IP Library › Granted Patent US 11,899,250
Granted Patent B2
US 11,899,250 · App. 17/822,774 · Granted Feb 13, 2024

Flexible optical fiber connectors and assemblies

Inventors: John P. Hill (Oak Grove, MN); Brian Larson (Andover, MN); Jeffrey Gniadek (Otisfield, ME); David J. Johnsen (Plymouth, MN); James John Henschel (Chula Vista, CA); Matthew John Brigham (Charlton, MA)
Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
G02B6/3893G02B6/3825G02B6/3831G02B6/3897
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 11,899,250
App. No.
17/822,774
Granted
Feb 13, 2024
Kind
B2
Abstract

A flexible optical fiber connector comprises a first housing component configured to couple to a terminating connector, and a second housing component configured to receive an optical fiber for termination in the terminating connector. The first housing component and the second housing component are further configured to receive a pushable connector therethrough. A flexible optical fiber connector assembly comprises a flexible connector and a terminating connector coupled thereto. The flexible connector assembly is configured to couple to an adapter held by a holder coupled to a port.

Claims (12)

1. A flexible optical fiber connector assembly comprising:

a flexible connector having a housing configured to receive an optical fiber;

a terminating connector comprising a back post and a ferrule configured to receive the optical fiber;

wherein the flexible connector is configured to receive at least a portion of the back post, wherein the flexible connector is configured to couple to the terminating connector via the back post, and wherein the flexible connector comprises a protrusion configured to receive a crimp ring to secure the back post of the terminating connector to the flexible connector housing.

2. The flexible optical fiber connector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the terminating connector further comprises an outer housing.

3. The flexible optical fiber connector assembly of claim 2 , wherein the outer housing comprises a key configured to prevent rotation of the flexible optical fiber connector assembly.

4. The flexible optical fiber connector assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a crimp ring disposed around a cylindrical protrusion of the flexible connector to prevent rotation of the terminating connector relative to the flexible connector.

5. The flexible optical fiber connector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the terminating connector is configured to decouple from the flexible connector to allow the flexible connector to receive a pushable connector therethrough in lieu of the terminating connector.

6. The flexible optical fiber connector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the protrusion is a cylindrical section emanating from prongs of the flexible connector.

7. The flexible optical fiber connector assembly of claim 6 , wherein the prongs are separated by a slit having a double-D hole therebetween, wherein the double-D hole is configured to receive at least a portion of the back post of the terminating connector.

8. The flexible optical fiber connector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the terminating connector is configured to couple with the flexible connector by snap-in or latch feature.

9. The flexible optical fiber connector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the terminating connector comprises a SC connector, a LC connector, or a MPO connector.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Nov 21, 2022
From: HILL, JOHN P.; LARSON, BRIAN; GNIADEK, JEFFREY; JOHNSEN, DAVID J.; HENSCHEL, JAMES JOHN; BRIGHAM, MATTHEW JOHN
To: CLEARFIELD, INC.
Reel/Frame 061842/0740 →
Continuity (3)
Division 16897587 · Jun 10, 2020
Provisional Application 62859828 · Jun 11, 2019
Related Publication 20220413230A1 · Dec 29, 2022