WO2023027973A1

WO2023027973A1 - Compact splice holder

Info

Publication number: WO2023027973A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/040998
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bart Mattie Claessens; Geert Van Genechten
Original assignee: Commscope Technologies Llc
Priority date: 2021-08-23
Filing date: 2022-08-22
Publication date: 2023-03-02

Abstract

A splice holder for holding spliced fiber optic cables, the splice holder comprises: a plurality of channels for receiving the spliced fiber optic cables, and a snap member arrangement for retaining the spliced fiber optic cables within the channels. A first splice protector, when located in a first channel, is retained by a first snap member pair and first and third intermediate snap members, and a second splice protector, when located in a second channel adjacent the first channel, is retained by a second snap member pair and second and fourth intermediate snap members.

Description

COMPACT SPLICE HOLDER

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is being filed on August 22, 2022 as a PCT International Patent Application and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No.

63/236,065, filed on August 23, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to fiber optic telecommunications components. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to components for arranging and retaining spliced fiber optic cables.

BACKGROUND

[0003] It is frequently necessary to splice to optical fibers of separate fiber optic cables together when installing a fiber optic system. The spliced-together optical fibers are generally protected with a sleeve which necessarily increases the overall thickness of the optical fibers at the location of the splice. One example of a sleeve is a fusion splice including a support rod, a heat shrink protective sleeve, and a hot melt adhesive. Such an example is shown at Figure 16 which is a SMOUV brand fiber optic splice manufactured by CommScope of North Carolina, USA. One typical dimension for a fusion splice protector of the type shown herein is 2.4 millimeters in diameter by 45 millimeters in length. Other sizes exist as well, for example a 61 millimeter length protector.

Frequently, a plurality of spliced fibers are secured at the location of the splice protector in a splice holder. Typically, splice protectors are individually secured into a splice holder in a side-by-side arrangement by pairs of snap members, resulting in two individual snap members residing between each splice protector. Such an example is presented at Figure 15. These snap members therefore increase the overall width of the splice holder.

Conversely, the snap members can decrease the pitch or density of the number of spliced fibers that can be retained in a given width. Improvements are desired. SUMMARY

[0004] A splice holder for holding spliced fiber optic cables can include a plurality of channels for receiving the spliced fiber optic cables, each channel defining a first portion and a second portion, the second portion having a larger dimension than the first portion and being sized to receive a splice protector; a snap member arrangement for retaining the spliced fiber optic cables within the channels, the snap member arrangement including: a plurality of first snap member pairs located proximate a first end of the splice holder; a plurality of second snap member pairs located proximate a second end of the splice holder; a plurality of first intermediate snap members located between the first and second snap member pairs and along a first side of every other of the plurality of channels; a plurality of second intermediate snap members located between the first and second snap member pairs and along a second side of every other of the plurality of channels; a plurality of third intermediate snap members located between the first and second intermediate snap members and along a first side of every other of the plurality of channels; and a plurality of fourth intermediate snap members located between the first and second intermediate snap members and along a second side of every other of the plurality of channels; wherein a first splice protector, when located in a first channel, is retained by the first snap member pair and the first and third intermediate snap members and wherein a second splice protector, when located in a second channel adjacent the first channel, is retained by the second snap member pair and the second and fourth intermediate snap members.

[0005] In some examples, the splice holder is integrally formed as a single component. [0006] In some examples, the plurality of channels includes twelve channels.

[0007] In some examples, each of the plurality of first intermediate snap members includes a horizontal extension portion extending in a direction towards the channel second side.

[0008] In some examples, each of the plurality of second intermediate snap members includes a horizontal extension portion extending in a direction towards the channel first side.

[0009] In some examples, the plurality of channels are configured such that the first portion of every other channel is proximate a first end of the splice holder and the first portion of every other channel is proximate a second end of the splice holder.

[0010] In some examples, the plurality of first, second, third, and fourth intermediate snap members are located along the channel second portions. [0011] In some examples, the plurality of channels are at least partially defined by the plurality of first and second snap member pairs and by the plurality of first, second, third, and fourth intermediate snap members.

[0012] In some examples, the plurality of channels are at least partially defined by sidewall members extending from the main body.

[0013] In some examples, at least two adjacent channels are joined together at the intermediate portions to form a common channel.

[0014] A telecommunications assembly can include a plurality of spliced fiber optic cables, each of the spliced fiber optic cables including a splice protector; and a splice holder for holding the spliced fiber optic cables, the splice holder including: a plurality of channels for receiving the spliced fiber optic cables, each channel defining a first portion and a second portion, the second portion having a larger dimension than the first portion and being sized to receive a splice protector; a snap member arrangement for retaining the spliced fiber optic cables within the channels, the snap member arrangement including: a plurality of first snap member pairs located proximate a first end of the splice holder; a plurality of second snap member pairs located proximate a second end of the splice holder; a plurality of first intermediate snap members located between the first and second snap member pairs and along a first side of every other of the plurality of channels; a plurality of second intermediate snap members located between the first and second snap member pairs and along a second side of every other of the plurality of channels; a plurality of third intermediate snap members located between the first and second intermediate snap members and along a first side of every other of the plurality of channels; and a plurality of fourth intermediate snap members located between the first and second intermediate snap members and along a second side of every other of the plurality of channels; wherein a first splice protector, when located in a first channel, is retained by the first snap member pair and the first and third intermediate snap members and wherein a second splice protector, when located in a second channel adjacent the first channel, is retained by the second snap member pair and the second and fourth intermediate snap members.

[0015] In some examples, the splice holder is integrally formed as a single component. [0016] In some examples, the plurality of channels includes twelve channels.

[0017] In some examples, each of the plurality of first intermediate snap members includes a horizontal extension portion extending in a direction towards the channel second side. [0018] In some examples, each of the plurality of second intermediate snap members includes a horizontal extension portion extending in a direction towards the channel first side.

[0019] In some examples, the plurality of channels are at least partially defined by the plurality of first and second snap member pairs and by the plurality of first through fourth intermediate snap members.

[0020] In some examples, the plurality of channels are at least partially defined by sidewall members extending from the main body.

[0021] In some examples, at least two adjacent channels are joined together at the intermediate portions to form a common channel.

[0022] A splice holder can include a plurality of splice-holding channels defined by sidewall structures and extending between first and second ends, the plurality of channels being disposed in a side-by-side and alternating relationship such that the first end of one channel is adjacent the second end of an adjacent channel; wherein the first ends of each of the plurality of channels are tapered such that the adjacent second ends of each of the plurality of channels are diverging.

[0023] In some examples, the second ends of each of the plurality of channels is provided with a rib structure extending into the channel.

[0024] In some examples, the second ends of each of the plurality of channels is provided with a lip structure overhanging the channel.

[0025] In some examples, the lip structure extends from a first sidewall structure in a first direction and the rib structure extends from a second sidewall structure in a second direction opposite the first sidewall structure.

[0026] In some examples, each of the plurality of channels defines a first portion and a second portion, the second portion having a larger dimension than the first portion and being sized to receive a splice protector.

[0027] In some examples, the first portion of each of the plurality of channels corresponds to the first end and the second portion of each of the plurality of channels corresponds to the second end.

[0028] A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The aspects can relate to individual features and to 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 examples disclosed herein are based. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] 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.

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a tray including a pair of splice holders with a plurality of spliced fiber optic cables retained within the splice holders.

[0031] Figure 2 is a top view of the tray shown in Figure 1.

[0032] Figure 3 is a partial top view of the tray shown in Figure 1, as indicated at reference number 3 in Figure 2.

[0033] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the tray and splice holder shown in Figure 1, taken along the line 4-4 in Figure 3.

[0034] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the tray and splice holder shown in Figure 1, taken along the line 5-5 in Figure 3.

[0035] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the tray and splice holder shown in Figure 1, taken along the line 6-6 in Figure 3.

[0036] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the tray and splice holder shown in Figure 1, taken along the line 7-7 in Figure 3.

[0037] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the tray and splice holder shown in Figure 1, taken along the line 8-8 in Figure 3.

[0038] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the tray and splice holder shown in Figure 1, taken along the line 9-9 in Figure 3.

[0039] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the tray and splice holder shown in Figure 1, taken along the line 10-10 in Figure 3.

[0040] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the tray shown in Figure 1.

[0041] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a portion of the tray shown in Figure 1, with the spliced fiber optic cables removed.

[0042] Figure 13 is a top view of the portion of the tray shown in Figure 12.

[0043] Figure 14 is a top view of the tray shown in Figure 1 without cables installed.

[0044] Figure 15 is a top view of a prior art tray.

[0045] Figure 16 presents a prior art splice protector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Referring to Figures 1 to 8, a fiber optic tray 10 includes a plurality of spliced fiber optic cables 12 with splice protectors 14 stored and retained on a splice holder 100. In one aspect, the splice holder 100 is a high density splice holder. In contrast to prior art configurations using similar types of splice protectors, the splice holder 100 organizes twelve fusion-type splice protectors 14 in a staggered or offset arrangement with a unique snap member arrangement that enables pairs of splice protectors 14 to be retained directly adjacent to each other while also providing additional locating and fiber routing features. These improvements enable more splice protectors to be installed on a splice holder of the same dimensions and/or for the splice holder to consume less space on the tray while facilitating ease and quality of installation. By way of comparison, Figure 15 shows a prior art tray in which two 12-fiber splice holders are provided and separated by a distance DI which in the example shown is 10 millimeters. This space can be used for various functions such as cable routing/management. As can be seen at Figure 14, the disclosed splice holders 100 are provided on the same size tray as shown at Figure 15. However, due to the compact size of the splice holders 100, a distance D2 which is greater than D 1 results, thus increasing the function and usability of the tray. In the example shown, D2 is about 74 millimeters while DI is about 64 millimeters, which represents a greater than 10% space savings.

[0047] In the example shown, the splice holder 100 is integrally molded with the fiber optic tray 10. However, the splice holder 100 can be configured as a separate component that is attachable to the tray, such as with a snap-fit or other type of mechanical arrangement. When formed separately, the splice holder 100 can be configured with one or more attachment features for attaching the splice holder 100 to the tray 10 or to another structure. Examples of configurations for attachment features are shown and described in Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Publication Number WO 2019/160995, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein; PCT Publication Number WO 2019/209643, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein; and PCT Publication Number W02020/198155, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

[0048] In one aspect, the splice holder 100 defines a plurality of channels 104 defined on a top side of the tray 10 extending between a first end 100a and a second end 100a of the splice holder 100. Each of the channels 104 is shown as including a first portion 104a and a second portion 104b. Adjacent channels 104 are oppositely oriented such that the first portion 104a extends to either the first end 100a or the second end 100b in alternating fashion. The second portion 104b, which is wider than the first portion 104a, is located adjacent the first portion 104a. In one aspect, the second portion 104b is provided with a length that is slightly greater than the length of the splice protector 14 such that the splice protector 14 can only be fitted or installed within the second portion 104b. The wider portion 104b is sized to receive a splice protector 14. In one aspect, adjacent portions 104b are staggered relative one another such that the portion 104b of one channel 104 is shifted towards or closer to the first end 100a than the adjacent portions 104b. As can be most easily seen at Figure 3, this configuration results in the splice protectors 14 being alternately staggered relative to one another with every other splice protector 14 being closer to the first end 100a and the remaining splice protectors 14 being closer to the second end 100b. As is discussed later, this configuration enables for the splice protectors 14 to be arranged within the channels in an increased density arrangement.

[0049] As most easily seen at Figure 13, the plurality of channels 104 are defined by multiple sidewall structures 104c - 104n. The outermost channels 104 are defined by a sidewall structure 104c on one side and sidewall structures 104d - 104i on the other side of the channel 104. The inbound or interior channels 104 are defined by sidewall structures 104j - 104n on one side and by sidewall structures 104d - 104i on the opposite side. It is noted that the sidewall structures 104k and 1041 are only provided at every other channel 104 such that two channel portions 104b are disposed between a pair of sidewall structures 104k, 1041. This configuration results in the splice protectors 14 being arranged within the channel portions 104b in pairs such that the two splice protectors 14 of each pair are immediately adjacent to each other. In the example shown, the splice protectors 14 are arranged in six pairs for a total of twelve splice protectors 14. Other arrangements involving fewer or more splice protector pairs are possible.

[0050] As most easily seen at Figures 6-9 and 12, some of the sidewall structures are configured with a complementary curved or radiused shape to support the bottom portion of the splice protector 14, for example sidewall structures 104k, 1041, and 104n. In the example shown, the splice protector 14 has a circular cross-sectional shape and the sidewall structures are provided with a complementary circular or arc shape.

[0051] Proximate the ends 100a, 100b, the sidewall structures 104i/l 04j and 104d/104m converge or taper to accommodate the ends of the splice protectors 14 residing within channel portion 104b. The sidewall structures located at the opposite end of the channel portion 104b are provided with a similar taper. The tapered ends can act as guides for the cable or fiber 12 extending through the channels 104 at this location. With respect to the adjacent channels 104, where channel portion 104a is defined, the sidewall structures 104i/l 04j and 104d/104m consequently diverge away from each other such that a fiber or cable 12 extending from that end of the splice holder 14 has a wider pathway for extending from the splice holder 100 to other portions of the tray 10. In one aspect, the sidewall structures 104i/104j and 104d/104m can provide a bend radius protection function at this end. To retain the fiber or cable 12 within this portion of the channel portion 104a, the sidewall structures 104i/l 04j and 104d/104m can be provided with a rib 118 extending into the channel portion 104b and a lip 120 overhanging the channel portions 104b to define a circuitous pathway for removing and/or installing the cable or fiber 12 within the channel portion 104b.

[0052] In one aspect, the splice holder 100 is provided with a plurality of first snap member pairs 106 including a first snap member 106a and a second snap member 106b. The first snap member pairs 106 are located proximate the first end 100a of the splice holder 100 and are oriented such that a channel 104 is disposed between the first and second snap member 106a, 106b. As most easily seen at Figure 5, the first and second snap members 106a, 106b each include a shoulder or horizontal extension portion 106c. The shoulders 106c extend towards each other to create a narrowed portion over the channel 104 to retain the splice protector 14 within the channel 104. In one example, the first snap member pairs 106 are deflectable.

[0053] In one aspect, the splice holder 100 is provided with a plurality of second snap member pairs 108 including a first snap member 108a and a second snap member 108b. The second snap member pairs 108 are located proximate the second end 100b of the splice holder 100 and are oriented such that a channel 104 is disposed between the first and second snap member 108a, 108b. As most easily seen at Figure 10, the first and second snap members 108a, 108b each include a shoulder or horizontal extension portion 108c. The shoulders 108c extend towards each other to create a narrowed portion over the channel 104 to retain the splice protector 14 within the channel 104. In one example, the snap member pairs 108 are deflectable.

[0054] In one aspect, the splice holder 100 is provided with a plurality of first intermediate snap members 110 and second intermediate snap members 112. The first and second intermediate snap members 110, 112 are configured similarly but are oppositely facing such that a snap member 110 is associated with one channel 104 and a snap member 112 is associated with the adjacent channel 104 and such that each channel 104 is only associated with a snap member 110 or 112 but not both. In one aspect, the first and second intermediate snap members 110, 112 are located between the first and second snap member pairs 106, 108 and adjacent the channel portion 104b of every other channel 104, respectively. As most easily seen at Figures 6 and 9, the first and second intermediate snap members 110, 112 include a shoulder or horizontal extension portions 110a, 112a, respectively. The shoulders 110a, 112a extend towards the channel 104 to create a narrowed portion over the channel 104 to retain the splice protector 14 within the channel 104. In one example, the first and second intermediate snap members 110, 112 are deflectable.

[0055] In one aspect, the main body 102 is provided with a plurality of third intermediate snap members 114 and a plurality of fourth intermediate snap members 116. The third and fourth intermediate snap members 114, 116 are located between the first and second snap member pairs 106, 108 and, more specifically, between the first and second intermediate snap members 110, 112. The third and fourth intermediate snap members 112, 114 are disposed adjacent the channel portion 104b of every other channel 104 such that each channel 104 has either a third intermediate snap member 114 or a fourth intermediate snap member 114 adjacent the channel 104, but not both. In one aspect, the third and fourth intermediate snap members 112, 114 have a length, in the direction parallel to the length of the channels 104, that is greater than the length of the snap members 110, 112 and that is also greater than the length of the snap member pairs 106, 108. As the snap members 114, 116 are the most remote snap members from the snap member pairs 106, 108, respectively, this greater length provides for greater retention. Further, the snap members 104, 116 operate in pairs to retain the pairs of adjacent splice protectors 14, that do not have a wall structure between them, together, as most easily seen at Figure 7. As most easily seen at Figures 7 and 8, the third and fourth intermediate snap members 114, 116 include a shoulder or horizontal extension portion 114a, 116a. The shoulders 114a, 116a extend towards the channel 104 to create a narrowed portion over the channel 104 to retain the splice protector 14 within the channel 104. In one example, the third and fourth intermediate snap members 114, 116 are deflectable. Collectively, the snap member pairs 106, 108 and the intermediate snap members 110, 112, 114, 116 can be referred to as a holder arrangement.

[0056] With the disclosed arrangement, the splice protectors 14 are secured in pairs within the channels 104 such that each splice protector 14 is secured by one of the snap member pairs 106, 108, one of the intermediate snap members 110, 112 on one side, and one of the intermediate snap members 114, 116 on the opposite side. For example, one splice protector 14 may be held in place by snap member pairs 106 and intermediate snap members 110, 116 while an adjacent splice protector 14 may be held in place by snap member pairs 108 and intermediate snap members 112, 114. Each splice protector 14 is also additionally supported and retained within the channel 104 via the adjacent splice protector 14. For example, with reference to Figure 3, the top two splice protectors 14 (on the page) are additionally secured within adjacent channels 104 as a splice protector pair. With such a configuration, the overall width of the splice holder is reduced in comparison to prior art configurations which can include clip or retaining arrangements between each individual splice protector 14.

[0057] In some examples, the tray 10 and/and or splice holder 100 are formed from a polymeric material. In some examples, the tray and/or splice holder 100 are injection molded from a polymeric material. Other materials and formation processes are possible for the splice holder 100.

[0058] The various examples described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made with respect to the examples and applications illustrated and described herein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A splice holder for holding spliced fiber optic cables, the splice holder comprising: a) a plurality of channels for receiving the spliced fiber optic cables, each channel defining a first portion and a second portion, the second portion having a larger dimension than the first portion and being sized to receive a splice protector; b) a snap member arrangement for retaining the spliced fiber optic cables within the channels, the snap member arrangement including: i) a plurality of first snap member pairs located proximate a first end of the splice holder; ii) a plurality of second snap member pairs located proximate a second end of the splice holder; iii) a plurality of first intermediate snap members located between the first and second snap member pairs and along a first side of every other of the plurality of channels; iv) a plurality of second intermediate snap members located between the first and second snap member pairs and along a second side of every other of the plurality of channels; v) a plurality of third intermediate snap members located between the first and second intermediate snap members and along the first side of every other of the plurality of channels; and vi) a plurality of fourth intermediate snap members located between the first and second intermediate snap members and along the second side of every other of the plurality of channels; vii) wherein a first splice protector, when located in a first channel, is retained by the first snap member pair and the first and third intermediate snap members, and wherein a second splice protector, when located in a second channel adjacent the first channel, is retained by the second snap member pair and the second and fourth intermediate snap members.

2. The splice holder of claim 1, wherein the splice holder is integrally formed as a single component.

3. The splice holder of claim 1 or any other preceding claim, wherein the plurality of channels includes twelve channels.

4. The splice holder of claim 1 or any other preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of first intermediate snap members includes a horizontal extension portion extending in a direction towards the second side of the plurality of channels.

5. The splice holder of claim 1 or 4 or any other preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of second intermediate snap members includes a horizontal extension portion extending in a direction towards the first side of the plurality of channels.

6. The splice holder of claim 1 or any other preceding claim, wherein the plurality of channels are configured such that the first portion of every other channel is proximate the first end of the splice holder and the first portion of every other channel is proximate the second end of the splice holder.

7. The splice holder of claim 6 or any other preceding claim, wherein the plurality of first, second, third, and fourth intermediate snap members are located along the second portions of the plurality of channels.

8. The splice holder of claim 1 or any other preceding claim, wherein the plurality of channels are at least partially defined by the plurality of first and second snap member pairs and by the plurality of first, second, third, and fourth intermediate snap members.

9. The splice holder of claim 1 or 7 or any other preceding claim, wherein the plurality of channels are at least partially defined by sidewall members extending from a main body of a tray.

10. The splice holder of claim 6 or any other preceding claim, wherein at least two adjacent channels are joined together at the intermediate portions to form a common channel.

11. A telecommunications assembly comprising : a) a plurality of spliced fiber optic cables, each of the spliced fiber optic cables including a splice protector; and b) a splice holder for holding the spliced fiber optic cables, the splice holder including: i) a plurality of channels for receiving the spliced fiber optic cables, each channel defining a first portion and a second portion, the second portion having a larger dimension than the first portion and being sized to receive the splice protector; ii) a snap member arrangement for retaining the spliced fiber optic cables within the channels, the snap member arrangement including:

(1) a plurality of first snap member pairs located proximate a first end of the splice holder;

(2) a plurality of second snap member pairs located proximate a second end of the splice holder;

(3) a plurality of first intermediate snap members located between the first and second snap member pairs and along a first side of every other of the plurality of channels;

(4) a plurality of second intermediate snap members located between the first and second snap member pairs and along a second side of every other of the plurality of channels;

(5) a plurality of third intermediate snap members located between the first and second intermediate snap members and along the first side of every other of the plurality of channels; and

(6) a plurality of fourth intermediate snap members located between the first and second intermediate snap members and along the second side of every other of the plurality of channels;

(7) wherein a first splice protector, when located in a first channel, is retained by the first snap member pair and the first and third intermediate snap members, and wherein a second splice protector, when located in a second channel adjacent the first channel, is retained by the second snap member pair and the second and fourth intermediate snap members.

12. The telecommunications assembly of claim 11 or any other preceding claim, wherein the splice holder is integrally formed as a single component.

13. The telecommunications assembly of claim 11 or any other preceding claim, wherein the plurality of channels includes twelve channels.

14. The telecommunications assembly of claim 11 or any other preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of first intermediate snap members includes a horizontal extension portion extending in a direction towards the second side of the plurality of channels.

15. The telecommunications assembly of claim 11 or 14 or any other preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of second intermediate snap members includes a horizontal extension portion extending in a direction towards the first side of the plurality of channels.

16. The telecommunications assembly of claim 11 or any other preceding claim, wherein the plurality of channels are at least partially defined by the plurality of first and second snap member pairs and by the plurality of first through fourth intermediate snap members.

17. The telecommunications assembly of claim 11 or 16 or any other preceding claim, wherein the plurality of channels are at least partially defined by sidewall members extending from a main body of a tray.

18. The telecommunications assembly of claim 11 or any other preceding claim, wherein at least two adjacent channels are joined together at intermediate portions to form a common channel.

19. A splice holder comprising: a) a plurality of splice -holding channels defined by side wall structures and extending between first and second ends, the plurality of channels being disposed in a side-by-side and alternating relationship such that the first end of one channel is adjacent the second end of an adjacent channel; b) wherein the first ends of each of the plurality of channels are tapered such that the adjacent second ends of each of the plurality of channels are diverging.

20. The splice holder of claim 19, wherein the second ends of each of the plurality of channels are provided with a rib structure extending into the channel.

21. The splice holder of claim 19 or 20, wherein the second ends of each of the plurality of channels are provided with a lip structure overhanging the channel.

22. The splice holder of claim 21, wherein the lip structure extends from a first sidewall structure in a first direction and the rib structure extends from a second sidewall structure in a second direction opposite the first sidewall structure.

23. The splice holder of claim 19, wherein each of the plurality of channels defines a first portion and a second portion, the second portion having a larger dimension than the first portion and being sized to receive a splice protector.

24. The splice holder of claim 23, wherein the first portion of each of the plurality of channels corresponds to the first end and the second portion of each of the plurality of channels corresponds to the second end.