Device for providing enhanced optical fiber splice protection and / or re-splicing connectivity

Abstract

A splice connection device for providing enhanced optical fiber split protection and / or re-splicing connectivity. The device may provide enhanced protection of a fiber splice with a splice protecting portion having a splice receiving portion extending there through and a first strain relieving portion that may be coupled with an end portion of a first fiber cable. The splice receiving portion may receive a splice sleeve containing a splice of the end portion of the first fiber cable and an end portion of a second fiber cable. The first strain relieving portion may include a first coupling portion that may couple with a first end portion of the splice protecting portion such that the first strain relieving portion can be selectively coupled with and removed from the first end portion of the splice protecting portion. The splice protecting portion may provide enhanced protection of a splice sleeve containing a fiber splice and / or to permit the splice protecting portion to be re-split, reused, or re-installed on a new fiber splice.

Description

DEVICE FOR PROVIDING ENHANCED OPTICAL FIBER SPLICE PROTECTION AND / OR RE-SPLICING CONNECTIVITYCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 740,554, filed December 31 , 2024, currently pending, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure is directed to joining a cable to a connector and, more particularly, to a device for providing enhanced optical fiber splice protection and / or re-splicing connectivity.BACKGROUND

[0003] As more users generate, transfer, and store digital information, greater network capabilities are needed. The growing volume of producers, and generators, of digital information may be compounded by increasing sophistication of network usage, which may call for predetermined data speed, security, and reliability over time.

[0004] With the demand for data transmission growing, a variety of hardware has been developed to provide greater operational capabilities. Advancements in hardware structure have additionally been developed to accommodate various physical challenges to network component installation, such as cable size, flexibility, durability, and compatibility with other network components. Such developments have provided the ability to customize assorted aspects of a network to provide desired performance and reliability, but also may increase the frequency of hardware manipulation to install components with different structural and / or operational capabilities.

[0005] The installation of network hardware, either to create a new network or alter the capabilities of an existing network, may present installation challenges, particularly in some installation sites with small, tight, or hidden spaces in which to operate. One such challenge may be the installation of a connector to a fiber optic cable, which mayprovide a technician a single opportunity to correctly attach and connect the connector to allow maximum possible operational performance and reliability. Thus, assorted embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed to a splice on connector for a fiber optic cable that may be re-spliced, reused, or reinstalled, to alleviate the precision and criticality of connector installation.

[0006] Embodiments of the disclosure provide a reusable splice protector having lever portions, a shell portion, and a tube portion that are structurally configured to be removable from spliced fiber optic cables to provide reusability of a device attached to one of the fiber optic cables after an unsuccessful splicing of the fiber optic cables, reducing waste of unsuccessfully installed devices.SUMMARY

[0007] In accordance with various aspects of the disclosure, a device may provide enhanced optical fiber split protection and / or re-splicing connectivity with an optical fiber splice protection and / or re-splicing assembly that has a splice protecting portion that may have a splice receiving portion extending there through. A first strain relieving portion may be coupled with an end portion of a first fiber cable and a second strain relieving portion may be coupled with an end portion of a second fiber cable. The splice receiving portion may receive a splice sleeve containing a splice of the end portion of the first fiber cable and the end portion of the second fiber cable. The first strain relieving portion may include a first coupling portion that may couple with a first end portion of the splice protecting portion such that the first strain relieving portion can be selectively coupled with and removed from the first end portion of the splice protecting portion. The second strain relieving portion may include a second coupling portion that may couple with a second end portion of the splice protecting portion such that the second strain relieving portion can be selectively coupled with and removed from the second end portion of the splice protecting portion. The first strain relieving portion may include a first strength member retaining portion that may retain a strength member extending from the first cable to the first coupling portion while the first coupling member is coupled with the first end portion of the splice protecting portion. The second strain relieving portion may include a second strength member retaining portion that may retain a strength member extending from the second cable to thesecond coupling portion while the second coupling member is coupled with the second end portion of the splice protecting portion. The optical fiber splice protection and / or re-splicing assembly may provide enhanced optical fiber split protection and / or resplicing connectivity by configuring the splice sleeve protecting portion to protect a fiber splice at least partially contained in the splice sleeve during operation and / or by permitting the splice protecting portion to be re-spliced on a new fiber splice.

[0008] In some aspects, the splice protecting portion may be constructed of a metal material while the first strength member may be constructed of a Kevlar material and the first strain relieving portion may be constructed of a polymer material.

[0009] Aspects of the disclosure may provide a device that may provide enhanced optical fiber split protection and / or re-splicing connectivity with an optical fiber splice protection and / or re-splicing assembly that may have a splice protecting portion having a splice receiving portion extending there through. The splice receiving portion may receive a splice sleeve and an end portion of a second fiber cable. A first strain relieving portion may couple with a first end portion of the splice protecting portion such that the first strain relieving portion can be selectively coupled with and removed from the splice protecting portion. The first strain relieving portion may include a first strength member retaining portion that may retain a strength member extending from the first cable to a first coupling portion while the first coupling portion is coupled with the first end portion of the splice protecting portion. The optical fiber splice protection and / or re-splicing assembly may provide enhanced optical fiber split protection and / or re-splicing connectivity by configuring the splice sleeve protecting portion to protect a fiber splice at least partially contained in the splice sleeve during operation and / or by permitting the splice protecting portion to be re-spliced on a new fiber splice.

[0010] In some aspects, the first strain relieving portion may be coupled with an end portion of a first fiber cable and include the first coupling portion configured to couple with a first end portion of the splice protecting portion. The splice sleeve is configured to contain a splice of the end portion of the first fiber cable, in other aspects. The device may have a second strain relieving portion that may be configured to be coupled with a second end portion of a second fiber cable, in some embodiments. Other embodiments may have the second strain relieving portion including a secondcoupling portion that may couple with a second end portion of the splice protecting portion such that the second strain relieving portion can be selectively coupled with and removed from the second end portion of the splice protecting portion. Embodiments of the device may have the second strain relieving portion including a second strength member retaining portion that may retain a strength member extending from the second cable to the second coupling portion while the second coupling member is coupled with the second end portion of the splice protecting portion. The splice protecting portion may be configured with an anchor portion configured to extend through an external structure portion, in some aspects.

[0011] Aspects of a device may provide enhanced optical fiber split protection and / or re-splicing connectivity with an optical fiber splice protection and / or re-splicing assembly that has a splice protecting portion having a splice receiving portion extending there through. The splice receiving portion may receive a splice sleeve containing a splice of an end portion of the first fiber cable and an end portion of a second fiber cable. The first strain relieving portion may be configured such that the first strain relieving portion can be selectively coupled with and removed from the first end portion of the splice protecting portion. The optical fiber splice protection and / or re-splicing assembly may provide enhanced optical fiber split protection and / or resplicing connectivity by configuring the splice sleeve protecting portion to protect a fiber splice at least partially contained in the splice sleeve during operation and / or by permitting the splice protecting portion to be re-spliced on a new fiber splice.

[0012] A device, in some aspects, may have a first strain relieving portion that may be configured to be coupled with the end portion of a first fiber cable. The device may have a second strain relieving portion that may be coupled with an end portion of a second fiber cable, in other aspects. The device may have a second strain relieving portion that may include a second coupling portion configured to couple with a second end portion of the splice protecting portion such that the second strain relieving portion can be selectively coupled with and removed from the second end portion of the splice protecting portion. Embodiments of a device may have the first strain relieving portion to have a first strength member retaining portion that may retain a strength member extending from the first cable to the first coupling portion while the first coupling member is coupled with the first end portion of the splice protecting portion.

[0013] In some aspects, the second strain relieving portion may have a second strength member retaining portion that may retain a strength member extending from the second cable to the second coupling portion while the second coupling member is coupled with the second end portion of the splice protecting portion. The first strain relieving portion, in other aspects, may have a first coupling portion that may couple with a first end portion of the splice protecting portion.

[0014] The splice protecting portion, in some embodiments, may be constructed from a metal material and the first strength member may be constructed from a Kevlar material. The first strain relieving may be constructed, in other embodiments, from a polymer material. Aspects of the splice protecting portion may have an anchor portion that may extend through a wall portion.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Further advantages and features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, to which reference is made.

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates portions of a distributed network in which assorted embodiments can be practiced.

[0017] FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional line representation of portions of a fiber optic cable connection that may be employed in the distributed network of FIG. 1 in some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional line representation of aspects of fiber optic cable connection that may be utilized in the distributed network of FIG. 1 in various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 4 displays a line representation of portions of a cable connection assembly configured in assorted embodiments of this disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a line representation of aspects of a cable connection assembly arranged in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Embodiments provide a reusable connector for a fiber optic cable. The reusable connector may engage aspects of a fiber optic cable and splice-on connector (SOC) to provide reliable physical retention that allows for consistent optical signal transmission with full operational performance capabilities.

[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments and methods of the present disclosure, which constitute the best modes of practicing the present disclosure presently known to the inventors. However, it is to be understood 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] Over time, the use of fiber optic cables to provide signal transmission has increased. The integration of fiber optic cables into distributed signal networks may complement, or replace, other wired cables, such as copper wires, to provide greater operational capabilities, such as signal speed, latency, physical size, and bandwidth. However, the installation of fiber optic cables may present challenges that other wired cables do not. For example, optically joining separate fiber optic cores to provide full operational performance may be difficult in some conditions, such as cable portions proximal cable connectors, adapters, or other terminations, which may experience greater frequency, and amounts, of applied external force during, and after, installation.

[0025] Accordingly assorted embodiments are generally directed to a fiber optic cable connector that is reusable. FIG. 1 conveys a block representation of a distributed network 100 in which one or more reusable fiber optic cable connectors may be employed. Any number, and type, of signal sources 110 may be connected to any number, and type, of signal destinations 120 via one or more signal pathways 130. That is, the distributed network 100 may employ any number, and type, of signal pathway 130 to supply one-way or two-way signal transmission between the respective sources 110 and destinations 120.

[0026] The distributed network 100 is not limited to a particular configuration of signal pathways 130 and may utilize wireless signal pathways 132 independently, or concurrently, with wired signal pathways 134. It is noted that the wired signal pathway 134 is not limited to a particular type, size, or signal carrying speed. As such, the wired signal pathway 134 may transfer signals with fiber optic aspects or conductive wires packaged in an environmentally protected jacket. In contrast to the wireless signal pathway 132 that converts signals into a form that may be distributed without physical aspects of wired signal pathway 134, transmitting data via a wired cables may provide greater performance and / or capabilities, such as signal integrity, reliability, speed, and cost.

[0027] While wired signal pathways 134 may provide some operational advantages over wireless signal pathways 132, the presence of a physical cable to house, guide, and protect signal carrying aspects may present challenges during installation. For instance, a wired cable may not be long enough, or physically compatible with, some installation sites, such as multi-residence complexes, that present small, tight, hidden, or otherwise hard to reach locations for distribution of numerous wired pathways 134. In some embodiments, an installation site may accommodate an interconnect 140 that connects separate wired cables 142 to allow signal transmission between sources 110 and destinations 120.

[0028] While not required or limiting, the incorporation of an interconnect 140, such as a server, switch, cassette, or splitter, into the distributed network 100 allows multiple cables 142 may form a stable signal pathway 134, The use of an interconnect 140 may provide the ability to employ different wired cables to customize the physicaldelivery, and electrical capabilities, provided to a destination 120. However, employing separate cables 142 to form a signal pathway 134 may introduce additional physical connections that may present installation challenges. For instance, separate cables 142 may require the installation of specific connectors to allow for compatibility with the interconnect 140, source 110, and / or destination 120, which presents cable 142 attachment situations that mandate precision mating to reliably operate over time.

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional line representation of aspects of a fiber optic cable connection 200 that may be present in the distributed network 100 of FIG.1 as part of a stable signal pathway. In the connection 200, separate fiber optic cables 210 are physically and optically joined by a coupling interconnect 220. More specifically, two separate fiber optic cores 230, of respective fiber optic cables 210, are brought in close enough physical proximity to allow optical signal transmission between the cables 210 by a coupling interconnect 220. It is noted that the optic coupling of the interconnect 220 may be facilitated by any number, and type, of materials, structures, and mechanisms that serve to retain optical transmission capabilities conducive to distributed network deployment despite exposure to external, and internal, stresses over time.

[0030] The respective fiber optic cables 210 may have matching, or dissimilar, constructions and / or capabilities while joined by a single coupling interconnect 220. For instance, a cable 210 may have one or more reinforcing portions 212 that increase the strength and / or control flexibility of the cable 210. The cables 210 may have a retaining portion 214, such as, for example, a retaining sleeve or tub, that is part of a strain relief arrangement. Some embodiments of the retaining portion 214 are configured to hold the Kevlar reinforcing portion 212 as portions are assembled, such as, for example, threading a boot assembly onto a protective shell.

[0031] In the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 2, each fiber optic cable 210 is structurally configured with matching physical sizes and fiber optic core 230 capabilities. Such cable 210 construction may provide a relatively small physical form factor and sufficient signal carrying capabilities to service a diverse variety of destinations, such as sensors, devices, components, and computing systems, in residential, commercial, and industrial sites.

[0032] While a coupling interconnect 220 may provide robust connection of separate fiber optic cables 210, the performance of the interconnect 220 may be highly dependent on proper installation that allows full signal carrying capabilities between the respective fiber optic cores 230. Such installation may be complicated with connections proximal to cable terminating connectors, which may experience higher than average volumes of movement, vibration, and stress. That is, an interconnect 220 that joins a cable 210 providing a connector termination may have heightened installation precision requirements to maintain signal carrying operational performance over time.

[0033] As a non-limiting example, a coupling interconnect 220 configured as a slice-on connector (SOC) may require more time, and / or have smaller physical tolerances, than an interconnect 220 simply joining two, relatively long, lengths of fiber optic cable 210. Continuing the example, installation of an SOC interconnect 220 once a fiber optic cable 210 is positioned in a tight space may limit the ability to use equipment necessary to provide precision fiber optic core 230 joining. Additionally, installation of an SOC interconnect 220 prior to positioning fiber optic cables 210 onsite may introduce risk of breakage, or other physical faults, that jeopardize the integrity of the connection during installation, such as feeding a cable 210 around tight spaces, such as corners, bottlenecks, and bends. Hence, installation of an SOC interconnect 220 may be fragile and precise, which presents challenges.

[0034] The physical attachment of the respective fiber optic cores 230 may be facilitated in a variety of different manners. Some embodiments join the cables 210 with a reinforcing sleeve portion 240 that covers and supports portions of each cable 210, such as the fiber optic cores 230 and reinforcing portions 212. Other embodiments crimp aspects of the interconnect 220 to physically retain the position of the respective fiber optic cores 230. It is contemplated that the interconnect 220 employs a biasing mechanism, such as springs, to apply continuous force to maintain the configuration of the respective cables 210 and cores 230. The diversity of interconnect 220 arrangements may provide installation options to accommodate different sites, conditions, or operational requirements.

[0035] However, the interconnect 220 may suffer from an incorrect initial installation. For instance, improper fusion of fiber optic cores 230, crimping of the interconnect 220, or position of biasing mechanisms may not be corrected and, instead, a new interconnect 220 is necessary. Such criticality for interconnect 220 installation may result in waste and inefficient setup. For instance, faulty attachment of an interconnect 220 to a cable 210, or fiber optic core 230, may alter optical transmission characteristics and / or flexibility of the cable 210, such as increasing rigidity, which may introduce stress regions that increase risk of the optical connection failing.

[0036] Accordingly, there is an interest in a reusable fiber optic cable interconnect that allows for alteration and / or correction of installation deviations. FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional line representation of a cable assembly 300 structurally configured to be reused while allowing for a secure fiber optic connection in accordance with some embodiments. As shown, the cable assembly 300 physically and optically joins separate fiber optic cables 210 with a sleeve portion 310 that may be installed and subsequently removed without damaging the cables 210 or the constituent fiber optic cores 230.

[0037] While not required or limiting, the cable assembly 300 has a sleeve portion 310 that mates the respective fiber optic cores 230 with a tube portion 312. The tube portion 312 may be optically integrated with the fiber optic cores 230, in some embodiments. For instance, the tube portion 312 may be structurally configured as a unitary hollow member, or an assembly of components, that carries optical signals between fiber optic cores 230. Other embodiments of the tube portion 312 provide an opaque construction, or otherwise not optically conducive to signal transfer. The customization of the tube portion 312 may allow for increased efficiency, reduced signal loss, and decreased introduction of noise.

[0038] In some embodiments, the tube portion 312 may be covered with a supportive member, such as a casing, that provides physical support to maintain the position of the respective cables 210 as well as the optical mating of the constituent fiber optic cores 230. As discussed above in conjunction with the interconnect 220 of FIG. 2, a variety of different physical attachments may join the respective cables 210and cores 230. However, conventional optical connections may be single use items that require installation precision and may increase the fragility of a cable assembly 300. Hence, embodiments of the cable assembly 300 utilize a shell portion 314 that surrounds aspects of the tube portion 312 to provide physical protection, efficient installation, and reusability.

[0039] The shell portion 314 may be any material, size, and orientation relative to the tube portion 312 to aid installation and operation of the cable assembly 300 to join the separate cables 210 into a single, continuous optical signal pathway. As a nonlimiting embodiment, the shell portion 314 may be a unitary component constructed of a rigid, or semi-flexible, material that surrounds less than all of the longitudinal length of the tube portion 312. Such shell portion 314 construction may provide an anchor portion for external physical attachment while protecting and supporting aspects of the tube portion 312.

[0040] The shell portion 314 presents a pair of threaded portions 316 that respectively engage lever portions 318 to physically engage a retaining portion 214 of each cable 210. As shown, each threaded portion 316 is tapered along the longitudinal axis of the cable assembly 300 so that continued engagement of the lever portion 318 with the respective threaded portions 316 force a hook portion 320 of the lever portion 318 onto a retaining portion 214 of a cable 210, which physically retains the fiber optic core 230 relative to the tube portion 312. It is noted that the retaining portion 214 of each cable 210 is split and removed to expose the fiber optic core 230 while allowing sufficient surface area for the hook portion 320 to reliably grip and retain the position of the fiber optic core 230 relative to the tube portion 312.

[0041] The tube portion 312 may be configured with one or more connection portions 322 that aid in the positioning and / or retention of the fiber optic core 230. A connection portion 322 may abut the tube portion 312, in some embodiments, and operate to align and center the fiber optic core 230 relative to a bore of the tube portion 312. The connection portion 322 may further operate to promote physical retention of the fiber optic core 230 within the tube portion 312. In non-limiting embodiments, the connection portion 322 may be a rigid component, such as a washer or protrusion from the lever portion 318, that operates as a fulcrum for application of force from thelever portion 318 to the hook portion 320 and retaining portion 214. Other embodiments of the connection portion 322 may provide flexible material that serves as a grommet, or seal, for entry of the fiber optic core 230 into the tube portion 312.

[0042] Although the respective fiber optic cores 230 may be joined in the tube portion 312 without any adapters or connection portions 322, a stent portion 324 may be inserted onto a fiber optic core 230 to provide efficient connection and retention with the tube portion 312. For example, a stent portion 324 may present one or more attachment features, such as threads, keyed engagements, protrusions, or slots, that operate in concert with aspects of the bore of the tube portion 312 to secure the fiber optic core 230 in place relative to the tube portion 312 and joining fiber optic cores 230. In the reusable aspects of the cable assembly 300, a stent portion 324 may be reused, or replaced, without limitation.

[0043] In some embodiments, a cable 210 may contain one or more reinforcing filaments, such as a Kevlar thread, metal wire, or other fibers, between the fiber optic core 230 and the retaining portion 214. The shell portion 314 and lever portion 318 may be structurally configured to secure the reinforcing filament. For instance, reinforcing fibers may be retained between the threaded portions 316 and the lever portions 318 to provide a unified reinforcement of the entire cable assembly 300. That is, concurrent retention of the reinforcing aspects of each cable 210 by the lever portions 318 and shell portion 314 increase resiliency of the cable assembly 300 to applied force and stress in a manner similar to if a continuous reinforcing filament extended through the cable assembly 300. Hence, the engagement of the reinforcing aspects of each cable 210 may provide similar protection as a continuous cable 210 that is not joined via an interconnect.

[0044] The cable assembly 300 may have a boot portion 326 that surrounds and covers aspects of the lever portion 318, tube portion 312, and cable 210 to increase reliability and protection of the mating of the respective fiber optic cores 230. The boot portion 326 may be structurally configured with a rigid, flexible, or semi-flexible material of a size and shape that allows free movement of the adjacent cable 210 within a predetermined range. For instance, the boot portion 326 may have grooves, as shown, that restrict cable 210 movement past a predetermined angular range,which reduces the amount of applied stress on aspects of the cable assembly 300, particularly during installation into a distributed network.

[0045] Through the assorted embodiments of the cable assembly 300, the tube portion 312, shell portion 314, lever portion 318, and boot portion 326 may be removed and reinstalled. That is, the threaded portions 316 allow the lever portion 318 to be uninstalled from the shell portion 314, which physically releases the retaining portion 214 of a cable 210 and allows a fiber optic core 230 to be removed from the tube portion 312. Subsequently, an unaltered version of the tube portion 312 may be reinstalled with the same, or different, fiber optic cores 230 by reengaging the threaded portions 316 with the lever portions 318. The fact that the fiber optic cores 230 may be secured in and optical union position without altering the tube portion 312, shell portion 314, and lever portion 318 allows for the assorted aspects to be reused in the future to join the same, or different, separate fiber optic cores 230.

[0046] FIG. 4 depicts a line representation of a cable assembly 400 that may have a similar interior structural configuration as the cable assembly 300 of FIG. 3. The external view of FIG. 4 conveys how a sleeve portion 310 may be arranged to provide a reusable interconnect to join separate fiber optic cables 210. As shown, the lever portions 318 have separate groove portions 410 that allow for external tightening, or loosening, of the lever portion 318 relative to the threaded portions 316 of the shell portion 314.

[0047] In practice, engagement of one or more groove portions 410 result in rotation of the lever portion 318 along the underlying threaded portion 316, as illustrated in FIG. 3, to grip, or release, the hook portion 320 with respect to a cable 210. The structural configuration of the lever portion 318 and separated grooves 410 may allow for manual, or tool, engagement as well as efficient visual inspection of the position of the lever portion 318 relative to the shell portion 314. For instance, the groove portions 410 may have one or more indicators, such as colors, textures, or patterns, that indicate the position of the hook portion 320 relative to a cable 210, which may mitigate overtightening or installation without a properly secured cable 210.

[0048] It is contemplated that the shell portion 314 is completely surrounded and covered by the respective lever portions 318. However, some embodiments of the shell portion 314 provide an anchor portion 330 that physically separates the lever portions 318 and may provide at least one surface to engage and contact an external structure, such as a wall, sidewall, or planar protrusion. Embodiments of the shell portion 314 may be structurally configured to provide respective threaded portions 316 to leave a predetermined amount of annular exposure for the shell portion 314, as shown. That is, the shell portion 314 may be arranged so that the lever portions 318 do not cover the entirety of the exterior surface of the shell portion 314 when the lever portions 318 are fully installed, which may correspond with each lever portion 318 occupying an entirety of the threaded portion 316.

[0049] The exposure of a predetermined amount of exterior annular area of the shell portion 314 provides an anchor region 420 where the cable assembly 400 may be physically attached to an external structure or component. As generally illustrated in FIG. 4, the anchor region 420 may be utilized to secure the cable assembly to a structure, such as a housing 430, fastener 440, or sealing portion 450. For clarity, but in no way limiting, the anchor region 420 may allow for the external structure 432 / 440 / 450 to physically contact the shell portion 314 to secure the cable assembly 400 in place. The anchor region 420, in other embodiments, may physically contact an attachment portion, such as a screw, rivet, nail, or keyed mechanism, to allow the cable assembly 400 to be secured to an external structure, such as a wall, post, or distribution box.

[0050] Alternatively, the anchor region 420 may be employed to allow the cable assembly 400 to be incorporated into a sealed environment via a sealing portion 450. For instance, the anchor portion 420 may contact a grommet, gasket, or membrane that may establish a barrier for air, water, and / or debris from one cable 210 to the opposite cable 210. The ability to utilize the strength and rigidity of the shell portion 314 to provide reliable physical contact and attachment to external components without increasing risk of failure for the fiber optic cores 230 joined by the shell portion 314. In fact, physical connection of the anchor portion 420 to an external structure may decrease the amount, and / or severity, of stress encountered by the fiber optic cores 230 of the cable assembly 400 over time.

[0051] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional line representation of a cable assembly 500 structurally configured in accordance with various embodiments to join multiple, separate fiber optic cores 230 concurrently. In contrast with the cable assembly 300 / 400 of FIGS. 3 and 4, the cable assembly 500 has a shell portion 510 that supports the position and optical mating of many pairs of separate fiber optic cables 210. The shell portion 510 has a plurality of separated tube portions 520 that respectively support and enable concurrent fiber optic core 230 unions.

[0052] Although not required or limiting, the shell portion 510 may be a unitary body presenting numerous tube portions 520 that may be selectively utilized to optically connect separate cables 210. Some embodiments may connect twelve separate pairs of fiber optic cores 230, which may be part of a single, jacketed cable 210. Other embodiments, structurally configure the shell portion 510 as multiple, separate components that join together to form a shell assembly. Regardless of the number of separate pairs of cables 210 joined by the shell portion 510, threaded engagement of one or more lever portions 530 with aspects of the shell portion 510 may initiate secure physical retention of retaining portions 214 of the respective cables 210.

[0053] It is contemplated that the shell portion 510 presents separate threaded portions, such as threaded portions 316, that allow for individual customization of how the respective lever portions 530 grip the cables 210 to secure the position of the respective fiber optic cores 230. That is, the shell portion 510 may be arranged to present any number, size, and position of threaded portions to allow for threaded engagement with a lever portion 530, which subsequently engages and secures the position of at least one fiber optic core 230 relative to a tube portion 520 to allow efficient and reliable optical joining of separate fiber optic cores 230.

[0054] As such, some embodiments arrange the shell portion 510 to concurrently position multiple separate fiber optic cores 230 relative to assorted tube portions 520 with a single lever portion 530 while other embodiments employ separately articulable lever portions 530 to control the position of selected fiber optic cores 230 relative to tube portions 520. It is noted that the arrangement of the assorted tube portions 520 and fiber optic cores 230 may be any shape, such as circular, rectangular, hexagonal,or rectangular, to accommodate the relatively dense packing of fiber optic cores 230 necessary to provide a useful and reliable cable assembly 500 in a form factor conducive to a variety of installation sites and conditions. For instance, the shell portion 510 and cable assembly 500 as a whole may be structurally configured to provide a form factor that may be employed relatively tight installation spaces of a residential, commercial, or industrial site, such as incorporation of multiple fiber optic pathways into, or out of, a distribution box.

[0055] It is contemplated that some Splice on connectors (SOC) provides an installer with a single chance to successfully complete the splice and assemble a connector. If the splice is bad, or fails, the installer scraps an expensive connector. To overcome this, the idea of having a re-usable SOC can provide value to installers. Accordingly, embodiments may have an FX Fusion style protective shell that covers the splice sleeve. The shell may provide a rugged platform to protect the sleeve from bending, twisting, breaking, without the need of splice managers or cable routers. It is noted that embodiments may be a middle ground between the standard FX Fusion connector and a pigtail splicing.

[0056] Embodiments may provide a platform for splicing pigtails or fiber optic cable repairs that is rugged and protected without the need of cable routers or splice managers to protect the splice. Some embodiments may provide Kevlar retention if splicing reinforced jacketed fiber, may splice tight buffer fiber, and may accommodate mass fusion spicing as well. It is noted that embodiments may be based on VOC demanding a re-usable SOC. Accordingly, a rugged connector style protective shell for a splice sleeve may be provided, which allows for re-usability to the installer with the benefits of having a worry-free splice along the cable path.

[0057] In accordance with some embodiments, a connector may have a regular splice sleeve being protected inside a reinforced shell. The main shell may be made of die-cast metal or hard plastic. On either ends of the shell, embodiments may have a threaded section that accepts a boot and boot ring to screw on. The threads and the boot ring, in some embodiments, may provide the attachment point for Kevlar, if splicing reinforced jacketed fiber. The boot may be flexible to allow flexibility in the fiber pathway and the entire assembly may be self-sufficient on the spliced cable.

[0058] In embodiments employing a reinforced cable to reinforced cable, a connector may act as a junction point to secure the Kevlar on both ends, providing uninterrupted Kevlar retention across the splice. Embodiments may provide the option to splice reinforced jacket to 900um or 250um tight buffer. Main shell of the connector, in some embodiments, may be used as an anchor point if entering a panel, outlet or frame, which may allow a strain relief boot at the end of the outlet, module, or panel. For instance, splicing 2mm jacket to a 90um or 250um TB, the shell of a connector may be the anchor / transition point to enter the module. Embodiments may be the generic hard plastic shells that currently exist for splice sleeve protection. However, it is noted that issue with these embodiments may be that they are very long and they do not have flexible train relief boots, they do not have Kevlar retention.

[0059] Various embodiments may be based on the FX Fusion Kevlar retention, such as LC SC 2mm designs. Splice protective shell, in some embodiments, may have thread on strain relief boots on either ends that provide flexibility and protection to the splice. As a result, a need for splice management and cable routing to protect a splice sleeve may be eliminated. The splice protective platform provided by various embodiments, may allow for single fiber or multifiber splices to varying fiber types, such as tight buffer to reinforced jacketed cables. Embodiments of a connector may provide a main shell option to act as anchor point when entering modules / outlets. Some embodiments may provide continuous Kevlar retention when splicing reinforced jacketed cable to reinforced jacketed cable. A connector, in some embodiments, may provide a platform to splice cable diameters from 1 ,6mm reinforced jacketed cable up to 3mm reinforced jacketed cable, as well as 250um, 600um and 900um tight buffer. It is contemplated as being impact resistant and can be inside / outside plant.

[0060] A splice-on connector, in accordance with some embodiments, may provide a reusable fiber optic connection with a receiving portion, a first cover portion, and a second cover portion. A receiving portion, such as sleeve portion 310, may provide a hollow portion, such as tube portion 312. A first cover portion, such as lever portion 318, may attach to a first side of the receiving portion, as shown in FIG. 3. A second cover portion, such as lever portion 318, may attach to a second side of the receiving portion, opposite the first portion, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The receivingportion may have an anchor portion, such as anchor portion 330, that may separate the first cover portion from the second cover portion, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0061] The receiving portion may support a stent portion, such as stent portion 324, that may occupy less than an entirety of the receiving portion to define connection portions at the first side and the second side of the receiving portion, as shown in FIG.3. The receiving portion may extend between alignment portions, such as connection portions 322, that may provide access to the connection portions. Each cover portion may have an attachment portion, such as threaded portions 316, and a lever portion, such as hook portion 320. An attachment portion may selectively attach to the receiving portion, as shown in FIG. 3. The lever portion may define an opening portion, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, aligned with a connection portion of the receiving portion. The receiving portion may provide repeated optical access from the first side to the second side in response to selective attachment of the cover portions to the receiving portion, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0062] Additional embodiments include any one of the embodiments described above, where one or more of its components, functionalities or structures is interchanged with, replaced by or augmented by one or more of the components, functionalities or structures of a different embodiment described above. It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

[0063] Although several embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to which the disclosure pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein above, and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as wellas in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the present disclosure, nor the claims which follow.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A device for providing enhanced optical fiber split protection and / or re-splicing connectivity comprising:an optical fiber splice protection and / or re-splicing assembly comprising:a splice protecting portion having a splice receiving portion extending there through;a first strain relieving portion configured to be coupled with an end portion of a first fiber cable, and a second strain relieving portion configured to be coupled with an end portion of a second fiber cable; wherein the splice receiving portion is configured to receive a splice sleeve containing a splice of the end portion of the first fiber cable and the end portion of the second fiber cable;wherein the first strain relieving portion includes a first coupling portion configured to couple with a first end portion of the splice protecting portion such that the first strain relieving portion can be selectively coupled with and removed from the first end portion of the splice protecting portion;wherein the second strain relieving portion includes a second coupling portion configured to couple with a second end portion of the splice protecting portion such that the second strain relieving portion can be selectively coupled with and removed from the second end portion of the splice protecting portion;wherein the first strain relieving portion includes a first strength member retaining portion configured to retain a strength member extending from the first cable to the first coupling portion while the first coupling member is coupled with the first end portion of the splice protecting portion;wherein the second strain relieving portion includes a second strength member retaining portion configured to retain a strength member extending from the second cable to the second coupling portion while the second coupling member is coupled with the second end portion of the splice protecting portion; andwherein the optical fiber splice protection and / or re-splicing assembly is structurally configured to provide enhanced optical fiber split protection and / or re-splicing connectivity by configuring the splice sleeve protecting portion to protect a fiber splice at least partially contained in the splice sleeve during operation and / or by permitting the splice protecting portion to be re-spliced on a new fiber splice.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the splice protecting portion is configured to be constructed of a metal material.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first strength member is configured to be constructed from a Kevlar material.

4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first strain relieving portion is configured to be constructed from a polymer material.

5. A device for providing enhanced optical fiber split protection and / or re-splicing connectivity comprising:a optical fiber splice protection and / or re-splicing assembly comprising:a splice protecting portion having a splice receiving portion extending there through;wherein the splice receiving portion is configured to receive a splice sleeve and an end portion of a second fiber cable;wherein a first strain relieving portion is configured to couple with a first end portion of the splice protecting portion such that the first strain relieving portion can be selectively coupled with and removed from the splice protecting portion;wherein the first strain relieving portion includes a first strength member retaining portion configured to retain a strength member extending from the first cable to a first coupling portion while the first coupling portion is coupled with the first end portion of the splice protecting portion; andwherein the optical fiber splice protection and / or re-splicing assembly is structurally configured to provide enhanced optical fiber split protection and / or re-splicing connectivity by configuring the splice sleeve protecting portion to protect a fiber splice at least partially contained in the splice sleeve during operation and / or by permitting the splice protecting portion to be re-spliced on a new fiber splice.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the first strain relieving portion is configured to be coupled with an end portion of a first fiber cable and include the first coupling portion configured to couple with a first end portion of the splice protecting portion7. The device of claim 5, wherein the splice sleeve is configured to contain a splice of the end portion of the first fiber cable.

8. The device of claim 5, further comprising a second strain relieving portion configured to be coupled with a second end portion of a second fiber cable.

9. The of claim 8, wherein the second strain relieving portion includes a second coupling portion configured to couple with a second end portion of the splice protecting portion such that the second strain relieving portion can be selectively coupled with and removed from the second end portion of the splice protecting portion.

10. The device of claim 8, wherein the second strain relieving portion includes a second strength member retaining portion configured to retain a strength member extending from the second cable to the second coupling portion while the second coupling member is coupled with the second end portion of the splice protecting portion.11 . The device of claim 5, wherein the splice protecting portion is configured with an anchor portion configured to extend through an external structure portion.

12. A device for providing enhanced optical fiber split protection and / or re-splicing connectivity comprising:an optical fiber splice protection and / or re-splicing assembly comprising:a splice protecting portion having a splice receiving portion extending there through;wherein the splice receiving portion is configured to receive a splice sleeve containing a splice of an end portion of the first fiber cable and an end portion of a second fiber cable;wherein the first strain relieving portion is configured such that the first strain relieving portion can be selectively coupled with and removed from the first end portion of the splice protecting portion; and wherein the optical fiber splice protection and / or re-splicing assembly is structurally configured to provide enhanced optical fiber split protection and / or re-splicing connectivity by configuring the splice sleeve protecting portion to protect a fiber splice at least partially contained in the splice sleeve during operation and / or by permitting the splice protecting portion to be re-spliced on a new fiber splice.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein a first strain relieving portion is configured to be coupled with the end portion of a first fiber cable.

14. The device of claim 12, further comprising a second strain relieving portion configured to be coupled with an end portion of a second fiber cable.

15. The device of claim 12, further comprising a second strain relieving portion configured to include a second coupling portion configured to couple with a second end portion of the splice protecting portion such that the second strain relieving portion can be selectively coupled with and removed from the second end portion of the splice protecting portion.

16. The device of claim 12, wherein the first strain relieving portion includes a first strength member retaining portion configured to retain a strength memberextending from the first cable to the first coupling portion while the first coupling member is coupled with the first end portion of the splice protecting portion.

17. The device of claim 15, wherein the second strain relieving portion includes a second strength member retaining portion configured to retain a strength member extending from the second cable to the second coupling portion while the second coupling member is coupled with the second end portion of the splice protecting portion.

18. The device of claim 16, wherein the splice protecting portion is configured to be constructed from a metal material and the first strength member is configured to be constructed from a Kevlar material.

19. The device of claim 16, wherein the first strain relieving portion includes a first coupling portion configured to couple with a first end portion of the splice protecting portion.

20. The device of claim 12, wherein the first strain relieving portion is configured to be constructed from a polymer material.21 . The device of claim 12, wherein the splice protecting portion is configured with an anchor portion configured to extend through a wall portion.

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