Telecommunications chassis with slidable trays

<u>Cross-Reference to Related Application</u>

0001This application is being filed on April 17, 2017 as a PCT International Patent Application and claims the benefit of <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US62324699PCT" dnum-type="L"><text>U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 62/324,699, filed on April 19, 2016</text></patcit>.

<u>Technical Field</u>

0002The present disclosure relates generally to telecommunications equipment. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to equipment designed for high density applications such as telecommunications chassis.

<u>Background</u>

0003In the telecommunications industry, the demand for added capacity is growing rapidly. This demand is being met in part by the increasing use and density of telecommunications equipment, specifically, fiber optic transmission equipment. An example of such an equipment is disclosed by the document <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US2014248028A"><text>US2014248028</text></patcit>, Campbell, published on 4 September 2014. Even though fiber optic equipment permits higher levels of transmission in the same or smaller footprint than traditional copper transmission equipment, the demand requires even higher levels of fiber density. This has led to the development of high-density fiber handling equipment.

0004Because of the large number of optical fibers passing into and out of fiber optic equipment such as high density fiber distribution frames, such frames normally incorporate a variety of structures to organize and manage the fibers. Such frames also include structures for facilitating access to the densely packed terminations. Drawer-based systems including slidable equipment-carrying trays are known.

0005Further developments in such systems are desired.

<u>Summary</u>

0006The present disclosure relates to a telecommunications device in the form of a telecommunications frame or chassis. The telecommunications chassis is a drawer-based system with sliding trays for providing access to the equipment housed within the trays. According to one example embodiment, the telecommunications equipment housed within the trays may be fiber optic devices.

0007According to one aspect, the disclosure relates to a slide assembly for slidably coupling a telecommunications tray to a telecommunications chassis, the slide assembly comprising a tray rail configured for mounting to the telecommunications chassis, the tray rail defining a rail sliding cavity flanked by a first detent adjacent a first end and a second detent adjacent a second end of the tray rail, the tray rail further comprising a first chassis mounting feature and a second chassis mounting feature, wherein the first and the second chassis mounting features are oriented with respect to each other such that, if two of the same tray rails are aligned and brought together in a juxtaposed relationship with the first and second chassis mounting features facing each other, the first and the second chassis mounting features can nest relative to each other so as to not increase the total width of the two tray rails. The slide assembly further includes a tray guide configured for mounting to the telecommunications tray, the tray guide defining a guide sliding cavity configured to slidably receive the tray rail such that the rail sliding cavity and the guide sliding cavity face each other, the tray guide defining a pin connected thereto via a flexible cantilever arm, at least a portion of the pin extending into the rail sliding cavity when the tray rail and the tray guide are in a sliding relationship so as to be latched by the first and second detents of the tray rail in providing two predetermined stop positions for the tray guide.

0008According to another aspect, the disclosure relates to a telecommunications system comprising a telecommunications chassis and a telecommunications tray that supports telecommunications equipment slidably mounted to the telecommunications chassis between a stored position and an extended position, wherein the telecommunications tray is mounted to the telecommunications chassis via a slide assembly. The slide assembly further comprises a tray rail mounted to the telecommunications chassis, the tray rail defining a rail sliding cavity flanked by a first detent adjacent a first end and a second detent adjacent a second end of the tray rail, the tray rail further comprising a first chassis mounting feature and a second chassis mounting feature, wherein the first and the second chassis mounting features are oriented with respect to each other such that, if two of the same tray rails are aligned and brought together in a juxtaposed relationship with the first and second chassis mounting features facing each other, the first and the second chassis mounting features can nest relative to each other so as to not increase the total width of the two tray rails. The slide assembly further includes a tray guide mounted to the telecommunications tray, the tray guide defining a guide sliding cavity that slidably receives the tray rail such that the rail sliding cavity and the guide sliding cavity face each other, the tray guide defining a pin connected thereto via a flexible cantilever arm, at least a portion of the pin extending into the rail sliding cavity when the tray rail and the tray guide are in a sliding relationship so as to be latched by the first and second detents of the tray rail in providing the stored and the extended positions of the telecommunications tray.

0009According to yet another aspect, the disclosure is related to a telecommunications system comprising a telecommunications chassis defining a right wall, a left wall, and a center wall and a pair of telecommunications trays each supporting telecommunications equipment slidably mounted in a side-by-side horizontally stacked relationship to the telecommunications chassis between a stored position and an extended position, wherein each telecommunications tray is mounted to the telecommunications chassis via a slide assembly. The slide assembly further comprises a tray rail configured for mounting to the telecommunications chassis, the tray rail defining a rail sliding cavity flanked by a first detent adjacent a first end and a second detent adjacent a second end of the tray rail, the tray rail further comprising a first chassis mounting feature and a second chassis mounting feature, wherein the first and the second chassis mounting features are oriented with respect to each other such that, if two of the same tray rails are aligned and brought together in a juxtaposed relationship with the first and second chassis mounting features facing each other, the first and the second chassis mounting features can nest relative to each other so as to not increase the total width of the two tray rails. The slide assembly further includes a tray guide configured for mounting to the telecommunications tray, the tray guide defining a guide sliding cavity that slidably receives the tray rail such that the rail sliding cavity and the guide sliding cavity face each other, the tray guide defining a pin connected thereto via a flexible cantilever arm, at least a portion of the pin extending into the rail sliding cavity when the tray rail and the tray guide are in a sliding relationship so as to be latched by the first and second detents of the tray rail in providing the stored and the extended positions of the telecommunications tray. A tray rail of the slide assembly is mounted to each of the right and left walls of the telecommunications chassis and two of the same tray rails are mounted facing each other to the center wall of the telecommunications chassis so as to capture the center wall thereinbetween.

0010According to yet another aspect, the disclosure is related to a telecommunications tray for supporting telecommunications equipment, the telecommunications tray comprising a right wall and a left wall. Each of the right and the left walls include mounted thereon a tray guide of a slide assembly, the tray guide defining a sliding cavity that is configured to slidably receive a tray rail mounted to a telecommunications fixture. The tray guide defines a pin connected thereto via a flexible cantilever arm, at least a portion of the pin extending into the sliding cavity such that when the tray rail and the tray guide are in a sliding relationship, the pin is configured to be temporarily latched by portions of the tray rail, wherein the tray guide defines a latch slidably coupled to a first opening defined on each of the right and left walls of the telecommunications tray and an alignment rim surrounding an aperture defined around the pin that aligns with and mates with a second opening defined on each of the right and left walls of the telecommunications tray.

0011A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individual features and combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

<u>Brief Description of the Drawings</u>

0012<ul id="ul0001" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li><figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> is a perspective view showing the outer side of a tray rail of an inventive slide assembly of the present disclosure;</li><li><figref idref="f0001">FIG. 2</figref> is a perspective view showing the inner side of the tray rail of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0002">FIG. 3</figref> is a perspective view showing the outer side of a tray guide of the inventive slide assembly of the present disclosure, the tray guide configured to mate with the tray rail of <figref idref="f0001">FIGS. 1-2</figref> in forming the inventive slide assembly of the present disclosure;</li><li><figref idref="f0002">FIG. 4</figref> is a perspective view showing the inner side of the tray guide of <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 3</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0003">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates the tray rail of <figref idref="f0001">FIGS. 1-2</figref> nested within the tray guide of <figref idref="f0002">FIGS. 3-4</figref>, the slide assembly shown in a stored position;</li><li><figref idref="f0003">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates the slide assembly of <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 5</figref> in an extended position, wherein the tray guide has been moved and interlocked with respect to the tray rail in a forward position;</li><li><figref idref="f0004">FIG. 7</figref> illustrates an example telecommunications tray configured for mounting to a telecommunications fixture in the form of a chassis or frame using the slide assembly of <figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003">FIGS. 1-6</figref>, the tray illustrated with the tray guides of the slide assembly mounted thereon;</li><li><figref idref="f0005">FIG. 8</figref> illustrates the tray of <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 7</figref> populated with telecommunications equipment in the form of fiber optic cassettes and mounted to a telecommunications chassis, the left wall of the chassis also being used to illustrate how two similar tray rails of the present disclosure can cooperate and nest together when they share and are mounted on both sides of a chassis wall such as a center wall separating two side-by-side slidable trays;</li><li><figref idref="f0001">FIG. 9</figref> illustrates the two nestable tray rails of <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 8</figref> in isolation removed from the chassis;</li><li><figref idref="f0006">FIG. 10</figref> illustrates the tray of <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 8</figref> in an extended position, wherein one of the fiber optic cassettes is also shown exploded off the tray;</li><li><figref idref="f0007">FIG. 11</figref> illustrates the tray of <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 10</figref> populated with telecommunications equipment in the form of fiber optic adapter blocks instead of fiber optic cassettes;</li><li><figref idref="f0008">FIG. 12</figref> is a partially exploded view of a door assembly that includes an inventive hinge assembly according to the present disclosure, the hinge assembly configured for mounting the door to a telecommunications fixture similar to the chassis shown in <figref idref="f0005">FIGS. 8</figref>, <figref idref="f0006">10</figref>, and <figref idref="f0007">11</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0009">FIG. 13</figref> illustrates two of the door assemblies shown in <figref idref="f0008">FIG. 12</figref> in a fully assembled configuration, the door assemblies used on a chassis similar to that shown in <figref idref="f0008">FIG. 12</figref> but including two levels for supporting slidable trays;</li><li><figref idref="f0010">FIG. 14</figref> illustrates the upper door of <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 13</figref> in a partially open position;</li><li><figref idref="f0011">FIG. 15</figref> illustrates the upper door of <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 14</figref> in a fully open position;</li><li><figref idref="f0012">FIG. 16</figref> illustrates the side view of a chassis similar to that shown in <figref idref="f0009 f0010 f0011">FIGS. 13-15</figref> but including four levels for supporting slidable trays, one of the four doors of the chassis shown in a fully open position;</li><li><figref idref="f0013">FIG. 17</figref> illustrates a perspective view of another example of a telecommunications fixture in the form of a chassis similar to the chassis shown in <figref idref="f0005">FIGS. 8</figref>, <figref idref="f0006">10</figref>, and <figref idref="f0007 f0012">11-16</figref>, the chassis shown with one of the trays thereof in a stored position and one in an extended position, with the door of the chassis in a fully open position allowing extension of the sliding tray;</li><li><figref idref="f0014">FIG. 18</figref> is a side view of the chassis of <figref idref="f0013">FIG. 17</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0015">FIG. 19</figref> is a front, top, left side perspective view of a hinge structure of the hinge assembly shown in <figref idref="f0008 f0009 f0010 f0011 f0012 f0013 f0014">FIGS. 12-18</figref>, the hinge structure shown in isolation;</li><li><figref idref="f0015">FIG. 20</figref> is a front, top, right side perspective view of the hinge structure of <figref idref="f0015">FIG. 19</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0016">FIG. 21</figref> is a side view of the hinge structure of <figref idref="f0015">FIG. 19</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0016">FIG. 22</figref> is a top view of the hinge structure of <figref idref="f0015">FIG. 19</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0016">FIG. 23</figref> is front view of the hinge structure of <figref idref="f0015">FIG. 19</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0017">FIG. 24</figref> illustrates a front, right side perspective view of a pair of door assemblies, each including another example of an inventive hinge assembly according to the present disclosure, the hinge assembly configured for mounting the door to a telecommunications fixture similar to the chassis shown in <figref idref="f0005">FIGS. 8</figref>, <figref idref="f0006">10</figref>, and <figref idref="f0007 f0014">11-18</figref>, wherein the upper door is shown in a fully open position;</li><li><figref idref="f0018">FIG. 25</figref> illustrates the door assemblies of <figref idref="f0017">FIG. 24</figref> from a front, left side perspective view; and</li><li><figref idref="f0019">FIG. 26</figref> illustrates the door assemblies of <figref idref="f0017 f0018">FIGS. 24-25</figref> from a right side view.</li></ul>

<u>Detailed Description</u>

0013Reference will now be made in detail to examples of inventive aspects of the present disclosure which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

0014Referring now to <figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003">FIGS. 1-6</figref>, a slide assembly 10 having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated. The slide assembly 10 is configured for use in a telecommunications fixture such as a chassis or frame for forming a drawer-based system with sliding trays for providing access to the equipment housed within the trays.

0015Examples of telecommunications chassis and trays that can utilize the slide assembly are illustrated, for example, in <figref idref="f0004">FIGS. 7</figref>, <figref idref="f0005">8</figref>, <figref idref="f0006">10</figref>, <figref idref="f0007 f0014">11-18</figref>, and <figref idref="f0017 f0019">24-26</figref> of the present application, further details of which will be discussed hereinafter.

0016Still referring to <figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003">FIGS. 1-6</figref>, the slide assembly 10 is comprised of a tray rail 12 and a tray guide 14 that slidably cooperates with the tray rail 12. The tray rail portion 12 of the slide assembly 10 is configured to be mounted to the telecommunications fixture (e.g., a chassis/frame) and the tray guide portion 14 is configured to be mounted to the equipment trays. The slidable cooperation of the tray rail 12 and the tray guide 14 provide movement to the trays between stored and extended positions as will be discussed.

0017It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, for ease of description and illustration, only one slide assembly 10 that can be used on one side of a chassis or a tray will be described herein with the understanding that all of the features discussed are applicable to the opposing side enabling slidable movement of the entire tray.

0018<figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates a perspective view showing the outer side 16 of the tray rail 12, and <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 2</figref> illustrates a perspective view showing the inner side 18 of the tray rail 12. As illustrated, for example, in <figref idref="f0006 f0007">FIGS. 10-11</figref>, the outer side 16 of each tray rail 12 is configured for mounting to an interior face of a chassis wall.

0019As shown in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>, on the outer side 16, each tray rail 12 includes a latch 20 and a latch pocket 22 adjacent a front end 24 and a latch 20 and a latch pocket 22 adjacent the rear end 26 of the rail 12. The tray rail 12 also defines a locking tab 28 toward the front end 24 and a locking tab 28 toward the rear end 26 thereof. The latches 20, the latch pockets 22, and the locking tabs 28 are all configured for mounting the tray rail 12 to a chassis wall, wherein these structures cooperate with intermating structures provided on the chassis wall for mounting the tray rail 12.

0020As shown, the latches 20 and the latch pockets 22 on the front and rear ends 24, 26 of the tray rail 12 are positioned in opposite orientations. The locking tabs 28 are also provided in an opposite diagonal orientation, wherein the front locking tab 28 is closer to an upper edge 30 of the rail 12 and the rear locking tab 28 is closer to a lower edge 32 of the tray rail 12. This opposing configuration of the latches 20, the latch pockets 22, and the locking tabs 28 allows two similar tray rails 12 to be mounted in a juxtaposed relationship with a chassis wall (e.g., a center chassis wall) captured thereinbetween. As shown in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 9</figref>, when the outer sides 16 of two similar tray rails 12 are brought together, the latches 20 at the front end 24 can nest within aligned respective latch pockets 22, and the latches 20 at the rear end 26 can nest within aligned respective latch pockets 22. As noted above, a similar feature is provided for the locking tabs 28. When the outer sides 16 of two similar tray rails 12 are brought together, the locking tabs 28 of the tray rails 12 align in a nested overlapping or vertically stacked configuration without abutting each other.

0021An example of a telecommunications fixture in the form of a chassis 34 is shown in <figref idref="f0006 f0007">FIGS. 10-11</figref> with the tray rail 12 mounted to each of the right and left walls 36, 38 of the chassis 34. As illustrated by the left wall 38 of the chassis 34, each wall 36, 38 defines a pair of parallel openings 40 adjacent a rear end 42 and a pair of parallel openings 40 adjacent a front end 44. One of the openings 40 of each pair is configured to receive a latch 20 and the other of the openings 40 of the pair is configured to align with a latch pocket 22 provided at the front and rear ends 24, 26 of the tray rail 12 as shown in <figref idref="f0006 f0007">FIGS. 10-11</figref>.

0022Still referring to <figref idref="f0006 f0007">FIGS. 10-11</figref>, the latches 20 are slidably inserted into their respective openings 40, and, as depicted, a rearward movement of the tray rails 12 brings both the front and rear locking tabs 28 into alignment with tab openings 46 provided on the chassis walls 36, 38 to lock the tray rails 12 into place.

0023As discussed above, the tab openings 46 provided on the chassis walls 36, 38 are sized large enough to be able to accommodate two locking tabs 28 each in a vertically stacked arrangement to be able to allow a wall 36, 38 of the chassis 34 to be used as a center wall that separates two horizontal trays 48.

0024As illustrated in <figref idref="f0005">FIGS. 8</figref> and <figref idref="f0001">9</figref>, the configuration of the tray rails 12 (and the intermating structures of the chassis walls 36, 38) allow the use of the same rails 12 to be used on both sides of a chassis wall 36, 38, allowing a chassis wall 36, 38 to be used as a shared center wall that can separate two side-by-side slidable trays 48. The tab openings 46 are sized to accommodate two locking tabs 28 in a vertically stacked arrangement. And, the front and rear latches 20 of one of the tray rails 12 can nest within the front and rear latch pockets 22 of a juxtaposed tray rail 12 through the openings 40 provided on the chassis wall 36, 38, allowing a single chassis wall to be used as a shared center wall.

0025Referring now to the inner side 18 of each tray rail 12, as shown in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 2</figref>, on the inner side 18, a sliding cavity 50 is provided that defines a detent 52 adjacent the rear end 26 of the tray rail 12 and a detent 52 adjacent the front end 24 of the tray rail 12. As will be discussed in further detail below, the front and rear detents 52 are configured to cooperate with a pin 54 provided on the tray guide 14 of the slide assembly 10 for fixing (at least temporarily) the trays 48 at stored and extended positions relative to the chassis 34 as noted above.

0026Still referring to <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 2</figref>, the sliding cavity 50 defines an open end 56 at the front end 24 of the tray rail 12 for initially receiving the pin 54 of the tray guide 14 when slidably placing the tray 48 within the chassis 34. The front end 24 of the tray rail 12 also defines a tapered portion 58 to act as a lead-in end to facilitate the relative insertion of the tray rail 12 into the tray guide 14 as will be discussed in further detail below.

0027Still referring to <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 2</figref>, as the pin 54 of the tray guide 14 is initially inserted into the sliding cavity 50, the pin 54 elastically deflects and clears a stop structure 60, a portion of which is located within the cavity 50. The stop structure 60 defines a tapered configuration to facilitate the insertion of the pin 54 into the cavity 50. After the pin 54 has cleared the stop structure 60 and is within the cavity 50, an end 62 of the stop structure 60 that is at least partially positioned within the cavity 50 is configured to abut and provide a positive stop for the pin 54 during extension of the tray 48. In <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 8</figref>, the tray 48 is shown in the stored position, with the pin 54 of the tray guide 14 latched to the rear detent 52 of the tray rail 12. In <figref idref="f0006 f0007">FIGS. 10-11</figref>, the tray 48 is shown in the extended position, with the pin 54 of the tray guide 14 latched to the front detent 52 of the tray rail 12. From the fixed (either stored or extended) positions, a force that overcomes the biasing force applied by the flexible detents 52 to the pin 54 has to be overcome in order to move the tray 48.

0028Referring now to the tray guide 14, the details thereof are illustrated in <figref idref="f0002">FIGS. 3-4. FIG. 3</figref> is a perspective view showing the outer side 64 of a tray guide 14, and <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 4</figref> is a perspective view showing the inner side 66 of the tray guide 14.

0029The outer side 64 of the tray guide 14 is configured to cooperate with the tray rail 12 of the slide assembly 10. The inner side 66 of the tray guide 14 is configured for latching to a wall 68 of one of the sliding equipment trays 48.

0030The outer side 64, as shown in <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 3</figref>, defines a sliding cavity 70 for slidably receiving the tray rail 12. The sliding cavity 70 defines an open end 72 for initially receiving the tapered lead-in front end 24 of the tray rail 12 and also a closed end 74 defining a stop for limiting further sliding movement of the tray rail 12 within the sliding cavity 70 of the tray guide 14.

0031As shown in <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 3</figref>, the pin 54 of the tray guide 14 is positioned within and has at least a portion protruding into the sliding cavity 70 and, as discussed above, rides within the sliding cavity 50 of the tray rail 12 when the rail 12 and the guide 14 are in a sliding relationship. In <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 5</figref>, the tray rail 12 is shown within the sliding cavity 70 of the tray guide 14, wherein the slide assembly 10 is shown in a stored position with the pin 54 of the tray guide 14 captured within the rear detent 52 of the tray rail 12. In <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 6</figref>, the slide assembly 10 is shown in an extended position with the pin 54 of the tray guide 14 captured within the front detent 52 of the tray rail 12.

0032The stored position of the slide assembly 10 of <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 5</figref> is also illustrated in <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 8</figref> in the context of a chassis/tray system. And, the extended position of the slide assembly 10 of <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 6</figref> is also illustrated in the context of a chassis/tray system in <figref idref="f0006 f0007">FIGS. 10-11</figref>.

0033Now, referring back to <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 3</figref>, the pin 54 is connected to the tray guide via a flexible cantilever arm 76. In order to completely remove the tray guide 14 from the tray rail 12 and completely remove an equipment tray 48 from the chassis 34, the flexible arm 76 has to be pushed or pried in a direction from the outer side 64 of the tray guide 14 toward the inner side 66 thereof to clear the stop structure 60 provided on the tray rail 12.

0034Referring now to <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 4</figref>, the inner side 66 of the tray guide 14 is illustrated. The inner side 66 forms the tray-mount side of the tray guide 14, whereas the outer side 64 cooperates with the tray rail 12 in providing the slidable motion for the tray 48. The inner side 66 defines an alignment rim 78 that surrounds an aperture 80 for accessing the cantilever arm 76. The alignment rim 78 is generally positioned toward a rear end 82 of the tray guide 14. The inner side 66 also defines a latch 84 that is positioned generally toward the center of the tray guide 14. As shown in <figref idref="f0004">FIGS. 7</figref>, <figref idref="f0005">8</figref>, <figref idref="f0006">10</figref>, and <figref idref="f0007">11</figref>, the latch 84 is slidably inserted into an opening 86 defined on a tray wall 68 until the alignment rim 78 aligns with and snaps into a larger opening 88 provided on the tray wall 68 in latching the tray guide 14 to a tray 48.

0035As shown in <figref idref="f0002">FIGS. 3, 4</figref>, <figref idref="f0004">7</figref>, <figref idref="f0005">8</figref>, <figref idref="f0006">10</figref>, and <figref idref="f0007">11</figref>, the tray guide 14 includes a flange 90 defining a mounting hole 92 for receiving a fastener for further securing the tray guide 14 to a tray wall 68. The rear end 82 of the tray guide 14 also defines a wraparound latch 94 that covers a rear edge 96 of the tray wall 68 and acts as an edge protector for any fibers leading toward the back of the chassis 34 during slidable movement of the tray 48.

0036As noted previously, the slide assembly 10 may be used to provide a drawer-based system allowing equipment carrying trays 48 to be accessed by sliding the trays 48 relative to a telecommunications fixture such as a chassis or frame. An example of such a chassis/tray system that has been referred to above in describing the features of the inventive slide assembly is illustrated in <figref idref="f0004">FIGS. 7</figref>, <figref idref="f0005">8</figref>, <figref idref="f0006">10</figref>, and <figref idref="f0007">11</figref>. As noted above, although need not be, such systems may be fiber optic systems and may house equipment forming fiber termination points or connection locations that need to be accessed by the pull-out trays 48.

0037In the embodiment of the system illustrated in <figref idref="f0005">FIGS. 8</figref> and <figref idref="f0006">10</figref>, the tray 48, which is shown empty in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 7</figref>, is shown as populated with telecommunications equipment in the form of fiber optic cassettes 98 and mounted to a telecommunications fixture in the form of a chassis 34. In <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 8</figref>, the left wall 38 of the particular chassis 34 is being used to illustrate the possible nesting of two similar tray rails 12 if the left wall 38 were to be used as a center wall separating two side-by-side slidable trays 48. In the embodiment of the system illustrated in <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 11</figref>, the tray 48 is shown as populated with telecommunications equipment in the form of fiber optic adapter blocks 99 instead of fiber optic cassettes 98.

0038The illustrated telecommunications systems including the fiber optic systems including the pull-out trays 48 and chassis 34 shown in <figref idref="f0004">FIGS. 7</figref>, <figref idref="f0005">8</figref>, <figref idref="f0006">10</figref>, and <figref idref="f0007">11</figref> are simply example embodiments that can be used with the inventive slide assembly 10 described herein and are used to illustrate the inventive features thereof, with the understanding that the inventive features of the slide assembly 10 may be utilized on other specific or other types of drawer-based systems.

0039Referring now to <figref idref="f0008 f0009 f0010 f0011 f0012 f0013 f0014 f0015 f0016">FIGS. 12-23</figref>, a door assembly 100 for use on a telecommunications fixture such as a chassis similar to chassis 34 of <figref idref="f0005">FIGS. 8</figref>, <figref idref="f0006">10</figref>, and <figref idref="f0007">11</figref> is illustrated. The door assembly 100 includes a door 102 that is configured to be mounted to a front end of a chassis and a hinge assembly 104 used in mounting the door 102. The hinge assembly 104 allows the door 102 to be pivotally moved between a closed position and a fully open position. The door 102 includes a spring-loaded latch 106 for keeping the door 102 in the closed position. An example embodiment of the latch 106 is illustrated in <figref idref="f0008 f0009 f0010 f0011 f0012 f0013 f0014">FIGS. 12-18</figref>, with the understanding that other various latch designs may be utilized.

0040It should also be noted that, unless otherwise specified, for ease of description and illustration, the door assembly 100 and the hinge assembly 104 will be described with respect to only one side thereof and with respect to only one side of a chassis with the understanding that all of the features discussed are applicable to the opposing side enabling opening and closing of the door 102.

0041Referring now specifically to <figref idref="f0008">FIG. 12</figref>, the door 102 of the door assembly 100 defines a door pivot pin 108. As shown, the door pivot pin 108 is spaced apart from a front face 110 of the door 102, the reason for which will be described in further detail below.

0042Still referring to <figref idref="f0008">FIG. 12</figref>, each of the right and left walls of the chassis 34 (only the left wall illustrated for simplicity) includes a hinge pivot pin 112 and a hinge stop pin 114.

0043A hinge structure 116 of the hinge assembly 104 provides the pivotal connection between the door 102 and the chassis 34. The hinge structure 116 defines a first pin receiver 118 adjacent a front end 120 for receiving the door pivot pin 108. The hinge structure 116 defines a second pin receiver 122 toward a center portion 124 of the hinge structure 116, spaced apart from the first pin receiver 118, for receiving the hinge pivot pin 112 of the chassis 34. The hinge structure 116 further defines a hinge limit slot 126 adjacent a rear end 128 thereof, spaced apart from the second pin receiver 122. The hinge limit slot 126 is configured to receive the hinge stop pin 114 of the chassis 34. The hinge structure 116 is shown in isolation in <figref idref="f0015 f0016">FIGS. 19-23</figref>.

0044After the hinge structure 116 has been mounted so as to provide a connection between the door 102 and the chassis 34, a fastener 130 is removably mounted to the hinge pivot pin 112. The fastener 130 allows pivotal motion of the hinge structure 116 while keeping the hinge structure 116 coupled to the chassis 34. The door 102, via the door pivot pins 108, are captured against the chassis 34 by the hinge structures 116 at the right and left walls of the chassis 34.

0045The door assembly 100 and the hinge assembly 104 are configured such that the hinge structure 116 provides two pivot points for the door. The interaction of the door pivot pin 108 and the first pin receiver 118 allows a first pivoting motion for the door 102, wherein the door 102 is pivoted with respect to the hinge structure 116. The interaction of the hinge pivot pin 112 and the second pin receiver 122 allows a second pivoting motion for the door 102, wherein the hinge structure 116, itself, and the door 102 are both pivoted with respect to the chassis 34.

0046Now referring to <figref idref="f0008 f0009 f0010 f0011 f0012">FIGS. 12-16</figref>, regarding the first pivoting motion for the door 102, the position of the door pivot pin 108 being spaced forward of the front face 110 of the door 102 allows the door 102 to be spaced forward enough to clear a door 102 therebelow when in a fully open position. This is shown in the side view in <figref idref="f0012">FIG. 16</figref>. When the door 102 is open 180 degrees, due to the forward position of the door pivot pin 108, the door 102 is spaced far enough forward to clear and be in front of the door 102 therebelow.

0047Still referring to <figref idref="f0008 f0009 f0010 f0011 f0012">FIGS. 12-16</figref>, regarding the second pivoting motion for the door 102, given that the hinge structure 116 is also able to pivot with respect to the chassis 34, provides further movement to the pivot point established by the door pivot pin 108 of the door 102 and the first pin receiver 118 of the hinge structure 116. Such further travel allows the door 102 to be positioned below a horizontal plane P_H defined by a bottom wall 132 of that level of the chassis 34. As such, the door 102, when fully opened, does not interfere with the slidable extension of the tray 48 at its respective level on the chassis 34. And, as noted above, when fully opened, is positioned far enough forward so as to clear the door assembly 100 (including the latch 106 of the door 102) and the hinge assembly 104 therebelow.

0048As shown in <figref idref="f0008 f0009 f0010 f0011 f0012">FIGS. 12-16</figref>, the hinge structure 116 defines a lower arch 134 at a bottom portion 136 thereof for allowing the hinge structure 116 to clear the door 102 below when the door 102 is in the fully open position. The accommodation by the arch 134 of a door 102 therebelow is shown in detail in <figref idref="f0012">FIG. 16</figref>.

0049As shown in <figref idref="f0008 f0009 f0010 f0011 f0012">FIGS. 12-16</figref>, the interaction of the hinge stop pin 114 and the hinge limit slot 126 provides positive stops for the movement of the hinge structure 116 during its pivoting motion so as to limit the travel of the hinge structure 116. The size and shape of the hinge limit slot 126 is configured to provide positive stops at the desired closed and open positions for the door 102, as illustrated in <figref idref="f0012">FIG. 16</figref>. According to certain embodiments, during the opening of the door 102, if the hinge structure 116 is pivoted first, the hinge limit slot 126 provides a stop for the hinge stop pin 114 when the door 102 has been opened about 35 degrees from a vertical plane P_V. This position is shown in <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 14</figref>. Once the hinge stop pin 114 has contacted a lower end 138 of the hinge limit slot 126, the door 102 can now be pivoted with respect to the hinge structure 116 to allow the door 102 to open past the 35-degree angle to the fully opened position, which is shown in <figref idref="f0011 f0012">FIGS. 15-16</figref>.

0050The hinge structure 116 also defines a hinge wall 140 that is configured to be contacted by the door 102 during the pivotal closing motion of the door 102. In moving the door 102 to the closed position, after the door 102 goes through its initial first pivoting motion, the door 102 contacts the hinge wall 140 to start moving the hinge structure 116 for the second pivoting motion. The interaction between the door 102 and the hinge wall 140 allows a technician to bring both the door 102 and the hinge structure 116 to their original positions with a single smooth motion.

0051As noted above, once the door 102 is brought to its closed position, the door 102 is latched to the chassis 34 via the spring-loaded latch 106. When the door 102 is in the closed position, the door 102 rests against the hinge wall 140.

0052Still referring to <figref idref="f0008 f0009 f0010 f0011 f0012">FIGS. 12-16</figref>, it should be noted that a rear portion 142 of the hinge structure 116 defines a smooth arched profile at an upper end 144 thereof. The smooth profile of the upper arch 144 provides edge protection to any fibers that may be in the area during tray extension.

0053In <figref idref="f0013 f0014">FIGS. 17-18</figref>, the door assembly 100 and the hinge assembly 104 are shown as being used on an embodiment of a telecommunications chassis 146 that includes features such as the slidable trays 48 discussed above. In <figref idref="f0013 f0014">FIGS. 17-18</figref>, the depicted chassis 146 is shown with one of the trays 48 thereof in a stored position and one in an extended position, with the door 102 of the chassis 146 in a fully open position allowing extension of the sliding tray 48.

0054Now referring to <figref idref="f0017 f0018 f0019">FIGS. 24-26</figref>, a door assembly 200 including another example of an inventive hinge assembly 204 according to the present disclosure is illustrated. <figref idref="f0017">FIG. 24</figref> illustrates the door assembly 200 from a front, right side perspective view. <figref idref="f0018">FIG. 25</figref> illustrates the door assembly 200 from a front, left side perspective view. And, <figref idref="f0019">FIG. 26</figref> illustrates the door assembly 200 from a side view.

0055A majority of the configuration and functionality of the door assembly 100 of <figref idref="f0008 f0009 f0010 f0011 f0012 f0013 f0014 f0015 f0016">FIGS. 12-23</figref> is shared by the door assembly 200 of <figref idref="f0017 f0018 f0019">FIGS. 24-26</figref>. Similar to the door assembly 100 of <figref idref="f0008 f0009">FIGS. 12-13</figref>, the door 202 of the door assembly 200 of <figref idref="f0017 f0018 f0019">FIGS. 24-26</figref> also goes through multiple pivoting motions when being moved between the open and closed positions due to a similar combination hinge structure 216.

0056The hinge assembly 204 of <figref idref="f0017 f0018 f0019">FIGS. 24-26</figref> is similar in structure and function to the hinge assembly 104 of <figref idref="f0008 f0009 f0010 f0011 f0012 f0013 f0014 f0015 f0016">FIGS. 12-23</figref> described above except for a few differences. For example, as shown, the hinge structure 216 of the hinge assembly 204 of <figref idref="f0017 f0018 f0019">FIGS. 24-26</figref> includes a spring-loaded pull-pin 214 that has to be pulled out and cleared from a pin opening 226 provided on the chassis before the hinge structure 216 can be pivoted. The pull-pin 214 and the pin opening 226 provide a variation on the hinge stop pin 114 and the hinge limit slot 126 features of the door assembly 100 of <figref idref="f0008 f0009 f0010 f0011 f0012 f0013 f0014 f0015 f0016">FIGS. 12-23</figref>. Whereas the hinge stop pin 114 and the hinge limit slot 126 features of the door assembly 100 of <figref idref="f0008 f0009 f0010 f0011 f0012 f0013 f0014 f0015 f0016">FIGS. 12-23</figref> are in full interaction throughout the entire travel motion of the hinge structure 116 and limit the travel path of the hinge structure 116, the pull-pin 214 is simply used to unlatch the hinge structure 216 to provide for a further pivoting action for the hinge structure 216 in fully extending a tray out of the chassis in the embodiment of the door assembly 200 of <figref idref="f0017 f0018 f0019">FIGS. 24-26</figref>.

0057Similar to that provided by the hinge assembly 104 of <figref idref="f0008 f0009 f0010 f0011 f0012 f0013 f0014 f0015 f0016">FIGS. 12-23</figref>, if a piece of equipment inside the chassis needs to be accessed without necessarily removing a tray therefrom, the door 202 can simply be opened without the need for the further pivotal action of the hinge structure 216.

0058In the embodiment of the door assembly 200 of <figref idref="f0017 f0018 f0019">FIGS. 24-26</figref>, if the hinge structure 216 has been pivoted and the door 202 has been fully opened, then, when the door 202 is brought from the open position to the closed position, the pull-pin 214 has to be pulled out until the pin 214 is positioned in the pin opening 226 before the hinge structure 216, thus, the door 202, can be brought to the fully closed position.

0059Although in the foregoing description, terms such as "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "right," "left," "upper," and "lower" were used for ease of description and illustration, no restriction is intended by such use of the terms. The telecommunications devices described herein can be used in any orientation, depending upon the desired application.

0060Having described the preferred aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure, modifications and equivalents of the disclosed concepts may readily occur to one skilled in the art. However, it is intended that such modifications and equivalents be included within the scope of the claims which are appended hereto.