Optical waveguides – With disengagable mechanical connector – Structure surrounding optical fiber-to-fiber connection
Reexamination Certificate
1998-04-23
2001-05-01
Ullah, Akm E. (Department: 2874)
Optical waveguides
With disengagable mechanical connector
Structure surrounding optical fiber-to-fiber connection
C385S076000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06224268
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to connectors preferably for use with fiber optics, and more specifically relates to a novel latch structure for mounting a connector to a receptacle.
Fiber optic technology presents several advantages which cannot be provided by other technologies. For example, fiber optic communication systems provide immunity from electromagnetic interference (EMI), provide virtually unlimited bandwidth, and provide that data can be quickly transferred over long distances.
Typically, connectors are used within optical fiber communication systems. For example, connectors are used to join optical fibers together to form a longer length or to connect an optical fiber to a device. Generally, a connector must provide that the end of one optical fiber becomes axially aligned with the end of another optical fiber. As a result, after the connection is made, all of the light from one optical fiber can travel into the other optical fiber. Because optical fibers are extremely small and because it is important that no data be lost at the point at which two optical fibers are joined, it is important that a connector be able to join two optical fibers with a relatively high amount of accuracy and precision.
Fiber optic connectors are often used in environments where there are many loose and/or hanging wires, such as copper conductor wires or other optical fibers. Examples of such environments include a patch panel, a patch enclosure and an electrical closet. Within environments such as these, it is advantageous to provide a connector which is not prone to entanglement on the wires. Entanglement with wires during connection or disconnection of a connector can provide that the wires become damaged or some portion of the connector becomes damaged.
Fiber optic connectors are also often used in high-traffic environments, such as on a desktop. Using a connector to connect optical fibers within a high-traffic environment requires that the connector be durable enough to withstand the environment.
It is desirable to be able to terminate an optical fiber in the field rather than having to be terminated in the factory into specific lengths of patch cords. By providing that a connector can be terminated in the field, project estimates need not assume much longer fiber optic cables in order to ensure that the cables will be long enough during actual installation.
Of course, it is also desirable to provide a connector where the connector includes as few parts as possible and is relatively inexpensive to produce.
The present invention provides a novel structure for mounting a connector to a receptacle which features and advantages thereof will become apparent upon a reading of the attached specification in combination with a study of the drawings.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a general object of the present invention to provide a novel latch structure on a plug housing, such plug housing forming part of a connector, for mounting a connector to a receptacle, such connector being used to terminate a fiber optical cable.
An object of the present invention is to provide a plug housing in a connector, such plug housing having a novel latch structure thereon which is ideal for use in environments where loose and/or hanging wires often can be found, such as on a patch panel, in a patch enclosure or in an electrical closet.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a plug housing having a novel latch structure thereon in a connector, such connector being used to terminate an optical fiber, and such latch structure not being prone to entanglement with loose and/or hanging wires during engagement or disengagement of the connector.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a novel latch structure for a connector which is durable and not prone to breaking during use.
Briefly, and in accordance with the foregoing, the present invention discloses a novel forward-facing, aft-attached cantilever beam which is provided as a latch structure on a plug housing for securing a fiber optic connector to a receptacle. The beam has engagement structure on its free end which attaches to retention structure within the receptacle. The plug housing has a forward end and a rearward end and an axial passageway therethrough through which at least one optical fiber provided in the fiber optic cable extends. The forward end is inserted into the receptacle with the rearward end extending from the receptacle. The cantilevered beam has an end fixed to a rearward portion of the plug housing and its free end extends forwardly toward the forward end of the plug housing. To engage the connector with the receptacle, the connector is slid into an axial passageway through the receptacle, whereupon the cantilevered beam is biased toward the top wall of the plug housing upon engagement with the receptacle. Once fully inserted, the engagement structure on the cantilevered beam engages retention structure in the receptacle. The connector can be released from engagement with the receptacle by biasing the cantilevered beam toward the top wall of the plug housing such that the engagement structure on the beam is released from the retention structure of the receptacle and thereafter, pulling the connector out of the receptacle.
The retention structure of the receptacle may be formed as an aperture through a wall of the receptacle and the engagement structure on the cantilevered beam may be formed as a protrusion which is adapted for engagement within the aperture. Alternatively, the retention structure of the receptacle may be formed as at least one protrusion within the axial passageway of the receptacle and the engagement structure on the cantilevered beam may be formed as at least one notch in the beam which is adapted for engagement with the protrusion within the receptacle.
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Briggs Robert Carl
Buchter Shelly Ann
Edwards Bryan Thomas
Manning Randy Marshall
Schuette June B.
The Whitaker Corporation
Ullah Akm E.
LandOfFree
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