration of a cable jacket fixation module. For instance, a fastener can be inserted through a pre-formed hole in the metal plate and then into the plastic body of the strength rod fixation piece 300 to secure the parts together. In some examples, the same fastener that extends through the metal plate and the strength rod fixation piece 300 also enters a boss of the housing piece of the closure to secure the strength rod fixation piece 300 and the metal plate directly to the closure housing.

[0098] If a cable (e.g., a feeder cable) that is affixed to the module 200 includes a strength rod, then a strength rod fixation piece 300 can be secured to one of the receivers 206 that aligns with the cable port through which the cable enters the box. In some examples, each module 200 can accommodate multiple (e.g., two, three or more) strength rod fixation pieces 300 to accommodate a desired number of cables with strength rods entering the box through certain points.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 19-32, a further cable seal and fixation assembly 500 is shown installed in a pocket 120 of a housing piece 404 of a telecommunications box 100. The housing piece 404 is similar to the housing piece 104 except that it includes only two pockets 120 for receiving cables into the box rather than three pockets 120 as in the case of the housing piece 104. In the example show in FIG. 19, the housing piece 404 has a plug 199 occupying one of the pockets 120 and a cable seal and fixation assembly 400 received in the other pocket 120.

[0100] The assembly 400 is adapted for sealing and fixing one or more drop cables entering the box partially defined by the housing piece 104. Drop cables typically have a smaller transverse diameter than feeder cables and do not contain strength rods.

[0101] The assembly 400 is adapted for ease of installation into a pocket 120 and is modularized to facilitate customization for different numbers of cables. In addition,cables can be inserted to fixation and seal modules of the assembly 400 laterally (perpendicular to the cable axis) rather than having to push them axially through ports in the modules, which can be challenging.

[0102] The assembly 400 includes a base module 410, seal modules 412, and cable jacket fixation modules 414. The base module 410 is inserted into the bottom of a pocket 120 and has structures that complement and interface with the coupling structures of the pocket 120. When fully inserted in the pocket 120, the base module 410 can be secured to the housing piece 404 of the box with a fastener, in a manner similar to that described above in connection with the base module 152.

[0103] Each cable jacket fixation module 414 includes guides 420, 422 that are complementary to the coupling structures of a pocket 120 and enable the module 414 to slide down into a pocket 120 while interfacing therewith. For example, the guides 422 slide within the inner channels 138 of a pocket 120.

[0104] Each module 414 includes latch arms 424 with catches 426, and shoulders 428. The latch arms 424 extend downward from a body 415 of the module 414. The latch arms 424 are vertically aligned with the shoulders 428. Two modules 414 can be coupled together by snap connection by moving one module 414 vertically downward onto another module with both modules 414 in the same orientation, such that the catches 426 of the upper module resiliently latch under the shoulders 428 of the lower module. Similarly, the catches 426 of a module 414 can be lowered onto the base module 410 until the catches 426 resiliently latch under the shoulder 428 of the base module 410.

[0105] In this manner, a selectable number (depending on the size of the pocket, the number of cables, and other such factors) of the modules 414 can be stacked together by snap connection in a given pocket 120. In the example shown, four modules 414 are stacked one atop another, and to the base module 410.

[0106] Each body 415 of each module 414 defines a linear arrangement of cable ports 440 in which cables can be placed laterally through open tops 442 of the cable ports 440. The ports 440 are defined by cradles 444 of the body 415. The cradles 444 are defined by uprights 462 and a base 465 of the body 415, with the uprights 462extending upward from the base 465. The cradles 444 define alignment notches 449 that are transversely aligned (perpendicular to the port axes) with one another. The alignment notches 449 are configured to receive an alignment rib 447 of another module 414 when the two modules are vertically stacked together to help and improve the coupling of modules 414 in a stack.

[0107] Extending from the base 465 of the body 415 of the module 414 and aligned with the cable ports and cradles are T-shaped support structures 450 with teeth or rib and groove structures 452. The T-shaped support structures 450 are configured to allow cables extending through the cable ports to be secured to the support structure 450 (e.g., by tie wraps or other wraps) in a similar manner as described above.

[0108] Extending from uprights 462 of the body 415 in the opposite direction that the T-shaped support structures 450 extend from the base 465 are posts 460. The free ends of the posts 460 have retaining cap portions 470 that are wider transverse to the extension direction than the posts 460 themselves.

[0109] The module 414 is constructed of a rigid polymeric material. In some examples, all features of the module 414 are of unitary (e.g., single mold) construction.

[0110] The seal module 412 is constructed of an elastomeric material, such as a material that contains one or more of natural or synthetic rubber, silicone, and the like. The seal module 412 is configured to conform around cable jackets supported by the cradles 444 and form a seal around the jackets to minimize ingress of contaminants into the box via the cable ports.

[0111] The seal module 412 is configured to frictionally interface and couple with a cable jacket fixation module 414. The seal module 412 includes an elastomeric body 413 that defines recesses 480. The recesses 480 can be through holes with concave retainer seats 482 that securely receive the retaining cap portions 470 of the posts 460 and minimize or prevent separation of a module 414 from a seal module 412 to which it is coupled without the use of significant separation force.

[0112] The body 413 of the module 412 includes thinned wall portions 485 that define cable ports 489 that align with the cable ports of a module 414 when modules412 and 414 are coupled together. The thinned wall portions 485 can include perforations 486 that can facilitate cutting or otherwise forming an appropriately sized opening through the sealing elastomeric material for a cable jacket. Such openings define cable ports through the module 412. A drop cable passes through a cable port 489 and a cable port 440 as it enters the interior volume of a box, with the cable port 489 forming a seal around the cable jacket. The drop cable can be fixed with a wrap to the corresponding support structure 450.

[0113] The assembly 400 thus includes an interlocked stack of a plurality of pairs of modules, each pair including a seal module 412 and a corresponding jacket fixation module 414 interfacing directly with the seal module 412 such that the cable ports of each seal module 412 align with the cable ports of the jacket fixation module 414.

[0114] As shown in FIGS. 19, 20 and 23, when installed in a pocket 120, for each pair of a seal module 412 and a jacket fixation module 414, the seal module 412 is positioned within the pocket 120, interfacing the coupling structures of the pocket 120, and abutting the interior facing surface 128 of the exterior wall 122 housing piece 404. The corresponding jacket fixation module 414 of the pair is also interfacing with the coupling structures, as well as the seal module 412. In addition, the jacket fixation module 14 includes a portion positioned within the pocket 120 and abutting the exterior facing surface 132 of the interior wall 124 of housing piece 404. The jacket fixation module includes another portion (which includes the support structures 450) that extends parallel to the axis 180 into the closure volume.

[0115] These arrangements of interior and exterior features of the pair of modules can facilitate installation and management of the modules for different cabling needs of a given telecommunications box. For example, the overall assembly that is installed in a pocket 120 does not require the elastomeric module to be sandwiched between two non- elastomeric modules on the interior and exterior sides, but rather directly between a single such module on the interior side, and the coupling structures of the pocket themselves on the exterior side, resulting in a simplified assembly. Other features of these assemblies provide for simplified constructions that are easier to assembly and take apart.

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 33-39, another cable sealing and fixation assembly 500 is shown installed in a pocket 120 of the housing piece 404. The assembly 500 can be used for securing and sealing drop cables, and has some of the advantageous features described above in connection with the assembly 400, such as having a seal module abutting an interior facing surface of an exterior wall of a pocket 120, and a cable jacket fixation module abutting an exterior facing surface of an interior wall of the pocket 120, while the two modules (seal module and cable jacket fixation module) interface with each other and with the coupling features of the pocket 120.

[0117] The assembly 500 includes two seal modules 502 that interface each other at an interface 512. The seal modules 502 can be constructed of, e.g., foam. The seal modules 502 include channels 510 that are complementary to the coupling structures of the pocket 120 at the exterior wall 122.

[0118] The assembly 500 also includes a cable jacket fixation module 504. The cable jacket fixation module 504 can be constructed of a rigid polymer. The cable jacket fixation module 504 includes a body 520 defining ribs 522 and channels 524 that are complementary to the coupling structures of the pocket 120 at the interior wall 124. The jacket fixation module 504 includes support structures 530 extending from the body 520. The support structures 530 are T-shaped and configured to support cable jackets extending between the two seal modules 502 at the interface 512 and that are fixed to the support structure 530 with wraps.

[0119] The support structures 530 extend into the interior volume of the box when the cable jacket fixation module 504 is mounted to a pocket 120. Thus, when the assembly 500 is installed in a pocket 120, a portion of the jacket fixation module 504 is positioned within a pocket 120, and another portion (the support structures 530) extend out of the pocket 120 into the interior volume of the housing piece 404.

[0120] When an assembly 500 is installed in a pocket 120, the jacket fixation module 504 interfaces with a seal module 502 by abutting an interiorly facing surface 540 of the seal module 502.

[0121] Referring to FIGS. 41-48, a further example cable fixation module 601 of a seal and fixation assembly 600 will be described. The module can support for fixationone or more feeder cables while provided one or more advantages over the module 200. In the interest of brevity, the following discussion will focus primarily on differences between the module 601 and the module 200.

[0122] Referring to FIGS. 41-42, one or more cable jacket fixation modules 601 are coupled to the cable seal assemblies 150 and to the coupling structures of the corresponding pockets 120.

[0123] Each jacket fixation module 601 includes a jacket fixation module body 602. The body 602 includes the support structures 204. Any suitable number of support structures 204 can be provided.

[0124] Each jacket fixation module 601 includes one or more latch arms. In the example shown, the jacket fixation module 601 includes two opposing latch arms 608 and 609. The latch arm 608 is configured to resiliently flex toward the latch arm 609 to interface with the coupling structures of the pocket 120 and thereby mount the jacket fixation module to the coupling structures of a pocket 120. Each latch arm 608, 609 includes a catch 610. To mount a jacket fixation module 601 to a pocket 120, the latch arms 608 and 609 are configured to enter the pocket 120 parallel to the port axis 180 and thereby engage the coupling structures by snap connection.

[0125] Unlike the latch arm 608, which is flexibly resilient, the latch arm 609 is not configured to flex relative to the body 602. This can facilitate installation of the module 601 in a pocket 120. For example, the latch arm 609 is inserted into the pocket first, and then the latch arm 608 is flexed toward the latch arm 609 to complete the installation of the module 601 in the pocket 120. The catches 610 are configured to catch on the shoulders 177 defined by the interior wall 124.

[0126] Unlike the module 200 which has two latch blocking members 250, the module 601 has just a single latch blocking member 650, which can provide for a simpler assembly and disassembly when installing or uninstalling the module 601 in a pocket 120, as well as fewer parts, while providing advantageously a smaller overall module to mold and manufacture as compared with the module 200.

[0127] Once the jacket fixation module 601 is mounted to the coupling structures of the pocket 120, the latch blocking member 650 can be inserted into the receiver 652 defined by the body 602 and positioned between the body 602 and the latch arm 608. The latch blocking member 650 is configured to prevent the latch arm 608 from disengaging the coupling structures of the pocket 120 without first removing the latch blocking member 650 from the receivers 652. In particular, the latch blocking member 650 minimizes the capability of the latch arms 608 to flex toward the latch arm 609.

[0128] Referring to FIGS. 46-48, the latch blocking member 650 can, in some examples, be unitarily formed integrally (e.g., in a single polymer molding process) with the rest of the cable jacket fixation module 601. The latch blocking members 650 can extend from the body 602 via a break location 660. To use the latch blocking member 650, it can be broken from (e.g., tom from) the body 602 at the break locations 660 and then inserted in the receiver 652.

[0129] The walls of the receiver 652 are slightly ramped, tapering toward each other in the downward direction, resulting in a wedging effect in that the latch blocking member 650 wedges by frictional fit into the receiver as it is inserted therein. In addition, the receiver 652 includes a shoulder 654 protruding from the body 602. The shoulder 654 is configured to engage by snap connection a catch 651 of a flexibly resilient tab 653 formed in a center of the latch blocking member 650.

[0130] Advantageously, in the formed cable jacket fixation module 601, the blocking member 650 is formed so as not to increase the thickness (perpendicular to the plane of the page in FIG. 48) of the module 601. When used, the blocking member 650 is rotated 90 degrees from this orientation to be inserted into the receiver 652.

[0131] In alternative examples, the blocking member 650 can be formed to be in a hinged arrangement with the body 602 (e.g., with a living hinge), that allows the blocking member 650 to be pivoted about the living hinge from a not in use position to an in-use position in which it is received in a receiver 652.

[0132] Like the cable fixation module 200, the module 601 engages the same surfaces of the cable seal modules and can float relative to those surfaces to adjust thevertical positioning of the cable jacket for variations in cable jacket diameter relative to the diameter of the port through which the cable enters the box.

[0133] As shown in FIGS. 41-43, in some examples, one or more strength rod fixation pieces 300 can be selectively attached to the jacket fixation module 601 in the manner as described above in connection with the jacket fixation modules.

[0134] Advantageously, the latch blocking member 650 is symmetrical about axes 690 and 692. For example, the tab 653 provides two catches 651 on opposite ends of the tab 652, with the tab 653 being able to flex in either direction from its anchor 659. The symmetry of the latch blocking member 650 can provide a simpler mold for manufacture, while facilitating installation of the latch blocking member 650 in a receiver 652, in that the latch blocking member 650 can be installed equivalently in two ways, e.g., by first inserting the end 694 into the receiver 652, or by first inserting the end 696 into the receiver 652.

[0135] The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claims attached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example embodiments and application illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A telecommunications box, comprising: housing pieces defining a sealable and re-enterable closure volume, one of the housing pieces defining a pocket extending between an exterior wall of the one of the housing pieces and an interior wall of the one of the housing pieces, the pocket including coupling structures; and a cable fixation and sealing assembly, including: a seal module positioned entirely within the pocket and interfacing with the coupling structures, the seal module defining a cable port, the cable port defining a port axis that extends through the cable port from an exterior of the telecommunications box into the closure volume; and a jacket fixation module, the jacket fixation module including a jacket fixation module body, the jacket fixation module interfacing with the coupling structures, the jacket fixation module further interfacing with the seal module parallel to the port axis, the jacket fixation module body including a first portion positioned entirely within the pocket and a second portion that extends parallel to the port axis from the pocket into the closure volume, the second portion including a support structure configured to support a cable jacket and to allow a wrap to be wrapped around the support structure and the cable jacket to secure the cable jacket to the support structure.

2. The telecommunications box of claim 1, wherein the support structure is T- shaped.

3. The telecommunications box of any of claims 1-2, further comprising a tie wrap configured to wrap around the cable jacket and the support structure to secure the cable jacket to the jacket fixation module.

4. The telecommunications box of any of claims 1-3, wherein the jacket fixation module includes a latch arm with a catch configured to enter the pocket parallel to the port axis and thereby engage the coupling structures by snap connection.

5. The telecommunications box of claim 4, further comprising a latch blocking member, wherein the jacket fixation module includes a receiver configured to receive the latch blocking member to prevent the latch arm from disengaging the coupling structures.

6. The telecommunications box of any of claims 1-5, wherein the cable fixation and sealing assembly includes a strength rod fixation piece; and wherein the jacket fixation module body includes another receiver for receiving the strength rod fixation piece.

7. The telecommunications box of claim 6, wherein the another receiver is a T- shaped recess.

8. The telecommunications box of any of claims 6-7, wherein the jacket fixation module body includes a plurality of receivers for selectively receiving the strength rod fixation piece at any of a plurality of positions on the jacket fixation module body.

9. The telecommunications box of any of claims 6-8, wherein the strength rod fixation piece includes a strength rod fixation piece body, the strength rod fixation piece body including, and having integrally formed therewith: a boss defining a through hole; a strength rod receiving pocket; and a press plate positioned within the strength rod receiving pocket and aligned with the through hole.

10. The telecommunications box of any of claims 1 -9, wherein the jacket fixation module is configured to float within the pocket along a floating axis that is perpendicular to the port axis.

11. The telecommunications box of any of claims 1-10, further comprising a cable, the cable including the cable jacket and a seal ring secured to the cable jacket, the seal ring being received in the cable port.

12. The telecommunications box of any of claims 1-3, wherein the seal module is constructed of an elastomeric material.

13. The telecommunications box of claim 12, wherein the seal module includes a recess that frictionally receives a post of the jacket fixation module.

14. The telecommunications box of any of claims 1-3, or 12-13, wherein the jacket fixation module and the seal module each define a plurality of cable ports for receiving a plurality of cables.

15. The telecommunications box of any of claims 1-14, further comprising a stack of jacket fixation modules coupled to one another by snap connection, the stack of jacket fixation modules being coupled to the coupling structures and mounted within the pocket.

16. A telecommunications box, comprising: housing pieces defining a sealable and re-enterable closure volume, one of the housing pieces defining a pocket extending between an exterior wall of the one of the housing pieces and an interior wall of the one of the housing pieces, the pocket including coupling structures; and a cable fixation and sealing assembly, including: an elastomeric seal module positioned within the pocket, interfacing the coupling structures, and abutting an interior facing surface of the exterior wall of the one of the housing pieces; and a jacket fixation module, the jacket fixation module interfacing with the coupling structures, the jacket fixation module further interfacing with the elastomeric seal module, the jacket fixation module including a first portion positioned within the pocket and abutting an exteriorly facing surface of the interior wall of the one of the housing pieces.

17. The telecommunications box of claim 16, wherein the jacket fixation module includes a second portion that extends into the closure volume.

18. The telecommunications box of claim 17, wherein the second portion includes a support structure configured to support a cable jacket extending through the elastomeric seal module and to allow a wrap to be wrapped around the support structure and the cable jacket to secure the cable jacket to the support structure.

19. The telecommunications box of claim 18, wherein the support structure is T- shaped.

20. The telecommunications box of any of claims 16-19, wherein the elastomeric seal module includes a recess that frictionally receives a post of the jacket fixation module.

21. The telecommunications box of any of claims 16-20, wherein the j acket fixation module and the elastomeric seal module each define a plurality of cable ports for receiving a plurality of cables.

22. The telecommunications box of any of claims 16-21, further comprising a stack of jacket fixation modules coupled to one another by snap connection and coupled to a stack of elastomeric seal modules, the stack of jacket fixation modules and the stack of elastomeric seal modules being coupled to the coupling structures and mounted within the pocket.

23. The telecommunications box of any of claims 16-22, wherein the jacket fixation module is constructed of a non-elastomeric polymeric material.

24. A cable fixation and sealing assembly for a telecommunications box, comprising: cable jacket fixation modules of identical construction one to another, each cable jacket fixation module defining cable ports for receiving a plurality of cables therethrough, the cable jacket fixation modules being configured to couple to one another by snap connection to form a stack of the cable jacket fixation modules; andelastomeric seal modules of identical construction one to another, each of the elastomeric seal modules defining openings and being configured to be coupled directly to a different one of the cable jacket fixation modules such that the openings align with the cable ports.

25. A method of building a cable fixation assembly, comprising: selecting a first number of a plurality of cable jacket fixation modules of identical construction, each cable jacket fixation module defining cable ports for receiving a plurality of cables therethrough; selecting a second number of a plurality of elastomeric seal modules, each of the elastomeric seal modules defining openings, the second number being equal to the first number; securing each of plurality of elastomeric seal modules to a different one of the cable jacket fixation modules to form combined modules; and stacking the combined modules one atop another by snap connection.

26. A cable fixation device, comprising: a strength rod fixation body including, and having integrally formed therewith: a boss defining a through hole; a strength rod receiving pocket; and a press plate positioned within the strength rod receiving pocket and aligned with the through hole.

27. The cable fixation device of claim 26, wherein the strength rod fixation body is of unitary, polymeric construction.

28. The cable fixation device of any of claims 26-27, further comprising a cable jacket fixation body, the strength rod fixation body being attachable to one of a plurality of locations of the cable jacket fixation body.

29. A telecommunications box, comprising: housing pieces defining a sealable and re-enterable closure volume, one of the housing pieces defining a pocket extending between an exterior wall of the one of thehousing pieces and an interior wall of the one of the housing pieces, the pocket including coupling structures; and a jacket fixation module, the jacket fixation module being configured to couple to the coupling structures by inserting a latch arm of the jacket fixation module into the pocket in a direction parallel to an axis of a cable port positioned in the pocket, to establish a snap connection between the jacket fixation module and the coupling structures.

30. The telecommunications box of claim 29, wherein the jacket fixation module includes a first portion positioned entirely within the pocket and a second portion that extends parallel to the axis from the pocket into the closure volume, the second portion including a T-shaped support structure configured to support a cable jacket and to allow a wrap to be wrapped around the T-shaped support structure and the cable jacket to secure the cable jacket to the T-shaped support structure.

31. The telecommunications box of any of claims 29-30, wherein the jacket fixation module is configured to float within the pocket along a floating axis that is perpendicular to the axis.

32. The telecommunications box of any of claims 29-31 , further comprising a latch blocking member, wherein the jacket fixation module includes a receiver configured to receive the latch blocking member to prevent the latch arm from disengaging the coupling structures.

33. The telecommunications box of claim 32, wherein the latch blocking member is integrally molded with the jacket fixation module.

34. The telecommunications box of any of claims 29-33, further comprising a strength rod fixation piece, wherein the jacket fixation module includes a plurality of receivers at different positions for selectively receiving and mounting the strength rod fixation piece to the jacket fixation module.

35. The telecommunications box of claim 34, wherein the strength rod fixation piece includes, and has integrally formed therewith: a boss defining a through hole; a strength rod receiving pocket; and a press plate positioned within the strength rod receiving pocket and aligned with the through hole.

36. The telecommunications box of any of claims 34-35, wherein the strength rod fixation piece is of unitary polymeric construction.

37. A telecommunications box, comprising: housing pieces defining a sealable and re-enterable closure volume, one of the housing pieces defining a pocket extending between an exterior wall of the one of the housing pieces and an interior wall of the one of the housing pieces, the pocket including coupling structures; and a cable fixation and sealing assembly, including: a seal module positioned within the pocket, interfacing the coupling structures, and abutting an interior facing surface of the exterior wall of the one of the housing pieces; and a jacket fixation module, the jacket fixation module interfacing with the coupling structures, the jacket fixation module further interfacing with the seal module, the jacket fixation module including a first portion positioned within the pocket and abutting an exteriorly facing surface of the interior wall of the one of the housing pieces and a second portion that extends from the pocket into the closure volume.

38. The telecommunications box of claim 37, wherein the second portion includes a T-shaped support structure configured to support a cable jacket and to allow a wrap to be wrapped around the T-shaped support structure and the cable jacket to secure the cable jacket to the T-shaped support structure.

39. The telecommunications box of any of claims 37-38, wherein the seal module is constructed of foam.

40. The telecommunications box of any of claims 37-38, wherein the seal module is constructed of an elastomeric material.

41. The telecommunications box of claim 4, wherein the jacket fixation module includes a flexibly resilient latch arm that is flexibly resilient relative to the fixation module body, and another latch arm that is not flexibly resilient relative to the fixation module body.

42. The telecommunications box of claim 5, wherein the jacket fixation module includes only one latch blocking member.

43. The telecommunications box of claim 42, wherein the only one latch blocking member defines two lines of symmetry and includes a tab having two catches on opposite ends of the tab.

44. A jacket fixation module for a cable, comprising: a jacket fixation module body; a flexibly resilient latch arm; a receiver defined between the flexibly resilient latch arm; and a latch blocking member configured to lockingly engage the jacket fixation module body by being inserted in the receiver.

45. The jacket fixation module of claim 44, wherein the latch blocking member is configured to interface with the receiver by wedge fit.

46. The jacket fixation module of any of claims 44-45, wherein the latch blocking member includes a tab having a catch and the receiver includes a shoulder configured to engage the catch.

47. The jacket fixation module of any of claims 44-46, wherein the jacket fixation module includes only one latch blocking member.

48. The jacket fixation module of any of claims 44-47, wherein the latch blocking member defines two lines of symmetry and includes a tab having two catches on opposite ends of the tab.

49. The jacket fixation module of any of claims 44-48, further comprising a strength rod fixation module configured to be selectively coupled to the jacket fixation module body.

50. The jacket fixation module of claim 49, wherein the jacket fixation module body includes another receiver configured to receive a portion of the strength rod fixation module.

51. The jacket fixation module of claim 50, wherein the another receiver is T- shaped.

52. The cable fixation device of any of claims 26-27, further comprising a cable jacket fixation body constructed of sheet metal, the strength rod fixation body being attachable to the cable jacket fixation body with a fastener.

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