CLIP ASSEMBLY

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to fiber optic connectors. The prevalence of the Internet has led to unprecedented growth in communication networks. Consumer demand for service and increased competition has caused network providers to continuously find ways to improve quality of service while reducing cost. Certain solutions have included deployment of high-density interconnect panels. High-density interconnect panels may be designed to consolidate the increasing volume of interconnections necessary to support the fast-growing networks into a compacted form factor, thereby increasing quality of service and decreasing costs such as floor space and support overhead.

[0002] In communication networks, such as data centers and switching networks, numerous interconnections between mating connectors may be compacted into high-density panels. Panel and connector producers may optimize for such high densities by shrinking the connector size and/or the spacing between adjacent connectors on the panel. While both approaches may be effective to increase the panel connector density, shrinking the connector size and/or spacing may also increase the support cost and diminish the quality of service.

[0003] In a high-density panel configuration, adjacent connectors and cable assemblies may obstruct access to the individual release mechanisms. Such physical obstructions may impede the ability of an operator to minimize the stresses applied to the cables and the connectors. For example, these stresses may be applied when the user reaches into a dense group of connectors and pushes aside surrounding optical fibers and connectors to access an individual connector release mechanism with his/her thumb and forefinger. Overstressing the cables and connectors may produce latent defects, compromise the integrity and/or reliability of the terminations, and potentially cause serious disruptions to network performance.

[0004] In the present invention, the push-pull tab 510 of FIG. 5 is replaced with a cable boot release assembly for releasing and inserting a fiber optic connector from an adapter receptacle. This reduces overall space requirements as the push/pull tab extends from the connector body over a cable, and the push/pull tab protrudes into valuable space between racks of connectors interconnecting the network. In one embodiment, the cable boot assembly moves over a back post or back body located with a connector housing. The back body is secured to a front housing using a latch and recess mechanism. [0005] This cable boot assembly can be used with a LC or

Lucent ® connector, a SC or standard connector, a CS® or SN™ connector sold by the assignee of the present invention, or a MT ferrule or mechanical transfer ferrule connector used in MPO or multi-fiber push on connector. All these connector types have a ferrule with an optical fiber secured therein at a proximal end, and an incoming cable at a distal end.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for fiber optic connectors that will meet the needs of future developments allowing for smaller footprints, easier implementation, and easy field modification.

SUMMARY

[0007] This disclosure is not limited to the particular systems, devices and methods described, as these may vary. The terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope.

[0008] As used in this document, the singular forms "a,"

"an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Nothing in this disclosure is to be construed as an admission that the embodiments described in this disclosure are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention. As used in this document, the term "comprising" means "including, but not limited to."

[0009] In an embodiment, a connector assembly may have a housing configured to accept a first ferrule and a second ferrule. The connector assembly may also have a latch component that is removably connected to the housing, wherein the latch component is configured to rotate around the housing. The latch component may have a first locking element configured to engage a second locking element to prevent rotation of the latch component in at least one of a first polarity position to a second polarity position. The connector may further more include a push-pull tab removably connected to the housing and configured to move vertically along the housing when a biasing force is applied, to the push-pull tab, in at least one of a forward direction and a rearward direction. Accordingly, the push-pull tab can compress the latch component when moving longitudinally along the housing.

[0010] In an embodiment, a connector assembly having an adjustable polarity may include a first plug frame and a second plug frame that are independent from each other, a first ferrule disposed within the first plug frame and a second ferrule disposed within the second plug frame that are each coupled to a terminal end of an optical fiber cable; and a housing that may include a top housing component configured to be removably coupled to a bottom housing component. The top and bottom housing coupled together to form a configured to secure the first plug frame and the second plug frame within the connector assembly . In one aspect, removal of the top housing component from the bottom housing component may provide access to the first plug frame and the second plug frame to allow for changing a location of the first plug frame and the second plug frame within the housing to change polarity of the connector assembly.

[0011] In a further embodiment, a connector assembly may have an adjustable polarity comprising: a polymer uni-body base frame comprising a plug frame portion, a body portion, and a back post portion; a top cover; and an independent latch; wherein the independent latching component is removable connected to the distal end (D) of the base frame; and wherein the independent latch component is configured to rotate substantially concentric about the base frame to change polarity of the connector assembly from a first polarity to a second polarity.

[0012] In the present invention, a cable boot assembly moves over the back body as a user pulls on the assembly, clip, cable or connector housing to release the connector from an adapter. Likewise the user can push to insert the connector into an adapter housing. The clip can be replaced with a two- piece clip, or just a cable boot assembly that is secured to an outer housing, while the assembly internal bore is configured to allow the assembly to move over the back body. The cable boot assembly is secured to the outer housing which actuates a release of the connector from within an adapter housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The above and other objects of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0014] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a two-piece push/pull clip.

[0015] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of assembling the clip of FIG. 1 onto a fiber optic connector.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the clip of FIG.

1 assembled with a fiber optic connector.

[0017] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of another two-piece push/pull clip.

[0018] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of assembling the clip

Of FIG. 4.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of clip of FIG. 3 assembled with a fiber optic connector.

[0020] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of another two-piece push/pull clip.

[0021] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of assembling the clip

Of FIG. 7.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of clip of FIG. 7 assembled with a fiber optic connector. [0023] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of another two-piece push/pull clip.

[0024] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of assembling the clip of FIG. 10.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of clip of FIG. 10 assembled with a fiber optic connector.

[0026] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another push/pull clip.

[0027] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of assembling the clip of FIG. 13 on a fiber optic connector.

[0028] FIG. 15 is an assembled view of the clip of FIG.

13 on a fiber optic connector.

[0029] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another push/pull clip.

[0030] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of using the clip of FIG. 16.

[0031] FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the clip of FIG. 16.

[0032] FIG. 19 is a perspective view prior to using the clip of FIG. 16 as part of a fiber optic connector.

[0033] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of using the clip

Of FIG. 19. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The reliability of communication infrastructure depends on secure and accurate connections between components, such as cable segments, network equipment, and communication devices. Large-scale data communication systems use fiber optic cables for data transmission between components. The fiber optic cables may be terminated by connector assemblies. Duplex connector assemblies, such as an LC connector assembly, may include a receiving optical fiber (typically labeled as "A") and a transmitting optical fiber (typically labeled as "B"). Such duplex connector assemblies may connect with an adapter having corresponding receiving (or "A") and transmitting ("B") ports.

A duplex connector assembly is generally configured such that the receiving optical fiber connects with the transmitting port of the adapter and the transmitting optical fiber connects with the receiving port of the adapter.

[0035] A duplex connector assembly has a polarity based on the relative orientation of the receiving optical fiber and the transmitting optical fiber. Similarly, a corresponding adapter may have a polarity based on the relative orientation of the receiving port and the transmitting port. If the polarity of the connector assembly corresponds to the polarity of the adapter, the connection between connector assembly and adapter may communicate data over fiber optic cables joined by these two components. However, particularly in large installations, the polarity of the connector often does not correspond with adapter polarity, leading failed data transmission. The connector assembly cannot simply be rotated to a correct polarity, as the connector assembly includes elements configured to secure the connector assembly to the adapter which prevents rotation.

[0036] Conventional techniques for changing an incorrect polarity of a connector assembly involve difficult and time consuming methods. For example, an installer may be required to remove the existing, incorrect connector assembly and prepare a new connector assembly on site. Other methods involve the use of special tools or high-cost connector components that may also require twisting or rotating the fiber, which may lead to damaged connections. Accordingly, telecommunication network providers would benefit from a connector assembly configured to allow for the efficient and effective changing of the polarity of the connector assembly on-site.

[0037] The described technology generally relates to connector assemblies (for example, a plug, male connector, connector, or the like) having an adjustable polarity. In general, the connector assemblies have a plurality of orientations, alignments, or other physical attributes that cause the connector assemblies to have a plurality of polarities. In some embodiments, the connector assembly may only fit into and/or correctly connect with an adapter (for instance, a receptacle, female connector, adapter, or the like) in one or more of the polarities. The polarity of the connector assembly may be based on the relative orientation of components of the connector assembly, such as ferrules, a housing, a latch, a frame, or the like. For example, a connector assembly configured according to some embodiments may include two ferrules, a transmission ferrule and a receiving ferrule that may be arranged in one of a first polarity and a second polarity in order to form a successful connection with a corresponding adapter.

[0038] The connector assemblies and other data transmission elements described according to some embodiments herein may be connected within a network, which may include any type of network capable of transmitting signals, electricity, or any other type of transmission medium. For instance, the network may include, without limitation, a communication network, a telecommunication network, an electrical network, a data network, a computer network, and any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the network may include a communication network using various signal transmission mediums, including, without limitation, fiber optic networks, Ethernet networks, cable and/or satellite television networks, and any other type of communication network now known or developed in the future.

In some embodiments, the sealable connector assemblies may be configured to connect cable segments and/or devices within a fiber optic network using various standard connector types and/or adaptors, including, but not limited to, LC, ST, SC, FC,

DIN, D4, SMA, E2000, Biconic, FullAXS, OCD, small form-factor pluggable (SFP), MPO and/or copper-type network connections, such as RJ-45 type connectors. In some embodiments, the connector assembly may include a duplex LC-type connector and the connector assembly adaptor may include an SFP adaptor. In some embodiments the connector assembly may include a LC-type uniboot connector. In some embodiments, the connector assembly may include a unibody connector, for instance, that includes a round fiber optic cable.

[0039] FIG. 1 depicts a two-piece push/pull tab clip-on

6500 using a slider structure form as a lengthwise tab and a recess pairing configured to form a snap-fit for releasably removing push-pull clip 6500 from distal end of fiber optic connector (refer to FIG. 2). Top housing 6501 has a plural of lengthwise tabs (6503a, 6503b) position about top housing 6501 to accept and secure bottom housing 6502 via a tab corresponding to recess (6504a, 6504b, 6504c, 6540d). Recess 6504a corresponds to lengthwise tab 6503a when bottom housing 6504 is mated with top housing 6501, tab 6502a is received in recess 6504a. Recess 6504a is on the inside of first sidewall 6505 and recess 6504c is on inside of second sidewall 6506. Recess 6504a and 6504b are shown by dotted line on outside of first sidewall

6505 and wing 6507 respectively. The remaining tab and recess pairings operate the same.

[0040] FIG. 2 depicts assembling bottom housing 6502 with top housing 6501 by sliding together recesses 6504 in bottom housing 6502 with corresponding protrusions 6503 in top housing 6501. FIG. 3 depicts assembled top housing 6501 and bottom housing 6502 or clip-on push/pull release assembly 6509 deploying a tab/recess snap-fit system. Fiber optic connector

6700 is depicted assembled with opposing plug frame (6508a,

6508b) having a latch on the top of the plug frame, the latch secures connector 6700 within an adapter port. Each plug frame

(6508a, 6508b) has a corresponding ferrule protruding at a proximal end or first end of connector 6700.

[0041] FIG. 4 depicts a two-piece "C" mount push/pull clip 6800 where the "C" mount body portion 6801 and two-piece snap-fit boot portion 6802 forms push/pull clip 6800. Once secured about a connector body (refer to FIG. 5 and FIG..6), it forms a push/pull clip similar to clip 2420. User operation of clip 2420 and clip 6800 are the same for operatively releasing and inserting the connector out-of and into an adapter port respectively. Referring to FIG. 4, body portion 6801 has two legs (6803a, 6803b) that extend perpendicular to axis A-A' of clip 6800. This allows clip legs (6803a, 6803b) to be secured about a corresponding portion of plug frame (6805a, 6805b).

Two-piece snap-fit boot portion 6802 has a pair of opposing openings (6805, 6807) that are received in corresponding tabs

(6806, 6808) which allows clip 6800 to be secured about cable boot 6810. Boot portion 6802 is secured when tabs (6806, 6808) are received in openings (6805, 6807).

[0042] FIG. 5 depicts the assembly "A" of boot portion

6802 after the body portion is clip about plug frame (6805a,

6805b). Boot portion 6802 is snap-fit about cable boot 6810.

Referring to FIG. 6, a fiber optic connector is fitted with clip

6800. In operation, a user pulls on cable boot 6810 in a distal direction or in direction of arrow "R", and protrusion 6811 is push down by body portion 6801 housing as protrusion 6811 extends beyond body portion opening 6813, which in turn rotates down latches (6182a, 6812b) and connector 6800 is released from an adapter port.

[0043] FIG. 7 depicts FIG. 4 body portion 7101 and boot portion 7102 except boot portion 7102 is secured to body portion

7101 using tab 7103b and recess 7104a pairings, as similarly described in FIG. 1. Unlike FIG. 1, boot portion 7102 and body portion 7101 form two-piece push/pull clip 7100. FIG. 8 depicts assembling FIG. 9 which is connector 7100 ready for use. Boot portion 7102 is mated with body portion 7101 when recess 7104c

(not shown) formed on inside of boot portion accepts recess

7103b formed as part of body portion 7101. Likewise opposing tab 7103c (not shown) but opposite of tab 7103b and having the same form of 7103b is accepted into recess 7104d. FIG. 9 depicts operation of connector 7100 assembled when releasing connector 7100 from an adapter port. As described in FIG. 6, user pulls on cable boot 7110 in a distal direction or in direction of arrow "R", which moves body portion 7101 distally.

Protrusion 7111 is pushed down which rotates down the latches and releases the connector from the adapter port.

[0044] FIG. 10 depicts push/pull clip 7400 with a two- piece snap-fit at body portion 7401 and "C" clip or boot portion is 7402 integrally formed with body portion 7401. Lower housing

7404 is mated to body portion 7401 using an opposing pair of tab

(7405a, 7405b) and recess (7406a, 7406b) forming the clip from two pieces. Recess 7406a is shown at dotted line on inside of lower housing 7404. FIG. 11 depicts body portion 7401 and boot portion 7402 formed as one piece and secured about the plug frame at a proximal end, and the boot portion 7402 secured about cable boot 7410 at a distal end of the connector. Lower housing

7404 is assembled in direction of arrow A, forms clip 7400 about the fiber optic connector as shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 12 operates similar to FIG. 9 where a user pulls on the cable in direction of arrow "R", and connector 7600 is released from an adapter port (not shown). Body portion 7401 has an opening which depresses a protrusion that rotates down a latch on the top of each plug frame, and releases connector 7600 from the adapter port.

[0045] FIG. 13 depicts an integrated body portion 7701 and boot portion 7702 formed as one-piece push/pull clip 7700.

Body portion 7701 has a pair of opposing legs (7703a, 7703b) that are secured about corresponding plug frame (7705a, 7705b)

(refer to FIG. 14). Boot portion 7702 has opening 7715 that is accepted by backpost 7814 when mated with the fiber optic connector main body. This secures clip 7700 to the main body portion of the fiber optic connector as described in FIG. 14.

Opening 7713 accepts protrusion 7711 and operates as described in FIG. 15 below.

[0046] FIG. 14 depicts main body of the fiber optic connector having opposing plug frames (7805a, 7805b) and backpost 7814. Clip 7700 is mated with and installed onto the connector in direction of arrow A. Cable boot 7710 opening 7715 is press-fitted onto backpost 7814, and legs (7703a, 7703b) are secured about plug frames (7805a, 7805b), which secures clip

7700 with the fiber optic connector. FIG. 15 depicts the operation of clip 7700 when the user pulls on cable boot 7710 in the direction of arrow "R", protrusion 7711 is pushed down by opening 7713 and this rotates down adapter latches (7712a,

7712b) to release the connector from an adapter port.

[0047] FIG. 16 depicts one-piece clip 8000 with active release tab 8016. Assembly to the fiber optic connector main body is described in FIG. 14 above. FIG. 17 depicts clip 8000 installed with the fiber optic connector main body. Referring to

FIG. 20, release tab 8016 is flexible and when depressed in direction, "P", latch arms (8017a, 8017b) are pushed down toward the top portion of each corresponding plug frame (8008a, 8008b), which rotates down latches (8012a, and 8012b) allowing the release of the connector from an adapter port in the direction of arrow "R" in FIG. 20. FIG. 18 depicts the underside of clip

8000 and release tab 8016. FIG. 19 depicts clip 8900 installed on the fiber optic connector, and prior to depressing release table 8016, as depicted in FIG. 20. Comparing FIG. 19 with FIG.

20, protrusion 8011 is moved downward as latch arms (8017a,

8017b) are depressed when pushing, "P", on release tab 8016, so protrusion does not jam within opening thereby preventing the connector from being removed from an adapter port.

[0048] Although a fiber optic connector has been used as an illustrative embodiment, this detailed description is not so limited, as any type of electrical and/or communication connector may be used according to some embodiments. The connectors, adapters, and connection assemblies formed therefrom may be used in combination with other connection elements and/or materials, such as crimpers, bands, straps, ferrules, locking materials, fluids, gels, or the like.

[0049] In the above detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be used, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

[0050] The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods, reagents, compounds, compositions or biological systems, which can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0051] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[0052] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (for example, bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (for example, the term

"including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to, " the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to"). While various compositions, methods, and devices are described in terms of "comprising" various components or steps (interpreted as meaning "including, but not limited to"), the compositions, methods, and devices can also

"consist essentially of" or "consist of" the various components and steps, and such terminology should be interpreted as defining essentially closed-member groups. It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an"

(for example, "a" and/or "an" should be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (for example), the bare recitation of

"two recitations, " without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, et cetera" is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (for example, "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, et cetera). In those instances where a convention analogous to

"at least one of A, B, or C, et cetera" is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (for example, " a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and c together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, et cetera). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or

"B" or "A and B."

[0053] In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

[0054] As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, or the like. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, a middle third, and an upper third. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as "up to," "at least," and the like include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each individual member.