FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT. 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [See section 10, Rule 13]
F-TRAY;
RAYCHEM RPG LIMITED, A
CORPORATION ORGANIZED AND
EXISTING UNDER THE LAWS OF INDIA, WHOSE ADDRESS IS INFOCOM SBU, 463, CEAT MAHAL ANNEXE, DR. ANNIE BESANT ROAD, WORLI, MUMBAI - 400 030, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA
THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE
INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The invention generally relates to a splicing F-tray for managing and storing fiber optic cables.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
The fiber optic cables are utilized in a variety of telecommunication and data transfer applications where fiber optic cables storage and splicing is involved. The excessive bending of fiber optic cable can cause attenuation, loss of signal strength and sometimes loss of signal transmission through the fiber. For this reason aione the devices devised for storage of fiber optic cables become essential in their arrangement and structural configuration.
Splicing trays are designed to store and protect fiber cables and splices. The splicing trays are very important for managing and organizing fiber optic cables. Splicing trays are located at intermediate points along a route where fibers are joined and/or terminated. A splice tray typically holds a number of fiber optic cables. Generally, fiber optic cables are available as single fiber cable and ribbon fiber cable. The single or stranded fiber cable has a single fiber optic surrounded by an insulator. Ribbon cable has multiple fiber optics surrounded by a matrix and arranged side-by-side in a flat ribbon like construction and hence requires different retention module.
A neatly organized and managed cable arrangement is preferred but the relatively small size and configuration of stranded cable does permit the cables to cross over one another when stored around spools in the splice tray.
Extra slack ribbon cable however, cannot be utilized and stored as simply and easily as stranded cable. The width of the ribbon fiber cables does not allow them to cross over one another, as the combine height of the ribbon cables exceeds the maximum storage height of the splice trays.

In general, the storing capabilities of different types of fiber cables require improvement from conventional arrangements. The single fiber cable and ribbon fiber cable trays are conventionally available separately which increases the cost of maintenance and manufacturing of trays when different types of fiber cables are required to be employed in a system. Further, separate trays for each type of cable makes the arrangement complex when any two different types of fiber cables are required in combination for the system.
Due to existing complex arrangements leading to inappropriate handling of fiber cables, improvements to these conventional arrangements for managing and storing different types of fiber optic cables is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a fiber splice tray comprising an elongated base including a splicing region, wherein the base having a pair of opposing sidewalls extending upwardly; a plurality of distinct module clamping slots provided at the base to accommodate corresponding fiber cable modules in the splicing region, the fiber cable modules can be a ribbon fiber cable retention module or a single fiber cable retention module; a fiber routing assembly having a plurality of guiding members, wherein each guiding member includes at least one predominant lug for enabling peripheral movement of the cable and a plurality of recessive fugs for enabling internal movement of the cable, where in each of the guiding member is rotatably coupled for drawing and storing the cable, the fiber routing assembly configured for routing and storing the fiber cables; and a pair of tabs positioned along the sidewalls of the base, wherein the tabs are placed diagonally opposite to each others across the distinct module clamping slots for guiding the fiber cable from one end to the other end; wherein the splice tray arrangement is capable of splicing and storing of fiber cables and pigtails in diverse combinations.
The splice tray further includes a pair of curved opposing sidewalls extending upwardly and a pair of tie holder positioned at both ends of the curved opposing

side walls of the base, wherein the tie holder having an adjustable slot for inserting tie wraps in order to fix buffer, ioose tube or pigtail bunch.
The tray also includes a pair of hinges positioned on the outer periphery of the extending side wall provided to hold and hinge the trays together and a locking mechanism positioned at the centre of the outer periphery of the extending side wall for locking one with the other tray.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure. 1 is a top view of the F-tray showing all the featured components contained in the tray.
Figure.2 is a perspective view of the slots utilized to retain fiber cable module.
Figure.3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the F-tray showing a module utilized for holding single fiber splice protection sleeves.
Figure.4 shows the module utilized to retain ribbon splice protection sleeves.
Figure.5 is a perspective view of the fiber routing island utilized to store extra length of fiber cable and route the cable through the tray.

Figure.6 shows the area utilized to guide the fiber cable from one direction to another.
Figure.7 is a perspective view of the tie holder utilized to fix buffer tube and intra facility cable.
Figure.8 shows the fiber cable retaining extrusion and fiber cable guiding area.
Figure,9 is a perspective view of the F-tray with a transparent lid utilized to cover the tray.
Figure. 10 is the perspective view of the locking mechanism used to lock one tray with another tray and tray with lid.
Figure. 11 shows the F-tray fixing slots or hinges utilized to stack one tray over another.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The embodiments herein provide a fiber splice F-tray. The invention described herein is explained using specific exemplary details for better understanding. However, the invention disclosed can be worked on by a person skilled in the art without the use of these specific details.
References in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
Fig.1 illustrates a splice tray arrangement (100) comprising an elongated base including a splicing region(10), wherein the base having a pair of opposing sidewalls{5) extending upwardly and a pair of curved opposite sidewalls (15)

extending upwardly; a plurality of distinct module clamping slots(40) provided at the base to accommodate corresponding fiber cable modules in the splicing region; a fiber routing island or fiber routing assembly(50) having a plurality of guiding members(52) comprising of lugs(54, 56), the fiber routing assembly configured for routing and storing the fiber cables; and a pair of guiding area or tabs{60) positioned along the sidewalls (5) of the base, wherein the tabs (60) are placed diagonally opposite to each other across the distinct module clamping slots (40) for guiding the fiber cable from one end to the other end, wherein the splice tray arrangement (100) is capable of splicing and storing of fiber cables and pigtails in diverse combinations.
In a preferred embodiment the tray further comprises of a pair of tie holder(70) positioned at both ends of the curved opposite side walls(15) of the base, wherein the tie holder (70) having a adjustable slot for inserting tie wraps (not shown) in order to fix buffer, loose tube or pigtail bunch. The tray further comprises of a pair of tray fixing slots or hinges (90) and a locking mechanism (80) positioned on the outer periphery to accommodate additional tray and/or cover the tray with a lid.
In a related embodiment the splicing region (10) of the tray includes the outer periphery of the guiding members(52); outer periphery of the tabs (60) and the fiber cable modules (20, 30)
Fig.2 shows the module clamping slots (40) to retain fiber cable modules. The module clamping slots are preferably provided at the base and these slots (40) allow a plurality of modules to be mounted. The modules may be a single fiber cable splice retention module (20) and/or a ribbon fiber cable (30) splice retention module. These modules are removable modules and are adapted to the fiber splice F-tray as per requirement.
The removable aspect of fiber cable modules makes the F-tray appropriate for fiber cable storage of any size of fiber and in combination with any desired type of fiber optic cable (not shown)

Fig.3 shows a single fiber splice retention module(20), wherein the module holds a single fiber splice protection sleeve through fiber cable retention members (13). The retention members (13) are separated by spaces (11) through which a fiber cable extending from a single fiber splice can pass. In a preferred arrangement the fiber cable retention module (20) is suitable for 12 fiber splice and each tray can hold up to four splice modules.
In a related aspect to the retention modules, the module clamping slots (40) are utilized for ribbon fiber splice protection sleeves (not shown) with different removable ribbon fiber retention module (30) as shown in FIG.4. The space (11') between ribbon fiber retention modules (30) are provided through which a fiber ribbon extending from a ribbon splice can pass. The removable modules (20, 30) are accommodated in module clamping slots (40) suitable for both single and ribbon type of fibers as shown in FIG 2.
As per one essential embodiment of the present invention, the tray (100) is used for splicing and storing of fiber cable (not shown) and pigtails (not shown) in different combinations, such as; loose tube fibers to Pigtails, Loose tube fibers to Joose tube fibers, Pigtail to Pigtail, Ribbon fiber to Ribbon fiber Ribbon fiber to loose tube fiber, Ribbon and single fiber.
As per one embodiment of the present invention, the fiber cable routing assembly (50) shown in Fig. 5 is provided for routing and storing of the fiber cable in the tray (100). The routing assembly has a plurality of fiber guiding members (52), wherein each guiding member includes at-least one predominant lug (54) for enabling peripheral movement of the cable and a plurality of recessive lugs (56) for enabling movement of the cable, wherein each of the guiding members is rotatably coupled for drawing and storing the cable, the fiber routing assembly (50) configured for routing and storing the fiber cables. The routing assembly (50) is designed in such a way that it takes care of the minimum fiber bend radius. The fiber cable is retained in distinct routing structure with the help of lugs (54, 56) provided to protect the fiber from coming out of the tray (100). The fiber cable routing assembly (50) helps in storing extra length of fiber optic cable (not shown).

The fiber cables are guided from one direction to another through tabs (60) as shown in FIG 6. The orifices (12') provided over these tabs (60) prevents the fibers from coming out.
As per another embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 7 illustrates a tie holder (70) mechanism, wherein slots (14) are provided to insert tie wraps (not shown) to fix buffer, loose tube or pigtail bunch. The buffer tubes (not shown) or pigtails (not shown) bunch are fixed in such a way that fiber does not come out from the tray during installation and maintenance. Further, the loose tube (not shown) and pigtails (not shown) are held without creating stress in the fibers. The cable entry is such that simultaneously more than one loose tube can be tied or held on the slot (14). The F- tray further provides fiber retaining orifice (12) shown in FIG 8 at different positions in the tray panel (100). The size of fiber optic cable retaining orifices (12) varies depending upon their location and application inside the tray. The orifices (12) are designed in a manner to facilitate easy insertion and removal of fiber cable.
In a preferred embodiment, a perspective view of the F-tray with a transparent lid is shown in FIG. 9, defining the extending side walls (5) and the curved side walls (15). The transparent lid (75) is provided as a tray cover to protect fibers from coming out of the trays. The transparent look makes it easier to find out whether the tray is used for single or ribbon fiber. Further, the locking mechanism (80) as shown in FIG. 10 can be utilized to lock one tray with another tray. Tray locking protects the fiber from coming out of the storage area and it also protects the splice protection sleeves (not shown) from coming out of the splice holding modules (20, 30).
In one embodiment of the invention there are hinges (90) provided to stack one tray with another tray (100) easily. The hinges (90) are provided on the rear side of tray (100) to hold and hinge the trays together. This mechanism shown in FIG 11 allows easy addition of spliced trays (100) in the stack for storing fiber cables (not shown).

In a descriptive embodiment, the F-tray is made of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) material and lid is made of SAN (Styrene Acrylonitrile) material with transparent look. The material of this tray avoids any brittleness that can lead to high losses in fiber and there are also chances of fiber damage.
One skilled in the art will appreciate that the material of the tray may not be limited to the above mentioned material.
In one another exemplary embodiment F tray can store up to 48 fibers splices of single fiber to single fiber; ribbon fiber to ribbon fiber; single fiber to ribbon fiber and 24 fibers splices of pigtails and bare fibers as well. F-trays are suitable for rack mounting FMS, wall mounting FMS and for fiber closures which are used in inline and underground application. Further, the F-tray provides different types of removable fiber protection modules that can hold different types of fiber cables in combination which makes it an economical arrangement with easy maintenance. The cost reduces to more than half of the existing trays. The F-tray of the present invention is a critical component of FMS/ FDMS (Fiber distribution management system).
Although several aspects of the present invention have been described above with reference to a splicing fiber tray, it should be understood that various aspects of the present invention are not limited to fiber distribution and can be applied to a variety of other telecommunication systems.
By implementing any or all the teachings described above, a number of benefits and advantages can be attained including improved reliability, more space for storing, easy accessibility, reduction of redundant components, and a reduction in overall costs.

We Claim:
1. A splice tray arrangement comprising:
an elongated base including a splicing region, wherein the base having a pair of opposing sidewalls extending upwardly;
a plurality of distinct module clamping slots provided at the base to accommodate corresponding fiber cable modules in the splicing region;
a fiber routing assembly having a plurality of guiding members, wherein each guiding member includes at least one predominant lug for enabling peripheral movement of the cable and a plurality of recessive lugs for enabling internal movement of the cable, wherein each of the guiding member is rotatably coupled for drawing and storing the cable, the fiber routing assembly configured for routing and storing the fiber cables; and
a pair of tabs positioned along the sidewalls of the base, wherein the tabs are placed diagonally opposite to each other across the distinct module clamping slots for guiding the fiber cable from one end to the other end.
wherein the splice tray arrangement is capable of splicing and storing of fiber cables and pigtails in diverse combinations.
2. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base further including a pair of curved opposing sidewalls extending upwardly.
3. The arrangement as claimed in claim 2, further comprising:
a pair of tie holder positioned at both ends of the curved opposing side walls of the base, wherein the tie holder having a adjustable slot for inserting tie wraps in order to fix buffer, loose tube or pigtail bunch.
4. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
a pair of hinges positioned on the outer periphery of the extending side wall to hold and hinge the trays together.
5. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
a locking mechanism positioned at the centre of the outer periphery of the extending side wall for locking one with the other tray.

6. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1. wherein the fiber cable module is a single fiber cable splice retention module comprising of retention members.
7. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fiber cable module is a ribbon fiber cable splice retention module comprising of retention members.
8. The arrangement as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the retention members are separated by spaces to allow the fiber cable from a single fiber splice to pass.
9. The arrangement as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the retention members are separated by spaces to allow a fiber cable from a ribbon fiber splice to pass.
10. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fiber routing assembly retains the fiber cable with the help of orifices.
11. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fiber routing assembly allows the direction of the fiber to be changed from one side to the other.
12. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of tabs retains the fiber cable with the help of orifices.
13. The arrangement as claimed in claim 3, wherein the tie holder includes an opening to allow external cable in the splicing region.
14. The arrangement as claimed in claim 4, wherein the hinges capable of allowing addition of a tray to the existing tray.
15. The arrangement as claimed in claim 5, wherein the locking mechanism is capable of allowing the tray to be coupled to an additional tray.
16. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, 4 and 5, further comprises a lid coupled to protect fibers from coming out of the tray using the hinge and lock mechanism.

17. A splice tray arrangement as herein described with reference to forgoing description and accompanying drawings.