Connector port for network interface device

• US 7,287,913 B2
• Filed: 06/03/2005
• Issued: 10/30/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 02/23/2004
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Corning Optical Communications LLC (Corning Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC (Corning Incorporated)
• Inventors: Keenum, John A., Grunwald, Brad N., Bloodworth, Stephen G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Font; Frank G.
• Assistant Examiner(s): PENG, CHARLIE YU
• Application Number:
  US11/145,275
• Publication Number:
  US 20050220421A1
• Time in Patent Office: 879 Days
• Field of Search: 385/76, 385/89, 385/92, 385/135
• US Class Current: 385/76
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3897 Connectors fixed to housings, casing, frames or circuit boards G02B6/44528 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/44528 Patch-cords; Connector arrangements in the system or in the box routing arrangements H04Q1/00
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4477 with means for strain-relieving to interior strengths element

Abstract

A connector port is adapted for a (NID) to receive a connectorized optical fiber from inside the NID and a pre-connectorized drop cable from outside the NID. An exterior connector port includes a base positioned within an opening defined by an external wall of the NID, a mount on the base and a connector receptacle secured to the mount adjacent the external wall. An interior connector port includes an insert positioned within an opening defined by an external wall of the NID, a bracket mounted inside the NID and a connector receptacle secured to the bracket. A connector port also includes an insert positioned within an opening defined by a wall of the NID and a connector port secured to the insert. The connector port permits a field technician to readily connect, disconnect and reconfigured optical connections between the connectorized optical fiber and the pre-connectorized drop cable in the field.

Claims

1. A connector port for use in an optical network and adapted for a network interface device to optically connect a connectorized optical fiber from inside the network interface device to a pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable from outside the network interface device, the connector port comprising:

a bracket mounted to the network interface device; and

a connector receptacle secured to the bracket, the connector receptacle comprising a first end for receiving the connectorized optical fiber and a second end for receiving the pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable;

wherein the connector port is operable to permit a field technician readily connect, disconnect, and reconfigured the pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable from outside the network interface device without the need for splicing,

wherein the bracket is secured to an interior wall of the network interface device.

2. A connector port for use in an optical network and adapted for a network interface device to optically connect a connectorized optical fiber from inside the network interface device to a pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable from outside the network interface device, the connector port comprising:

a bracket mounted to the network interface device; and

a connector receptacle secured to the bracket, the connector receptacle comprising a first end for receiving the connectorized optical fiber and a second end for receiving the pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable;

wherein the connector port is operable to permit a field technician to readily connect, disconnect, and reconfigured the pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable from outside the network interface device without the need for splicing,

wherein the connector receptacle is located outside the network interface device and the connector receptacle receives an end portion of the pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable outside the network interface device.

3. A connector port for use in an optical network and adapted for a network interface device to optically connect a connectorized optical fiber from inside the network interface device to a pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable from outside the network interface device, the connector port comprising:

a bracket mounted to the network interface device; and

a connector receptacle secured to the bracket, the connector receptacle comprising a first end for receiving the connectorized optical fiber and a second end for receiving the pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable;

wherein the connector port is operable to permit a field technician to readily connect, disconnect, and reconfigured the pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable from outside the network interface device without the need for splicing,

wherein the bracket is made of aluminum.

4. A connector port for use in an optical network and adapted for a network interface device to optically connect a connectorized optical fiber from inside the network interface device to a pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable from outside the network interface device, the connector port comprising:

a bracket mounted to the network interface device; and

a connector receptacle secured to the bracket, the connector receptacle comprising a first end for receiving the connectorized optical fiber and a second end for receiving the pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable;

wherein the connector port is operable to permit a field technician to readily connect, disconnect, and reconfigured the pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable from outside the network interface device without the need for splicing,

wherein the connector receptacle is secured within the bracket using a treaded nut.

5. A connector port for use in an optical network and adapted for a network interface device to optically connect a connectorized optical fiber from inside the network interface device to a pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable from outside the network interface device, the connector port comprising:

a bracket mounted to the network interface device; and

a connector receptacle secured to the bracket, the connector receptacle comprising a first end for receiving the connectorized optical fiber and a second end for receiving the pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable;

wherein the connector port is operable to permit a field technician to readily connect, disconnect, and reconfigured the pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable from outside the network interface device without the need for splicing,

wherein the connector receptacle is secured within the bracket using at least one of a snap-fit and a press-fit.