Fiber optic drop cables and preconnectorized assemblies
First Claim
1. A preconnectorized cable, comprising:
- a cable comprising;
at least one optical waveguide;
at least one tensile element; and
a cable jacket; and
at least one plug connector, the at least one plug connector being attached to an end of the cable, thereby connectorizing the at least one optical waveguide, the at least one plug connector comprising;
a connector assembly comprising a connector body and a ferrule;
a shroud comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the ferrule is accessible within the first end of the shroud, and the first end of the shroud extends slightly beyond the connector assembly for protecting the ferrule, and the shroud comprises a first finger and a second finger disposed about 180 degrees apart that keys the plug connector so it only mates in one orientation; and
an O-ring for weatherproofing the at least one plug connector.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A preconnectorized outdoor cable streamlines the deployment of optical waveguides into the last mile of an optical network. The preconnectorized outdoor cable includes a cable and at least one plug connector. The plug connector is attached to a first end of the cable, thereby connectorizing at least one optical waveguide. The cable has at least one optical waveguide, at least one tensile element, and a cable jacket. Various cable designs such as figure-eight or flat cables may be used with the plug connector. In preferred embodiments, the plug connector includes a crimp assembly having a crimp housing and a crimp band. The crimp housing has two half-shells being held together by the crimp band for securing the at least one tensile element. When fully assembled, the crimp housing fits into a shroud of the preconnectorized cable. The shroud aides in mating the preconnectorized cable with a complimentary receptacle.
198 Citations
37 Claims
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1. A preconnectorized cable, comprising:
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a cable comprising; at least one optical waveguide; at least one tensile element; and a cable jacket; and at least one plug connector, the at least one plug connector being attached to an end of the cable, thereby connectorizing the at least one optical waveguide, the at least one plug connector comprising; a connector assembly comprising a connector body and a ferrule; a shroud comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the ferrule is accessible within the first end of the shroud, and the first end of the shroud extends slightly beyond the connector assembly for protecting the ferrule, and the shroud comprises a first finger and a second finger disposed about 180 degrees apart that keys the plug connector so it only mates in one orientation; and an O-ring for weatherproofing the at least one plug connector. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 24, 26, 29, 32)
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9. A preconnectorized cable, comprising:
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a cable comprising; at least one optical waveguide; at least one tensile element; and a cable jacket; and at least one plug connector, the at least one plug connector being attached to an end of the cable, thereby connectorizing the at least one optical waveguide, the at least one plug connector comprising; a SC connector assembly comprising a connector body and a ferrule; a shroud comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the ferrule is accessible within the first end of the shroud, and the first end of the shroud extends slightly beyond the connector assembly for protecting the ferrule, and the shroud comprises a first finger and a second finger disposed about 180 degrees apart that keys the plug connector so it only mates in one orientation. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 25, 27, 30, 33)
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17. A preconnectorized cable, comprising:
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a cable comprising; at least one optical waveguide; at least one tensile element; and a cable jacket; and at least one plug connector, the at least one plug connector being attached to an end of the cable, thereby connectorizing the at least one optical waveguide, the at least one plug connector comprising; a SC connector assembly comprising a connector body and a ferrule; a shroud comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the ferrule is accessible within the first end of the shroud, and the first end of the shroud extends slightly beyond the connector assembly for protecting the ferrule, and the shroud comprises a first finger and a second finger disposed about 180 degrees apart and having different cross-sectional shapes for keying the plug connector so it only mates in one orientation. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 28, 31, 34)
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35. A preconnectorized cable, comprising:
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a cable; and at least one plug connector, the at least one plug connector being attached to an end of the cable, thereby connectorizing at least one optical waveguide of the cable, the at least one plug connector comprising; a connector assembly comprising a connector body and a ferrule; a shroud comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the ferrule is accessible within the first end of the shroud, and the first end of the shroud extends slightly beyond the connector assembly for protecting the ferrule, and the shroud comprises a first finger and a second finger disposed about 180 degrees apart that keys the plug connector so it only mates in one orientation; and an O-ring for weatherproofing the at least one plug connector.
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36. A preconnectorized cable, comprising:
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a cable; and at least one plug connector, the at least one plug connector being attached to an end of the cable, thereby connectorizing at least one optical waveguide of the cable, the at least one plug connector comprising; a SC connector assembly comprising a connector body and a ferrule; a shroud comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the ferrule is accessible within the first end of the shroud, and the first end of the shroud extends slightly beyond the connector assembly for protecting the ferrule, and the shroud comprises a first finger and a second finger disposed about 180 degrees apart that keys the plug connector so it only mates in one orientation.
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37. A preconnectorized cable, comprising:
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a cable; and at least one plug connector, the at least one plug connector being attached to an end of the cable, thereby connectorizing at least one optical waveguide of the cable, the at least one plug connector comprising; a SC connector assembly comprising a connector body and a ferrule; a shroud comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the ferrule is accessible within the first end of the shroud, and the first end of the shroud extends slightly beyond the connector assembly for protecting the ferrule, and the shroud comprises a first finger and a second finger disposed about 180 degrees apart and having different cross-sectional shapes for keying the plug connector so it only mates in one orientation.
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Specification