`
`23B2
`
`US0117404
`
`a2, United States Patent
`US 11,740,423 B2
`(0) Patent No.:
`Pilon
`
`(45) Date of Patent: Aug. 29, 2023
`
`(54)
`
`TRAY SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING
`MODULAR CASSETTE CONFIGURATIONS
`IN A FIBER OPTIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`12/1988 Nelson et al.
`4,792,203 A
`2/2008 Tan
`7,331,722 B2
`5/2009 Murano
`7,509,015 B2
`12/2014 Cote et al.
`8,913,866 B2
`4/2015 Ramirez et al.
`9,008,485 B2
`7/2015 Cote et al.
`9,075,216 B2
`6/2017 Sauteret al.
`9,690,064 B2
`8/2018 Murray oi. G02B 6/4455
`10,042,135 B2*
`2/2019 Sedor etal.
`10,215,944 B2
`5/2019 Mullsteff
`10,281,672 Bl
`7/2019 Aramayoetal.
`10,359,595 B2
`10,514,518 Bl=12/2019 Livingstonet al.
`(21)
`Appl. No.: 18/105,639
`10,598,884 B2
`3/2020 Fontaineet al.
`(Continued)
`
`1)
`
`Applicant: BELDEN CANADA ULC,
`Saint-Laurent (CA)
`
`(72)
`
`Inventor: Vincent Pilon, Lachine (CA)
`
`(*)
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended. or adjusted under 35
`US.C. 154(b) by 5 days.
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Feb. 3, 2023
`
`(65)
`
`(63)
`
`(60)
`
`(51)
`
`(52)
`
`(58)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2023/0185046 Al
`
`Jun. 15, 2023
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`Continuation of application No. 17/929,566, filed on
`Sep. 2, 2022, which is a continuation of application
`No. 17/010,113, filed on Sep. 2, 2020, now Pat. No.
`11,435,542, which is a continuation of application
`No. 16/143,831, filed on Sep. 27, 2018, now Pat. No.
`10,795,107.
`Provisional application No. 62/567,339, filed on Oct.
`3, 2017.
`
`Int. Cl.
`G02B 6/44
`G02B 6/46
`US. Cl.
`CPC veces G02B 6/4455 (2013.01); G02B 6/46
`(2013.01)
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`Field of Classification Search
`None
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`Primary Examiner — Rhonda S Peace
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Lavery, de Billy LLP;
`Hugh Mansfield
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A tray for providing a plurality of different modular fiber
`optic cassette configurations may comprise a tray member
`that may support a plurality of different modular fiber optic
`cassette configurations in a standard U-space width. The
`different modular fiber optic cassette configurations may
`
`include different sizes of modular fiber optic cassettes. Each
`
`
`
`of the different sizes of modular fiber optic casscttes may
`support a fiber optic receptable module that mayfit in a
`standard one width (1 W) unit. The plurality of different
`sizes of modular fiber optic cassettes may include a 2 W
`cassette size that may fit a standard two width (2 W) unit
`(relative to the standard one width,
`(1 W) unit), a 3 W
`cassette size that may fit a standard three width (3 W) unit,
`a4 Wcassette size that may fit a standard four width (4 W)
`unit, and/or a 6 W cassette size that mayfit a standard six
`width (6 W) unit.
`
`30 Claims, 13 Drawing Sheets
`
`Zw
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`
`Page 1
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`

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`US 11,740,423 B2
` Page 2
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3/2020 Fontaine et al,
`10,656,359 B2
`6/2020 Vogel we G02B 6/4455
`10,670,822 B2"
`9/2020 Pilon etal.
`10,768,387 B2
`10,795,107 B2=10/2020 Pilon
`10,809,479 B2* 10/2020 Crawford 00... G02B 6/4453
`11,187,864 B2911/2021 Crawford et al.
`11,333,842 B2*
`5/2022
`G02B 6/4452
`
`11,435,542 B2*
`9/2022
`G02B 6/4455
`2002/0131730 Al
`9/2002 Keeble etal.
`2007/0131628 Al
`6/2007 Mimlitch
`2009/0290842 Al
`11/2009 Bran de Leon et al.
`2016/0033732 Al
`2/2016 Giraud et al.
`2016/0062050 Al
`3/2016 Giraud et al.
`2016/0062055 Al
`3/2016 Giraud et al.
`2016/0062058 A1*
`3/2016 Dagley wu... G02B 6/3879
`385/56
`2016/0062068 Al
`3/2016 Giraud et al.
`
`2018/0003912 Al*
`1/2018 Sedor...
`.. GO2B 6/4455
`2019/0004268 Al
`1/2019 Vogel
`2019/0101717 Al
`4/2019 Pilon
`2019/0107682 Al
`4/2019 Aramayoet al.
`2019/0162924 Al
`5/2019 Fontaineet al.
`2019/0187394 Al
`6/2019 Fontaine etal.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Page 2
`
`CommScope Ex. 1001
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`Aug.29, 2023
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`Sheet 1 of 13
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`U.S. Patent
`
`US 11,740,423 B2
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`Aug.29, 2023
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`US 11,740,423 B2
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`Page 5
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`

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`Aug.29, 2023
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`US 11,740,423 B2
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`Aug.29, 2023
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`US 11,740,423 B2
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`US 11,740,423 B2
`
`This application is a continuation application of U.S.
`patent application Ser. No. 17/929,566 filed on Sep. 2, 2022,
`which is in turn a continuation application of U.S. patent
`application Ser. No. 17/010,113 filed on Sep. 2, 2020, now
`USS. Pat. No. 11.435.542, which is in turn a continuation
`application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/143,831
`filed on Sep. 27, 2018, now US. Pat. No. 10,795,107, which
`in turn claims priority under 35 USC § 119(e) of US.
`provisional application Ser. No. 62/567,339 filed on Oct. 3,
`2017. All the above documents are incorporated herein in
`their entirety by reference.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`
`
`The present invention relates to a tray system for provid-
`ing modular cassette configurations in a fiber optic manage-
`ment system. In particular, the present invention relates to a
`tray for providing a plurality of modular cassette configu-
`rations in a fiber optic management system that may include
`a fiber optic cassette comprising a width of one or more
`standard width units such that fiber optic cassettes of dif-
`ferent widths can be arranged on the same tray while
`optimizing the use of tray space.
`
`
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Theprior art discloses fiber optic cassettes or splice boxes
`for use in terminating fiber optic trunk cables and splitting
`them out to patch cables which are removeablyarranged on
`tray systems within a rack mounted case. One drawback of
`these cassettes and tray systems is that they are typically
`preconfigured to terminate fiber optic cables comprising a
`single predetermined numberofoptic fibers.Another draw-
`back is that cassettes whichare used to terminate fiber optic
`cables comprising different numbers of optic fibers are
`generally incompatible with one another and additionally
`require trays with different spacing, securing mechanisms
`and the like.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`
`
`+
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`2
`1
`TRAY SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING
`the modularfiber optic cassettes may includeafirst cassette
`MODULAR CASSETTE CONFIGURATIONS
`side end portion and a second cassette side end portion
`IN A FIBER OPTIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
`defining a standard cassette width unit extending between
`
`the first cassette side end portion and the secondcassette side
`
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`
`
`end portion that comprises a standard two width (2 W) unit
`APPLICATIONS
`a standard three width (3 W) unit, a standard four width (4
`W) unil, or a standard a standard six width (6 W) unit
`relative to the standard one width (1 W) unit. The receptable
`module is configured to fit at least four fiber optic plug
`
`
`receiving receptacle portions in a standard one width (1 W)
`
`
`
`unit. The plurality of different modular fiber optic cassette
`configurations may comprise a first modular fiber optic
`cassette configuration that may include six modular two
`standard width unit (2 W) casscttes that are cach arranged
`side by side of each other along the tray such that a cassette
`side end portion of each modular two standard width (2 W)
`cassette adjacently faces a cassette side end portion ofat
`least one other modular two standard width (2 W)cassette,
`a second modular fiber optic cassette configuration that may
`include four modular three standard width unit G W)
`cassettes that are each arranged side byside of each other in
`a row along the tray such that a cassette side end portion of
`each modular three standard width (3 W)cassette adjacently
`faces a cassette side endportionofat least one other modular
`three standard width (3 W) cassette, a third modular fiber
`optic cassette configuration that may include three modular
`four standard width unit
`(4 W) cassettes that are each
`arranged side by side of each other in a row along the tray
`such that a cassette side end portion of each modular four
`standard width (4 W) cassette adjacentlyfaces a cassette side
`end portionof at least one other modular four standard width
`(4 W)cassette, a fourth modular fiber optic cassette con-
`figuration that mayinclude two modularsix standard width
`unit (6 W) cassettes that are each arranged side byside of
`each other in a row along the tray suchthat a cassette side
`end portion of one of the two modular six standard. width (6
`W) cassettes adjacently faces a cassctte side end portion of
`the other modular six standard width (6 W) cassette, and a
`fifth modular fiber optic cassette configuration that may
`include three modular two standard width unit (2 W) cas-
`settes, which are each arranged side byside of each otherin
`a row alongthe tray such that a cassette side end portion of
`one of the three modular two standard width (2 W) cassettes
`adjacently faces a cassette side end portion of one of the
`other modular two standard width (2 W) cassette, and. one
`modular six standard width unit
`(6 W) cassette that
`is
`arranged side by side in a row along the tray with one of the
`three modular two standard width unit (2 W) cassettes, such
`that a cassette side end portion of the one modular six
`standard width unit (6 W) cassette may adjacently face a
`cassette side end portion of one of the other three modular
`two standard width unit (2 W) cassettes. Each modular two
`standard width (2 W) cassette maybe configured to fit two
`receptacle modules, each modular three standard. width 3
`W) cassette may be configured to fit three receptacle mod-
`ules, each modular four standard width (4 W) cassette may
`be configured to fit four receptacle modules, and each
`modular six standard width (6 W) cassette is configured to
`fit six receptacle modules. The tray may be configured to be
`removably secured to each modularfiber optic cassette when
`the tray fits the plurality of different modular fiber optic
`cassette configurations within the tray width portion in the
`standard. U-space fiber management system. The tray also
`mayinclude a pluralityof cassette engaging portions that are
`configured to conform to the standard one width (1 W) so as
`to support the modular two standard width (2 W) cassette,
`the modular three standard width (3 W) cassette, the modu-
`
`i2
`5
`
`According to various exemplary embodiments of the
`disclosure, a tray for providing a plurality of different
`modular fiber optic cassette configurations in a standard
`U-spacefiber optic management system may comprise a tray
`havinga first trayside end portion and a secondtray side end
`portion defining a tray width portion extending between the
`first tray side ond portion and the second tray side end 5
`portion. The tray width portion mayfit within a standard
`U-space width dimension and the tray is configured to fit a
`plurality of different modular fiber optic cassette configura-
`tions in the tray width portion in a standard U-space fiber
`management system. Eachofthe plurality of different modu-
`lar fiber optic cassette configurations may include a modular
`fiber optic cassette that is configured to support a receptable
`module having a first module side end portion and. a second
`module side end portion defining a module width portion
`extending betweenthefirst tray side end portion and second
`tray side end portion. The module widih portion may be
`configured to fit in a standard one width (1 W) unit. Each of
`
`60
`
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`
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`

`US 11,740,423 B2
`
`5
`
`4
`3
`include six modular 2 standard width unit size cassettes that
`lar four standard width (4 W) cassette, and/or the modular
`may each be arranged side by side of each other along the
`six standard width (6 W) cassette.
`tray such that a cassette side end portion of each modular 2
`In some exemplary and non-limiting aspects, the standard
`standard width unit size cassette may adjacently face a
`one width (1 W) unit is based on a standard SC Duplex width
`cassette side end portion of at least one other modular 2
`unit that may be configuredto fit a plurality of different type
`standard width size cassette, a second modular fiber optic
`of LC, SC, and MPO connectors. According to some other
`casselle configuration thal may include four modular 3 W
`exemplary and non-limiting aspects. the plurality of cassette
`standard width unit size cassettes that may each be arranged
`engaging portions ofthe tray may be spaced apart from one
`side by side of each other in a rowalong the tray such that
`another so as to conform to the standard one width (1 W) and
`a cassette side end portion of each modular 3 W standard
`support the modular two standard width (2 W)cassette, the
`width size cassette may adjacently face a cassette side end
`modular three standard width (3 W) cassette, the modular
`four standard width (4 W) cassette, and the modular six
`portionof at least one other modular 3 W standard width size
`cassette, a third modular fiber optic cassette configuration
`standard width (6 W)cassette.
`that may include three modular 4 W standard width unit size
`In various exemplary and non-limiting aspects, the tray
`cassettes that may each be arranged side by side of each
`may be configured to be slidingly received in at least a
`other in a row along the tray such thal a casselle side end
`portion of a tray receiving space of a case of a fiber optic
`portion of each modular 4 Wstandard width size cassette
`management system. In some other exemplary and non-
`may adjacently face a cassette side end portion of at least
`limiting aspects, each of the modular fiber optic cassettes
`one other modular 4 Wstandard width size cassette, a fourth
`may include a cassette side end portion that
`is directly
`modular fiber optic cassette configuration that may include
`adjacent to a cassette side end portion of another module
`two modular 6 W standard widthunit size cassettes that may
`fiber optic cassette when each of the modular fiber optic
`each be arranged side by side of each other in a row along
`cassettes are in the plurality of the plurality of different
`the tray such that a cassette side end portion of one of the
`modular fiber optic cassette configurations. In some other
`two modular 6 W standard width size cassettes may adja-
`exemplary and non-limiting aspects, each of the modular
`cently face a cassette side end portion of the other modular
`fiber optic cassettes mayinclude a cassette side end portion 2
`6 W standard width size cassette, and a fifth modular fiber
`that maybe located adjacent to a cassette side end portion of
`optic cassette configuration that may include three modular
`another module fiber optic cassette when each of the modu-
`
`2 standard width unit size cassettes, which may each be
`lar fiber optic cassettes are in the plurality of the plurality of
`
`
`arranged side by side of each other in a row along the tray
`different modular fiber optic cassette configurations.
`
`such that a cassette side end portion of one of the three
`n some exemplary and non-limiting, aspects, each of the
`modular 2 standard width size cassettes may adjacently face
`modular fiber optic cassettes may include a cassette side end
`a cassette side end portion of one of the other modular 2
`portion that touches a cassette side end portion of another
`standard width size cassette, and one modular 6 Wstandard
`module fiber optic cassette when each of the modular fiber
`width unit size cassette that maybe arranged side by side in
`optic cassettes are in the plurality of the plurality of different
`arow along the tray with one ofthe three modular 2 standard
`modular fiber optic cassette configurations. In some other
`width unit size cassettes, such that a cassette side end portion
`exemplary and non-limiting aspects, the tray may have a first
`of the one modular 6 W standard width unit size cassette
`tray end portion and a second tray end portion that may be
`may adjacently face a cassette side end portion of one of the
`spaced awayfrom the first tray end portion so as to define
`other three modular 2 standard width unit size cassettes. The
`a tray width that may extend between the first
`tray end
`tray may be configured to be removably secured to each
`portion and the secondtray end portion, and whereinthe tray
`modular fiber optic cassette when the tray fits the plurality
`width maybe configured to fit at least twelve standard one
`of different modular fiber optic cassette configurations
`width (1 W) units side by side along the tray width.
`within a tray width portion in the standard U-space fiber
`In accordance with various exemplary and non-limiting
`management system and the tray may include a plurality of
`embodiments of the disclosure, a tray for providing a
`cassette engaging portions that may be configured to con-
`plurality of different modular fiber optic cassette configura-
`form to the standard one width (1 W) so as to support the
`tions in a standard U-space fiber optic management system
`modular 2 standard width unit size cassette, the modular 3
`may comprise a tray configured to fit in a standard U-space
`W«standard width unil size cassetle,
`the modular 4 W
`and support a plurality of different modular fiber optic
`standard width unit size cassette, and the modular 6 W
`cassette configurations in the standard U-space. Each of the
`standard width unit size cassette.
`plurality of different modularfiber optic cassette configura-
`In various aspects, the standard one width (1 W) unit may
`tions mayinclude a plurality of different sizes of modular
`be based on a standard SC Duplex width unit that may be
`fiber optic cassettes. Each of the plurality of different sizes
`configured to fit a plurality of different type of LC, SC, and
`of modular fiber optic cassettes may be configured to
`MPOconnectors.
`support a fiber aptic receptable module that is contigured to
`
`the plurality of cassette
`According to some aspects,
`
`fit in a standard one width (1 W) unit. The plurality of
`
`
`engaging portions of the tray maybe spaced apart from one
`different sizes of modular fiber optic cassettes may include
`another so as to conform to the standard one width (1 W) and
`a 2Wcassette size thal is configured to fil a standard two
`support the modular 2 standard width unit size cassette, the
`width (2 W) unit relative to the standard one width (1 W)
`modular 3 W standard width unit size cassette, the modular
`unit, a 3 Wcassette size that may be configured to fit a
`60
`4Wstandard width unit size cassette, and/or the modular 6
`standard three width (3 W) unit relative to the standard one
`
`width (1 W) unit, a 4 W cassette size that may be configuredWstandard width unit size cassette. In some aspects, the tray
`to fit a standard four width (4 W)unit relative to the standard
`may be configuredto beslidingly received inat least portion
`one width (1 W) unit, and a 6 W cassette size that may be
`of a tray receiving space of a case of a fiber optic manage-
`ment system.
`configured to fit a standard six width (6 W) unit relative to
`the standard one width (1 W) unit. The plurality of different
`According to some aspects, each of the modular fiber
`modular fiber oplic cassetle configuralions may comprise a
`oplic casselles may include a cassette side end portion that
`first modular fiber optic cassette configuration that may
`may be located directly adjacent to a cassette side end
`
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`US 11,740,423 B2
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`°
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`i]a
`
`5
`6
`otherin a row along the tray membersuch that a cassette side
`portion of another module fiber optic cassette when each of
`end portion of one of the two modular 6 Wstandard width
`the modular fiber optic cassettes are in the plurality of the
`size cassettes adjacently faces a cassette side end portion of
`plurality of different modular fiber optic cassette configura-
`the other modular 6 Wstandard width size cassette. ‘The tray
`tions. In some aspects, each of the modular fiber optic
`member maybe configured to conform to the standard one
`cassettes may include a cassette side end portion that is
`width (1 W) so as to support the modular 2 standard width
`adjacent to a cassette side end portion of another module
`unil size cassette. the modular 3 W standard width unil size
`fiber optic cassette when each of the modular fiber optic
`cassette, the modular 4 W standard width unit size cassette,
`cassettes are in the plurality of the plurality of different
`and the modular 6 W standard width unit size cassette.
`modularfiber optic cassette configurations. In someaspects,
`In some aspects, the standard one width (1 W) unit may
`each of the modular fiber optic cassettes may include a
`be based on a standard SC Duplex width unit that may be
`cassette side end portion that touches a cassette side end
`configured to fit a plurality of different type of LC, SC, and
`portion of another module fiber optic cassette when each of
`MPO connectors. In some aspects, the tray member may
`the modular fiber optic cassettes are in the plurality ofthe
`include a row of cassctte engaging portions that may be
`plurality of different modular fiber optic cassctte configura-
`tions.
`spaced apart from one another so as to conform to the
`standard one width (1 W) and support
`the modular 2
`tray end
`the tray may have a first
`In various aspects,
`standard width unit size cassette, the modular 3 Wstandard
`portion and a second tray end portion that may be spaced
`width unit size cassette, the modular 4 W standard. width unit
`away from the first tray end portion so as to define a tray
`size cassette, and the modular 6 W standard width unit size
`width that may extend between thefirst tray end portion and
`cassette.
`the second tray end portion, and wherein the tray width may
`In various aspects, the row of cassette engaging portions
`be configured to support at least twelve standard one width
`
`(1 W) units side by side along the tray. may compriseafirst rowofcassette engaging portions, and
`In accordance with various exemplary embodiments of
`the tray may include a second row of cassette engaging
`the disclosure, a tray for providing a plurality of different
`portions that may be spaced away from the first row of
`modular fiber optic cassette configurations in a fiber optic
`cassette engaging portions. In some aspects, thefirst row of
`
`management system may comprise a tray member that may cassette engaging portion may compriseafirst row ofslot
`be configured to support a plurality of different modular fiber
`portions that each may be configured to engage a tab portion
`optic cassette configurations in a standard U-space width.
`of each modular cassette. In some aspects, the tray member
`The plurality of different modular fiber optic cassette con-
`may be configuredto beslidingly received in at least portion
`figurations may include different sizes of modular fiber optic
`of a tray member receiving space of a case of a fiber optic
`
`management system.
`cassettes. Each of the different sizes of modular fiber optic
`cassettes may be configured to support a fiber optic recept-
`In someaspects, each of the modularfiber optic cassettes
`able module that may be configured to fit in a standard one
`may include a cassette side end portion that may be located
`width (1 W) unit. The plurality of different sizes of modular
`directly adjacent to a cassette side end portion of another
`fiber optic cassettes may include a 2 cassette size that may
`module fiber optic cassette when each of the modular fiber
`be configured to fit a standard two width (2 W) unitrelative
`optic cassettes are in the plurality of the plurality of different
`to the standard one width (1 W) unit, a 3 W cassctte size that
`modular fiber optic cassette configurations. In accordance
`may be configured to fit a standard three width (3 W) unit
`with someaspects, each of the modular fiber optic cassettes
`relative to the standard one width (1 W) unil, a 4 W cassetle
`mayinclude a cassette side end portion thal may be adjacent
`size that maybe configured tofit a standard four width (4 W)
`to a cassette side end portion of another module fiber optic
`unit relative to the standard one width (1 W) unit, anda 6 W
`cassette when each of the modular fiber optic cassettes are
`cassette size that may be configured to fit a standard six
`in the plurality of the plurality of different modular fiber
`width (6 W) unit relative to the standard one width (1 W)
`optic cassette configurations.
`unit. The plurality of different modular fiber optic cassette
`In accordance with some aspects, each of the modular
`configurations may comprise a
`first modular fiber optic
`fiber aptic cassettes may include a cassette side end portion
`cassette configuration that may include six modular 2 stan-
`that may touch a cassette side end portion of another module
`dard width unit size cassettes that each maybe arranged side
`fiber optic cassette when each of the modular fiber optic
`by side of each other along the tray member such that a
`casselles are in the plurality of the plurality of different
`cassette side end portion of each modular 2 standard width
`modular fiber optic cassette configurations. In some aspects,
`i2
`unit size cassette adjacently faces a cassette side end portion 5
`the tray member may have a tray member width that may be
`of at least one other modular 2 standard width size cassette,
`configured to support at least twelve standard one width (1
`a second modular fiber optic cassette configuration that may
`W)units side by side along a row. In someaspects, the tray
`include four modular 3 W standard widthunit size cassettes
`member may have a first tray member end portion and a
`that are each arranged. side by side of each other in a row
`second tray member end portion that may be spaced. away
`along the tray member such that a cassette side end portion 5
`fromthe first tray memberend portion so as to define a tray
`of each modular 3 W standard width size cassette adjacently
`memberwidth that may extend betweenthefirst tray mem-
`faces a cassette side end portion of at least one other modular
`ber end portion and the second tray memberend portion, and
`3 W standard widthsize cassette, a third modularfiber optic
`wherein the tray member width may be configured to
`cassette configuration that may include three modular 4 W
`support at least twelve standard one width (1 W) units side
`standard width unit size cassettes that are each arranged side
`by side along the tray member.
`by side of each other in a row along the tray member such
`According to some aspects each of the modularfiber optic
`that a cassette side end portion of each modular 4 W standard
`cassettes may comprise a multi-fiber connector receiving
`width size cassette adjacently faces a cassette side end
`receptacle portion arranged on a rear portion thereof. In
`portion of at least one other modular 4 W standard width size
`someaspects, cach of the modules fiber optic cassettes may
`cassette, and/or a fourth modular fiber optic cassette con-
`comprise four fiber optic plug receiving receptacle portions
`figuration that mayinclude two modular 6 Wstandard width
`that may be configured to be arrangedside by side in a row
`unit size cassettes that are each arrangedside by side of each
`along a front portion thereof for each standard width (1 W)
`
`
`
`
`
`Page 18
`
`CommScope Ex. 1001
`
`

`

`US 11,740,423 B2
`
`7
`unit. In some aspects, the tray member may comprise a
`cassette fastening portion that may be configured to remov-
`ably secure the tray member to each modular fiber optic
`cassette.
`
`The foregoing and other features of construction and
`operation of the invention will be more readily understood
`and fully appreciated fromthe following detailed disclosure,
`taken
`in
`conjunction with
`accompanying
`drawings.
`Throughout the description,
`like reference numerals will
`refer to like parts in the various embodiments and drawing
`figures.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`8
`secured to the tray 12 using a fastener comprising tabs 36 of
`inverted “T” cross section which engage with respective
`slots 38 machined or otherwise formed in the tray 12. A
`flexible tab 40 is also provided which comprises a boss 42
`that engages a respective aperture 44 machined or otherwise
`formed in the tray 12 when the tabs 36 are engaged within
`their respective slots 38,
`thereby releasably securing the
`cassette 32 to the tray 12. In order to better orient the cassette
`36 on the tray during installation, the tray 12 comprises a
`raised shoulder 46 which is received within a channel 48
`moulded or otherwise formed in an underside 50 of the
`cassette 32.
`Still referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, each cassette 32
`illustratively comprises a plurality of receptacle modules 52
`each comprising a plurality of receptacles 54, illustratively
`LC Quad type receptacles, arranged in a row and exposed
`along a forward edge 56 ofthe cassette 32. The cassette 32
`also illustratively terminates a fiber optic cable 58, such as
`a trunk cable or the like, comprising a plurality of optic
`fibers at a multi-fiber connector receiving receptacle 60 on
`a rearward edge. Each optic fiber of the fiber optic cable 58
`is interconnected with a respective one of the receptacles 54
`using an optic fibcr segment 62 comprising a receptacle end
`whichis terminated by a plug 64. The segments 62, which
`are typically longer than the distance between the forward
`edge and the rearward edge, are typically looped several
`times within the cassette 32, for example in a serpentine or
`the like. A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand
`that an optic fiber terminated with a plug (not shown)
`inserted into a selected one of the receptacles 54 will
`interconnect
`the optic fiber with a selected optic fiber
`segment 62.
`Referring now to FIG, 3 and FIGS. 4Athrough 4D, as
`discussed above, each cassette 32 illustratively comprises a
`plurality of receptacle modules 52 each comprising four (4)
`receptacles 54. It is foreseen to provide a set of four (4)
`different cassette sizes to accommodate terminating fiber
`optic cables comprising different number of optic fibers.
`Each of the different cassette sizes of the set is based on an
`integer multiple of a standardised pitch or width unit W
`wherein one standardized width unit accommodatesa single
`receptacle module 52 comprising four (4) receptacles 54.
`Illustratively, a 2 cassette 32 comprising two (2) modules 52
`accommodating eight (8) optic fibers (FIG. 4A) is provided,
`a3 Wcassette 32 comprising three (3) modules 52 accom-
`modating twelve (12) optic fibers (FIG. 4B) is provided, a 4
`Wcassette 32 comprising four (4) modules 52 accommo-
`dating sixteen (16) optic fibers (FIG. 4C) is provided and a
`1, a modular casselle system,
`Referring now to FIG.
`the reference numeral 10, will
`6 W cassette 32 comprising six (6) modules 52 accommo-
`generally referred to using
`dating twenty-four (24) optic fibers (FIG. 41D) is provided
`now bedescribed. The modular cassette comprises a slide-
`for. The 2W, 3W, 4 W and 6 Wcassettes 32 are typically
`able tray12 illustratively mounted within a case 14. The case
`used only with like cassettes 32 as illustrated and such that
`14 comprises a top wall 16. a bottom wall 18 and a pair of
`respectively six (6), four (4), three (3) and two (2) cassettes
`opposed side walls 20 defining a tray receiving, space 22
`fit snuggly side by side on the 12 W tray, although in a
`therebetween. The case 14 is illustratively mounted to the
`particular embodiment casscttes 32 of different widths could
`rails 24 of a rack via a pair of mounting brackets 26 wherein 5
`one of the brackets 26 is attached to an outer surface 28 of
`be used together.
`Although the present illustrative embodiment In a par-
`a respective one of the sidewalls 20. The front edges 30 of
`the walls 16, 18, 20 define an opening via which the tray
`ticular embodiment the pitch/width W is based on a LC
`
`receiving space 22 can be acc