Device for providing enhanced mechanical coupling of a fiber optic cable with a mechanical optical fiber connector

Abstract

A device for providing enhanced mechanical coupling of a fiber optic cable with a mechanical optical fiber connector. The device may include a tool configured to create an indentation pattern in a malleable jacket of a fiber optic cable. The tool may be structrually configured to create a permanent indentation pattern in the malleable jacket that comprises a negative impression of a gripping portion of a mechanical optical fiber connector so as to provide enhanced mechanically coupling of the mechanical optical fiber connector with the jacket of the fiber optic cable without requiring the gripping portion to deform the jacket of the fiber optic cable.

Description

DEVICE FOR PROVIDING ENHANCED MECHANICAL COUPLING OF A FIBER OPTIC CABLE WITH A MECHANICAL OPTICAL FIBER CONNECTORCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 740,954, 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 a device for providing enhanced mechanical coupling of a fiber optic cable with a mechanical optical fiber connector and, more particularly, to a tool configured to provide enhanced mechanically coupling of a mechanical optical fiber connector with a jacket of a fiber optic cable without requiring the gripping portion to deform the jacket of the fiber optic cable.BACKGROUND

[0003] As greater volumes of consumers, and sites, are connected to distributed networks to provide signal communications, larger numbers, and types, of signalcarrying cables are utilized. The diversity of signal-carrying cables may provide customized performance and functionality, but may present challenges for installation, upgrade, and service applications. For instance, the physical arrangement of a fiber optic cable may present robust environmental protection and efficient engagement with some aspects of a distributed network while presenting challenges for physical engagement with other aspects of a distributed network, such as port, adapter, cassette, or connector.

[0004] For these reasons, it is a continued goal for distributed networks, particularly cable networks, to employ strategic systems to integrate different types of components into a cohesive signal-carrying network. For example, some fiber optic cable installations rely on field assembled fiber optic connectors that utilize a mechanical connection between the connector and the fiber optic cable.

[0005] Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide a tool that is configured to create a permanent indentation pattern in the malleable jacket that comprises a negative impression of a gripping portion of a mechanical optical fiber connector so as to provide enhanced mechanically coupling of a mechanical optical fiber connector witha jacket of a fiber optic cable without requiring the gripping portion to deform the jacket of the fiber optic cable.SUMMARY

[0006] In accordance with various aspects of the disclosure, a device for providing enhanced mechanical coupling of a fiber optic cable with a mechanical optical fiber connector may include a swaging tool including a body portion configured to be urged onto a jacket of a fiber optic cable. The body portion may include an indentation creating portion that is configured to create an indentation pattern in a jacket of a fiber optic cable, and the indentation creating portion may include a contoured portion configured as an inverse of a portion of a gripping portion of a mechanical optical fiber connector that is configured to mechanically couple with the fiber optic cable. The swaging tool may be configured to urge the body portion onto a malleable jacket of a fiber optic cable such that the indentation creating portion crimps the malleable jacket to an optical fiber cable in the jacket so as to provide enhanced coupling with a mechanical optical fiber connector. The swaging tool may be structurally configured to urge the body portion onto a malleable jacket of a fiber optic cable such that the indentation creating portion creates a permanent indentation pattern in the malleable jacket that comprises a negative impression of a portion of a gripping portion of a mechanical optical fiber connector so as to provide enhanced mechanically coupling of the mechanical optical fiber connector with a jacket of the fiber optic cable without requiring the gripping portion to deform the jacket of the fiber optic cable.

[0007] In some embodiments of the aforementioned device, the contoured portion may be configured match a contour of the gripping portion of the mechanical connector that is configured to grip the jacket of the fiber optic cable.

[0008] In some embodiments of the aforementioned devices, the swaging tool may be configured to urge the body portion onto a jacket of a MINIFLEX® fiber optic cable.

[0009] In some embodiments of the aforementioned devices, the indentation creating portion may be configured to create an indentation pattern in the jacket of the MINIFLEX® fiber optic cable that is different from a pattern of annular grooves in the jacket of the MINIFLEX® fiber optic cable.

[0010] In some embodiments of the aforementioned devices, the swaging tool may be configured to urge the body portion onto the malleable jacket of a loose tubefiber optic cable such that the indentation creating portion permanently fixes the malleable jacket to the optical fiber cable in the jacket so as to maintain a consistent strip and cleave dimensions for coupling to the mechanical connector.

[0011] According to various aspects of the disclosure, a device for providing enhanced mechanical coupling of a fiber optic cable with a mechanical optical fiber connector may include a tool that includes an indentation creating portion that is configured to create an indentation pattern in a jacket of a fiber optic cable. The indentation creating portion may include a contoured portion configured as an inverse of a portion of a gripping portion of a mechanical optical fiber connector that is configured to mechanically couple with the fiber optic cable. The tool may be structurally configured to urge the indentation creating portion onto a malleable jacket of a fiber optic cable such that the indentation creating portion creates a permanent indentation pattern in the malleable jacket that comprises a negative impression of a gripping portion of a mechanical optical fiber connector so as to provide enhanced mechanically coupling of the mechanical optical fiber connector with a jacket of the fiber optic cable without requiring the gripping portion to deform the jacket of the fiber optic cable.

[0012] In some embodiments of the aforementioned devices, the tool may be configured to urge the indentation creating portion onto a malleable jacket of a fiber optic cable such that the indentation creating portion crimps the malleable jacket to an optical fiber cable in the jacket so as to provide enhanced coupling with a mechanical optical fiber connector.

[0013] In some embodiments of the aforementioned devices, the tool may be configured to urge the indentation creating portion onto the malleable jacket of a loose tube fiber optic cable such that the indentation creating portion permanently fixes the malleable jacket to the optical fiber cable in the jacket so as to maintain a consistent strip and cleave dimensions for coupling to the mechanical connector.

[0014] In some embodiments of the aforementioned devices, the tool may include a swaging tool.

[0015] In some embodiments of the aforementioned devices, the contoured portion may be configured match a contour of the gripping portion of the mechanical connector that is configured to grip the jacket of the fiber optic cable.

[0016] In some embodiments of the aforementioned devices, the tool may be configured to urge the indentation creating portion onto a jacket of a MINIFLEX® fiber optic cable.

[0017] In some embodiments of the aforementioned devices, the indentation creating portion may be configured to create an indentation pattern in the jacket of the MINIFLEX® fiber optic cable that is different from a pattern of annular grooves in the jacket of the MINIFLEX® fiber optic cable.

[0018] In accordance with various aspects of the disclosure, a device for providing enhanced mechanical coupling of a fiber optic cable with a mechanical optical fiber connector may include a tool configured to create an indentation pattern in a malleable jacket of a fiber optic cable. The tool may be structurally configured to create a permanent indentation pattern in the malleable jacket that comprises a negative impression of a gripping portion of a mechanical optical fiber connector so as to provide enhanced mechanically coupling of the mechanical optical fiber connector with the jacket of the fiber optic cable without requiring the gripping portion to deform the jacket of the fiber optic cable.

[0019] In some embodiments of the aforementioned devices, the tool may be configured to crimp the malleable jacket to an optical fiber cable in the jacket so as to provide enhanced coupling with a mechanical optical fiber connector.

[0020] In some embodiments of the aforementioned devices, the tool may be configured to permanently fix the malleable jacket to the optical fiber cable in the jacket so as to maintain a consistent strip and cleave dimensions for coupling to the mechanical connector.

[0021] In some embodiments of the aforementioned devices, the tool may include an indentation creating portion configured as an inverse of a portion of a gripping portion of a mechanical optical fiber connector that is configured to mechanically couple with the fiber optic cable.

[0022] In some embodiments of the aforementioned devices, the indentation creating portion may be configured to match a contour of the gripping portion of the mechanical connector that is configured to grip the jacket of the fiber optic cable.

[0023] In some embodiments of the aforementioned devices, the tool may include a swaging tool.

[0024] In some embodiments of the aforementioned devices, the tool may be configured to urge the body portion onto a jacket of a MINIFLEX® fiber optic cable.

[0025] In some embodiments of the aforementioned devices, the indentation creating portion may be configured to create an indentation pattern in the jacket of the MINIFLEX® fiber optic cable that is different from a pattern of annular grooves in the jacket of the MINIFLEX® fiber optic cable.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Further advantages and features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, to which reference is made.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a block representation of portions of a distributed network in which assorted embodiments can be practiced.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a line representation of aspects of a cable assembly that can be employed in the network of FIG. 1 in various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 3 represents a portion of a distributed network arranged in accordance with embodiments of this disclosure to connect a signal-carrying cable of a network.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a line representation of portions of an indentation system utilized in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a line representation of aspects of an indentation system employed in accordance with assorted embodiments of this disclosure to manipulate a cable.

[0032] FIG. 6 is line representation of portions of an indentation system that processes a cable in accordance with various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a line representation of portions of an indentation system utilized in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Embodiments employ one or more tools to impart at least one impression onto an insulating jacket of a fiber optic cable, as part of an indentation system, to provide an efficient physical engagement with an electrical connector.

[0035] 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 presentdisclosure 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] The use of distributed networks has provided broadband signal communications across the globe. As greater volumes of signal-carrying cables expand and reinforce the capabilities of a distributed network, increased numbers of cable connections are utilized. While cable connections may be physically secure and electrically reliable at times, signal-carrying cables with diverse sizes, jackets, and signal performance capabilities may present different physical configurations that present challenges for some connectivity. Accordingly, embodiments are directed to an indentation system that enhances the physical engagement of some signal-carrying cables with some connectors to provide robust and reliable electrical connections in a distributed network.

[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates aspects of a distributed network 100 in which assorted embodiments of an indentation system may be practiced. Any number of signal sources 110 may communicate with any number of signal destinations 120, concurrently or sequentially, via one or more signal pathways 130. It is noted that a signal pathway 130 may provide one-way or two-way communications, which may coincide with a source 110 receiving or transmitting signals and a destination 120 receiving or transmitting signals.

[0039] Signal communication between sources 110 and destinations 120 may employ wired components, such as a coaxial cable or a fiber optic cable, and / or wireless channels, as shown by segmented lines. While a single cable, or channel, may be utilized for signal communication in the distributed network 100, some embodiments employ multiple separate cables that are joined by one or more interconnects 140, such as an adapter, cassette, connector, panel, or electronicdevice, to form stable signal pathways 130. As the capacity and capabilities of the distributed network 100 expand to service greater volumes of users in diverse sites, such as residential, commercial, and industrial locations, increased numbers of interconnects 140 are utilized. As a result, the number of cable connections, and corresponding connection hardware, increase.

[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates a line representation of portions of a cable assembly 200 that may be employed in the distributed network of FIG. 1 in accordance with various embodiments. It is noted that the structural and operational configurations of the cable assembly 200 are not limited to that shown in FIG. 2. However, the arrangement of the cable assembly 200 may include a signal carrying cable 210 that physically engages a connector 220 to establish an electrical pathway through the connector 220 to a connector port 230, such as an adapter, cassette, or device,

[0041] The cable 210 has a central conductor 212, or fiber optic core, that is surrounded by one or more insulating materials 214 as well as a jacket 216. A body portion 222 of the connector 220 physically engages the jacket 216 to secure the position of the conductor / core 212 relative to the port 230. That is, the connector body portion 222 presents cantilevered tabs 224 that are consistently forced into contact with the cable jacket 216 by a ferrule 218 that attaches to the body portion 222. The ferrule 218 may attach via a threaded connection, in some embodiments, while other embodiment secure the ferrule 218 on the body portion 222 via tabs, grooves, ridges, or keyed channels.

[0042] Through the continuous application of force from the tabs 224 onto the cable 210, the connector 220 may be efficiently installed, altered, and utilized as part of a distributed network. Yet, the connector body portion 222 may be structurally configured to engage and secure to a particular type and / or size of cable 210. FIG. 3 illustrates aspects of another cable assembly 300 that presents a different cable portion 310 for engagement with the connector 220. The non-limiting cable portion 310 may be a 3mm diameter fiber optic cable with a series of separated groove portions 312 to facilitate physical engagement.

[0043] Despite the presence of the respective groove portions 312, the size and durometer of the cable 310 may not be conducive to secure physical engagement with the connector 220. As shown, the cross-sectional size and relatively hard material of the cable jacket portion 314 may cause the cantilevered tabs 224 to extend to faroutward to allow the ferrule 218 to surround the cable portion 310 in a manner to attach to the connector body portion 222 and apply practical force onto the respective tabs 224 to retain the cable portion 310, and constituent conductor / core, relative to the connector body portion 222. In other words, some cable portions 310 are not conducive to the mechanical retention provided by the connector body portion 222, cantilevered tabs 224, and ferrule 218.

[0044] With these issues in mind, embodiments of an indentation system alter the cable jacket portion 314 to accommodate optimal position of the cantilevered tabs 224 that allow the ferrule 218 to properly attach to the connector body portion 222 and apply continuous force onto the jacket portion 314 via the tabs 224. FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional line representation of aspects of a cable assembly 400 arranged and operated in accordance with various embodiments to provide efficient attachment and use as part of a distributed network. By altering the cable assembly 300 to create indentation portions 410 in the outer jacket portion 314, the cantilevered tabs 224 may occupy some, or all, of the indentation portions 410 to take a position that allows the connector ferrule 218 to slide over the tabs 224 and attach to the body portion 222.

[0045] Through the structural manipulation of the cable jacket portion 314 to create one or more indentation portions 410 that supplement the jacket groove portions 312, a connector body 222 that is not necessarily sized to fit the cable portion 310 is able to be effectively utilized to provide secure cable portion 310 and conductor / core retention. As conveyed by the contrast of the non-indented cable 310 of FIG. 3 compared to the indented cable portion 310 of FIG. 4, tooling of a cable jacket portion 314 may allow a single connector 220 to be employed to connect a cable portion 310 to a port 230.

[0046] FIGS. 5-7 illustrate line representations of portions of a cable assembly 500 employing an indentation system in accordance with various embodiments to incorporate a signal carrying cable portion 510 into a connector portion 520 that physically and electrically engages a port 230 of a distributed network interconnect. FIG. 5 generally conveys how a cable portion 510 may package multiple separate fiber optic cores 512 within a unitary jacket portion 514 that has a pattern of groove portions 516. It is noted that the jacket groove portions 516 are arranged as separated recesses that may be matching, or dissimilar, shapes, depths into the jacket portion 514, and distances from other groove portions 516.

[0047] Although not required or limiting, the cable portion 510 may have a relatively large diameter and relatively hard durometer compared to other cables that provide multiple signal carrying cores 512. As such, some connectors may not fit, be effective, or be operable to securely connect the cable portion 510 to an interconnect port 230. It is noted that the cable portion 510 may have one or more groove portions 516 that are partially, or completely, occupied before, during, and after a connector portion 520 is physically attached to a terminated end of the cable, which may be characterized as a portion of the jacket portion 514 altered to expose aspects of the constituent fiber optic cores 512.

[0048] With the cable portion 510 not being conducive to connector portions 520 of some sizes, types, and connection mechanisms, various embodiments of an indentation system utilize one or more indentation tools 530 to alter portions of the jacket portion 514 to accommodate the efficient and optimized physical and electrical engagement with a selected connector portion 520. FIG. 6 generally illustrates how a tool 530 may act to create a pattern of indentations 532 in the cable jacket portion 514. It is noted that the indentations 532 may be separate and / or different from the pattern of groove portions 516. The created indentations 532 may further have any size, shape, depth, and position on the jacket portion 514, including continuously extending into one or more existing jacket groove portions 516.

[0049] Embodiments of the indenting tool 530 surround the cable jacket 514 to continuously and securely engage one or more indentation protrusions 534 to produce the desired indentation 532 pattern. For instance, the indenting tool 530 may be a manual, or automated, pair of pliers, swage assembly, clamp, or guillotine that functions to create one or more indentations 532 that supplement the existing cable jacket groove portions 516. That is, the indenting tool 530 may include a body portion having an indentation creating portion that is structurally configured to create the pattern of one or more jacket indentations 532 as the body portion is pressed onto the cable. The indentation creating portion may include a contoured portion structurally configured match a contour of a gripping portion 224 of the mechanical connector 220 that is configured to grip the cable jacket 514. The indentation creating portion may configured to create the indentations 532 when the indenting tool 530 is pressed onto the cable jacket 514. The indentations 532 comprise a negative impression of the contour of the gripping portion 224 of the mechanical connector 220.

[0050] In some aspects, such an indentation 532 may extend into, or through, an existing groove portions 516. The ability to concurrently utilize the groove portions 516 and indentations 532 in the cable jacket 514 allows for selective accommodation of aspects of a connector portion 520.

[0051] FIG. 7 illustrates how use of the indenting tool 530 of FIG. 6 may create a pattern of indentations 532 that substantially match the size, shape, and position of portions of the connector tab portions 522. Accordingly, the cantilevered tab portions 522 of the connector portion 520 engage the cable portion 510 properly and with a substantially flat orientation as portions of the tab portions 522 occupy the indentations 532 created by the tool 530. It is noted that the proper, flat position of the cantilevered tab portions 522 may be characterized as longitudinally aligned parallel with the cable portion 510 allowing the ferrule 218 to slide over the tab portions 522, attach to the connector body portion 222, and continuously apply force onto the cable portion 510 via the respective tab portions 522, which contrasts the non-flat orientation of the connector tabs shown in FIG. 3.

[0052] In some embodiments, the connector portion 520 may engage the cable portion 510 with additional physical portions that supplement the cantilevered tab portion 522. For instance, aspects of a connector portion 520 may occupy and continuously engage one or more cable groove portions 516 while other aspects of the connector portion 520 occupy and continuously engage the indentations 532. It is contemplated that less than all the groove portions 516 and indentations 532 are occupied by aspects of the connector portion 520. As such, a cable 510 may provide a number of different jacket recesses, in the form of multiple different patterns, that may be selectively utilized to securely engage a connector portion 520.

[0053] Through the selective use of one or more tools 530 to create indentations in a cable jacket portion 514, any number of rework operations may be conducted to accommodate different types and sizes of connector portions 520. The ability to provide multiple different cable jacket recesses in different locations and patterns may allow for efficient installation of a diverse variety of connector portions 520 without further jacket portion 514 manipulation. Various embodiments of an indentation tool 530 may also allow a diverse variety of cable portions 510, such as cables with different durometers, diameters, and constituent signal carrying construction, to securely engage a particular connector portion 520.

[0054] In accordance with some embodiment, a crimp tool may be configured to impart a negative impression to the end of a fiber optic cable, such as a Miniflex® cable to enable installation to mechanical connectors. It is contemplated that some fiber optic cables, such as a Miniflex® cable, may be constructed of a hard polymer material. Some mechanical connectors incorporate a rear seizing feature that secures the jacket of the fiber to the connector. For instance, some 3mm fiber jackets may be highly flexible and allows for deformation when the "jaws" of the mechanical connector are closed down upon it. Some cables, such as a Miniflex® cable, may not be deformed by the jaws given the inherent hardness of the cable outer jacket material, such as, for example, plastic or polymer.

[0055] With the understanding that some fiber optic cables, such as a Miniflex® cable, is malleable, a swage, or crimp feature, could be applied to the end of the fiber optic cable to allow the jaws to close properly. Embodiments of a connector may use one or more barbs to bite into the jacket of a fiber optic cable while others may use opposing bars to clamp onto the fiber optic cable jacket. The crimp feature, in some embodiments, could be the inverse of the connector gripping feature providing a very secure bond to the connector.

[0056] In another embodiment may swage, or crimp, to secure a fiber optic jacket to an internal 900 micron optical fiber. A fiber optic cable may be described as a loose tube product allowing the 900 micron optical fiber to "float" within the cable jacket. However, this may pose an issue with obtaining accurate strip and cleave dimensions to achieve proper termination. There are fixtures that are used to temporarily "pinch" the rubber jacket to the 900 micron optical fiber to obtain the proper dimensions. Given the rigid structure of some fiber optic cables, these fixtures are ineffective. Accordingly, embodiments may find a way to reduce the size of the 3mm fiber optic cable through squeezing to an oval arrangement. For instance, a crimp tool with specific features that are a negative of the gripping feature of the mechanical connector seizing features.

[0057] Superior aspects of some embodiments may provide the ability to provide a very robust mechanical bond from the fiber optic cable, such as a Miniflex® cable, to the connector of choice as compared to the rubberized fiber cables the connector may be intended for. Additionally, a permanent fixed bond between the 3mm fiber optic cable jacket and 900 micron optical fiber may be realized to maintain consistent stripand cleave dimensions. However, a separate tool may be necessary to create aspects of fiber optic cable indentions. As a result of some embodiments, a tool using pliers may create a smaller hole in the pliers to swage the end of the fiber optic cable while not distorting, or harming, the 900 optical fiber or the 3mm fiber optic cable.

[0058] In accordance with some embodiments, a connector may be structurally configured to allow secure engagement with a signal carrying cable with a cable, such as cable 210 / 310 / 510, that has a signal carrying portion, such as fiber optic core 512, that is surrounded by a jacket portion, such as jacket portion 514. The cable may engage a connector, such as 220 / 520, while cable may have a pattern of grooves, for example, annular grooves, along a length of the jacket portion, such as grooves 516 of FIGS. 5-7. The cable may be configured with a pattern of indentions, such as indentions 410 / 532, continuously extending into the jacket portion. The pattern of indentions may match protrusions, such as indention creating protrusions 534, of a tool portion, such as tool 530, forcibly applied to the jacket portion, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0059] Some aspects of a connector may physically attach to the cable by occupying the pattern of indentions with aspects of a cantilevered tab, such as tab 224 / 522 with the cantilevered tab configured with a size and shape matching the pattern of indentions, which may orient the cantilevered tab with a flat orientation relative to the cable, as shown in FIG. 7, where the flat orientation of the cantilevered tab corresponds with parallel alignment with a longitudinal axis of the connector and cable. A ferrule portion, such as ferrule 218, may continuously extend over the cantilevered tab to attach to a body portion, such as body portion 222 of the connector, such as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7. The ferrule portion may continuously apply force onto the cable via the cantilevered tab, as shown in FIG. 7. The connector may physically secure the signal carrying portion to allow electrical engagement with a port of a distributed network interconnect, such as destination 120.

[0060] In accordance with some embodiments, a device, such as cable assembly 500, may provide enhanced mechanical coupling of a fiber optic cable, such as cable portion 510 with a mechanical optical fiber connector, such as connector portion 520, with a swaging tool, such as tool 530. A body portion, such as body portion 222, may be urged onto a jacket, such as jacket portion 514, of a fiber optic cable, as shown in FIG. 4. The body portion may have an indentation creating portion, such as indentionportions 534, that may create an indentation pattern in a jacket of a fiber optic cable, as illustrated in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7. The indentation creating portion may have a contoured portion configured as an inverse of a portion of a gripping portion, such as indentations 532, of a mechanical optical fiber connector that is configured to mechanically couple with the fiber optic cable, as shown in FIG. 4. The swaging tool may urge the body portion onto a malleable jacket of a fiber optic cable such that the indentation creating portion crimps the malleable jacket to an optical fiber cable in the jacket so as to provide enhanced coupling with a mechanical optical fiber connector, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 7. The swaging tool may urge the body portion onto a malleable jacket of a fiber optic cable such that the indentation creating portion creates a permanent indentation pattern in the malleable jacket that comprises a negative impression of a portion of a gripping portion of a mechanical optical fiber connector so as to provide enhanced mechanically coupling of the mechanical optical fiber connector with a jacket of the fiber optic cable without requiring the gripping portion to deform the jacket of the fiber optic cable, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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 mechanical coupling of a fiber optic cable with a mechanical optical fiber connector comprising:a swaging tool comprising:a body portion configured to be urged onto a jacket of a fiber optic cable;wherein the body portion includes an indentation creating portion that is configured to create an indentation pattern in a jacket of a fiber optic cable; andwherein the indentation creating portion comprises a contoured portion configured as an inverse of a portion of a gripping portion of a mechanical optical fiber connector that is configured to mechanically couple with the fiber optic cable;wherein the swaging tool is configured to urge the body portion onto a malleable jacket of a fiber optic cable such that the indentation creating portion crimps the malleable jacket to an optical fiber cable in the jacket so as to provide enhanced coupling with a mechanical optical fiber connector; and wherein the swaging tool is structurally configured to urge the body portion onto a malleable jacket of a fiber optic cable such that the indentation creating portion creates a permanent indentation pattern in the malleable jacket that comprises a negative impression of a portion of a gripping portion of a mechanical optical fiber connector so as to provide enhanced mechanically coupling of the mechanical optical fiber connector with a jacket of the fiber optic cable without requiring the gripping portion to deform the jacket of the fiber optic cable.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the contoured portion is configured to match a contour of the gripping portion of the mechanical connector that is configured to grip the jacket of the fiber optic cable.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the swaging tool is configured to urge the body portion onto a jacket of a MINIFLEX fiber optic cable.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the indentation creating portion is configured to create an indentation pattern in the jacket of the MINIFLEX fiber optic cable that is different from a pattern of annular grooves in the jacket of the MINIFLEX fiber optic cable.

5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the swaging tool is configured to urge the body portion onto the malleable jacket of a loose tube fiber optic cable such that the indentation creating portion permanently fixes the malleable jacket to the optical fiber cable in the jacket so as to maintain a consistent strip and cleave dimensions for coupling to the mechanical connector.

6. A device for providing enhanced mechanical coupling of a fiber optic cable with a mechanical optical fiber connector comprising:a tool comprising an indentation creating portion that is configured to create an indentation pattern in a jacket of a fiber optic cable;wherein the indentation creating portion comprises a contoured portion configured as an inverse of a portion of a gripping portion of a mechanical optical fiber connector that is configured to mechanically couple with the fiber optic cable; andwherein the tool is structurally configured to urge the indentation creating portion onto a malleable jacket of a fiber optic cable such that the indentation creating portion creates a permanent indentation pattern in the malleable jacket that comprises a negative impression of a gripping portion of a mechanical optical fiber connector so as to provide enhanced mechanically coupling of the mechanical optical fiber connector with a jacket of the fiber optic cable without requiring the gripping portion to deform the jacket of the fiber optic cable.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the tool is configured to urge the indentation creating portion onto a malleable jacket of a fiber optic cable such that the indentation creating portion crimps the malleable jacket to an optical fiber cable in the jacket so as to provide enhanced coupling with a mechanical optical fiber connector.

8. The device of claim 7 , wherein the tool is configured to urge the indentation creating portion onto the malleable jacket of a loose tube fiber optic cable such that the indentation creating portion permanently fixes the malleable jacket to the optical fiber cable in the jacket so as to maintain a consistent strip and cleave dimensions for coupling to the mechanical connector.

9. The device of claim 6 wherein the tool comprises a swaging tool.

10. The device of any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the contoured portion is configured match a contour of the gripping portion of the mechanical connector that is configured to grip the jacket of the fiber optic cable.11 . The device of any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the tool is configured to urge the indentation creating portion onto a jacket of a MINIFLEX fiber optic cable.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the indentation creating portion is configured to create an indentation pattern in the jacket of the MINIFLEX fiber optic cable that is different from a pattern of annular grooves in the jacket of the MINIFLEX fiber optic cable.

13. A device for providing enhanced mechanical coupling of a fiber optic cable with a mechanical optical fiber connector comprising:a tool configured to create an indentation pattern in a malleable jacket of a fiber optic cable; andwherein the tool is structurally configured to create a permanent indentation pattern in the malleable jacket that comprises a negative impression of a gripping portion of a mechanical optical fiber connector so as to provide enhanced mechanically coupling of the mechanical optical fiber connector with the jacket of the fiber optic cable without requiring the gripping portion to deform the jacket of the fiber optic cable.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the tool is configured to crimp the malleable jacket to an optical fiber cable in the jacket so as to provide enhanced coupling with a mechanical optical fiber connector.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the tool is configured to permanently fix the malleable jacket to the optical fiber cable in the jacket so as to maintain a consistent strip and cleave dimensions for coupling to the mechanical connector.

16. The device of claim 13, wherein the tool includes an indentation creating portion configured as an inverse of a portion of a gripping portion of a mechanical optical fiber connector that is configured to mechanically couple with the fiber optic cable.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the indentation creating portion is configured to match a contour of the gripping portion of the mechanical connector that is configured to grip the jacket of the fiber optic cable.

18. The device of claim 13, wherein the tool comprises a swaging tool.

19. The device of any one of claims 13-18, wherein the tool is configured to urge the body portion onto a jacket of a MINIFLEX fiber optic cable.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the indentation creating portion is configured to create an indentation pattern in the jacket of the MINIFLEX fiber optic cable that is different from a pattern of annular grooves in the jacket of the MINIFLEX fiber optic cable.

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