Device configured to provide enhanced optical fiber push-lock component installation and / or access

Abstract

A device for providing enhanced optical fiber push-lock component installation and / or access. The device may include an optical fiber push-lock component mechanism, assembly, holder and / or other structure that may be configured to provide secure locking and unlocking of an optical fiber component, such as an optical fiber tray, holder, and / or other structure, during operation. The device may include an optical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion that is configured to move between a retaining position, where an optical fiber component is retained by the optical fiber push-lock component holder, when a first urging force is exerted toward the optical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion during operation, and a releasing position, where the optical fiber component is released by the optical fiber push-lock component holder, when a second urging force is urged toward the optical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion during operation. The device may be structurally configured to provide enhanced optical fiber push-lock component connectivity and / or access by causing the optical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion to retain the optical fiber component when the optical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion is moved to the retaining position when the first urging force is exerted toward the optical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion during operation, and by causing the optical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion to release the optical fiber component when the optical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion is moved to the releasing position when the second urging force is urged toward the optical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion during operation.

Description

DEVICE CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE ENHANCED OPTICAL FIBER PUSH-LOCK COMPONENT INSTALLATION AND / OR ACCESSCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 740,717, filed December 31, 2024, currently pending, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure is directed to a device for providing enhanced optical fiber push-lock component installation and / or access, and more particularly, to an optical fiber push-lock component mechanism, assembly, and / or other structure, such as a optical fiber push-lock tray mechanism, assembly, and / or other structure that is configured to provide enhanced optical fiber push-lock component installation and / or access.BACKGROUND

[0003] As greater volumes of users employ computing devices to generate, transfer, store, and retrieve digital information, the quality and speed of distributed networks is emphasized. The hardware available to build, operate, and maintain distributed networks may allow for a diverse variety of configurations customized to installation sites, operational performance requirements, and / or system reliability concerns.

[0004] By configuring a multitude of computing devices in a single installation site of a distributed network, economies of scale and physical access may allow for relatively robust operational capabilities, such as transfer latency and data storage capacity. However, increasing physical density of computing devices, and assorted periphery components, may pose challenges, particularly during installation, service, maintenance, and re-work operations. For instance, placing computing devices in a drawer, enclosure, or tray may provide physical efficiency and computing capabilitiesfor a distributed network, but may have practical consequences, such as burdensome equipment and difficult physical access.

[0005] These practical consequences, and the continued goal for increased distributed network component density and capabilities, have prompted hardware configurations with at least increased installation and access efficiency over time. Accordingly, embodiments are directed to a tray that employs a push lock system to provide quick visual and physical access to relatively densely arranged distributed network components.SUMMARY

[0006] In accordance with various aspects of the disclosure, a device may provide enhanced optical fiber push-lock component installation and / or access with an optical fiber push-lock component mechanism. An optical fiber component retaining portion may have a mounting portion that may be mounted to an optical fiber structure, a retaining portion that may be pivotally coupled with the mounting portion, a support portion that may be slidingly received by the mounting portion, a component receiving portion that may receive a portion of an optical fiber component during operation, a first biasing portion that may bias the component receiving portion away from the support portion with a first biasing force, a second biasing portion that may bias the support portion toward the mounting portion with a second biasing force that is greater than the first biasing force, and a latching portion that may be pivotally coupled with the support portion. The component receiving portion may be urged toward the support portion by urging the optical fiber component toward the component receiving portion with a first urging force that exceeds the first biasing force to a first configuration. The latching portion may maintain a position of the component receiving portion against the first biasing force and the component receiving portion may engage the retaining portion such that the retaining portion and the component receiving portion may retain the optical fiber component during operation. The component receiving portion may be urged toward the support portion by urging the optical fiber component against the component receiving portion with a second urging force that exceeds the second biasing force to a second configuration. The latching portion may release the component receiving portion and the component receiving portion may disengage from the retaining portion such that the retaining portion and the component receivingportion may release the optical fiber component during operation. The optical fiber component may have an optical fiber tray that may support an optical fiber structure. The optical fiber push-lock component mechanism may provide enhanced fiber optic push-lock component connectivity and / or access by causing the component receiving portion to selectively retain the optical fiber component in response to a first urging force and release the optical fiber component in response to the second urging force so to provide enhanced installation of and / or access to the optical fiber component during operation.

[0007] Embodiments of the first urging force may be different than the second urging force. The latching portion may pivot around the mounting portion, in some embodiments, so that the mounting portion is positioned between a latching wall portion of the latching portion and the support portion. The first biasing portion may have a first spring and the second biasing portion may have a second spring, in other embodiments.

[0008] A device, in accordance with some aspects, may provide enhanced optical fiber push-lock component installation and / or access with an optical fiber push-lock component assembly that may have a fiber optic component retaining portion that may include a component receiving portion that may receive a portion of an optical fiber component, and a latching portion that may be pivotally coupled with the support portion. The component receiving portion may be urged toward the support portion by urging the optical fiber component toward the component receiving portion with a first urging force that exceeds the first biasing force to a first configuration. The component receiving portion may be urged toward the support portion by urging the optical fiber component against the component receiving portion with a second urging force that exceeds the second biasing force to a second configuration. The optical fiber pushlock component assembly may provide enhanced optical fiber push-lock component connectivity and / or access by causing the component receiving portion to selectively retain the optical fiber component in response to a first urging force and release the optical fiber component in response to the second urging force so to provide enhanced installation of and / or access to the optical fiber component.

[0009] The latching portion may maintain a position of the component receiving portion, in some embodiments, against the first biasing force and the componentreceiving portion may engage the retaining portion such that the retaining portion and the component receiving portion may retain the optical fiber component. Embodiments of the latching portion may release the component receiving portion and the component receiving portion may disengage from the retaining portion such that the retaining portion and the component receiving portion may release the optical fiber component during operation. The optical fiber component may have an optical fiber tray that may support an optical fiber structure, in other embodiments, and the optical fiber component retaining portion may have a mounting portion that may be mounted to an optical fiber structure The optical fiber component retaining portion may have a retaining portion that may be pivotally coupled with the mounting portion, in some embodiments.

[0010] The optical fiber component retaining portion, in other embodiments, may have a support portion that may be slidingly received by the mounting portion and may have a first biasing portion that may bias the component receiving portion away from the support portion with a first biasing force. Embodiments of the optical fiber component retaining portion may have a second biasing portion that may bias the support portion toward the mounting portion with a second biasing force that is greater than the first biasing force.

[0011] In some aspects, a device may provide enhanced optical fiber push-lock component installation and / or access with an optical fiber push-lock component holder that may have an optical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion that may move between a retaining position. An optical fiber component may be retained by the optical fiber push-lock component holder when a first urging force is exerted toward the optical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion during operation, and a releasing position, where the optical fiber component is released by the optical fiber push-lock component holder, when a second urging force is urged toward the optical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion during operation. The optical fiber push-lock component holder may provide enhanced optical fiber push-lock component connectivity and / or access by causing the optical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion to retain the optical fiber component when the optical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion is moved to the retaining position when the first urging force is exerted toward the optical fiber component retaining and / orreleasing portion during operation, and by causing the optical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion to release the optical fiber component when the optical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion is moved to the releasing position when the second urging force is urged toward the optical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion during operation.

[0012] Embodiments of the optical fiber component may have an optical fiber tray that is configured to support an optical fiber structure. The optical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion may have an optical fiber component retaining portion that may have an optical fiber component receiving portion that may receive a portion of the optical fiber component and where the optical fiber component receiving portion may cause the optical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion to move to the retaining position by causing the first urging force to urge the optical fiber component toward the optical fiber component receiving portion with the first urging force being greater than the first biasing force.

[0013] The optical fiber push-lock component holder, in some embodiments, may have a biased latching portion that may biasingly maintain a position of the optical fiber component receiving portion against the first biasing force and the optical fiber component receiving portion may engage the retaining portion such that the retaining portion and the component receiving portion may retain the optical fiber component when the optical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion is in the retaining position. The optical fiber component receiving portion may be urged toward the support portion so as to be move the optical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion to the released position by causing the second urging force to urge the optical fiber component against the optical fiber component receiving portion with the second urging force being greater than the first urging force, in other embodiments.

[0014] Embodiments of the optical fiber component retaining portion may have a mounting portion that may be mounted to an optical fiber structure and the optical fiber component retaining portion may have a retaining portion that may be pivotally coupled with the mounting portion and the optical fiber component retaining portion may have a support portion that may be slidingly received by the mounting portion. In some embodiments, the optical fiber component retaining portion may have a support portion, a mounting portion, a first biasing portion that may bias the optical fibercomponent receiving portion away from the support portion and a second biasing portion that may bias the support portion toward the mounting portion during operation.

[0015] The optical fiber component retaining portion may have a latching portion that may be pivotally coupled with the support portion, in some embodiments. The latching portion, in other embodiments, may release the optical fiber component receiving portion and the optical fiber component receiving portion may release the optical fiber component. Embodiments of the latching portion may pivot around the mounting portion so that the mounting portion is positioned between a latching wall portion of the latching portion and the support portion.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Further advantages and features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, to which reference is made.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a line representation of aspects of a distributed network environment in which assorted embodiments can be practiced.

[0018] FIG. 2 displays portions of a computing assembly that may be employed in the distributed network environment of FIG. 1 in various embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a line representation of aspects of a computing enclosure arranged in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 4 conveys a line representation of portions of a computing tray structurally configured in accordance with assorted embodiments of this disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a side view line representation of aspects of an enclosure lock assembly arranged in accordance with various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a perspective view line representation of portions of a device configured in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view line representation of aspects of a device arranged in accordance with various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a perspective view line representation of portions of a device configured in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective view line representation of aspects arranged in accordance with various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 10 is a perspective view line representation of portions of a device configured in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 11 displays a perspective view line representation of portions of a computing tray configured in accordance with assorted embodiments of this disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 12 conveys a perspective view of aspects of a computing tray arranged in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of portions of a computing tray structurally configured in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 14 is a perspective view line representation of an optical fiber pushlock component mechanism, assembly, and / or other structure that may be configured to provide secure locking and unlocking of an optical fiber component, such as an optical fiber tray, holder, and / or other support portion 520, during operation, which may be configured in accordance with various embodiments of this disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Generally, embodiments of this disclosure are directed to a device for providing enhanced optical fiber push-lock component installation and / or access. In various embodiments, the tray may be a splice tray, for example. In some embodiments, the device may be used for housing and splicing cables, such as optical cables.

[0032] Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments and methods of the present disclosure, which constitute the best modes of practicing the present disclosure presently known to the inventors. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the presentdisclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for any aspect of the present disclosure and / or as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

[0033] It is also to be understood that this present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments and methods described below, as specific components and / or conditions may, of course, vary. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is used only for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0034] As computing components advance in capabilities and reduce in physical size, more computing components may be positioned within a physical space. Packaging a multitude of computing components, such as processors, data storage devices, power units, and / or cooling mechanisms, within an enclosure, such as a tray, box, or drawer, may provide relatively large computing capabilities. Yet, the use of densely packed enclosures may present physical and visual access challenges due, at least in part, to handling of the enclosures.

[0035] With the challenges presented by modern devices in mind, various embodiments are directed to a device for distributed network components that provides enhanced physical, and visual, access with a push lock system. The structural configuration of a push lock system may allow for enhanced optical fiber push-lock component installation and / or access.

[0036] FIG. 1 displays aspects of a distributed network environment 100 in which assorted embodiments of a push-lock device may be practiced in accordance with various embodiments. The distributed network environment 100 may have any number, and type, of signal sources 110 connected to any number, and type, of signal destinations 120 via one or more signal pathways 130. The distributed network environment 100 may supply one-way or two-way signal transmission between the respective sources 110 and destinations 120 via any number, and type, of signal pathways 130.

[0037] While not limiting or required, a configuration of the distributed network environment 100 may utilize wireless signal pathways 134 independently, or concurrently, with wired signal pathways 132. A wired signal pathway 132 is not limited to a particular type, size, or signal carrying speed, but may be arranged to transfer signals with fiber optic, or metal conductor, aspects packaged in an environmentally protected jacket. In contrast to the wireless signal pathway 134, which converts signals into a form that may be distributed without the physical aspects of wired signal pathway 132, transmitting data via a wired cable may provide greater performance and / or capabilities, such as signal integrity, reliability, speed, and cost.

[0038] It is noted that wired signal pathways 132 may provide some operational advantages over wireless signal pathways 134 through the presence of a physical cable to house, guide, and protect signal carrying aspects. However, such wired signal pathways 132 may present physical, and visual, obstacles during, and after, installation. For instance, a wired, signal carrying cable may occupy space that restricts movement and / or access to hardware of the distributed network environment 100. In network configurations where numerous computing devices are stored in relatively close proximity, the obstructions presented by wired cabling may be particularly challenging.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1 , a source 110 and destination may be connected and in signal communication with a single signal pathway. Some conditions, sites, and operational requirements may call for at least one interconnect 140 to join multiple separate cables 142 to form stable signal pathways. The incorporation of an interconnect 140, such as a server, switch, cassette, or splitter, into the distributed network environment 100 may provide an ability to customize the physical configuration of portions of the hardware of a distributed network along with the physical delivery, and electrical capabilities, provided to a destination 120 via different wired cables.

[0040] Despite a variety of physical configurations for wired cables 132 / 142 in a distributed network environment 100, the potential physical configurations for hardware may be restricted by the presence of numerous cables and / or interconnects 140. Hence, some distributed networks may employ rack portions to organize andstore hardware that mitigates challenges posed by the presence of wired cabling 132 / 142.

[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates a line representation of a computing assembly 200 that may be employed in the distributed network environment 100 of FIG. 1 to organize and store hardware for efficient utilization of physical space. The computing assembly 200 is structurally configured to provide rack storage of a number of separate computing device enclosures 210. That is, physically separate enclosures 210, such as a tray, box, cassette, or drawer, are stacked vertically within an areal extent of a rack frame portion 220.

[0042] The secure physical placement of the assorted enclosures 210 within the rack frame portion 220 may allow for efficient access to various port portions 212 that connect to computing devices, such as processing and / or data storage devices, stored within the areal extent of an enclosure 210, as shown in FIG. 3. Although not required, the various enclosures 210 may be selectably removable from the rack frame portion 220. For instance, an enclosure 210 may slide, rotate, or otherwise separate from the rack frame portion 220 in response to application of external force. It is noted that the rack frame portion 220 may be characterized as an enclosure, in some embodiments. Such enclosure 210 selection may allow for efficient installation, inspection, and adaptation of hardware configurations over time.

[0043] FIG. 3 displays a line representation of aspects of an enclosure 300 that may be employed in the computing assembly 200 of FIG. 2 and the distributed network environment of FIG. 1. In accordance with various embodiments, a housing portion 310 defines an inner cavity 312 where a multitude of computing devices 320 are positioned. The housing portion 310 further defines a variety of port portions 314 that may be employed for ingress, and egress, of signal carrying cables (not shown) that connect to one or more computing devices 320.

[0044] In some embodiments, the port portions 314 may be arranged with customized connectivity from a number of separate interfaces 316 having similar, or dissimilar, configurations. For instance, each interface 316 may be arranged as a standard connector (SC), Lucent connector (LG), single pair ethernet (SPE), ferrule connector (FC), straight tip (ST), or multi-fiber push-on (MPO) connectors in single,duplex, or quad arrangements. The ability to install, and utilize, various types of cable interfaces 316 may be complemented by the ability to concurrently support a number of separate computing devices 320 providing similar, or dissimilar, operational capabilities. For instance, the housing portion 310 may support a variety of different physical orientations for data storage devices 322, processors 324, system on-chip 326, cooling mechanisms 328, and electrical power distribution components 330.

[0045] It is noted that a housing portion 310 occupied with various computing devices 320 may be heavy, bulky, and otherwise challenging to physically control. Hence, an enclosure 300 may be configured to be stored within a rack frame portion 220, as shown in FIG. 2. However, the presence of multiple enclosures 300 in close physical proximity within a rack frame portion 220, also as shown in FIG. 2, may present challenges for physical, and visual access to the inner cavity 312 of a housing portion 310, particularly when interfaces 316 of assorted enclosures 300 are occupied by signal carrying cables.

[0046] The perspective view line representation of FIG. 4 illustrates a single computing enclosure 400 that may be incorporated in the support structure 220 of FIG.2 in some embodiments. The enclosure 400 may be arranged as a tray, drawer, or box with any number, and type, of computing, or electronic, device stored within. In accordance with various embodiments, the enclosure 400 may be fitted with a pair of rails 410 on opposite sides of a housing portion 420 to facilitate sliding engagement with a fixed structure, such as a cabinet, rack, enclosure, or tower.

[0047] The enclosure 400 may have any number, and type, of interfaces 316 that are individually, and collectively, configured to connect to one or more electronic devices stored in the housing portion 420. The connection of wired cables to the interfaces 316 may provide relatively high computing density for the physical footprint of the housing portion 420. However, the physical presence of cables may pose challenges for the sliding operation of the pair of rails 410. For instance, cables engaging one or more interfaces 316 may restrict sliding movement of the housing portion 420 relative to a fixed structure or may introduce inadvertent applications of force, such as pulling force along a longitudinal direction, as shown by arrow 430.

[0048] The challenges associated with providing sliding capabilities for the housing portion 420 in combination with multiple interfaces 316, and corresponding cable connections, may prompt the incorporation of one or more closure portions 440 to control movement of the enclosure 400. A closure portion 440 is not limited to a particular configuration, but may provide mechanisms, such as latch, pin, clasp, or fastener, that prevents, or allows, sliding movement of the housing portion 420 relative to a fixed structure via the respective pair of rails 410.

[0049] Such a closure portion 440 may be positioned anywhere relative to the housing portion 420. As illustrated with segmented lines, some embodiments of the closure portion 440 operate on opposite sides of a front region of the housing portion 420, proximal the interfaces 316 and fixed support structure. While potentially effective, the size, shape, and position of the closure portion 440 in order to be an effective means for mitigating inadvertent housing portion 420 movement may enlarge the practical size and footprint of the housing portion 420, as shown by vertical distance 450, which may decrease the possible physical density, such as in the rack frame portion. That is, the position of a closure portion 440 on the front surface of the housing portion 420 may, further, poses a risk of inadvertent selection and / or physical obstruction of an interface and / or connected cable. Accordingly, various embodiments are directed to utilizing the rear region of the housing portion for a push lock system 460 that may securely, and efficiently, allow for selection and movement of the enclosure 400 relative to a support structure, such as a rack frame portion.

[0050] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view line representation of a portion of an enclosure engagement assembly 500, such as, for example, a tray, drawer, cassette, or other structure, that may be employed in the rack frame portion of FIG. 2, or another physical structure, as part of hardware enabling operation of aspects of distributed network. The enclosure engagement assembly 500 incorporates a push lock assembly 500 that provides tactilely responsive feedback for locking and unlocking a housing portion 520 and body portion 530 to a selection portion 540 via a capture portion 550.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 5, an external suspension portion 560 may be arranged to physically attach the housing portion 520 to the body portion 530 while allowing relative movement, in response to an application of force along a longitudinal axis, parallel to the Z axis. As a complement to the external suspension portion 560, thecapture portion 550 may be suspended in relation to the housing portion 520, as illustrated in FIGS. 11-13, through an internal suspension portion 526.

[0052] The side profile view of the enclosure lock assembly 500 in FIG 5 conveys how the selection portion 540 may be configured with a selection body portion 542 that presents a selection position portion 544 with a selection protrusion portion 546. Some embodiments of the selection portion 540 may provide a rigid and stationary structure that may engage, and subsequently move, aspects of the housing portion 520 and body portion 530 through interaction with the capture portion 550, via the external suspension portion 560 and internal suspension portion 526.

[0053] In accordance with some embodiments, the selection position portion 544 may be configured with one or more positioning surfaces, which may be planar, curvilinear, or combinations thereof in any size and orientation that efficiently mates with the capture portion 550, such as selection position portion 556. It is contemplated that the housing portion 520 may be attached, affixed, or otherwise coupled to portions of an enclosure, such as enclosure 300 of FIG. 3, which may allow for selective attachment, and removal, of the enclosure from the selection portion 540. It is further contemplated that an enclosure, such as enclosure 400, may be affixed to the selection portion 540 while the push lock assembly 500, as a whole, remains stationary, albeit with components that move to provide locking, and unlocking, of the selection portion 540.

[0054] While the selective engagement of the selection portion 540 with the capture portion 550 may provide efficient attachment of an enclosure through manipulation of the housing portion 520 and body portion 530, it is contemplated that the selection portion 540 may inadvertently separate from the capture portion 550, such as, for example, in response to force applied to the housing portion 520 along the longitudinal axis. Accordingly, the push lock assembly 500 may be configured to articulate in response to engagement of the selection portion 540 with the capture portion 550 to physically retain the selection portion 540 until manual manipulation of the push lock assembly 500.

[0055] As generally conveyed in FIG. 5, and more specifically illustrated in FIGS.11-13, the push lock assembly 500 may respond to force along a longitudinal (Z axis)direction by first engaging the capture portion 550 with the selection portion 540 and proceeding to physically lock the body portion 530 and the housing portion 520 to the selection portion 540. The push lock assembly 500 may further be structurally configured to respond to longitudinal force while in the locked position by moving the capture portion 550 to allow physical disengagement of the support structure 540, and specifically the selection position portion 544, from the push lock assembly 500.

[0056] It is contemplated that the housing portion 520 and body portion 530 integrate multiple force portions 566, on opposite lateral sides (along the X axis). Some embodiments of the push lock assembly 500 position the force portion 566 in a recess continually extending between fixed suspension mounting portions 562. The ability to physically customize the force portion 566 may promote reliable and efficient movement of the housing portion 520 and body portion 530 while preventing external trauma or debris from jeopardizing the function of the external suspension portion 560 over time.

[0057] The housing portion 520 may be characterized as having a cuboid shape with at least six surfaces facing different directions relative to one another. As illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, the push lock assembly 500 may be positioned abutting a rear surface 401 of the housing portion 420 while the port portions 314 are positioned on a front surface 402. In FIG. 4, the side surfaces 403 of the housing portion 420 are shown partially occupied by rails 410 that continuously extend along an entire longitudinal length 430 of the respective side surfaces 403 while the push lock assembly 500 continuously extends along an entire transverse length, along the X axis, of the rear surface 401 .

[0058] By positioning the push lock assembly 500 at the rear surface 401 of the housing portion 420, as opposed to the side surfaces 403 or front surface 402, external force may be efficiently and accurately applied to control the engagement of the selection portion 540 with the capture portion 550, as guided by the rails 410. The rear position of the push lock assembly 500 may further allow for efficient physical density for the enclosure 400. That is, the push lock assembly 500 may provide selectable physical control of the housing portion 420 without extending beyond the areal extent of the housing portion 420.

[0059] As opposed to the closure portion 440 configuration on the front surface 402 of the housing portion 420 that extends beyond the periphery and area of the front surface 402, as generally shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the push lock assembly 500 may provide an ability to lock and unlock the position of the housing portion 420 without adding any size or mass along the height 450 (Y axis) or transverse length (X axis). As a result, the physical footprint of the enclosure 500 is no larger than the physical extent of the housing portion 420, which allows for a greater enclosure 400 density when vertically stacked along the Y axis.

[0060] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a capture portion 550 that may be incorporated into the push lock assembly 500 in some embodiments. The capture portion 550 may have a unitary body portion 551 constructed of rigid, or semi-rigid, material to present aspects that may allow for efficient physical engagement with a selection portion 540 and articulation in response to applied force.

[0061] The unitary body portion 551 , in some embodiments, may have a first capture ramp portion 552a and a second capture ramp portion 552b that are separated on a top surface to allow for individual contact with aspects of a push lock assembly 500. As shown, the first capture ramp portion 552a may have a sloped surface oriented in an opposite direction from a sloped surface of the second capture ramp portion 552b, which may allow for a catching portion 570 to respond to movement of the unitary body portion 551 with locking, and unlocking, capabilities.

[0062] Embodiments of the unitary body portion 551 may provide a capture position portion 554 that extends as a cantilevered protrusion from the top surface. While not limiting, the capture position portion 554 may have a size, shape, and position on the unitary body portion 551 that promotes consistent, repeatable positing, alignment, and movement of the unitary body portion 551 within the body portion 530 of the push lock assembly 500. Some embodiments of the capture position portion 554 may provide multiple separate tabs, protrusions, or walls that collectively promote predetermined placement and movement of the unitary body portion 551 in response to force applied from a selection position portion 556. For instance, a capture position portion 554 may include differently configured protrusions from separate top and bottom surfaces of the unitary body portion 551 , as illustrated in FIGS. 11-13.

[0063] The capture portion 550 may be configured with one or more selection engaging surfaces 557 to facilitate consistent, repeatable location of a selection portion 540, such as aligned with a longitudinal axis of the unitary body portion 551 , parallel to the Z axis. The selection engaging surfaces 557 may be any size, shape, and dimension to direct aspects of a selection portion 540 in line with a suspension receiving portion 558, which may be a hole, aperture, groove, recess, or depression sized to receive aspects of an internal suspension portion 526, as shown in FIGS. 11-13.

[0064] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a retaining portion 510 that may be incorporated into the push lock assembly 500 in some embodiments. The retaining portion 510 may be configured with a body portion 512 constructed of a flexible, or semi-flexible, material, such as metal or a polymer, to provide predetermined physical reaction to applied force, such as from a selection portion 540. The retaining portion 510 may present a ramp portion 514 on a first end and a fork portion 516 on an opposite, second end.

[0065] The size, shape, and orientation of the respective ramp portion 514 and fork portion 516 is not limited, but some embodiments arrange the ramp portion 514 to slope in a direction opposite a bend of the body portion 512. The ramp portion 514 may be configured to respond to contact with aspects of the capture portion 550 to allow movement in a longitudinal direction until the capture portion 550 is beyond a threshold position, as illustrated in FIGS. 11-13. As such, the ramp portion 514 may provide capture portion movement until a predetermined position and then capture portion 550 retention. The fork portion 516 may be configured, in some embodiments, to present planar tabs that extend to provide efficient engagement, and retention, within aspects of a push lock assembly 500, such as in a housing portion 520.

[0066] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate perspective views of a housing portion 520 that may be incorporated into the push lock assembly 500 in some embodiments. The housing portion 520, as shown, may have a suspension mount portion 522 configured to present a suspension post portion 524 for engagement with a capture portion 550. For instance, the suspension mount portion 522 may be a protrusion, shelf, wall, or feature that locates an internal suspension portion 526, such as a spring, relative to the suspension post portion 524. The suspension mount portion 522 may, in otherembodiments, have a capture relief portion 528 that may engage aspects of the capture portion 550, such as capture position portion 554 during operation of a push lock assembly 500.

[0067] The housing portion 520 may be constructed as a single piece of material, such as a metal or polymer, that provides mounting capabilities for the internal suspension portion 526 and the external suspension portion 560. While not limiting, the housing portion 520 may provide a suspension mounting portion 562 and suspension bore portion 564 that may allow for secure positioning of a suspension member, such as a spring, and application of force on the housing portion 520 from the suspension member. It is contemplated that the housing portion 520 may be configured with one or more assembly features, such as holes, protrusions, grooves, and notches to promote positioning and movement of the housing portion 520. FIG.8B displays how a retention portion 510, such as the fork portion 516, may be fit into a retention recess portion 525 to selectively apply force onto the housing portion 520, such as in response to an application of force along a longitudinal (Z axis) direction.

[0068] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a body portion 530 that may be incorporated into the push lock assembly 500 in some embodiments. The body portion 530 may be configured as a single piece of material, such as a metal, polymer, or ceramic, that presents defines a capture region 532 where the capture portion 550 may be positioned and engage the internal suspension portion 526. Embodiments of the body portion 530 may provide a pivot land portion 534 configured to allow selective rotation of a catching portion 570.

[0069] The body portion 530, in other embodiments, may provide a retention ramp portion 536 and a capture stop portion 538 that may provide predetermined locking, and unlocking, operation when the capture region 532 is occupied by the capture portion 550 and the pivot land portion 534 is occupied by the catching portion 570, as shown in FIGS. 11-13. The retention ramp portion 536 may act on the retention portion 510 to allow some capture portion 550 movement along the longitudinal direction while the capture stop portion 538 may restrict the capture portion 550 from moving out of the capture region 532.

[0070] Embodiments of the body portion 530, as shown in FIG. 9, may provide aspects that allow for efficient assembly and operation. For instance, the body portion 530 may present one or more rigid mounting tabs 535 that may allow for secure coupling of the body portion 530, and push lock assembly 500, to an external structure, such as a wall or enclosure. The body portion 530 may additionally provide features for the external suspension portion 560, such as a suspension mount portion 562. It is noted that some embodiments of the body portion 530, and push lock assembly 500, may concurrently position external suspension portions 560 on opposite sides of the body portion 530.

[0071] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a catching portion 570 that may be incorporated into the push lock assembly 500 in some embodiments. The catching portion 570 may be configured with a catching body portion 572 that extends from a catching pivot portion 574 to a catching wall portion 576. The catching portion 570 may be configured with any shape and size, but embodiments may arrange the catching body portion 572 as a right angle so that the catching wall portion 576 may rotate about the catching pivot portion 574 to engage aspects of the selection portion 540 to prevent removal of the selection portion 540 from the capture portion 550.

[0072] The catching portion 570 may have any number of features that are configured to influence rotation of the catching body portion 572 and catching wall portion 576, as shown in FIGS. 11-13. For instance, the catching pivot portion 574 may have a first catching tab portion 578a and a second catching tab portion 578b that are offset from one another and oriented at different angles relative to the catching wall portion 576. Some embodiments configure the tab portions 578a / 578b with matching sizes and shapes while other embodiments may arrange the tab portions 578a / 578b with different physical dimensions. The ability to configure the tab portions 578a / 578b in a variety of sizes, shapes, positions, and angular orientation may provide predetermined engagement with the capture portion 550, such as the capture ramp portions 552a / 552b, and corresponding movement of the catching wall portion 576.

[0073] FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional side view line representation of a portion of a push lock assembly 500 configured and operated in accordance with various embodiments. In the opened position shown in FIG. 11 , the selection portion540, and specifically the selection position portion 544, is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the capture portion 550, and specifically the selection position portion 556.

[0074] The capture portion 550 is positioned in the capture region 532 and held in a receiving position as the capture position portions 554 contact the capture stop portion 538. The suspension receiving portion 558 receives a force portion, such as a spring, of the internal suspension portion 526 as it extends from the suspension mount portion 522 and suspension post portion 524.

[0075] The retention portion 510 contacts the retention ramp portion 536 and complements the capture stop portion 538 to hold the capture body portion 551 in place to engage the selection portion 540. It is contemplated that the retention ramp portion 514 may apply continuous force on the capture portion 550 in a biasing direction 610, parallel to the Z axis and longitudinal axis of the push lock assembly 500.

[0076] The catching portion 570 is oriented in a position relative to the capture portion 550 so that the selection portion 540 may occupy the selection position portion 556 due to the first catching tab portion 578a contacting the first capture ramp portion 552a. That is, the configuration of the catching portion 570 may locate the catching wall portion 576 separate from the capture selection position portion 556, which may be characterized as an open catching position.

[0077] FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional side view line representation of a portion of a push lock assembly 500 configured and operated in accordance with various embodiments. In the locked position shown in FIG. 12, the capture portion 550 has moved beyond a predetermined threshold and depressed the internal suspension portion 526. In response to force applied along the longitudinal axis by the selection portion 540 onto the capture portion 550, the retention portion 510 may flex, or otherwise articulate, as the catching portion 570 rotates to cover the selection position portion 544 and restrict movement of the selection portion 540 in the biasing direction 610.

[0078] In accordance with some embodiments, the locked position, as shown in FIG. 12, corresponds with the second catching tab portion 578b occupying a capture gap 620 between the second capture ramp portion 552b and the capture positionportion 554. It is contemplated that the capture position portion 554 may operate in combination with the sloped configuration of first capture ramp portion 552a to force the catching portion 570 to rotate from the open position, in FIG. 11 , to the closed position shown in FIG. 12. In the locked position of the push lock assembly 500, the retention ramp portion 514 may additionally prevent movement of the capture portion 550 in the biasing direction 610, which may correspond with continuous force applied on the capture portion 550 by the retention portion 510.

[0079] FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional side view line representation of a portion of a push lock assembly 500 configured and operated in accordance with various embodiments. In the unlocking position shown in FIG. 13, force applied on the capture portion 550 by the selection portion 540 in a direction opposite the biasing direction 610, but along the longitudinal axis, further depresses the internal suspension portion 526 such that the housing portion 520 moves to create an operational gap 630. That is, force from the selection portion 540 may cause the housing portion 520 to move relative to the body portion 530, which creates the operational gap 630.

[0080] The movement of the housing portion 520, which may correspond with movement of the external suspension portion 560, may allow the capture position portion 554 to pass the second catching tab portion 578b and the retention portion 510 to engage the retention ramp portion 536, which may force the retention body portion 532 to flex, or otherwise move, along a transverse direction, parallel to the Y axis. The movement of the retention portion 510, as shown in FIG. 13, allows the capture portion 550 to move along the biasing direction 610 as the catching portion 570 rotates in response to the catching tab portions 578a / 578b engaging the capture ramp portions 552a / 552b.

[0081] From the unlocking position shown in FIG. 13, release of force on the selection portion 540 allows the suspension portions 526 / 560 to return to a default, uncompressed position. The release of stored energy in the respective suspension portions 526 / 560 may operate to force the housing portion 520 into contact with the body portion 530 and the capture portion 550 to the front of the capture region 532, as shown in FIG. 11. The force of the internal suspension portion 526, in some embodiments, is sufficient to automate the rotation of the catching portion 570 to theopen position, as a result of the catching tab portions 578a / 578b sliding and engaging the capture ramp portions 552a / 552b and capture position portion 554.

[0082] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of aspects of an enclosure portion 1400 configured and operated in accordance with various embodiments to utilize a pair of push lock assemblies 500 to secure a tray portion 1410 in a rack portion 1420. By securing the push lock assemblies 500 to a bulkhead portion 1430 of the rack portion 1430 and attaching selection portions 540 onto the tray portion 1410, efficient articulation of the tray portion 1410 may be provided. For instance, the tray portion 1410 may be secured in the rack portion via the application of force along the X axis to cause the push lock assemblies 500 to articulate from the open position, of FIG. 11 , to the locked position, of FIG. 12. In response to an additional application of force on the tray portion 1410 along the X axis, towards the push lock assemblies 500, the housing portion 520 may move, as shown in FIG. 13, and the selection portion 540 will be allowed to be separated from the capture portion 550 after the catching portion 570 returns to an open position.

[0083] Additional embodiments include any one of the embodiments described above, where one or more of its components, functionalities or structures is interchanged with, replaced by or augmented by one or more of the components, functionalities or structures of a different embodiment described above. It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

[0084] Although several embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to which the disclosure pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein above, and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as wellas in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the present disclosure, nor the claims which follow.

Claims

What is claimed is:1 . A device configured to provide enhanced optical fiber push-lock component installation and / or access comprising:an optical fiber push-lock component mechanism comprising:an optical fiber component retaining portion comprising:a mounting portion configured to be mounted to an optical fiber structure;a retaining portion configured to be pivotally coupled with the mounting portion;a support portion configured to be slidingly received by the mounting portion;a component receiving portion configured to receive a portion of an optical fiber component during operation;a first biasing portion configured to bias the component receiving portion away from the support portion with a first biasing force;a second biasing portion configured to bias the support portion toward the mounting portion with a second biasing force that is greater than the first biasing force;a latching portion configured to be pivotally coupled with the support portion;wherein the component receiving portion is configured to be urged toward the support portion by urging the optical fiber component toward the component receiving portion with a first urging force that exceeds the first biasing force to a first configuration, wherein the latching portion is configured to maintain a position of the component receiving portion against the first biasing force, and the component receiving portion is configured to engage the retaining portion such that the retaining portion and the component receiving portion are configured to retain the optical fiber component during operation;wherein the component receiving portion is configured to be urged toward the support portion by urging the optical fibercomponent against the component receiving portion with a second urging force that exceeds the second biasing force to a second configuration, wherein the latching portion is configured to release the component receiving portion and the component receiving portion is configured to disengage from the retaining portion such that the retaining portion and the component receiving portion are configured to release the optical fiber component during operation;wherein the optical fiber component comprises an optical fiber tray that is configured to support an optical fiber structure; andwherein the optical fiber push-lock component mechanism is structurally configured to provide enhanced fiber optic push-lock component connectivity and / or access by causing the component receiving portion to selectively retain the optical fiber component in response to a first urging force and release the optical fiber component in response to the second urging force so to provide enhanced installation of and / or access to the optical fiber component during operation.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first urging force is configured to be different than the second urging force.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the latching portion is configured to pivot around the mounting portion so that the mounting portion is positioned between a latching wall portion of the latching portion and the support portion.

4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first biasing portion comprises a first spring and the second biasing portion comprises a second spring.

5. A device configured to provide enhanced optical fiber push-lock component installation and / or access comprising:an optical fiber push-lock component assembly comprising a fiber optic component retaining portion that includes a component receiving portionconfigured to receive a portion of an optical fiber component, and a latching portion configured to be pivotally coupled with the support portion;wherein the component receiving portion is configured to be urged toward the support portion by urging the optical fiber component toward the component receiving portion with a first urging force that exceeds the first biasing force to a first configuration;wherein the component receiving portion is configured to be urged toward the support portion by urging the optical fiber component against the component receiving portion with a second urging force that exceeds the second biasing force to a second configuration; andwherein the optical fiber push-lock component assembly is structurally configured to provide enhanced optical fiber push-lock component connectivity and / or access by causing the component receiving portion to selectively retain the optical fiber component in response to a first urging force and release the optical fiber component in response to the second urging force so to provide enhanced installation of and / or access to the optical fiber component.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the latching portion is configured to maintain a position of the component receiving portion against the first biasing force, and the component receiving portion is configured to engage the retaining portion such that the retaining portion and the component receiving portion are configured to retain the optical fiber component.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the latching portion is configured to release the component receiving portion and the component receiving portion is configured to disengage from the retaining portion such that the retaining portion and the component receiving portion are configured to release the optical fiber component during operation.

8. The device of claim 5, wherein the optical fiber component comprises an optical fiber tray that is configured to support an optical fiber structure.

9. The device of claim 5, wherein the optical fiber component retaining portion comprises a mounting portion configured to be mounted to an optical fiber structure, and wherein the optical fiber component retaining portion comprises a retaining portion configured to be pivotally coupled with the mounting portion.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the optical fiber component retaining portion comprises a support portion configured to be slidingly received by the mounting portion.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the optical fiber component retaining portion comprises a first biasing portion configured to bias the component receiving portion away from the support portion with a first biasing force.

12. The device of claim 11 , wherein the optical fiber component retaining portion comprises a second biasing portion configured to bias the support portion toward the mounting portion with a second biasing force that is greater than the first biasing force.

13. A device configured to provide enhanced optical fiber push-lock component installation and / or access comprising:an optical fiber push-lock component holder comprising an optical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion that is configured to move between a retaining position, where an optical fiber component is retained by the optical fiber push-lock component holder, when a first urging force is exerted toward the optical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion during operation, and a releasing position, where the optical fiber component is released by the optical fiber push-lock component holder, when a second urging force is urged toward the optical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion during operation; andwherein the optical fiber push-lock component holder is structurally configured to provide enhanced optical fiber push-lock component connectivity and / or access by causing the optical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion to retain the optical fiber component when the optical fiber componentretaining and / or releasing portion is moved to the retaining position when the first urging force is exerted toward the optical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion during operation, and by causing the optical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion to release the optical fiber component when the optical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion is moved to the releasing position when the second urging force is urged toward the optical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion during operation.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the optical fiber component comprises an optical fiber tray that is configured to support an optical fiber structure.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein the optical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion comprises:an optical fiber component retaining portion that comprises an optical fiber component receiving portion configured to receive a portion of the optical fiber component;wherein the optical fiber component receiving portion is configured cause the optical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion to move to the retaining position by causing the first urging force to urge the optical fiber component toward the optical fiber component receiving portion; and wherein the first urging force is greater than the first biasing force.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the optical fiber push-lock component holder comprises a biased latching portion that is configured to biasingly maintain a position of the optical fiber component receiving portion against the first biasing force, and wherein the optical fiber component receiving portion is configured to engage the retaining portion such that the retaining portion and the component receiving portion are configured to retain the optical fiber component when the optical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion is in the retaining position.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the optical fiber component receiving portion is configured to be urged toward the support portion so as to be move theoptical fiber component retaining and / or releasing portion to the released position by causing the second urging force to urge the optical fiber component against the optical fiber component receiving portion, and wherein the second urging force is greater than the first urging force.

18. The device of claim 15, wherein the optical fiber component retaining portion comprises a mounting portion configured to be mounted to an optical fiber structure, and wherein the optical fiber component retaining portion comprises a retaining portion configured to be pivotally coupled with the mounting portion, and wherein the optical fiber component retaining portion comprises a support portion configured to be slidingly received by the mounting portion.

19. The device of claim 15, wherein the optical fiber component retaining portion comprises a support portion, a mounting portion, a first biasing portion that is configured to bias the optical fiber component receiving portion away from the support portion, and a second biasing portion configured to bias the support portion toward the mounting portion during operation.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the optical fiber component retaining portion comprises a latching portion configured to be pivotally coupled with the support portion.21 . The device of claim 20, wherein the latching portion is configured to release the optical fiber component receiving portion and the optical fiber component receiving portion is configured to release the optical fiber component.

22. The device of claim 20, wherein the latching portion is configured to pivot around the mounting portion so that the mounting portion is positioned between a latching wall portion of the latching portion and the support portion.

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