INDICIA AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPONENTS
A telecommunications component includes an outer housing that includes a badge holder. The badge holder is configured to receive a badge. The badge is configured to be inserted into the badge holder. The badge includes a feature that is identifying of the source of the telecommunications component and the feature is at least one of a logo, a specific color, text information, a barcode, a QR code, and a RFID tag. The badge includes a pair of arms extending from opposing sides to engage with the badge holder of outer housing. The badge includes a securing feature that is configured to secure the badge within the badge holder.
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This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/043,337, filed on Sep. 29, 2020, which is a National Stage Application of PCT/US2019/025022, filed on Mar. 29, 2019, which claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/649,765, filed on Mar. 29, 2018, and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/727,807, filed on Sep. 6, 2018, and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/748,022, filed on Oct. 19, 2018, and claims the benefit of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2018/062535, filed on Nov. 27, 2018, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. To the extent appropriate, a claim of priority is made to each of the above disclosed applications.
BACKGROUNDAssociating telecommunications components with their corresponding network operators is both important in the field and in a warehouse environment. In some examples, color-coding components facilitates easily identifying particular cables and enclosures. In addition, cable jackets can be color coded to distinguish various types of connectors, types of network connections, and types of cables. For example, the color of a cable or enclosure can indicate a type of connector, the level of security of the network connection, or the identity of the network in a multi-network environment.
In existing systems, the cables and connectors can be colored at the factory during manufacturing. For example, the connectors can be molded in various colors and cable jackets can be extruded in various colors. However, this does not offer a retrofit solution to preexisting installations and is not cost effective. Improvements are desired.
SUMMARYSome aspects of the disclosure are directed to a system and a method of identifying network connection components including installing an indicia element onto telecommunication components.
In one aspect of the present disclosure, a telecommunications component is disclosed. The telecommunications component includes an outer housing that includes a badge holder. The badge holder is configured to receive a badge. The badge is configured to be inserted into the badge holder. The badge includes a feature that is identifying of the source of the telecommunications component and the feature is at least one of a logo, a specific color, text information, a barcode, a QR code, and a RFID tag. The badge includes a pair of arms extending from opposing sides to engage with the badge holder of outer housing. The badge includes a securing feature that is configured to secure the badge within the badge holder.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of identifying network connection components is disclosed. The method includes installing a portion of a network using at least one telecommunications component having a non-indicative base color. The telecommunications component includes an outer housing including a badge holder. The badge holder is configured to receive a badge. The method includes installing a badge within the badge holder of the at least one telecommunications component to indicate a feature of the telecommunications component. The badge includes a feature that is identifying of the source of the telecommunications component and the feature is at least one of a logo, a specific color, text information, a barcode, a QR code, and a RFID tag. The badge includes a pair of arms that extend from opposing sides to engage with the holder of the outer housing. The badge includes a securing feature that is configured to secure the badge within the badge holder.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, a telecommunications component is disclosed. The telecommunications component includes an outer housing that includes a cover and a plurality of ports disposed on the cover. The outer housing includes a badge holder and the badge holder is configured to receive a badge. The badge holder is immediately adjacent at least one port. The telecommunications component includes the badge configured to be inserted into, and retained within, the badge holder. The badge includes indicia relating to an identity of at least one port of the plurality of ports. The badge includes a pair of arms extending from opposing sides to engage with the badge holder of outer housing. The badge includes a securing feature that is configured to secure the badge within the badge holder.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, an indicia element for a telecommunications system is disclosed. The indicia element includes a main body that includes indicia that is at least one of a logo, a specific color, text information, a barcode, a QR code, and a RFID tag. The indicia element includes a pair of arms that extend from opposing sides of the main body. Each arm is separated from the main body by at least one recess. Each arm has a badge holder engaging feature and each badge holder engaging feature is configured to mate with a corresponding badge engaging feature of a badge holder. The indicia element includes a recess at a rear side configured to receive an RFID tag therein.
A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoing 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.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the description, illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONReference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure that 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.
The present disclosure is directed to an indicia element that can be added to a telecommunications component to identify the source of a telecommunications component. In accordance with some aspects, the indicia element aids in identifying or tracing network connections, and/or identifying telecommunications components that have certain connectors and/or cables, and/or labeling the network connections. In accordance with some aspects, the indicia element aids in identifying a network operator in a multi-network environment. The indicia elements disclosed herein can be of a variety of shapes and sizes. The indicia elements can include specific features such as, but are not limited to, a logo, a specific color (e.g. a color different from a non-indicative base color of the telecommunications component), text information, a barcode, a QR code, and a RFID tag. In accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, the telecommunications components are all manufactured in a common base color (e.g., white, black, gray, etc.). The base color is not indicative of any feature of the telecommunications components. A colored indicia element is subsequently added (e.g., during or post installation) to indicate one or more features (e.g., type, size, identity, etc.) of the telecommunications component.
In the example shown in
As depicted in
The indicia element 102 is shown to be a fixed length L so that it can be installed on a variety of differently sized and shaped telecommunications components 100. In some examples, the indicia element 102 can be trimmed during installation to pieces 101 each having a shorter length to fit a variety of different telecommunications components 100. The indicia element 102 is configured to be installed around a new telecommunications component 100 or a previously installed telecommunications component 100, therefore providing the user with maximum flexibility. For example, the user can retrofit the indicia element 102 onto a preexisting telecommunications component 100 while also installing an indicia element 102 on a to-be-installed component within the same environment.
In some examples, the indicia element 102 has a tubular shape when not installed. In other examples, the indicia element 102, when not installed, is a sheet. When shaped like a tube, the indicia element 102 can be slid over, and positioned around, telecommunications components 100. In some examples, the indicia element 102 can be expandable from a first dimension D1 to a second dimension D2 to fit over and grasp the telecommunications component 100. In some examples, the indicia element 102 can grasp or grip the telecommunications component 100 so that it stays in a particular location on the telecommunications component 100.
When the indicia element 102 is a sheet, the indicia element 102 can be wrapped around a telecommunications component 100 and fixed together (e.g., welded or fastened using a fastener) to form a tube (i.e., sleeve). In some examples, the indicia element 102 can have elastic qualities so the indicia element 102 can expand and contract to surround a variety of differently shaped and sized telecommunications components 100. In some examples, the indicia element 102 is manufactured from either high or low density polyethylene.
As depicted, the indicia element 102 can include a plurality of strands 108 that together form a net-like shape. In some examples, the strands 108 are interconnected, while still allowing the user to visually discern the telecommunications component the indicia element 102 is positioned around. In other examples, the indicia element 102 can include portions that are solid and not net-like (see
In some examples, the indicia element 102 can include a fixing feature 110. The fixing feature 110 is configured to couple the indicia element 102 with the telecommunications component 100 to fix the indicia element 102 relative to the telecommunications component 100. This can prevent unwanted removal of the indicia element 102 from the telecommunications component 100 or movement of the indicia element 102 on the telecommunications component 100 (i.e., migrating along the length of a cable). In some examples, the fixing feature 110 is an adhesive. In some examples, the fixing feature 110 is an adhesive that can be readily applied in the field without the need for extra supplies. In some examples, the fixing feature 110 can be manufactured as part of the indicia element 102. In other examples, the fixing feature 110 is a fastener that is coupled to both the indicia element 102 and the telecommunications component 100. In other examples, the fixing feature 110 is a gripping coating on the inside surface of the indicia element that interfaces with the telecommunications component 100. In some examples, the gripping coating can be a rubber-like material.
In the example shown in
The indicia element 302 is substantially similar to the indicia element 102 described above. As shown, the indicia element 302 can be adapted to be positioned around a variety of different telecommunications components (i.e., enclosure, dome, etc.).
In some embodiments, the indicia element 302 has elastic properties so that the indicia element 302 can be stretched to fit a variety of different telecommunications components 100. In some embodiments, the indicia element 302 can be constructed of a rubber-based material. In some examples, the indicia element 302 can be an elastic band. In other examples, the indicia element can be an elastic cap, as shown in
In the depicted example, the indicia element 402 is a band that at least partially surrounds, and is secured to, a portion of the telecommunications component 400. In some examples, the indicia element 402 is positioned around the cover 404 of the telecommunications component 400. In other examples still, the indicia element 402 is positioned within the recess 408 between ribs 406 of the cover 404.
In some examples, once the projections 414 and recesses 416 of the first and second portions 410, 412 are mated with one another, the indicia element 402 must be irreparably damaged in order to separate the first and second portions 410, 412 from one another. For example, the projections 414 must be broken, or the first or second portions 410, 412 of indicia element 402 must be cut. In such an example, damaging the indicia element 402 would render the indicia element 402 unusable. This destructible nature prevents the removal of the indicia element 402 from one telecommunication component 400 and the installation of the same indicia element 402 on another telecommunications component 400. Further, in the depicted example, by positioning the indicia element 402 within the recess 408, tampering with the indicia element 402 is made difficult, and the ribs 406 at least partially protect the indicia element 402.
The indicia element 502 is shown exploded away from the telecommunications component 500. In some examples, the indicia element 502 can be a cap that is positioned on the domed top portion 506 of the cover 504. In some examples, the indicia element 502 can include a plurality of slots and/or recesses 510 that are configured to receive corresponding features of the cover 504.
Like the indicia element 402 above, in some examples, the indicia element 502 is configured to become damaged if indicia element 502 is tampered with. In some examples, the indicia element 502 is configured to be irreparably damaged and will become unusable if tampered with. In some examples, if tampered with, the indicia element 502 will also render the telecommunications component 500 unusable. In some examples, the projection 512 is configured to break off within the aperture 510 during tampering, thereby preventing another indicia element 502 from being attached to the telecommunications component 500. In some examples, the projection 512 is configured to break a portion of the cover 504 during tampering, such as the area around the aperture 510, thereby rendering the telecommunication component permanently exposed and not weatherproof to elements (i.e., susceptible to water, dust, etc. ingress). Such exposure renders the telecommunications component 500 unusable.
Another example of an indicia badge 1006 that can be received by a holder, such as holder 804, is shown in
Each arm 1001 also includes at least one holder engaging feature 1013 that is configured to interface with a holder, such as holder 804, to retain the indicia badge 1006 within the holder. In some examples, the holder engaging feature 1013 includes a pair of ramped surfaces 1015 and a rectangular channel 1017 positioned there between. In some examples, the holder engaging feature 1013 includes only a single ramped surface 1015. In some examples, the indicia badge 802 enters the holder 804 from an edge of the telecommunications component. In other examples, the holder 804 includes a raised portion so that the indicia badge can be inserted into the holder 804 from the raised portion.
As shown, the enclosure 1010 includes a holder 1012 to secure the indicia badges 1006 on the enclosure 1010. The holder 1012 can be integral with the housing of the enclosure 1010. The indicia badges 1006 are configured to be irreparably damaged if someone attempts to remove the indicia badges 1006 from the holder 1012.
In some examples, the indicia elements 902, 902′, 902″ can have a variety of different sizes and shapes. For example, the indicia elements 902, 902′ can cover a portion of a surface of the outer housing 904. In other examples, the indicia element 902″ can cover the majority of a surface of the outer housing 904. In some examples, the indicia elements 902, 902′, 902″ have a rigid construction. In other examples, the indicia elements have a flexible construction (such as a label).
The indicia elements 902, 902′, 902″ can include a logo, a specific color, text information (i.e. numbers, letter, characters, etc.), a barcode, a QR code, and a RFID tag or other identifying characteristic. For example,
The indicia elements 902, 902′, 902″ include a securing feature 906 that is configured to secure the indicia elements 902, 902′, 902″ to the telecommunications component 900. In some examples, the securing feature 906 is a tab. In some examples, the securing feature 906 is a spring-loaded tab. In some examples, the securing feature 906 becomes irreparably damaged if the indicia elements 902, 902′, 902″ are removed from the telecommunications component 900.
The indicia elements 902, 902′, 902″ include mating features 908 that are configured to mate with corresponding housing mating features 910 in order to aid in securing the indicia elements 902, 902′, 902″ to the outer housing 904.
As shown, the enclosure 1100 includes a plurality of badge holders 1112 to secure the indicia badges 1106 on the enclosure 1100. The badge holders 1112 and indicia badges 1106 are substantially similar to those described above. The holder 1112 can be integral with the outer housing 1110, specifically the cover 1111, of the enclosure 1010.
In the depicted example, the ports 1113 are arranged in angled rows 1115 on the cover 1111. The cover 1111 can include a plurality of angled rows 1115 each including a plurality of ports 1113. In some examples, each row 1115 includes more than one port 1113. In the depicted example, the cover 1111 includes three rows 1115. As shown in
Each port 1113 can be filled with a plug 1117 and/or include a cover 1119. In some examples, the plug 1117 can include a plug dust cover 1121 that can be removed so that a connection can be made with the plug 1117. In some examples, the plug 1117 includes an adapter that is configured to mate with a connector.
Immediately adjacent the ports 1113, indicia badges 1106 are disposed. The indicia badges 1106 can include indicia 1107 that is at least one of a logo, a specific color, text information, a barcode, a QR code, and a RFID tag that can be used to identify the identity of the enclosure 1100 and/or the identity of a particular port 1113 or groups of ports in the row 1115. For example, the indicia badge 1106 can include text that indicates if a port 1113 is a split connection or a port in a point-to-point connection. In some examples, the indicia badges 1106 immediately adjacent the ports 1113 are first indicia badges 1106a and other indicia badges 1106b positioned elsewhere on the cover 1111 are second indicia badges 1106b. In some examples, the first indicia badges 1106a immediately adjacent the ports 1113 are sized larger than the second indicia badges 1106b positioned elsewhere on the cover 1111. In some examples, the first indicia badges 1106a immediately adjacent the ports 1113 include additional securing features compared to the second indicia badges 1106b. In other examples, the indicia badges 1106 can include a pair of RFID tags at the rear side.
As shown, each row 1215 includes a holder 1212 configured to receive at least one indicia badge 1206. In some examples, the holder 1212 is configured to receive more than one indicia badge 1206. In some examples, the holder 1212 is substantially similar to the holders described above. The holder 1212 facilitates the positioning of the indicia badge 1206 immediately adjacent the ports 1213 and/or on the cover 1211.
As noted above,
Having described the preferred aspects and implementations 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.
Claims
1. A telecommunications component comprising: when the badge is completely inserted into and retained with the badge holder.
- an outer housing including a badge holder, the badge holder including a recess, wherein the badge holder is configured to receive a badge in the recess;
- a badge configured to be inserted into the recess of the badge holder, the badge including: a feature that is identifying of the source of the telecommunications component, wherein the feature is at least one of a logo, a specific color, text information, a barcode, and a QR code; a pair of arms extending from opposing sides to engage with the badge holder of the outer housing; and a securing feature that is configured to secure the badge within the badge holder;
- wherein the recess and the badge are both configured such that the feature is visible at least
2. The telecommunications component of claim 1, wherein the specific color is different from a non-indicative base color of the telecommunications component.
3. The telecommunications component of claim 1, wherein the badge includes a pair of arms each having a holder engaging feature, wherein each holder engaging feature is configured to mate with a corresponding badge engaging feature of the badge holder of the telecommunications component.
4. The telecommunications component of claim 3, wherein the badge engaging feature is a projection including at least one ramped side and at least one non-ramped side, and wherein the holder engaging feature of the badge is a rectangular channel.
5. The telecommunications system of claim 1, wherein the badge holder engaging feature of the badge includes at least one ramped surface outside of the rectangular channel.
6. The telecommunications component of claim 1, wherein the badge holder of the telecommunications component is integral with the telecommunications component, and wherein the badge holder includes a pair of channels to secure the pair of arms of the badge therewithin.
7. The telecommunications component of claim 1, wherein the securing feature is a projection including at least one ramped side and at least one non-ramped side.
8. The telecommunications component of claim 1, wherein the securing feature includes at least one of a projection and a recess separate from the pair of arms, wherein the at least one of the projection and the recess mate with a corresponding other of the projection and the recess disposed within the badge holder.
9. The telecommunications component of claim 1, wherein the securing feature is positioned between the pair of arms.
10. The telecommunications component of claim 8, wherein the at least one of the projection and the recess have a dovetail construction.
11. The telecommunications component of claim 1, wherein the outer housing includes a plurality of ports, wherein the badge holder is immediately adjacent at least one port of the plurality of ports.
12. The telecommunications component of claim 11, wherein the badge includes indicia relating to an identity of at least one port of the plurality of ports.
13. The telecommunications component of claim 11, wherein the badge includes indicia relating to an identity of more than one port of the plurality of ports.
14. The telecommunications component of claim 1, wherein the badge holder is disposed on a cover of the outer housing.
15. The telecommunications component of claim 14, wherein the cover includes a plurality of badge holders.
16. The telecommunications component of claim 13, wherein the badge is positioned immediately adjacent a substantially similar second indicia element within the badge holder.
17. The telecommunications component of claim 1, wherein the badge includes a recess at a rear side configured to receive an RFID tag therein.
18. The telecommunications component of claim 1, wherein at least one of the pair of arms of the badge is configured to be irreparably damaged if tampered with.
19. A method of identifying network connection components comprising:
- installing a portion of a network using at least one telecommunications component having a non-indicative base color, wherein the telecommunications component includes an outer housing including a badge holder with a recess, wherein the badge holder is configured to receive a badge in the recess;
- installing a badge within the recess of the badge holder of the at least one telecommunications component to indicate a feature of the telecommunications component, wherein the badge includes: a feature that is identifying of the source of the telecommunications component, wherein the feature is at least one of a logo, a specific color, text information, a barcode, and a QR code; a pair of arms extending from opposing sides to engage with the holder of outer housing; and a securing feature that is configured to secure the badge within the badge holder;
- wherein the recess and the badge are both configured such that the feature is visible at least when the badge is completely inserted into and retained with the badge holder.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the pair of arms each have a holder engaging feature, wherein each holder engaging feature is configured to mate with a corresponding badge engaging feature of the badge holder.
21. The method of claim 19, wherein the outer housing includes a plurality of ports, wherein the badge holder is immediately adjacent at least one port of the plurality of ports.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the badge includes indicia relating to an identity of at least one port of the plurality of ports.
23. The method of claim 21, wherein the badge includes indicia relating to an identity of more than one port of the plurality of ports.
24. The method of claim 19, wherein the badge holder is disposed on a cover of the outer housing.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the cover includes a plurality of badge holders.
26. The method of claim 19, further comprising positioning the badge immediately adjacent a substantially similar second badge within the badge holder.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 11, 2022
Publication Date: Oct 27, 2022
Applicant: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Hickory, NC)
Inventors: Johan GEENS (Bunsbeek), Roel Modest Willy BRYON (Kessel-Lo), Eddy Luc CAMS (Bilzen), Dirk KEMPENEERS (Aarschot), Ronnie Rosa Georges LIEFSOENS (Tessenderlo), Danny Willy August VERHEYDEN (Kessel-Lo), Thierry Mike DECLERCK (Kumtich), Pieter DOULTREMONT (Kermt-Hasselt), Philippe COENEGRACHT (Hasselt)
Application Number: 17/862,016