WO2014118223A1 - Cable storage device - Google Patents

A cable storage device (10) is provided with a base (12), a middle support (14) for holding one or more loops of fiber optic cable, and an outer periphery (16) including at least one outer wall. A cable retention device (30) helps to retain the cables in the cable spool device (10).

CABLE STORAGE DEVICE

Background

Various cable spools and devices are known for storing slack loops of cables, such as fiber optic cables. When storing fiber optic cables, protection of the storage loops from sharp bends is important. Retaining the cables so that the storage loops are maintained in an organized manner is also important. Keeping the storage loops within the device over time is also important. Some fibers, especially shorter lengths, tend to want to return to a straight shape and not stay looped. Further developments in this area are desired.

Summary of the Invention

A cable storage device is provided with a base, a middle area for holding of one or more loops of fiber optic cable, and an outer periphery including at least one wall. A cable retention device helps to retain the cables in the storage device. Various other walls, tabs, and flanges may be provided to assist with cable retention. The cable retention device preferably keeps the storage loop or loops retained in the cable storage device, such as during manipulation of other cables or from vibrations over time.

Brief Description of the Figures

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first implementation of a cable spool device;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the device of Figure 1 ; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the device of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a second implementation of a cable spool device;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the device of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the device of Figure 4;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a third implementation of a cable storage device; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the device of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the device of Figure 7, with a cable retention device shown in a pivoted position;

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the device shown in Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional side view of the device of Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a fourth implementation of a cable storage device;

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the device of Figure 12; and

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional side view of the device of Figure 12.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 shows a cable storage device 10 including a base 12 and a middle support 14 for holding one or more loops of fiber optic cable around middle support 14. Extending upward from base 12 are one or more walls 16. Walls 16 are positioned around the outer periphery of device 10 in the example implementations. Flanges 18, 20 and walls 16 help to retain cables within an interior of device 10.

Flanges 18 extend inwardly from outer walls 16. Flange 20 extends outwardly from middle support 14. Base 12, walls 16 and flanges 18, 20 can have different shapes if desired to provide for cable retention.

Cable storage device 10 includes a cable retention device 30 which helps to further retain cables within device 10. Various cable retention devices 30 are shown in the various figures. The retention devices 30 are some examples of a retention device which makes it more difficult for fibers placed in device 10 to fall out of device 10 inadvertently, or come out at undesired times. Cables enter and exit at one or more openings 22. Cables are stored in one or more loops around middle support 14.

Various implementations of a retention device 30 are described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings. The retention device 30 is provided for the user to relatively easily place one or more loops of stored fiber optic cable in a protected area on a cable storage device 10. Cable storage device 10 can be used to store small cables, such as 250 or 900 micron fibers, and relatively short lengths, such as 30-70 centimeters. Other cables and lengths can be used with device 10.

Retention device 30 makes it is relatively difficult for the one or more loops of fiber optic cables to fall out of cable storage device 10 when other fiber loops may be manipulated or moved, or during use and storage, such as due to vibrations. Fiber optic cables tend to want to return to a straightened or elongated orientation after being placed in a storage loop. If the optical fiber can find its way out of the cable storage device 10, the cable is subject to possible damage or excessive bending.

Referring now to Figures 1-3, retention device 30 includes a first portion 38 and a second portion 40 which face one another. A channel or slot 44 is defined between first portion 38 and second portion 40. Slot 44 has a reverse curve to the shape of a loop of stored fiber optic cable. A torturous path of slot 44 is provided. First portion 38 and second portion 40 taper downwardly towards slot 44 to facilitate ease of use by the user. Once positioned in retention device 30 by the user, the one or more loops of optical fiber cables are retained in pocket 46. See example optical fiber cables 50 in Figure 1.

Referring now to Figures 4-6, cable storage device 110 includes a retention device 30 which includes a first portion 138 which extends toward outer wall 16 and one or more second portions 140 which extend inwardly from outer wall 16. A channel or slot 144 is defined between first portion 138 and outer wall 16. By positioning second portions 140 on opposite sides of first portion 138, a torturous path of slot 144 is provided. A user can insert cables into slot 144 and the cables are retained in pocket 146.

Referring now to Figures 7-11, cable storage device 210 includes a retention device 30 which includes a first portion 238 which extends toward a second portion 240. Second portion 240 is in the form a u-shaped channel which is slidable and pivotable relative to a rest of device 210. Once second portion 240 is slid and pivoted, cables are positioned by the user in pocket 246. Second portion 240 is returned to the retention position as shown in Figures 7 and 8 for storage. Once in the retention position, no openings for fibers to fall out are provided. Referring now to Figures 12-14, cable storage device 310 includes retention device 30 which includes a first portion 338 which extends toward outer wall 16. First portion 338 includes a downwardly extending tab 340. Tab 340 defines a channel or slot 344 with outer wall 16. Slot 344 has a curved shape. Slot 344 is accessed outside of outer wall 16. A user can position cables in slot 344 for retention in pocket 346. Slot 344 has a shape that the fibers cannot easily go to without user assistance. Protrusions 346 are provided on base 12 to move the cables away from slot 344 toward first portion 338.

In the illustrated implementations, cable retention device 30 is designed so as to not promote excessive bending as the user places or removes fibers. At the same time, cable retention device 30 promotes retention by preventing a fiber from coming out of the cable storage devices 10, 110, 210, 310 without user assistance. Other shapes and designs are possible to protect the fibers during manipulation and storage.

The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

Cable storage device

Base

Middle support

Outer walls

Inner flanges

Outer flanges

Openings

Cable retention area

Retention device

First portion

Second portion

Slot

Pocket

Fiber optic cables

Cable storage device

First portion

Second portions

Slot

Pocket

Cable storage device

First portion

Second portion

Pocket

Cable storage device

First portion

Flange

Slot

Pocket

Protrusions

What is claimed is:

1. A cable spool device (10) comprising:

a base (12);

a middle support (14) extending from the base;

an outer wall (16) extending from the base;

at least one flange (18, 20) extending over a cable retention area (24);

a cable retention device (30) which retains cable in the cable spool device.

2. The cable spool device of claim 1, wherein the cable retention device (30) includes a channel (44) having a curved shape opposite to the curved shape of a cable loop.

3. The cable spool device of claim 1, wherein the cable retention device (30) includes overlapping flanges (138, 140) defining a channel (144).

4. The cable spool device of claim 1, wherein the cable retention device (30) includes a slidable and pivotable u-shaped channel (240).

5. The cable spool device of claim 1, wherein the cable retention device (30) includes a slotted outer wall (16), the slotted outer wall including a channel (344) defining a curved shape.

6. The cable spool device of claim 5, wherein the cable retention device (30) includes a protrusion (346) on the base.

7. The cable spool device (10) of any of claims 1-6, wherein a torturous path is provided for the cable which is shaped to prevent cables from falling out of the spool, but allows the user to insert the cable into the path.

8. The cable spool device (10) of claim 7, wherein the torturous path is comprised of at least one pivoting member.

9. The cable spool device (10) of claim 7, wherein the torturous path is comprised of static elements.