Optical fiber storage device

Abstract

NOT VISIBLE DUE TO STATUS OF PATENT

Description

[0001] OPTICAL FIBER STORAGE DEVICE

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 643,370, filed on May 6, 2024; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 660,980, filed on June 17, 2024; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 696,661, filed on September 19, 2024; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 723,260, filed on November 21, 2024; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 747,838, filed on January 21, 2025; each of which is entitled OPTICAL FIBER STORAGE DEVICE; the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0004] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] The present disclosure relates to devices for storing lengths of optical fibers.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] It is desirable to prevent bending of optical fibers beyond established minimum bend radius requirements. It is also desirable for optical fibers to be stored in a protective manner that still allows the optical fibers to be readily accessed.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a device that allows extra length of optical fiber to be easily stored in the field in a manner that also allows ready access to the length of optical fiber at a later date after initial storage.

[0010] 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 foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the description, illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

[0012] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an optical fiber storage device in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 2 depicts the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 1 in an assembled configuration;

[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of another optical fiber storage device in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another optical fiber storage device in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 4;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a further optical fiber storage device in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view of the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 6;

[0019] FIG. 8 depicts a base of another optical fiber storage device in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 9 depicts the base of the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 8 in combination with removeable fiber guides;

[0021] FIG. 10 depicts the base of the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 8 with the fiber guide removed and a top cover installed over the base;

[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another optical fiber storage device in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 11;

[0024] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a ferrule holder / cover that can be used in combination with the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 11;

[0025] FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the ferrule holder / cover of FIG. 13;

[0026] FIG. 15 is a partially exploded view of the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 11; FIG. 16 is a partially exploded view of the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 11 with an optical fiber shown routed through a cover of the optical fiber storage device;

[0027] FIG. 17 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view bisecting the cover of the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 11;

[0028] FIG. 18 is a transverse cross-sectional view cut through the cover of the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 11 adjacent a base end of the cover;

[0029] FIG. 19 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view bisecting the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 11 showing the optical fiber routed through an interior of a dome of the optical fiber storage device;

[0030] FIG. 20 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view bisecting the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 11 depicting an opposite side of an interior of the device as compared to the cross- sectional view of FIG. 19, a fiber pick-up finger of a spool of the optical fiber storage device is depicted;

[0031] FIG. 21 is another exploded view of the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 11;

[0032] FIG. 22 is a further exploded view of the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 11;

[0033] FIG. 23 is a front view of another optical fiber storage device in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 24 is a side view of the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 23;

[0035] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 23;

[0036] FIG. 26 is another perspective view of the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 23;

[0037] FIG. 27 is a top view of the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 23;

[0038] FIG. 28 is a bottom view of the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 23;

[0039] FIG. 29 is a front exploded view of the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 23;

[0040] FIG. 30 is a side exploded view of the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 23;

[0041] FIG. 31 is a perspective exploded view of the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 23;

[0042] FIG. 32 is another exploded perspective view of the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 23;

[0043] FIG. 33 is a front view of the spool of the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 23;

[0044] FIG. 34 is a side view of the spool of FIG. 33; FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the spool of FIG. 33;

[0045] FIG. 36 is a top view of the spool of FIG. 33;

[0046] FIG. 37 is a bottom view of the spool of FIG. 33;

[0047] FIG. 38 is a front view of the sleeve of the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 23;

[0048] FIG. 39 is a side view of the sleeve of FIG. 38;

[0049] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the sleeve of FIG. 38;

[0050] FIG. 41 is a front view of the fiber exit cap of the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 23;

[0051] FIG. 42 is a side view of the fiber exit cap of FIG. 41;

[0052] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the fiber exit cap of FIG. 41;

[0053] FIG. 44 is a top view of the fiber exit cap of FIG. 41;

[0054] FIG. 45 is a bottom view of the fiber exit cap of FIG. 41;

[0055] FIG. 46 illustrates a first step in a method of assembling the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 23 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0056] FIG. 47 illustrates a second step in the method of FIG. 46;

[0057] FIG. 48 illustrates a third step in the method of FIG. 46;

[0058] FIG. 49 illustrates a fourth step in the method of FIG. 46;

[0059] FIG. 50 illustrates a fifth step in the method of FIG. 46;

[0060] FIG. 51 illustrates a sixth step in the method of FIG. 46;

[0061] FIG. 52 illustrates a seventh step in the method of FIG. 46;

[0062] FIG. 53 illustrates an eighth step in the method of FIG. 46;

[0063] FIG. 54 illustrates a ninth step in the method of FIG. 46;

[0064] FIG. 55 illustrates a tenth step in the method of FIG. 46;

[0065] FIG. 56 illustrates an eleventh step in the method of FIG. 46;

[0066] FIG. 57 illustrates a twelfth step in the method of FIG. 46;

[0067] FIG. 58 illustrates a thirteenth step in the method of FIG. 46;

[0068] FIG. 59 illustrates a fourteenth step in the method of FIG. 46;

[0069] FIG. 60 illustrates a fifteenth step in the method of FIG. 46;

[0070] FIG. 61 illustrates a sixteenth step in the method of FIG. 46;

[0071] FIG. 62 illustrates a final step in the method of FIG. 46; FIG. 63 illustrates the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 23, assembled by the method of FIG. 46;

[0072] FIG. 64 illustrates a first step in a method of installing the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 23 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0073] FIG. 65 illustrates a second step in the method of FIG. 64;

[0074] FIG. 66 illustrates the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 23, installed by the method of FIG. 64;

[0075] FIG. 67 illustrates a first step in a method of unspooling optical fiber from the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 23 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0076] FIG. 68 illustrates a second step in the method of FIG. 67;

[0077] FIG. 69 illustrates a third step in the method of FIG. 67;

[0078] FIG. 70 illustrates a fourth step in the method of FIG. 67;

[0079] FIG. 71 illustrates a fifth step in the method of FIG. 67;

[0080] FIG. 72 illustrates a final step in the method of FIG. 67;

[0081] FIG. 73 depicts a cover for an optical fiber storage device in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure having a fiber entrance opening and an internal fiber guide within the cover for ensuring that optical fibers drawn into the fiber storage device are routed in a circumferential orientation onto the spool;

[0082] FIG. 74 depicts a cover for an optical fiber storage device in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure having a fiber exit opening defined by an axial fiber exit stub that is surrounded at least partially by a reinforcing structure of the cover defining a pocket for receiving a tube coupler used to couple the fiber exit stub to a tube such as a blown fiber tube;

[0083] FIG. 75 depicts a cover for an optical fiber storage device in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure having a fiber exit opening defined by a tangentially oriented fiber entrance stub that is surrounded at least partially by a reinforcing structure of the cover defining a pocket for receiving a tube coupler used to couple the fiber entrance stub to a tube such as a blown fiber tube;

[0084] FIG. 76 is a perspective view of another optical fiber storage device in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0085] FIG. 77 is a side view of the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 76; FIG. 78 is a bottom view of the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 76;

[0086] FIG. 79 is a bottom view of the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 76 with a spool having an alternative internal arrangement;

[0087] FIG. 80 is a bottom, perspective view of the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 76;

[0088] FIG. 81 is a bottom, perspective view of the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 76 with the spool having the alternative internal arrangement;

[0089] FIG. 82 is a cross-sectional view of the optical fiber storage device of FIG. 76;

[0090] FIG. 83 is a cross-sectional view of the optical storage device of FIG. 76 with the spool having the alternative internal arrangement;

[0091] FIG. 84 is a bottom, perspective view of the spool having the alternative internal arrangement;

[0092] FIG. 85 is a top view of the spool having the alternative internal arrangement;

[0093] FIG. 86 is a perspective view of the top of the spool having the alternative internal arrangement depicting a fiber attachment location at the top axial end of the spool;

[0094] FIG. 87 is a perspective view of another optical storage device in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure with an outside accessible compartment integrated with an outer side of a side wall of the optical storage device; and

[0095] FIG. 88 is a perspective view of the optical storage device of FIG. 87 with a cover removed from the outside accessible compartment.

[0096] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0097] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to fiber storage devices that allow optical fiber to be quickly and easily stored (i.e., coiled, spooled, etc.) in the field at a first date. In one example, a primary length of fiber such as blown fiber is routed from a first location (e.g., a hub, a terminal, etc.) to a second location that may be near a subscriber location. The second location can include a housing in which an extra amount of the optical fiber (e.g., a secondary length, and extra length, etc.) can be held / contained for later use (e.g., when the subscriber location is ready to be connected to the network). Aspects of the present disclosure relate to fiber storage devices that allow a field technician to easily spool / coil the extra fiber at the time of initial fiber deployment for safe and reliable fiber storage, and also allow the optical fiber to be quickly and easily accessed at a later date when the subscriber location requests service. In one example, the primary length (e.g., length I) of optical fiber can be over 100 meters, or over 200 meters, or over 300 meters, or over 400 meters, or over 500 meters. In one example, the extra length of optical fibers (e.g., the stored length, the coiled length, etc.) can be under 50 meters or under 30 meters. In certain examples, a free end of the extra length of fiber can be terminated with a ferrule, a non-hardened fiber optic connector or a hardened fiber optic connector.

[0098] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an example optical fiber storage device 20 for storing extra length of optical fiber 22 at the end of a primary length of optical fiber 24. The optical fiber storage device 20 incudes a spool 26 defining a spooling surface 28 about which the extra optical fiber 22 can be spooled. The optical fiber storage device also includes a cover 30 that mounts over the spool 26. The cover 30 defines a fiber exit opening 32 that allows the spooled optical fiber 22 to be pulled from the spool 26 through an interior of the cover 30 and out the fiber exit opening 32 while the cover 30 remains mounted over the spool 26. The fiber storage device 20 also includes a fiber entrance opening 34 where the extra length of the optical fiber 22 enters the optical fiber storage device and from which the primary length of optical fiber 24 extends away from the optical storage device 20. As depicted at FIG. 2, the fiber entrance opening 34 is defined between the spool 26 and the cover 30.

[0099] As depicted at FIG. 2, the extra length of optical fiber 22 can be coiled about the spool 26 before mounting the cover 30 over the spool 26. Once the optical fiber 22 has been wrapped about the spool 26, the cover 30 can be slid axially over the spool 26. As depicted, both the spool 26 and the cover 30 have an elongate configuration each having a maximum dimension (i.e., a length) that extends along a central axis 36. At least some coils of the spooled optical fiber 22 can be located outside the cover 30 (e.g., by a flange 38 at a lower end of the spool 26 as shown at FIG. 2) once the cover has been mounted on (e.g., slid over) the spool 26. In certain examples, at least some coils of the spooled optical fiber 22 are located radially between the cover 30 and the spool 26 (e.g., in a radial space 40 between the outside of the spool 26 and the inside of the cover 30) once the cover 30 has been mounted on the spool 26. In one example, the opposing surfaces of the spool 26 and the cover 30 which define the radial space 40 are cylindrical. The extra length of the optical fiber 22 can be removed from the optical fiber storage device 20 by manually pulling the optical fiber 22 from the interior of the fiber storage device 20 through the fiber exit opening 32 cause the fiber to be axially pulled from its coiled state on the spool 26.

[0100] The cover 30 and / or the spool 26 can have a flexible construction that facilitates effective unspooling of the spooled optical fiber 22. In one example, the spool 26 can be made of a material having a resilient construction such as foam. In one example, a power tool such as a power drill can be used to turn the spool 26 during spooling of the optical fiber 22 on the spool 26.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 1, the cover 30 has an elongate configuration with a cover length CL than extends from a first end 42 to a second end 44 of the cover 30. In certain examples, the cover length CL can be at least 2, 3 or 4 times as large as an inner cross-dimension (e.g., an inner diameter) of the cover 30. The first end 42 of the cover 30 defines the fiber exit opening 32 and the second 44 of the cover 30 is open and configured such that the second end 44 can be inserted over the spool 26.

[0102] The first end 42 of the cover 30 has a tapered configuration. In one example, the tapered configuration of the first end 42 has a rounded dome shape 46 having a concave interior and a convex exterior. Other tapered shapes could also be used. The cover 30 also has a cylindrical sleeve portion 48 that extends from the tapered configuration of the rounded dome 46 to the second end 44.

[0103] The spool 26 of the fiber storage device 20 has an elongate configuration including a spool length SL that extends between a first end 50 and a second end 52. The first end 50 is adapted to be received in the cover 30 and has a rounded dome 55. The spooling surface 28 extends from the rounded dome 55 toward the second end 52 of the cover 26. In one example, the spooling surface 28 is cylindrical.

[0104] FIG. 3 depicts another example optical fiber storage device 120 for storing extra length of optical fiber 22 at the end of a primary length of optical fiber 24. The optical fiber storage device 120 incudes a spool 126 defining a spooling surface 128 about which the extra optical fiber 22 can be spooled. The optical fiber storage device 120 also includes a cover 130 that mounts over the spool 126. The cover 130 defines a fiber exit opening 132 that allows the spooled optical fiber 22 to be pulled from the spool 126 through an interior of the cover 130 and out the fiber exit opening 132 while the cover 130 remains mounted over the spool 126. The fiber storage device 120 also includes a fiber entrance opening 134 where the extra length of the optical fiber 22 enters the optical fiber storage device and from which the primary length of optical fiber 24 extends away from the optical storage device 120. As depicted at FIG. 3, the fiber exit opening 132 is defined at an end of the cover 130.

[0105] The cover 126 of the fiber storage device 120 extends along a central axis 127 between a first end 131 and a second end 133. The first end 131 is defined by a rounded dome 143 and the fiber exit opening 132 is defined through the first end 131. The cover 130 includes a side wall portion 135 that extends from the rounded dome 143 to the second end 133. The second end 133 is open and configured to be inserted over the spool 126. In one example, the side wall portion 135 is cylindrical. The side wall portion 135 defines an axial through slot 137. A slider 139 is mounted to slide along the axial through slot 137. The fiber entrance opening 134 is defined through the slider 139.

[0106] To spool the extra length of optic fiber 22 within the fiber optic storage device 120, the extra length of optical fiber 22 is fed through the fiber entrance opening of the slider 139 into an interior of the cover 130. Next, the extra length of optical fiber 22 is fed from the interior of the cover 130 out from the cover 130 through the fiber exit opening 132. After the extra length of optical fiber 32 has been fed through the cover 130 as described above, the spool 126 is inserted co-axially into the cover 130 through the second end 133 of the cover 130. Once the spool 126 is inserted into the cover 130, the spool 126 is rotated about the central axis 127 such that a catch 141 on the spool 126 catches the extra length of optical fiber 22 thereby wrapping the optical fiber 22 about the spool 126. As the optical fiber wraps about the spool 126, the extra length of optical fiber 22 is pulled inwardly through the fiber entrance opening 134 to take up and spool the extra optical fiber 22. The spooled optical fiber can be withdrawn (e.g., unspooled) from the optical fiber storage device 120 by pulling the optical fiber 22 from the fiber storage device 120 through the opening 132 causing the excess fiber to be pulled axially from the spool 126. The spool 126 can include a handle 145 for facilitating rotating the spool 126 about the axis 127 relative to the cover 130. In an alternative example, the device can be configured such that rotation of the cover 130 relative to the spool 126 causes the optical fiber 22 to be drawn into the device through the entrance opening 134 and wrapped about the spool 126. The slider 139 is configured to slide along the axial through slot 137 as the extra length of optical fiber 22 is coiled on the spooling surface 128 to provide an indication of the amount of extra length of the optical fiber 22 that has been coiled at the spooling surface 128. Fiber length indication markings 147 can be provided on the cover 130 along the length of the through slot 137.

[0107] FIGS. 4 and 5 depict another example optical fiber storage device 220 for storing extra length of optical fiber 22 at the end of a primary length of optical fiber 24. The optical fiber storage device 220 incudes a spool 226 defining a conical spooling surface 228 about which the extra optical fiber 22 can be spooled. The optical fiber storage device 220 also includes a conical cover 230 that mounts over the spool 226. The cover 230 defines a fiber exit opening 232 that allows the spooled optical fiber 22 to be pulled from the spool 226 through an interior of the cover 230 and out the fiber exit opening 232 while the cover 230 remains mounted over the spool 226. The fiber storage device 220 also includes a fiber entrance opening 234 where the extra length of the optical fiber 22 enters the optical fiber storage device and from which the primary length of optical fiber 24 extends away from the optical storage device 220. As depicted at FIG. 5, the fiber entrance opening 234 is through a base of the spool 226. The fiber 22 can be fed through the entrance opening 234 and manually wrapped about the conical spooling surface 228. Then, the end of the fiber 22 can be inserted through the fiber exit opening 232 of the cover 230 and the cover can be installed over the spool 226 such that the coiled fiber 22 is contained between the conical spool surface 228 and the conical interior of the cover 230. By pulling on the portion of the fiber 22 that extends from the fiber exit opening 232, the fiber 22 can be manually withdrawn from the fiber optic storage device 220.

[0108] FIGS. 6 and 7 depict a further optical fiber storage device 320 for storing extra length of optical fiber 22 at the end of a primary length of optical fiber 24. The optical fiber storage device 320 includes a frame 322 configured to rotate about a first axis 324. The optical fiber storage device 320 also includes a first bevel gear 326 coupled to the frame 322 such that the first bevel gear 326 is adapted to rotate with the frame 322 about the first axis 324. The optical fiber storage device 320 further includes a second bevel gear 328 that intermeshes with the first bevel gear 326. The second bevel gear 328 is carried with the frame 322 and is rotatable relative to the frame 322 about a second axis 330. The optical fiber storage device 320 also includes a spool 332 carried with the frame 322. The spool 332 is coupled with the second bevel gear 328 such that the spool 332 and the second bevel gear 328 are configured to rotate together about the second axis 330 relative to the frame 322. The optical fiber storage device 320 also includes a fiber passage 340 including a first portion 342 defined axially through the first gear 326 along the first axis 324, a second portion 344 defined axially though the second gear 328 along the second axis 330 and a third portion 346 defined axially through the spool 332 along the second axis 330. The extra length of optical fiber 22 is coiled about the second axis 330 around the spool 332 for storage. By pulling the extra length of fiber 22 from the spool 332 (e.g., through guide 348) the fiber 22 is paid out from the spool 332 and the spool 332 is caused to rotate about the second axis 330. Rotation of the spool 332 drives rotation of the second bevel gear 328 about the second axis 330 which drives rotation of the first bevel gear 326 and the frame 322 about the first axis 324 such that twist is not applied to the primary length of optical fiber 24 as the extra length of optical fiber 22 is paid out from the spool 322. To store the extra length of optical fiber 22 on the spool 332, the extra length of optical fiber 22 can be threaded through the gears and the spool, wrapped a few times about the spool and then threaded through the guide 348. The frame 322 can then be manually rotated about the first axis 324 to cause rotation of the spool 332 such that the fiber 22 is wound on the spool and drawn into the device from the primary fiber side. In certain examples, the device 320 can be housed in an outer housing 350.

[0109] FIGS. 8-10 depict another optical fiber storage device 420 for storing extra length of optical fiber 22 at the end of a primary length of optical fiber 24. The optical fiber storage device 420 includes a storage housing 421 including a base 422 defining an interior 424. The base 422 includes a bottom 425 defining openings 447 for removably receiving fiber coiling guides 447 through the bottom of the base 422. The base 422 can have an open top with the open configuration being adapted to facilitate manual fiber routing of the optical fiber 22 about the fiber coiling guides 427. The guides 427 can be temporarily positioned in the base 422 for facilitating routing the extra length of optical fiber 22 in a figure-eight pattern within the base 422. The fiber coiling guides 427 are removeable from the base 422 after the extra length of optical fiber 22 has been coiled in the figure-eight pattern within the base 422. The base 422 defines a fiber entrance opening 434 or the fiber can be routed into the base 422 through one of the openings 427. The housing 421 includes a cover 440 that mounts to the base 422. The cover 440 defines a fiber exit opening 432 for allowing the extra length of optical fiber 22 to be pulled from the interior of the housing 421 when it is desired to uncoil and access the fiber 22. The fiber exit opening 432 can have a contoured bell shape that extends upwardly from a main top wall of the cover to facilitate the smooth withdrawal of the coiled fiber 22 form the housing 421. The opening 432 can be enlarged to overlap a portion of each coil of the figure-eight within the housing 421.

[0110] In certain examples, fiber storage devices in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure can be environmentally sealed (e.g., with gaskets, o- rings, gels, etc.) such that the fiber storage devices can function as fiber closures. In certain examples, portions of fiber storage devices in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure can be flexible and can flex as optical fiber is pulled from the interiors of the fiber storage devices to enhance reliable deployment of the optical fiber.

[0111] FIGS. 11, 12 and 15-22 depict another example optical fiber storage device 520 for storing a length of optical fiber 22 at the end of the primary length of optical fiber 24. The primary length of optical fiber 24 can extend through a blown fiber tube 25. As shown at FIGS 21 and 22, the optical fiber storage device 520 includes a spool 526, a cover 530, and an end cap 599. The spool 526 defines a spooling surface 528 about which the extra optical fiber 22 can be spooled. In one example, the spooling surface 528 is cylindrical and faces outwardly from a central axis of the spool 526. The spooling surface 528 can define an outer diameter OD (see FIG. 16). The cover 530 is adapted to mount over the spool 526 and defines a fiber exit opening 532 (see FIG. 17) that allows the spooled optical fiber 22 to be pulled from the spool 526 through an interior of the cover 530 and out the fiber exit opening 532 while the cover 530 remains mounted over the spool 526. The cover 530 also defines a fiber entrance opening 534 where the extra length of optical fiber 22 enters the optical fiber storage device and from which the primary length of optical fiber 24 extends away from the optical storage device 520. The blown fiber tube 25 can attach to the cover 530 at the fiber entrance opening 534. The end cap 599 can secure the spool 526 within the cover 530 (see FIG. 19). In one example, the end cap 599 can snap over an end flange 597 of the cover 530 and capture the spool 526 within the cover 530. In certain examples, environmental sealing can be provided between the end cap 599 and the cover 530 such that moisture and / or contaminants are prevented from entering the interior of the optical fiber storage device 524. In one example, an annular seal can provide perimeter sealing at the base end of the fiber storage device (e.g., between the cover and the spool or and / or between the cover and the end cap. In certain examples, seals can also be provided at the fiber exit opening 532 and the fiber entrance opening 534.

[0112] The cover 526 of the fiber storage device 520 extends along a central axis 527 between a first end 531 and a second end 533 (see FIG. 16). The first end 531 is defined by a rounded dome 543 (see FIG. 17) and the fiber exit opening 532 is defined through the first end 531 at a central region of the rounded dome 543. In one example, the fiber exit opening 532 is aligned with the central axis 527. The cover 530 includes a side wall portion 535 that extends from the rounded dome 543 to the second end 533. The second end 533 is open and configured to be inserted over the spooling portion 528 of the spool 526. In a preferred example, the side wall portion 535 is cylindrical and includes an inwardly facing cylindrical surface 595 adapted to face toward the cylindrical spooling surface of the spool 526 when the spool 526 is positioned within the cover 530. In one example, the inwardly facing cylindrical surface 595 defines an inner diameter ID of the cover 530. The fiber entrance opening 534 is defined through the cover 530 adjacent the second end 533. As depicted, the fiber entrance opening 534 is positioned directly above the flange 597 and is defined by a conduit 593. As depicted, the conduit is in fluid communication with the interior of the cover 530 and defines a fiber entrance passage formed within a structure such as a stub or projection. As depicted, the conduit 593 is tangentially oriented with respect to an outer surface of the cylindrical side wall of the cover 530. The blown fiber tube 25 can attach to and be sealed with respect to the conduit 593.

[0113] In certain examples, a plate 591 (see FIG. 22) can mount in the base end of the spool 526. In certain examples, the plate can include an interface (not shown) for connecting a power tool to the spool for rotating the spool 526 within the cover 530. The plate 591 can reinforce the base end of the spool and allow the spooling portion to have a relatively thin, flexible construction. In certain examples, the spool 526 can be rotated within the cover 532 to pull the optical fiber 22 into the interior of the fiber storage device and to cause the optical fiber 22 to be spooled about the spooling surface of the spool 526. The spool can be rotated manually by gripping a portion of the spool that protrudes from the cover 530 before the end cap 599 is installed. Alternatively, a power tool can be used to rotate the spool 526 prior to installation of the end cap 599. In certain examples, a base end of the spool 526 can include a flange 589 adapted to seat against the flange 597 of the cover 530 to limit a depth of insertion of the spool 526 within the cover 530. The spool 526 can include a resilient fiber pick-up finger 587 (see FIG. 20) that projects axially from an axial end of the spool 526 that is opposite from the base end (i.e., the axial end of the spool that is positioned adjacent the dome structure of the cover when the spool is installed within the cover). In one example, the pick-up finger 587 is configured to engage an inner side of the dome structure when the spool 526 is mounted within the cover 530.

[0114] In certain examples, a ferrule 585 and a spring 583 (see FIG. 12) can be provided at the end of the optical fiber 22. In certain examples, the ferrule 585, the spring 583 and the portion of the fiber 22 that project outwardly from the fiber exit opening 532 can be enclosed within a protective structure. The protective structure can include a tube 581 attached to the dome structure of the cover adjacent the exit opening 532, and a ferrule cover 579 (see FIGS. 13 and 14) attached to the far end of the tube 581. In certain examples, the ferrule cover 579 can be configured to illuminate when light is directed through the optical fiber 22.

[0115] In certain examples, a radial spacing less than two times the diameter of the optical fiber 22 is provided between the cylindrical spooling surface of the spool 526 and the cylindrical containment surface of the side wall of the cover 550. This type of spacing allows the optical fiber 22 to be coiled in a single layer within the space between the cylindrical spooling surface and the cylindrical containment surface. This assists in preventing overlapping of the coils of the spooled optical fiber 22.

[0116] To spool the extra length of optical fiber 22 within the fiber optic storage device 520, the extra length of optical fiber 22 is fed through the fiber entrance opening 534 at the base of the cover 530 into an interior of the cover 530. Next, the extra length of optical fiber 22 is fed from the interior of the cover out from the cover 530 through the fiber exit opening 532. The optical fiber 22 protruding from the fiber exit opening 532 can be secured (e.g., with tape) to prevent the optical fiber 22 from being pulled back into the fiber optic storage device during spooling. After the extra length of optical fiber 22 has been fed through the cover 530 as described above, the spool 526 is inserted coaxially into the cover 530 through the second end 533 of the cover 530. Once the spool 526 is inserted into the cover 530, the spool 526 is rotated about the central axis 527 such that the fiber take-up finger on the spool 526 catches the extra length of the optical fiber 22 thereby wrapping the optical fiber 22 about the cylindrical spooling portion of the spool 526. During spooling, the optical fiber 22 is drawn into the interior of the fiber optic storage device through the fiber entrance opening 534. During rotation of the spool 526 within the cover 530, the optical fiber 22 is wrapped around the lower portion of the spooling portion of the spool 526 thereby causing earlier coiled portions of the optical fiber to gradually be pushed upwardly along the spooling portion of the spool 526. Preferably, the optical fiber is stored in a single layer of coils within the region between the cylindrical spooling surface and the cylindrical side wall surface of the cover. Once the excess optical fiber has been stored within the fiber storage device 520, the blown fiber tube 25 can be attached to the cover 530 adjacent the fiber entrance opening 534 and protective structure such as the tube 581 can be installed at the fiber exit opening 532 to protect the otherwise exposed length of optical fiber 22. The spool optical fiber can be withdrawn (e.g., unspooled) from the optical fiber storage device 520 by pulling the optical fiber 22 from the fiber storage device 520 through the opening 532 causing the excess fiber to be pulled axially from the spool 526.

[0117] FIGS. 23-45 depict another example optical fiber storage device 620 for storing a length of optical fiber 22 at the end of the primary length of optical fiber 24. The primary length of optical fiber 24 can extend through a blown fiber tube 25. As shown at FIGS. 23-32, the optical fiber storage device 620 includes a spool 626, and a cover 630. The cover 630 has a two- piece construction including a sleeve 631 and a fiber exit cap 633. The cover 630 is adapted to mount over the spool 626 with the extra optical fiber 22 coiled between the spool 626 and the sleeve 631 of the cover 630.

[0118] The spool 626 defines a spooling surface 628 (see FIG. 33) about which the extra optical fiber 22 can be spooled. In one example, the spooling surface 628 is cylindrical and faces outwardly from a central axis 625 of the spool 626. The spooling surface 628 can define an outer diameter OD. The spool 626 includes a base end 627 and an opposite fiber connection end 629. The base end 627 includes a base flange 635 that projects radially outwardly from the spooling surface 628. When the sleeve 631 is mounted over the spool 626, the sleeve 631 seats on the base flange 635. The base flange 635 can include a latch 637 (e.g., a snap-fit latch) for engaging the sleeve 631 of the cover 630 when the sleeve is mounted over the spool 626 for retaining the sleeve 631 on the spool 626 while allowing relative rotation between the spool 626 and the sleeve 631 about the central axis 625. Base flange 635 may further include cable routing slot 636, through which the optical fiber may be routed when optical fiber storage device 620 is installed. The slot 636 can be used to hold blown fiber tube 25. The spool 626 can include curved finger grips 638 (see FIG. 37) that extend outwardly from the central axis 625 and that are recessed within the spool 626. The curved finger grips 638 are accessible through the base end 627 of the spool 626 for allowing the spool 626 to be manually rotated relative to the sleeve 631 about the axis of rotation 625. The fiber connection end 629 has a closed-ended configuration and includes a fiber holder 639 (see FIG. 35). Curved fiber bend radius protectors 641 are also provided at the fiber connection end 629 adjacent the fiber holder 639.

[0119] The sleeve 631 of the cover 630 has an open-ended configuration. When the sleeve 631 mounts over the spool 626, a first open end 643 of the sleeve 631 seats on the base flange 635 of the spool 626 while the fiber connection end 629 of the spool 626 is accessible at a second open end 645 of the sleeve 631. The fiber exit cap 633 is adapted to mount over the second open end 645 of the sleeve 631. The fiber exit cap 633 can attach to the sleeve 631 by a mechanical connection such as a snap-fit connection, a bayonet style connection, or a threaded connection. The fiber exit cap 633 has a tapered configuration (e.g., a domed configuration) that transitions toward a fiber exit opening 647 (see FIG. 43) that preferably aligns with the central axis 625 when the fiber exit cap 633 is secured to the sleeve 631 while the sleeve 631 is installed over the spool 626. The fiber exit opening 647 allows the spooled optical fiber 22 to be pulled from the spool 626 through an interior of the cover 630 and out the fiber exit opening 647 while the cover 630 remains mounted over the spool 626. The sleeve 631 defines a fiber entrance opening 649 (see FIG. 38) where the extra length of optical fiber 22 enters the optical fiber storage device 620 and from which the primary length of optical fiber 24 extends away from the optical storage device 620. The blown fiber tube 25 can attach to the sleeve 631 at the fiber entrance opening 649 (e.g., via an in-line tube coupler 10 that couples and seals the blown fiber tube 25 with respect to a tangential stub that defines the fiber entrance opening 649 of the sleeve 631). The sleeve 631 includes a side wall portion 651 between the first and second open ends 643, 645. The side wall portion 651 is cylindrical and includes an inwardly facing cylindrical surface 653 adapted to face toward the cylindrical spooling surface of the spool 626 when the spool 626 is positioned within the cover 630. In one example, the inwardly facing cylindrical surface 653 defines an inner diameter ID of the sleeve 631. The fiber entrance opening 649 is defined through the sleeve 631 adjacent the first open end 643. As depicted, the fiber entrance opening 449 is defined by a conduit 655. As depicted, the conduit 655 is in fluid communication with the interior of the sleeve 631 and defines a fiber entrance passage formed within a structure such as a stub or projection. As depicted, the conduit 655 is tangentially oriented with respect to an outer surface of the cylindrical side wall of the sleeve 631. The blown fiber tube 25 can attach to and be sealed with respect to the conduit 655 with the in-line tube coupler.

[0120] In certain examples, the fiber storage device 620 can be environmentally sealed. Environmental sealing can be provided between the fiber exit cap 633 and the second open end of the sleeve 631 (e.g., via a gasket such as an elastomeric O-ring). Also, a gasket can be provided between the first open end of the sleeve 631 and the spool 626. Alternatively, a sealing cap can be installed over the second open end of the sleeve 631. In certain examples, seals can also be provided at the fiber exit opening 647 and the fiber entrance opening 649.

[0121] In certain examples, the ferrule 585, the spring 583 and the portion of the fiber 22 that project outwardly from the fiber exit opening 647 can be enclosed within a protective structure. The protective structure can include a first tube 25a (see FIG 63) attached to the fiber exit cap 633 adjacent the exit opening 647 (e.g., via an in-line tube coupler that also provides sealing functionality), and a second tube 25b (see FIG. 63) in which the ferrule 585 and spring 583 are contained. The ferrule 585 can be covered by a dust cap that illuminates when light is directed through the optical fiber 22. The second tube 25b can be coupled to the first tube 25a by an in-line tube coupler that seals the connected ends of the tubes 25a, 25b and also axially fixes the optical fiber 22 relative to the tubes 25a, 25b. A free end of the second tube 25b can be closed by an end tube seal.

[0122] In certain examples, a radial spacing less than two times the diameter of the optical fiber 22 is provided between the cylindrical spooling surface of the spool 626 and the cylindrical containment surface of the side wall of the sleeve 631 . This type of spacing allows the optical fiber 22 to be coiled in a single layer within the space between the cylindrical spooling surface and the cylindrical containment surface. This assists in preventing overlapping of the coils of the spooled optical fiber 22.

[0123] FIGS. 46-66 depict a method of assembling and installing optical fiber storage device 620. FIG. 46 illustrates a first step of connecting a first end 11 of in-line tube coupler 10 to the conduit 655 such that optical fiber 22 may be routed through in-line tube coupler 10 and into the interior of sleeve 631 via fiber entrance opening 649, as shown in FIG. 47. Sleeve 631 is then mounted over spool 626 so that optical fiber 22 passes through the second open end 645 of sleeve 631, proximal to the fiber connection end 629 of spool 626, as shown in FIGS. 48-49. Sleeve 631 may then be secured to spool 626 via latch 637. FIG. 50 illustrate how an end 23 of optical fiber 22 is then secured to fiber connection end 629 via fiber holder 639. Once end 23 of optical fiber 22 is fixed, fiber storage device 620 is placed in a horizontal orientation, and spool 626 is manually rotated by applying pressure to curved finger grips 638 such that spool 626 is rotated relative to sleeve 631. As spool 626 is rotated, optical fiber 22 is drawn into the interior of sleeve 631 via fiber entrance opening 649 and spooled around spool 626 until all the excess fiber extending beyond the blown fiber tube has been stored, as shown in FIGS. 51-52. The blown fiber tube 25 is then connected to in-line tube coupler 10 at a second end 12 opposite the first end 11.

[0124] After optical fiber 22 has been spooled around spool 626 and blown fiber tube 25 is connected to in-line tube coupler 10, end 23 of optical fiber 22 is removed from fiber holder 639, and passed through fiber exit opening 647 of fiber exit cap 633, as shown in FIGS. 53-54. Fiber exit cap 633 is then secured to sleeve 631 (FIG. 55). FIG. 56 illustrates how end 23 of optical fiber 22 is threaded through a second in-line tube coupler 10a. In-line tube coupler 10a is passed along optical fiber 22 and connected at a first end 1 la to fiber exit opening 647. Optical fiber 22 is pulled from optical fiber storage device 620 via fiber exit opening 647 until a desired length has been removed from optical fiber storage device 620. Optical fiber 22 is then passed through blown fiber tube 25a having a length which is shorter than the length of optical fiber 22, such that end 23 extends beyond blown fiber tube 25a. Blown fiber tube 25a is then connected to in-line tube coupler I la at second end 12a, as shown in FIGS. 57-58. Once blown fiber tuber 25a is connected to in-line tube coupler 1 Oa, a fiber block connector 13 is threaded along optical fiber 22 and connected to an end of blown fiber tube 25a proximal end 23 of optical fiber 22 (FIG.

[0125] 59). Fiber block connector 13 includes optical fiber fastener 14, which may be tightened to prevent additional pulling of optical fiber 22, as shown in FIG. 60. Once fiber block connector 13 is secured to blown fiber tube 25a, the remaining length of optical fiber 22 is threaded through a blown fiber tube 25b, where the length of blown fiber tube 25b is greater than the remaining length of optical fiber 22 such end 23 does not extend past blown fiber tube 25b. Blown fiber tube 25b is then connected to fiber block connector 13 opposite blown fiber tube 25a, as shown in FIG. 61. Finally, an end cap connector 15 is connected to blown fiber tube 25b at an end opposite fiber block connector 13, as shown in FIG. 62. FIG. 63 depicts a fully assembled optical fiber storage device 620.

[0126] Once optical fiber storage device 620 has been fully assembled, blown fiber tube 25 is routed through cable routing slot 636, as shown in FIG. 64. Optical fiber storage device 620 and blown fiber tube 25 are finally placed in duct 16 as show in FIG. 65. An installed optical fiber storage device 620 is shown in FIG. 66.

[0127] FIGS. 67-72 depict a method of unspooling optical fiber 22 from an installed optical fiber storage device 620. FIG. 67 illustrates the removal of blown fiber tube 25b (and end cap connector 13) from optical fiber 22, revealing end 23. In other examples, end 23 can be terminated by a ferrule with a spring installed behind the ferrule. Optical fiber fastener 14 is then loosened to allow additional optical fiber 22 to be pulled from optical fiber storage device 620 via fiber exit opening 647, as shown in FIGS. 68-69. Once a desired length of optical fiber 22 has been pulled, it may be routed to a desired location via blown fiber tube 25c (FIG. 70). In the event an excess length of optical fiber 22 has been pulled from optical fiber storage device 620, it may be pushed back through the fiber exit opening 647, via fiber block connector 13 and blown fiber tube 25a. Finally, blown fiber tube 25c is connected to fiber block connector 13 in the same manner as blown fiber tube 25b.

[0128] FIGS. 73-75 depict an alternative cover 630a usable with the optical fiber storage device 620. The cover 630a includes notches 702 (see FIG. 73) that can engage with palls of the spool 626 to function as a ratchet arrangement that allows relative rotation between the cover 630a and the spool 626 in a first rotational direction for drawing the optical fiber into the optical fiber storage device 620 but limits rotation in an opposite second rotational direction. The cover 630a also includes a fiber guide 704 (see FIG. 73) that projects radially inwardly from a circumferential fiber containment surface 706 of the cover 630a adjacent to the fiber entrance opening 649. The fiber guide 74 is configured to direct optical fiber being drawn through the fiber entrance opening 649 toward the open / bottom end of the cover 630a to ensure that the optical fiber is routed in a circumferential direction about the circumferential spooling surface of the spool 626 adjacent the bottom axial end of the spool 626. The cover 630a also includes structure for reinforcing the stubs defining the fiber exit opening 647 the fiber entrance opening 649 to limit sideloading on the stubs. For example, the cover 630a includes a reinforcing structure 708 (see FIG. 74) at least partially surrounding the stub defining the fiber exit opening 647. The reinforcing structure 708 defines a pocket about the fiber exit stub for receiving the tube coupler 10a that mounts at the fiber exit opening 647 to provide lateral support about an exterior of the tube coupler 10a. Referring to FIG 75, the cover 630a also includes a reinforcing structure 710 at least partially surrounding the entrance stub defining the fiber entrance opening 649. The reinforcing structure 710 defines a pocket about the fiber entrance stub for receiving the tube coupler 10 that mounts at the fiber entrance opening 649 to provide lateral support about the exterior of the tube coupler 10.

[0129] FIGS. 76-85 depict another optical fiber storage device 820 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The optical fiber storage device 820 operates in a similar manner as the optical fiber storage device 620, except the optical fiber storage device 820 is configured such that the optical fiber can be drawn into optical fiber storage device and withdrawn from the optical storage device from the same axial end of the optical storage device. In one example, the optical fiber is fed into the optical storage device 820 in a circumferential orientation at a first axial end of the optical fiber storage device 820, and the optical fiber is withdrawn from the optical storage device 820 in an axial orientation from the first axial end of the optical fiber storage device 820. The optical fiber storage device 820 is configured such that the optical fiber stored within the optical fiber storage device reverses axial directions within the optical fiber storage device 820. In one example, the optical fiber is withdrawn from the optical storage device 820 through a fiber exit opening located within the interior of the spool. In one example, the fiber exit opening can be aligned with a central axis of the spool. A primary benefit of this type of configuration is that the axial length of the device can be substantially reduced thereby making the device more compact.

[0130] The optical fiber storage device 820 includes a spool 822 defining a circumferential spooling surface 824 (i.e., a circumferential surface) about which optical fiber 22 can be spooled / coiled. The circumferential spooling surface 824 extends circumferentially around a central axis 826 of the spool 822 and extends axially between a first axial end 828 and a second axial end 830 of the spool 822.

[0131] The optical fiber storage device also includes a cover 832 that mounts over the spool 822. The cover 832 including a circumferential cover surface 834 (i.e., a fiber containment surface) that covers and opposes the circumferential spooling surface 824 of the spool 822 when the cover 832 is mounted over the spool 822. The circumferential cover surface 834 and the circumferential spooling surface 824 both extend around the central axis 826 of the spool 822 when the cover 832 is mounted on the spool 822. A radial spacing of a fiber storage region 836 is defined between the circumferential spooling surface 824 and the circumferential cover surface 834 is sized to prevent crossing of the optical fiber 22 stored within the fiber storage region 836. Preferably the coils of the optical fiber are arranged in a non-overlapping single layer within the fiber storage region (see FIGS 82 and 83).

[0132] The optical fiber storage device 820 defines a fiber exit opening 840 that allows the spooled optical fiber 22 to be pulled from the fiber storage region 836 out the fiber exit opening 840 while the cover 832 remains mounted over the spool 822. The fiber storage device 820 also includes a fiber entrance opening 842 defined by the cover 832. The fiber entrance opening 842 is separate from the fiber exit opening 840. The optical fiber 22 can be pulled into the fiber storage region 836 by rotating the spool 822 relative to the cover 832 about the central axis 826 of the spool 822.

[0133] The fiber entrance opening 842 is defined by a fiber entrance structure (e.g., a tangential fiber entrance stub) located adjacent the first axial end 828 of the spool 822 when the cover 832 is mounted on the spool 822. The optical fiber storage device 820 is configured such that the fiber exit opening 840 receives optical fiber 22 stored at the fiber storage region 836 from the second axial end 830 of the spool. The fiber entrance opening 842 is configured to direct optical fiber 22 into the optical fiber storage region 836 at the first axial end 828 of the spool in a circumferential orientation with respect to the central axis 826 of the spool 822. As the optical fiber 22 is fed into the fiber storage region 836, the fiber is coiled about the spool in a single layer with the coils being progressively pushed axially along the circumferential spooling surface 824 in a direction from the first axial end 828 toward the second axial end 830 during fiber loading. In the depicted example, the fiber entrance opening 842 is defined by a fiber entrance stub of the cover 832 that is tangentially oriented relative to a main body of the cover 832. The fiber exit opening 840 is defined within the spool 822 along the central axis 826 of the spool 822 and is configured to allow the optical fiber 22 to exit the optical fiber storage device 820 through the first axial end 828 of the spool 822. The fiber exit opening 840 is defined by a fiber exit structure such as a fiber exit stub 850 aligned along the axis 826. The exit stub extends 850 in a direction toward the first axial end 828 of the spool 822 as the exit stub 850 extends from a base end to a free end. The optical fiber storage device 820 is configured such that the optical fiber 22 reverses axial directions within the optical fiber storage device 820 adjacent the second axial end of the spool 830. The spool 822 can include curved bend radius limiting structures 852 to define a fiber reversal path RP at the second end 830 of the spool 820. The reversal path extends from the fiber storage region 836 to the fiber exit opening 840. The bend radius limiting structures 852 can define an annular transition structure that provides a curved transition between the circumferential spooling surface 824 and the fiber exit opening 840. In certain examples, the spool 822 can be referred to as a base. The fiber exit stub 850 is positioned within a pocket region 823 of the spool that is surrounded by the interior fiber storage region 836 and separated from the interior fiber storage region by at least a wall 825 of the base that defines the circumferential spooling surface 824.

[0134] The spool 822 includes a fiber attachment structure 856 (e.g., one or more clips, see FIGS. 85 and 86) at the second axial end 830 of the spool for temporarily attaching the optical fiber 22 to the spool 822 at least during spooling of the optical fiber 22 on the spool 822. The spool 822 can include curved internal ribs 860 for facilitating manually rotating the spool 822 relative to the cover 832. FIGS. 78 and 80 depict a version of the spool 822 with four ribs 860 while FIGS. 79, 81 and 84-86 show a version of the spool with two ribs 860. The spool 822 can include a tool receiver 862 for receiving a tool such as a screwdriver to facilitate rotating the spool 822 relative to the cover 832. The cover 832 includes a circumferential cover portion 870 (e.g., a sleeve) defining the circumferential cover surface 834. The circumferential cover portion 870 has a first axial end 872 and an opposite second axial end 874. The first axial end 872 of the circumferential cover portion 870 is open and configured for receiving the spool 822. The cover includes a removable end cover portion 876 that removably mounts to the second axial end 874 of the circumferential cover portion 870 to enclose the second axial end 874. In examples, the fiber attachment can be designed to disengage from the fiber when the fiber is pulled from the fiber exit opening 840. In this type of configuration, the cover 832 can have a one-piece construction.

[0135] To load the optical fiber 22 into the optical fiber storage device 820, the optical fiber 22 is fed through the fiber entrance opening 842 while the circumferential cover portion 870 is mounted on the spool 822 and the end cover portion 876 is removed from the second axial end 874 of the circumferential cover portion 870. The optical fiber 22 is fed through the fiber storage region 836 and secured to the second axial end 830 of the spool 822 by of the fiber attachment structures 856. The spool 822 is then most manually rotated relative to the circumferential cover portion 870 because the optical fiber to be coiled in a single layer within the fiber storage region 836. Once the required amount of optical fiber has been stored within the fiber storage region 836, the optical fiber can be disengaged from the attachment structure 856 and fed through the fiber exit opening 840. The fiber exit opening 840 and the fiber entrance opening 842 can then be coupled to fiber carrier tubes (e.g., blown fiber tubes) with in-line couplers. The free end of the optical fiber can be protected within a carrier tube in the same manner described with respect to the optical fiber storage device 620. After the optical fiber has been routed through the fiber exit opening 840, the end cover portion 876 can be mounted on the second axial end 874 of the circumferential cover portion 870 enclose the second axial end 874 of the circumferential cover portion 870. To withdraw the optical fiber 22 from the optical storage device 820, the optical fiber 22 is pulled from the fiber exit opening 842 causing the optical fiber 22 to be pulled from the fiber storage region 836 adjacent the second end 830 of the spool 822 and moved through the bend reversal path to the fiber exit opening 840. In this way, the optical fiber can be fed into the optical fiber storage device 820 and withdrawn from the optical fiber storage device 820 from a single end of the optical fiber storage device. The carrier tube at the fiber exit opening 840 can be coupled via sealed coupler to a blown fiber tube through which the optical fiber 22 is routed to a subscriber location during deployment.

[0136] FIGS. 87 and 88 depict an optical fiber storage device 820a that has the same basic construction as the optical fiber storage device 820 except an outside accessible compartment 900 has been integrated with an exterior of the cover 832. For example, the outside accessible compartment 900 is integrated at circumferential exterior of the circumferential cover portion 870. The compartment 900 includes a main compartment body 902 unitarily formed with the circumferential cover portion 870. The main compartment body 902 including an open outer side 904. The compartment 900 includes a compartment cover 906 for opening and closing the open outer side 904. Fasteners such as bolts can be used to secure the compartment cover 906 to the main compartment body 902. An interior of the compartment within the main compartment body is environmentally sealed when the compartment cover 906 is positioned over the open side. The interior of the compartment is accessible from outside the device when the compartment cover 906 has been displaced from the open side. A sealing material such as a gasket or gel can be used to provide sealing between the main compartment body and the compartment cover 906. The main compartment body can define openings or ports 908 for routing cable into and out of the interior of the main compartment body. Seals can be provided at the ports 908 for sealing the entrance and exit locations. The compartment 900 can be positioned adjacent to the fiber entrance opening 842. A fiber routing path 910 can be provided between the fiber entrance opening 842 and one of the ports 908. The compartment cover 906 can have a main body for covering the open outer side 904 and an extension 912 for covering the fiber routing path 910. One or more optical splice holders 914 can be positioned within the compartment. In one example, the primary length of optical fiber is optically spliced to the extra length of optical fiber stored within the optical storage device at an optical splice location housed within the compartment. The primary length of optical fiber can be routed into the compartment through one of the ports 908 to the splice location within the interior of the compartment. The extra length of optical fiber can be routed from the splice location within the interior of the compartment through the other one of the ports 908 to the fiber routing path. The extra length of fiber can be routed along the routing path 910 to the interior of the device through to the fiber entrance opening 842. In certain examples, the extra length of optic fiber can be pre-loaded into the fiber storage device 820a (e.g., in the factory / manufacturing facility) prior to delivery of the fiber storage device 820a into the field. For example, the extra length of optical fiber can be precoiled in the storage region 836 about the circumferential spooling surface. A leading end of the extra fiber length can extend through the fiber exit opening 840 and be stored in the length of carrier tube 25a or 25b secured to the fiber exit opening 840 (e.g., via coupler 10a) and a trailing end of the extra length of optical fiber can extend through the fiber entrance opening 842 and into the compartment 900. The trailing end of the extra length of optical fiber can be splice ready. In this way, a field technician does not need to load the extra length of optical fiber into the storage region 836 in the field. Instead, the technician can merely optically splice the trailing end of the excess fiber to the primary fiber, store the splice in the compartment 900, and then position the storage device 820a in the ground with the leading end (e.g., end 23) of the excess fiber ready for access at a later date.

[0137] In certain examples, of the present disclosure, fiber coils can be stored in a single layer with no crossing or radial layering. In other examples, more space may be provided which allows for coils to cross and or be radially layered within the device.

[0138] Aspects of the Disclosure Aspect 1. An optical fiber storage device for storing extra length of optical fiber at the end of a primary length of optical fiber, the optical fiber storage device comprising: a spool defining a spooling surface about which the extra optical fiber can be spooled; a cover that mounts over the spool; and the cover defining a fiber exit opening that allows the spooled optical fiber to be pulled from the spool through an interior of the cover and out the fiber exit opening while the cover remains mounted over the spool, the fiber storage device also including a fiber entrance opening where the extra length of the optical fiber enters the optical fiber storage device and from which the primary length of optical fiber extends away from the optical storage device. Aspect 2. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 1, wherein extra length of optical fiber is coiled about the spool before mounting the cover over the spool.

[0139] Aspect 3. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 1, wherein the cover has an elongate configuration with a cover length than extends from a first end to a second end of the cover.

[0140] Aspect 4. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 3, wherein the cover length is at least 2, 3 or 4 times as large as an inner cross-dimension of the cover.

[0141] Aspect 5. The optical fiber storage device of any of Aspects 3 or 4, wherein the first end defines the fiber exit opening and wherein the second end is open and configured such that the second end can be inserted over the spool.

[0142] Aspect 6. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 5, wherein the first end has a tapered configuration.

[0143] Aspect 7. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 6, wherein the tapered configuration has a rounded dome shape having a concave interior and a convex exterior.

[0144] Aspect 8. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 7, wherein the cover has a cylindrical sleeve portion that extends from the tapered configuration to the second end.

[0145] Aspect 9. The optical fiber storage device of any of Aspects 1-8, wherein at least some coils of the spooled optical fiber are located outside the cover once the cover has been mounted on the spool.

[0146] Aspect 10. The optical fiber storage device of any of Aspects 1-9, wherein at least some coils of the spooled optical fiber are located radially between the cover and the spool once the cover has been mounted on the spool. Aspect 11 . The optical fiber storage device of any of Aspects 1-10, wherein the spool has an elongate configuration including a length that extends between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is adapted to be received in the cover and has a rounded dome shape, and wherein the spooling surface extends from the rounded dome shape toward the second end of the cover.

[0147] Aspect 12. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 11, wherein the spooling surface is cylindrical.

[0148] Aspect 13. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 1, wherein the cover extends along a central axis between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is defined by a rounded dome and the fiber exit opening is defined through the first end, wherein the cover includes a side wall portion that extends from the rounded dome to the second end, and wherein the second end is open and configured to be inserted over the spool.

[0149] Aspect 14. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 13, wherein the side wall portion is cylindrical.

[0150] Aspect 15. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 13 or 14, wherein the side wall portion defines an axial through slot, wherein a slider is mounted to slide along the axial through slot, and wherein the fiber entrance opening is defined through the slider.

[0151] Aspect 16. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 15, wherein the extra length of optical fiber is fed through the fiber entrance opening of the slider into an interior of the cover, wherein the extra length of optical fiber is fed from the interior of the cover out from the cover through the fiber exit opening, wherein after the extra length of optical fiber has been fed through the cover the spool is inserted co-axially into the cover through the second end of the cover, wherein once the spool is inserted into the cover the spool is rotated about the central axis such that a catch on the spool catches the extra length of optical fiber and pulls the extra length of optical fiber inwardly through the fiber entrance opening and causes the extra length of optical fiber to be coiled on the spooling surface as the spool is rotated.

[0152] Aspect 17. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 16, wherein the slider is configured to slide along the axial through slot as the extra length of optical fiber is coiled on the spooling surface to provide an indication of the amount of extra length of the optical fiber that has been coiled at the spooling surface.

[0153] Aspect 18. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 1, the cover further comprising: a sleeve and a fiber exit cap; wherein the sleeve comprises a first open end and a second open end, wherein the second open end is configured to be mounted to the fiber exit cap and the first open end is configured to be seated on a base flange of the spool when the cover is mounted on the spool; wherein the fiber exit cap has a tapered configuration; and wherein the fiber exit opening is defined in an end of the fiber exit cap.

[0154] Aspect 19. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 18, wherein the fiber entrance opening is defined through the sleeve adjacent the first open end.

[0155] Aspect 20. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 19, wherein the fiber entrance opening is further defined by a conduit, wherein the conduit is tangentially oriented with respect to an outer surface of the sleeve.

[0156] Aspect 21. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 18, the spool further comprising: a first end and a second end; wherein the first end comprises the base flange; wherein the first end further comprises a curved finger grip that extends outwardly from a central axis and that is recessed within the spool such that the spool may be manually rotated relative to the cover when the cover is mounted on the spool; and wherein the second end has a closed-end configuration; and wherein the second end further comprises a fiber holder.

[0157] Aspect 22. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 22, wherein the second end further comprises a curved fiber bend radius protector.

[0158] Aspect 23. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 1, wherein the cover extends along a central axis between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is defined by a rounded dome and the fiber exit opening is defined through the first end, wherein the cover includes a side wall portion that extends from the rounded dome to the second end, wherein the second end is open and configured to be inserted over the spool, wherein the side wall portion is cylindrical and includes an inner cylindrical surface defining an inner diameter, wherein the spool includes a cylindrical fiber spooling surface that opposes the inner cylindrical surface of the side wall portion of the cover when the cover is inserted over the spool, wherein the cylindrical fiber spooling surface defines an outer diameter, and wherein a radial spacing between the inner cylindrical surface and the cylindrical fiber spooling surface is less than or equal to two times a diameter of the optical fiber.

[0159] Aspect 24. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 1, wherein the cover extends along a central axis between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is defined by a rounded dome and the fiber exit opening is defined through the first end, wherein the cover includes a side wall portion that extends from the rounded dome to the second end, wherein the second end is open and configured to be inserted over a spooling portion of the spool.

[0160] Aspect 25. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 23 or 24, wherein the fiber entrance opening is defined though the cover adjacent the second end of the cover.

[0161] Aspect 26. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 25, wherein the fiber entrance opening defined by conduit tangentially oriented relative to an exterior of the side wall portion of the cover. Aspect 27. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 25, wherein the spool is retained in the cover by an end cap.

[0162] Aspect 28. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 27, wherein an annular sealing gasket is provided that encircles a central axis of the optical fiber storage device and provides perimeter sealing at the second end of the cover.

[0163] Aspect 29. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 23 or 24, wherein the spool includes a fiber take-up finger having a resilient construction, the fiber take-up finger being configured to extend from an axial end of the spool into the rounded dome of the cover when the spool is installed within the cover.

[0164] Aspect 30. An optical fiber storage device for storing extra length of optical fiber at the end of a primary length of optical fiber, the optical fiber storage device comprising: a frame configured to rotate about a first axis; a first bevel gear coupled to the frame such that the first bevel gear rotates with the frame about the first axis; a second bevel gear that intermeshes with the first bevel gear, the second bevel gear being carried with the frame and being rotatable relative to the frame about a second axis; a spool carried with the frame, the spool being coupled with the second bevel gear such that the spool and the second bevel gear are configured to rotate together about the second axis; a fiber passage including a first portion defined axially through the first gear along the first axis, a second portion defined axially though the second gear along the second axis and a third portion defined axially through the spool along the second axis, wherein the extra length of optical fiber is coiled about the second axis around the spool for storage, and wherein by pulling the extra length of fiber from the spool the fiber is paid out from the spool and the spool is caused to rotate about the second axis, wherein rotation of the spool drives rotation of the second bevel gear about the second axis which drives rotation of the first bevel gear and the frame about the first axis such that twist is not applied to the primary length of optical fiber as the extra length of optical fiber is paid out from the spool.

[0165] Aspect 31. An optical fiber storage device for storing extra length of optical fiber at the end of a primary length of optical fiber, the optical fiber storage device comprising: a base defining an interior; fiber coiling guides that can be positioned in the base for facilitating routing the extra length of optical fiber in a figure-eight pattern within the base, the fiber coiling guides being removeable from the base after the extra length of optical fiber has been coiled in the figure-eight pattern within the base; and a cover that mounts to the base, the cover defining a fiber exit opening for allowing the extra length of optical fiber to be pulled from the base.

[0166] Aspect 32. An optical fiber storage device for storing extra length of optical fiber at the end of a primary length of optical fiber, the optical fiber storage device comprising: a spool defining a circumferential spooling surface about which the extra optical fiber can be spooled; a cover that mounts over the spool; and the optical fiber storage device defining a fiber exit opening that allows the spooled optical fiber to be pulled from the spooling surface out the fiber exit opening while the cover remains mounted over the spool, the fiber storage device also including a fiber entrance opening separate from the fiber exit opening where the extra length of the optical fiber enters the optical fiber storage device and from which the primary length of optical fiber extends away from the optical storage device.

[0167] Aspect 33. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 32, wherein the cover includes a circumferential cover surface that covers and opposes the circumferential spooling surface of the spool when the cover is mounted over the spool, wherein the circumferential cover surface and the circumferential spooling surface both extend around a central axis of the spool when the cover is mounted on the spool, and wherein a radial spacing of a fiber storage region between the circumferential spooling surface and the circumferential cover surface is sized to prevent crossing of the optical fiber stored within the fiber storage region.

[0168] Aspect 34. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 33, wherein the radial spacing is less than or equal to two times an outer diameter of the optical fiber.

[0169] Aspect 35. The optical fiber storage device of any of Aspects 33-34, wherein the fiber entrance opening is defined by the cover and is configured to direct the optical fiber into the fiber storage region circumferentially with respect to the circumferential spooling surface.

[0170] Aspect 36. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 35, wherein the fiber entrance opening includes a fiber entrance passage that defines a fiber entrance axis that is oriented in a generally tangential orientation with respect to the cover.

[0171] Aspect 37. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 36, wherein the fiber entrance passage is defined by a fiber entrance stub that projects from a main body of the cover.

[0172] Aspect 38. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 37, further comprising a tube coupler for coupling an entrance fiber carrier tube to the fiber entrance stub and for sealing the entrance fiber carrier tube with respect to the fiber entrance stub.

[0173] Aspect 39. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 38, wherein the entrance fiber carrier tube is a blown fiber tube.

[0174] Aspect 40. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 38, wherein the cover includes a reinforcing structure defining a pocket at least partially surrounding the fiber entrance stub for receiving the tube coupler when the tube coupler is mounted on the fiber entrance stub to reduce side loading on the fiber entrance stub. Aspect 41 . The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 35, wherein the fiber entrance opening includes a fiber entrance passage that defines a fiber entrance axis that is circumferentially oriented relative to the central axis of the spool when the cover is mounted on the spool.

[0175] Aspect 42. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 41, wherein the fiber entrance passage is defined by a stub the projects from an exterior of a main body of the cover.

[0176] Aspect 43. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 42, wherein the cover includes a fiber guide that projects radially inwardly from the circumferential cover surface adjacent the fiber entrance axis for directing optical fiber routed through the fiber entrance passage along the fiber entrance axis in a circumferential orientation with respect to the central axis of the spool.

[0177] Aspect 44. The optical fiber storage device of any of Aspects 32-43, wherein the cover includes a circumferential cover portion defining the circumferential cover surface, the circumferential cover portion having a first axial end and an opposite second axial end, the first axial end of the circumferential cover portion being open and configured for receiving the spool, the cover including a removable end cover portion that removably mounts to the second axial end of the circumferential cover portion to enclose the second axial end.

[0178] Aspect 45. The optical fiber storage device of any of Aspects 32-44, wherein the circumferential spooling surface of the spool extends axially between a first axial end of the spool and a second axial end of the spool, wherein the cover defines the fiber entrance opening, wherein the fiber entrance opening is located adjacent the first axial end of the spool when the cover is mounted on the spool, and wherein the optical fiber is routed from the second end of the spool to the fiber exit opening.

[0179] Aspect 46. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 45, wherein the spool includes a fiber attachment structure at the second axial end of the spool for temporarily attaching the optical fiber to the spool at least during spooling of the optical fiber on the spool. Aspect 47. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 45, wherein the optical fiber is coiled in a single layer within the fiber storage region.

[0180] Aspect 48. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 47, wherein coils of the optical fiber are pushed from the first axial end of the spool toward the second axial end of the spool as the optical fiber is drawn into the fiber storage region.

[0181] Aspect 49. The optical fiber storage device of any of Aspects 32-48, wherein the optical fiber storage device is configured to pull the optical fiber into the fiber storage region by rotating the spool about the central axis of the spool relative to the cover.

[0182] Aspect 50. The optical fiber storage device of any of Aspects 32-49, wherein the fiber exit opening is defined by the cover.

[0183] Aspect 51. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 50, wherein the fiber exit opening includes a fiber exit passage defined by a fiber exit stub that projects from the cover, and wherein the fiber exit stub defines a fiber exit axis that is axially oriented with respect to the central axis of the spool when the cover is mounted on the spool.

[0184] Aspect 52. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 51, wherein the optical fiber storage device includes a first axial end an opposite second axial end, wherein the fiber entrance opening is located adjacent the first axial end of the optical fiber storage device, and wherein the fiber exit opening is configured to direct the optical fiber axially outwardly from the second axial end of the optical fiber storage device in a direction away from the first axial end of the optical fiber storage device.

[0185] Aspect 53. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 51, further comprising a tube coupler for coupling an exit fiber carrier tube to the fiber exit stub and for sealing the exit fiber carrier tube with respect to the fiber exit stub. Aspect 54. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 53, wherein the cover includes a reinforcing structure defining a pocket at least partially surrounding the fiber exit stub for receiving the tube coupler when the tube coupler is mounted on the fiber exit stub to reduce side loading on the fiber exit stub.

[0186] Aspect 55. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 51, wherein the optical fiber storage device includes a first axial end and an opposite second axial end, wherein the fiber entrance opening is located adjacent the first axial end of the optical fiber storage device and wherein the fiber exit stub is located at the second axial end of the optical fiber storage device and projects outwardly from the cover in a direction away from the first axial end of the optical fiber storage device.

[0187] Aspect 56. The fiber storage device of any of Aspects 32-49, wherein the fiber exit opening is defined by the spool.

[0188] Aspect 57. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 56, wherein the optical fiber storage device includes a first axial end and an opposite second axial end, wherein the fiber entrance opening is located adjacent the first axial end of the optical fiber storage device and wherein the fiber exit opening is defined within the spool along the central axis of the spool and is configured to allow the optical fiber to exit the optical fiber storage device through the first axial end of the optical fiber storage device.

[0189] Aspect 58. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 57, wherein the fiber entrance opening is configured to direct optical fiber into the optical fiber storage device in a circumferential orientation with respect to the central axis of the spool.

[0190] Aspect 59. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 58, wherein the spool includes a first axial end adjacent the first axial end of the optical fiber storage device and a second axial end adjacent the second axial end of the optical fiber storage device, wherein the fiber entrance opening is configured to direct the optical fiber onto the spool adjacent the first axial end of the spool and wherein the fiber exit opening receives the optical fiber from the second axial end of the spool.

[0191] Aspect 60. The optical fiber storage device of any of Aspects 56-59, wherein the optical fiber storage device is configured such that the optical fiber reverses axial directions within the optical fiber storage device.

[0192] Aspect 61. An optical fiber storage device comprising: a spool defining a circumferential spooling surface about which optical fiber can be spooled, the circumferential spooling surface extending circumferentially around a central axis of the spool and extending axially between a first axial end and a second axial end of the spool; a cover that mounts over the spool, the cover including a circumferential cover surface that covers and opposes the circumferential spooling surface of the spool when the cover is mounted over the spool, wherein the circumferential cover surface and the circumferential spooling surface both extend around a central axis of the spool when the cover is mounted on the spool, and wherein a radial spacing of a fiber storage region between the circumferential spooling surface and the circumferential cover surface is sized to prevent crossing of the optical fiber stored within the fiber storage region; and the optical fiber storage device defining a fiber exit opening that allows the spooled optical fiber to be pulled from the fiber storage region out the fiber exit opening while the cover remains mounted over the spool, the fiber storage device also including a fiber entrance opening defined by the cover, the fiber entrance opening being separate from the fiber exit opening, wherein optical fiber can be pulled into the fiber storage region by rotating the spool relative to the cover about the central axis of the spool.

[0193] Aspect 62. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 61, wherein the fiber entrance opening is located adjacent the first axial end of the spool when the cover is mounted on the spool, and wherein the optical fiber storage device is configured such that the fiber exit opening receives stored optical fiber from the second axial end of the spool. Aspect 63. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 62, wherein the fiber entrance opening is configured to direct optical fiber into the optical fiber storage region at the first axial end of the spool in a circumferential orientation with respect to the central axis of the spool.

[0194] Aspect 64. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 63, wherein the fiber entrance opening is defined by a fiber entrance stub of the cover that is tangentially oriented relative to a main body of the cover.

[0195] Aspect 65. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 62 or 63, wherein the fiber exit opening is defined within the spool along the central axis of the spool and is configured to allow the optical fiber to exit the optical fiber storage device through the first axial end of the spool.

[0196] Aspect 66. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 65, wherein the optical fiber storage device is configured such that the optical fiber reverses axial directions within the optical fiber storage device adjacent the second axial end of the spool.

[0197] Aspect 67. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 62 or 63, wherein the fiber exit opening is defined by the cover and is located adjacent the second axial end of the spool when the cover is mounted on the spool.

[0198] Aspect 68. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 67, wherein the fiber exit opening is aligned along the central axis of the spool when the cover is mounted on the spool and wherein the optical fiber storage device is configured such that the optical fiber does not reverse axial directions within the optical fiber storage device.

[0199] Aspect 69. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 62 or 63, wherein the spool includes a fiber attachment structure at the second axial end of the spool for temporarily attaching the optical fiber to the spool at least during spooling of the optical fiber on the spool. Aspect 70. The optical fiber storage device of any of Aspect 62 or 63, wherein the cover includes a circumferential cover portion defining the circumferential cover surface, the circumferential cover portion having a first axial end and an opposite second axial end, the first axial end of the circumferential cover portion being open and configured for receiving the spool, the cover including a removable end cover portion that removably mounts to the second axial end of the circumferential cover portion to enclose the second axial end.

[0200] Aspect 71. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 32 or 61, further comprising an outside accessible compartment integrated with an exterior of the cover.

[0201] Aspect 72. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 71, wherein the outside accessible compartment can be opened and closed.

[0202] Aspect 73. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 71, wherein the compartment includes a main compartment body unitarily formed with the cover, the main compartment body including an open side, and wherein the compartment includes a compartment cover for opening and closing the open side.

[0203] Aspect 74. The optical storage device of Aspect 73, wherein an interior of the compartment within the main compartment body is environmentally sealed when the compartment cover is positioned to close the open side, and wherein the interior of the compartment is accessible from outside the cover when the compartment cover is positioned such that the open side is open.

[0204] Aspect 75. The optical storage device of Aspect 73, wherein the fiber entrance opening defined by the cover is positioned adjacent to the compartment, wherein a fiber routing path is defined between the compartment and the fiber entrance opening, and wherein the compartment cover includes an extension that covers a fiber routing path when the compartment cover is positioned to cover the open side of the main compartment body. Aspect 76. The optical storage device of any of Aspects 71-75, wherein one or more optical splice holders are positioned within the compartment.

[0205] Aspect 77. The optical storage device of any of Aspects 71-76, wherein the primary length of optical fiber is optically spliced to the extra length of optical fiber stored within the optical storage device at an optical splice location housed within the compartment.

[0206] Aspect 78. An optical fiber storage device comprising: a spool defining a circumferential spooling surface about which optical fiber can be spooled, the circumferential spooling surface extending circumferentially around a central axis of the spool and extending axially between a first axial end and a second axial end of the spool; a cover that mounts over the spool, the cover including a circumferential cover surface that covers and opposes the circumferential spooling surface of the spool when the cover is mounted over the spool, wherein the circumferential cover surface and the circumferential spooling surface both extend around a central axis of the spool when the cover is mounted on the spool, and wherein a radial spacing of a fiber storage region between the circumferential spooling surface and the circumferential cover surface is sized to prevent crossing of the optical fiber stored within the fiber storage region; and the optical fiber storage device defining a fiber exit opening that allows the spooled optical fiber to be pulled from the fiber storage region out the fiber exit opening while the cover remains mounted over the spool, the fiber storage device also including a fiber entrance opening defined by the cover, the fiber entrance opening being separate from the fiber exit opening, wherein optical fiber can be pulled into the fiber storage region by rotating the spool relative to the cover about the central axis of the spool.

[0207] Aspect 79. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 78, wherein the fiber entrance opening is located adjacent the first axial end of the spool when the cover is mounted on the spool, and wherein the optical fiber storage device is configured such that the fiber exit opening receives stored optical fiber from the second axial end of the spool. Aspect 80. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 79, wherein the fiber entrance opening is configured to direct optical fiber into the optical fiber storage region at the first axial end of the spool in a circumferential orientation with respect to the central axis of the spool.

[0208] Aspect 81. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 80, wherein the fiber entrance opening is defined by a fiber entrance stub of the cover that is tangentially oriented relative to a main body of the cover.

[0209] Aspect 82. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 79 or 80, wherein the fiber exit opening is defined within the spool along the central axis of the spool and is configured to allow the optical fiber to exit the optical fiber storage device through the first axial end of the spool.

[0210] Aspect 83. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 82, wherein the optical fiber storage device is configured such that the optical fiber reverses axial directions within the optical fiber storage device adjacent the second axial end of the spool.

[0211] Aspect 84. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 79 or 80, wherein the fiber exit opening is defined by the cover and is located adjacent the second axial end of the spool when the cover is mounted on the spool.

[0212] Aspect 85. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 84, wherein the fiber exit opening is aligned along the central axis of the spool when the cover is mounted on the spool and wherein the optical fiber storage device is configured such that the optical fiber does not reverse axial directions within the optical fiber storage device.

[0213] Aspect 86. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 79 or 80, wherein the spool includes a fiber attachment structure at the second axial end of the spool for temporarily attaching the optical fiber to the spool at least during spooling of the optical fiber on the spool. Aspect 87. The optical fiber storage device of any of Aspect 79 or 80, wherein the cover includes a circumferential cover portion defining the circumferential cover surface, the circumferential cover portion having a first axial end and an opposite second axial end, the first axial end of the circumferential cover portion being open and configured for receiving the spool, the cover including a removable end cover portion that removably mounts to the second axial end of the circumferential cover portion to enclose the second axial end.

[0214] Aspect 88. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 32 or 78, further comprising an outside accessible compartment integrated with an exterior of the cover.

[0215] Aspect 89. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 88, wherein the outside accessible compartment can be opened and closed.

[0216] Aspect 90. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 88, wherein the compartment includes a main compartment body unitarily formed with the cover, the main compartment body including an open side, and wherein the compartment includes a compartment cover for opening and closing the open side.

[0217] Aspect 91. The optical storage device of Aspect 90, wherein an interior of the compartment within the main compartment body is environmentally sealed when the compartment cover is positioned to close the open side, and wherein the interior of the compartment is accessible from outside the cover when the compartment cover is positioned such that the open side is open.

[0218] Aspect 92. The optical storage device of Aspect 90, wherein the fiber entrance opening defined by the cover is positioned adjacent to the compartment, wherein a fiber routing path is defined between the compartment and the fiber entrance opening, and wherein the compartment cover includes an extension that covers a fiber routing path when the compartment cover is positioned to cover the open side of the main compartment body. Aspect 93. The optical storage device of any of Aspects 88-92, wherein one or more optical splice holders are positioned within the compartment.

[0219] Aspect 94. The optical storage device of any of Aspects 88-93, wherein the primary length of optical fiber is optically spliced to the extra length of optical fiber stored within the optical storage device at an optical splice location housed within the compartment.

[0220] Aspect 95. An optical fiber storage device comprising: a fiber storage housing including a circumferential wall that extends about a central axis of the fiber storage housing, the fiber storage housing including a base and a cover that mounts to the base, the fiber storage housing including an interior fiber storage region between the base and the cover, the fiber storage housing defining a fiber exit opening that allows stored optical fiber to be pulled from the interior fiber storage region out the fiber exit opening while the cover remains mounted to the base, the fiber storage housing also including a fiber entrance opening separate from the fiber exit opening, wherein the fiber entrance opening is defined by an exterior fiber entrance structure configured such that the fiber entrance opening is tangentially oriented relative to the circumferential wall, and wherein the fiber exit opening is defined along the central axis of the fiber storage housing and is configured to allow the optical fiber to be pulled axially from the interior fiber storage region along the central axis of the fiber storage housing.

[0221] Aspect 96. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 95, wherein the fiber exit opening is defined by a fiber exit structure configured such that the fiber exit opening is aligned along the central axis of the fiber storage housing.

[0222] Aspect 97. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 96, wherein the cover defines a first axial end of the fiber storage housing, wherein the base defines a second axial end of the fiber storage housing that is offset from the first axial end, wherein the base defines a circumferential surface that faces at least partially outwardly toward the circumferential wall, wherein the interior fiber storage region is defined between the circumferential wall and the circumferential surface, and wherein the base defines an annular fiber transition structure that provides a curved transition between the circumferential surface and the fiber exit opening.

[0223] Aspect 98. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 97, wherein the fiber exit structure is positioned within a pocket region of the base that is surrounded by the interior fiber storage region and separated from the interior fiber storage region by at least a wall of the base that defines the circumferential surface.

[0224] Aspect 99. The optic fiber storage device of Aspect 98, wherein the fiber exit structure has a base end and a free end, wherein the base end is integral with the base, and wherein the fiber exit structure extends toward the second axial end of the fiber storage housing as the fiber exit structure extends from the base end toward the free end.

[0225] Aspect 100. The fiber optic storage device of Aspect 98, wherein the fiber exit structure has a fiber exit end that faces toward the second axial end of the fiber storage housing.

[0226] Aspect 101. The fiber optic storage device of Aspect 98, wherein the fiber exit structure is configured such that the optical fiber exits the fiber storage housing through the fiber exit structure in an axial direction toward the second axial end of the fiber storage housing.

[0227] Aspect 102. The fiber storage device of Aspect 101, wherein tube sealing structures are provided at the fiber exit structure and the fiber entrance structure.

[0228] Aspect 103. An optical fiber storage device comprising: a fiber storage housing including a circumferential wall that extends about a central axis of the fiber storage housing, the fiber storage housing including a base and a cover that mounts to the base, the fiber storage housing including an interior fiber storage region between the base and the cover, the fiber storage housing defining a fiber exit opening that allows stored optical fiber to be pulled from the interior fiber storage region out the fiber exit opening while the cover remains mounted to the base, the fiber storage housing also including a fiber entrance opening separate from the fiber exit opening that is defined by a fiber entrance structure, wherein the fiber exit opening is defined along the central axis of the fiber storage housing and is configured to allow the optical fiber to be pulled axially from the interior fiber storage region along the central axis of the fiber storage housing, wherein the fiber exit opening is defined by a fiber exit structure configured such that the fiber exit opening is aligned along the central axis of the fiber storage housing, wherein the cover defines a first axial end of the fiber storage housing, wherein the base defines a second axial end of the fiber storage housing that is offset from the first axial end, wherein the base defines a circumferential surface that faces at least partially outwardly toward the circumferential wall, wherein the interior fiber storage region is defined between the circumferential wall and the circumferential surface, and wherein the base defines an annular fiber transition structure that provides a curved transition between the circumferential surface and the fiber exit opening, wherein the fiber exit structure is positioned within a pocket region of the base that is surrounded by the interior fiber storage region and separated from the interior fiber storage region by at least a wall of the base that defines the circumferential surface.

[0229] Aspect 104. The optic fiber storage device of Aspect 103, wherein the fiber exit structure has a base end and a free end, wherein the base end is integral with the base, and wherein the fiber exit structure extends toward the second axial end of the fiber storage housing as the fiber exit structure extends from the base end toward the free end.

[0230] Aspect 105. The fiber optic storage device of Aspect 103, wherein the fiber exit structure has a fiber exit end that faces toward the second axial end of the fiber storage housing.

[0231] Aspect 106. The fiber optic storage device of Aspect 103, wherein the fiber exit structure is configured such that the optical fiber exits the fiber storage housing through the fiber exit structure in an axial direction toward the second axial end of the fiber storage housing.

[0232] Aspect 107. The fiber storage device of Aspect 106, wherein tube sealing structures are provided at the fiber exit structure and the fiber entrance structure. Aspect 108. An optical fiber storage device for storing extra length of optical fiber at the end of a primary length of optical fiber, the optical fiber storage device comprising: a fiber storage housing defining an interior fiber storage region for storing the extra length of optical fiber, the fiber storage housing also including a fiber exit opening that allows the stored extra length of optical fiber to be pulled from the interior storage region of the fiber storage housing out the fiber exit opening, the fiber storage housing also including a fiber entrance opening separate from the fiber exit opening from which the primary length of optical fiber extends away from the optical storage device, the fiber storage housing also including a splice chamber separate from the fiber storage region.

[0233] Aspect 109. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 108, wherein the extra length of optical fiber is pre-loaded within the fiber storage housing with a trailing end of the extra length of optical fiber being splice-ready and stored within the splice chamber.

[0234] Aspect 110. The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 108, further comprising a splice holder positioned within the splice chamber.

[0235] Aspect 111. An optical fiber storage device for storing extra length of optical fiber at the end of a primary length of optical fiber, the optical fiber storage device comprising: a fiber storage housing defining an interior fiber storage region for storing the extra length of optical fiber, the fiber storage housing also including a fiber exit opening that allows the stored extra length of optical fiber to be pulled from the interior storage region of the fiber storage housing out the fiber exit opening, the fiber storage housing also including a fiber entrance opening separate from the fiber exit opening from which the primary length of optical fiber extends away from the optical storage device, wherein the fiber storage housing has a first axial end and an opposite second axial end, wherein the fiber entrance opening is arranged and configured such that extra length of optical fiber is fed into the fiber storage device through the fiber entrance opening in a circumferential orientation at the first axial end of the fiber storage housing, wherein the fiber exit opening is arranged and configured such that the extra length of optical fiber is withdrawn from the fiber storage housing in an axial orientation from the first axial end of the fiber storage housing, and wherein the fiber storage housing is configured such that the extra length of optical fiber stored within the optical fiber storage device reverses axial directions within the optical fiber storage device as the optical fiber transitions from the fiber storage region to the fiber exit opening.

[0236] Aspect 112 The optical fiber storage device of Aspect 111, wherein the fiber exit opening is located within an internal pocket defined by the fiber storage housing and is aligned with a central axis of the fiber storage housing.

[0237] The various examples described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example examples and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:1 . An optical fiber storage device comprising: a spool defining a circumferential spooling surface about which optical fiber can be spooled, the circumferential spooling surface extending circumferentially around a central axis of the spool and extending axially between a first axial end and a second axial end of the spook a cover that mounts over the spool, the cover including a circumferential cover surface that covers and opposes the circumferential spooling surface of the spool when the cover is mounted over the spool, wherein the circumferential cover surface and the circumferential spooling surface both extend around a central axis of the spool when the cover is mounted on the spool, and wherein a radial spacing of a fiber storage region between the circumferential spooling surface and the circumferential cover surface is sized to prevent crossing of the optical fiber stored within the fiber storage region; and the optical fiber storage device defining a fiber exit opening that allows the spooled optical fiber to be pulled from the fiber storage region out the fiber exit opening while the cover remains mounted over the spool, the fiber storage device also including a fiber entrance opening defined by the cover, the fiber entrance opening being separate from the fiber exit opening, wherein optical fiber can be pulled into the fiber storage region by rotating the spool relative to the cover about the central axis of the spool.

2. The optical fiber storage device of claim 1, wherein the fiber entrance opening is located adjacent the first axial end of the spool when the cover is mounted on the spool, and wherein the optical fiber storage device is configured such that the fiber exit opening receives stored optical fiber from the second axial end of the spool.

3. The optical fiber storage device of claim 2, wherein the fiber entrance opening is configured to direct optical fiber into the optical fiber storage region at the first axial end of the spool in a circumferential orientation with respect to the central axis of the spool.

4. The optical fiber storage device of claim 3, wherein the fiber entrance opening is defined by a fiber entrance stub of the cover that is tangentially oriented relative to a main body of the cover.

5. The optical fiber storage device of claim 2 or 3, wherein the fiber exit opening is defined within the spool along the central axis of the spool and is configured to allow the optical fiber to exit the optical fiber storage device through the first axial end of the spool.

6. The optical fiber storage device of claim 5, wherein the optical fiber storage device is configured such that the optical fiber reverses axial directions within the optical fiber storage device adjacent the second axial end of the spool.

7. The optical fiber storage device of claim 2 or 3, wherein the fiber exit opening is defined by the cover and is located adjacent the second axial end of the spool when the cover is mounted on the spool.

8. The optical fiber storage device of claim 7, wherein the fiber exit opening is aligned along the central axis of the spool when the cover is mounted on the spool and wherein the optical fiber storage device is configured such that the optical fiber does not reverse axial directions within the optical fiber storage device.

9. The optical fiber storage device of claim 2 or 3, wherein the spool includes a fiber attachment structure at the second axial end of the spool for temporarily attaching the optical fiber to the spool at least during spooling of the optical fiber on the spool.

10. The optical fiber storage device of any of claim 2 or 3, wherein the cover includes a circumferential cover portion defining the circumferential cover surface, the circumferential cover portion having a first axial end and an opposite second axial end, the first axial end of the circumferential cover portion being open and configured for receiving the spool, the cover including a removable end cover portion that removably mounts to the second axial end of the circumferential cover portion to enclose the second axial end.1 1. The optical fiber storage device of claim 1, further comprising an outside accessible compartment integrated wi th an exterior of the cover.

12. The optical fiber storage device of claim 11, wherein the outside accessible compartment can be opened and closed.

13. The optical fiber storage device of claim 11, wherein the compartment includes a main compartment body unitarily formed with the cover, the main compartment body including an open side, and wherein the compartment includes a compartment cover for opening and closing the open side.

14. The optical storage device of claim 13, wherein an interior of the compartment within the main compartment body is environmentally sealed when the compartment cover is positioned to close the open side, and wherein the interior of the compartment is accessible from outside the cover when the compartment cover is positioned such that the open side is open.

15. The optical storage device of claim 13, wherein the fiber entrance opening defined by the cover is positioned adjacent to the compartment, wherein a fiber routing path is defined between the compartment and the fiber entrance opening, and wherein the compartment cover includes an extension that covers a fiber routing path when the compartment cover is positioned to cover the open side of the main compartment body.

16. The optical storage device of any of claims 1 1 -15, wherein one or more optical splice holders are positioned within the compartment.

17. The optical storage device of any of claims 11-16. wherein the primary length of optical fiber is optically spliced to the extra length of optical fiber stored within the optical storage device at an optical splice location housed within the compartment.

18. An optical fiber storage device comprising: a fiber storage housing including a circumferential wall that extends about a central axis of the fiber storage housing, the fiber storage housing including a base and a cover that mounts to the base, the fiber storage housing including an interior fiber storage region between the base and the cover, the fiber storage housing defining a fiber exit opening that allows stored optical fiber to be pulled from the interior fiber storage region out the fiberexit opening while the cover remains mounted to the base, the fiber storage housing also including a fiber entrance opening separate from the fiber exit opening, wherein the fiber entrance opening is defined by an exterior fiber entrance structure configured such that the fiber entrance opening is tangentially oriented relative to the circumferential wall, and wherein the fiber exit opening is defined along the central axis of the fiber storage housing and is configured to allow the optical fiber to be pulled axially from the interior fiber storage region along the central axis of the fiber storage housing.

19. The optical fiber storage device of claim 18, wherein the fiber exit opening is defined by a fiber exit structure configured such that the fiber exit opening is aligned along the central axis of the fiber storage housing.

20. The optical fiber storage device of claim 19, wherein the cover defines a first axial end of the fiber storage housing, wherein the base defines a second axial end of the fiber storage housing that is offset from the first axial end, wherein the base defines a circumferential surface that faces at least partially outwardly toward the circumferential wall, wherein the interior fiber storage region is defined between the circumferential wall and the circumferential surface, and wherein the base defines an annular fiber transition structure that provides a curved transition between the circumferential surface and the fiber exit opening.21 . The optical fiber storage device of claim 20, wherein the fiber exit structure is positioned w ithin a pocket region of the base that is surrounded by the interior fiber storage region and separated from the interior fiber storage region by at least a wall of the base that defines the circumferential surface.

22. The optic fiber storage device of claim 21, wherein the fiber exit structure has a base end and a free end, wherein the base end is integral with the base, and wherein the fiber exit structure extends toward the second axial end of the fiber storage housing as the fiber exit structure extends from the base end toward the free end.

23. The fiber optic storage device of claim 21, w herein the fiber exit structure has a fiber exit end that faces toward the second axial end of the fiber storage housing.

24. The fiber optic storage device of claim 21, wherein the fiber exit structure is configured such that the optical fiber exits the fiber storage housing through the fiber exit structure in an axial direction toward the second axial end of the fiber storage housing.

25. The fiber storage device of claim 24. wherein tube sealing structures are provided at the fiber exit structure and the fiber entrance structure.

26. The fiber storage device of claim 18, wherein the fiber storage housing defines a splice chamber.

27. An optical fiber storage device comprising: a fiber storage housing including a circumferential wall that extends about a central axis of the fiber storage housing, the fiber storage housing including a base and a cover that mounts to the base, the fiber storage housing including an interior fiber storage region between the base and the cover, the fiber storage housing defining a fiber exit opening that allows stored optical fiber to be pulled from the interior fiber storage region out the fiber exit opening while the cover remains mounted to the base, the fiber storage housing also including a fiber entrance opening separate from the fiber exit opening that is defined by a fiber entrance structure, wherein the fiber exit opening is defined along the central axis of the fiber storage housing and is configured to allow the optical fiber to be pulled axially from the interior fiber storage region along the central axis of the fiber storage housing, wherein the fiber exit opening is defined by a fiber exit structure configured such that the fiber exit opening is aligned along the central axis of the fiber storage housing, wherein the cover defines a first axial end of the fiber storage housing, wherein the base defines a second axial end of the fiber storage housing that is offset from the first axial end, wherein the base defines a circumferential surface that faces at least partially outwardly toward the circumferential wall, wherein the interior fiber storage region is defined between the circumferential wall and the circumferential surface, and wherein the base defines an annular fiber transition structure that provides a curved transition between the circumferential surface and the fiber exit opening, wherein the fiber exit structure is positioned within a pocket region of the base that is surrounded by the interior fiber storage region and separated from the interior fiber storage region by at least a wall of the base that defines the circumferential surface.

28. The optic fiber storage device of claim 27. wherein the fiber exit structure has a base end and a free end, wherein the base end is integral with the base, and wherein the fiber exit structure extends toward the second axial end of the fiber storage housing as the fiber exit structure extends from the base end toward the free end.

29. The fiber optic storage device of claim 27. wherein the fiber exit structure has a fiber exit end that faces toward the second axial end of the fiber storage housing.

30. The fiber optic storage device of claim 27, wherein the fiber exit structure is configured such that the optical fiber exits the fiber storage housing through the fiber exit structure in an axial direction toward the second axial end of the fiber storage housing.

31. The fiber storage device of claim 30, wherein tube sealing structures are provided at the fiber exit structure and the fiber entrance structure.

32. The fiber storage device of claim 27, wherein the fiber storage housing defines a splice chamber.