Connector clip for fiber optic housing

Abstract

Abstract A compact fiber optic housing has a tray divided into front and rear areas by a partition, the rear area receiving excess slack from optical fibers, and the front area having a bulkhead for receiving fiber optic connectors. The front and rear areas overlap to optimize the space within the tray; the tray may consist of a single base supporting the front and rear areas, or of two separate front and rear shelves which are removably attached to each other. The bulkhead includes clips which releasably secure the connectors to the tray, the clips being received in apertures in the base of the tray. A lower tier of the partition slightly overlies the apertures. Each clip is formed from a single piece of sheet metal, having a base for insertion into the apertures, and having a bulkhead riser extending perpendicularly from the base, the riser having a hole for receiving the connector coupling. The base of each clip has two tines extending under the lower tier of the partition, defining a slot which may be used for removing the clip. The riser is oriented with respect to the base whereby the hole defines an axis which is at an oblique angle with respect to the direction of insertion of the clips into the aperture. This orientation allows access to the slot for removal of the clip even when connectors are attached to the clip. The tines of the base of the clips may be bent downward slightly to provide a secure friction fit under the lower tier of the partition, and the lower surfaces of the tines are beveled to facilitate insertion of the tines under the lower tier.

Inventors

• 👤 Roger H. Keith

Bibliographic Details