Protective arrangement having a cover portion that is structurally configured to protect optical fibers during molding of a fiber optic assembly so as to prevent damage to the fibers

Abstract

A protective arrangement structurally configured to protect optical fibers during molding of a fiber optic assembly to prevent damage to the optical fibers. The protective arrangement may include a base portion structurally configured to be received within a mold, a routing portion associated with the base portion and structurally configured to receive a fiber optic cable through a first inlet portion and route a plurality of optical fibers from the fiber optic cable through a first outlet portion, and a cover portion structurally configured to cover the routing portion to prevent exposure of the plurality of optical fibers to molding material during a process of molding over the base portion, the routing portion, and the cover portion.

Description

PROTECTIVE ARRANGEMENT HAVING A COVER PORTION THAT IS STRUCTURALLY CONFIGURED TO PROTECT OPTICAL FIBERS DURING MOLDING OF A FIBER OPTIC ASSEMBLY SO AS TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE FIBERSCROSS REFRENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 654,517, filed May 31 , 2024, which is currently pending, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a protective arrangement for a fiber optic assembly, and more particularly to protective arrangement for a fiber optic assembly that is structurally configured to protect the fiber optics during a molding process.BACKGROUND

[0003] In fiber optic telecommunication systems, overmolded cable assemblies are commonly utilized for fiber optic cables, for example, when separating multi-fiber cables into individual breakout fiber setups. Molding over the multi-fiber cable and individual breakout fibers at the point of separation may provide a robust and reliable fiber optic assembly that can offer protection against moisture, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and physical damage while ensuring stable signal transmission and connectivity. The overmolding process, however, can in some instances result in damage to the optical fibers. For example, overmolding of fiber optic assemblies can lead to the formation of microbends that negatively influence the transmission of the signal.

[0004] There is a need for a device that reliably protects the optical fibers by isolating them from the mold material during the molding process. Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide a protective arrangement having a cover portion that is structurally configured to protect optical fibers during molding of a fiber optic assembly so as to prevent damage to the optical fibers, for example, micro bending.SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure provides a protective arrangement structurally configured to protect optical fibers during molding of a fiber optic assembly to prevent damage to the optical fibers. In some embodiments, the protective arrangement may include an base portion, a routing portion associated with the base portion, and a cover portion structurally configured to cover the routing portion to prevent exposure of the plurality of optical fibers to molding material during a process of molding over the base portion, the routing portion, and the cover portion.

[0006] In some embodiments, the base portion may be structurally configured to be received within a mold.

[0007] In some embodiments, the routing portion may be structurally configured to receive a fiber optic cable through a first inlet portion and route a plurality of optical fibers from the fiber optic cable through a first outlet portion.

[0008] In some embodiments, the routing portion may include a fiber retention portion structurally configured to secure the plurality of optical fibers within an interior space of the routing portion.

[0009] In some embodiments, the fiber retention portion may include a plurality of projections structurally configured to capture the plurality of optical fibers between a bottom wall of the base portion and the plurality of projections.

[0010] In some embodiments, the cover portion may include a second inlet portion structurally configured to interlock with the first inlet portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the cover portion may include a second outlet portion structurally configured to interact with the first outlet portion to define a plurality of outlet ports for routing the plurality of optical fibers out of the fiber optic assembly.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cover portion may be structurally configured to prevent micro bending of the optical fibers during a molding process.

[0013] In some embodiments, the routing portion may be integrally formed with the base portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the routing portion may be structurally configured to be received within an interior space of the base portion.

[0015] In some embodiments, the protective arrangement may include an alignment portion structurally configured to align the routing portion with the base portion when the routing portion is received within the interior space of the base portion.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first outlet portion includes a plurality of spacedapart openings and the routing portion is structurally configured to fan out the plurality of optical fibers from the fiber optic cable through the plurality of openings.

[0017] In some embodiments, the routing portion may include one or more sidewall portions extending from a bottom portion to define an interior space of the routing portion that is structurally configured to house the plurality of optical fibers. In some embodiments, the routing portion may include an intermediate portion positioned within the interior space and structurally configured for the plurality of optical fibers to be wound around the interior portion.

[0018] In some embodiments, the fiber retention portion may be structurally configured to secure the plurality of optical fibers within an interior space of the routing portion. In some embodiments, the fiber retention portion includes a plurality of first projections extending inward from the one or more sidewall portions and a plurality of second projections extending outward from the intermediate portion.

[0019] In some embodiments, a protective arrangement may be structurally configured to protect optical fibers during molding of a fiber optic assembly to prevent damage to the optical fibers. In some embodiments, the protective arrangement may include a base portion structurally configured to be received within a mold, a routing portion associated with the base portion and structurally configured to receive a fiber optic cable through a first inlet portion and to route a plurality of optical fibers from the fiber optic cable through a first outlet portion, and a cover portion structurally configured to cover the routing portion to prevent exposure of the plurality of optical fibers to molding material during a process of molding over the base portion, the routing portion, and the cover portion

[0020] In some embodiments, the routing portion may be structurally configured to be received within an interior space of the base portion.

[0021] In some embodiments, the protective arrangement may include a fiber retention portion structurally configured to secure the plurality of optical fibers within an interiorspace of the routing portion.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first outlet portion may include a plurality of openings and the routing portion may be structurally configured to fan out the plurality of optical fibers from the fiber optic cable through the plurality of openings.

[0023] In some embodiments, the routing portion may include one or more sidewall portions extending from a bottom portion to define the interior space of the routing portion and an intermediate portion positioned within the interior space of the routing portion.

[0024] In some embodiments, the intermediate portion may be structurally configured for the plurality of optical fibers to be routed around the intermediate portion.

[0025] In some embodiments, the fiber retention portion may be structurally configured to secure the plurality of optical fibers within the interior space of the routing portion. In some embodiments, the fiber retention portion may include a plurality of first projections extending inward from the one or more sidewall portions and a plurality of second portions extending outward from the intermediate portion. In some embodiments, the plurality of projections may be structurally configured to capture the plurality of optical fibers within the interior space of the routing portion.

[0026] In some embodiments, the cover portion may be structurally configured to protect the optical fibers during the process of molding the base portion, the routing portion, and the cover portion so as to prevent damage to the plurality of optical fibers.

[0027] In some embodiments, the cover portion may include a second inlet portion structurally configured to interlock with the first inlet portion.

[0028] In some embodiments, the alignment portion may be structurally configured to align the routing portion with the base portion when the routing portion is received within the interior space of the base portion.

[0029] In some embodiments, a protective arrangement may be structurally configured to protect optical fibers during molding of a fiber optic assembly to prevent damage to the optical fibers. In some embodiments, the protective arrangement may include a base portion structurally configured to be received within a mold, a routing portion structurally configured to receive a fiber optic cable through a first inlet portion and to route a plurality of optical fibers from the fiber optic cable through a first outlet portion, and a cover portion structurally configured to cover the routing portion to preventexposure of the plurality of optical fibers to molding material during a process of molding over the base portion, the routing portion, and the cover portion;

[0030] In some embodiments, the routing portion may be structurally configured to be received within an interior space of the base portion.

[0031] In some embodiments, the protective arrangement may include a fiber retention portion structurally configured to secure the plurality of optical fibers within an interior space of the routing portion.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first outlet portion may include a plurality of spacedapart openings and the routing portion may be structurally configured to fan out the plurality of optical fibers from the fiber optic cable through the plurality of openings.

[0033] In some embodiments, the cover portion may be structurally configured to protect the optical fibers during the process of molding the base portion, the routing portion, and the cover portion so as to prevent damage to the plurality of optical fibers.

[0034] In some embodiments, the fiber retention portion may include a plurality of projections structurally configured to capture the plurality of optical fibers between a bottom wall of the base portion and the plurality of projections.

[0035] In some embodiments, the cover portion may include a second inlet portion structurally configured to interlock with the first inlet portion.

[0036] In some embodiments, the cover portion may include a second outlet portion structurally configured to interface with the first outlet portion to define a plurality of outlet ports for routing the plurality of optical fibers out of the fiber optic assembly.

[0037] In some embodiments, the protective arrangement may include an alignment portion structurally configured to align the routing portion with the base portion when the routing portion is received within the interior space of the base portion.

[0038] In some embodiments, the routing portion may include one or more sidewall portions extending from a bottom portion to define an interior space structurally configured to house the plurality of optical fibers, an intermediate portion positioned within the interior space and structurally configured for the plurality of optical fibers to be wound around the intermediate portion, and a fiber retention portion structurally configured to secure the plurality of optical fibers within an interior space of the routing portion.

[0039] In some embodiments, the fiber retention portion may include a plurality of firstprojections extending inward from the one or more sidewall portions and a plurality of second projections extending outward from the intermediate portion.

[0040] Various aspects of the system, as well as other embodiments, objects, features and advantages of this disclosure, will be apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present teachings and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present teachings.

[0042] FIG. 1 is a top view of an example fiber optic assembly and a protective arrangement in a mold prior to a molding process.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the protective arrangement of FIG. 1 .

[0044] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the protective arrangement of FIG. 1 .

[0045] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a base portion of the protective arrangement of FIG. 1.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the base portion of FIG. 4.

[0047] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a routing portion of the protective arrangement of FIG. 1 .

[0048] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the routing portion of FIG. 6.

[0049] FIG. 8. is a top perspective view of the routing portion assembled with the base portion.

[0050] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a cover portion of the protective arrangement of FIG. 1.

[0051] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the cover portion of FIG. 9.

[0052] FIG. 11 is a top view of the example fiber optic assembly and protective arrangement after the molding process.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments and methods of the present disclosure, which constitute the best modes of practicing thepresent disclosure presently known to the inventors. The figures are not necessarily to scale. It is to be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the present disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for any aspect of the present disclosure and / or as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

[0054] It is also to be understood that this present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments and methods described below, as specific components and / or conditions may, of course, vary. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is used only for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0055] It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular form “a,” “an,” and “the” comprise plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, reference to a component in the singular is intended to comprise a plurality of components.

[0056] FIG. 1 illustrates an example protective arrangement 10 (e.g., a shell, a covering, a casing, a jacket, etc.) for a fiber optic assembly 11 , according to the present disclosure, installed within an example mold 12 in preparation for a molding process. The protective arrangement 10 may be configured in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, the size and shape of the protective arrangement 10, the material the protective arrangement 10 is made from, etc.

[0057] For example, in some implementations, the protective arrangement 10 may be structurally configured to receive a fiber optic cable 14 that includes a plurality of optical fibers 16 (e.g., glass fibers). The protective arrangement 10 may be structurally configured to divide out or spread out (e.g. fanout or breakout) the plurality of optical fibers 16 into individual fibers, pairs of fibers, or small groups of fibers and route the separated optical fibers 16 through a plurality of corresponding fiber outlets 18. The fiber optic assembly 11 may include the fiber optic cable 14 and the plurality of optical fibers 16.

[0058] In some implementations, the protective arrangement 10 and the fiber optic assembly 11 may be structurally configured to be molded over (i.e. , overmolded) to forma single enclosed assembly. In some implementations, the protective arrangement 10 may be structurally configured to protect the plurality of optical fibers 16 during the molding process. For example, in some implementations, the protective arrangement 10 may prevent or inhibit exposure (e.g., contact) between the plurality of optical fibers 16 and the molding material during the molding process.

[0059] The protective arrangement 10 may be made from a variety of materials. In some implementations, the protective arrangement 10 may be made from a plastic material. Any suitable plastic material(s) may be used. In some implementations, the protective arrangement 10 may be made by 3D printing, injection molding, or other suitable manufacturing process.

[0060] In some implementations, the protective arrangement 10 may include a base portion 20, a routing portion 22, and a cover portion 24. The base portion 20, the routing portion 22, and the cover portion 24 are structurally configured to be assembled together and then molded over. In some implementations, the base portion 20 and the routing portion 22 associated with the base portion 20 may be formed as a single unitary part or may be formed as separate parts. For example, in some implementations, the base portion 20 and the routing portion 22 may be 3D printed as a unitary structure. In other implementations, the base portion 20, the routing portion 22, and the cover portion 24 may be injection molded as separate parts.

[0061] In some implementations, the base portion 20 may be structurally configured to be received within the mold and to support the routing portion 22 and cover portion 24. The base portion 20 may be configured in a variety of ways. Referring to FIGS. 4-5, in some implementations, the base portion 20 may include a first end portion 26, a second end portion 28 opposite the first end portion 26, and a bottom wall 30 extending between the first end portion 26 and the second end portion 28. In some implementations, the base portion 20 may include one or more sidewalls 32 extending from the bottom wall 30 to define an interior space 34 (e.g., cavity, recess, etc.).

[0062] In some implementations, the base portion 20 may include an inlet portion 36 structurally configured to receive the fiber optic cable 14. The inlet portion 36 may be configured in a variety of ways, including shape, size, and location on the base portion 20. In some implementations, the inlet portion 36 may be located at, or adjacent, the firstend portion 26. In some implementations, the inlet portion 36 may include an opening 38 (e.g., a rectangular or circular opening) in the one or more sidewalls 32.

[0063] In some implementations, the base portion 20 may include an outlet portion 40 structurally configured to receive the plurality of optical fibers 16 spread out from the fiber optic cable 1 to direct the plurality of optical fibers 16 out of the protective arrangement 10. The outlet portion 40 may be configured in a variety of ways, including shape, size, and location on the base portion 20. In some implementations, the outlet portion 40 may be located at, or adjacent, the second end portion 28. In some implementations, the outlet portion 40 may include a plurality of openings 42 in the one or more sidewalls 32. In some implementations, the plurality of openings 42 may be formed as slots, notches, indentions, or the like spaced apart along the second end portion 28.

[0064] In some implementations, the protective arrangement 10 may include an alignment portion 44 structurally configured to properly align the routing portion 22 with the base portion 20. In implementations where the base portion 20 and the routing portion 22 are integrally formed, the alignment portion 44 may be omitted. The alignment portion 44 may be configured in a variety of ways. Any configuration that guides or aligns the routing portion 22 relative to the base portion 20 may be used. In some implementations, the alignment portion 44 may include one or more projections structurally configured to be received within one or more corresponding apertures. For example, in some implementations, the base portion 20 may include one or more projections 45 (e.g., a pair of projections) extending upward from the bottom wall 30. In the illustrated example, the base portion 20 may include two projections 45 adjacent the second end portion 28.

[0065] In some implementations, the routing portion 22 may be structurally configured to receive the fiber optic cable 14 and route (e.g., spread out or fan out) the plurality of optical fibers 16 from the fiber optic cable 14 through the plurality of fiber outlets 18. The routing portion 22 may be configured in a variety of ways. Referring to FIGS. 6-7, in some implementations, the routing portion 22 may include a first end portion 46, a second end portion 48 opposite the first end portion 46, and a bottom wall 50 extending between the first end portion 46 and the second end portion 48. In some implementations, the routing portion 22 may include one or more sidewalls 52 extending from the bottom wall 50 to define an interior space 54 (e.g., cavity, recess, etc.). The interior space 54 may bestructurally configured to house the plurality of optical fibers 16 therein as the plurality of optical fibers 16 are spread out or fanned out from the fiber optic cable 14 and routed to the plurality of fiber outlets 18. In some implementations, the interior space 54 may be structurally configured to house a slack length of the plurality of optical fibers 16.

[0066] In some implementations, the routing portion 22 may include an inlet portion 56 structurally configured to receive the fiber optic cable 14. The inlet portion 56 may be configured in a variety of ways, including shape, size, and location on the routing portion 22. In some implementations, the inlet portion 56 may be located at, or adjacent, the first end portion 46. In some implementations, the inlet portion 56 may be structurally configured to extend through the inlet portion 36 of the base portion 20. In some implementations, the inlet portion 56 may include an opening 58 (e.g., a rectangular or circular opening). In some implementations, the opening 58 may form a recessed area (e.g., semi-circular channel) structurally configured to receive the fiber optic cable 14.

[0067] In some implementations, the routing portion 22 may include an outlet portion 60 structurally configured to receive the plurality of optical fibers 16 spread out from the fiber optic cable 14 to direct the plurality of optical fibers 16 out of the protective arrangement 10. The outlet portion 60 may be configured in a variety of ways, including shape, size, and location on the routing portion 22. In some implementations, the outlet portion 60 may be located at, or adjacent, the second end portion 48. In some implementations, the outlet portion 60 may include a plurality of openings 62 in the one or more sidewalls 52. In some implementations, the plurality of openings 62 may be formed as slots, notches, indentions, or the like spaced apart (e.g., evenly spaced apart) along the second end portion 48.

[0068] In some implementations, the routing portion 22 may include an intermediate portion 64 structurally configured for the one or more of the plurality of optical fibers 16 to be wound around. The intermediate portion 64 may be configured in a variety of ways. In some implementations, the intermediate portion 64 may be within the interior space 54 and formed by an interior wall 66 extending from the bottom wall 50. The intermediate portion 64 may be any suitable shape. For example, in some implementations, the interior wall 66 may have an oblong, oval, or elliptical shape.

[0069] In some implementations, the routing portion 22 may include a fiber retention portion 68 structurally configured to secure the plurality of optical fibers 16 within the interior space 54. The fiber retention portion 68 may be configured in a variety of ways. In some implementations, the fiber retention portion 68 may include a plurality of projections 70 structurally configured to capture the plurality of optical fibers 16 between the bottom wall 50 of the routing portion 22 and the plurality of projections 70. The plurality of projections 70 may be configured in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, the number of projections, the size and / or shape of the projections, and the arrangement and / or orientation of the projections. In some implementations, the plurality of projections 70 may include projections that extend from the sidewall 52 across a portion of the interior space 54 toward the intermediate portion 64 and / or projections that extend from the interior wall 66 across a portion of the interior space 54 toward the sidewall 52.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 8, in some implementations, the routing portion 22 may be structurally configured to be received within the interior space 34 of the base portion 20. For example, in some implementations, the sidewall 52 of the routing portion 22 may have a complementary shape to the sidewall 32 of the base portion 20 such that the routing portion 22 is closely received within the base portion 20. In some implementations, the alignment portion 44 may include one or more apertures 72 (FIGS. 6-7) on the routing portion 22. For example, each of the one or more apertures 72 may be structurally configured to receive a corresponding one of the one or more projections 45 to align the routing portion 22 with the base portion 20 when the routing portion 22 is received in the interior space 34.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 8, when the routing portion 22 is assembled with the base portion 20 and properly aligned, the inlet portion 56 of the routing portion 22 may be received within the opening 38 of the base portion 20 and the plurality of openings 42 of the outlet portion 40 of the base portion 20 align with the plurality of openings 62 of the outlet portion 60 of the routing portion 22.

[0072] In some implementations, the cover portion 24 may be structurally configured to cover the routing portion 22 to prevent exposure of the plurality of optical fibers 16 to molding material during a process of molding over the base portion 20, the routing portion 22, and the cover portion 24. The cover portion 24 may be configured in a variety of ways.Referring to FIGS. 9-10, in some implementations, the cover portion 24 may include a first end portion 76, a second end portion 78 opposite the first end portion 76, and a top wall 80 extending between the first end portion 76 and the second end portion 78. In some implementations, the cover portion 24 may include one or more sidewalls 82 extending from the top wall 80 to define an interior space 84 (e.g., cavity, recess, etc.). The interior space 84 may be structurally configured to receive routing portion 22 therein such that the cover portion 24 fits over and around at least a portion of the routing portion 22.

[0073] In some implementations, the cover portion 24 may include an inlet portion 86 structurally configured to receive the fiber optic cable 14. The inlet portion 86 may be configured in a variety of ways, including shape, size, and location on the cover portion 24. In some implementations, the inlet portion 86 may be located at, or adjacent, the first end portion 76. In some implementations, the inlet portion 86 may be structurally configured to interface (e.g., interlock) with the inlet portion 56 of the routing portion 22. For example, in some implementations, the inlet portion 86 may include one or more projections 87 structurally configured to be received in one or more recesses 88 (FIG. 8) (e.g., a tongue and groove interface) in the inlet portion 56 of the routing portion 22. In some implementations, the inlet portion 86 may include an opening 89 (e.g., a rectangular or circular opening). In some implementations, the opening 89 may form a recessed area (e.g., semi-circular channel) structurally configured to receive the fiber optic cable 14.

[0074] In some implementations, the cover portion 24 may include an outlet portion 90 structurally configured to receive the plurality of optical fibers 16 spread out from the fiber optic cable 14 to direct the plurality of optical fibers 16 out of the protective arrangement 10. The outlet portion 90 may be configured in a variety of ways, including shape, size, and location on the cover portion 24. In some implementations, the outlet portion 90 may be located at, or adjacent, the second end portion 78. In some implementations, the outlet portion 90 may include a plurality of openings 92 in the one or more sidewalls 82. In some implementations, the plurality of openings 92 may be formed as slots, notches, indentions, or the like spaced apart along the second end portion 78. When cover portion 24 is assembled with the base portion 20 and routing portion 22, the plurality of openings 92 of the cover portion 24 overlap a portion, but not the entirety, of the plurality of openings42, 62 of the base portion 20 and routing portion 22 to define the plurality of corresponding fiber outlets 18 of the protective arrangement 10.

[0075] In some implementations, the cover portion 24 may include an intermediate portion 94 structurally configured to be received within the intermediate portion 64 of the routing portion 22. The intermediate portion 94 may be configured in a variety of ways. In some implementations, the intermediate portion 94 may be within the interior space 84 and formed by an interior wall 96 extending from the top wall 80. The intermediate portion 94 may be any suitable shape. For example, in some implementations, the interior wall 96 may have a complementary shape to the interior wall 66 of the routing portion 22 such that the intermediate portion 94 is closely received within the intermediate portion 64.

[0076] In some implementations, the protective arrangement 10 has a central aperture 98 extending from the base portion 20 to the cover portion 24. The central aperture 98 may be structurally configured to facilitate removing the molded protective arrangement 10 from the mold 12. In some implementations, the central aperture 98 may be at least partially defined by the bottom wall 30 of the base portion 20, the bottom wall 50 and interior wall 66 of the routing portion 22, and the top wall 80 and interior wall 96 of the cover portion 24. In some implementations, the central aperture 98 is oblong, oval, or elliptical shape. In other implementations, however, the central aperture 98 may be any suitable shape to facilitate removing the protective arrangement 10 from the mold 12 after molding.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 11 , the protective arrangement 10 is shown after a process of molding over the base portion 20, the routing portion 22, and the cover portion 24 with a molding material (e.g., a plastic such as polyethylene or PVC). As result, the protective arrangement 10 includes a plastic body 100 that encloses the base portion 20, the routing portion 22, and the cover portion 24. In some implementations, the fiber optic cable 14 may enter the plastic body 100 at a first end portion 102 and the plurality of optical fibers 16 may exit the plastic body 100 at a second end portion 104 opposite the first end portion 102. In some implementations, the protective arrangement 10 may be structurally configured to prevent or inhibit damage to the plurality of fibers from the process of molding over the base portion 20, the routing portion 22, and the cover portion 24.

[0078] While at least one example, non-limiting embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . A protective arrangement structurally configured to protect optical fibers during molding of a fiber optic assembly to prevent damage to the optical fibers, comprising: a base portion structurally configured to be received within a mold; a routing portion structurally configured to be received within an interior space of the base portion, to receive a fiber optic cable through a first inlet portion, and to route a plurality of optical fibers from the fiber optic cable through a first outlet portion; a cover portion structurally configured to cover the routing portion to prevent exposure of the plurality of optical fibers to molding material during a process of molding over the base portion, the routing portion, and the cover portion; a fiber retention portion structurally configured to secure the plurality of optical fibers within an interior space of the routing portion; wherein the first outlet portion includes a plurality of openings and the routing portion is structurally configured to fan out the plurality of optical fibers from the fiber optic cable through the plurality of openings; wherein the routing portion includes one or more sidewall portions extending from a bottom portion to define the interior space of the routing portion, an intermediate portion positioned within the interior space of the routing portion and structurally configured for the plurality of optical fibers to be routed around the intermediate portion, and a fiber retention portion structurally configured to secure the plurality of optical fibers within the interior space of the routing portion, wherein the fiber retention portion includes a plurality of first projections extending inward from the one or more sidewall portions and a plurality of second projections extending outward from the intermediate portion, the plurality of first projections and the plurality of second projections are structurally configured to capture the plurality of optical fibers within the interior space of the routing portion; andwherein the cover portion is structurally configured to protect the optical fibers during the process of molding the base portion, the routing portion, and the cover portion so as to prevent damage to the plurality of optical fibers.

2. The protective arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the cover portion includes a second inlet portion structurally configured to interlock with the first inlet portion.

3. The protective arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an alignment portion structurally configured to align the routing portion with the base portion when the routing portion is received within the interior space of the base portion.

4. A protective arrangement structurally configured to protect optical fibers during molding of a fiber optic assembly to prevent damage to the optical fibers, comprising: a base portion structurally configured to be received within a mold; a routing portion structurally configured to be received within an interior space of the base portion, to receive a fiber optic cable through a first inlet portion, and to route a plurality of optical fibers from the fiber optic cable through a first outlet portion; a cover portion structurally configured to cover the routing portion to prevent exposure of the plurality of optical fibers to molding material during a process of molding over the base portion, the routing portion, and the cover portion; wherein the routing portion is structurally configured to secure the plurality of optical fibers within the interior space; wherein the first outlet portion includes a plurality of spaced-apart openings and the routing portion is structurally configured to fan out the plurality of optical fibers from the fiber optic cable through the plurality of spaced-apart openings; and wherein the cover portion is structurally configured to protect the optical fibers during the process of molding the base portion, the routing portion, and the cover portion so as to prevent damage to the plurality of optical fibers.

5. The protective arrangement of claim 4, a fiber retention portion structurally configured to secure the plurality of optical fibers in the routing portion, and wherein the fiber retention portion includes a plurality of projections structurally configured to capture the plurality of optical fibers between a bottom wall of the base portion and the plurality of projections.

6. The protective arrangement of claim 4 or 5, wherein the cover portion includes a second inlet portion structurally configured to interlock with the first inlet portion.

7. The protective arrangement of any of claims 4-6, wherein the cover portion includes a second outlet portion structurally configured to interface with the first outlet portion to define a plurality of outlet ports for routing the plurality of optical fibers out of the fiber optic assembly.

8. The protective arrangement according to any of claims 4-8, further comprising an alignment portion structurally configured to align the routing portion with the base portion when the routing portion is received within the interior space of the base portion.

9. The protective arrangement according to any of claims 4-9, wherein the routing portion comprises: one or more sidewall portions extending from a bottom portion to define an interior space structurally configured to house the plurality of optical fibers; an intermediate portion positioned within the interior space of routing portion and structurally configured for the plurality of optical fibers to be wound around the intermediate portion; and a fiber retention portion structurally configured to secure the plurality of optical fibers within an interior space of the routing portion, wherein the fiber retention portion includes a plurality of first projections extending inward from theone or more sidewall portions and a plurality of second projections extending outward from the intermediate portion.

10. A protective arrangement structurally configured to protect optical fibers during molding of a fiber optic assembly to prevent damage to the optical fibers, comprising: a base portion structurally configured to be received within a mold; a routing portion associated with the base portion, the routing portion structurally configured to receive a fiber optic cable through a first inlet portion and route a plurality of optical fibers from the fiber optic cable through a first outlet portion; a cover portion structurally configured to cover the routing portion to prevent exposure of the plurality of optical fibers to molding material during a process of molding over the base portion, the routing portion, and the cover portion; and wherein the cover portion is structurally configured to protect the optical fibers during the process of molding the base portion, the routing portion, and the cover portion so as to prevent damage to the plurality of optical fibers.

11. The protective arrangement of claim 10, wherein the routing portion includes a fiber retention portion structurally configured to secure the plurality of optical fibers within an interior space of the routing portion.

12. The protective arrangement of claim 11 , wherein the fiber retention portion includes a plurality of projections structurally configured to capture the plurality of optical fibers between a bottom wall of the base portion and the plurality of projections.

13. The protective arrangement of any of claims 10-12, wherein the cover portion includes a second inlet portion structurally configured to interlock with the first inlet portion.

14. The protective arrangement of any of claims 10-13, wherein the cover portion includes a second outlet portion structurally configured to interact with the first outlet portion to define a plurality of outlet ports for routing the plurality of optical fibers out of the fiber optic assembly.

15. The protective arrangement according to any of claims 10-14, wherein the cover portion is structurally configured to prevent micro bending of the optical fibers during a molding process.

16. The protective arrangement according to any of claims 10-15, wherein the routing portion is integrally formed with the base portion.

17. The protective arrangement according to any of claims 10-16, wherein the routing portion is structurally configured to be received within an interior space of the base portion.

18. The protective arrangement according to any of claims 10-17, further comprising an alignment portion structurally configured to align the routing portion with the base portion when the routing portion is received within the interior space of the base portion.

19. The protective arrangement according to any of claims 10-18, wherein the first outlet portion includes a plurality of spaced-apart openings and the routing portion is structurally configured to fan out the plurality of optical fibers from the fiber optic cable through the plurality of spaced-apart openings.

20. The protective arrangement according to claim 19, wherein the routing portion comprises: one or more sidewall portions extending from a bottom portion to define an interior space structurally configured to house the plurality of optical fibers;an intermediate portion positioned within the interior space of the routing portion and structurally configured for the plurality of optical fibers to be wound around the intermediate portion; and a fiber retention portion structurally configured to secure the plurality of optical fibers within the interior space of the routing portion, wherein the fiber retention portion includes a plurality of first projections extending inward from the one or more sidewall portions and a plurality of second projections extending outward from the intermediate portion.

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