Optical fiber splicing closures and methods

Details Optical fiber splicing closures and methods Optical fiber splicing closures and methods

2006-11-20

2008-07-01

Kim, Ellen E. (Department: 2874)

Optical waveguides

With splice

Including splice joint reinforcement

C385S095000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07393148

ABSTRACT:
A splice enclosure assembly is provided for enclosing a splice between first and second fiber optic cables, the first and second fiber optic cables each having a jacket, an elongate optical fiber and at least one flexible, elongate strength member extending through the jacket. The splice enclosure assembly includes an elongate bridge member and an elongate cover member. The elongate bridge member has first and second opposed ends. The bridge member defines a channel extending axially between the first and second ends. The elongate bridge member includes an intermediate portion and first and second strain relief coupling structures. The intermediate portion is disposed between the first and second ends and has an intermediate portion of the channel defined therein. The bridge member is configured to receive the first and second fiber optic cables in the channel such that the splice is disposed in the intermediate portion of the channel. The first and second strain relief coupling structures are located on opposed sides of the intermediate portion. The first and second strain relief coupling structures are configured to engage and secure the strength members of the first and second fiber optic cables to the bridge member and thereby mechanically couple the first and second fiber optic cables to one another and to the bridge member. The elongate cover member is configured to surround the bridge member, the first and second fiber optic cables and the splice when the first and second fiber optic cables are disposed in the channel and the strength members of the first and second fiber optic cables are engaged with the first and second strain relief coupling structures.

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