Snap-action fiber optic connector
First Claim
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1. A connector comprising:
- (a) a body member having a cavity therein;
(b) a ferrule extending into said cavity;
(c) means in combination with said body for retaining said ferrule in place, and for mounting of the connector on a selected surface, comprising an interchangeable elastic member which allows said ferrule to snap out of the assembly upon application of a substantial pulling force, said member having molded extensions which are directed past said body member from that side of the body wherein the member is inserted, to the far side of said body, said extensions having compressable latching fingers for insertion into openings in a mounting surface, said fingers resuming their normal position after compression while being inserted, to secure the connector assembly to said mounting surface.
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Abstract
A simple low-cost fiber optic connector having a body member into which a ferrule is inserted and held in place by an expandable retainer which allows the ferrule to snap out of the assembly upon the application of a substantial pulling force, and thereby avoid damage to the fiber or to the connector. A preferred embodiment includes two aligned ferrules inserted into opposite sides of the body such that their tips meet at the center to interconnect the ends of two optical fibers. A multiple-ferrule embodiment is also contemplated.
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Citations
4 Claims
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1. A connector comprising:
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(a) a body member having a cavity therein; (b) a ferrule extending into said cavity; (c) means in combination with said body for retaining said ferrule in place, and for mounting of the connector on a selected surface, comprising an interchangeable elastic member which allows said ferrule to snap out of the assembly upon application of a substantial pulling force, said member having molded extensions which are directed past said body member from that side of the body wherein the member is inserted, to the far side of said body, said extensions having compressable latching fingers for insertion into openings in a mounting surface, said fingers resuming their normal position after compression while being inserted, to secure the connector assembly to said mounting surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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Specification