Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of optical fibers and, in particular, relates to a grommet to seal an opening of an optical fiber enclosure.

BACKGROUND
Optical fibers are widely used in optical cables. Optical cables are handled or disposed in an optical fiber enclosure. The optical fiber enclosure facilitates easy and efficient binding of the optical fiber cables, which simplifies the installation.
Conventionally, the optical fiber enclosures require a seal to close an opening of the optical fiber enclosure. There are various prior arts that disclose sealing grommets, for example, the reference US5675124A describes a sealing grommet for optical fiber enclosure with two halves. The inner diameter of the grommet gets narrower on middle portion and broader on both entry and exit portions. The references US2008066949A1 and US9291786B2 describe a sealing grommet with pierceable membrane. The reference US5396575A describes a sealing for fiber enclosure which is made of gel.
Further, conventional installations of the optical fiber cables require grommets of silicon material, which cannot impart flexibility and are not adaptive as per different shapes and dimensions required for installation of different optical fiber cables. To install different optical fiber cables, different grommet seals are required, which increases the components and complicates the installation of the optical fiber cables. Further, the openings of the optical fiber enclosure that are not in use, are closed by dummies. The dummies can be misplaced, while installing the optical fiber cables and thereby leaving an open space in the optical fiber enclosure. This open space may allow water, dust, dirt to enter into the optical fiber enclosure, which can affect the overall performance of the optical fibers.
In light of the above stated discussion, there is a need for an adaptive grommet that overcomes the above stated disadvantages of the conventional grommet seals.
SUMMARY
In an aspect of the present disclosure, a grommet to seal an opening of an optical fiber enclosure is disclosed. The grommet has a body that extends along a grommet axis (X-X’). The grommet further has one or more cavities formed within the body that extends along a cavity axis (A-A’) such that each cavity of the one or more cavities is adapted to accept an optical fiber cable. Each cavity of the one or more cavities has first and second end portions having first and second cross-sectional areas, respectively. Each cavity of the one or more cavities further has a middle portion that connects the first and second end portions and has a third cross-sectional area. The third cross-sectional area, along the cavity axis (A-A’) is less than at least one of (i) the first cross-sectional area and (ii) the second cross-sectional area.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, an optical fiber enclosure is disclosed. The optical fiber enclosure has a plurality of openings and one or more grommets. The plurality of openings are adapted to receive one or more optical fiber cables. The one or more grommets are removably engaged with the plurality of openings such that each grommet of the one or more grommets has a body that extends along a grommet axis (X-X’). Each grommet of the one or more grommets further has one or more cavities formed within the body that extends along a cavity axis (A-A’) such that each cavity of the one or more cavities is adapted to accept an optical fiber cable. Each cavity of the one or more cavities has first and second end portions such that the first and second end portions have first and second cross-sectional areas, respectively. Each cavity of the one or more cavities further has a middle portion that is connecting the first and second end portions, and has a third cross-sectional area such that along the cavity axis (A-A’), the third cross-sectional area is less than at least one of (i) the first cross-sectional area and (ii) the second cross-sectional area. Also, the grommet axis (X-X’) and the cavity axis (A-A’) are parallel to each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Having thus described the disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying figures, wherein:
FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a grommet.
FIG. 1B illustrates a sectional perspective view of a first cavity of the grommet of FIG. 1A.
FIG. 1C illustrates a front sectional view of the grommet of FIG. 1A.
FIG. 1D illustrates a top view of the grommet of FIG. 1A.
FIG. 1E illustrates a front view of another grommet.
FIG. 1F illustrates a sectional perspective view of the grommet of FIG. 1E.
FIG. 1G illustrates various designs of the grommet of FIG. 1A.
FIG. 1H illustrates a sectional view of a first cavity of the grommet of FIG. 1A.
FIG. 1I illustrates a side view of a hyperbolic secant shape of the grommet of FIG. 1A.
FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective sectional view of the grommet of FIG. 1A that holds a pair of round optical fiber cables.
FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of the grommet of FIG. 1A that holds a flat optical fiber cable.
FIG. 3A illustrates a front view of an optical fiber enclosure.
FIG. 3B illustrates a bottom view of the optical fiber enclosure of FIG. 3A.
FIG. 3C illustrates a perspective sectional view of a base portion of the optical fiber enclosure of FIG. 3A.
It should be noted that the accompanying figures are intended to present illustrations of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. These figures are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be noted that accompanying figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DEFINITIONS
The term “optical fiber” as used herein refers to a light guide that provides high-speed data transmission. The light moving through the glass core region of the optical fiber relies upon the principle of total internal reflection, where the glass core region has a higher refractive index (n1) than the refractive index (n2) of the cladding region of the optical fiber.
The term “optical fiber cable” as used herein refers to a cable that encloses a plurality of optical fibers.
The term “oblong shape” as used herein refers to a parallelopiped shaped having round short faces, which means a shape that can be tracked back to a circular shape where two parallel sides make an angle of 90 Degrees with two other parallel sides. Further, in the oblong shape, one pair of the two sides may be longer than the other pair of two sides.
The term “grommet” as used herein refers to a seal that is adapted to block an opening in any apparatus or device.
The term “hyperbolic secant shape” as used herein refers to a shape that is typically derived from a continuous probability distribution function. In other words, the hyperbolic secant shape may be defined as a curve in space with inflection points. The hyperbolic secant shape may be defined by a swelling in a central area of the considered curve segment.
The terms “cavity” and “cavities” as used herein refers to a through aperture that allows passage or insertion of an optical fiber cable.
The term “hole” as used herein refers to a through aperture that allows passage or insertion of any part of an optical fiber enclosure, for example, an optical fiber enclosure bracket.
The terms “SHORE 000, SHORE 00, and SHORE A” as used herein refers to different hardness scales.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The detailed description of the appended drawings is intended as a description of the currently preferred aspects of the present disclosure, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions may be accomplished by different aspects that are intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
Moreover, although the following description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and/or alterations to said details are within the scope of the present technology. Similarly, although many of the features of the present technology are described in terms of each other, or in conjunction with each other, one skilled in the art will appreciate that many of these features can be provided independently of other features. Accordingly, this description of the present technology is set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the present technology.
FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a grommet 100. The grommet 100 may define a grommet axis (X-X’). Specifically, the body 102 may extend along the grommet axis (X-X’). The grommet 100 may be used to seal an opening of a plurality of openings 304a-304g (as shown later in FIG. 3A-3C) of an optical fiber enclosure 300 (as shown later in FIG. 3A and 3B). The grommet 100 may be used in any kind of the optical fiber enclosure 300 with different shapes and sizes. Specifically, the grommet 100 may be used to seal the opening of the optical fiber enclosure 300 that may have different shape and size. For example, the grommet 100 may be used for cold sealing of the opening of the optical fiber enclosure 300. Further, the grommet 100 may be adapted to house one or more optical fiber cables 306 and 308 (as shown later in FIG. 3C). Each optical fiber cable of the one or more optical fiber cables 306 and 308 may have a plurality of optical fibers. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the grommet 100 may be made up of a material including, but not limited to, a gel-based material and an elastic material. The gel-based material of the grommet 100 may enhance stickiness of the grommet 100 such that the grommet 100, upon compression may stick to the one or more optical fiber cables 306 and 308 without compressing the one or more optical fiber cables 306 and 308. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of known and later developed materials, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
Since, the grommet 100 is made up of the elastic material, therefore, the grommet 100 may exhibit different values of diameters which eliminates need for ad-hoc production of the grommet 100. The elastic material may facilitate manufacturing of the grommet 100 with wide range of dimensions for the grommet 100.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the grommet 100 may have a diameter that may be in a range between 20 millimeters (mm) and 40 mm. Preferably, the grommet 100 may have the diameter that may be 30 mm.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the grommet 100 may have a length that may be in a range between 15 mm and 30 mm. Preferably, the grommet 100 may have the length that may be 22 mm.
The grommet 100 may be adapted to hold or house the one or more optical fiber cables 306 and 308 having different shapes, such as, but not limited to, a flat shape, a round shape, and the like. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover the optical fiber cable of any shape, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Specifically, the grommet 100 may be adapted to hold or house the one or more optical fiber cables 306 and 308 to protect the one or more optical fiber cables 306 and 308 from environment or extreme weather conditions such as extreme sunlight, extreme wind, rain, and the like. The grommet 100 may ensure correct or perfect sealing of the opening of the optical fiber enclosure 300 in dusty and dirty places. The grommet 100 may further facilitate sealing in presence of water and thereby the grommet 100 may prevent ingress of water in the optical fiber enclosure 300. The grommet 100 may tighten the one or more optical fiber cables 306 and 308 that may prevent external agents to get inside the optical fiber enclosure 300 or varying internal pressure in the optical fiber enclosure 300.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the grommet 100 may have a different shape and size that may conform to the shape and the size of the opening of the optical fiber enclosure 300. For example, the grommet 100 may have a V-shape, and the like. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any known and later developed shape for the grommet 100 that may conform with the shape of the opening of the optical fiber enclosure 300, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
FIG. 1B illustrates a sectional perspective view of the first cavity 104a of the grommet 100 of FIG. 1A. The grommet 100 may have a body 102, one or more cavities 104 (hereinafter referred to and designated as “the cavities 104”) of which first through fourth cavities 104a-104d are shown, and a hole 106. The grommet 100 may further have a hyperbolic secant shape 107. The hyperbolic secant shape 107 may be surrounded by a circular shaped (113) portion.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the grommet 100 may be provided without the hole 106.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the body 102 may have a cylindrical shape. Specifically, the body 102 may be a cylindrical solid body. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of known and later developed shape for the body 102, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the body 102 may be made up of material, including but not limited to, an elastic material. The elastic material may have one of, (i) a hardness grade that may be in a range of 10 to 70 in a hardness scale SHORE 000, (ii) a hardness grade that may be in a range of 0 to 60 in a hardness scale SHORE 00, (iii) a hardness grade that may be in a range of 0 to 30 in a hardness scale SHORE A, (iv) elasticity, (v) stickiness, or combination thereof. The elastic material may facilitate the body 102 to elongate up to a percentage range of 1000% to 2000%. Preferably, the elastic material may facilitate the body 102 to elongate up to the percentage range of 1500%.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the hole 106 may have a cuboidal shape. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of known and later developed shape for the hole 106, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the grommet (100) may have 4 cavities (104). In some other aspects of the present disclosure, the grommet (100) may have 1 cavity, 2 cavities, 3 cavities and so on without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the hole 106 may be a single one. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any number of the holes (i.e., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and so on), without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
For sake of brevity, FIG. 1B shows only the first cavity 104a. However, it should be understood that other cavities, for example, the second through fourth cavities 104b-104d are same or substantially similar to the first cavity 104a. Therefore, arrangement of the structural aspects, meaning, and interpretation of the functional aspects of various elements as referenced for the first cavity 104a in FIG. 1B must be interpreted for the second through fourth cavities 104b as well, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
FIG. 1C illustrates a front sectional view of the grommet 100 of FIG. 1A. Each cavity of the cavities 104 may define a cavity axis (A-A’) such that each cavity of the cavities 104 may extend along the cavity axis (A-A’).
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the cavity axis (A-A’) may be parallel to the grommet axis (X-X’). In some other aspects of the present disclosure, the grommet axis (X-X’) may not be substantially parallel to the cavity axis (A-A’) i.e., the grommet axis (X-X’) may be tilted by + 20 degrees (20o) with respect to the cavity axis (A-A’). In other words, the grommet axis (X-X’) may be parallel to the cavity axis (A-A’) with a tolerance value that may be + 20 degrees.
Each cavity of the cavities 104 may have a plurality of end portions 108. As illustrated, the plurality of end portions 108 has first and second end portions 108a and 108b. Each cavity of the cavities 104 further has a middle portion 110. Specifically, the first cavity 104a may have the first middle portion 110a and the third cavity 104c may have the third middle portion 110c. The first and second end portions 108a and 108b may have first and second cross-sectional areas, respectively.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the first cross-sectional area may be equal to the second cross-sectional area.
Although, FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C shows sectional view of two cavities (i.e., the first and third cavities 104a and 104c), however, the aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to it. The sectional view of the second and fourth cavities 104b and 104d are not shown in FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C, however, structure of the second and fourth cavities 104b and 104d may be same or substantially similar to the structure of the first and third cavities 104a and 104c, as shown in FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C.
FIG. 1D illustrates a top view of the grommet 100 of FIG. 1A. Each end portion of the first and second end portions 108a and 108b may have an oblong shape 112. Specifically, the oblong shape 112 may be integrated with the hyperbolic secant shape 107 to create a three-dimensional cavity with different sections. The middle portion 110 i.e., connecting the first and second end portions 108a, 108b, may have the oblong shape 112, while the cavities 104 may have a perfectly circular shape (113).
In some aspects of the present disclosure, at least one end portion of the first and second end portions 108a, 108b may have a circular shape (113) that may surround the oblong shape 112 such that the at least one end portion of the first and second portions 108a, 108b enables receiving one of, a round shaped optical fiber cable and a flat shaped optical fiber cable.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the middle portion 110 may have a third cross-sectional area. Each cavity of the cavities 104 may further have a first section 114a, a second section 114b, a middle section 114c, a membrane 116, and an outer section 118. The outer section 118 may have a circular shape. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include the outer section 118 of any shape, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, each cavity of the cavities 104 may not have the membrane 116.
The cavities 104 may be formed within the body 102 to accept the one or more optical fiber cables 306 and 308. Specifically, the first cavity 104a may accept/hold one optical fiber cable. The second cavity 104b may accept/hold another optical fiber cable. The third cavity 104c may accept/hold another optical fiber cable. The fourth cavity 104d may accept/hold another optical fiber cable.
The middle portion 110 may be spaced apart from each end portion of the first and second end portions 108a and 108b. In other words, the middle portion 110 may be disposed between the first and second end portions 108a and 108b. The third cross-sectional area, along the cavity axis (A-A’) may be less than at least one of (i) the first cross-sectional area and (ii) the second cross-sectional area.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, each cavity of the cavities 104 may have a reduced dimension from the first and second end portions 108a and 108b to the middle portion 110. Specifically, each cavity of the cavities 104 may get narrower from the first end portion 108a towards the middle portion 110. Each cavity of the cavities 104 may get wider from the middle portion 110 towards the second end portion 108b.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, each cavity of the cavities 104 may have different shapes, including but not limited to, a cylindrical shape, a flat shape, a cuboidal shape, an oval shape, and the like. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of known and later developed shape for each cavity of the cavities 104, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Each cavity of the cavities 104 may be adapted to hold the one or more optical fiber cables 306 and 308 of different shape, for example, a cylindrical shaped optical fiber cable, a flat shaped optical fiber cable, a cuboidal shaped optical fiber cable, an oval shaped optical fiber cable, and the like. In other words, the oblong shape 112 may facilitate each cavity of the cavities 104 to hold the cylindrical shaped optical fiber cable, the flat shaped optical fiber cable, the cuboidal shaped optical fiber cable, the oval shaped optical fiber cable, and the like. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of known and later developed shape for each optical fiber cable of the one or more optical fiber cables 306 and 308 that are to be inserted or received within the cavities 104, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, each cavity of the cavities 104 may have different size/dimension from other cavity of the cavities 104. For example, the first cavity 104a may have a different size/dimension when compared to a size/dimension of the second through fourth cavities 104b-104d. The second cavity 104b may have different size/dimension when compared to the size/dimension of the first cavity 104a, the third cavity 104c, and the fourth cavity 104d. The third cavity 104c may have different size/dimension when compared to the size/dimension of the first cavity 104a, the second cavity 104b, and the fourth cavity 104d. The fourth cavity 104d may have different size/dimension when compared to the size/dimension of the first through third cavities 104a-104c.
In some exemplary aspects of the present disclosure, the cavities 104 may have a diameter that may be in a range between 5 mm and 10 mm. Preferably, the cavities 104 may have the diameter that may be 6 mm and 8 mm. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any diameter (i.e., 7 mm, 9mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, and so on) for the cavities 104, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, each cavity of the cavities 104 may have an inner diameter that may be in a range between 6 mm and 8 mm. Preferably, each cavity of the cavities 104 may have the inner diameter that may be 7.153 mm.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, each cavity of the cavities 104 may have an outer diameter that may be in a range between 7 mm and 10 mm. Preferably, each cavity of the cavities 104 may have the outer diameter that may be 8.6 mm.
The first and second sections 114a and 114b may extend from the middle portion 110. The outer section 118 may be disposed near to an outer side (i.e., an end) of each cavity of the cavities 104 i.e., near to the first and second end portions 108a and 108b. Specifically, the first section and second sections 114a and 114b may be disposed between the outer section 118 and the middle portion 110. The middle section 114c may be disposed near to the middle portion 110. Specifically, the middle section 114c may be disposed between the first and second sections 114a and 114b.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the first section 114a may have a first dimension. The first dimension may be a diameter of the first section 114a that may be in a range between 3 mm and 20 mm. The second section 114b may have a second dimension. The second dimension may be a diameter of the second section 114b that may be in a range between 3 mm and 20 mm. The middle section 114c may have a third dimension. The third dimension may be one of, (i) less than the first and second dimensions and (ii) more than the first and second dimensions. Specifically, the third dimension may be in a range between 2.9 mm x 3 mm and 19.9 mm x 20 mm. The first through third dimensions may facilitate the grommet 100 to accommodate one or more optical fiber cables 306 and 308 with a proper sealing.
The membrane 116 may be disposed at the middle section 114c. The membrane 116 may be used to close each cavity of the cavities 104. Specifically, the membrane 116 may be used to close a cavity of the cavities 104 when the cavity is not in use (when the cavity is unused) i.e., the cavity in which an optical fiber cable of the one or more optical fiber cables 306 and 308 is not inserted. By virtue of presence of the membrane 116, requirement of dummies to close an un-used cavity of the cavities 104 may be prevented.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the membrane 116 may be adapted to seal each cavity of the cavities 104.
The membrane 116 may be pierced, while the one or more optical fiber cables 306 and 308 are completely inserted into the cavities 104. In other words, the membrane 116 may be pierced by the one or more optical fiber cables 306 and 308 by exerting an external force at one side of the membrane 116. The membrane 116, upon being pierced on site, may allow full or complete insertion of the one or more optical fiber cables 306 and 308 into the cavities 104. This way, the cavities 104 may hold the one or more optical fiber cables into the grommet 100.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the one or more optical fiber cables 306 and 308 may be inserted in the cavities 104 up to the membrane 116. In other words, the one or more optical fiber cables 306 and 308 may be partially inserted in the cavities 104 i.e., up to the membrane 116. Specifically, the one or more optical fiber cables 306 and 308 may be blocked by the membrane 116, thereby facilitating partial insertion of the one or more optical fiber cables 306 and 308 in the cavities 104.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the oblong shape 112 may be created as an aperture or passage that may be composed by sliding a plurality of elliptical shapes on variable section profile of each cavity of the cavities 104 (i.e., hyperbolic secant shape 107 with a central bulge). The aperture or passage so created may allow insertion or installation of the one or more optical fiber cables 306 and 308 of different shape and sizes.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the membrane 116 may have a thickness that may be in a range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm.
FIG. 1E illustrates a front view of another grommet 101. The grommet 101 may be substantially structurally and functionally similar to the grommet 100 of FIGs 1A-1D as discussed above, with like elements that are referenced with like numerals, however, the grommet 101 may have a U-shape. Specifically, FIG. 1E shows the body 102, the first cavity 104a, and the oblong shape 112 that may be disposed in the first cavity 104a.
FIG. 1F illustrates a sectional perspective view of the grommet 101 of FIG. 1E. Specifically, FIG. 1F shows the membrane 116 that may be disposed in the first cavity 104a.
FIG. 1G illustrates various designs 120 (hereinafter referred to as “the designs 120”) of the grommet 100 of FIG. 1A. The designs 120 may have first through third designs 122-126. In the first design 122, the hole 106 may be disposed at a left side of the grommet 100 and the cavities 104 may be disposed at a right side of the grommet 100. The hole 106 and the cavities 104 in the first design 122 may have a circular shape. In the second design 124, the hole 106 may be disposed at the center of the grommet 100 and the cavities 104 may surround the hole 106. Specifically, in the second design 124, the cavities 104 may have 6 number of cavities. The cavities 104 may have the circular shape in the second design 124. The hole 106 may have a rectangular shape in the second design 124. In the third design 126, the hole 106 may be disposed at the center of the grommet 100 and the cavities 104 may surround the hole 106. Specifically, in the third design 126, the cavities 104 may have 8 number of cavities. The cavities 104 may have the circular shape in the third design 126. The hole 106 may have the rectangular shape in the third design 126.
FIG. 1H illustrates a sectional view of the first cavity 104a of the grommet 100 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1I illustrates a side view of the hyperbolic secant shape 107 of the grommet 100 of FIG. 1A. Specifically, FIG. 1I shows the hyperbolic secant shape 107 with respect to a X- axis and a Y-axis. The cavities (104) are obtained by 360 degrees rotation of the secant shape 107 around the Y-axis.
The hyperbolic secant shape 107 may be defined by following equations: -
x = N sec (ay) – C; and
x = M sec (ay) – C
where the oblong shape 112 may be generated when M is greater than N.
The oblong shape 112 may be generated based on the above equations. The hyperbolic secant shape 107 may have a curvature 128. The curvature 128 may have a peak point P and a pair of base points B1 and B2 (hereinafter referred to and designated as “the base points B1, B2”). The curvature may extend between the base points B1 and B2 through the peak point P. x is the distance over the curvature on X-axis and y is the distance over the curvature on Y-axis. The peak point P may be generated at y = 0 and x = (M or N) – C, as per the above mathematical equations. The term “a” as used in the above mathematical equations refers to a length along which the curvature 128 extends. The terms “M” or “N” as used in the above mathematical equations refers to a vertical distance between the base points B1, B2 and the peak point P. Also, “M" is the distance for shorter side of the oblong shape and “N” is the distance for the longer side of the oblong shape. The term “C” as used in the above mathematical equations refers to a vertical distance between Y-axis and the base points B1, B2.
FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective sectional view of the grommet 100 of FIG. 1A that holds a pair of round optical fiber cables 202a and 202b (hereinafter referred to and designated as “the round cables 202a and 202b” or “the round cables 202” and individually referred to and designated as “the first cable 202a” and “the second cable 202b”). The round cables 202 may be inserted in each cavity of the cavities 104. Specifically, FIG. 2A shows that the first cable 202a may be inserted in the first cavity 104a and the second cable 202b may be inserted in the third cavity 104c. The first cable 202a may be inserted up to the membrane 116 of the first cavity 104a. The second cable 202b may be completely inserted in the third cavity 104c. In other words, the second cable 202b may be inserted in the third cavity 104c by piercing the membrane 116 of the third cavity 104c.
Although FIG. 2A illustrates that the round cables 202 are inserted in only two cavities (i.e., the first and third cavities 104a and 104c). However, the round cables 202 may be inserted in all the cavities 104 in different arrangements, for example, some round cables of the round cables 202 may be inserted up to the membrane 116 and other round cables of the round cables 202 may be completely inserted by piercing the membrane 116. Further, the round cables 202 may be inserted in some cavities of the cavities 104, while keeping other cavities of the cavities 104 unused.
FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of the grommet 100 of FIG. 1A that holds a flat optical fiber cable 204 (hereinafter referred to and designated as “the flat cable 204”). The flat cable 204 may be inserted in a cavity of the cavities 104. Specifically, the flat cable 204 may be inserted in the first cavity 104a. The flat cable 204 may be completely inserted in the first cavity 104a. In other words, the flat cable 204 may be inserted in the first cavity 104a by piercing the membrane 116 of the first cavity 104a.
Although FIG. 2B illustrates that the flat cable 204 is inserted in only one cavity (i.e., the first cavity 104a). However, a plurality of flat cables may be inserted in all the cavities 104 in different arrangements, for example, some flat cables may be inserted up to the membrane 116 and other flat cables may be completely inserted by piercing the membrane 116. Further, the plurality of flat cables may be inserted in some cavities of the cavities 104, while keeping other cavities of the cavities 104 unused.
FIG. 3A illustrates a front view of the optical fiber enclosure 300. The optical fiber enclosure 300 may be adapted to accommodate the one or more optical fiber cables 306 and 308 (as shown in FIG. 3C). The optical fiber enclosure 300 may have a body portion 301 and a base portion 302. The base portion 302 may be coupled to the body portion 301. Specifically, the base portion 302 may be removably coupled to the body portion 301. The body portion 301 may be adapted to provide protective covering to the one or more optical fiber cables 306 and 308.
FIG. 3B illustrates a bottom view of the optical fiber enclosure 300 of FIG. 3A. The optical fiber enclosure 300 may further have the plurality of openings 304a-304g (hereinafter collectively referred to and designated as “the openings 304”) and one or more grommets 305a-305g (hereinafter collectively referred to and designated as “the grommets 305”). Each grommet of the grommets 305 may be substantially structurally and functionally similar to the grommet 100. Specifically, the openings 304 may be disposed at the base portion 302 of the optical fiber enclosure 300. Each grommet of the grommets 305 may be removably engaged with the openings 304. Specifically, each opening of the openings 304 may be adapted to removably accept the grommet of the grommets 305 such that the grommet seals each opening of the openings 304.
FIG. 3C illustrates a perspective sectional view of a base portion 302 of the optical fiber enclosure 300 of FIG. 3A. Specifically, FIG. 3C shows that the grommet of the grommets 305 may seal the third opening 304c. The grommet of the grommets 305 may allow passage of the one or more optical fiber cables 306 and 308. Each cavity of the cavities 104 may accept the one or more optical fiber cables 306 and 308. The grommet of the grommets 305 may allow passage of the one or more optical fiber cables 306 and 308 while sealing the third opening 304c. Each cavity of the cavities 104 (as shown earlier in FIG. 1A-1F and FIG. 2A-2B) may be sealed by the membrane 116 (as shown in FIG. 1B, 1C, 1F and FIG. 2A and 2B) when at least one of, (i) a cavity of the cavities 104 is unused and (ii) partial insertion of the optical fiber cable 306 and 308 in the cavity of the cavities 104. The membrane 116 may be pierced upon complete insertion of the optical fiber cable 306 and 308 in the cavity of the cavities 104. For example, the one or more optical fiber cables 306 and 308 may be inserted in the first and third cavities 104a and 104c, respectively of the grommet of the grommets 305.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the hole 106 may enable removable engagement of the grommet 100 with the optical fiber enclosure 300. Specifically, the hole 106 may be adapted to accept an optical fiber enclosure bracket 310 (hereinafter referred to and designated as “the bracket 310”) of the optical fiber enclosure 300. The bracket 310 may be a component that may support all internal components (e.g., splice trays) inside the optical fiber enclosure 300 to retain the plurality of optical fibers. The bracket 310 may be made up of a metallic material. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of known and later developed materials, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the one or more optical fiber cables 306 and 308 may be round shaped cables (round cables). In some aspects of the present disclosure, the one or more optical fiber cables 306 and 308 may be flat shaped cables (flat cables). Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of known and later developed shape for the one or more optical fiber cables 306 and 308, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable 306 may be a round shaped cable (round cable). The optical fiber cable 306 may be inserted in the first cavity 104a. In some examples of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable 306 may be completely inserted in the first cavity 104a by piercing the membrane 116. In other examples of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable 306 may be partially inserted in the first cavity 104a i.e., up to the membrane 116.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable 308 may be a flat shaped cable (flat cable). The optical fiber cable 308 may be inserted in the third cavity 104c. In some examples of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable 308 may be completely inserted in the third cavity 104c by piercing the membrane 116. In other examples of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable 308 may be partially inserted in the third cavity 104c i.e., up to the membrane 116.
Although FIG. 3C illustrates that the grommet of the grommets 305 seals only one opening (i.e., the third opening 304c). However, the present disclosure is not limited to it. The grommet of the grommets 305 may seal any or all opening of the openings 304, for example, the grommet of the grommets 305 may seal the first opening 304a, the second opening 304b, the third opening 304c, the fourth opening 304d, and the combination of the openings 304, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
Thus, the grommet 100 may simplify the installation of apparatuses that may require optical fiber cables. Specifically, the grommet 100 may facilitate installation of the optical fiber enclosure 300 on poles, facades, and aerial cables with lesser number of components. The grommet 100 may accommodate wide range of optical fiber cables with different diameters and shapes, which may make the grommet 100 very versatile. The grommet 100 may minimize the number of different codes and parts to use. The grommet 100 may simplify the overall installation process and may reduce wastage during installation. The membrane 116 may avoid the use of dummies, which may facilitate faster installation and less production costs. Since, the membrane 116 avoids use of the dummies, therefore, installation cost associated to install the optical fiber cables is considerably reduced. The grommet 100 may hold or house optical fiber cables of varying diameters, which may allow accommodation of different shapes of the optical fiber cables in a single grommet 100. Since, the grommet 100 may allow accommodation of optical fiber cables of different shape and size, therefore, the grommet 100 may drastically reduce number of sealing kits in the optical fiber enclosure 300. Further, the gel-based material of the grommet 100 may leave less space to errors and may be more permissive, which may be far better material than silicone.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present technology have been presented for purpose of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present technology to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present technology and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present technology and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present technology.
While several possible embodiments of the invention have been described above and illustrated in some cases, it should be interpreted and understood as to have been presented only by way of illustration and example, but not by limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.
, Claims:1. A grommet (100) comprising:
a body (102) that extends along a grommet axis (X-X’);
one or more cavities (104) formed within the body (102) that extends along a cavity axis (A-A’) such that at least one cavity of the one or more cavities (104) is adapted to accept an optical fiber cable (306, 308), where the at least one cavity of the one or more cavities (104) comprising:
first and second end portions (108a, 108b) having first and second cross-sectional areas, respectively; and
a middle portion (110) that connects the first and second end portions (108a, 108b), and has a third cross-sectional area, where, along the cavity axis (A-A’), the third cross-sectional area is less than at least one of (i) the first cross-sectional area and (ii) the second cross-sectional area.

2. The grommet (100) of claim 1, where at least one of the first and second end portions (108a, 108b) has a circular shape (113) that surrounds an oblong shape (112) inside, where the oblong shape (112) includes a curvature that is generated based on:
x = N sec (ay) – C
x = M sec (ay) – C
where M is greater than N for making an oblong shape
where x is the distance over the curvature on X-axis
where y is the distance over the curvature on Y-axis
where C is the distance between a point and the Y-axis.

3. The grommet (100) of claim 1, where the oblong shape (112) is adapted to receive one of, a round shaped optical fiber cable and a flat shaped optical fiber cable.

4. The grommet (100) of claim 1, where the first cross-sectional area is equal to the second cross-sectional area.

5. The grommet (100) of claim 1, where the at least one cavity of the one or more cavities (104) comprising a membrane (116) such that the at least one cavity of the one or more cavities (104) is sealed by the membrane (116), where the membrane (116) is pierced by the optical fiber cable (306, 308) by exerting an external force at one side of the membrane (116).

6. The grommet (100) of claim 1, where the membrane (116) has a thickness in a range of 0.1 millimeters (mm) to 10 mm.

7. The grommet (100) of claim 1, further comprising a hole (106) that enables removable engagement of the grommet (100) with an optical fiber enclosure (300).

8. The grommet (100) of claim 1, where the body (102) is made of an elastic material having one of, (i) a hardness grade that is in a range of 10 to 70 in a hardness scale SHORE 000, (ii) a hardness grade that is in a range of 0 to 60 in a hardness scale SHORE 00, (iii) a hardness grade that is in a range of 0 to 30 in a hardness scale SHORE A.

9. An optical fiber enclosure (300) comprising:
a plurality of openings (304a-304g) adapted to receive one or more optical fiber cables (306, 308);
one or more grommets (305a-305g) removably engaged with the plurality of openings (304a-304g), where each grommet of the one or more grommets (305a-305g) comprising:
a body (102) that extends along a grommet axis (X-X’);
one or more cavities (104) formed within the body (102) that extends along a cavity axis (A-A’) such that at least one cavity of the one or more cavities (104) is adapted to accept an optical fiber cable (306, 308), where the at least one cavity of the one or more cavities (104) comprising:
first and second end portions (108a, 108b) having first and second cross-sectional areas, respectively; and
a middle portion (110) that connects the first and second end portions (108a, 108b), and has a third cross-sectional area, where along the cavity axis (A-A’), the third cross-sectional area is less than at least one of (i) the first cross-sectional area and (ii) the second cross-sectional area.

10. The optical fiber enclosure (300) of claim 9, where the first cross-sectional area of the one or more grommets (305a-305g) is equal to the second cross-sectional area.

11. The optical fiber enclosure (300) of claim 9, where at least one end portion of the first and second end portions (108a, 108b) of the one or more grommets (305a-305g) has a circular shape (113) surrounding an oblong shape (112) such that the at least one end portion of the first and second end portions (108a, 108b) enables receiving one of, a round shaped optical fiber cable and a flat shaped optical fiber cable.

12. The optical fiber enclosure (300) of claim 9, where the at least one cavity of the one or more cavities (104) further comprising a membrane (116) such that the at least one cavity of the one or more cavities (104) is sealed by the membrane (116), where the membrane (116) is pierced by the optical fiber cable (306, 308) by exerting an external force at one side of the membrane (116).

13. The optical fiber enclosure (300) of claim 9, where the membrane (116) has a thickness in a range of 0.1 millimeters (mm) to 10 mm.

14. The optical fiber enclosure (300) of claim 9, further comprising a hole (106) that enables removable engagement of the grommet of the one or more grommets (305a-305g) with the optical fiber enclosure (300).