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Fiber optic drop terminals for multiple dwelling unitsFiber optic drop terminals for multiple dwelling units description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20090148119, Fiber optic drop terminals for multiple dwelling units. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
The present application is a Divisional application of U.S. Ser. No. 11/712,035 filed on Feb. 28, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is related to fiber drop terminals, and more particularly, to fiber drop terminals defining novel sizes, shapes, and/or functionality. 2. Description of Related Art To provide improved performance to subscribers, fiber optic networks are increasingly providing optical fiber connectivity directly to the subscribers. As part of various fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP), fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), and other initiatives (generally described as FTTx), such fiber optic networks are providing the optical signals from distribution cables through local convergence points (“LCPs”) to fiber optic cables, such as drop cables, that are run directly or indirectly to the subscribers\' premises. Such optical connectivity is increasingly being provided to multiple dwelling units (“MDUs”) in part because of the relatively large density of subscribers located in an MDU. MDUs include apartments, condominiums, townhouses, dormitories, hotels/motels, office buildings, factories, and any other collection of subscriber locations that are in relatively close proximity to one another. MDUs typically are all provided in a single indoor environment, such as an office or condominium; however, MDUs may also include a plurality of individual structures, such as apartment complexes. Typically, if an MDU comprises multiple structures, the optical fibers extending between the structures are adapted for outdoor environments, whereas the optical fibers extending within the structures are adapted for indoor environments. Most conventional MDUs include an LCP located in a generally central and selectively accessible location, such as the basement, utility closet, or the like, or the LCP may be located outside the MDU on an exterior wall, in a pedestal, in a handhole, or the like. The LCP includes at least one fiber optic cable that optically connects to a distribution cable. The LCP also includes a connection point where the subscriber cables routed through the building are optically connected to the distribution cable. In some situations the subscriber drop cables are not run directly back to the LCP, but to a fiber drop terminal (also called a fiber distribution terminal) (“FDT”). FDTs are commonly used in MDUs to provide optical connectivity between riser cables (generally oriented vertically in the MDU) and the plenum cables (generally oriented horizontally in the MDU). However, such FDTs are large and are generally not desirable for installation on each floor or other section of an MDU based upon the size of their footprint, visibility, and other considerations. Such large FDTs are also relatively expensive to produce and are generally less convenient to transport, install, and service. Therefore, a need exists for FDTs that provide a require relatively small area and/or volume and that provide convenient access for technicians. In addition, a need exists for FDTs that provide convenient and secure access to the optical connections within the FDT. The various embodiments of the present invention address the above needs and achieve other advantages by providing fiber drop terminals (“FDTs”) that are adapted for use with microstructured optical fibers and/or other optical fibers that enable unique size, shapes, features, and other parameters. The FDTs of the present invention provide not only a small “footprint” (area/volume required for placement of the FDT), but the FDTs also provide for convenient and secure access to the optical connections within the FDT. Still further advantages will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. One embodiment of the present invention comprises an FDT adapted for use in a fiber optic network of a multiple dwelling unit to selectively optically connect at least one connectorized optical fiber of a distribution cable to a connectorized optical fiber of at least one drop cable. The FDT comprises a base with a back wall and a sidewall extending outwardly from the back wall, and the base defines at least one opening for passage of the distribution cable and the drop cable. The FDT also includes a cover that selectively connects to the sidewall. The base of the FDT includes pluralities of adapters that receive a connector of the distribution cable and a connector of the drop cable to optically connect the connectorized optical fiber of the distribution cable to the connectorized optical fiber of the drop cable. The pluralities of adapters are pivotably joined to the base to enable a technician to move the adapters relative to the base to allow the base to define a smaller area while still providing convenient access to the adapters, connectors, or other hardware. Further embodiments of the present invention include FDTs with a distribution cover provided between the base and the cover. The distribution cover is adapted to provide limited access to the portion of the adapters that receive a connector of the distribution cable. Therefore, the service provider may prevent unauthorized access to the service provider side of the FDT. In addition, further embodiments comprise a removable and/or rotatable bracket for mounting the pluralities of adapters to thereby allow convenient handling of the pluralities of adapters within the FDT. Still further embodiments of the present invention provide fiber optic hardware associated with FDTs and other fiber optic closures. Therefore, the FDTs and associated hardware of various embodiments of the present invention provide for convenient and secure optical connectivity while requiring relative smaller areas and volumes when compared to prior art closures. Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale and are meant to be illustrative and not limiting, and wherein: Continue reading about Fiber optic drop terminals for multiple dwelling units... Full patent description for Fiber optic drop terminals for multiple dwelling units Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Fiber optic drop terminals for multiple dwelling units patent application. Patent Applications in related categories: 20090290843 - Fiber distribution hub - A fiber distribution hub includes a frame within the enclosure, the frame having a swinging portion configured to pivot from a first position to a second position. The fiber distribution hub also includes a subscriber termination field mounted on the swinging portion; at least one optical splitter mounted on the ... 20090290842 - Fiber optic splice tray - A splice tray includes a splice region and a fiber management region to facilitate splicing together two or more fibers. The splice tray can be pivotally coupled to one or more additional splice trays using pivot linkages to form a splice tray arrangement. 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