Blowable connectors and cables

Abstract

Blowable cables and temporary connector assemblies are provided. A blowable cable includes an adhesive provided in the channel of a ferrule flange, wherein an exposed portion of a plurality of strength yarns and an end of an outer jacket are bonded to the ferrule flange by the adhesive. A temporary connector assembly includes a temporary rear housing, the temporary rear housing including a body and a channel defined along the longitudinal axis through the body, the channel extending between and through a first end and an opposing second end of the temporary rear housing, the temporary rear housing further including a movable latch mounted to the body, the movable latch including a tab. The tab is removably insertable into a slot of a front housing when the rear housing is assembled to the front housing.

Description

BLOWABLE CONNECTORS AND CABLESCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 534,881 filed on August 28, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entiretyFIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to fiber optic cables and connectors, and more particularly to blowable connectors and cables having desirable tensile bond strength characteristics and / or assembly characteristics.BACKGROUND

[0003] Fiber optic cables are widely utilized to provide optical fiber connectivity in various environments, including fiber to the home (“FTTH”) applications and datacenter or other suitable applications (“FTTx” applications). Installation through a duct via a blowing process is frequently utilized. In this process, a compressed fluid, such as a gas such as air, is utilized to blow the cable through the duct. Alternatively, cables and be installed in a duct by pushing, pulling, or other suitable methods.

[0004] In many cases, fiber optic cables include connector components preinstalled (e.g. preterminated) on the optical fibers when the cables are being blown or otherwise installed. Typically, the connectors need to be assembled using standard manufacturing equipment for initial testing, and then disassembled for blowing.However, connectors with multiple parts that are snapped together are easily broken when disassembled.

[0005] Further, in many cases, connectors designed to be blown into ducts have their outer components removed so they will fit into the duct. These outer connector components are typically used to bind the strength members of the cable to the connector. The blown connector termination construction limits the tensile bond strength, in some cases to around 0.7 kgf. Applying a force to the cable greater than 0.7 kgf may result in a broken fiber. Further, the typical application of strength yam (such as aramid yarn) in cable construction is to be crimped to the outer connectorhousing. This type of connector construction will not allow the connector termination to be blown through ducts.

[0006] Accordingly, improved cables and connectors for blowable environments would be advantageous. Specifically, cables and connectors which address one of more of the above-stated deficiencies would be advantageous.BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0007] Aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the technology.

[0008] In accordance with one embodiment, a blowable cable is provided. The blowable cable includes a cable, the cable including an outer jacket, a plurality of strength yarns, and an optical fiber, the outer jacket surrounding a portion of the plurality of strength yams and the optical fiber, wherein an exposed portion of the plurality of strength members and an exposed portion of the optical fiber extend outwardly from an end of the outer jacket. The blowable cable further includes a ferrule flange including a body and a channel defined along a longitudinal axis through the body, the channel extending between and through a first end and an opposing second end of the ferrule flange, wherein the end of the outer jacket, the exposed portion of the plurality of strength members and the exposed portion of the optical fiber extend through the first end of the ferrule flange into the channel. The blowable cable further includes a ferrule inserted through the second end of the ferrule flange into the channel, wherein the optical fiber is inserted into the ferrule. The blowable cable further includes an adhesive provided in the channel, wherein the exposed portion of the plurality of strength yarns and the end of the outer jacket are bonded to the ferrule flange by the adhesive.

[0009] In accordance with another embodiment, a temporary connector assembly is provided. The temporary connector assembly includes a front housing, the front housing including a body and a channel defined along a longitudinal axis through the body, the channel extending between and through a first end and an opposing second end of the front housing, the front housing further including a slot defined in the housing proximate the first end. The temporary connector assembly further includes atemporary rear housing, the temporary rear housing including a body and a chamiel defined along the longitudinal axis through the body, the channel extending between and through a first end and an opposing second end of the temporary rear housing, the temporary rear housing further including a movable latch mounted to the body, the movable latch including a tab. The tab is removably insertable into the slot when the rear housing is assembled to the front housing.

[0010] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the technology and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the technology.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] A full and enabling disclosure of the present application, including the best mode of making and using the present systems and methods, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fiber optic cable in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a side view of a fiber optic cable in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a fiber optic cable in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a blowable termination of a cable in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a blowable termination of a cable in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a ferrule and ferrule flange in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a ferrule and ferrule flange in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 8 is a side view of a fiber optic cable in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of components of a blowable termination of a cable in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of components of a blowable termination of a cable in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 11 is a front view of components of a blowable termination of a cable in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a front housing of a connector in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 13 is a front view of a front housing of a connector in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a rear housing of a connector in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a boot of a connector in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a dust cap of a connector in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a temporary connector utilized during initial manufacturing and testing in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 18 is a top cross-sectional view of a temporary connector utilized during initial manufacturing and testing in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 19 is an exploded view of components of a temporary connector utilized during initial manufacturing and testing in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0031] FIG. 20 is a bottom perspective view of a temporary rear housing of a temporary connector utilized during initial manufacturing and testing in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, each example is provided by way of explanation, rather than limitation of, the technology. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present technology without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed technology. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features in the drawings. Like or similar designations in the drawings and description have been used to refer to like or similar parts of the disclosure.

[0033] As used herein, the terms “first”, “second”, and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms “coupled,” “fixed,” “attached to,” and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attaching, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive- or and not to an exclusive- or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0034] Terms of approximation, such as “about,” “generally,” “approximately,” or “substantially,” include values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction. For example, “generally vertical” includes directions within ten degrees of vertical in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise.

[0035] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems are described below with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims.

[0036] Cables and connectors in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described herein. In some embodiments, connectors in accordance with the present disclosure address the above-identified problems by providing one or more of the following features.

[0037] For example, in some embodiments, for the rear portion of the connector, a reusable temporary housing with depressible latch(es) has been implemented for manufacturing and testing purposes. The housing includes one or more latches that are movable and have been created to replace the snap features on the permanent rear housing. This allows the connector to be disassembled after manufacturing and testing of the internal connector components (e.g. the optical fiber, ferrule, etc.). The rear housing has a channel through the longitudinal axis thereof so it can be placed over the fiber(s) and / or cable and then removed afterwards.

[0038] These embodiments allow the standard interfacing housing parts to be assembled with a reusable housing part to be processed with standard manufacturing and test equipment. After manufacturing the connector is disassembled and the housing parts are reused. No sacrificial parts are required for the manufacturing process. The open channel of the rear housing can be removed without damage to the fiber(s) and / or cable.

[0039] In some embodiments, connectors in accordance with the present disclosure may utilize ferrules having notches or grooves which mate with mating grooves or notches in the front housing. The notches and grooves may, for example,be v-shaped. Such design is particularly advantageous for ease of alignment in blowable connectors.

[0040] Further, in some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to cables with unbound strength yarn (e.g. aramid yarn) under the jacket construction and an optical connector ferrule flange that accommodates the aramid yarn and jacket to be bonded to the ferrule flange (such as via an epoxy or other suitable adhesive). When a force is applied to the cable the aramid yarn isolates the force from being directly applied to the optical fiber(s). This results in much greater forces being able to be applied to the cable without breaking the fiber(s).

[0041] Further, in some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to the use of a small diameter termination to be connectorized to a cable and to be blown through a small diameter duct. The use of strength yarn from the cable creates a high tensile force bond to the connector. The outer components of the connector are then assembled after the assembly is blown through the duct.

[0042] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 through 16 illustrate embodiments of blowable cables 10 and components thereof, including a connector 14 and cable 20, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] As shown, a blowable cable 10 may include a cable 20. Cable 20 may include an outer jacket 22 which may define an interior 24. The outer jacket 22 may extend between a first end 26 and a second end 28. In some embodiments, the outer jacket 22 may be the outermost layer of the cable 20, while in other embodiments additional layers, such as additional jackets, may be provided on the outer jacket 22. The cable 20 may further include a plurality of strength yarns 30 and one or more optical fibers 32. In exemplary embodiments, the strength yarns 30 are aramid yarns. Alternatively, however, other suitable materials may be utilized. The strength yarns 30 and optical fibers 32 may extend through the interior 24 such that the outer jacket 22 surrounds such portions of the strength yarns 30 and optical fiber(s) 32. The strength yarns 30 and optical fiber(s) 32 may further protrude from the interior 24 at the ends 26, 28, thus extending outwardly from such end(s) 26, 28 of the jacket 22. These outwardly extending portions may be an exposed portion 30’ of the strength yarns 30 and an exposed portion 32’ of the optical fiber(s) 32. Such portions may be exposed by, for example, trimming back portions of the jacket 22.

[0044] The optical fiber 32 may further include one or more protective layers 34 and a core 36. In exemplary embodiments, a portion of the protective layer 34 may be removed to expose the core 36, as shown.

[0045] The cable 10, and connector 14 thereof, may further include a ferrule flange 40. Ferrule flange 40 may include a body 42 and a channel 44 defined through the body 42, such as along a longitudinal axis 12. The channel 44 may extend between and through opposing ends, e.g. a first end 46 and an opposing second end 48, of the ferrule flange 40.

[0046] In some embodiments, an inner stop 50 may be provided in the channel 44 on an inner surface of the body 42 between the ends 46, 48, such as proximate the second end 48 relative to the first end 46, as shown. An outer stop 52 may be provided on an outer surface of the body 42 between the ends 46, 48, such as proximate the first end 46 relative to the second end 48, as shown.

[0047] In some embodiments, an alignment feature 54 may be provided on the ferrule flange 40, such as on an outer surface of the body 42. The alignment feature 54 may extend along the longitudinal axis 12. In exemplary embodiments, the alignment feature 54 may be a groove, as shown. Alternatively, the alignment feature 54 may be a notch. In exemplary embodiments, the alignment feature 54 is v-shaped, and thus has a v-shaped cross-sectional profile.

[0048] The cable 10, and connector 14 thereof, may further include a ferrule 60. Ferrule 60 may include a fiber channel 62 which extends therethrough, such as along the longitudinal axis 12. Ferrule 60 may be seated in the ferrule flange 40. For example, the ferrule 60 may be inserted into the channel 44 through the second end 48, such that a portion of the ferrule 60 is disposed in the channel 44 and a portion of the ferrule 60 extends from the chamiel 44 and ferrule flange 40, such as along the longitudinal axis 12. In some embodiments the ferrule 60 may contact the inner stop 50 when inserted into the channel 44, thus positioning the ferrule 60 relative to the ferrule flange 40 and comiector and cable 10 generally.

[0049] The cable 10, and connector 14 thereof, may further include a spring 70, such as a compression spring as shown. The spring 70 may be mounted to the ferrule flange 40 at the first end 46 thereof, and a portion of the spring 70 may extend from the ferrule flange 40, such as along the longitudinal axis 12 in a direction opposite theferrule 60. In some embodiments the spring 70 may contact the outer stop 52 when mounted to the ferrule flange 40, thus positioning the spring 70 relative to the ferrule flange 40 and connector and cable 10 generally.

[0050] As shown, the end 28 of the outer jacket 22, the exposed portion 30’ of the strength yarns 30, and the exposed portion 32’ of the optical fiber(s) 32, include the protective layer 34 and core 36, may be inserted into the ferrule flange 40, such as through the first end 46. Such components 28, 30’, 32’ may thus extend into the channel 44 through the first end 46. Further, the exposed portion 32’ of the optical fiber 32, such as the core 36 thereof, may be inserted into the ferrule 60, such as the fiber channel 62 thereof. The protective layer 34 may, for example, be terminated in the channel 44 outside of the ferrule 60 and fiber channel 62 thereof.

[0051] Further in exemplary embodiments, an adhesive 80 may be provided in the channel 44. Such adhesive may in exemplary embodiments be an epoxy. The adhesive may advantageously bond various components together. For example, the exposed portion 30’ of the plurality or strength yarns 30 and the end 28 of the outer jacket 22 may be bonded to the ferrule flange 40, such as the body 42 thereof within the channel 44, by the adhesive 80. Such exposed portion 30’ and end 28 with the channel 44 may thus be encapsulated by the adhesive 80.

[0052] Use of the adhesive in such a manner advantageously provides improved strength characteristics to the cable 10, allowing greater forces being able to be applied to the cable 10 without breaking the fiber(s) 32 during, for example, blowing activities.

[0053] In some embodiments, as illustrated, the cable 10, and connector 14 thereof, may further include a dust cap 90. The dust cap 90 may be provided on an exposed end of the ferrule 60 before, during, and / or after installation to prevent contamination of the ferrule 60 and inserted fiber(s) 32.

[0054] The cable 10 as discussed above may be characterized as a pre-installation cable. Such cable may be assembled as discussed above, and then installed, such as in a duct, such as via blowing. Such cable 10 provides advantages, including the ability to withstand increased installation forces, over known cable designs.

[0055] In general, such pre-installation cable may not include the outer housing and boot. Such components may be added to the cable post-installation to complete the connector 14 assembly on the cable 10.

[0056] In exemplary embodiments, cable 10, and connector 14, may further include additional post-installation components. For example, cable 10 and connector 14, may include a front housing 100. Front housing 100 may include a body 102 and a channel 104 defined through the body 102, such as along the longitudinal axis 12. The channel 104 may extend between and through opposing ends, e.g. a first end 106 and an opposing second end 108, of the front housing 100. One or more slots 110 may be defined in the body 102, such as proximate the first end 106 relative to the second end 108. Front housing 100 may further include a latch 112 extending from the body 102.

[0057] In some embodiments, an alignment feature 114 may be provided on the front housing 100, such as on an inner surface of the body 102 which defines the channel 104. The alignment feature 114 may extend along the longitudinal axis 12. In exemplary embodiments, the alignment feature 114 may be a notch, as shown. Alternatively, the alignment feature 114 may be a groove. In exemplary embodiments, the alignment feature 114 is v-shaped, and thus has a v-shaped cross- sectional profile.

[0058] Cable 10 and connector 14, may further include a rear housing 120. Rear housing 120 may include a body 122 and a channel 124 defined through the body 122, such as along the longitudinal axis 12. The channel 124 may extend between and through opposing ends, e.g. a first end 126 and an opposing second end 128, of the rear housing 120. One or more tabs 130 may be provided on the body 122, such as the outer surface thereof. Rear housing 120 may further include a slot 132 defined in the body 122 along the longitudinal axis 12, such as extending between and through the ends 126, 128.

[0059] The front housing 100 and rear housing 120 may be assembled onto the various other components of the connector 14, such as post- installation. When assembled, the ferrule flange 40, ferrule 60, and spring 70 (as well as the portions of the cable 20 and the adhesive 80) are insertable and thus inserted into the front housing 100 (e.g. channel 104 thereof) and rear housing 120 (e.g. channel 124thereof). Further, the second end 128 of the rear housing 120 is inserted into the first end 106 of the front housing 100 such that the tab(s) 130 are non-removably inserted into the slots 110.

[0060] In some exemplary embodiments, the alignment feature 54 may mate with the alignment feature 114, with the alignment feature 54 inserted into the alignment feature 114 or the alignment feature 114 inserted into the alignment feature 54, during assembly of the front housing 100 onto the ferrule flange 40. Such mating advantageously facilitates accurate alignment of such components of the cable 10 and connector 14.

[0061] In some embodiments, cable 10, and connector 14, may further include a boot 140. The boot 140 may be assembled onto the various other components of the connector 14, such as post-installation. For example, the boot 140 may be provided on the first end 126 of the rear housing 120.

[0062] Referring now to FIGS. 17 through 20, the present disclosure is further directed to temporary blowable cables 200 and temporary connector assemblies 214 thereof. A temporary cable 200 and connector assembly 214 are utilized preinstallation for initial manufacturing and testing purposes, to insure that various components are suitable for use prior to installation and post-installation assembly. After such initial manufacturing and testing, components of the cable 200 and assembly 214 are removed for installation, converting the cable 200 to a cable 10 as disclosed herein.

[0063] A temporary blowable cable 200 may include a cable 20 as discussed herein, and may further include various components of a connector 14 as disclosed herein. However, certain components of the connector 14, such as the rear housing 120, may not be utilized in a temporary blowable cable 200 and temporary connector assembly 214. Instead, temporary blowable cable 200 and temporary connector assembly 214 may include a temporary rear housing 220. The temporary rear housing 220 may include various features which allow for the temporary rear housing 220 to be removable connected to the front housing 100, and then advantageously removed from such front housing 100 after testing. The front housing 100 can also then be removed. Such removal can advantageously be non-destructive, thus allowing for the reuse of parts and reduction of waste and risk of damage to the resulting cable 10.

[0064] A temporary rear housing 220 may include a body 222 and a channel 224 defined through the body 222, such as along the longitudinal axis 12. The channel 224 may extend between and through opposing ends, e.g. a first end 226 and an opposing second end 228, of the temporary rear housing 220.

[0065] In some embodiments, temporary rear housing 220 may further include a slot 232 defined in the body 222 along the longitudinal axis 12, such as extending between and through the ends 226, 228.

[0066] The temporary rear housing 220 may further include one or more movable latches 240 which are mounted to the body 222. Each movable latch 240 may include a tab 242 which is removably insertable into a slot 110 of the front housing 110 to removably assemble the temporary rear housing 220 to the front housing 110. The movable latch 240 may, for example, be a cantilevered member which extends along a portion of the body 222. Further, one or more openings 234 may be defined in the body 222, and an end of a movable latch 240 which includes a tab 242 may be positioned proximate the opening 234. The opening 234 may provide space for movement of the end of the movable latch 240 which includes the tab 242 into the opening 234 as required for removable of the tab 242 from a slot 110.

[0067] In some embodiments, the latch 240 may be biased outwardly away from the body 222 (and corresponding opening 234), such as into the slot 110 when assembled. Thus, a counter-biasing force to move the end of the movable latch 240 which includes the tab 242 into the opening 234 may be required for removable of the tab 242 from the slot 110.

[0068] Each movable latch 240 may further include a shoulder portion 244. The shoulder portion 244 may be a portion of the latch 240 that extends away from the body 222. Biasing of the shoulder portion 222 (such as by exerting a counter-biasing force) may cause movement of the tab 242 (such as movement of the end of the movable latch 240 which includes the tab 242 into the opening 234 such that removal of the tab 242 from the slot 110 occurs).

[0069] In exemplary embodiments, the movable latch 240 may be mounted to the body 222 via a mechanical fastener 250, such as a screw as shown. In some embodiments, a washer 252 may further be utilized to mount the movable latch 240 to the body 222. Alternatively, other suitable components may be utilized to mount themovable latch 240 to the body 222 and / or the movable latch 240 may be integral with the body 222.

[0070] The front housing 100 and temporary rear housing 220 may be assembled onto the various other components of the connector 14, such as pre-installation for manufacturing and testing purposes, thus foiming a temporary connector assembly 214. When assembled, the ferrule flange 40, ferrule 60, and spring 70 (as well as the portions of the cable 20 and the adhesive 80) are insertable and thus inserted into the front housing 100 (e.g. channel 104 thereof) and temporary rear housing 220 (e.g. channel 224 thereof). Further, the second end 228 of the temporary rear housing 220 is inserted into the first end 106 of the front housing 100 such that the tab(s) 242 are removably inserted into the slots 110. After testing, the temporary rear housing may be removable, and thus removed (e.g. non-destructively removable and removed) from the front housing 100. For example, the tab(s) 242 may be removable from the slots 110 via use of the movable latches 240 to remove the tab(s) 242 from the slots 110, and the second end 228 of the temporary rear housing 220 may then be removed from the first end 106 of the front housing 100.

[0071] Further aspects of the disclosure are provided by one or more of the following embodiments:

[0072] A blowable cable. The blowable cable includes a cable, the cable including an outer jacket, a plurality of strength yams, and an optical fiber, the outer jacket surrounding a portion of the plurality of strength yarns and the optical fiber, wherein an exposed portion of the plurality of strength members and an exposed portion of the optical fiber extend outwardly from an end of the outer jacket. The blowable cable further includes a ferrule flange including a body and a channel defined along a longitudinal axis through the body, the channel extending between and through a first end and an opposing second end of the ferrule flange, wherein the end of the outer jacket, the exposed portion of the plurality of strength members and the exposed portion of the optical fiber extend through the first end of the ferrule flange into the channel. The blowable cable further includes a ferrule inserted through the second end of the ferrule flange into the channel, wherein the optical fiber is inserted into the ferrule. The blowable cable further includes an adhesive providedin the channel, wherein the exposed portion of the plurality of strength yarns and the end of the outer jacket are bonded to the ferrule flange by the adhesive.

[0073] A connector including a ferrule flange and a ferrule in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0074] A cable or connector in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein, wherein the adhesive is an epoxy.

[0075] A cable or connector in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein, wherein the strength yarns are aramid yarns.

[0076] A cable or connector in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein, further comprising a spring mounted to the ferrule flange at the first end of the ferrule flange.

[0077] A cable or connector in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein, wherein the ferrule flange further comprises an alignment feature extending along the longitudinal axis.

[0078] A cable or connector in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein, wherein the alignment feature is a groove.

[0079] A cable or connector in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein, wherein the alignment feature is v-shaped.

[0080] A cable or connector in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein, further including a front housing and a rear housing, wherein the fermle and ferrule flange are insertable into the front housing and the rear housing.

[0081] A cable or connector in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein, wherein the front housing includes an alignment feature.

[0082] A temporary connector assembly. The temporary connector assembly includes a front housing, the front housing including a body and a channel defined along a longitudinal axis through the body, the channel extending between and through a first end and an opposing second end of the front housing, the front housing further including a slot defined in the housing proximate the first end. The temporary connector assembly further includes a temporary rear housing, the temporary rear housing including a body and a channel defined along the longitudinal axis through the body, the channel extending between and through a first end and an opposing second end of the temporary rear housing, the temporary rear housing furtherincluding a movable latch mounted to the body, the movable latch including a tab.The tab is removably insertable into the slot when the rear housing is assembled to the front housing.

[0083] A temporary blowable cable including a cable and a temporary connector assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0084] A temporary blowable cable in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein, wherein the temporary rear housing further includes a slot defined in the body along the longitudinal axis.

[0085] A temporary blowable cable in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein, wherein the movable latch further includes a shoulder portion.

[0086] A temporary blowable cable in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein, wherein biasing of the shoulder portion causes movement of the tab.

[0087] A temporary blowable cable in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein, wherein the movable latch is mounted to the body by a mechanical fastener.

[0088] A temporary blowable cable in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein, further including a ferrule and a ferrule flange wherein the ferrule and ferrule flange are insertable into the front housing and the rear housing.

[0089] A temporary blowable cable in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein, further including a cable.

[0090] A temporary blowable cable in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein, wherein the slot is a plurality of slots and the movable latch is a plurality of movable latches.

[0091] A temporary blowable cable in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein, wherein the rear housing is removable from the front housing when the tab is removed from the slot.

[0092] This written description uses examples to disclose the present application, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A blowable cable, comprising: a cable, the cable comprising an outer jacket, a plurality of strength yams, and an optical fiber, the outer jacket surrounding a portion of the plurality of strength yams and the optical fiber, wherein an exposed portion of the plurality of strength members and an exposed portion of the optical fiber extend outwardly from an end of the outer jacket; a fermle flange comprising a body and a channel defined along a longitudinal axis through the body, the channel extending between and through a first end and an opposing second end of the ferrule flange, wherein the end of the outer jacket, the exposed portion of the plurality of strength members and the exposed portion of the optical fiber extend through the first end of the ferrule flange into the channel; a fermle inserted through the second end of the ferrule flange into the channel, wherein the optical fiber is inserted into the ferrule; and an adhesive provided in the channel, wherein the exposed portion of the plurality of strength yams and the end of the outer jacket are bonded to the fermle flange by the adhesive.

2. The blowable cable of claim 1, wherein the adhesive is an epoxy.

3. The blowable cable of claim 1, wherein the strength yams are aramid yams.

4. The blowable cable of claim 1. further comprising a spring mounted to the ferrule flange at the first end of the ferrule flange.

5. The blowable cable of claim 1, wherein the ferrule flange further comprises an alignment feature extending along the longitudinal axis.

6. The blowable cable of claim 5. wherein the alignment feature is a groove.

7. The blowable cable of claim 5. wherein the alignment feature is v-shaped.

8. The blowable cable of claim 1, further comprising a front housing and a rear housing, wherein the ferrule and fermle flange are insertable into the front housing and the rear housing.

9. The blowable cable of claim 8. wherein the front housing comprises an alignment feature.

10. A temporary connector assembly, comprising:a front housing, the front housing comprising a body and a channel defined along a longitudinal axis through the body, the channel extending between and through a first end and an opposing second end of the front housing, the front housing further comprising a slot defined in the housing proximate the first end; and a temporary' rear housing, the temporary' rear housing comprising a body and a channel defined along the longitudinal axis through the body, the channel extending between and through a first end and an opposing second end of the temporary’ rear housing, the temporary7rear housing further comprising a movable latch mounted to the body, the movable latch comprising a tab; wherein the tab is removably insertable into the slot when the rear housing is assembled to the front housing.

11. The temporary connector assembly of claim 10, wherein the temporary rear housing further comprises a slot defined in the body’ along the longitudinal axis.

12. The temporary’ connector assembly of claim 10, wherein the movable latch further comprises a shoulder portion.

13. The temporary connector assembly of claim 12, wherein biasing of the shoulder portion causes movement of the tab.

14. The temporary7connector assembly of claim 10, wherein the movable latch is mounted to the body by a mechanical fastener.

15. The temporary connector assembly of claim 10, further comprising a ferrule and a ferrule flange wherein the ferrule and ferrule flange are insertable into the front housing and the rear housing.

16. The temporary’ connector assembly of claim 15, further comprising a cable.

17. The temporary connector assembly of claim 10, wherein the slot is a plurality of slots and the movable latch is a plurality of movable latches.

18. The temporary connector assembly of claim 10, wherein the rear housing is removable from the front housing when the tab is removed from the slot.

Images