Ducts to support a drop access location system for horizontal cabling in multi-dwelling unit applications

Abstract

A duct for distributing one or more optical fiber communication lines. The duct comprises an elongated main body having a length and a conduit portion with a lengthwise bore formed therein. The conduit portion contains one or more optical fiber communications lines. The duct also includes a flange portion extending lengthwise adjacent the main body to mount the duct to a generally flat surface, wherein the duct further includes an additional fiber channel for distributing at least one additional optical fiber at least a portion of the length of the duct. The duct can also be formed as a two piece duct system. The duct can be utilized in a drop access location system for horizontal cabling in multi-dwelling unit (MDU) applications.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A duct for distributing one or more optical fiber communication lines, comprising:
 an elongated main body having a length and a conduit portion with a lengthwise bore formed therein, the conduit portion containing one or more optical fiber communications lines; and   an elongated mounting track configured to receive the elongated main body, the mounting track including one or more retention structures to releasably receive the main body, the mounting track including a mounting surface to mount the mounting track to a generally flat surface.   
     
     
         2 . The duct of  claim 1 , wherein the duct further includes a flange portion extending lengthwise adjacent the main body, and wherein the mounting track is configured to releasably receive the main body via the flange. 
     
     
         3 . The duct of  claim 1 , wherein the duct further includes an additional fiber channel for distributing at least one additional optical fiber at least a portion of the length of the duct. 
     
     
         4 . The duct of  claim 1 , wherein the main body can be pressed into the mounting track such that it is retained by the one or more retention structures of the mounting track. 
     
     
         5 . The duct of  claim 1 , wherein the conduit portion is pre-populated with one or more optical fibers. 
     
     
         6 . The duct of  claim 1 , wherein the mounting track includes an adhesive disposed on a mounting surface of the mounting track. 
     
     
         7 . The duct of  claim 1 , wherein the mounting track can be mechanically fastened to the hallway wall or mounting surface. 
     
     
         8 . A system for communications access to a drop location, comprising:
 a duct for distributing one or more optical fiber communication lines, the duct comprising an elongated main body having a length and a conduit portion with a lengthwise bore formed therein, the conduit portion containing one or more optical fiber communications lines; and an elongated mounting track configured to receive the elongated main body, the mounting track including one or more retention structures to releasably receive the main body, the mounting track including a mounting surface to mount the mounting track to a generally flat surface; and   a drop access box located at an access point, the drop access box comprising an interior region in which the one or more optical fiber communication lines disposed within the duct can be accessed and connected to one or more drop wires or drop fibers.   
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the drop access box includes a base and a cover, the drop access box including a mounting section formed in the base, a slack storage section formed in at least one of the base and the cover, and a communications line coupling device mounting area disposed in the base, wherein the communication line coupling device mounting area is configured to receive at least one of a coupling, an adapter, and a splice that connects the accessed communications line to a drop cable. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the duct comprises a bend control piece to prevent the fibers from overbending when the duct is routed around a corner. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the bend control piece comprises a cover that is mounted over the duct and fastened to a base part. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the one or more optical fiber communication lines disposed within the duct can be accessed by making one of a window cut or a slit in the conduit portion, allowing one of the lines to be freely pulled from the conduit portion for storage and termination within the access box.