阅读说明：本技术 用于识别电信部件的标记和方法 (Marking and method for identifying a telecommunications component ) 是由 J·吉恩斯 S·戈森斯 K·瓦斯特曼斯 R·M·W·布里昂 E·L·卡姆斯 D·肯佩内斯 于 2018-11-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：标记元件被添加到电信部件以识别电信部件的来源。标记元件可以包括徽标、具体颜色(例如,与电信部件的非指示性基础颜色不同的颜色)、文本信息、条形码、QR码和RFID标签中的至少一者。标记元件可以辅助识别或跟踪网络连接,识别连接器和/或线缆的类型,标记网络连接以及识别多网络环境中的网络运营商。(A tagging element is added to the telecommunications component to identify the source of the telecommunications component. The marking element may include at least one of a logo, a specific color (e.g., a color different from a non-indicative base color of the telecommunications component), textual information, a barcode, a QR code, and an RFID tag. The tagging element may assist in identifying or tracking network connections, identifying the type of connector and/or cable, tagging network connections, and identifying network operators in a multi-network environment.)

1. A telecommunications system, comprising:

a telecommunications component; and

a flag element connected to the telecommunications component, the flag element having at least a portion that includes a feature that identifies a source of the telecommunications component,

wherein removal of the flag element from the telecommunications component irreparably damages the flag element.

2. The telecommunications system of claim 1, wherein removal of the flag element from the telecommunications component irreparably damages the telecommunications component.

3. The telecommunications system of any preceding claim, wherein removal of the marker element from the telecommunications component disrupts weather protection of the telecommunications component.

4. The telecommunications system of any preceding claim, wherein a marker element is connected to the telecommunications component by at least one of a protrusion and a recess that is received by at least one of a protrusion and a recess of the telecommunications component.

5. The telecommunications system of any preceding claim, wherein the telecommunications component is a domed housing, and wherein the marker element is a cap mountable on a domed portion of the housing.

6. A telecommunications system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the characteristic of the indicia is at least one of a logo, a specific colour, textual information, a barcode, a QR code and an RFID tag.

7. The telecommunications system of any preceding claim, wherein the specific color is different from a non-indicative base color of the telecommunications component.

8. The telecommunications system of any preceding claim, wherein the marker element is a marker badge comprising a pair of arms, each arm having a retainer engagement feature, wherein each retainer engagement feature is configured to mate with a corresponding badge engagement feature of a badge retainer of the telecommunications component.

9. A telecommunications system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the badge holder of the telecommunications component is integral with the telecommunications component, and wherein the badge holder includes at least one channel to secure at least one of the arms of the marker element therein, wherein the channel includes a badge engagement feature.

10. The telecommunications system of any preceding claim, wherein the badge engagement feature is a protrusion comprising at least one angled side and at least one non-angled side, and wherein the retainer engagement feature of the flag element is a rectangular channel.

11. The telecommunications system of any preceding claim, wherein the badge holder engagement feature of the marker element includes at least one inclined surface outside the rectangular channel.

12. A telecommunications system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the marker element is located immediately adjacent a second substantially similar marker element within the badge holder.

13. A telecommunications system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the marker element comprises a recess at the rear side configured to receive an RFID tag therein.

14. The telecommunications system of any preceding claim, wherein the telecommunications component is at least one of a network cable, a housing, and a portion of a housing.

15. The telecommunications system of any preceding claim, wherein the portion of the housing is a seal trigger.

16. The telecommunications system of any preceding claim, wherein the marker elements are embossed.

17. A telecommunications system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the marker element is substantially tubular.

18. The telecommunications system of any preceding claim, wherein the flag element comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end are secured to one another when positioned around at least a portion of the telecommunications component.

19. The telecommunications system of any preceding claim, wherein the marker element comprises a securing feature, wherein the securing feature is configured to couple with the telecommunications component to secure the marker element to the telecommunications component, wherein the securing feature is at least one of an adhesive, a fastener, and a grip coating.

20. A telecommunications system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the marker element has a mesh configuration.

21. The telecommunications system of any preceding claim, wherein the marker element generally grips the telecommunications component to prevent relative movement between the marker element and the telecommunications component.

22. A telecommunications system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the marker element comprises a tag mount disposed thereon.

23. A telecommunications system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the marker element is a marker badge.

24. The telecommunications system of any preceding claim, wherein the flag element is coupled with a latch of the telecommunications component.

25. A marker element for a telecommunications system, the marker element comprising:

a body comprising a feature that identifies the source of a telecommunications component, wherein the feature is at least one of a logo, a specific color, textual information, a barcode, a QR code, and an RFID tag;

a pair of arms extending from opposite sides of the main body, each arm separated from the main body by at least one recess, each arm having a retainer engagement feature, wherein each retainer engagement feature is configured to mate with a corresponding badge engagement feature of a badge retainer;

wherein at least one of the arms is configured to: if tampered with, is irreparably damaged.

26. The marking element of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body comprises a recess at the rear side configured to receive an RFID tag therein.

27. A marking element as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the body includes a front face.

28. A marker element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retainer engagement feature of the marker element is a rectangular channel.

29. The marking element of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retainer engagement feature comprises at least one inclined surface outside the rectangular channel.

30. A method of identifying network connection components, comprising:

applying a force to an indicia element coupled to a telecommunications component having a non-indicative base color, the indicia element including a feature that identifies an origin of the telecommunications component, wherein the feature is at least one of a logo, a specific color, textual information, a barcode, a QR code, and an RFID tag;

irreparably damaging at least one of the marking element and the telecommunications component after applying a force to the marking element.

31. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein irreparably damaging at least one of the marking element and the telecommunications component disrupts weather protection of the telecommunications component.

32. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the emblem element is an emblem that includes a pair of arms, each arm having a retainer engagement feature, wherein each retainer engagement feature is configured to mate with a corresponding emblem engagement feature of an emblem retainer.

33. 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; and

coupling a marking element to the at least one telecommunications component to indicate a characteristic of the telecommunications component, wherein the marking element includes at least one of a logo, a specific color, textual information, a barcode, a QR code, and an RFID tag for identifying the telecommunications component.

34. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the emblem element is an emblem that includes a pair of arms, each arm having a retainer engagement feature, wherein each retainer engagement feature is configured to mate with a corresponding emblem engagement feature of an emblem retainer.

35. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the telecommunications component is at least one of a network cable, a housing, and a portion of a housing.

36. A telecommunications system, comprising:

a telecommunications component; and

a marker element positioned around the telecommunications component, the marker element having at least a portion that identifies an origin of the telecommunications component, wherein the portion is at least one of a logo, a specific color, textual information, a barcode, a QR code, and an RFID tag.

37. The telecommunications system of any preceding claim, wherein the telecommunications component is at least one of a network cable, a housing, and a portion of a housing.

38. The telecommunications system of any preceding claim, wherein the marker element comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end are secured to each other when positioned around at least a portion of the telecommunications component.

39. The telecommunications system of any preceding claim, wherein the marker element comprises a securing feature, wherein the securing feature is configured to couple with the telecommunications component to secure the marker element to the telecommunications component, wherein the securing feature is at least one of an adhesive, a fastener, and a grip coating.

40. The telecommunications system of any preceding claim, wherein the marker element is resilient and expandable to surround at least a portion of the telecommunications component.

41. The telecommunications system of any preceding claim, wherein the flag element is coupled with a latch of the telecommunications component.

42. The telecommunications system of any preceding claim, wherein a marker element is connected to the telecommunications component by at least one of a protrusion and a recess that is received by at least one of a protrusion and a recess of the telecommunications component.

43. A telecommunications system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the marker element has a mesh configuration.

Background

Associating telecommunications components with their corresponding network operators is very important in both field and warehouse environments. In some examples, the color-coded components facilitate easy identification of a particular cable and housing (enclosure). Further, the cable jacket may be color coded to distinguish between various connector types, network connection types, and cable types. For example, the color of the cable or housing may indicate the type of connector, the security level of the network connection, or the identity of the network in a multi-network environment.

In existing systems, the cables and connectors may be colored at the factory during manufacture. For example, the connector may be molded in various colors and the cable jacket may be pressed in various colors. However, this does not provide an improved solution for pre-existing mountings and is not cost effective. Improvements are needed.

Disclosure of Invention

Some aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a system and method of identifying a network connection component including mounting a marker element having an indicative base color to a telecommunications component.

In one example of the present disclosure, a telecommunications system is disclosed. The telecommunications system includes a telecommunications component marking element positioned about a telecommunications component. The marking element has at least a portion that identifies a source of the telecommunications component, wherein the portion may be at least one of a logo, a specific color, textual information, a barcode, a QR code, and an RFID tag. In some examples, the specific color of the indicia is different from a non-indicative base color of the telecommunications component.

In another example 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 method includes coupling a marking element to the telecommunications component to indicate a characteristic of the telecommunications component, wherein the marking element includes at least one of a logo, a specific color, textual information, a barcode, a QR code, and an RFID tag for identifying the telecommunications component. In some examples, the specific color of the indicia is different from a non-indicative base color of the telecommunications component.

In another example of the present disclosure, a telecommunications system is disclosed. The telecommunications system includes a telecommunications component. The telecommunications system includes a marking element connected to a telecommunications component. The marking element has at least a portion that includes a feature that identifies the source of the telecommunications component. Removal of the marker element from the telecommunications component irreparably damages the marker element. In some examples, the specific color of the indicia is different from a non-indicative base color of the telecommunications component.

Various additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description which follows. The inventive aspects may relate to individual features as well as 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.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure. The brief description of the drawings is as follows:

fig. 1 and 2 illustrate example marker elements located around a telecommunications component according to one embodiment of this disclosure.

Fig. 3 shows a range of sizes of the marking elements shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 4 illustrates an example marker element positioned around a telecommunications component according to one embodiment of this disclosure.

Fig. 5 shows another example of a marker element located around a body of a telecommunications component according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 shows another example of a marker element located around a portion of a body of a telecommunications component according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 shows a tag element having a label portion located around the telecommunications component of fig. 5.

Fig. 8 shows another example of a marker element located around the body of a telecommunications component according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9 shows another example of a marker element located around a portion of a body of a telecommunications component according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 10 shows another example of a marker element located around the telecommunications component of fig. 5.

Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of another example of a plurality of flag elements secured to a plurality of telecommunications components.

Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of a single flag element positioned around a single telecommunications component of fig. 11.

Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of the marking element and the telecommunications component of fig. 11 partially exploded from each other.

Fig. 14 shows a perspective view of another example of a plurality of flag elements secured to a plurality of telecommunications components.

Fig. 15 shows a perspective view of the marking element and the telecommunications component of fig. 14 partially exploded from each other.

Fig. 16 shows a bottom perspective view of the flag element of fig. 14.

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of an example protrusion of the flag element of FIG. 14.

Fig. 18 shows a perspective view of another example of a marking element fixed to a telecommunications component.

Fig. 19 shows a perspective view of the marking element and the telecommunications component of fig. 18 partially exploded from each other.

Fig. 20 shows a perspective view of another example of a marking element fixed to a telecommunications component.

Fig. 21 shows a perspective view of the marking element of fig. 20.

Fig. 22 shows a perspective view of the partially exploded flag element of fig. 20.

Fig. 23 shows a perspective view of another example of a marker element.

Fig. 24 shows a perspective view of another example of a marking element fixed to a telecommunications component.

Fig. 25 shows a perspective view of another example of a flag element secured to the telecommunications component of fig. 24.

Fig. 26 shows a perspective view of another example of a flag element secured to the telecommunications component of fig. 24.

Fig. 27 shows a perspective view of information placed on the marking element of fig. 24-26.

Fig. 28 shows a perspective view of the telecommunications component of fig. 24 without the flag component secured thereto.

Fig. 29 shows a perspective view of the flag element of fig. 24-26.

Fig. 30 shows a perspective view of the marking element of fig. 24-26 comprising a QR code.

Fig. 31 illustrates a perspective view of the plurality of marker elements of fig. 24-26 in various colors.

Fig. 32 shows a perspective view of another example of a badge (badge) that may be received by the holder shown in fig. 23.

FIG. 33 shows a perspective front view of the badge of FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 shows a perspective rear view of the badge of FIG. 32.

FIG. 35 shows a perspective view of an example housing including the badge of FIG. 32.

FIG. 36 illustrates another perspective view of an example housing including the badge of FIG. 32.

FIG. 37 shows another perspective view of an example housing including the badge of FIG. 32.

Fig. 38 shows a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line 38-38 in fig. 37.

FIG. 39 shows another perspective cross-sectional view taken along line 38-38 of FIG. 37.

Fig. 40 shows a perspective cross-sectional view along line 40-40 in fig. 37.

FIG. 41 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the badge-free badge along line 38-38 in FIG. 37.

FIG. 42 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the badge-free badge along line 40-40 in FIG. 37.

FIG. 43 shows a schematic view of a holder interacting with a pair of badge according to one example of the present disclosure.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

Detailed Description

Reference 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 a tagging element that can be added to a telecommunications component to identify a source of the telecommunications component. According to some aspects, the tagging element assists in identifying or tracking network connections, and/or identifying telecommunications components having certain connectors and/or cables, and/or tagging network connections. According to some aspects, a tagging element facilitates identifying a network operator in a multi-network environment. The marker elements disclosed herein can have various shapes and sizes. The marking element may include specific features such as, but not limited to, a logo, a specific color (e.g., a color different from the non-indicative base color of the telecommunications component), textual information, a barcode, a QR code, and an RFID tag. According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the telecommunications components are all manufactured in a common base color (e.g., white, black, gray, etc.). The base color does not indicate any feature of the telecommunications component. A color marking element is then added (e.g., during or after installation) to indicate one or more characteristics (e.g., type, size, identity, etc.) of the telecommunications component.

Fig. 1 and 2 illustrate an example telecommunications component 100, the example telecommunications component 100 including a marker element 102 positioned thereabout. As shown, the telecommunications component is a housing. It is contemplated, however, that the telecommunications component 100 may be any of a variety of different components or portions of components for installing a telecommunications network within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the telecommunications component 100 can be a housing or a portion of a housing (as shown in fig. 5-7). Example telecommunications components are shown and described in U.S. patent No. 5,059,748, U.S. patent No. 8,989,550, and U.S. patent publication No. 2015/0137461, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The flag elements 102 are positioned around the telecommunications component 100 to assist in distinguishing the telecommunications component 100 from other similar telecommunications components 100. Example marker elements are placed around the telecommunications component 100. In some examples, the marker element 102 is a sleeve.

In the example shown in fig. 1 and 2, the flag element 102 is located around the body 104 of the telecommunications component 100. In some examples, the telecommunications component 100 is a housing (e.g., a dome, a box, a cabinet, etc.). In some examples, the telecommunications component 100 is a cable. In some examples, the telecommunications component 100 can have a body 104 that can be a cover, a shroud, or other similar structure. In some examples, the telecommunications component 100 can have a plurality of cables 106 entering and exiting the telecommunications component 100.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the marker elements 102 may be color coded to allow a user to easily visually distinguish between other similar telecommunications components 100. In fig. 1, the marker element 102a is shown as a first color (i.e., green), while the marker element 102b in fig. 2 is shown as a second color (i.e., orange). Each of the marker elements 102 may be manufactured (e.g., molded, pressed, etc.) in one or more desired colors.

The flag element 102 is shown as a fixed length L such that it can be installed on a variety of different sizes and shapes of telecommunications components 100. in some examples, the flag element 102 can be trimmed into pieces 101 during installation, each piece having a shorter length to fit a variety of different telecommunications components 100. the flag element 102 is configured to be installed around new telecommunications components 100 or previously installed telecommunications components 100, thus providing maximum flexibility to a user.

In some examples, the marker element 102 has a tubular shape when not installed. In other examples, the marker element 102 is a sheet-like body (sheet) when not installed. When shaped like a tube, the flag element 102 can be slid over the telecommunications component 100 and positioned around the telecommunications component 100. In some examples, the flag element 102 can expand from a first dimension D1 to a second dimension D2 to fit and grasp the telecommunications component 100. In some examples, the marker element 102 can grasp or hold the telecommunications component 100 such that the marker element 102 stays in a particular position on the telecommunications component 100.

When the marker elements 102 are sheets, the marker elements 102 can be wrapped around the telecommunications component 100 and secured together (e.g., welded or fastened using fasteners) to form a tube (i.e., a sleeve). In some examples, the flag element 102 can have elastic qualities such that the flag element 102 can expand and contract to surround various different shapes and sizes of the telecommunications component 100. In some examples, marker element 102 is made of high or low density polyethylene.

As shown, the marker element 102 may include a plurality of strands 108 that together form a mesh shape. In some examples, the strands 108 are interconnected while still allowing a user to visually discern the telecommunications component around which the marker element 102 is located. In other examples, marker element 102 may include a portion that is solid and non-mesh (see fig. 7). In other examples, the marker element 102 may comprise a solid, sheet-like construction without individual strands (see fig. 8-10). In some examples, the marker element 102 may be manufactured using an extrusion process.

In some examples, the marker element 102 may include a securing feature 110. The securing feature 110 is configured to couple the flag element 102 with the telecommunications component 100 to secure the flag element 102 relative to the telecommunications component 100. This can prevent undesired removal of the flag element 102 from the telecommunications component 100 or movement of the flag element 102 on the telecommunications component 100 (i.e., migration along the length of the cable). In some examples, the securing feature 110 is an adhesive. In some examples, the securing features 110 are adhesives that can be easily applied in the field without the need for additional supplies. In some examples, the securing feature 110 may be fabricated as part of the marker element 102. In other examples, the securing feature 110 is a fastener that couples to both the flag element 102 and the telecommunications component 100. In other examples, the securing feature 110 is a grip coating on an interior surface of the marker element that interfaces with the telecommunications component 100. In some examples, the grip coating may be a rubber-like material.

Fig. 3 shows a pair of telecommunications components 100a, 100b having two different sizes (i.e., diameters). As shown, the flag elements 102c, 102d can be sized and shaped to be positioned around both telecommunications components 100a, 100b regardless of size. In some examples, the marker element 102 can be manufactured in a variety of different sizes (such as small, medium, or large) to accommodate a variety of different telecommunications components (i.e., different sizes allow for placement on different sized cables and housings).

Fig. 4 shows telecommunications in which marker elements 102e, 102f are positioned around cable 106. The marker elements 102e, 102f are substantially similar to the marker elements 102a-102d described above and are color coded to distinguish between the telecommunications components 100. For example, each cable 104 may have a different network identity, and thus a different marker element 102 may be assigned to each cable 106. The marker elements 102 allow a user to easily discern which cable 106 belongs to which network based on the particular color of each marker element 102. In some examples, the marker element 102 may be slid over each cable 106 or wrapped around each cable 106. In some examples, the marker elements 102 can be located near an end 107 of each cable 106, adjacent to the telecommunications component 100 (e.g., housing). In some examples, marker element 102 may be positioned along any portion of the length of cable 106.

Fig. 5-7 illustrate another example of a telecommunications component 200, the telecommunications component 200 having a marker element 102 positioned thereabout. In the depicted example, the telecommunications component 200 is a housing for housing other telecommunications components. As shown, the telecommunications component 200 includes a body 202. In the example depicted in fig. 5 and 7, the marker element 102g is located around the body 202. In the example shown in fig. 6, the flag element 102h is located around a portion 204 of the telecommunications component 200. In some examples, the portion 204 is a seal trigger for activating at least one seal within the telecommunications component 200.

In the example shown in fig. 7, the marker element 102i includes at least one tag portion 118. The tag portion 118 may be a portion configured to receive a tag. In some examples, a user may hand write a label on the label portion 118. In other examples, the label portion 118 is configured to receive printed labels. In some examples, the label portion 118 does not include strands 108, but rather presents a generally smooth surface sufficient to receive a label.

Fig. 8-10 illustrate a marker element 302 positioned about another example telecommunications component 300. In the depicted example, the telecommunications component 300 is a dome-shaped housing for housing other telecommunications components and having a plurality of cables 303 entering and exiting the telecommunications component 300. In the depicted example, the marker element 302 is located around the body 304 of the telecommunications component 300. In some examples, the body may be a lid, a cover, or other similar structure.

The marker element 302 is substantially similar to the marker element 102 described above. As shown, the marker element 302 can be adapted to be positioned around a variety of different telecommunications components (i.e., housings, domes, etc.). In some embodiments, the flag element 302 has elastic properties such that the flag element 302 can be stretched to fit a variety of different telecommunications components 100. In some embodiments, the marker element 302 may be constructed of a rubber-based material. In some examples, the marking element 302 may be an elastic band. In other examples, the flag element may be a resilient cover, as shown in fig. 9. Fig. 10 shows a marker element 302 positioned around the telecommunications component of fig. 5.

Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of a plurality of telecommunications components 400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, 400e, each having a marking element 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d, 402 e. Like the indicia elements 102, 302 described above, the indicia elements 402 of each telecommunications component 400 can be color coded to allow a user to easily visually distinguish between other similar telecommunications components. In fig. 11, marker element 402a is shown as a first color (e.g., black), marker element 402b is shown as a second color (e.g., yellow), marker element 402c is shown as a third color (e.g., blue), marker element 402d is shown as a fourth color (e.g., green), and marker element 402e is shown as a fifth color (e.g., gray). Each of the marking elements 402 may be manufactured (e.g., molded, pressed, etc.) in one or more desired colors.

Fig. 12 shows an individual telecommunications component 400 having a marking element 402. As shown, the telecommunications component 400 is a housing having a shroud 404. In the depicted example, the telecommunications component 400 is a dome-shaped housing. In some examples, the shroud 404 of the telecommunications component 400 can include a plurality of ribs 406. Each pair of ribs 406 defines a recess 408 between the ribs 406.

In the depicted example, the marking 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 marker element 402 is located around the shroud 404 of the telecommunications component 400. In still other examples, marker elements 402 are located within recesses 408 between ribs 406 of shroud 404.

Fig. 13 shows the flag element 402 exploded away from the telecommunications component 400. In some examples, the marking element 402 can be a single continuous band that can be secured around a portion of the telecommunications component 400 (e.g., a band clamp and/or a cable tie). In some examples, the marker element 402 may include a first portion 410 and a second portion 412, the first portion 410 and the second portion 412 configured to attach to one another to form the complete marker element 402. In some examples, first and second portions 410, 412 may have corresponding protrusions 414 and recesses 416 that facilitate connecting first portion 408 and second portion 410 to one another.

In some examples, once the protrusions 414 and recesses 416 of the first and second portions 410, 412 are mated with one another, the marker element 402 must be irreparably damaged in order to separate the first and second portions 410, 412 from one another. For example, the protrusion 414 must be broken, or the first or second portion 410, 412 of the marker element 402 must be cut. In such an example, damaging the marking element 402 would render the marking element 402 unusable. This destructible nature prevents the removal of the flag element 402 from one telecommunications component 400 and the installation of the same flag element 402 on another telecommunications component 400. Further, in the depicted example, by positioning marker element 402 within recess 408, tampering with marker element 402 becomes difficult, and rib 406 at least partially protects marker element 402.

Fig. 14 shows a perspective view of a plurality of telecommunications components 500a, 500b, 500c, 500d, 500e, each having a flag element 502a, 502b, 502c, 502d, 502e secured thereto. Like the marking elements 102, 302, 402 described above, the marking element 502 of each telecommunications component 500 can be color coded to allow a user to easily visually distinguish between other similar telecommunications components.

Fig. 15 shows an individual telecommunications component 500 having a flag element 502. As shown, the telecommunications component 500 is a housing having a hood 504. In the depicted example, the telecommunications component 500 is a dome-shaped housing. In some examples, the enclosure 504 of the telecommunications component 500 can have a domed top 506. In some examples, the dome top 506 includes an aperture 508 for receiving a portion of the marker element 502.

The flag element 502 is shown exploded away from the telecommunications component 500. In some examples, the marker element 502 may be a cap located on a dome top 506 of the cover 504. In some examples, marker element 502 may include a plurality of slots and/or recesses 510 configured to receive corresponding features of cover 504.

Fig. 16 shows a bottom perspective view of the marker element 502. The marker element 502 may include at least one protrusion 512 extending from an underside 514 of the marker element 504. In some examples, marker element 502 may include a plurality of protrusions 512. In some examples, the protrusion 512 is configured to be received by the cover 504 (specifically the aperture 510). In some examples, the protrusion 510 is configured to be received within the aperture 510 to provide weather protection for the aperture 510 and thus the telecommunications component 500. In some examples, the protrusion 512 may be molded to the underside 514 of the marker element 502. In some examples, the protrusion 512 may be used with a sealing element to seal the aperture 510 when the protrusion 512 is located in the aperture 510.

Like the marker element 402 above, in some examples, the marker element 502 is configured to: the marking element 502 becomes damaged if tampered with. In some examples, the tagging element 502 is configured to: if tampered with, is irreparably damaged and will become unusable. In some examples, the flag element 502 will also render the telecommunications component 500 unusable if tampered with. In some examples, the protrusion 512 is configured to break within the aperture 510 during tampering, thereby preventing the other indicia element 502 from being attached to the telecommunications component 500. In some examples, the protrusion 512 is configured to break a portion of the enclosure 504 (such as the area around the aperture 510) during tampering, thereby permanently exposing the telecommunications component and providing no weather protection (i.e., susceptibility to water, dust, etc.) to the elements. Such exposure renders the telecommunications component 500 unusable.

Fig. 17 shows an example of a protrusion 512, a seal 516, a washer 518, and a nut 520. In some examples, seal 516, washer 518, and nut 520 are configured to be used in conjunction with protrusion 512 to seal aperture 510 in cover 504 and to connect marker element 502 to cover 504. In some examples, the protrusion 512 is a fastener such as a screw, bolt, rivet, or the like. In some examples, the protrusion 510 is a rivet that mates with at least one seal.

Fig. 18 shows another example of a telecommunications component 600 having a flag element 602. Fig. 19 shows the flag element 602 exploded away from the telecommunications component 600. As shown, the telecommunications component 600 is a housing having a shroud 604. In the depicted example, the tagging element 602 is a badge attached to the cover 604. In the depicted example, the flag element 602 includes a protrusion 606 that is received by a hole 608 of the shroud 604. Like the tagging elements described above, the tagging element 602 may be configured to: if the marker element 602 is tampered with, it is irreparably damaged. In some examples, tamper indicating element 602 also renders telecommunication component 600 unusable. The flag element 602 may be color coded to allow a user to easily visually distinguish between other similar telecommunications components.

Fig. 20 shows another example of a telecommunications component 700 having a flag element 702. As shown, the telecommunications component 700 is a housing having a cover 704, the cover 704 being secured in a closed, sealed position by means of latches 706. In the depicted example, the marker element 702 is located within the latch 706.

Fig. 21 shows the latch 706 removed from the telecommunications component 700, the latch 706 having the flag element 702 located therein. Fig. 22 shows the marker element 702 removed from the aperture 708 defined by the latch 706. In some examples, the flag element 702 includes a plurality of flags 710a, 710b, 710c to allow a user to alter the exposed flags 710a, 710b, 710c of the telecommunications component 700. In some examples, only a single indicia 710a, 710b, 710c is received within the aperture 708 at a time and is thus exposed. Each indicia 710a, 710b, 710c may be color coded to allow a user to easily visually distinguish between other similar telecommunications components.

Fig. 23 shows another example of a marker element 802. The tagging element 802 may include a holder 804 and a tagging badge 806. In some examples, the badge 806 includes a protrusion 808 to retain the badge 806 within the recess 805 of the retainer 804. The tagging element 802 may be secured to any of a variety of telecommunications components. In some examples, the retainer 804 is configured to be an integral part of the telecommunications component (i.e., an integral part of the shroud or body). Badge 806 may be color coded to allow a user to easily visually distinguish between other similar telecommunications components.

Another example of a badge 1006 that may be received by a holder, such as holder 804, is shown in fig. 32. The badge 1006 may include a recess 1003 disposed in the rear side 1005 to receive an RFID tag 1007 (shown schematically in fig. 32). The RFID tag 1007 may be secured within the recess 1003 via an adhesive (or other similar fastener) or, alternatively, loosely located therein. Once inserted into the holder 804, the back side 1005 of the badge 1006 will be covered. Embedding the RFID tag 1007 within the back side 1005 of the badge 1006 provides a target for the user to easily scan when looking for RFID tag information. Additionally, embedding the RFID tag 1007 within the back side 1005 of the badge 1006 also allows for a clean front face 1009 that also enables a user to place additional indicia (e.g., tags) thereon. In some examples, the badge 1006 may have a clean front face 1009 without any additional indicia. In some examples, the badge 1006 may have a clean front face 1009 configured to receive information printed thereon (e.g., using an embossing technique). In other examples, the badge 1006 may have a variety of different colors.

33-34 show perspective front and rear views, respectively, of the badge 1006. The badge 1006 includes a pair of engagement arms 1001 on opposite sides of the badge 1006. Each arm 1001 extends away from the body 1002 of the marker holder 1006. In some examples, each arm 1001 is separated from the body 1002 by at least one recess 1011. In some examples, each arm 1001 is separated from the body 1002 by more than one recess 1011. In some examples, each arm 1001 is flexible. In some examples, each arm 1001 is configured to: if the badge 1006 is tampered with, it is irreparably damaged.

Each arm 1001 also includes at least one retainer engagement feature 1013 configured to interface with a retainer, such as retainer 804, to retain the badge 1006 within the retainer. In some examples, the retainer engagement feature 1013 includes a pair of sloped surfaces 1015 and a rectangular channel 1017 between the pair of sloped surfaces 1015. In some examples, retainer engagement feature 1013 includes only a single sloped surface 1015.

Fig. 35-37 show a pair of badge 1006 positioned on a housing 1010. In some examples, the housing 1010 and badge 1006 may include features that are decorative in nature. In some examples, only a single badge 1006 is located on the housing 1010. In some examples, more than two badge 1006 are located on the housing 1010. In some examples, the badge 1006 is positioned adjacent to or spaced apart from each other on the housing 1010.

As shown, the housing 1010 includes a retainer 1012 to secure the badge 1006 to the housing 1010. The retainer 1012 may be integral with the housing (housing) of the housing 1010. The badge 1006 is configured to: if someone attempts to remove the badge 1006 from the holder 1012, it is irreparably damaged.

FIG. 38 shows a perspective cross-sectional view along line 38-38 of FIG. 37 to illustrate the badge 1006 in the holder 1012. As shown, the arms 1001 of each badge 1006 are located and retained within the badge receiving channel 1014 of the retainer 1012. FIG. 39 shows another perspective cross-sectional view along line 38-38 of FIG. 37 to illustrate the badge 1006 in the holder 1012. As shown, the RFID tag 1007 is located at the back side 1005 of the badge 1006, between the back side 1005 and the housing 1010. Such placement of the RFID tag 1007 allows a user to scan each badge 1006 using an RFID reader while the badge is mounted on the housing 1010 so that the user can obtain additional information from the RFID tag 1007, such as housing identification information. As described above, since the RFID tag is at the rear side 1005 of each badge 1006, and each badge 1006 is retained by the retainer 1012, the RFID tag is protected.

FIG. 40 shows a perspective cross-sectional view along line 40-40 of FIG. 37 to illustrate the badge 1006a, 1006b positioned adjacent to one another in the retainer 1012. In some examples, neither badge 1006a, 1006b includes an RFID tag 1007. In some examples, at least one badge 1006a/1006b includes an RFID tag 1007. In some examples, both badges 1006a/1006b include an RFID tag 1007.

Figures 41 and 42 show perspective cross-sectional views of the retainer 1012 along lines 38-38 and 40-40 of figure 37 with the badge 1006 located therein. The retainer 1012 includes at least one badge engaging feature 1016 located within each badge receiving channel 1014. The badge engagement feature 1016 is configured to mate with the retainer engagement feature 1013 of the badge 1006 to retain the badge 1006 within the retainer 1012. In some examples, the retainer 1012 may include a badge engagement feature 1016 to mate with each retainer engagement feature 1013 of each badge 1006. In some examples, the retainer 1012 may include a plurality of badge engagement features 1016 to mate with only a select number of retainer engagement features 1013 per badge 1006.

FIG. 43 depicts a schematic cross-sectional view of the badge 1006 located within a holder 1012. In the depicted example, each badge-engaging feature 1016 of the retainer 1012 is a protrusion within each badge-receiving channel 1014. The protrusion includes an angled side 1018 and a non-angled side 1020. When the badge 1006 is inserted into the badge receiving channel 1014, the inclined surfaces 1015 of the retainer engagement features 1013 of the arms 1001 of the badge 1006 interface with and ride over the inclined sides 1018 of each badge engagement feature 1016 of the retainer 1012. During such interaction, each arm 1001 flexes inwardly, facilitated in part by the recess 1011, until the badge engagement feature 1016 is located within the rectangular channel 1017 of the retainer engagement feature 1013. Once located therein, the badge 1006 is retained within the retainer 1012 because the channel 1017 is rectangular and because the badge engaging feature 1016 includes non-angled sides. In some examples, in the position shown in fig. 43, the badge 1006a/1006b cannot be removed from the retainer 1012 unless at least one arm 1001 of each badge 1006 is irreparably damaged to prevent the badge 1006 from being retained within the retainer 1012 (which renders the badge 1006 unusable). In some examples, the badge engagement feature 1016 may include a recess similar to the channel 1017 that receives a protrusion of the retainer engagement feature 1013 of the badge 1006. It is contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure that the badge engagement feature 1016 and the retainer engagement feature 1013 may have a variety of different configurations wherein the badge 1006 becomes irreparably damaged upon tampering with one of the retainer 1012 and badge 1006.

Fig. 24 shows another example of a telecommunications component 900 having a flag element 902. Fig. 25 shows another example of a telecommunications component 900 having a flag element 902'. Fig. 26 shows another example of a telecommunications component 900 having a flag element 902 ". As shown, the telecommunications component 900 is a housing having an outer housing 904. In the depicted example, marker elements 902, 902', 902 "are labels attached to outer housing 904. In some examples, to remove the tagging elements 902, 902', 902 "from the telecommunications component 900, the tagging elements 902, 902', 902" must be irreparably damaged.

In some examples, marker elements 902, 902', 902 ″ may have a variety of different sizes and shapes. For example, marker elements 902, 902' may cover a portion of the surface of outer housing 904. In other examples, marker element 902 "may cover a majority of the surface of outer housing 904. In some examples, marker elements 902, 902', 902 "have a rigid construction. In other examples, the marker element has a flexible construction (such as a label).

The marking elements 902, 902', 902 "may include a logo, a specific color, textual information, a barcode, a QR code, and an RFID tag or other identifying characteristic. For example, fig. 27 shows a marking element 902 "having various printed information 903 disposed thereon. In some examples, the information 903 may be affixed to a marking element 902, 902', 902 "(e.g., a label, printed sticker, etc.). In other examples, information 903 may be formed in tagging elements 902, 902', 902 ″.

The tagging element 902, 902', 902 "includes a securing feature 906 configured to secure the tagging element 902, 902', 902" to the telecommunications component 900. In some examples, the securing feature 906 is a tab (tab). In some examples, the securing feature 906 is a spring-loaded tab. In some examples, if the flag element 902, 902', 902 "is removed from the telecommunications component 900, the securing feature 906 becomes irreparably damaged.

Marker elements 902, 902', 902 "include mating features 908 that are configured to mate with corresponding housing mating features 910 to assist in securing marker elements 902, 902', 902" to outer housing 904. Fig. 28 shows a telecommunications component 900 without a flag element 902 secured thereto. In the depicted example, the housing mating feature 910 is a channel that receives the corresponding mating feature 908 of the tagging element 902, 902', 902 ″.

Fig. 29 shows a perspective view of a marker element 902. As shown, the tagging element 902 includes a mating feature 908, the mating feature 908 being configured to be positioned within a housing mating feature 910. The marker element 902 also depicts a securing feature 906 as a tab. Information 903 is shown formed within marker element 902. In some examples, marker element 902 may be constructed of plastic, metal, or similar material.

Fig. 30 depicts information 903 in the form of a QR code. Fig. 31 depicts a plurality of marker elements 902, each marker element having a variety of different colors.

Having described 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 appended claims.