Optical fiber connector with three stage locking

Abstract

Disclosed is an optical fiber connector assembly (100) having an inner housing (202) partially encapsulating the inner body (204), an outer housing (108) partially encapsulating inner housing (202), a pushable locking element (110) removably engaged with the outer housing (108) to restrict movement of the outer housing (108) thereby engaging a secondary lock (103), and a boot (112) removably engaged with the inner housing (202) thereby engaging a tertiary lock (105). Particularly, the outer housing (108) is removably locked with a mating adapter thereby engaging a primary lock (101). Further, the optical fiber connector assembly (100) disengages from the mating adapter upon disengagement of one of, (i) the tertiary lock (105), (ii) the secondary lock (103), and (iii) the primary lock (101).

Description

Title: OPTICAL FIBER CONNECTOR WITH THREE STAGE LOCKINGFIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Indian Application No. “IN202311064173” titled “OPTICAL FIBER CONNECTOR WITH THREE STAGE LOCKING” filed by the applicant on 25-Sep-2023 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of fiber optic interconnect systems, and more particularly, relates to an optical fiber connector for optical fiber cables with three stage locking.DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0003] Modern optical devices and optical communications systems widely use fiber optic cables. Fiber optic cables are often used to transmit light signals for high speed data transmission. A fiber optic cable typically includes an optical fiber or optical fibers, a buffer or buffers that surround the fiber or fibers, a strength layer that surrounds the buffer or buffers, and an outer jacket. The optical fibers function to carry optical signals.

[0004] A typical optical fiber includes an inner core surrounded by a cladding that is covered by a coating. Buffers (e.g., loose or tight buffer tubes) typically function to surround and protect coated optical fibers. Strength layers add mechanical strength to fiber optic cables to protect the internal optical fibers against stresses applied to the cables during installation and thereafter. Example strength layers include aramid yam, steel, and epoxy reinforced glass roving. Outer jackets provide protection against damage caused by crushing, abrasions, and other physical damage. Outer jackets also provide protection against chemical damage (e.g., ozone, alkali, acids).

[0005] Fiber optic cable connection systems are used to facilitate connecting and disconnecting fiber optic cables in the field without requiring a splice. A typical fiber optic cable connection system for interconnecting two fiber optic cables includes fiber optic connectors mounted at the ends of the fiber optic cables, and an adapter for mechanically and optically coupling the fiber optic connectors together.

[0006] Fiber optic connectors generally include ferrules that support the ends of the optical fibers of the fiber optic cables. The end faces of the ferrules are typically polished and are often angled. The adapter includes co-axially aligned ports (i.e. , receptacles for receiving the fiber optic connectors desired to be interconnected). The adapter includes an internal sleeve that receives and aligns the ferrules of the fiber optic connectors when the connectors are inserted within the ports of the adapter. With the ferrules and their associated fibers aligned within the sleeve of the adapter, a fiber optic signal can pass from one fiber to the next. Some systems are known which include alignment of fibers but no ferrules.

[0007] A common fiber optic connector includes a ferrule assembly supported at a distal end of a connector housing. The spring is for biasing the cannula assembly in a distal direction relative to the connector housing. The ferrule assembly comprises a ferrule for supporting an end portion of at least one optical fiber (in the case of a multi-fiber ferrule, the ferrule supports the ends of a plurality of fibers). The ferrule has a distal end face at which a polished end of the optical fiber is located. When interconnecting two optical fibers, the distal end faces of the ferrules abut each other and push the ferrules proximally relative to their respective connector housings against the bias of their respective springs. In the case of connectorized fiber optic connectors, their respectiveoptical fibers are coaxially aligned such that the end faces of the optical fibers are directly opposite one another. In this way, optical signals can be transmitted between the optical fibers through the aligned end faces of the optical fibers.

[0008] For many fiber optic connector types, alignment between two fiber optic connectors is achieved through the use of an intermediate fiber optic adapter that includes an alignment sleeve that receives and coaxially aligns ferrules of the fiber optic connectors that are intended to be interconnected. For certain types of fiber optic connectors, the optical fibers are secured within their respective ferrules by an encapsulant material, such as an epoxy.

[0009] Prior art “US9915788B2” discloses an optical fiber connector structure with an inner housing extending beyond an outer housing and connected to a boot with a retainer body and a compression element to provide sealing of the cable.

[0010] Another prior art reference “US10877221 B2” discloses a fiber connector with an outer housing, an inner housing, and an elastic boot. The outer housing of the invention extends beyond the inner housing.

[0011] Yet another prior art reference “US11169334B2" discloses an optical fiber connector with an outer housing extending beyond an inner housing. A sealing element grasped by the inner housing is present to allow the optical fiber cable inside the connector.

[0012] Yet prior art reference “W02021051904A1" discloses a sealing and locking connection part for a fiber optical connector. The locking connection part includes the sealing part which are separated to each other and are present at the two different ends of the connector assembly.

[0013] Yet another prior art reference “US20210263226A1” discloses an optical fiber connector with a secondary lock unit and protectors on the connector front end to protect the ferrule.

[0014] In light of the above stated discussion, to overcome the above stated disadvantages there is a need for an optical fiber cable that is capable of solving aforementioned problems of the conventional optical fiber cables.

[0015] Thus, the present invention proposes a technical solution that overcomes the above-stated limitations in the prior arts by providing an optical fiber connector assembly that efficiently connects the optical fiber and provides additional security at the connector to avoid accidental disengagement.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention relates to an optical fiber connector assembly comprising an inner housing and outer housing adapted to partially encapsulate the inner housing, a pushable locking element that can be removably engaged with the outer housing to restrict movement of the outer housing thereby engaging a secondary lock and a boot that can be removably engaged with the inner housing thereby engaging a tertiary lock. In particular, the primary lock, the secondary lock and the tertiary lock are interlocked with each other such that the optical fiber connector assembly disengages from the mating adapter upon disengagement of(i) the tertiary lock ,(ii) the secondary lock, and(iii) the primary lock .

[0017] In particular, the outer housing can be removably locked with a mating adapter thereby engaging a primary lock.

[0018] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the optical fiber connector assembly comprises one or more connectors and an inner body at least partially encapsulated by the inner housing. In particular, the inner body is adapted to hold one or more connectors.

[0019] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the outer housing comprising a bayonet locking structure such that the outer housing is removably locked with the mating adapter through the bayonet locking structure

[0020] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the pushable locking element comprises at least two push tabs that facilitates the pushable locking element to couple with the outer housing

[0021] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the inner housing comprises at least two longitudinal grooves that are disposed on an outer surface of the inner housing. In particular, at least two longitudinal grooves are adapted to enable longitudinal movement of the pushable locking element over the inner housing to facilitate one of, engagement and disengagement of the secondary lock.

[0022] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the boot is removably engaged with the inner housing. In particular, the boot encapsulates the inner housing till the pushable locking element to restrict longitudinal movement of the pushable locking element to engage the tertiary lock.

[0023] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, length of the inner housing (202) is greater than a length of the outer housing (108) such that the innerhousing (202) extends beyond the outer housing (108) while the outer housing (108) partially encapsulates the inner housing

[0024] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the primary lock is unlocked upon unlocking of the secondary lock and the secondary lock is unlocked upon unlocking of the tertiary lock .

[0025] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the optical fiber connector assembly disengages from the mating adapter upon sequential disengagement of (i) the tertiary lock (105), (ii) the secondary lock (103), and (iii) the primary lock (101).

[0026] Another embodiment of the present invention, an optical fiber connector assembly comprising an inner housing comprising at least two longitudinal grooves hat are disposed on an outer surface of the inner housing, an outer housing adapted to partially encapsulate the inner housing, a pushable locking element that can be removably engaged with the outer housing to restrict movement of the outer housing thereby engaging a secondary lock. At least two longitudinal grooves are adapted to enable longitudinal movement of the pushable locking element over the inner housing to facilitate one of, engagement and disengagement of the secondary lock. The outer housing that can be removably locked with a mating adapter thereby engaging a primary lock.

[0027] The foregoing objectives of the present invention are attained by providing an optical fiber connector assembly.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] So that the manner in which the above-recited features of the present invention is understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

[0029] The invention herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0030] Fig. 1 is a pictorial snapshot illustrating a cross sectional view of an assembled view of an optical fiber connector assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] [Fig. 2 is a pictorial snapshot illustrating an assembled view of the optical fiber connector assembly without a dust cap in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Fig. 3 is a pictorial snapshot illustrating perspective view of the outer housing in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Fig. 4 is a pictorial snapshot illustrating perspective view of the inner housing in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Fig. 5 is a pictorial snapshot illustrating a front view of an outer housing encapsulating an inner housing in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Fig. 6 is a pictorial snapshot illustrating a perspective view of a pushable locking element in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Fig. 7 is a pictorial snapshot illustrating a perspective view of a boot in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] [ Fig. 8 is a pictorial snapshot illustrating a front view of an inner body in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Fig. 9A is a pictorial snapshot illustrating a sectional view of a first end of the optical fiber connector assembly with engaged pushable locking element in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Fig. 9B is a pictorial snapshot illustrating a sectional view of a first end of the optical fiber connector assembly with engaged pushable locking element in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Fig. 10 is a pictorial snapshot illustrating an exploded view of the optical fiber connector assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Fig. 11 is a pictorial snapshot illustrating another exploded view of the optical fiber connector assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Fig. 12A is a pictorial snapshot illustrating a collapsed view of the inner body in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Fig. 12B is a pictorial snapshot illustrating an exploded view of the inner body in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Fig. 13A is a pictorial snapshot illustrating another collapsed view of the inner body in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Fig. 13B is a pictorial snapshot illustrating another exploded view of the inner body in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Fig. 14 is a flow chart illustrating a method for coupling the connector assembly with the mating adapter in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Fig. 15 is a flow chart illustrating a method for removing the connector assembly from the mating adapter in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] The optical fiber connector assembly illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. It should be noted that the accompanying figure is intended to present illustrations of exemplary embodiments of the present invention. This figure is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It should also be noted that the accompanying figure is not necessarily drawn to scale.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiment of the invention as illustrative or exemplary embodiments of the invention, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practised are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosed embodiments. However, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the embodiments of the invention may be practised with or without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments of the invention.

[0050] The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. References within the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “embodiments," or “one or more embodiments” are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are generally only used to distinguish one element from another and do not denote any order, ranking, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. Further, the terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.

[0052] The conditional language used herein, such as, among others, "can," "may," "might," "may," “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and / or steps.

[0053] Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and / or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.

[0054] The following brief definition of terms shall apply throughout the present invention:

[0055] The term “optical fiber” as used herein refers to a light guide that provides highspeed data transmission. The optical fiber has one or more glass core regions and a glass cladding region. The light moving through the glass core regions of the optical fiber relies upon the principle of total internal reflection, where the glass core regions have a higher refractive index (n1 ) than the refractive index (n2) of the glass cladding region of the optical fiber.

[0056] The term “core region” as used herein refers to the inner most cylindrical structure present in the centre of the optical fiber, that is configured to guide the light rays inside the optical fiber.

[0057] The term “cladding” as used herein refers to one or more layered structure covering the core of an optical fiber from the outside, that is configured to possess a lower refractive index than the refractive index of the core to facilitate total internal reflection of light rays inside the optical fiber. Further, the cladding of the optical fiber may include an inner cladding layer coupled to the outer surface of the core of the optical fiber and an outer cladding layer coupled to the inner cladding from the outside.

[0058] The term “optical fiber cable” as used herein refers to a cable that encloses one or more optical fibers.

[0059] The term “heat shrink tube” refers to a flexible tube that is used for sealing. The heat shrink tube slides over a cable termination portion and with the help of hot air, such that the heat shrink tube gets shrunk to hold the cable termination portion and thereby providing sealing.

[0060] Terms “optical fiber connector assembly” or "connector assembly” may be used interchangeably throughout the specification for convenience.

[0061] Fig. 1 is a pictorial snapshot illustrating a cross sectional view of an assembled view of an optical fiber connector assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The optical fiber connector assembly 100 (hereinafter interchangeably referred to and designated as “the connector assembly 100”) may be adapted to join an optical fiber with another optical fiber and thereby enabling quicker connection and disconnection than splicing of the optical fibers. In particular, the connector assembly 100 may be adapted to align a core of one optical fiber with a core of another optical fiber facilitating light to pass through the one optical fiber to the other optical fiber. Moreover, the connector assembly 100 may be adapted to facilitate a three-stage locking. Further, the connector assembly 100 may be adapted to provide an environment sealing for the optical fiber.

[0062] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the connector assembly 100 may be adapted to be used in a harsh environment to provide the environment sealing to optical fiber connections. In particular, the connector assembly 100 may work or operate in a plug and play manner. Further, the connector assembly100 may be adapted to join the optical fiber to any appliance or a mating adapter. The connector assembly 100 may be mainly used in a plurality of terminals of radio-frequency (RF) towers. Therefore, high load bearing capacity may be required due to load of an optical fiber cable.

[0063] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the connector assembly 100 may be used for the optical fiber cable having a diameter that may be in a range of 4 millimeters (mm) to 9 mm. Particularly, the connector assembly 100 may be used for the optical fiber cable having the diameter that may be 4.2 mm, 4.8 mm, 5.5 mm, 8 mm, and 8.2 mm thereby making it advantageously compatible with the optical fiber cable having different diameters.

[0064] The connector assembly 100 may have a first end 102 and a second end 104 disposed at an opposite side of the first end 102.

[0065] The connector assembly 100 may further have a dust cap 106, an outer housing 108, a pushable locking element 110, and a boot 112. In particular, the dust cap 106 may be disposed of at the first end 102 of the connector assembly 100. Moreover, the dust cap 106 may be adapted to prevent contamination of the optical fiber. Further, the dust cap 106 may prevent entry of dust, dirt, and debris in the connector assembly 100 thereby advantageously preventing contamination of the optical fiber from the dust, dirt, and debris.

[0066] The outer housing 108 may be coupled to the dust cap 106. In particular, the outer housing 108 may be disposed adjacent to the dust cap 106. In an assembled configuration, the outer housing 108 may be removably engaged to the mating adapter.

[0067] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the outer housing 108 may have a length that may be in a range of 40 mm to 42 mm. In particular, the outer housing 108 may have a length that may be 41.8 mm and a diameter in a range of 34 mm and 38 mm.

[0068] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the outer housing 108 may have a diameter that may be 35.97 mm. Alternatively, the diameter may vary.

[0069] The pushable locking element 110 may be coupled to the outer housing 108. Specifically, the pushable locking element 110 may be disposed adjacent to the outer housing 108.

[0070] The boot 112 may be a flexible boot disposed at the second end 104 of the connector assembly 100. Particularly, the boot 112 may be disposed at an opposite side of the dust cap 106. The boot 112 may be adapted to provide a strength to the connector assembly 100. Further, the boot 112 may be adapted to provide a tensile strength to the connector assembly 100.

[0071] Fig. 2 is a pictorial snapshot illustrating an assembled view of the optical fiber connector assembly 100 without a dust cap 106 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The optical fiber connector assembly 100 may further have an inner housing 202 and an inner body 204. In particular, the inner housing 202 may be disposed outside of the inner body 204 and inside of the outer housing 108. And, the inner body 204 may be disposed within the inner housing 202 of the connector assembly 100. The inner housing 202 may be adapted to partially encapsulate the inner body 204 such that a portion of the inner body 204 extends out from the inner housing 202.

[0072] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the inner housing 202 may have a length in range of 70 mm to 75 mm. Preferably, the inner housing 202 length may be 73.2 mm.

[0073] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the inner housing 202 may have a diameter in a range of 24 mm and 28 mm. Preferably, the inner housing 202 diameter may be 25.9 mm.

[0074] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the inner body 204 may have a length (without connectors) in a range of 50 mm and 52 mm. Preferably, the inner body 204 may have the length (without connectors) of 50.6 mm.

[0075] Fig. 3 is a pictorial snapshot illustrating perspective view of the outer housing in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the outer housing 108 may have a third end 302, a fourth end 304, a first orifice 306, a second orifice 308, and a bayonet locking structure 310. The third end 302 may have a diameter that may be greater than the diameter of the fourth end 304. While the outer housing 108 encapsulates the inner housing 202, the third end 302 may be disposed at a side of the first end 102 of the connector assembly 100 and the fourth end 304 may be disposed at a side of the second end 104 of the connector assembly 100. The first orifice 306 may be disposed at the third end 302 and the second orifice 308 may be disposed at the fourth end 304. The bayonet locking structure 310 may be a recess or depression that may be formed on the outer housing 108. Further, the bayonet locking structure 310 may be a structure that may receive an element and may be disposed of at an internal portion of the outer housing 108.

[0076] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the bayonet locking structure 310 may be disposed of at the internal portion of the third end 302 of the outer housing 108. In particular, the bayonet locking structure 310 may facilitate the outer housing 108 to removably locked with the mating adapter through the bayonet locking structure 310. Moreover, one or more protrusions of the mating adapter may be received within the bayonet locking structure 310 facilitating removable locking of the outer housing 108 with the mating adapter.

[0077] Fig. 4 is a pictorial snapshot illustrating perspective view of the inner housing in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The inner housing 202 may have a fifth end 402, a sixth end 404, a third orifice 406, a fourth orifice 408, and at least two longitudinal grooves 410a, 410b (hereinafter collectively referred to and designated as “the longitudinal grooves 410”). In particular, the fifth end 402 may have a diameter that may be greater than a diameter of the sixth end 404. While the outer housing 108 encapsulates the inner housing 202, the fifth end 402 may be disposed at a side of the first end 102 of the connector assembly 100 and the sixth end 404 may be disposed at a side of the second end 104 of the connector assembly 100.

[0078] Moreover, the third orifice 406 may be disposed of at the fifth end 402 and the fourth orifice 408 may be disposed of at the sixth end 404. And, the longitudinal grooves 410 may be disposed on an outer surface 407 of the inner housing 202. The outer surface 407 may be a curved surface.

[0079] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the inner housing 202 may have a cylindrical shape such that the outer surface 407 forms the curved surface. Particularly, the longitudinal grooves 410 may extend along the length of theinner housing 202 and may facilitate longitudinal movement of the pushable locking element 110 over the inner housing 202. Further, the pushable locking element 110 may be moved over the inner housing 202 by way of the longitudinal grooves 410.

[0080] Each longitudinal groove of the longitudinal grooves 410 may be a recess or depression such that each longitudinal groove of the longitudinal grooves 410 may receive an element. Moreover, each longitudinal groove of the longitudinal grooves 410 may be adapted to receive corresponding push tabs of the push tabs 604 that facilitates the pushable locking element 110 to move over the inner housing 202. Further, each push tab of the push tabs 604 may be received within the corresponding longitudinal groove of the longitudinal grooves 410 such that the pushable locking element 110 is moved over the inner housing 202. Furthermore, each longitudinal groove of the longitudinal grooves 410 may be adapted to receive corresponding push tab of the push tabs 604 to facilitate the pushable locking element 110 to move over the inner housing 202. Thus, each longitudinal groove of the longitudinal grooves 410 may advantageously facilitate easy sliding of the pushable locking element 110 over the inner housing 202.

[0081] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the inner housing 202 may further have a keying structure 412 to facilitate correct alignment of each connector of the connectors in the fiber terminal. The inner housing 202 may be removably coupled to the mating adapter. Further, the fifth end 402 may be removably coupled to the mating adapter through the keying structure 412.

[0082] Inparticular, a cross-sectional shape of each longitudinal groove of the longitudinal grooves 410 may be one of, a square, a rectangle, a trapezium, and the like. Aspects of the present invention are intended to include and / or otherwise cover any type of knownand later developed cross-sectional shape of each longitudinal groove of the longitudinal grooves 410, without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

[0083] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the inner housing 202 may further have a stop ring disposed at the sixth end 404. In particular, the stop ring may prevent movement of the outer housing 108 and the pushable locking element 110.

[0084] Fig. 5 is a pictorial snapshot illustrating a front view of an outer housing encapsulating an inner housing in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The outer housing 108 may be wrapped around the inner housing 202 adapted to partially encapsulate the inner housing 202 such that the inner housing 202 extends beyond the outer housing 108. In particular, the length of the inner housing 202 may be greater than the length of the outer housing 108 such that the inner housing 202 extends beyond the outer housing 108 while the outer housing 108 partially encapsulates the inner housing 202. Moreover, the inner housing 202 may extend beyond the outer housing 108 from either end, for example, the fifth end 402 and the sixth end 404. Further, the inner housing 202 may extend beyond the outer housing 108 to facilitate engagement of the dust cap 106, the pushable locking element 110, and the boot 112 with the inner housing 202.

[0085] The inner housing 202 may extend beyond the outer housing 108 to facilitate easy assembling of the connector assembly 100. The fifth end 402 of the inner housing 202 may extend beyond the outer housing 108 that may facilitate assembling of the dust cap 106 in the connector assembly 100. The sixth end 404 of the inner housing 202 mayextend beyond the outer housing 108 that may facilitate assembling of the pushable locking element 110 and the boot 112 in the connector assembly 100.

[0086] Particularly, the fifth end 402 of the inner housing 202 may extend beyond the outer housing 108 up to a length that may be in a range of 3 mm to 4 mm.

[0087] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the fifth end 402 of the inner housing 202 may extend beyond the outer housing 108 up to the length that may be 3.3 mm.

[0088] The outer housing 108 may be removably locked with the mating adapter to engage a primary lock 101. The inner housing 202 may have threads 502 that may be disposed on the outer surface 407 of the inner housing 202 at a side that may be away from the outer housing 108 while the outer housing 108 encapsulates the inner housing 202. In particular, the threads 502 may be disposed of at the sixth end 404.

[0089] Fig. 6 is a pictorial snapshot illustrating a perspective view of a pushable locking element in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The pushable locking element 110 may have a skirt portion 602 and a pair of push tabs 604a, 604b (hereinafter collectively referred to and designated as “the push tabs 604”). In particular, the skirt portion 602 may be a ring-shaped portion and may extend from the skirt portion 602. Further, the push tabs 604 may extend in a diametrically opposite arrangement from the skirt portion 602 such that the first push tab 604 faces the second push tab 604b.

[0090] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the pushable locking element 110 may surround the inner housing 202. In particular, the skirt portion 602 may surround the inner housing 202. The pushable locking element 110 may be removably engaged with the outer housing 108 to prevent movement of the outer housing 108 andthereby may engage a secondary lock 103. Further, the push tabs 604 may engage with the outer housing 108 to prevent accidental movement of the outer housing 108 and thereby may engage the secondary lock 103. The outer housing 108 may have a pair of slots that may receive the push tabs 604.

[0091] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, each push tab of the push tabs 604 may be inserted in the corresponding slot of the pair of slots of the outer housing 108 that may prevent rotational movement of the of the outer housing 108 and thereby may engage the secondary lock 103. In particular, each push tab of the push tabs 604 may have a bulge 607 that may protrude in an inner side. In other words, the bulge 607 of one push tab of the push tabs 604 may face towards the bulge 607 of the other push tab of the push tabs. Moreover, the bulge 607 of each push tab of the push tabs 604 may assist in movement of the secondary lock 103 over the inner housing 202 by sliding into the longitudinal grooves 410 of the inner housing 202. Further, the bulge 607 of each push tab of the push tabs 604 may get stuck at a rear end of the inner housing 202 such that the pushable locking element 110 does not separate from the inner housing 202.

[0092] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the push tabs 604 may facilitate the pushable locking element 110 to couple with the outer housing 108 in a snap-fit arrangement. Specifically, each push tab of the push tabs 604 may be snap fitted with the corresponding slot of the pair of slots of the outer housing 108. The pushable locking element 110 may be provided at a rear side of the outer housing 108 that may provide double security.

[0093] Further, the pushable locking element 110 may be longitudinally movable over the inner housing 202 to facilitate one of,

[0094] (i) an engagement of the secondary lock 103 and

[0095] (ii) a disengagement of the secondary lock 103.

[0096] The pushable locking element 110 may be adapted to prevent false triggering i.e., accidental disengagement of the primary lock 101. To prevent the false triggering, the pushable locking element 110 may be pushed such that the pushable locking element 110 slides over the inner housing 202 to provide a double locking feature to the connector assembly 100.

[0097] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the pushable locking element 110 may have a length that may be in a range of 14 mm to 18 mm. Preferably, the pushable locking element 110 may have the length that may be 15.4 mm.

[0098] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a cross-sectional shape of each push tab of the push tabs 604 may be one of, a rectangle, a square, a trapezium, and the like. Aspects of the present invention are intended to include and / or otherwise cover any type of the cross-sectional shape of each push tab of the push tabs 604.

[0099] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, each push tab of the push tabs 604 may have a length that may be in a range of 4 mm to 6 mm.

[0100] Fig. 7 is a pictorial snapshot illustrating a perspective view of a boot in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The boot 112 may be the flexible boot and may be disposed at the second end 104 of the connector assembly 100 such that the boot 112 encapsulates the inner housing 202 till the pushable lockingelement 11O.The boot 112 may extend till the pushable locking element 110 such that the pushable locking element 110 may not be removed without removing the boot 112. This ensures that removal of the pushable locking element 110 from the connector assembly 100, requires removal of the boot 112.

[0101] The boot 112 may extend till the pushable locking element 110 may extend till the pusable locking element 110 to prevent false triggering and to prevent accidental disengagement of the pushable locking element 110 from the connector assembly 100. The boot 112 may therefore advantageously prevent accidental collapse of the connector assembly 100. The boot 112 may therefore advantageously hold the pushable locking element 110 in the connector assembly 100.

[0102] The boot 112 may have a connection portion 702 and a helical flexible portion 704. The connection portion 702 may facilitate connection of the boot 112 with the inner housing 202. Particularly, the connection portion 702 may have internal threads (not shown) that may be adapted to mate with the threads 502 of the inner housing 202. To removably couple the boot 112 with the inner housing 202, the connection portion 702 may be rotated i.e., fully threaded on the threads 502 of the inner housing 202 to facilitate a tight connection between the internal threads of the connection portion 702 and the threads 502 of the inner housing 202. The boot 112 may encapsulate the inner housing 202 till the pushable locking element 110 that may prevent unlocking of the pushable locking element 110 while the boot 112 is fully threaded. The boot 112 may be removably engaged with the inner housing 202 to prevent movement of the pushable locking element 110. Moreover, the boot 112 may be removably engaged with the innerhousing 202 to prevent movement of the pushable locking element 110 to engage a tertiary lock 105.

[0103] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the boot 112 may have a conical shape. Aspects of the present invention are intended to include and / or otherwise cover any type of shape for the boot 112, without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

[0104] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the boot 112 may be removably engaged with the inner housing 202 through a threaded lock.

[0105] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the boot 112 may have a length that may be in a range of 60 mm to 65 mm. Preferably, the boot 112 may have a length that may be 64.2 mm.

[0106] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the connection portion 702 may have a shape that may be one of, a frustum, a cylinder, and the like. Aspects of the present invention are intended to include and / or otherwise cover any type of known and later developed shape for the connection portion, without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

[0107] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the helical flexible portion 704 may have a shape that may be one of, a frustum, a cylinder, and the like. Aspects of the present invention are intended to include and / or otherwise cover any type of known and later developed shape for the helical flexible portion, without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

[0108] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the boot 112 may have a length that may be in a range of 60 mm to 65 mm. Preferably, the boot 112 may have a length that may be 64.2 mm.

[0109] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the connector assembly 100 may be disengaged from the mating adapter. Specifically, the connector assembly 100 may be disengaged from the mating adapter, upon disengagement of one of,

[0110] (i) the tertiary lock 105,[oom] (ii) the secondary lock 103, and

[0112] (iii) the primary lock 101 such that the primary lock 101 , the secondary lock 103, and the tertiary lock 105 are interlocked with each other.

[0113] The primary lock 101 may be unlocked upon unlocking of the secondary lock 103. The secondary lock 103 may be unlocked upon unlocking of the tertiary lock 105. The primary lock 101 , the secondary lock 103, and the tertiary lock 105 may together form a triple locking mechanism for the connector assembly 100. The triple locking mechanism may advantageously enhance a load bearing capacity and may advantageously increase safety in terms of an accidental disengagement of the connector assembly 100 from the plurality of terminals. The connector assembly 100 may eliminate the need of a flexible material that may be required to join two LC connectors in duplex connector configuration. Therefore, by eliminating the need of the flexible material, alignment during the connection of the optical fibers may advantageously get easier.

[0114] Fig. 8 is a pictorial snapshot illustrating a front view of an inner body in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The connector assembly 100 may further have one or more connectors 802a, 802b (hereinafter collectively referred to and designated as “the connectors 802”). The inner body 204 may hold the connectors 802. In particular, the connectors 802 may have a plurality of ferrules 804a, 804b (hereinafter collectively referred to and designated as “the ferrules 804”), a pull tab 806, and one or more rings 808a, 808b (hereinafter collectively referred to and designated as “the rings 808”). While, the inner body 204 is disposed within the inner housing 202, the ferrules 804 and the pull tab 806 may be disposed near to the first end 102.

[0115] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, each connector of the connectors 802 may be a (LC) duplex connector and may facilitate the optical fiber to enter in each connector of the connectors 802.

[0116] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the dust cap 106 may be attached with a tether (not shown) to protect the connectors 802.

[0117] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, each connector of the connectors 802 may be made for a single fiber or multiple fibers.

[0118] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, each ferrule of the ferrules 804 may be coupled to the corresponding connector of the connectors 802. Particularly, each ferrule of the ferrules 804 may be disposed in front of the corresponding connector of the connectors 802. Each ferrule of the ferrules 804 may be provided with a hole (not shown). The hole of each ferrule of the ferrules 804 may facilitate entry of the optical fiber through the corresponding connector of the connectors802. Further, each ferrule of the ferrules 804 may be a final termination end of a fiber connection.

[0119] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the rings 808 may be disposed on a cap of the inner body 204. In other words, the rings 808 may be wrapped on the cap of the inner body 204. The rings 808 may be adapted to seal the inner body 204 against the inner housing 202 and may be adapted for sealing purposes to facilitate sealing between the inner body 204 and the inner housing 202. In particular, the rings 808 may further be adapted to restrict entry of debris, dirt, and moisture to the inner body 204. Thus, the rings 808 may advantageously protect the inner body 204 from harsh environmental and dusty conditions.

[0120] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, each ring of the rings 808 may be an O-ring. Aspects of the present invention are intended to include and / or otherwise cover any type of the ring, without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

[0121] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the rings 808 may facilitate the inner body 204 to be held within the inner housing 202 and may be adapted to provide a seal-tight connection between the inner body 204 and the inner housing 202.

[0122] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the pull tab 806 may be a resilient member that may exhibit an oscillating motion upon application and removal of force. In particular, the pull tab 806 may be pressed towards the inner body 204 upon application of the force and the pull tab 806 may be moved away from the inner body 204 upon removal of the force. Moreover, the pull tab 806 may be adaptedto engage with a portion of the inner housing 202 to facilitate a snap-fit connection between the inner housing 202. Further, while the inner body 204 is inserted in the inner housing 202, the pull tab 806 may be pressed such that the pull tab 806 engages with a corresponding portion of the inner housing 202.

[0123] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, each connector of the connectors 802 may be engaged to a mating adapter of a fiber enclosure.

[0124] Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B are pictorial snapshots illustrating a sectional view of a first end 102 of the optical fiber connector assembly 100 with engaged pushable locking element 110 in accordance with different embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, Fig. 9A illustrates the sectional view of the first end 102 such that the pushable locking element 110 may engage with the outer housing 108. And, Fig. 9B illustrates the sectional view of the first end 102 such that the pushable locking element 110 may be disengaged with the outer housing 108. Further, the pushable locking element 110 may be disposed such that the pushable locking element 110 may not abut with the outer housing 108.

[0125] Fig. 10 is a pictorial snapshot illustrating an exploded view of the optical fiber connector assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The exploded view shows the connector assembly 100 such that the optical fiber connector assembly 100 facilitates connection of the optical fiber cable having an outer diameter that may be in a range of 4.8 mm to 5.5 mm. Further, the optical fiber connector assembly 100 may have a wave spring 1002, a flexible sealing 1004, and a cable clamp1006. In particular, the flexible sealing 1004 may be a gasket made of rubber or like material.

[0126] The wave spring 1002 may be disposed between the outer housing 108 and the inner housing 202 for load management due to the weight of the optical fiber cable. Aspects of the present invention are intended to include and / or otherwise cover any type of spring that may be disposed between the outer housing 108 and the inner housing 202, without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

[0127] The flexible sealing 1004 may be disposed between the pushable locking element 110 and the cable clamp 1006 to provide a cushioning effect over the optical fiber cable. Specifically, the flexible sealing 1004 may be adapted to clamp the optical fiber cable to provide the cushioning effect over the optical fiber cable when the optical fiber connector assembly 100 is assembled.

[0128] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the flexible sealing 1004 may be made up of a material, including but not limited to, a rubber, an elastomer, and the like. Aspects of the present invention are intended to include and / or otherwise cover any type of known and later developed materials, without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

[0129] The cable clamp 1006 may be mounted on the sixth end 404 of the inner housing 202 and may have a plurality of fingers that may be adapted to hold a heat shrink tube 1203 (as shown later in FIG. 12B). In particular, the plurality of fingers of the cable clamp 106 may hold the heat shrink tube 1203 to cover the optical fiber cable.

[0130] Fig. 11 is a pictorial snapshot illustrating another exploded view of the optical fiber connector assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. The optical fiber connector assembly 100 of Fig. 10 may be same or substantially similar to the optical fiber connector assembly 100 of Fig. 11 , however, the optical fiber connector assembly 100 of Fig. 11 facilitates connection of the optical fiber having an outer diameter that may be in a range of 8 mm to 8.2 mm.

[0131] Fig. 12A is a pictorial snapshot illustrating a collapsed view of the inner body in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the inner body 1200 of the connector assembly 100 may facilitate connection of the optical fiber cable having an outer diameter that may be in a range of 4.8 mm to 5.5 mm. Further, the inner body 1200 may have a pair of rings 1202a, 1202b (hereinafter collectively referred to and designated as “the rings 1202”).

[0132] Fig. 12B is a pictorial snapshot illustrating an exploded view of the inner body in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The inner body 1200 of the connector assembly 100 may facilitate connection of the optical fiber cable having the outer diameter in a range of 4.8 mm to 5.5 mm. Further, the inner body 1200 may have one or more ferrules 1204a, 1204b (hereinafter collectively referred to and designated as “the ferrules 1204”). In particular, the ferrules 1204 may be same or substantially similar to the ferrules 804.

[0133] The rings 1202 may be disposed of on the inner body 1200. Particularly, the first ring 1202a and the second ring 1202b may be disposed on the inner body 1200 such that the first and second rings 1202a, 1202b are adjacent to each other. Moreover, the rings 1202 may be adapted to provide an additional sealing. Further, the rings 1202 may be adapted to provide the additional sealing when the inner body 1200 is inserted within the inner housing 202.

[0134] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a cable entering the region of each connector of the connectors 802 may be sealed by a crimp ring 1201 and the heat shrink tube 1203. The heat shrink tube 1203 may slide over the crimp ring 1201 while assembling the connector assembly 100.

[0135] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the inner body 1200 may further have a connector holder 1205 adapted to align the connectors 802 in place while assembling the connector assembly 100.

[0136] Fig. 13A is a pictorial snapshot illustrating another collapsed view of the inner body 1300 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The inner body 1300 may be the same or substantially similar to the inner body 1200 however, the inner body 1300 may facilitate connection of the optical fiber cable having an outer diameter that may be in a range of 8 mm to 8.2 mm.

[0137] Fig. 13B is a pictorial snapshot illustrating another exploded view of the inner body in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The inner body 1300 of the connector assembly 100 may facilitate connection of the optical fiber cable having the outer diameter that may be in a range of 8 mm to 8.2 mm. In particular, the inner body 1300 may be the same or substantially similar to the inner body 1200 in terms of functional, structural, and configurational aspects. However, the inner body 1300 may be different from the inner body 1200 due to absence of the rings 1202 and the ferrules 1204 in the inner body 1300, which are present in the inner body 1200.

[0138] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, to assemble the connector assembly 100, the outer housing 108 may be moved on the inner housing202. In particular, the outer housing 108 may be moved from the sixth end 404 of theinner housing 202 to the fifth end 402 of the inner housing 202 such that the third end 302 of the outer housing 108 is disposed near to the fifth end 402 of the inner housing 202 and the fourth end 304 of the outer housing 108 is disposed near to the sixth end 404 of the inner housing 202.

[0139] Moreover, the outer housing 108 then be engaged with the mating adapter to cover the fifth end 402 of the inner housing 202. The outer housing 108 may then be locked through a twist locking or bayonet locking. The pushable locking element 110 may slide on the inner housing 202 such that the pushable locking element 110 gets engaged with the fourth end 304 of the outer housing 108 that is already locked. Further, the pushable locking element 110 may get engaged with the fourth end 304 to prevent the bayonet unlocking of the outer housing 108. Therefore, to unlock the outer housing 108, disengagement of the pushable locking element 110 is required.

[0140] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the boot 112 may be coupled to the sixth end 404 through the threads 502 of the inner housing 202. Specifically, the connection portion 702 of the boot 112 may be coupled to the sixth end 404 through the threads 502 of the inner housing 202. The boot 112 may be coupled to the inner housing 202 such that the boot 112 abuts the pushable locking element 110. Further, the connection portion 702 of the boot 112 may extend beyond the threads 502 of the inner housing 202 such that the connection portion 702 abuts the pushable locking element 110. Therefore, the boot 112 prevents sliding movement of the pushable locking element 110. Therefore, to disengage the connector assembly 100 from the mating adapter, the boot 112 may be firstly removed. Upon removal of the boot 112, thepushable locking element 110 may get disengaged. Upon disengagement of the pushable locking element 110, the outer housing 108 may be unlocked.

[0141] Fig. 14 is a flow chart illustrating a method for coupling the connector assembly with the mating adapter in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. To couple the connector assembly 100 with the mating adapter, the primary lock 101 , the second lock 103, and the tertiary lock 105 may be engaged.

[0142] At step 1402, the inner body 204 may be disposed of within the inner housing 202. In particular, the inner body 204 may have the connectors 802 while the inner body 204 is inserted or disposed within the inner housing 202. To dispose of the inner body 204 within the inner housing 202, the dust cap 106 may be removed from the outer housing 108 such that the inner housing 202 is accessed. Upon the inner housing 202 being accessed, the inner body 204 may be inserted or disposed within the inner housing 202.

[0143] At step 1404, the outer housing 108 may partially encapsulate the inner housing 202. The outer housing 108 may be moved over the inner housing 202 to partially encapsulate the inner housing 202. While the outer housing 108 encapsulates the inner housing 202, the third end 302 may be disposed at the side of the first end 102 of the connector assembly 100 and the fourth end 304 may be disposed at the side of the second end 104 of the connector assembly 100. The first orifice 306 may be disposed at the third end 302 and the second orifice 308 may be disposed at the fourth end 304. The bayonet locking structure 310 may facilitate the outer housing 108 to removably locked with the mating adapter. In other words, the outer housing 108 may be removably locked with the mating adapter through the bayonet locking structure 310. Further, theone or more protrusions of the mating adapter may be received within the bayonet locking structure 310 that may facilitate removable locking of the outer housing 108 with the mating adapter to engage the primary lock 101 .

[0144] At step 1406, the pushable locking element 110 may be moved over the inner housing 202. In particular, the pushable locking element 110 may be moved from the sixth end 404 and towards the fifth end 402 of the inner housing 202 till the outer housing 108. The longitudinal grooves 410 may facilitate longitudinal movement of the pushable locking element 110 over the inner housing 202. Each longitudinal groove of the longitudinal grooves 410 may be adapted to receive corresponding push tabs of the push tabs 604 to facilitate the pushable locking element 110 to move over the inner housing 202. The pushable locking element 110 may be moved over the inner housing 202 to removably engage with the outer housing 108. Further, the pushable locking element 110 may be moved over the inner housing to prevent movement of the outer housing 108 and thereby may engage the secondary lock 103. Specifically, the push tabs 604 may engage with the outer housing 108 to prevent accidental movement of the outer housing 108 and thereby may engage the secondary lock 103.

[0145] At step 1408, the boot 112 may be moved over the inner housing 202 from the sixth end 404 and towards the fifth end 402 of the inner housing 202. In particular, the boot 112 may encapsulate the inner housing 202 till the pushable locking element 110. The boot 112 may extend till the pushable locking element 110 such that the pushable locking element 110 may not be removed without removing the boot 112 to ensure that removal of the pushable locking element 110 from the connector assembly 100, requires removal of the boot 112. The boot 112 may extend till the pushable lockingelement 110 to prevent false triggering and prevent accidental disengagement of the pushable locking element 110 from the connector assembly 100. The boot 112 may therefore advantageously prevent accidental collapse of the connector assembly 100 and hold the pushable locking element 110 in the connector assembly 100.

[0146] To removably couple the boot 112 with the inner housing 202, the connection portion 702 may be rotated i.e., fully threaded on the threads 502 of the inner housing 202 to facilitate a tight connection between the internal threads of the connection portion 702 and the threads 502 of the inner housing 202. The boot 112 may encapsulate the inner housing 202 till the pushable locking element 110 that may prevent unlocking of the pushable locking element 110 while the boot 112 is fully threaded. The boot 112 may be removably engaged with the inner housing 202 to prevent movement of the pushable locking element 110. Further, the boot 112 may be removably engaged with the inner housing 202 to prevent movement of the pushable locking element 110 to engage the tertiary lock 105. Therefore, to couple the connector assembly 100 with the mating adapter, the primary lock 101 , the secondary lock 103, and the tertiary lock 105 are engaged sequentially.

[0147] Fig. 15 is a flow chart illustrating a method for removing the connector assembly from the mating adapter in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. To remove the connector assembly 100 from the mating adapter, the tertiary lock 105, the secondary lock 103, and the primary lock 101 may be disengaged.

[0148] At step 1502, the boot 112 may be moved over the inner housing 202 from the fifth end 402 and towards the sixth end 404 of the inner housing 202. To remove the boot 112 from the inner housing 202, the connection portion 702 may be rotated fully inan opposite direction to unthread the connection portion 702 from the threads 502 of the inner housing 202 and facilitate removable coupling of the boot 112. Specifically, the boot 112 may be removed from the inner housing 202 to disengage the tertiary lock 105.

[0149] At step 1504, the pushable locking element 110 may be moved over the inner housing 202 from the fifth end 402 and towards the sixth end 404 of the inner housing 202. The pushable locking element 110 may be moved over the longitudinal grooves 410 from the fifth end 402 and towards the sixth end 404. The pushable locking element 110 may be moved from the fifth end 402 and towards the sixth end 404 to facilitate disengagement of the pushable locking element 110 and the outer housing 108. Further, the pushable locking element 110 may be removed from the inner housing 202 to facilitate disengagement of the secondary lock 103.

[0150] At step 1506, the outer housing 108 may be moved over the inner housing 202 to remove the outer housing 108 from the inner housing 202. In particular, the outer housing 108 may be moved from the fifth end 402 and towards the sixth end 404 of the inner housing 202 to facilitate disengagement of the outer housing 108 from the inner housing 202. While the outer housing 108 is moved over the inner housing 202, the bayonet locking structure 310 facilitates disengagement of the outer housing 108 from the mating adapter. Moreover, the one or more protrusions of the mating adapter may be ejected from the bayonet locking structure 310 to facilitate disengagement of the outer housing 108 from the mating adapter. The outer housing 108 may be removed from the mating adapter to facilitate disengagement of the primary lock 101 . Further, the primary lock 101 , upon being disengaged, may facilitate removal of the connector assembly 100 from the mating adapter. Therefore, to remove the connector assembly 100 from themating adapter, the tertiary lock 105, the secondary lock 103, and the primary lock 101 may be disengaged sequentially.

[0151] The optical fiber connector assembly 100 disengages from the mating adapter upon sequential disengagement of(i) the tertiary lock 105,(ii) the secondary lock 103, and(iii) the primary lock 101.

[0152] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the optical fiber connector assembly 100 includes an inner housing 202, an outer housing 108 adapted to partially encapsulate the inner housing 202. The outer housing 108 that can be removably locked with a mating adapter thereby engaging a primary lock 101. The length of the inner housing 202 is greater than the length of the outer housing 108 such that, in a locked configuration, the inner housing 202 extends beyond the outer housing 108 while the outer housing 108 partially encapsulates the inner housing 202. The pushable locking element 110 that can be removably engaged with the outer housing 108 to restrict movement of the outer housing 108 thereby engaging a secondary lock 103.

[0153] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the optical fiber connector assembly comprises an inner housing 202 comprising at least two longitudinal grooves 410a, 410b that are disposed on an outer surface 407 of the inner housing 202, an outer housing 108 adapted to partially encapsulate the inner housing 202 and a pushable locking element 110 that can be removably engaged with the outer housing 108 to restrict movement of the outer housing 108 thereby engaging asecondary lock 103. The at least two longitudinal grooves 410a, 410b are adapted to enable longitudinal movement of the pushable locking element 110 over the inner housing (202) to facilitate one of, engagement and disengagement of the secondary lock 103.

[0154] Advantageously, the connector assembly 100 may provide enhanced protection by preventing false triggering of unlocking of the connector assembly 100. To prevent the false triggering of the primary lock 101 , the pushable locking element 110 may be pushed such that the pushable locking element 110 slides over the inner housing 202 to provide the secondary lock 103 feature to the connector assembly 100. In particular, the boot 112 may extend till the pushable locking element 110 to prevent false triggering i.e., accidental disengagement of the secondary lock 103 and hence, provides a tertiary lock 105. Further, the connector assembly 100 may advantageously have high load bearing capacity and facilitate correct alignment of each connector of the connectors 802 in the fiber terminal. Furthermore, the keying structure 412 may facilitate correct alignment of each connector of the connectors 802 in the fiber terminal.

[0155] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present technology have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present technology to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present technology and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present technology and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It isunderstood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present technology.

[0156] In a case that no conflict occurs, the embodiments in the present invention and the features in the embodiments may be mutually combined. The foregoing descriptions are merely specific implementations of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention. Any variation or replacement readily figured out by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

[0157] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present technology have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present technology to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present technology and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present technology and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover theapplication or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present technology.

[0158] In a case that no conflict occurs, the embodiments in the present invention and the features in the embodiments may be mutually combined. The foregoing descriptions are merely specific implementations of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention. Any variation or replacement readily figured out by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

[0159] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present technology have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present technology to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present technology and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present technology and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present technology.

Claims

OPTICAL FIBER CONNECTOR WITH THREE STAGE LOCKINGCLAIMSWe Claim: An optical fiber connector assembly (100) comprising: an inner housing (202); an outer housing (108) adapted to partially encapsulate the inner housing (202), wherein the outer housing (108) that can be removably locked with a mating adapter thereby engaging a primary lock (101); a pushable locking element (110) that can be removably engaged with the outer housing (108) to restrict movement of the outer housing (108) thereby engaging a secondary lock (103); and a boot (112) that can be removably engaged with the inner housing (202) thereby engaging a tertiary lock (105), wherein the primary lock (101 ), the secondary lock (103), and the tertiary lock (105) are interlocked with each other such that the optical fiber connector assembly (100) disengages from the mating adapter upon disengagement of (i) the tertiary lock (105), (ii) the secondary lock (103), and (iii) the primary lock (101 ).

2. The optical fiber connector assembly (100) of claim 1 , further comprising(i) one or more connectors (802a, 802b) and(ii) an inner body (204) at least partially encapsulated by the inner housing (202), and wherein the inner body (204) is adapted to hold the one or more connectors (802a, 802b).

3. The optical fiber connector assembly (100) of claim 1 , wherein the outer housing (108) comprising a bayonet locking structure (310) such that the outer housing (108) is removably locked with the mating adapter through the bayonet locking structure (310).

4. The optical fiber connector assembly (100) of claim 1 , wherein the pushable locking element (110) comprising at least two push tabs (604a, 604b) that facilitates the pushable locking element (110) to couple with the outer housing (108).

5. The optical fiber connector assembly (100) of claim 1 , wherein the inner housing (202) comprising at least two longitudinal grooves (410a, 410b) that are disposed on an outer surface (407) of the inner housing (202).

6. The optical fiber connector assembly (100) of claim 5, wherein the at least two longitudinal grooves (410a, 410b) is adapted to enable longitudinal movement of the pushable locking element (110) over the inner housing (202) to facilitate one of, engagement and disengagement of the secondary lock (103).

7. The optical fiber connector assembly (100) of claim 1 , wherein the boot (112) is removably engaged with the inner housing (202).

8. The optical fiber connector assembly (100) of claim 1 , wherein the boot (112) encapsulates the inner housing (202) till the pushable locking element (110) to restrict longitudinal movement of the pushable locking element (110) to engage the tertiary lock (105).

9. The optical fiber connector assembly (100) of claim 1 , wherein a length of the inner housing (202) is greater than a length of the outer housing (108) such that the innerhousing (202) extends beyond the outer housing (108) while the outer housing(108) partially encapsulates the inner housing (202).

10. The optical fiber connector assembly (100) of claim 1 , wherein the primary lock (101) is unlocked upon unlocking of the secondary lock (103), wherein the secondary lock (103) is unlocked upon unlocking of the tertiary lock (105).

11. The optical fiber connector assembly (100) of claim 1 , wherein the optical fiber connector assembly (100) disengages from the mating adapter upon sequential disengagement of (i) the tertiary lock (105), (ii) the secondary lock (103), and (iii) the primary lock (101 ).

12. An optical fiber connector assembly (100) comprising: an inner housing (202); an outer housing (108) adapted to partially encapsulate the inner housing (202), wherein the outer housing (108) that can be removably locked with a mating adapter thereby engaging a primary lock (101), wherein a length of the inner housing (202) is greater than a length of the outer housing (108) such that, in a locked configuration, the inner housing (202) extends beyond the outer housing (108) while the outer housing (108) partially encapsulates the inner housing (202); and a pushable locking element (110) that can be removably engaged with the outer housing (108) to restrict movement of the outer housing (108) thereby engaging a secondary lock (103).

13. The optical fiber connector assembly (100) of claim 12 further comprising a boot(112) that can be removably engaged with the inner housing (202) thereby engaging a tertiary lock (105), wherein the primary lock (101 ), the secondary lock (103), and the tertiary lock (105) are interlocked with each other such that the optical fiber connector assembly (100) disengages from the mating adapter upon sequential disengagement of(i) the tertiary lock (105),(ii) the secondary lock (103), and(iii) the primary lock (101) in this order.

14. The optical fiber connector assembly (100) of claim 13, wherein the boot (112) encapsulates the inner housing (202) till the pushable locking element (110) to restrict longitudinal movement of the pushable locking element (110) to engage the tertiary lock (105).

15. An optical fiber connector assembly (100) comprising: an inner housing (202) comprising at least two longitudinal grooves (410a, 410b) that are disposed on an outer surface (407) of the inner housing (202); an outer housing (108) adapted to partially encapsulate the inner housing (202), wherein the outer housing (108) that can be removably locked with a mating adapter thereby engaging a primary lock (101); a pushable locking element (110) that can be removably engaged with the outer housing (108) to restrict movement of the outer housing (108) thereby engaging a secondary lock (103), wherein the at least two longitudinal grooves (410a, 410b) is adapted to enable longitudinal movement of the pushable lockingelement (110) over the inner housing (202) to facilitate one of, engagement and disengagement of the secondary lock (103).

16. The optical fiber connector assembly (100) of claim 15 further comprising a boot (112) that can be removably engaged with the inner housing (202) thereby engaging a tertiary lock (105), where the primary lock (101), the secondary lock (103), and the tertiary lock (105) are interlocked with each other such that the optical fiber connector assembly (100) disengages from the mating adapter upon sequential disengagement of (i) the tertiary lock (105), (ii) the secondary lock (103), and (iii) the primary lock (101 ) in this order.

17. The optical fiber connector assembly (100) of claim 15, where the pushable locking element (110) comprising at least two push tabs (604a, 604b) that facilitates the pushable locking element (110) to couple with the outer housing (108).

18. The optical fiber connector assembly (100) of claim 15, further comprising (i) one or more connectors (802a, 802b) and (ii) an inner body (204) at least partially encapsulated by the inner housing (202), where the inner body (204) is adapted to hold the one or more connectors (802a, 802b).

20. The optical fiber connector assembly (100) of claim 15, where the boot (112) encapsulates the inner housing (202) till the pushable locking element (110) to restrict longitudinal movement of the pushable locking element (110) to engage the tertiary lock (105).

21. The optical fiber connector assembly (100) of claim 15, where a length of the inner housing (202) is greater than a length of the outer housing (108) such thatthe inner housing (202) extends beyond the outer housing (108) while the outer housing (108) partially encapsulates the inner housing (202).

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