Retractable module for patch cords
AssigneeCorning Cable Systems LLC
InventorWilliam C. Hurley
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A retractable optical fiber assembly is provided, including a first ring adapted to accommodate a first winding of a fiber optic cable having a first end. A second ring is positioned concentrically with the first ring. The second ring is rotatable with respect to the first ring, and the second ring is adapted to accommodate a second winding of the fiber optic cable having a second end. Rotating the second ring in a first direction causes the fiber optic cable to wind onto the second ring thereby retracting the second end towards the retractable optical fiber assembly, and causes the fiber optic cable to unwind about the first ring thereby retaining the first end in a stable position as the second end is retracted. A module is also provided that includes a plurality of retractable optical fiber assemblies.
Claims37
A retractable optical fiber assembly, including:
- a base having a first ring;
- a spool having a second ring, wherein the spool is rotatable with respect to the base;
- and
- a length of fiber optic cable including a first end, a second end, and an intermediate location, the fiber optic cable including a first cable portion defined between the first end and the intermediate location, and a second cable portion defined between the second end and the intermediate location, and
- wherein the intermediate location is coupled to the spool, and
- wherein rotation of the spool with respect to the base in a first direction causes the first cable portion to unwind about the first ring while the second cable portion winds onto the second ring.
A retractable optical fiber assembly, including:
- a base having a first ring, a side wall, and first and second base passages;
- a spool having a second ring and a ring passage, wherein the spool is rotatable with respect to the base;
- and
- a length of fiber optic cable coiled onto the second ring and including a first end, a second end, and an intermediate location, the fiber optic cable including a first cable portion defined between the first end and the intermediate location, and a second cable portion defined between the second end and the intermediate location,
- wherein the first base passage provides communication between an area between the first and second rings and an exterior of the base, the second base passage provides communication between an interior of the base and the exterior of the base, and the ring passage provides communication between the area between the first and second rings and the interior of the base, and
- wherein the first cable portion is threaded through the first base passage with a length of the first cable portion configured to be disposed in the area between the first and second rings, the second cable portion is threaded through the second base passage with a length of the second cable portion configured to be disposed in the interior of the base, and the intermediate location is secured to the spool with respect to the ring passage.
A retractable optical fiber assembly, including:
- a base having a first ring defining a first circumference;
- a spool having a second ring defining a second circumference, wherein the spool is rotatable with respect to the base;
- and
- a length of fiber optic cable including a first cable portion defining a first predetermined length of cable adapted to be wound about the first ring, and a second cable portion defining a second predetermined length of cable adapted to be wound about the second ring,
- wherein a ring ratio is defined as the second circumference divided by the first circumference, and a length ratio is defined as the second predetermined length divided by the first predetermined length, and
- wherein the ring ratio is equal to or greater than the length ratio.
A module including a plurality of retractable optical fiber assemblies, including:
- a plurality of bases, each base having a first ring;
- a plurality of spools each having a second ring, wherein each of the plurality of spools is rotatable with respect to a respective one of the plurality of bases;
- and
- a plurality of fiber optic cables each including a first cable portion and a second cable portion, wherein each of the plurality of fiber optic cables is associated with a respective one of the plurality of spools,
- wherein rotation of a selected one of the plurality of spools in a first direction with respect to an associated base causes the first cable portion of the associated fiber optic cable to unwind about an associated first ring while the second cable portion of the associated fiber optic cable winds onto the second ring of the selected one of the plurality of spools.
A retractable optical fiber assembly, including:
- a first ring, wherein the first ring is adapted to accommodate a first winding of a fiber optic cable having a first end;
- a second ring positioned concentrically with the first ring, wherein the second ring is rotatable with respect to the first ring, and wherein the second ring is adapted to accommodate a second winding of the fiber optic cable having a second end, and
- wherein rotating the second ring in a first direction causes the fiber optic cable to wind onto the second ring thereby retracting the second end towards the retractable optical fiber assembly, and causes the fiber optic cable to unwind about the first ring thereby retaining the first end in a stable position as the second end is retracted.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.