Dust cap for push / pull boot connectors

Abstract

A dust cap for a fiber optic connector includes a body forming an open end into which the connector is received and a closed end. A plurality of walls includes a first plurality of walls separated from one another along a transverse direction, and a second plurality of walls separated from one another along a vertical direction. The second plurality of walls includes a first sidewall separated from a second sidewall. A notch is positioned at the first sidewall and forms an engagement area for a detent at the connector. The second sidewall includes an opening through which a latch member of the connector is extendable. The second sidewall includes a forward wall and an aft wall bounding the opening. The second sidewall includes a rib protruding from an inside surface and forms a protrusion extending along the lateral direction from the opening toward an end wall.

Description

Attorney Docket No.AFLOCA-370-PCTDUST CAP FOR PUSH / PULL BOOT CONNECTORSPRIORITY STATEMENT

[0001] The present disclosure claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional patent application no. 63 / 705,838, filed on October 10, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally telecommunications connectors, or more particularly, caps and protective structures for telecommunications fiber optic connectors.BACKGROUND

[0003] Dust caps are utilized to protect the ferrules of fiber optic connectors from inadvertent mechanical damage and contamination. Dust caps are typically either installed on the ferrule or the connector body, such as shroud type dust caps. For multifiber connectors, such as MTP, MPO, SN-MT, MMC, etc., a shroud type dust cap is typically installed on the connector body to provide protection to the ferrule.

[0004] For push-pull boot connectors with a mechanical sliding latch, normal design practice is to install a shroud type dust cap that does not engage the sliding latch mechanism. Some fiber optic connectors having a multifiber push pull boot connector (e.g., an MMC connector), the dust cap design relies on a slip fit onto the front of the connector housing and a detente or notch feature for retention. Such dust cap design typically stays installed on the MMC housing under typical shipping and handling conditions. However, if an outward and upward rotationally force is applied to the dust cap, the dust cap may dislodge under relatively low force. The corresponding ferrule exposure may result in ferrule damage or contamination that will delay or slow complex installations.

[0005] For some installations, such as for datacenters for artificial intelligence or machine learning, the amount of fiber and connections required is at such a large scale such that even relatively smaller delays or slow downs in installation can create aggregating time and cost issues.Attorney Docket No.AFLOCA-370-PCT

[0006] Accordingly, dust caps for push / pull boot connectors addressing the aforementioned issues are desired in the art and would be advantageous.BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

[0008] An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a fiber optic connector assembly including a connector and a dust cap. The connector includes a connector body having a latch member extending along a vertical direction. A lateral direction corresponds to a direction of extension of the connector body into the dust cap. The vertical direction corresponds to a major axis of a layout of an arrangement of connectivity elements at the connector body. A transverse direction corresponds to a minor axis the layout of the arrangement of connectivity elements at the connector body. The lateral direction, the vertical direction, and the transverse direction are mutually orthogonal to one another. The dust cap includes a body forming an open end into which the connector body is received. A closed end is distal along the lateral direction from the open end. A plurality of walls extends substantially along the lateral direction from the open end to the closed end. The plurality of walls includes a first plurality of walls and a second plurality of walls. The first plurality of walls are separated from one another along the transverse direction and extending along the vertical direction. The second plurality7of walls are separated from one another along the vertical direction and extending along the transverse direction. The second plurality of walls includes a first sidewall separated along the vertical direction from a second sidewall. A notch is positioned at the first sidewall, the notch forming an engagement area for a detent at the connector body. The second sidewall includes an opening through which the latch member of the connector body is extendable along the vertical direction. The second sidewall includes a forw ard wall and an aft wall bounding the opening. The second sidewall includes a rib protruding along the vertical direction from an inside surface within a channel formed between the plurality of walls and into which the fiber optic connector is received into the body.Atorney Docket No.AFLOCA-370-PCTThe rib forms a protrusion extending along the lateral direction from the opening toward an end wall.

[0009] An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a dust cap for a fiber optic connector. A lateral direction corresponds to a direction of extension of the fiber optic connector into the dust cap. A vertical direction corresponds to a major axis of a layout of an arrangement of connectivity elements at the fiber optic connector. A transverse direction corresponds to a minor axis the layout of the arrangement of connectivity elements at the fiber optic connector. The lateral direction, the vertical direction, and the transverse direction are mutually orthogonal to one another. The dust cap includes a body forming an open end into which the fiber optic connector is received, and a closed end distal along the lateral direction from the open end. A plurality of walls extend substantially along the lateral direction from the open end to the closed end. The plurality of walls include a first plurality of walls and a second plurality of walls. The first plurality7of walls are separated from one another along the transverse direction and extending along the vertical direction. The second plurality7of walls are separated from one another along the vertical direction and extending along the transverse direction. The second plurality of walls includes a first sidewall separated along the vertical direction from a second sidewall. A notch is positioned at the first sidewall. The notch forms an engagement area for a detent at the fiber optic connector. The second sidewall includes an opening through which a latch member of the fiber optic connector is extendable along the vertical direction. The second sidewall includes a forward wall and an aft wall bounding the opening. The second sidewall includes a rib protruding along the vertical direction from an inside surface within a channel formed between the plurality of walls and into which the fiber optic connector is received into the body. The rib forms a protrusion extending along the lateral direction from the opening toward an end wall.

[0010] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become beter understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.Attorney Docket No.AFLOCA-370-PCTBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

[0012] Fig. 1 provides a perspective view of an exemplary' a push / pull multifiber boot connector inserted into an exemplary embodiment of a dust cap in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0013] Fig. 2 provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a dust cap in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0014] Fig. 3 provides a lengthwise cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the dust cap of Fig. 2 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0015] Fig. 4 provides a lengthwise cross sectional view of an exemplar}' embodiment of the dust cap of Fig. 2 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0016] Fig. 5 provides a lengthwise cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the dust cap of Fig. 2 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0017] Fig. 6 provides a perspective cutaway view of an exemplary embodiment of the dust cap of Fig. 2 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0018] Fig. 7 provides a perspective cutaway view of an exemplary embodiment of the dust cap of Fig. 2 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0019] Fig. 8 provides a perspective view of an exemplary' a push / pull multifiber boot connector inserted into an exemplary embodiment of a dust cap in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0020] Fig. 9 provides a lengthwise cross sectional view of an exemplar}' embodiment of the dust cap of Fig. 8 in accordance yvith aspects of the present disclosure;

[0021] Fig. 10 provides a lengthwise cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the dust cap of Fig. 8 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; andAtorney Docket No.AFLOCA-370-PCT

[0022] Fig. 11 provides a lengthwise cross sectional view of an exemplary7embodiment of the dust cap of Fig. 8 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] Use of the same of similar reference numerals in the figures denotes the same or similar features unless the context indicates otherwise.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0025] As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and / or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0026] Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,”Atorney Docket No.AFLOCA-370-PCT“about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and / or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin, i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction, e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, e.g., clockwise, or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V.

[0027] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0028] Embodiments of an improved dust cap for push / pull multifiber boot connectors are provided that address one or more of the aforementioned issues.

[0029] Referring now to the drawings, Fig. 1 provides a perspective view- of an exemplary embodiment of a push / pull multifiber boot connector 100 inserted into an exemplary embodiment of a dust cap 200. Connector 100 may include any appropriate type of multifiber connector, such as, but not limited to, MMC. MTP, MPO, or SN-MT.

[0030] Reference coordinate directions including a mutually orthogonal lateral direction L, vertical direction V, and transverse direction T are provided. The lateralAtorney Docket No.AFLOCA-370-PCT direction L corresponds generally to a primary direction of extension of a fiber optic cable or a direction into or out of which a fiber optic connector generally inserts or removes from a dust cap or fiber optic equipment. The vertical direction V corresponds generally to a major axis of a layout of an arrangement of pins, ports, terminals, or other connectivity elements at a fiber optic connector compared to the transverse direction T corresponding generally to a minor axis of connectivity elements at the fiber optic connector.

[0031] The connector 100 generally includes a connector body 110 insertable into through an open end 201 of the dust cap 200. The connector 100 generally includes a latch assembly 120 atached to the connector 100. A push / pull boot 130 extends from the connector body 110 and generally provides a strain relief component of a cable to the connector body 110. The latch assembly 120 may extend from proximate of an interface between the connector body 110 and boot 130. The latch assembly 120 may shroud the connector body 110 along the lateral direction L of the connector body 110 along one or more sides of the connector body 110 separated along the vertical direction V.

[0032] A detent or latch member 122 extends substantially along the vertical direction V from a portion of the latch assembly 120 extending along one or more sides of the connector body 110 separated along the vertical direction V. The latch member 122 is configured to selectively release the connector body 110 from an apparatus or equipment to which the connector 100 is coupled.

[0033] Referring still to Fig. 1, and further depicted in Figs. 2-7, the dust cap 200 includes a body 210 forming an open end 201. into which the connector 100 is received, and a closed end 202 distal along the lateral direction L from the open end 201. The body 210 includes a plurality of walls extending substantially along the lateral direction L from the open end 201 to the closed end 202. A first plurality of walls 212 are separated from one another along the transverse direction T and extend along the vertical direction V. A second plurality of walls 213, 214 are separated from one another along the vertical direction V and extend along the transverse direction T. A head portion 216 provides an end wall 217 (Fig. 3) at the closed end 202.Atorney Docket No.AFLOCA-370-PCT

[0034] The head portion 216 may include a user interface 218, such as a groove, notch, or indent, at configured to receive a user's digit to facilitate placement and removal of the dust cap 200 to and from the connector 100.

[0035] The first plurality of walls 212 may be configured substantially similarly to one another. For instance, the first plurality of walls 212 may be symmetrical to one another. The second plurality' of walls 213, 214 extend from the first plurality of walls 212 along the transverse direction T. The plurality of walls 212, 213, 214 form at the body 210 a channel 21 1 into which the connector 100 is received into the dust cap 200.

[0036] The second plurality' of walls 213, 214 includes a first sidewall 213 separated along the vertical direction V from a second sidewall 214. The first sidewall 213 may include a notch 215 for engagement to a corresponding protrusion or detent 115 at the connector body 110. In some embodiments, the first sidewall 213 extends further along the lateral direction L from the end wall 217 than walls 212. The notch 215 is positioned in a portion of the first sidewall 213 extending greater along the lateral direction L from the end wall 217 than an extension of the walls 212 along the lateral direction L.

[0037] In various embodiments, the second sidewall 214 includes an opening 224 through which the latch member 122 is extendable along the vertical direction V. In still various embodiments, the opening 224 may form a latch window bounded by a forward wall 222 and an aft wall 223 of the second sidewall 214. The forward wall 222 is positioned more proximate along the lateral direction L from which the connector 100 enters through the open end 201. The aft wall 223 is positioned more distal along the lateral direction L than the forward wall 222 from which the connector 100 enters through the open end 201.

[0038] Opening 224 forming a latch window having the forward wall 222 as a forward bound along the lateral direction L may provide a positive latch engagement feature. The opening 224 forming the latch window may permit contact or engagement of the latch member 122 with the body 210 of the dust cap 200 along the lateral direction L. The opening 224 forming the latch window may require a user to depress the latch member 122 when removing the dust cap 200 and connector from one another, such as may provide a retention mechanism improving retention of theAtorney Docket No.AFLOCA-370-PCT connector 100 with the dust cap 200. Such improved retention may remove a need for secondary retention features outside of the dust cap, such as, but not limited to, tapes, wraps, bands, etc.

[0039] In various embodiments, body 210 may form a step or interior wall 219 forming an end wall within the channel 211. The first plurality of walls 212 may include a rail 221 extending from the open end 201 along the lateral direction L within the channel 211. The rail 221 may extend toward the closed end 202 to the wall 219. The rail 221 may form a guide rail configured to receive the connector 100 within the body 210. In some embodiments, the rail 221 may converge along the vertical direction V toward an inside surface 225 of the second sidewall 214 within the channel 211 as the rail 221 extends from the open end 201 toward the closed end 202. Wall 219 may form a detent or end wall at which the rail 221 terminates.

[0040] In some embodiments, wall 219 may correspond to a delineation along the lateral direction L from which a physical contact extends from the connector body 110. In such embodiments, a portion of the body 210 along the lateral direction L between wall 219 and end wall 217 may correspond to a longitudinal extension of the physical contact of the connector 100.

[0041] The second sidewall 214 includes an inside surface 225 within the channel 211. Referring to Figs. 4-6, in some embodiments, a rib 232 protruding along the vertical direction V from the inside surface 225. The rib 232 may form a protrusion extending along the lateral direction L from the opening 224 toward the end wall 217. As the second sidewall 214 is opposite along the vertical direction V from the first sidewall 213, the rib 232 may be positioned opposite along the vertical direction V of the notch 215. The rib 232 provides a press fit interface between the connector 100 and the dust cap 200. In some embodiments, the rib 232 protrudes along the vertical direction V from the inside surface 225 and extends along the lateral direction L from the opening 224 toward the wall 219, such as may terminate at wall 219.

[0042] The rib 232 such as provided may improve retention of the connector 100 within the dust cap 200. In particular, rib 232 may provide improved retention from off-axis pulling. For instance, rib 232 may improve retention of the connector 100 within the dust cap 200 relative to pulling the connector 100 along an angle A (Fig. 1) relative to a centerline axis CL of extension of the connector 100 along the lateralAtorney Docket No.AFLOCA-370-PCT direction L. Rib 232 (Figs. 4-6) may improve retention of the connector 100 when pulled at an angle A from the centerline axis CL relative to vertical axis V. Embodiments of the connector 100 including the rib 232 may inhibit accidental and undesired release of the dust cap 200 from the connector 100.

[0043] Referring now to Fig. 7, in some embodiments, the dust cap 200 may include a side rib 234 protruding along the transverse direction T from the first plurality of walls 212 within the channel 211. In some embodiments, the side rib 234 may be positioned along the lateral direction L between walls 217, 219, such as may correspond to a physical contact portion of the connector 100.

[0044] Embodiments of the dust cap 200 including the side rib 234 may improve retention of the connector 100 within the dust cap 200. The side rib 234 may provide a press fit interface with the connector 100, such as may improve retention along the lateral direction L co-directi onal to the centerline axis CL (Fig. 1).

[0045] Referring to Fig. 5, in some embodiments, the dust cap 200 may include ribs 232, 234, such as may provide improved retention co-directional to the centerline axis CL (Fig. 1), and additionally improved retention at an angle A between the lateral direction L and vertical direction V.

[0046] Referring now to Figs. 8-11, an embodiment of a dust cap 800 is provided. Dust cap 800 may be configured such as described in regard to dust cap 200, such as may include a body 810 forming an open end 801 into which the connector 100 is received and a closed end 802 distal along the lateral direction L to the open end 801. Body 810 includes walls 812, 813, 814 separated from one another, such as a first plurality7of walls 812 separated from one another along the transverse direction T and a second plurality7of walls 813, 814 separated from one another along the vertical direction V. A notch 815 at a first sidewall 813 may provide an engagement feature to a detent at the connector body 110.

[0047] An opening 824 at a second sidewall 814 is configured to receive the latch member 122. Dust cap 800 includes the opening 824 forming a slot or channel extending along the lateral direction L from the open end 801 toward the closed end 802. As such, opening 824 may avoid contact with the latch member 122.

[0048] Embodiments of the dust cap 800 may include a side rib 834 protruding along the transverse direction T from the first plurality7of walls 812. In someAttorney Docket No.AFLOCA-370-PCT embodiments, the side rib 834 may be positioned along the lateral direction L between walls 817, 819. such as may correspond to a physical contact portion of the connector 100.

[0049] Embodiments of the dust cap 800 including the side rib 834 may improve retention of the connector 100 within the dust cap 800. The side rib 834 may provide a press fit interface with the connector 100, such as may improve retention along the lateral direction L co-directi onal to the centerline axis CL (Fig. 1).

[0050] In some embodiments, dust cap 800 may additionally, or alternatively, include a rib 832 protruding along the vertical direction V from an inside surface 825 of the second sidewall 814. The rib 832 may form a protrusion extending along the lateral direction L from the opening 824 toward the end wall 817. As the second sidewall 814 is opposite along the vertical direction V from the first sidewall 813, the rib 832 may be positioned opposite along the vertical direction V of the notch 815. The rib 832 provides a press fit interface between the connector 100 and the dust cap 200. In some embodiments, the rib 832 protrudes along the vertical direction V from the inside surface 825 and extends along the lateral direction L from the opening 824 toward the wall 819, such as may terminate at wall 819.

[0051] The rib 832 such as provided may improve retention of the connector 100 within the dust cap 800. In particular, rib 832 may provide improved retention from off-axis pulling. For instance, rib 832 may improve retention of the connector 100 within the dust cap 800 relative to pulling the connector 100 along an angle A (Fig. 1) relative to a centerline axis CL of extension of the connector 100 along the lateral direction L. Rib 832 may improve retention of the connector 100 when pulled at an angle A from the centerline axis CL relative to vertical axis V. Embodiments of the connector 100 including the rib 832 may inhibit accidental and undesired release of the dust cap 200 from the connector 100.

[0052] Embodiments of the dust cap 200 provided herein may provide improved retention of a connector, such as may mitigate accidental or undesired disengagement due to motions or forces corresponding to shipping and unpackaging. Embodiments of the dust cap 200 including the latch window may require positive user engagement with the latch member 122 to effectuate removal of the connector 100 from the dust cap 200, such as may mitigate unintended dust cap removal.Attorney Docket No.AFLOCA-370-PCT

[0053] Embodiments of the dust cap 200, 800 provided herein may provide improved retention of a connector from pulling substantially co-directional to a centerline axis of the connector, or furthermore, from pulling along an angle between a lateral direction and vertical axis. Features provided herein for improved retention may mitigate accidental or undesired disengagement due to motions or forces corresponding to shipping and unpackaging.

[0054] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

Attorney Docket No.AFLOCA-370-PCTWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A dust cap for a fiber optic connector, wherein a lateral direction corresponds to a direction of extension of the fiber optic connector into the dust cap, wherein a vertical direction corresponds to a major axis of a layout of an arrangement of connectivity elements at the fiber optic connector, and wherein a transverse direction corresponds to a minor axis the layout of the arrangement of connectivity elements at the fiber optic connector, the lateral direction, the vertical direction, and the transverse direction mutually orthogonal to one another, the dust cap comprising: a body forming an open end into which the fiber optic connector is received, and a closed end distal along the lateral direction from the open end; a plurality of walls extending substantially along the lateral direction from the open end to the closed end, wherein the plurality of walls comprises a first plurality' of walls and a second plurality of walls, the first plurality7of walls separated from one another along the transverse direction and extending along the vertical direction, the second plurality of walls separated from one another along the vertical direction and extending along the transverse direction, wherein the second plurality of walls comprises a first sidewall separated along the vertical direction from a second sidewall, wherein a notch is positioned at the first sidewall, the notch forming an engagement area for a detent at the fiber optic connector, wherein the second sidewall comprises an opening through which a latch member of the fiber optic connector is extendable along the vertical direction, wherein the second sidewall comprises a forward wall and an aft wall bounding the opening, and wherein the second sidewall comprises a rib protruding along the vertical direction from an inside surface within a channel formed betw een the plurality of walls and into which the fiber optic connector is received into the body, the rib forming a protrusion extending along the lateral direction from the opening toward an end wall.Attorney Docket No.AFLOCA-370-PCT2. The dust cap of claim 1, wherein the rib provides a press fit interface between the fiber optic connector and the dust cap.

3. The dust cap of claim 1, wherein the one or both of the first plurality of walls comprises a side rib protruding along the transverse direction within the channel.

4. The dust cap of claim 3, wherein the side rib provides a press fit interface between the fiber optic connector and the dust cap.

5. The dust cap of claim 3, wherein the side rib is positioned along the lateral direction between the end wall proximate to the closed end and a step forming the end wall to which the rib extends.

6. The dust cap of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of walls comprise a rail extending from the open end along the lateral direction within the channel and the rail configured to receive the fiber optic connector within the body.

7. The dust cap of claim 6, wherein the rail converges along the vertical direction toward the inside surface of the second sidewall as the rail extends from the open end toward the closed end.

8. The dust cap of claim 7, wherein the rail terminates along the lateral direction at the end wall.

9. The dust cap of claim 8, wherein the rib terminates along the lateral direction at the end wall.

10. The dust cap of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a head portion at the closed end, the head portion forming a user interface.Attorney Docket No.AFLOCA-370-PCT11. The dust cap of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of walls are symmetrical to one another.

12. The dust cap of claim 10, wherein the first sidewall extends further along the lateral direction from the end wall toward the open end greater than the second plurality of walls.

13. A fiber optic connector assembly, comprising: a connector comprising a connector body, the connector body comprising a latch member extending along a vertical direction; a dust cap, wherein a lateral direction corresponds to a direction of extension of the connector body into the dust cap, wherein the vertical direction corresponds to a major axis of a layout of an arrangement of connectivity elements at the connector body, and wherein a transverse direction corresponds to a minor axis the layout of the arrangement of connectivity elements at the connector body, the lateral direction, the vertical direction, and the transverse direction mutually orthogonal to one another, wherein the dust cap comprises: a body forming an open end into which the connector body is received, and a closed end distal along the lateral direction from the open end; a plurality of walls extending substantially along the lateral direction from the open end to the closed end, wherein the plurality of walls comprises a first plurality of walls and a second plurality of walls, the first plurality of walls separated from one another along the transverse direction and extending along the vertical direction, the second plurality of walls separated from one another along the vertical direction and extending along the transverse direction, wherein the second plurality of walls comprises a first sidewall separated along the vertical direction from a second sidewall, wherein a notch is positioned at the first sidewall, the notch forming an engagement area for a detent at the connector body, wherein the second sidewall comprises an opening through which the latch member of the connector body is extendable along the vertical direction,Attorney Docket No.AFLOCA-370-PCT wherein the second sidewall comprises a forward wall and an aft wall bounding the opening, and wherein the second sidewall comprises a rib protruding along the vertical direction from an inside surface \\i thin a channel formed between the plurality of walls and into which the fiber optic connector is received into the body, the rib forming a protrusion extending along the lateral direction from the opening toward an end wall.

14. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 13, wherein the rib provides a press fit interface between the fiber optic connector and the dust cap.

15. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 13, wherein at least one of the first plurality of walls comprises a side rib protruding along the transverse direction within the channel.

16. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 15, wherein the side rib is positioned along the lateral direction between the end wall proximate to the closed end and a step forming the end wall to which the rib extends.

17. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 13, wherein the first plurality of walls comprise a rail extending from the open end along the lateral direction within the channel, and the rail configured to receive the fiber optic connector within the body.

18. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 17, wherein the rail converges along the vertical direction toward the inside surface of the second sidewall as the rail extends from the open end toward the closed end.

19. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 18, wherein the rail and the rib terminate along the lateral direction at the end wall.Attorney Docket No.AFLOCA-370-PCT20. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 13, wherein the body comprises a head portion at the closed end, the head portion forming a user interface.

Images