WO2010001155A2

WO2010001155A2 - Improvements in or relating to optical fibre distribution systems

Info

Publication number: WO2010001155A2
Application number: PCT/GB2009/050757
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pieter Vermeulen; Pieter Arthur Anna De Vos; Barbara Maria Willems; Kristof Vastmans; Dirk Kempeneers
Original assignee: Tyco Electronics Raychem Bvba; Tyco Electronics Uk Ltd
Priority date: 2008-07-04
Filing date: 2009-06-30
Publication date: 2010-01-07
Also published as: WO2010001155A3

Abstract

An optical fibre member, especially an optical patch cord, at least one end portion of which carries an assembly of (a) optical connection means (26) at the end of the fibre member and (b) a storage device (29) carrying the said connection means, which storage element comprises at least first and second relatively rotatable members, the first member being a support part (52) and the second member being a winding part (50) rotatably mounted on the support part, wherein the winding part carries the said connection means so that rotation of the winding part winds onto the storage device, or unwinds from the storage device, the said optical fibre member. The invention includes an optical storage device supplied for use in or as the said assembly, and may be used for over-length storage in optical fibre riser cable assemblies and management methods for multi-dwelling buildings.

Description

Improvements in or relating to Optical Fibre Distribution Systems

The present invention relates generally to optical fibre distribution systems, and in particular (but not exclusively) to distribution systems and fibre management in the context of Fibre to The Home (FTT/H/P) hereinafter referred to as FTTH.

Fibre to the home (FTTH) concerns the installation of optical fibres in the subscriber loop of telecommunications networks either instead of or to replace twisted copper pairs. At the present time there are two leading technologies for providing high speed access to telecommunications networks from the home or business premises, namely DSL Broadband which utilises existing copper pairs and FTTH. FTTH is on average ten times faster than DSL Broadband and is inherently non-asymmetric in the sense that FTTH network connections operate at substantially the same speed in both directions. Emerging high speed services such as high definition IPTV and the like are driving the requirement for higher speed access and consequently FTTH is emerging as the preferred high speed access technology, particularly for new homes and business premises where there is no existing network infrastructure.

In a fibre optical network, fibres are typically routed from a central office of a service provider via distribution means by which the "trunk" bundle of fibres is successively split up and individual fibres routed to their ultimate destination, typically to subscriber premises and homes in the case of FTTH. Within the central office, therefore, there is a very large number of optical fibres to be organised, and this organisation is generally undertaken in distribution cabinets, distribution frames, boxes and other devices of a distribution system.

In an optical distribution frame (ODF) there are two main types of connection, that is a permanent or "splice" connection between the end of an optical fibre arriving at the frame in a trunk bundle (and sometimes also departing from the frame in such a trunk bundle) and less permanent connections, which need to be accessible for occasional adaptation of the connections within the system and known as "patching " connections. The devices for making either of these types of connections will be referred to generally as connections, and the specific type identified where appropriate as splices and patching connections.

Because of the large number of connections between individual optical fibres which must be made in a central office, and in other parts of the distribution system, space is at a premium and the density of connectors (that is the number of connectors which can be located within a given volume or, as is sometimes considered important, within a given "footprint" that is a certain area of floor space, must continually be reviewed and minimised.

There is a requirement, therefore, for a distribution system for optical fibres in which a high density of connectors is achievable, and which also has other advantages, in particular in facilitating the management of optical fibres and their connections by operators.

There is a requirement to provide an optical fibre distribution system, which will economically achieve a high density, using components, which are light and strong and sufficiently rugged to withstand the rigours of normal use, as well as protecting the optical fibres from excessive bending when connections are being made or changed.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical fibre member, at least one end portion of which carries an assembly of (a) optical connection means at the end of the fibre member and (b) a storage device carrying the said connection means, which storage element comprises at least first and second relatively rotatable members, the first member being a support part and the second member being a winding part rotatably mounted on the support part, and the winding part carries the said connection means so that rotation of the winding part winds onto the storage device, or unwinds from the storage device, the said optical fibre member.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical fibre storage device when supplied for use in an assembly of an optical fibre member according to the above aspect of the present invention, which storage device comprises at least first and second relatively rotatable members, the first member being a support part and the second member being a winding part rotatably mounted on the support part, and the winding part carries, or includes means for carrying, an optical connection means at the end of an optical fibre, so that rotation of the winding part when carrying the connection means at the end of the optical fibre member will wind onto the storage device, or will unwind from the storage device, the said optical fibre member.

The above aspects of the invention provides for improved fibre management in fibre distribution systems because it is only necessary to route the required length of fibre between two connection points, unlike in known systems where it is necessary to provide an extensive system of storage and fibre management devices such as drums and the like for storing excess lengths of fibre, particularly when making patching connections where up to 50% of the usable volume of a distribution system may be dedicated to a drum type system for storing over length fibre. Thus, the above aspect of the present invention provides for a more compact system with higher connection density. The optical fibre member and assembly of the above aspect of the present invention can be used to reduce the amount of visible fibre in a distribution system such as an optical fibre distribution frame, which can provide for improved fibre management and/or maintenance. One particular advantage of the present invention is that it is possible to significantly reduce the amount of free fibre in a distribution system, that is to say the amount of fibre that is routed through a distribution system such as in an optical fibre distribution frame. This can reduce the extent of manipulation of the fibre, and hence risk of damaging the fibre, during installation and re-routing of the fibres in a distribution system.

The assembly is self-contained and freely movable together with the end portion of the optical fibre member to carry the connection means, which preferably comprises an optical connector for one of more fibres, attached or attachable to the end of the fibre or fibres, into optical connection with another optical component or fibre(s). In this way the assembly readily enables the optical fibre member and connection means to be manually manipulated and readily positioned for connection with another optical component. The assembly is self-contained in the sense that the assembly comprises all the elements necessary for making an optional connection in a fibre distribution system.

In one preferred embodiment an optical fibre member according to the above aspect of the invention has at least two ends each carrying an assembly of an optical connector and a storage reel or device. For example, the optical fibre member may be a two-ended optical patch cord. Thus the present invention contemplates embodiments where an assembly of an optical connection means, for example, a connector, and storage reel are provided at both ends of an optical patch cord for making optical connections in a simple and efficient way.

In other embodiments the optical fibre member may have at least three ends each carrying an assembly of the aforementioned type.

In another embodiment of the present invention an optical fibre member may comprise a splitter and at least two optical fibres leading away from the splitter, which fibres carry an assembly of the aforementioned type at their respective end portions remote from the splitter.

In other embodiments an optical fibre member may comprise a multi-fibre optical cable, at least two of the fibres of the cable carrying an assembly of the aforementioned type at one or both of their ends. This arrangement may be convenient for making connections over a greater distance, for example when used as an inter facility cable for making connections between distribution equipment on different floors and/or in different rooms of a central building or the like.

Preferably the support part and the winding part define respective opposing axial sides of the reel and a fibre storage region therebetween. This arrangement readily enables fibre to be stored on the reel without twisting of the fibre as it is wound on the reel for storage.

The fibre storage region is preferably enclosed or at least substantially enclosed. This has the particular advantage that the fibre is substantially enclosed within the structure of the fibre storage reel so that inadvertent uncoiling of the fibre from the reel can be avoided during transport, storage and installation.

The fibre storage region may have a first opening on the winding part for receiving an optical connector and a second opening on the support part for lengths of fibre to pass to/from the reel. In this way it is possible for the end of the fibre to pass through the reel for connection to an optical connector for connection to other optical components or fibre, with the wound up fibre being able to pass freely through the other opening for connection to another optical component or other fibre at a remote location.

The first and second rotatable members may be detachably mounted to each other. This readily enables the two main parts of the reel to be parted, if necessary for access to the fibre stored within the reel. This arrangement also readily enables lengths of fibre to be fed through the respective openings during assembly of the storage reels.

The rotatable members are preferably provided with co-operating resilient attachment means for attachable/detachable connection of the rotatable members. The resilient attachment means may comprise a snap fit connection. In preferred embodiments the snap-fit connection is a reversible connection, which readily enables the two parts to be attached to each other and parted.

At least part of at least one of the rotatable members may be at least part transparent or provided with a window for external observation of fibre wound on the reel in the storage region. This feature may be important where it is necessary to observe the amount of fibre remaining on a reel to determine whether sufficient fibre exists for a particular connection to be made. Observation of the wound up fibre may also be important for maintenance purposes and the like.

At least one, preferably both, of the rotatable members may comprise a plastics moulded element, the plastics material may be one of polypropylene, ABS or any low friction plastics material, and/or one which includes a low friction additive for free rotation of the moulded elements in use. In preferred embodiments it is desirable to achieve a certain degree of friction between the two rotatable parts to prevent undesired un-coiling of the fibre from the reel, but to prevent excessive resistance to winding and un-winding of the fibre in use.

The reel may further comprise frictional engagement means to resist excess fibre being unintentionally unwound from the reel in use. This may be particularly advantageous in arrangements where the weight of uncoiled fibre may be sufficient to cause additional fibre to be unwound, for example due to gravity because of the orientation of the reel where the fibre is routed vertically downwards from the storage reel.

The reel may further comprise fibre stop means for preventing complete uncoiling of the fibre from the reel and overstressing of the fibre in the region of the fixed end of the fibre.

The fibre stop means may comprise relatively rigid engagement means, that is rigid relative to the fibre, for engaging a length of fibre adjacent the fibre end to prevent further uncoiling of the stored fibre after a predetermined length has been payed out in use.

The guide means may be curved to provide a minimum bend control radius for the fibre and the stop means may be provided by the engagement of the guide means with the relatively rigid engagement means. The first and second rotatable members preferably comprise respective annular members. Conveniently the annular members may have a shape and size suitable for hand held manipulation of the storage reel.

Preferably the reel is shaped as a torus and the annular members define respective axial halves of the torus. This configuration is particularly suitable for providing high capacity storage of wound up fibre with more or less the entire internal volume of the torus being used or being capable of being used for fibre storage.

At least one of the annular members may be provided with a gripping surface around its outer periphery. This is particularly useful for hand held manipulation of the reel and can also provide for improved retention of the reel when positioned in a holder within a distribution system, for example a stop.

At least one of the annular members may be provided with a gripping member which extends diametrically across the central region (hole) of the torus. In preferred embodiments one of the rotatable members is provided with the aforementioned gripping surface around its periphery and another is provided with a gripping member in the hub region of the torus so that the storage reel can be readily manipulated by the operator holding the gripping member between their fingers while rotating the part through the gripping surface.

An optical connector holding means may extend outwards from the surface of the first member, or winding part, for manual engagement by a user for rotating the winding part relative to the support part. This readily enables the operator to rotate the winding part in order to wind excess fibre on to the reel, for example by finger pressure.

In preferred embodiments the length of fibre attached to/stored on the reel is between I m and 30m preferably between 2m and 16m, more preferably between 3m and 12m. Typically between 3m and 12m will be stored for most distribution system applications, however half of this amount may be stored per reel in "jumper" type connections described below, where an optical fibre storage reel of the aforementioned type is provided at both ends of a fibre.

The fibre may be in the form of a pigtail for connection to other fibre or optical device or component(s). In one arrangement of the present invention the fibre stored on the reel may be in the form of a "pigtail", that is to say an over length of fibre for connection to another fibre or other optical component. The pigtail (s) may be connected to a splitter or other optical component in an optical circuit.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided an optical fibre "patch" or "jumper" connection or lead comprising a pair of reels as previously described including a length of optical fibre extending between and connected to the reels, with the respective ends of the fibre being terminated and connected to a respective fibre connector attached or attachable to a respective reel. This is particularly suitable for distribution systems where "patching" connections are required since a connection on one side of a patch panel, for example the service provider side, may be connected on the other side of the panel, the subscriber side, using a jumper connection comprising an optical fibre which is provided with a reel of the present invention at both ends.

A reel according to the above aspect of the invention may also be provided with connection means for connecting the ends of separate lengths of fibre stored on the reel. For example in a butt-type connection two separate lengths of stored fibre may be connected together at their respective ends by connection means provided on or attachable to the reel. This arrangement is particularly suitable for applications where a "butt" type connection is required, that is to say where there is a requirement to join the ends of two adjacent fibres.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a modular unit for forming a distribution frame shown in its closed condition.

Figure 1 a is a schematic view of a jumper for making patching connections;

Figure 2 is a perspective view from above illustrating the modular unit illustrated in Figure 1 in an open or access condition;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an optical fibre storage reel and connector assembly for use in a fibre distribution module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is an exploded view of the fibre storage reel and connector assembly of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of optical fibre distribution module according to an embodiment of the present invention with four over length storage reel and connector assemblies installed; Figure 6 is α perspective view similar to Figure 5 with an over length storage reel connector assembly aligned with a corresponding connector on the distribution module and positioned for installation;

Figure 7 is a perspective view similar to Figure 6 with the over length storage reel assembly connected but prior to being moved to the retracted position of the other installed;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of an array of optical fibre distribution modules of Figures 5-7 connected together to form a panel of distribution modules;

Figure 9 is a perspective view from the rear of an optical fibre distribution module similar to that of Figures 5-8 having an integral splice tray, with the tray shown in an open position; and,

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the optical fibre distribution module shown in Figure 9 with the integral splice tray shown in a closed position.

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown a modular unit generally indicated 1 1 for forming an optical distribution frame suitable for installation in an optical fibre distribution network, particularly in a central office of a service provider.

As can be seen in the drawings and particularly Figure 1 , the modular unit 1 1 has two banks 12 and 13 of optical fibre connector units, which will be described in more detail below.

The optical distribution frame modular unit 1 1 is shown in the drawings with a rear wall, 14 and left and right side walls 15, 16, but it must be emphasised that these boundary walls are illustrated for convenience of identifying locations and positions within the optical distribution frame and, in practice, may not be present, other support means being provided for the individual banks of connector units 12, 13 indeed the banks 12, 13 of connector units may be self-supporting as described below.

On the rear wall 14 of the modular unit 1 1 is an input cable support panel 14a which provides support and guidance for bundles of optical fibres in cables 17, 18 which may pass through the modular unit, as illustrated by the cables 17, or, as in the case of the cable 18, may be connected to the connector units within the optical fibre distribution module 1 1.

The bank 12 of the optical fibre connector units comprises two arrays of 12a, 12b (in this case vertical stacks) of splicing connector units in the form of splice trays. Individual fibres 19 from the bundle 18 are lead out via a fixed guide or locator 20 from which each fibre is individually guided by a resilient guide arm 21 into a splice tray of the array 12a.

The splice trays in the array 12a are stacked vertically and each provided with guides (not shown), which inter-connect with one another so that the individual trays in the stack are each guided by their neighbours above and below them. The guide arms 21 are flexible and resilient and each allows the respective tray in the stack 12a to be drawn out along a rectilinear path whilst supporting and guiding the optical fibre or fibres carried on it so that each fibre does not exceed its minimum bend radius.

Suitable splice connectors (not shown in detail) are mounted on each of the splice trays of the arrays 12a, 12b for forming permanent splice connections between the fibres 21 leading from the bundle 18 and fibres 23 within the optical distribution frame 1 1 leading from the splice trays 12 to the bank of patching connectors 13. These fibres 23 are held in a flexible laminar array by a flexible laminar support (not shown). Each individual fibre 23 is terminated by a respective plug connector 24.

The plug connector 24 is engaged in one end of a selected double-ended socket 25 pivotally mounted to a rack of fibre distribution modules 27. The other end of the socket 25 receives a plug 26 connected to one end of an optical fibre 28 coiled in a wind-up coil unit 29. As is shown in Figure Ia, the optical fibre 28 is a so-called "jumper", namely an optical fibre length with a plug 26, 31 at each end for making patching connections. The plugs 26, 31 are carried on the casings of over-length wind-up coil units 29, 30 into which surplus fibres can be coiled as will be more fully explained with reference to Figures 3 and 4 below. Patching between two parts of the patch panel defined by the bank 13 of patch connector units on the left and right hand side of the modular unit 1 1 , therefore, can be achieved by a plug-in connection of the two plugs 24, 26 with respective sockets 25, for which purpose the sockets 25 can be pivoted to an access position (shown in Figure 7) . The coil casing can then be pivoted into position into a holder of the rack 27. The optical fibre 28 leads out from the coil unit 29 via a curved guide 32 from which it can be routed, for example downwards through a guide duct 33 having a hinge function as will be described in more detail below, to a lower level in the optical distribution frame modular unit along a guide 48 from which it can be brought back up, for example along a guide duct 34 to the wind up coil 30, the plug 31 of which may be connected to a selected socket in this array 13 on the other side, right hand side, of the unit 1 1. The ducts 33, 34, which are in the form of part-cylindrical tubular elements, are nested within corresponding similar part-cylindrical support guides 35, 36 to form a vertical-axis pivot hinge which also serves as a guide duct for the optical fibres of the patch panel constituted by the bank 13 of connector units and a hinge support structure for the distribution modules 27. Because the optical fibres have a relatively long drop between one end and the other there is sufficient freedom of movement to allow the two arrays of patching connectors to be pivoted about the hinges defined by the part-cylindrical guides 33, 35 and 34, 36 to the position illustrated in Figure 2 to allow the user access to the splice trays 12a, 12b should it be desired to make a change to the splicing connections at a later date.

As can be seen in Figures 2, when the two banks of patching connector units 13 are swung out about the pivot hinges defined by the part-cylindrical guides 33, 34, there is free access for an operator to reach the splice trays in the bank 12 to make splicing connections. It should be noted that the fibres 23 may be preliminarily fitted in the frame to provide a one-to-one relation between the splice trays 12 and the patching connector sockets 25. Then, when the splicing is complete the banks 13 of patching connectors can be swung to the closed position illustrated in Figure 1 , obstructing further access to the splice trays, but presenting the patch panel frontally to an operator for easy access to make whatever patching connections are desired.

Referring now to the drawings of Figures 3 and 4, which show a wind-up coil device 29 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The wind-up coil 29 constitutes a self-contained free-standing optical fibre storage reel comprising a pair of relatively rotatable toroidal members, including a winding part 50 and a support part 52. The toroidal members constitute respective axial halves of the device, which when in the assembled configuration of Figure 3 define an enclosed toroidal region 53 for storing coils of optical fibre 28 with minimum bend control. The internal fibre storage region 53 extends between respective axial end walls 56 and 58 of the members 50, 52. The end walls are sufficiently spaced apart in the assembled device to accommodate a number of coils of fibre, for example 20-50 turns. The first of the toroidal parts 50 has an axially extending annular outer periphery 54 having a plurality of gripping elements 60 circumferentially spaced around the periphery. The inner circumferential periphery of the toroidal part 50 is provided by an axially extending annular wall member 62, which includes an inwardly projecting annular flange element 64, which constitutes one part of a reversible snap-fit connection for attaching the toroidal parts 50, 52 together. A fibre retention means in the form of an optical fibre connector holder 66 is provided at one position on the outer circumference of the toroidal part 50 for receiving an optical fibre terminal connector 24 connected to the end of the fibre coiled within the device. In this respect it will be understood that a wind up coil and optical connector constitutes an assembly carried at one end of an optical fibre. The connector holder 66 extends beyond the outer circumference of the toroidal part 50 and as such provides a convenient means for winding fibre on the device by hand.

The axial end wall 58 of the second toroidal part extends between an outer axially extending annular wall element 70 and an inner hub 72 which comprises the second part of the snap fit connection for joining the two parts together. The hub comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced arcuate wall segments 74a, 74b, which are separated by respective slots 76 at various locations around the hub's circumference. Each of the projections extend axially towards the other part 50 with four of the projections 74a being provided with hook engagement means 78 at their respective distal ends for reversible snap fit engagement with the radially extending annular element 64 on toroidal part 50. The engagement hooks are equally spaced around the periphery of the hub and are provided on narrower tab like resilient projections 74a between respective wider and therefore less resilient projections 74b. A diametrically extending gripping member 80 is provided between two of the wider projections to provide a convenient means by which the toroidal part 52 may be held between an operator's fingers in use.

A fibre entry/exit port is provided in the outer annular wall 70 with a guide element 82 provided on the external side of the wall for guiding fibre to and from the internal region 53. A fibre guide 84, which may be in the form of a resilient elastomeric sleeve, is attached to the entry/exit port 82. The guide 84 provides a suitable fibre bend control guide means for the fibre entering/exiting the internal region of the device.

In one preferred embodiment it is envisaged that the wind-up coil device of Figures 3 and 4 will accommodate sufficient length of fibre for forming suitable fibre connections such as in the distribution module 1 1 previously described. For example, preferred embodiments envisage between 3 and 12 metres of fibre, having an external diameter (with jacket) of about 1 .8mm, being stored on a single device. However embodiments having between 1 m and 60m are also envisaged.

As previously described with reference to Figure I a, a wind-up coil 29, 30 may be provided at both ends of a length of optical fibre 28 to provide a "jumper cable" for patching connections. The present invention also contemplates embodiments where a plurality of wind-up coil devices 29 and associated fibres are part of a break out cable, that is to say where the individual fibres of a cable are each connected to a respective wind-up coil device 29 at these respective ends. Similarly the fibres at each end of an optical fibre cable may be connected to respective wind-up devices, for example in the case of an inter-facility cable. Other embodiments are also contemplated including over length "pigtails" for connection to other optical components devices and/or fibre (s).

As will be understood from the foregoing description, and in particular with reference to Figures 3 and 4, a length of fibre 28 may be wound onto or unwound from the wind-up coil device 29 by relative rotation of the respective toroidal parts 50, 52. For example in the drawings of Figures 3 and 4 rotation of the first part 50 in an anti-clockwise direction, with respect to the second part 52, will cause additional fibre to be wound onto the device, whereas excess fibre may be unwound by pulling the fibre while holding toroidal part 52 stationary, by gripping the gripping bar 80, so that the toroidal part 50 is caused to rotate in a clockwise direction as by excess fibre is payed out.

In the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4 the wind-up coil device has an axial depth of about 10mm or so and a external diameter of about 70mm or so and therefore is suitable for manual hand-held manipulation allowing the operator to reel out excess fibre stored on the reel by gripping the bar 80 and pulling the cable with sufficient force so that the other part 50 rotates, and likewise rotating the part 50 by engagement of the connector holder 66 on the external surface thereof to rotate the part 50 in the opposite direction to reel in excess fibre. It is to be understood that the fibre connector 26 may be of any suitable type with a holder 66 adapted to accommodate different types of connector as required. In preferred embodiments at least part of at least one of the parts 50, 52 is transparent or provided with a window so that the amount of fibre stored within the device can be observed. In addition, to prevent overstressing of the fibre and/or device a final part of the fibre near the connector 26 may be provided with a relatively rigid re-enforcement element, rigid that is relative to the fibre, such as an elongate metal bar which acts as a stop to prevent axial pull forces being transferred to the connector 24 as the fibre is unwound. As the final length of fibre is unwound the rigid member will not pass through the curved guide 84 and will therefore only allow a pre-determined length of fibre to be payed out from the reel.

Typically the internal diameter of the reel, as determined by the annular wall element 62, may be 40mm or even 30mm or less with bend insensitive fibre, and typically the outer diameter may be 70mm of more but of course the inner and outer diameter dimensions will be determined by the particular application. In preferred embodiments the reel has sufficient storage space for accommodating optical fibre having a diameter of between 250mm and 3.0mm, more preferably between 750mm and 2.0mm. The fibre is preferably bend optimised having a minimum bend radius of 20mm or so, but bend insensitive fibre having a minimum bend radius of 15mm can be used as well as more traditional fibre having a minimum bend radius of 30mm or so.

In addition, all possible fibre types and combinations can be stored in the storage reel, including but not limited to: holley fibre, ribbon fibre, multi-fibre cable, plastic fibres (POF Plastic Optical Fibres), and multi mode fibre. All combinations of the connector are also contemplated, including but not limited to: a single connector, a multi connector (two connectors onto the same reel that are connected at the same moment when they are fed into a stack of storage reels as described below in relation to the arrangement shown in figures 5 and 8, for example). Embodiments are also contemplated where the fibre cable contains an optical fibre (glass or plastic), a cladding, an inner jacket, potentially Kevlar or a rigid strength member and an outer jacket.

Embodiments are also contemplated where identification means are incorporated in the storage reel, for example visual identification means or means such as an RFID tag for identifying each particular storage reel. In addition the storage reel, or at least part of at least one of the annular members 50,52, may comprise a material that illuminates when a signal is present on the fibre that is stored on the storage device, for example to indicate that a particular assembly fibre is active.

Referring now to Figure 5, 6 and 7, which show a plurality of optical fibre wind-up coil devices 29 mounted in a fibre distribution modules 27. The fibre distribution module comprises an integrally moulded, preferably plastics moulded, component which constitutes a support and housing structure for receiving a plurality of wind-up coil devices 29 and associated connectors for connecting fibres carried by the respective wind-up coil devices with fibres entering the module 27 from another access direction, for example splice fibres 23 from the respective splice trays 12 as shown in Figures 1 and 2. As previously mentioned it is preferred, but not essential, to provide a one-to-one relationship between the respective splice trays and the wind-up coil devices. The module 27 readily enables this to be achieved since it comprises on one side an open region 90 for receiving a plurality of wind-up coil devices 29. The region 90 is divided in part by an array of parallel laminar wall members 92 which define an array of openings 94 which constitute holders for the respective wind-up coils when mounted within the module 27. As shown in the drawing Figure 5, the module 27 is illustrated with four wind- up coil devices 29 positioned in the four uppermost holders, with the four lower holders empty. In the preferred orientation of the module 27 the wind-up coil device holders are arranged in a vertical stack so that the wind-up coil devices stack one on top of the other as shown in the drawings of Figures 5 to 7, the weight of the respective wind- up coil devices 29 is therefore supported in the main by the respective walls 92, although it is to be understood that in other embodiments the walls 92 may constitute guide means for positioning the devices 29, with the weight of the devices being supported, in the main, by others means, such as the plug in-plug out sockets 25 and possibly one of the planar elements 96 which project forward of the openings 94 and define the upper and lower boundaries of the fibre storage region 90. In this respect the wind-up coil devices 29 may be constructed so that they are arranged to contact each other in the assembled stack so that the weight of the coils is supported to some extent, or wholly, by the stack and ultimately by one of the elements 96. Embodiments are also contemplated where the wind up coil devices form a self supporting stack, with the coils nesting with each other in the stack and/or being provided with a reversible attachable connection means so that each coil may be attached to adjacent coils in a stack of coils. In this way the stack may be self supporting. A corresponding array or stack of connector holders 98 is provided adjacent to the openings 94 to receive a corresponding plug-in/plug-out socket 25. The plug-in/plug- out sockets 25 constitute adapters for connecting the respective connectors 24 and 26 at the ends of the respective fibres 23 and 28 as previously described. The connector holders 98 are aligned with the corresponding adjacent wind-up coil device holders so that the wind-up coil devices may be readily mounted within the module and connected to a respective adapter socket 25.

As can best be seen in the drawing Figure 6 the adapter sockets 25 are each pivotally mounted within the holders 98 so that they may be pivoted outwards by a few degrees to provide access to the socket for connection to the fibre connector 26 carried by the wind-up coil device. In Figure 6 wind-up coil devices are mounted in the six upper openings with a seventh device positioned for connection in the next available opening, with the connector 26 of the seventh device aligned with the opening of a respective plug-in/plug-out adapter socket 25. The drawing of Figure 7 is similar to the view shown in Figure 6 but with the fibre end connector 26 of the additional wind-up coil device being fully inserted in the socket 25 but before the wind-up coil device and socket are pivoted from the access position shown to the closed or stored position as occupied by the other wind-up devices in the stack.

In the drawing of Figure 7 of the connector 26 is fully inserted in the socket adapter 25 and the wind-up coil device is positioned for rotation about the pivot axis of the socket 25 for movement into its respective opening 94 where it will be locked in position with the other wind-up coil devices in the stack mounted in the module 27. In preferred embodiments two sets of coaxial upstanding cylindrical projections are provided on the body of the socket 25 with one set defining the pivot axis of the socket and being engaged by corresponding snap fit engagement means provided on the holders, with the other set being spaced apart from the first set to provide a reversible snap-fit locking function with a second corresponding set of snap fit engagement means provided on the holders, spaced from the first.

In the illustrated embodiment of Figures 5, 6 and 7 the fibres 23 are fed into the rear of the module from where they pass through an opening 97 and connect to the other side of the plug-in/plug-out socket as previously described. The module preferably comprises space for eight or twelve wind-up coil devices and associated connectors, but of course embodiments are contemplated with other fibre connection capacities. The fibre distribution module 27 is provided with various connection means for connecting the module to adjacent modules or support structure in a distribution system, for example as shown in Figure 1 where each side of the front of the distribution system includes two stacks of four fibre distribution modules 27 to provide sixty four connections on each side, both left and right hand side. The fibre distribution module of the present invention if preferably provided with connection means for interlocking engagement with adjacent modules, either above, below or to the left or right hand side so that a self supporting structure comprising an array of modules 27 may be provided, as shown in the orientation on the left hand side of the distribution system in Figure 1 or in a second, inverted, orientation shown on the right hand side of the drawing in Figure 1. The connection means are preferably in the form of reversible snap fit connections, (not shown) which enable an array of modules 27 to be joined together, with the modules adjacent a support structure, such as the hinge 32 in the drawing of Figure 1 , being connected to and supported by that structure, if necessary.

The forward projecting elements 96 also provide a means for guiding fibre 28 from the wind-up coil devices mounted in a module or array of modules. This can best be understood from the drawing of Figure 8 where it can be seen that fibres from one module are grouped together and cascaded down to the region below a stack of wind-up connectors in an adjacent module so that they can be fed out at the same level, first passing through a fibre guide defined by adjacent elements 96 of neighbouring modules 27 in a stack of modules. Each of the elements 96 is provided with an orthogonal projection 98 in the form of a tab for holding the fibres in the region of the guide between the respective modules, again this can best be seen in the two- dimensional array of assembled modules shown in Figure 8.

The fibre distribution module 27 may be further provided with a rectangular closure member 100, which closes the other side of the module, that is to say the side having the incoming fibres 23.

Referring now to Figures 9 and 10, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention the closure member 100 is in the form of a fibre organiser tray for organising fibres 23 on the other side of the module 27. The organiser tray 100 is preferably hinged to the bottom edge of the module but is preferably removable so that in other orientations it can be hinged to the opposite edge, for example when the module is rotated through 180° and inverted, as previously described. The organiser tray could also be hinged to either the right or left hand side of the module, but the bottom/top edge arrangement is preferred so that the operator is presented with a flat horizontal surface when the tray/closure member is opened for access. In this embodiment it is possible for fibres from an incoming cable or lose tube to be spliced in the tray, with the splices and excess fibre and/or other optical components being stored in the splice tray. This embodiment is particularly suitable for so called "single element" connections where all fibres from a so called "lose tube" are arranged to be fed to a single module 27 where they are spliced or connected to other fibres or optical components in the splice tray 100 before connecting fibres are fed through the module for connection of the respective fibre end connectors 24 to the socket adapters 25. In preferred embodiments means (not shown) are provided for locking the splice tray 100 to the module 27 when in the closed position as shown in Figure 10 to prevent unauthorised access to the splice tray and thereby control the demarcation of operator activities, particularly between splicing and patching connections. The capacity of the module and splice tray is preferably matched so that in applications where a lose tube is to be connected having say 8 individual fibres the splice tray and module will be configured to have capacity for connecting that number of fibres. Embodiments are envisaged having any number of fibres but embodiments having capacity for 8, 12, 16 or 24 fibre connections are preferred. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of optical fibre riser cable management, comprising the steps of:(i) providing an optical fibre riser cable within in a riser of a multiple-dwelling unit, said optical fibre riser cable having at least one riser optical fibre; and (ii) releasably storing excess length of said at least one riser optical fibre on a riser optical fibre storage device.

This aspect recognises that a problem with managing the optical fibre riser cable is that not all dwelling units within a building will necessarily wish to utilise all or any of the optical fibres which are allocatable to that dwelling unit from the outset. Hence, one option is to only install optical fibres when required and to route these between the individual dwelling unit and a multiple dwelling unit distribution box each time a connection is to be made. However, a problem with this approach is that new optical fibre riser cables need to be installed from the multiple dwelling unit distribution box to the riser, up through the riser and to the individual dwelling units each time a new optical fibre is required. This approach is expensive, time-consuming and leads to a proliferation of cables within the riser. An alternative approach is to install a optical fibre riser cable within the riser which may be used at a future date to connect with a individual dwelling unit. Whilst this approach works well in many instances, a situation can occur whereby insufficient length of optical fibre is provided by the optical fibre riser cable. This leads to a situation whereby either a connection cannot be made or where a passive optical component, such a splice or other connector, needs to be inserted in order to extend the optical fibre to the desired length. It will be appreciated that this approach is undesirable since it also results in additional time and expense, plus it further adds to the possibility of a failure point in the optical fibre.

Accordingly, an optical fibre riser cable is provided within a riser of the building. Also, a riser optical fibre storage device is provided which stores an over-length of the optical fibres such that this may be released at some point in the future. In this way, the optical fibre riser cable infrastructure can be installed and commissioned in one activity, whilst providing adequate flexibility to provide a longer than expected optical fibre which can be routed into an individual dwelling unit at a later date.

In one embodiment, said step (ii) comprises releasably storing said excess length of said at least one riser optical fibre on a riser optical fibre storage device located towards one end of said optical fibre riser cable. Accordingly, the storage device may be placed towards one of the ends of the cable, thereby preventing any obstructions within the main body of the riser. In one embodiment, said riser extends to uppermost floors of said multiple dwelling unit and said step (ii) comprises releasably storing said excess length of said at least one riser optical fibre on a riser optical fibre storage device located towards one end of said optical fibre riser cable in a vicinity of said uppermost floors. The lack of optical fibre length is a particular problem at the uppermost floors of a multiple dwelling unit. This is because the lower-most floors have the full length of the optical fibre riser cable which may be utilised when pulling optical fibres back into dwelling units on those lower-most floors. For the upper-most floors the additional length provided by the optical fibre riser cable is less and may be insufficient to enable an optical fibre to be routed into dwelling units on those upper-most floors. However, by providing the storage device located in the region of the upper-most floors, the additional cable may be spooled out when required. Also, by locating the storage device towards that end of the riser, the degree of obstruction within the main body of the riser remains reduced.

In one embodiment, said step (ii) comprises releasably storing said excess length of said at least one riser optical fibre on a riser optical fibre storage device located at one end of said optical fibre riser cable.

In one embodiment, said step (ii) comprises releasably storing said excess length of said at least one riser optical fibre on a riser optical fibre storage device comprising a rotatable drum device. Accordingly, the over-length optical fibres may be conveniently stored on rotatable drums. It will be appreciated that this provides for a particularly compact and convenient storage mechanism which prevents tangles and optical fibre looping.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of: (iii) releasing said excess length of said at least one riser optical fibre to route to dwelling units in a vicinity of said uppermost floors. Hence, only when additional optical fibre length is required to enable optical fibres to be routed to dwelling units within the upper-most floors, additional optical fibre length may then be unwound from the optical fibre storage device to provide the required length of optical fibre.

In one embodiment, said step (ii) comprises releasably storing an excess length of a plurality of riser optical fibres on a riser optical fibre storage device. Accordingly, each optical fibre storage device may contain a number of optical fibres, all of which may be released from the optical fibre storage device when required. For example, an optical fibre storage device may store the number of optical fibres which are anticipated to be used by each dwelling unit or by each floor of the multiple dwelling unit. As each dwelling unit or each floor is coupled to the fibre optic network, those cables may be released together from the storage unit for routing without disturbing other stored optical fibres.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of: (iii) releasing said excess length of at least one of said plurality of riser optical fibres to route to dwelling units in a vicinity of said uppermost floor.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of: (iii) releasing said excess length of said plurality of riser optical fibres to route to dwelling units in a vicinity of said uppermost floor.

In one embodiment, each riser optical fibre comprises a bend-optimised optical fibre.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an optical fibre riser cable assembly comprising: a riser cable locatable within in a riser of a multi- dwelling unit, said optical fibre riser cable having at least one riser optical fibre; and a riser optical fibre storage device operable to releasably store excess length of said at least one riser optical fibre.

In one embodiment, said riser optical fibre storage device comprises a rotatable drum device. Accordingly, the optical fibres may be coiled onto a drum, which provides for a convenient storage arrangement. The drums may then be rotated by pulling on the optical fibres in order to release them.

In one embodiment, said riser optical fibre storage device comprises a plurality of rotatable drum devices, each operable to receive one or more riser optical fibres. Accordingly, a number of such drums may be provided, each one of the drums storing a group of optical fibres. In this way, the required groups of optical fibres may be released from the storage device without needing to release other groups of optical fibres.

In one embodiment, said plurality of rotatable drum devices are retained for rotation about a common axis. By co-locating the drums onto an axis, the optical fibres may be readily removed from the drum devices and a compact storage device is provided.

In one embodiment, each riser optical fibre comprises a bend-optimised optical fibre. Further particular and preferred features of these riser cable aspects of the present invention are described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Features of the riser cable aspects of the invention may be combined as appropriate with features of the other inventive aspects described and claimed herein, and in combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the riser cable aspects of the present invention will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 1 illustrates a cable distribution arrangement;

Figure 12 illustrates an arrangement of an optical fibre cable;

Figure 13 illustrates an arrangement of a multiple dwelling unit building distributor;

Figure 14 illustrates an optical fibre riser cable assembly according to one embodiment;

Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of a riser optical fibre storage device shown in Figure 4;

Figure 16 is a perspective view showing the riser optical fibre storage device when assembled; and

Figure 17 is a perspective view of a wind-up overlength coil.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 1 illustrates a cable distribution arrangement 1000. A central office 1010 associated with a service provider is coupled with a distribution point 1020 by an outside service provider cable 1015. Distribution point 1020 may be coupled with further distributions points (not shown) using outside service provider distribution cables 1023 and 1027. The distribution point 1020 couples with one or more multiple dwelling units 1030, 1040, 1050, using an outside service provider distribution cable 1025. The outside service provider distribution cable 1025 loops through each multiple dwelling unit 1030, 1040, 1050 in turn. The outside service provider distribution cable 1025 may also loop through further multiple dwelling units (not shown). It will be appreciated that the multiple dwelling units may be residential, commercial or industrial buildings. In this way, it can be seen that the service provider couples via an optical network with the multiple dwelling units 1030, 1040, 1050. Details of how the outside service provider distribution cable 1025 is then utilised within the multiple dwelling units 1030, 1040, 1050 are described below, with reference to Figure 3.

Figure 12 illustrates a typical arrangement of an optical fibre cable 1 100, such as would be utilised for the outside service provider cable 1015, the outside service provider distribution cables 1023, 1025, 1027, or for cables utilised within the multiple dwelling units 1030, 1040, 1050. The cable 1 100 comprises an outer jacket 1 1 10 which provides for appropriate environmental protection of the cable 1 100. Disposed within the cable jacket 1 1 10 is a plurality of tubes 1 120. Within the tubes 1 120 are provided one or more individual optical fibres 1 130. Typically 16 or 32 individual optical fibres 1 130 may be provided within a single tube 1 120. Also a braided Kevlar (registered trade mark) strand (not shown) may be provided within cable 1 100 which may be mechanically coupled with a pulling tool to assist in routing the cable.

Figure 13 illustrates an arrangement of a multiple dwelling unit building distributor 1210 for dwelling unit 1030 according to one embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 3, the multiple dwelling unit 1030 comprises a single dwelling unit 1200A-1200F on each floor. However, it will be appreciated that more than one dwelling unit may be provided on each floor of the building. The other multiple dwelling units 1040, 1050 will generally have a similar general layout, although the number of floors and the number of dwelling units on each floor may vary from multiple dwelling unit to multiple dwelling unit.

The multiple dwelling unit building distributor 1210 receives the outside surface provider distribution cable 1025. One or more optical fibres 1 130 from the outside service provider distribution cable 1025 are pulled from the outside service provider distribution cable 1025 and typically coupled with a splitter 1220. It will be appreciated that more than one splitter unit 1220 may be provided and that more than one optical fibre 1 130 may be extracted from the outside service provider distribution cable 1025, according to the needs of the multiple dwelling unit 1030. The splitter 1220 takes a single optical fibre 1 130 and couples this optical fibre, typically using splicing techniques, with a plurality N of pigtail cables 1225. The plurality of pigtail cables 1225 are provided to a patching arrangement 1230 which enables the plurality of pigtails 1225 to be selectively coupled with a optical fibre riser cable 1230 comprising a plurality M of optical fibres which leaves the multiple dwelling unit building distributor 1210.

The optical fibre riser cable 1230 is routed through a building region 1240 to a riser 1250. The building region 1240 may be, for example, a basement area of the multiple dwelling unit 1030. The riser cable 1230 may be surface mounted in the building region 1240.

The riser 1250 will typically be a service conduit within the multiple dwelling unit 1030 extending from the basement to the under-roof region of the building. The riser 1250 will therefore extend between the floors of the multiple dwelling unit 1030. Within each dwelling unit 1200A-1200F, one or more optical fibres 1260A-1260F may be pulled from the optical fibre riser cable 1230 in order to provide connectivity within the individual dwelling units 1200A-1200F. User equipment 1270A may then couple with the associated optical fibres 1260, as required.

It will be appreciated that arrangement enables user equipment within individual dwelling units to be coupled via the optical network with the service providers. Also, the presence of the patch arrangement 1230 within the multiple dwelling unit building distributor 1210 enables connectivity with different service providers to be achieved.

Figure 14 illustrates an arrangement of an optical fibre riser cable assembly comprising a optical fibre riser cable 1230 and a riser optical fibre storage device 2000 according to an embodiment. The optical fibre riser cable assembly is installed in multiple dwelling unit 1030. As can be seen, the riser optical fibre storage device 2000 is located at one end of the optical fibre riser cable 1230, towards to the upper-most part of the riser 1250. Typically, the riser optical fibre storage device 2000 will be located at the uppermost accessible part of the riser 1250. However, it will be appreciated that the riser optical fibre storage device 2000 may be located in a roof space of the multiple dwelling unit or may be located elsewhere within the riser 1250 in the vicinity of the upper-most floors. However, by placing the riser optical fibre storage device 2000 at the upper-most part of the riser 1250, any obstruction caused by the riser optical fibre storage device 2000 is minimised.

The riser optical fibre storage device 2000 stores thereon optical fibres from the optical fibre riser cable 1230. Typically, as will be described in more detail below, optical fibres from the optical fibre riser cable 1230 are grouped and the optical fibres from those groups are stored together on separate rotatable drums within the riser optical fibre storage device 2000. Each group of optical fibres is intended to be allocated to a different floor or dwelling unit. By grouping the optical fibres together only those optical fibre cables for that floor or dwelling unit need be released from the riser optical fibre storage device 2000, with any remaining optical fibres being undisturbed. The optical fibres are bend-optimised, having a polyamide coating. The optical fibre type is preferably classified G 657 A-B or beyond.

In the arrangement shown in Figure 4, enough optical fibre needs to be available to extend a distance 'X' from the riser 1250 in order to couple with a local distribution box for use with user equipment 1270A to 1270F. However, as can be seen, the upper-most floor associated with dwelling unit 1200F would normally only be able to provide a maximum optical fibre length of 'Y' from within the riser cable 1230, this length being dictated by the height of the dwelling unit 1200F. In this arrangement, it can be seen that the distance 'X' is significantly greater than the distance 'Y' and so insufficient length of optical fibre would otherwise be provided by the optical fibre riser cable 1230. However, by storing excess or over-length optical fibres on the riser optical fibre storage device 2000, enough optical fibre length may be provided within the riser 1250 without causing undue clutter or obstruction within riser 1250 or needing to store the excess optical fibre elsewhere.

As the optical fibre network within individual dwelling units is commissioned, the optical fibre riser cable 1230 may be accessed within the riser 1250, the appropriate optical fibre or group of optical fibres located within the fibre cable 1230, hooked out and then unwound from the riser optical fibre storage device 2000 to be routed to the local distribution box for use with the user equipment 1270F.

Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of the riser optical fibre storage device 2000 shown in Figure 14. The riser optical fibre storage device 2000 comprises a back plate 2010, a number of wind-up overlength coils 2020 and a front cover 2030. The back plate 2010 has a number of fixing apertures 2040 for fixing the riser optical fibre storage device 2000 within the riser 1250. The back plate 2010 also comprises apertures 2050 and 2060 through which optical fibres or tubes containing optical fibres from the riser cable 1230 may be routed. The back plate 2010 also comprises an upstanding channelled spigot 1270 which receive and retains the wind-up overlength coils 2020 thereon, as shown in Figure 16.

Optical Fibres or groups of optical fibres associated with floors or individual dwelling units are routed through the apertures 2050 and 2060 and wound on to an associated wind-up overlength coil to 2020. The wind-up overlength coils 2020 with the wound optical fibres are then retained on the spigot 2070. This enables the riser optical fibre storage device 2000 to reliably store the excess optical fibres in a compact and efficient manner. Thereafter, the cover 2030 is attached to protect the wind-up overlength coils 2020 and the optical fibres within the riser 1250.

When a optical fibre or a group of optical fibres are required, the optical fibres are pulled and components of the wind-up overlength coil 2000 are free to counter-rotate to enable those optical fibres to be unwound, thereby releasing the excess length stored on that wind-up overlength coil 2020. As shown in more detail in Figure 17, the riser cable optical fibres, such as the optical fibres 1260F are received through an aperture 2023 in a first part 2021 of the wind-up overlength coil 2020. The free ends of the optical fibres 1260F are fed through an outlet port 2025 on a second part 2027 of the wind-up overlength coil 2020. The optical fibres 1260F are loosely retained in the outlet port 2025 and the two parts 2021 and 2027 of the wind-up overlength coil 2020 are fitted together and rotated relative to each other to cause the excess length of the optical fibres 1260F to be wound into the void between the two parts 2021 and 2027. Once the optical fibres have been fully wound, the wind-up coil 2020 is then placed on the spigot 2070 within the riser optical fibre storage device 2000.

When a optical fibre or a group of optical fibres needs to be released then the optical fibres are simply pulled, the first part 2021 of the wind-up overlength coil 2020 is retained in a fixed position on the spigot 2070, whilst the second part 2027 of the wind-up coil 2020 rotates relative to the first part 2021 , thereby releasing the optical fibres. When the optical fibres have been fully unwound, then the optical fibres are pulled through the aperture 2025 and 2023 to fully release from the wind-up coil 2020.

Accordingly, in embodiments, optical fibre overlength storage is compactly attached to optical fibre riser cables taking optical fibre up into multi-dwelling units such as blocks of flats/apartments. Optical fibre riser cables containing several optical fibres may have the overlength storage attached to only some of the optical fibres, in order to keep the storage device desirably small and compact. Bend-optimised optical fibres are preferred. The optical fibre riser cable is connected to an overlength storage box where individual fibres or bundled multiple optical fibres are stored and retracted. Retracting the single optical fibre or fibre elements can be done without re-accessing the overlength storage box. The optical fibre riser cable comprises reinforced optical fibre elements and a low-friction coating linked to an individual optical fibre or optical fibre elements rotatable storage device. The optical fibre construction enables pulling without damaging the fibre and or jacket material. Preferably, the optical fibre cable construction comprises a primary coated 250μm (bend optimised) optical fibre over sheeted by a soft-strength member element (for example, kevlar) and a low-friction, high abrasive-resistance secondary coating (for example, polyamide) . When an optical fibre in a traditional arrangement is pulled back from the riser then typically for the top two floors there is not enough optical fibre length in the riser cable to connect to a box within the apartment building. In that case it is necessary to make a splice (mechanical or fusion). However, by storing excess optical fibre length on drums, the optical fibre can be retracted at any time to the floors, thereby eliminating the need to make an extra splice.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An optical fibre member, at least one end portion of which carries an assembly of (a) optical connection means at the end of the fibre member and (b) a storage device carrying the said connection means, which storage element comprises at least first and second relatively rotatable members, the first member being a support part and the second member being a winding part rotatably mounted on the support part, and the winding part carries the said connection means so that rotation of the winding part winds onto the storage device, or unwinds from the storage device, the said optical fibre member.

2. An optical fibre member according to Claim 1, wherein the said assembly is self- contained and movable together with the said end portion of the optical fibre member to carry the said connection means into optical connection with another optical component or fibre.

3. An optical fibre member according to Claim 1 or 2, having at least two ends each carrying a said assembly of optical connection means and storage device.

4. An optical fibre member according to Claim 3, which is a two-ended optical patch cord.

5. An optical fibre member according to Claim 3, which has at least three ends each carrying the said assembly.

6. An optical fibre member according to Claim 3, comprising a splitter and at least two optical fibres leading away from the splitter, which fibres carry a said assembly at their end portions remote from the splitter.

7. An optical fibre member according to Claim 3, comprising a multi-fibre optical cable, at least two of the fibres carrying a said assembly at one or both of their ends.

8. An optical fibre storage device when supplied for use in a said assembly of an optical fibre member according to any preceding claim, which storage device comprises at least first and second relatively rotatable members, the first member being a support part and the second member being a winding part rotatably mounted on the support part, and the winding part carries, or includes means for carrying, an optical connection means at the end of an optical fibre, so that rotation of the winding part when carrying the connection means at the end of the optical fibre member will wind onto the storage device, or will unwind from the storage device, the said optical fibre member.

9. An optical fibre storage device as claimed in Claim 8 wherein the said rotatable members are provided with snap-fit or other co-operating resilient attachment means for attachable/detachable connection of the said members.

10. An optical fibre storage device as claimed in Claim 8 or 9, wherein at least part of at least one of said rotatable members is at least part transparent or provided with a window for external observation of fibre wound on the reel in the said storage region.

1 1 . An optical fibre storage device as claimed in any of Claims 8 to 10 further comprising frictional engagement means for resisting excess fibre being unintentionally unwound from said storage device .

12. An optical fibre storage device as claimed in any of Claims 8 to 11, further comprising fibre stop means for preventing complete uncoiling of said Fibre from said reel and overstressing the length of fibre in the region of said fixed end.

13. An optical fibre storage device as claimed in any of claims 8 to 12, wherein the said rotatable support part is an annular member and is provided with a gripping member, which extends diametrically across the central region (hole) of the said annular member.

14. An optical fibre storage device as claimed in any of Claims 8 to 13, wherein an optical connector holder projects outwards from the said winding part and is manually engageable by a user for rotating the said winding part relative to a said support part.

15. An optical fibre storage device as claimed in any of claims 8 to 14 attached to an optical fibre riser cable located or locatable within in a riser of a multi-dwelling unit, said optical fibre riser cable having at least one riser optical fibre, wherein the storage device is operable to releasably store excess length of said at least one riser optical fibre.

16. A method of optical fibre riser cable management, comprising the steps of: (i) providing an optical fibre riser cable within in a riser of a multiple-dwelling unit, said optical fibre riser cable having at least one riser optical fibre; and (ii) releasably storing excess length of said at least one riser optical fibre on a riser optical fibre storage device.

17. An optical fibre riser cable assembly comprising an optical fibre riser cable locatable within in a riser of a multi-dwelling unit, said optical fibre riser cable having at least one riser optical fibre; and a riser fibre storage device operable to releasably store excess length of said at least one riser optical fibre.