LAMINATED SPLICE PROTECTOR

Abstract

Certain splice arrangements include first and second laminated structures bonded around a splice location where two or more optical fibers are spliced ​​(e.g., fusion-spliced) together. The first and second laminated structures each include a flexible polymer foil and a heat-activated adhesive layer supported by the flexible polymer foil. Other splice arrangements include a protective barrier disposed around an optical splice. The protective barrier includes first and second protective layers bonded around the optical splice. Each protective layer includes a film supporting an adhesive. The protective barrier may be flexible enough not to restrict the flexing of the optical fibers at the splice location. The illustrative splice arrangements have thicknesses less than or equal to 1000 microns, 900 microns, 800 microns, 700 microns, 600 microns, or 500 microns.

Description

LAMINATED SPLICE PROTECTOR CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is filed on September 20, 2019 as an International PCT Patent Application and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 62 / 734,110, filed on September 20, 2018, and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 62 / 836,294, filed on April 19, 2019, and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 62 / 879,573, filed on July 29, 2019, and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 62 / 898,742, filed on September 11, 2019, the descriptions of which are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND Fiber optic communication systems are becoming increasingly common, in part because service providers want to offer high-bandwidth communication capabilities (e.g., data and voice) to customers. Fiber optic communication systems use a network of fiber optic cables to transmit large volumes of data and voice signals over relatively long distances. Fiber optic splices are an important part of most fiber optic communication systems. Fiber optic splices are generally used to provide a permanent or near-permanent optical connection between optical fibers. Optical splices can include single-fiber splices and multi-fiber splices (e.g., bulk fusion splices). In a typical splicing operation, two optical fibers or two sets of optical fibers are first aligned coaxially.Optoelectronic equipment is often used to actively align the cores of optical fibers. Once the fibers are aligned, their ends can be spliced ​​together by fusion, typically using an electric arc. After splicing, the splice site is usually reinforced with a fiber optic fusion splice protector. A common type of fiber optic fusion splice protector is the SMOUV fiber optic fusion splice protector sold by CommScope Inc. of Hickory, North Carolina, USA. This type of fusion splice protector includes a hot-fit outer tube, a low-temperature hot-melt adhesive, and a stainless steel or ceramic rod that adds rigidity to the protector and reinforces the splice site. COMPENDIUM Certain aspects of the description pertain to a splice arrangement that includes first and second laminated structures positioned around a splice location where two or more optical fibers are spliced ​​together (e.g., fusion-spliced). Each of the first and second laminated structures includes a polymer sheet and an adhesive layer supported by the polymer sheet. The adhesive layer bonds to the spliced ​​fibers to interleave the fibers between the polymer sheets. In certain implementations, the adhesive layer may include multiple layers of adhesive. For example, the adhesive layer may include a layer of soft adhesive against a layer of hard adhesive. Certain aspects of the description relate to a splice arrangement that includes first and second laminated structures positioned around a splice location where two or more optical fibers are spliced ​​(e.g., fusion-spliced) together. Each of the first and second laminated structures includes a flexible polymer sheet and a heat-activated adhesive layer supported by the flexible polymer sheet. The sheets can be bonded together (e.g., via the adhesive). Certain aspects of the description relate to a splice arrangement that includes a first and a second film positioned across a splice location where two or more optical fibers are spliced ​​(e.g., fusion-spliced) together. The first and second films each support an adhesive that bonds to the optical fibers and / or the optical fiber cladding to form a protective barrier around the splice location. In examples, each film includes a flexible polymer sheet. In one example, the flexible polymer sheet includes polyester plastic. In some implementations, no chemicals are needed to activate the adhesive. In some examples, the adhesive is activated by heat. In others, it is activated by pressure. Still others use UV curing. In other implementations, the adhesive is chemically activated. In some implementations, a single optical fiber is spliced ​​to another single optical fiber at the splice location. In other implementations, a plurality of optical fibers are spliced ​​to another plurality of optical fibers at the splice location. In some examples, the optical fibers in each plurality are loosely woven together relative to one another. In other examples, the optical fibers in each plurality are loosely woven together in a ribbon-like fashion relative to one another. In still other examples, the optical fibers in each plurality are fully woven together in a ribbon-like fashion relative to one another. In certain implementations, the protective barrier may be no more than 0.2 inches thicker than the thickness of the spliced ​​fibers. In certain implementations, the protective barrier may be no more than 0.15 inches thicker than the thickness of the spliced ​​fibers. In certain implementations, the protective barrier may be no more than 0.1 inches thicker than the thickness of the spliced ​​fibers. In certain implementations, the protective barrier may be no more than 0.05 inches thicker than the thickness of the spliced ​​fibers. In certain implementations, the protective barrier may be no more than 0.04 inches thicker than the thickness of the spliced ​​fibers. In certain implementations, the protective barrier may be no more than 0.03 inches thicker than the thickness of the spliced ​​fibers.In certain implementations, the protective barrier may be no more than 0.02 inches thicker than the thickness of the spliced ​​fibers. In certain implementations, the protective barrier may be no more than 0.01 inches thicker than the thickness of the spliced ​​fibers. In certain implementations, each film is no more than 0.03 inches thick. In certain implementations, each film is no more than 0.02 inches thick. In certain implementations, each film is no more than 0.01 inches thick. In certain implementations, each film is no more than 0.006 inches thick. In certain implementations, each film is no more than 0.003 inches thick. In certain implementations, the protective barrier has a flexibility similar to that of the optical fibers being spliced. In certain implementations, the protective barrier is flexible enough not to significantly reduce the flexibility of the optical fibers at the splice location. In certain implementations, the protective barrier does not restrict the flexibility of the optical fibers at the splice location. In certain implementations, the protective barrier adds rigidity or firmness to the cable assembly at the splice location. For example, the protective barrier may have no more than 50% of the flexibility of the cable assembly. In certain examples, the protective barrier may have less than 55% of the flexibility of the cable assembly. In certain examples, the protective barrier may have less than 60% of the flexibility of the cable assembly. In certain examples, the protective barrier may have less than 45% of the flexibility of the cable assembly. In certain examples, the protective barrier may have between approximately 1% and 55% of the flexibility of the cable assembly. In certain examples, the protective barrier may have between approximately 10% and 50% of the flexibility of the cable assembly.In certain examples, the protective barrier may have between approximately 10% and 40% of the cable arrangement flexibility. In certain examples, the protective barrier may have between approximately 20% and 55% of the cable arrangement flexibility. In certain examples, the protective barrier may have between approximately 1% and 20% of the cable arrangement flexibility. The protective barrier can be installed in a factory during factory splicing operations or in the field during field splicing operations. In various examples, the splice location and the protective barrier can be located inside a cable (e.g., inside a cable jacket), inside a connector (e.g., a plug connector), adjacent to and outside a connector, inside a module (e.g., a splice tray, a termination module, etc.), inside an overmold, inside a rigid body (e.g., a protective housing) that contains only the protective barrier, or inside a housing (e.g., a terminal) that contains other components besides the protective barrier. In certain implementations, the protective barrier can have a flexible configuration by varying the film composition and / or thickness. Consequently, each protective barrier can be customized to suit a particular application (e.g., protecting a splice in a rigid tray, protecting a splice within a sealed enclosure, protecting a splice along a flexible cable, etc.). The following description will set forth a variety of additional inventive features. These inventive features may relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It should be understood that both the preceding general description and the detailed description that follows are merely illustrative and explanatory and do not restrict the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments described herein are based. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The accompanying figures, which are incorporated into and form part of the description, illustrate various aspects of this description. The following is a brief description of the figures: Figure 1 is a top plan view of an example cable arrangement that includes a first section of ribbon cable spliced ​​to a second section of ribbon cable at a splice location, the splice location being protected by a Mylar substrate arrangement; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a cross-section taken along line 3-3 of Figure 1 with the crosshatching omitted for ease of viewing; Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an illustrative protective barrier mounted on an optical splice according to the principles of the present cozrnn / Lznz / B / Yi description; Figure 5 is a schematic top plan view of the protective barrier of Figure 4 over an illustrative splice between the first and second optical fibers in accordance with some principles of the present description, the protective barrier is shown as transparent to facilitate the visualization of the splice; Figure 6 is a schematic top plan view of the protective barrier of Figure 4 over another illustrative splice between the first and second loose fiber tapes according to other principles of the present description, the protective barrier is shown as transparent to facilitate visualization of the splice; Figure 7 is a schematic top plan view of an example cable arrangement that includes a first section of ribbon cable spliced ​​to a second section of ribbon cable at a splice location, the splice location being protected by the protective barrier of Figure 4, for example a Mylar substrate arrangement; Figure 8A is an end view taken along line 8-8 of an illustrative first implementation of the cable arrangement of Figures 6 and 7 with the crosshatching omitted for ease of visualization; Figure 8B is an end view taken along line 8-8 of a second illustrative implementation of the cable arrangement of Figures 6 and 7 with the crosshatching omitted for ease of visualization, wherein Figures 8A and 8B illustrate different protective barrier configurations suitable for use with any of the cable arrangements of Figures 6 and 7; Figure 9 is a schematic view of an illustrative tool for use in applying the protective barrier to an optical splice; Figure 10 is a schematic view showing an illustrative splice mounted on the tool of Figure 9; Figure 11 is a plan view of one non-adhesive side of an illustrative protective layer; and Figure 12 is a plan view of one adhesive side of the protective layer illustrating Figure 11. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Illustrative aspects of the present description, shown in the accompanying figures, will now be discussed in detail. Where possible, the same reference numbers will be used in all figures to refer to equal or similar parts. With reference to Figures 1-3, according to some aspects of the description, the present description is addressed to a splice arrangement 200 that includes a first and a second fiber ribbons 202, 204 that include rows of optical fibers 206, 208 that are fusion-spliced ​​together at a splice location 210. The first and second fiber ribbons 202, 204 each have an opposing first and second principal sides 202a, 202b, 204a, 204b. The splice location is positioned between the first and second laminated structures 212, 222. The first and second laminated structures 212, 222 each include a flexible polymeric film or sheet 214, 224 and a heat-activated adhesive layer 216, 226 supported by the flexible polymeric sheet 214, 224.The adhesive layer 216 of the first laminated structure 212 is bonded to the first principal sides 202a, 204a of the first and second fiber tapes 202, 204 and the adhesive layer 226 of the second laminated structure 222 is bonded to the second principal sides 202b, 204b of the first and second fiber tapes 202, 204. In certain implementations, the optical fibers 206, 208 include bare fiber portions 207, 209 adjacent to the splice location 210. The first and second laminated structures 212, 222 are adhesively bonded to the bare fiber portions 207, 209. In certain examples, the first and second fiber tapes 202, 204 include ribbon-like portions where the optical fibers 206, 208 are coated with a matrix material. The first and second laminated structures 212, 222 are adhesively bonded to the ribbon-like portions. In certain implementations, the first and second laminated structures 212, 222 do not include any reinforcing rod. In certain implementations, the splice arrangement 200 does not include any reinforcing rod extending through the splice location 210. In certain implementations, the flexible polymer sheets 214, 224 each have a thickness in the range of 0.003 to 0.02 inches. In certain implementations, the flexible polymer sheets 214, 224 each have a thickness less than or equal to 0.02 inches, or less than or equal to 0.01 inches, or less than or equal to 0.005 inches. In certain implementations, the first and second laminated structures 212, 222 are wider than the first and second fiber tapes 202, 204. The first and second laminated structures 212, 222 are adhesively bonded to each other at longitudinal edges 212a, 222a, 212b, 222b that are positioned along the outer longitudinal edges of the first and second fiber tapes 202, 204. In certain implementations, each 206, 208 optical fiber includes a core and a cladding layer surrounding the core. In certain implementations, the first and second laminated structures 212, 222 are approximately as flexible as the fiber tapes 202, 204. cozenn / Lznz / E / Yi In certain implementations, the first and second laminated structures 212, 222 have a first flexibility. The first and second fiber tapes 202, 204 have ribbon-like portions with a second flexibility. The first and second flexibilities do not vary by more than 25 percent. In certain implementations, splice location 210 may be located within a connector body of an optical fiber connector. In certain implementations, the heat-activated adhesive 216, 226 can be activated in an oven. In certain implementations, the flexible polymer sheets 214, 224 include Mylar. In certain implementations, the 200 splice arrangement can be used on panels, devices, modules, cable assemblies, interconnections, and cable transitions. In certain implementations, no chemicals are needed to activate the adhesive, 216, 226. In certain implementations, the 200 splice arrangement has a thickness less than or equal to 2000 microns, or 900 microns, or 800 microns, or 700 microns, or 600 microns, or 500 microns. According to other aspects of the description, the splice arrangement 200 includes optical fibers 206, 208 that are fusion-spliced ​​together at a splice location 210; and a first and a second laminated structures 212, 222 each including a flexible polymer sheet 214, 224 and a heat-activated adhesive layer 216, 226 supported by the flexible polymer sheet 214, 224. The splice location 210 is positioned and joined between the first and second laminated structures 212, 222. With reference to Figures 4-7, and in accordance with other aspects of the description, the present description pertains to a splice arrangement 100, 150 that includes a protective barrier 105, 155 disposed over an optical splice 110, 160 between at least one first optical fiber 102, 152 and a second optical fiber 104, 154 at a splice location. The protective barrier 105, 155 includes a first protective layer 112, 162 and a separate second protective layer 122, 172 that cooperate with each other to interpose the optical splice 110, 160 between them. In certain examples, long, thin strips of the first and second protective layers 112, 162, 122, 172 may be referred to as “tape.” In some implementations, each of the first and second protective layers 112, 122, 162, 172 includes a separate film 114, 124, 164, 174, respectively. Each film 114, 124, 164, 174 supports a respective adhesive layer 116, 126, 166, 176. The optical splice 110, 160 is joined between the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 of the first and second films 114, 124, 164, 174. In other implementations, each of the first and second protective layers 112, 122, 162, 172 includes a film 114, 124, 164, 174 that is bonded directly to the optical fibers without an intermediate adhesive layer. Each of the optical fibers 102, 104, 152, 154 has a bare fiber section 106, 156 extending outward from a clad fiber section 108, 158. The bare fiber section 106, 156 of each optical fiber 102, 104, 152, 154 includes a core and a cladding. The ends of the bare fiber sections 106, 156 are spliced ​​together (i.e., fused together) at the splice location. The protective barrier 105, 155 extends over at least a portion of the bare fiber section 106, 156 of each optical fiber 102, 104, 152, 154. In certain implementations, the protective barrier 105, 155 also extends over a portion of the coated section 108,158 of each optical fiber 102, 104, 152, 154. Films 114, 124, 164, and 174 pass through the splice location. Films 114, 124, 164, and 174 are joined to opposite sides of bare fibers 106 and 156 and / or opposite sides of coated fiber sections 108 and 158 of optical fibers 102, 104, 152, and 154 spliced ​​together. In some examples, the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 supported by the films 114, 124, 164, 174 are bonded to the optical fibers 102, 104, 152, 154. In certain examples, the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 are bonded to the bare fiber sections 106, 156 of the fibers 102, 104, 152, 154. In certain examples, the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 are bonded to the coated fiber sections 108, 158 of the fibers 102, 104, 152, 154. In certain examples, the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 are joined to both the bare fiber sections 106, 156 and the coated fiber sections 108, 158 of the fibers 102, 104, 152, 154.In certain examples, adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, and 176 are also bonded to each other at external extensions of the splice location (for example, at film edges that protrude on opposite sides of the optical splice). In other examples, films 114, 124, 164, and 174 are bonded directly to optical fibers 102, 104, 152, and 154. In certain implementations, the protective barrier 105, 155 does not include any reinforcing rods or aramid yarns. In certain implementations, the splice arrangement 100, 150 does not include any reinforcing rods or aramid yarns extending across the splice location. In certain implementations, the splice arrangement 100, 150 has a thickness less than or equal to 1000 microns, or less than or equal to 900 microns, or less than or equal to 800 microns, or less than or equal to 700 microns, or less than or equal to 600 microns, or less than or equal to 500 microns. In certain implementations, the protective barrier 105, 155 has a thickness less than or equal to 1000 microns, or less than or equal to 900 microns, or less than or equal to 800 microns, or less than or equal to 700 microns, or less than or equal to 600 microns, or less than or equal to 500 microns. In certain implementations, each film 114, 124, 164, 174 includes a polymer sheet. In certain implementations, the polymer sheets 114, 124, 164, 174 each have a thickness in the range of 0.003 to 0.02 inches. In certain implementations, the polymer sheets 114, 124, 164, 174 each have a thickness less than or equal to 0.02 inches, or less than or equal to 0.01 inches, or less than or equal to 0.005 inches. In certain implementations, the films 114, 124, 164, 174 include Mylar. In certain implementations, the adhesive on adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, and 176 is heat-activated. In some implementations, adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, and 176 bond to the fibers and / or to each other after the application of a predetermined amount of heat. In other implementations, the adhesive on adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, and 176 is pressure-activated. The adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, and 176 bond to the fibers and / or to each other after the application of a predetermined amount of pressure to the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, and 176 by means of the films 114, 124, 164, and 174. In other implementations, the adhesive in the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, and 176 is UV-curable. The adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, and 176 bond to the fibers and / or to each other when exposed to a predetermined amount of UV light.In other implementations, the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, and 176 are covered with a protective coating that can be peeled or otherwise removed from the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, and 176 to expose the adhesive. In such implementations, the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, and 176 can bond to the fibers and / or to each other upon contact without added heat, light, or pressure. In certain implementations, no chemicals are required to activate the adhesive 116, 126, 166, and 176. In some implementations, the adhesive layer 116, 126, 166, 176 varies in thickness over an axial length and / or lateral width of the protective barrier 105, 155. For example, the adhesive layer 116, 126, 166, 176 may be thicker around the bare fiber sections 106, 156 of the optical fibers 102, 104, 152, 154 than around the coated fiber sections 108, 158 (see Figure 4). In other implementations, the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 may have a uniform thickness across the axial length. Even in other implementations, one of the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 may have a different thickness than the other adhesive layer 116, 126, 166, 176. In some implementations, the protective barrier 105, 155 is flexible enough that it does not restrict the flexibility of the optical fibers 102, 104, 152, 154 at the splice location. In certain examples, the first and second protective layers 112, 122, 162, 172 are approximately as flexible as the optical fibers 102, 104, 152, 154. In other implementations, the protective barrier 105, 155 is less flexible than the optical fibers 102, 104, 152, 154, but more flexible than a standard SMOUV. In one example, the protective barrier 105, 155 has a first flexibility and the optical fibers 102, 104, 152, 154 have a second flexibility that does not vary with respect to the first flexibility by more than 25 percent. In other implementations, the 105, 155 protective barrier adds rigidity or firmness to the cable assembly at the splice location. For example, the 105, 155 protective barrier may have no more than 50% of the flexibility of the cable assembly. In certain examples, the 105, 155 protective barrier may have less than 55% of the flexibility of the cable assembly. In certain examples, the 105, 155 protective barrier may have less than 60% of the flexibility of the cable assembly. In certain examples, the 105, 155 protective barrier may have less than 45% of the flexibility of the cable assembly. In certain examples, the 105, 155 protective barrier may have between approximately 1% and 55% of the flexibility of the cable assembly. In certain examples, the protective barrier 105, 155 can have between approximately 10% and 50% of the cable arrangement flexibility.In certain examples, the 105, 155 protective barrier can have between approximately 10% and 40% of the cable arrangement flexibility. In certain examples, the 105, 155 protective barrier can have between approximately 20% and 55% of the cable arrangement flexibility. In certain examples, the 105, 155 protective barrier can have between approximately 1% and 20% of the cable arrangement flexibility. In certain examples, the protective barrier 105, 155 varies in flexibility along an axial length of the protective barrier 105, 155. In certain examples, the protective barrier 105, 155 may be less flexible in regions where the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 are thicker compared to regions where the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 are thinner. For example, the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 may be thicker in areas that are in contact with the bare fiber sections 106, 156 of the optical fibers 102, 104, 152, 154 compared to areas that are in contact with the coated fiber sections 108, 158 of the optical fibers 102, 104, 152, 154. Consequently, the protective barrier 105, 155 may be more rigid at the splice location compared to the regions around the coated sections 108, 158 of the optical fibers 102, 104, 152, 154. In certain implementations, the first film 114, 164 has a different flexibility or thickness than the second film 124, 174. In certain implementations, the first adhesive layer 116, 166 has a different flexibility or thickness than the second adhesive layer 126, 176. In certain implementations, the first film 114, 164 and the second film 124, 174 have the same thickness and flexibility. In certain implementations, the first adhesive layer 116, 166 and the second adhesive layer 126, 176 have the same thickness and flexibility. cozenn / Lznz / E / Yii In some implementations, the optical splice 110 is between only the first and second optical fibers 102, 104 (see Figures 4 and 5). In certain implementations, the films 114, 124 are wider than the first and second optical fibers 102, 104. In some of these implementations, the first and second protective layers 112, 122 may be adhesively bonded to each other at the longitudinal edges 112a, 122a, 112b, 122b on opposite sides of the first and second fibers 102, 104 (for example, see Figure 8A). In other examples, the first and second protective layers 112, 122 are bonded only to the fibers 102, 104 (for example, see Figure 8B). In some examples, the 112,122 protective layers are manufactured to extend beyond the fibers by a predetermined margin. In other examples, the 112,122 protective layers can be trimmed to a desired size after the protective barrier is installed over the splice. In other implementations, the optical splice 160 is between a first set 151 of optical fibers 152 and a second set 153 of optical fibers 154 (see Figures 6-8). For example, the optical splice 160 may be a bulk fusion splice. In some examples, the optical fibers 152, 154 from each of the first and second sets 151, 153 are loose relative to each other (i.e., not mated together). In other examples, the optical fibers 152, 154 from each set 151, 153 are ribbon-bonded to form fiber ribbons 157. An illustrative ribbon 157 includes a ribbon-like portion where the optical fibers 152, 154 (e.g., clad sections 158 of the fibers) are coated or otherwise wrapped with a matrix material. The first and second protective layers 162, 172 are attached (e.g., adhesively attached) to the tape-like portions. In still other examples, the optical fibers 152, 154 of each assembly 151, 153 are structured to form loose ribbons 159. As the term is used herein, a “loose ribbon” 159 refers to an assembly 151, 153 of fibers 152, 154 that are loosely coupled to each other at various intervals along their length. Examples of loose ribbons 159 are described in U.S. Publications Nos. 2014 / 0112631, 2017 / 0235068, and 2017 / 0031121, and their descriptions are incorporated herein by reference. Other examples of loose-leaf 159 fiber 152,154 ribbons include the Rollable Ribbons™ produced by OFS Furukawa of Norcross, GA, the Spiderweb® ribbon produced by AFL Telecommunications, LLC of Duncan, SC, and the RocketRibbon® produced by Corning Optical Communications LLC of Hickory, NC. In certain implementations, at least the bare sections 156 of each set 151, 153 of fibers 152, 154 are arranged in a row. In certain examples, at least portions of the coated sections 158 of the fibers 152, 154 also form the rows. In some implementations, the coated sections 158 of the fibers 152, 154 are loosely spaced relative to each other. In other implementations, at least some portions of the coated sections 158 of the fibers 152, 154 are coupled together (for example, at intervals along the lengths of the fibers). Each row has a first principal side and an opposite second principal side that extends across the fibers 152, 154 in the row. The first protective layer 162 is applied to the first principal side of each row, and the second protective layer 164 is applied to the second principal side of each row. In particular, the adhesive layers 166, 176 of the protective layers 162, 172 extend across the optical fibers 152, 154 in the fiber rows. In certain implementations, the shielding layers 162, 172 are wider than the rows of optical fibers 152, 154. The first and second shielding layers 162, 172 are adhesively bonded to each other at the longitudinal edges 162a, 172a, 162b, 172b on opposite sides of the rows (see Figure 8A). In other examples, the first and second shielding layers 162, 172 are bonded only to the fibers 152, 154 (see Figure 8B). In some examples, the shielding layers 162, 172 are manufactured to extend beyond the fibers by a predetermined margin. In other examples, the shielding layers 162, 172 can be trimmed to a desired size after the shielding barrier is installed over the splice. With reference to Figures 9 and 10, a tool 180 can be used to install the protective barrier 105,155 over an optical splice 110 between at least the first and second optical fibers 102, 104, 152, 154. The tool 180 registers the first and second protective layers 112, 122, 162, 172 relative to each other and relative to the optical splice 110, 160. The tool 180 can also apply the protective layers 112, 122, 162, 172 over the optical splice 110,160 and retain the protective layers 112, 122, 162, 172 in contact with the optical fibers 102, 104, 152, 154 until the protective barrier 105,155 is formed. In certain examples, tool 180 is configured to activate the adhesive of protective layers 112, 122, 162, 172. Tool 180 for installing a protective barrier 105, 155 over an optical splice 110, 160 includes a first part 182 and a second part 184. Tool 180 is configured to receive pre-spliced ​​optical fibers 102, 104, 152, 154 (i.e., optical fibers that have already been spliced ​​together). Tool 180 applies the first and second protective layers 112, 122, 162, 172 around the optical splice 110, 160. For example, tool 180 can receive the optical splice 110, 160 with the first part 182 and can receive a protective layer 122, 172 with the second part 184. In certain examples, the first part 182 can also receive one of the protective layers 112, 162. In other examples, the first part 182 receives the first protective layer 112, 162, the optical splice 110, 160 positioned over the first protective layer 112, 162, and the second protective layer. 122,172 positioned over the optical splice 110,160 aligned with the first protective layer 112, 162. In certain examples, tool 180 aligns the optical splice 110, 160 with a central region of the protective layers 112, 122, 162, 172. In certain examples, tool 180 aligns the first and second films 114, 164, 124, 174 with each other on opposite sides of the optical splice 110, 160. In certain examples, tool 180 is configured to move the protective layers 112, 122, 162, 172 closer together until the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 fuse to the optical fibers 102, 104, 152, 154. In certain examples, tool 180 is configured to move the protective layers 112, 122, 162, 172 closer together until the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, 176 fuse to each other. In certain examples, tool 180 is configured to mechanically press protective layers 112,122,162,172 together. In certain implementations, optical fibers 102, 104, 152, and 154 are received on mechanical supports 190 that can be mounted on tool 180. A first mechanical support 190 retains optical fiber(s) 102 and 152 on one side of the optical splice 110 and 160, and a second mechanical support 190 retains optical fiber(s) 104 and 154 on the other side of the splice 110 and 160. In certain implementations, the mechanical supports 190 are removable from tool 180. In certain examples, the mechanical supports 190 are supported by optical fibers 102, 104, 152, and 154. In certain implementations, the mechanical support 190 holds the optical fiber(s). In some examples, the mechanical support 190 retains the bare sections 106, 156 of the optical fiber(s) 102, 104, 152, 154. In other examples, the mechanical support 190 retains the coated sections 108, 158 of the optical fiber(s) 102, 104, 152, 154. In still other examples, the mechanical support 190 retains a ribbon-like section 157, 159 of the optical fiber(s) 152, 154. In certain examples, mechanical supports 190 facilitate the mounting of optical fibers 102, 104, 152, and 154 on a separate splicing tool where the optical splice 110 and 160 is formed. For example, mechanical supports 190 can be installed on the respective optical fibers 102, 104, 152, and 154 before the fibers are spliced ​​together. In fact, mechanical supports 190 can be mounted on fibers 102, 104, 152, and 154 in preparation for splicing. For example, a support 190 that retains one or more fibers can first be mounted on a stripping machine (or used in any other way to mount the fiber(s) in a known location relative to the stripping machine) to hold the fiber(s) in position while a coating is removed from the fiber(s).The support 190 can be moved to a splicing machine (or to a known location relative to the splicing machine) to hold the fiber(s) in position while the fiber(s) are spliced ​​to one or more corresponding fibers. The support 190 can then be moved to the tool 180 to apply the protective barrier 155. In some examples, the support 190 can be positioned on or near cleaning devices to clean the optical fiber(s) between the stripping, splicing, and / or barrier application stages. The first part 182 of tool 180 defines a first support mounting location 181 configured to receive the first mechanical support 190, a second support mounting location 183 configured to receive the second mechanical support 190, and a first film mounting location 185 arranged between the first and second support mounting locations 181, 183. In certain implementations, when the supports 190 are arranged in the respective support mounting locations 181, 183, the optical splice 110, 160 is held in a known position in the tool 180. In certain implementations, when the supports 190 are arranged in the respective support mounting locations 181, 183, the optical splice 110, 160 is held above the first film mounting location 185. In certain implementations, each of the support mounting locations 181, 183 can define cavities in which the mechanical supports 190 can be seated. In certain examples, the mechanical supports 190 can be secured (e.g., locked, clamped, pressed, friction-fitted, etc.) at the support mounting locations 181, 183. In certain examples, the optical splice 110, 160 is tensioned when the supports 190 are mounted at the respective support mounting locations 181, 183. In some cases, tensioning the optical splice 110, 160 can straighten the optical fibers 102, 104, 152, 154 between the mechanical supports 190. In one example, the support mounting locations 181, 183 are sufficiently separated to tension the optical splice 110, 160. In another example, at least one of the support mounting locations 181, 183 includes a pressure member (e.g., a spring) 186 that presses the respective support 190 in the opposite direction to the other support 190, thereby tensioning the optical splice 110,160. For example, a pressure member 186 can be arranged within a cavity at the second support mounting location 183 to press any support 190 mounted within the cavity in the opposite direction to the first support mounting location 181. In some implementations, the second part 184 of tool 180 defines a second film mounting location 187. Each of the film mounting locations 185, 187 is configured to hold one of the protective layers 112, 122, 162, 172. For example, the protective layers 112, 162, 122, 172 may be friction-fit, vacuum-fit, clamp, lock, or otherwise held in the film mounting locations 185, 187. In certain examples, at least the second film mounting location 187 secures the protective layer 122, 172 sufficiently to allow the second part 184 of tool 180 to be moved without dislodging the second protective layer 122, 172. In other implementations, the second part 184 simply includes a structure for pressing the protective layers 112,122,162,172 together held by the first part 182 around the splice 110, 160. The second part 184 is movable relative to the first part 182 between a first position (e.g., open) and a second position (e.g., closed). In some examples, the second part 184 pivots relative to the first part 182. In other examples, the second part 184 slides (i.e., moves in a straight line, not pivoting) relative to the first part 182. In still other examples, the second part 184 is freely movable relative to the first part 182 (e.g., it is a separate piece from the first part). When in the first position, the first and second parts 182, 184 are arranged to facilitate the mounting of the mechanical supports 190 at the support mounting locations 181, 183. The protective layers 112, 122, 162, 172 can also be mounted at the film mounting locations 185, 187 when the first and second parts 182, 184 are arranged in the first position. The first protective layer 112, 162 is applied to the second protective layer 122, 172 when the first and second parts 182, 184 of the tool 180 are arranged in the second position. In certain examples, the second film mounting location 187 is opposite the first film mounting location 185 at least when the second part 184 of the tool 180 is arranged in the first position. The first and second film mounting locations 185, 187 are farther apart when the second part 184 is arranged in the first position compared to the second position. In certain implementations, tool 180 includes an activator (shown schematically in 189) configured to activate the adhesive of the protective layers 112, 122, 162, and 172. In some examples, activator 189 includes a heater that applies heat to the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, and 176 to melt or otherwise cause the adhesive layers to bond together. In other examples, activator 189 includes an emitter that emits UV light in a direction toward the adhesive layers 166 and 176 when the adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, and 176 bond together. In still other examples, the activator 189 includes one or more pressure members that apply pressure through the protective layers 112, 122, 162, 172 to press the adhesive layer 116, 166 of the first protective layer 112, 162 against the adhesive layer 126, 176 of the second protective layer 122, 172. In certain examples, the first and second parts 182, 184 are designed so that moving the second part 184 to the second position automatically applies sufficient pressure around the protective layers to activate the adhesive. In certain examples, the film mounting locations 185, 187 are movable toward each other to press the protective layers 112, 162, 122, 172 together. The 105,155 protective barrier is sized and configured to allow the 100,150 splice arrangement to be used in various applications. In one example, the 105,155 protective barrier is sized and configured to allow the 100,150 splice arrangement to be located inside a connector body of a fiber optic connector. In another example, the 105,155 protective barrier is sized and configured to allow the 100,150 splice arrangement to be located just outside a fiber optic connector. In yet another example, the 105,155 protective barrier is sized and configured to allow the 100,150 splice arrangement to be located inside a splice tray. In one example, the protective barrier 105, 155 is sized and configured to allow the splice arrangement 100 to be located inside a cable (e.g., inside a buffer tube and / or resistance layer and / or cable cover).In one example, the protective barrier 105, 155 is sized and configured to allow the splice assembly 100, 150 to be housed within a sealed reinforcement element (for example, an overmolded shield or other protective housing). In another example, the protective barrier 105, 155 is sized and configured to allow the splice assembly 100, 150 to be housed within a larger enclosure (for example, a multi-service terminal or other housing clamping components other than the optical splice assembly). In certain implementations, the splice assembly 100, 150 can be used in panels, devices, modules, cable assemblies, interconnects, and cable transitions. In certain implementations, the configuration of the protective barrier is flexible. Consequently, a protective barrier can be adapted for a particular application by varying the film composition and / or film thickness. For example, a protective barrier with a first degree of flexibility can be used inside a rigid enclosure, and a protective barrier with a second degree of flexibility can be used along a cable (i.e., under the cable sheath). During use, a protective barrier is installed around an optical splice by positioning the optical splice between a first adhesive layer supported by a first film and a second adhesive layer supported by a second film; moving the first and second films towards each other until the adhesive layers are coupled around the optical splice; and activating the adhesive layers of the first and second films. In some examples, an optical splice is a splice between a first single optical fiber and a second single optical fiber. In other examples, an optical splice is a splice between a first plurality of optical fibers and a second plurality of optical fibers. For example, an optical splice can be a bulk fusion splice. cozenn / ίζηζ / E / γι In certain implementations, the spliced ​​optical fibers are positioned in a tool that applies the protective barrier. In some examples, the spliced ​​optical fibers are positioned in the tool using mechanical supports (e.g., fiber clamps). In other examples, the optical fibers are positioned in the tool to apply tension to the optical splice. For example, one or both mechanical supports may be spring-loaded in the opposite direction to the other mechanical support. In some implementations, adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, and 176 are activated before the first and second films 114, 124, 164, and 174 are moved toward each other. For example, a protective liner can be removed from adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, and 176 before films 114, 124, 164, and 174 are moved toward each other. In other implementations, adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, and 176 are activated after the first and second films 114, 124, 164, and 174 have been moved toward each other. For example, adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, and 176 can be activated when the adhesive layers are in contact with each other. In some examples, adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, and 176 are activated by applying heat. In other examples, adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, and 176 are activated by applying pressure. In still other examples, adhesive layers 116, 126, 166, and 176 are activated by applying UV light. In certain implementations, the first and second films 114, 124, 164, 174 are moved toward each other by moving the first and second parts 182, 184 of tool 180 toward each other. In one example, one or both of the first and second parts 182, 184 can pivot toward each other. In another example, one or both of the first and second parts 182, 184 can slide toward each other. In yet another example, the first and second parts 182, 184 are separable from each other and can therefore move freely relative to each other. In certain implementations, protective layers 112, 122, 162, and 172 are configured to indicate proper orientation to the technician applying them to form the protective barrier 105 and 155 around the splice 110 and 160. In certain examples, protective layers 112, 122, 162, and 172 are configured to facilitate distinguishing the adhesive side from the non-adhesive side. In certain examples, the adhesive and non-adhesive sides are different colors. In certain examples, the adhesive and non-adhesive sides have different textures (e.g., glossy versus matte, smooth versus textured, etc.). Even in other implementations, each protective layer 112,122,162,172 can be cut (for example, have a notch in a predetermined corner) to distinguish the adhesive side from the non-adhesive side. In certain implementations, coded marks (e.g., tinted coded marks) are supported by protective layers 112, 122, 162, and 172 to distinguish the adhesive and non-adhesive sides. In some instances, the coded marks are deposited or otherwise arranged between film 114, 124, 164, and 174 and the adhesive layer 116, 126, 166, and 176 of each protective layer 112, 122, 162, and 172. In some instances, the coded marks include text. In other instances, the coded marks include images or one or more color blocks. Figures 11 and 12 illustrate a protective layer 112, 122, 162, 172 that includes illustrative coded marks 192. In the example shown, the coded marks 192 include text. In one example, the text 192 extends over a majority of the protective layer 112, 122, 162, 172. In another example, the protective layer 112, 122, 162, 172 is elongated along a length, and the text spans a majority of that length. In other examples, the text 192 may span less than half the length of the protective layer 112, 122, 163, 172. In one example, the height of the text letters spans a majority of the width of the protective layer 112, 122, 162, 172. In other examples, the text 192 may span less than half the width of the protective layer 112, 122, 163, 172. In certain examples, the text is correctly oriented when the protective layer 112, 122, 162, 172 is positioned with the adhesive side down. A technician applying a protective barrier 105, 155 around a splice 110, 160 would position (for example, using tool 180) a first of the protective layers 112, 122, 162, 172 so that text 192 was upside down or inverted (i.e., reading from right to left) below the splice 110, 160. The technician would then position a second of the protective layers 112, 122, 162, 172 so that text 192 was upside down and reading from left to right above the splice 110, 160. The technician would then join the first and second protective layers 112, 122, 162, 172 (for example, using tool 180) to sandwich the splice 110, 160 between them. In some examples, the technician would then apply heat to activate the adhesive sides of the protective layers to fix the protective layers around the 110, 160 splice.In other examples, the technician would remove the blank films to reveal the adhesive side before joining the adhesive sides (e.g., pressure-activated adhesive sides). In certain implementations, each protective layer 112, 122, 162, 172 may include multiple types of coded marks to facilitate proper orientation of the protective layer. In certain examples, an opaque color (e.g., white, black, gray, red, blue, green, etc.) 194 may form a background for the text 192. In certain examples, the opaque color 194 may extend over only a portion of the protective layer 112, 122, 162, 172. The remainder of the background may be transparent, allowing the technician to see through the protective layer 112, 122, 162, 172. In one example, the opaque color 194 overlaps with a portion of the text 192. cozenn / ίζηζ / E / γι In certain examples, color 194 is sufficient to at least partially block the visibility of text 192 when viewed from the adhesive side of the protective layer 112, 122, 162, 172, while not obscuring the text when viewed from the non-adhesive side. In one example, color 194 completely blocks the visibility of the overlapping text when viewed from the adhesive side. In some implementations, a technician can properly position the first and second protective layers 112, 122, 162, 172 by aligning the opaque color of the two layers one above the other. In other implementations, a technician can properly position the first and second protective layers 112, 122, 162, 172 by misaligning the opaque color of the two layers. Accordingly, the protective barrier 105, 155 is assembled so that portions of the fibers and the splice 110, 160 are visible along a full length of the protective barrier 105,155.For example, an upper portion of the fibers and splice 110, 160 may be visible on one side (e.g., left) of the protective barrier 105, 155 and a lower portion of the fibers and splice 110, 160 may be visible on the other side (e.g., right) of the protective barrier 105, 155. Aspects of the description Aspect 1. A splice arrangement comprising a protective barrier disposed across an optical splice between at least two optical fibers, the protective barrier including a first and a second protective layer each separately bonded to portions of the optical fibers. Aspect 2. The splice arrangement of aspect 1, wherein each protective layer is adhesively bonded to the optical fibers. Aspect 3. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 1 and 2, wherein each protective layer is joined to bare fiber sections of the optical fibers. Aspect 4. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 1-3, wherein each protective layer is joined to coated fiber sections of the optical fibers. Aspect 5. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 1-4, wherein the first and second protective layers are joined together in portions of a periphery of the optical splice. Aspect 6. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 1-5, wherein each protective layer includes a film supporting an adhesive layer. Aspect 7. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 1-6, wherein the at least two optical fibers include a first single optical fiber and a second single optical fiber spliced ​​together at the splice location. Aspect 8. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 1-6, wherein the at least two optical fibers include a first plurality of optical fibers and a second plurality of optical fibers spliced ​​together at the splice location. Aspect 9. The splice arrangement of aspect 8, wherein the first and second optical fiber pluralities are each ribbon-shaped. Aspect 10. The splice arrangement of aspect 8, wherein the first and second optical fiber pluralities are loosely ribbon-shaped each. Aspect 11. The splice arrangement of aspect 8, wherein the first and second optical fiber pluralities are each completely loose relative to each other. Aspect 12. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 2-11, wherein the adhesive is heat-activated. Aspect 13. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 2-11, wherein the adhesive is activated by pressure. Aspect 14. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 2-11, wherein the adhesive is UV curable. Aspect 15. The splicing arrangement of any of aspects 6-11, wherein each protective layer includes a peelable protective coating on an opposite side of the film's adhesive layer. Aspect 16. The splicing arrangement of any of aspects 6-12, wherein each film includes a polymer sheet. Aspect 17. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 1-16, wherein the protective barrier does not restrict the flexibility of the optical fibers at the splice location. Aspect 18. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 1-16, wherein the protective barrier has no more than 55% of the flexibility of the cable arrangement. Aspect 19. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 2-18, wherein the protective barrier adhesive varies in thickness over an axial length of the protective barrier, the axial length extending along at least two optical fibers and across the splice location. Aspect 20. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 1-19, wherein the protective barrier varies in thickness over an axial length of the protective barrier, the axial length extending along the at least two optical fibers and through the splice location. Aspect 21. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 1-20, wherein the protective barrier varies in flexibility over an axial length of the protective barrier, the axial length extending along the at least two optical fibers and through the splice location. Aspect 22. The splicing arrangement of any of aspects 6-21, wherein the first film has a different flexibility or thickness than the second film. cozenn / Lznz / E / Yi Aspect 23. The splice arrangement of any of aspects 1-22, where the protective barrier was installed using a tool. Aspect 24. The tool of aspect 23, wherein the tool includes a first part that holds the optical splice and a second part that holds one of the protective layers, the first part can be moved towards the second part to apply the protective layer to the optical splice. Aspect 25. The tool of aspect 24, wherein the first part of the tool also holds the other of the protective layers in registration with the optical splice and / or with the protective layer held by the second part of the tool. Aspect 26. The tool of any of aspects 23-25, wherein supports are installed around the optical fibers to attach the optical fibers to the tool. Aspect 27. The tool of any of aspects 23-26, wherein the tool is configured to tension the optical splice as the protective layer is applied across the optical splice. Aspect 28. The tool of any of aspects 23-27, wherein the tool also applies a second protective layer across the optical splice opposite the Aspect 29. A tool for installing a protective barrier across an optical splice to form a splice arrangement, such as the splice arrangement of any of aspects 1-23, the optical splice being located between at least the first and second optical fibers, each of the first and second optical fibers being held by respective supports, the tool comprising: a first part defining a first support mounting location configured to receive the support of the first optical fiber and a second support mounting location configured to receive the support of the second optical fiber to position the optical splice at a known location; and a second part movable relative to the first part between a first position and a second position, wherein the tool applies a protective layer to the optical splice when the second part moves to the second position. Aspect 30. The tool of aspect 29, wherein the second part defines a film mounting location in which a protective layer can be held, the second part aligns the protective layer supported in the film mounting location with the optical splice when the second part is disposed in the second position. Aspect 31. The tool of any of aspects 29 and 30, wherein the first part defines a film mounting location in which a protective layer can be supported, the first part aligns the protective layer supported in the film mounting location with the optical splice. Aspect 32. The tool of any of aspects 29-31, where the second part pivots between the first and second positions. Aspect 33. The tool of any of aspects 29-31, where the second part slides between the first and second positions. Aspect 34. The tool of any of aspects 29-31, where the second part can move freely between the first and second positions. Aspect 35. The tool of any of aspects 29-34, wherein at least one of the first and second support mounting locations is configured to press the respective support received thereon in the opposite direction to the other of the first and second support mounting locations to tension the optical splice. Aspect 36. The tool of aspect 35, wherein the tool includes a pressure member configured to tension the optical splice. Aspect 37. The tool of aspect 36, wherein the pressure member is disposed in one of the support mounting locations. Aspect 38. The tool of any of aspects 29-37, where the tool is configured to activate an adhesive layer of the protective layer. Aspect 39. The tool of aspect 38, wherein the tool includes a heater for heating the adhesive layer. Aspect 40. The tool of aspect 38, wherein the tool includes a pressure application arrangement for applying pressure to the adhesive layer. Aspect 41. The tool of aspect 38, wherein the tool includes an emitter to emit UV light on the adhesive layer. Aspect 42. A method for installing a protective barrier across an optical splice between at least a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber, the method comprising: aligning a protective layer with the optical splice such that the protective layer extends across the optical splice and extends from the optical splice along portions of the first and second optical fibers; and moving the protective layer until it comes into contact with portions of the first and second optical fibers. Aspect 43. The method of aspect 42, which further comprises adhesively bonding the protective layer to the first and second optical fibers. Aspect 44. The method of aspect 43, wherein the protective layer includes a film supporting an adhesive layer, and wherein the method further comprises activating the adhesive layer. Aspect 45. The method of aspect 44, wherein activating the adhesive layer includes heating the adhesive layer. Aspect 46. The method of aspect 44, wherein activating the adhesive layer includes applying pressure to press the adhesive layer against the first and second optical fibers. Aspect 47. The method of aspect 44, wherein activating the adhesive layer includes emitting UV light on the adhesive layer. Aspect 48. The method of any of aspects 42-47, wherein the protective layer is a first protective layer; and wherein the method further comprises aligning a second protective layer on one side of the optical splice opposite the first protective layer; and moving the second protective layer until it comes into contact with the first and second optical fibers. Aspect 49. The method of aspect 48, wherein each protective layer is only attached to the first and second optical fibers and / or the optical splice. Aspect 50. The method of aspect 48, wherein the first and second protective layers are joined together in outer extensions of the optical splice. Aspect 51. The method of any of aspects 42-50, wherein the alignment and movement steps are performed by the use of a tool. Aspect 52. The method of any of aspects 48-51, wherein each of the first and second protective layers includes an adhesive side and a non-adhesive side, and wherein aligning the first protective layer and aligning the second protective layer comprises aligning the first and second protective layers so that the adhesive sides face each other. Aspect 53. The method of aspect 52, wherein the first and second protective layers include coded text markings that can be read correctly when viewed from the non-adhesive side. Aspect 54. The method of aspect 52, wherein the first and second protective layers include opaque color-coded markings that extend only over a portion of the respective protective layer. Aspect 55. The method of aspect 54, wherein aligning the first and second protective layers so that the adhesive sides face each other, comprises misaligning the opaque color of the first and second protective layers. Aspect 56. The method of aspect 52, wherein the first and second protective layers include a notch in a predetermined location. Having described the implementations and preferred aspects of this description, a person skilled in the art may readily think of modifications and equivalents to the concepts described. However, it is intended that such modifications and equivalents be included within the scope of the appended claims. cozenn / ίζηζ / E / γι NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention as above, it is considered novel and, therefore, the contents contained in the following are claimed as property:

Claims

1. A splice arrangement comprising: optical fibers that are fusion-spliced ​​at a splice location; and a protective barrier disposed across the splice location, the protective barrier including a first and a second film, each of the first and second films supporting a respective adhesive layer, the splice location being bonded between the adhesive layers of the first and second films.

2. The splice arrangement of claim 1, wherein the optical fibers include a first single optical fiber and a second single optical fiber spliced ​​together at the splice location.

3. The splice arrangement of claim 2, wherein the optical fibers include a first plurality of optical fibers spliced ​​with a second plurality of optical fibers at the splice location.

4. The splicing arrangement of claim 3, wherein the first and second pluralities of optical fibers are each ribbon-shaped.

5. The splicing arrangement of claim 3, wherein the first and second pluralities of optical fibers are each loosely ribbon-shaped.

6. The splice arrangement of claim 3, wherein the first and second optical fiber pluralities are each completely loose relative to each other.

7. The splice arrangement of any of claims 1-6, wherein the adhesive is heat-activated.

8. The splice arrangement of any of claims 1-6, wherein the adhesive is pressure-activated.

9. The splice arrangement of any of claims 1-6, wherein the adhesive is UV curable.

10. The splicing arrangement of any of claims 1-9, wherein each film includes a flexible polymer sheet.

11. The splice arrangement of any of claims 1-10, wherein the protective barrier restricts the flexibility of the optical fibers at the splice location by at least 50%.

12. The splice arrangement of any of claims 1-11, wherein the protective barrier varies in thickness over an axial length of the protective barrier. cozenn / Lznz / E / Yi 13. The splice arrangement of any of claims 1-12, wherein the protective barrier varies in flexibility over an axial length of the protective barrier.

14. The splicing arrangement of any of claims 1-13, wherein the first film has a different flexibility or thickness than the second film.

15. A tool for installing a protective barrier around a splice location of a splice between at least the first and second optical fibers, each of the first and second optical fibers being supported by a respective support, the tool comprising: a first part defining a first support mounting location configured to receive the support of the first optical fiber, a second support mounting location configured to receive the support of the second optical fiber, and a first film mounting location disposed between the first and second support mounting locations;cozenn / Lznz / B / Yi and a second part that can move relative to the first part between a first position and a second position, the second part defining a second film mounting location that opposes the first film mounting location at least when the second part is disposed in the second position, the first and second film mounting locations are located further apart from each other when the second part is disposed in the first position compared to the second position.; 16. The tool of claim 15, wherein at least one of the first and second support mounting locations is configured to press the respective support received therein in the opposite direction to the other of the first and second support mounting locations to tension the splice.

17. The tool of claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the second part pivots relative to the first part such that the second film mounting location does not oppose the first film mounting location when the second part is disposed in the first position.

18. The tool of claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the second part slides relative to the first part.

19. The tool of any of claims 15-18, further comprising a heater.

20. The tool of any of claims 15-18, further comprising a pressure application arrangement.

21. The tool of any of claims 15-18, further comprising a UV emission arrangement.

22. The tool of any of claims 15-21, wherein the first and second support mounting locations include cavities.

23. A method for installing a protective barrier around an optical splice between at least a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber, the method comprising: positioning the optical splice between a first adhesive layer supported by a first film and a second adhesive layer supported by a second film; moving the first and second films towards each other until the adhesive layers couple around the optical splice; and activating the adhesive layers of the first and second films.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein positioning the optical splice includes: positioning at least one first optical fiber of the optical splice in a first mounting position on a tool; positioning at least one second optical fiber of the optical splice in a second mounting position on the tool, the second mounting position being separate from the first mounting position.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein positioning the at least one first optical fiber in the first mounting position comprises: mounting the at least one first optical fiber within a first mechanical support, the first optical fiber extending from the first mechanical support to the optical splice; and mounting the first mechanical support in the first mounting position; and wherein positioning the at least one second optical fiber in the second mounting position comprises: mounting the at least one second optical fiber within a second mechanical support, the second optical fiber extending from the second mechanical support to the optical splice; and mounting the second mechanical support in the second mounting position.

26. The method of any of claims 23-25, further comprising removing a protective coating from the adhesive layer of the first film before mounting the first film on the tool.

27. The method of any of claims 24-26, further comprising pressing the first mechanical support in the opposite direction to the second mechanical support.

28. The method of any of claims 23-27, wherein moving the first and second films towards each other comprises pivoting the first and second films towards each other.

29. The method of any of claims 23-27, wherein moving the first and second films towards each other comprises sliding the first and second films towards each other.

30. The method of any of claims 23-29, wherein activating the adhesive layers includes heating the adhesive layers.

31. The method of any of claims 23-29, wherein activating the adhesive layers includes applying pressure to the adhesive layers.

32. The method of any of claims 23-29, wherein activating the adhesive layers includes emitting UV light towards the adhesive layers.

33. The method of any of claims 23-32, further comprising aligning the first and second films so that the first and second adhesive layers face each other.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the first and second films include coded text marks that can be correctly read when viewed from the non-adhesive sides of the first and second films, wherein aligning the first and second films includes aligning the coded text marks so that they are oriented in different directions.

35. The method of claim 33, wherein the first and second films include opaque color-coded markings that extend only over a portion of the respective film.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein aligning the first and second films includes misaligning the opaque color of the first and second protective layers.

37. The method of claim 33, wherein the first and second protective layers include a notch at a predetermined location.

38. A splice arrangement comprising: first and second fiber tapes including rows of optical fibers that are fusion-spliced ​​together at a splice location, the first and second fiber tapes each having opposite first and second principal sides; and first and second laminate structures each including a flexible polymer film or foil and a heat-activated adhesive layer supported by the flexible polymer foil, the splice location being positioned between the first and second laminate structures with the adhesive layer of the first laminate structure bonded to the first principal sides of the first and second fiber tapes and the adhesive layer of the second laminate structure bonded to the second principal sides of the first and second fiber tapes.

39. The splice arrangement of claim 38, wherein the optical fibers include portions of bare fibers adjacent to the splice location, and wherein the first and second laminated structures are adhesively bonded to the portions of cozenn / Lznz / B / Yi bare fibers.

40. The splice arrangement of claim 39, wherein the first and second fiber tapes include ribbon-like portions where the optical fibers are coated with a matrix material, and wherein the first and second laminated structures are adhesively bonded to the ribbon-like portions.

41. The splice arrangement of claim 38, wherein the first and second laminated structures do not include any reinforcing rod.

42. The splice arrangement of claim 38, wherein the splice arrangement does not include any reinforcing rod extending through the splice location.

43. The splicing arrangement of claim 38, wherein the flexible polymer sheets each have a thickness in the range of 0.003 to 0.02 inches.

44. The splicing arrangement of claim 38, wherein the flexible polymer sheets each have a thickness less than or equal to 0.02 inches, or less than or equal to 0.01 inches, or less than or equal to 0.005 inches.

45. The splicing arrangement of claim 38, wherein the first and second laminated structures are wider than the first and second fiber tapes and are adhesively joined together at longitudinal edges positioned along the outer longitudinal edges of the first and second fiber tapes.

46. ​​The splice arrangement of claim 38, wherein each optical fiber includes a core and a cladding layer surrounding the core.

47. The splicing arrangement of claim 38, wherein the first and second laminated structures are approximately as flexible as fiber tapes.

48. The splicing arrangement of claim 38, wherein the first and second laminated structures have a first flexibility, wherein the first and second fiber tapes have ribbon-like portions with a second flexibility, and wherein the first and second flexibilities do not vary by more than 25 percent.

49. The splice arrangement of claim 38, wherein the splice location can be located within a connector body of an optical fiber connector.

50. The splice arrangement of claim 38, wherein the heat-activated adhesive can be activated in an oven.

51. The splicing arrangement of claim 38, wherein the flexible polymer sheets include Mylar.

52. The splice arrangement of claim 38, wherein the splice arrangement can be used in panels, devices, modules, cable assemblies, interconnections, and cable transitions.

53. The splice arrangement of claim 38, wherein no chemical substances are required to activate the adhesive.

54. The splice arrangement of claim 38, wherein the splice arrangement has a thickness less than or equal to 1000 microns, or 900 microns, or 800 microns, or 700 microns, or 600 microns or 500 microns.

55. A splice arrangement comprising: optical fibers that are fusion-spliced ​​at a splice location; and first and second laminated structures, each including a flexible polymer sheet and a heat-activated adhesive layer supported by the flexible polymer sheet, the splice location being joined between the first and second laminated structures.