Fiber optic spool arrangement; and method

A cable spool assembly for packaging a telecommunications assembly for storage or shipment, the cable spool assembly comprising:

• a first radial flange that defines a first axial end;
• an opposite, second radial flange that defines a second axial end;
• a drum that extends axially between the first and second radial flanges, the drum having a circumferential drum surface, the first and second radial flanges each defining an outer annular rim that projects radially outwardly from the drum;
• a storage compartment located within the drum, the storage compartment being accessible through a first access opening defined by at least the first radial flange, the circumferential drum surface of the drum defining a second access opening for accessing the storage compartment within the drum;
• a packaging assembly for holding a plurality of telecommunications modules being removably positioned within the storage compartment;
• a fiber distribution optic cable coiled about the circumferential drum surface and contained axially between the first and second radial flanges, the fiber distribution optic cable being payable and removable from the drum, the fiber distribution optic cable having an end that is secured to the packaging assembly;
• and
• a mounting system for supporting the first and second radial flanges, the mounting system including a support member and first and second rotatable rollers located on the support member, the first and second rotatable rollers being positioned to support the first and second radial flanges at ninety degrees relative to the support member, wherein the cable spool assembly rotates about a central spool axis when the fiber distribution optic cable is dispensed from the cable spool assembly, the central spool axis being horizontally aligned.

A method of packaging a cable spool, the method comprising:

• providing a spool having a first radial flange that defines a first axial end, an opposite, second radial flange that defines a second axial end, and a drum that extends axially between the first and second radial flanges, the first radial flange defining a first access opening, the drum having a circumferential drum surface that defines a second access opening, the drum having a storage compartment located between the first and second axial ends;
• placing a first end portion of a fiber distribution optic cable within the storage compartment through the second access opening;
• and
• wrapping a second end portion of the fiber distribution optic cable around the circumferential drum surface of the spool such that the second access opening is closed off by the fiber distribution optic cable.

A method of packaging a cable spool for storage or shipping of telecommunications equipment with connection locations, the method comprising:

• providing a spool having a first radial flange that defines a first axial end, an opposite, second radial flange that defines a second axial end, and a drum that extends axially between the first and second radial flanges, the first radial flange defining a first access opening, the drum having a circumferential drum surface that defines a second access opening, the drum having a storage compartment located between the first and second axial ends, a fiber distribution optic cable being coiled about the drum, wherein a first end portion of the fiber distribution optic cable is placed inside the storage compartment and wherein a second end portion of the fiber distribution optic cable is wrapped around the drum such that the second access opening is closed off by the fiber distribution optic cable;
• removing a third radial flange from the spool to expose the first access opening;
• accessing the storage compartment through the first access opening to pull out the first end portion of the fiber distribution optic cable;
• attaching a telecommunications equipment to the fiber distribution optic cable at the first end portion thereof;
• inserting the telecommunications equipment and the first end portion of the fiber distribution optic cable into the storage compartment through the first accessing opening of the first radial flange;
• and
• mounting the third radial flange back onto the spool to close off the first access opening.

A method of deploying a packaged cable spool assembly with stored telecommunications equipment, the method comprising:

• providing a cable spool assembly having a spool, the spool including a first radial flange that defines a first axial end, an opposite, second radial flange that defines a second axial end, and a drum that extends axially between the first and second radial flanges, the first radial flange defining a first access opening, the drum having a circumferential drum surface that defines a second access opening, the drum having a storage compartment located between the first and second axial ends, a fiber distribution optic cable being coiled about the drum, wherein a telecommunication equipment is attached to a first end portion of the fiber distribution optic cable, the telecommunications equipment and the first end portion of the fiber distribution optic cable being stored inside the storage compartment, and wherein a second end portion of the fiber distribution optic cable is wrapped around the drum such that the second access opening is closed off by the fiber distribution optic cable;
• mounting the spool onto a mounting system such that the first and second radial flanges are positioned vertically on the mounting system;
• moving the spool while mounted on the mounting system to a desired location;
• grabbing the second end portion of the fiber distribution optic cable;
• unwinding the fiber distribution optic cable from the drum of the spool to expose the second access opening;
• grabbing the telecommunications equipment stored within the storage compartment;
• pulling the telecommunications equipment out of the storage compartment through the second access opening;
• and
• mounting the telecommunications equipment to a telecommunications rack.

A cable spool assembly for packaging a telecommunications assembly for storage or shipment, the cable spool assembly comprising:

• a first radial flange that defines a first axial end;
• an opposite, second radial flange that defines a second axial end;
• a drum that extends axially between the first and second radial flanges, the drum having a circumferential drum surface, the first and second radial flanges each defining an outer annular rim that projects radially outwardly from the drum;
• a storage compartment located within the drum, the storage compartment being accessible through a first access opening defined by at least the first radial flange, the circumferential drum surface of the drum defining a second access opening for accessing the storage compartment within the drum;
• a packaging assembly for holding a plurality of telecommunications modules being removably positioned within the storage compartment;
• a fiber distribution optic cable coiled about the circumferential drum surface and contained axially between the first and second radial flanges, the fiber distribution optic cable being payable and removable from the drum, the fiber distribution optic cable having an end that is secured to the packaging assembly;
• and
• a mounting system for supporting the first and second radial flanges, the mounting system including a support member, wherein the cable spool assembly rotates about a central spool axis when the fiber distribution optic cable is dispensed from the cable spool assembly, the central spool axis being horizontally aligned.