US 20190204513A1
`( 19 ) United States
`( 12 ) Patent Application Publication ( 10 ) Pub . No . : US 2019 / 0204513 A1
`Jul . 4 , 2019
`Davidson et al .
`( 43 ) Pub . Date :
`
`MTOTT
`
`( 54 ) PUSH - PULL BOOT CONNECTOR FOR
`FIBER OPTIC CABLES
`( 71 ) Applicant : AFL IG LLC , Duncan , SC ( US )
`( 72 ) Inventors : Aran James Russell Davidson ,
`Buckinghamshire ( GB ) ; Asher Leong
`Raven , Buckinghamshire ( GB )
`( 21 ) Appl . No . : 16 / 056 , 907
`( 22 ) Filed :
`Aug . 7 , 2018
`Related U . S . Application Data
`( 60 ) Provisional application No . 62 / 640 , 914 , filed on Mar .
`9 , 2018 , provisional application No . 62 / 613 , 266 , filed
`on Jan . 3 , 2018 .
`
`Publication Classification
`
`( 51 ) Int . Ci .
`( 2006 . 01 )
`GO2B 6 / 38
`( 52 ) U . S . CI .
`CPC . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 3831 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; G02B 6 / 3887
`( 2013 . 01 ) ; G02B 6 / 3893 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; G02B
`6 / 3825 ( 2013 . 01 )
`
`ABSTRACT
`( 57 )
`A push - pull connection includes a push - pull boot connector
`and an adapter , which are connected together and retained
`with a latching mechanism . The push - pull boot connector
`includes a connector housing and a remote release push - pull
`strain relief boot . The connector housing , when pulled away
`from the mating face of the adapter , via the strain relief boot ,
`will detach the latching mechanism .
`
`308 308
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`U.S. Publication No. 2019/0204513
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul . 4 , 2019 Sheet 17 of 17
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`US 2019 / 0204513 A1
`
`Jul . 4 , 2019
`
`PUSH - PULL BOOT CONNECTOR FOR
`FIBER OPTIC CABLES
`CROSS - REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`This application is based upon and claims the
`[ 0001 ]
`benefit of priority from U . S . Provisional Application No .
`62 / 613 , 266 , filed Jan . 3 , 2018 in the United States Patent and
`Trademark Office , and U . S . Provisional Application No .
`62 / 640 , 914 , filed Mar . 9 , 2018 in the United States Patent
`and Trademark Office , the disclosures of which are incor
`porated by reference herein in their entirety .
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`[ 0002 ] The present subject matter relates generally to
`connectors for fiber optic cables .
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`A datacenter may include a large number , e . g . ,
`[ 0003 ]
`several dozen or even hundreds , of cables , e . g . , fiber optic
`cables or other data cables , connected to a hub such as a
`headend , a server , or a main distribution frame ( MDF ) . The
`space within datacenters is at a premium , and the density
`( amount of connections in a defined space ) often limits
`which type or types of connectors can be used for connecting
`the fiber optic cables to the hub . One common connector
`design is referred to as LC connectors . However , such
`connectors are limited to a count of 144 fibers per panel , e . g . ,
`a standard 19 " wide panel with a standard height of IRU
`( rack unit ) , due to the physical size of the connector and the
`space envelope available . Access to install or remove this
`type of connector is difficult at high densities .
`[ 0004 ] Some LC connector designs include an extended
`pulling latch to facilitate removal . However , such extended
`latches can increase the amount of precious space within the
`datacenter taken up by each connection . Moreover , the latch
`mechanisms must be manipulated directly , e . g . , by a user ' s
`hand or fingers , and therefore accessibility is still an issue .
`[ 0005 ] Improved latching features , e . g . , improved acces
`sibility to release the latching mechanism , for various con
`nector types are thus desired .
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`[ 0006 ] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set
`forth in part in the following description , or may be apparent
`from the description , or may be learned through practice of
`the invention .
`[ 0007 ]
`In a first exemplary embodiment , a push - pull con
`nection is provided . The push - pull connection includes a
`push - pull boot connector extending along a longitudinal
`direction from a proximal end to a distal end . The push - pull
`boot connector includes a connector housing defining the
`proximal end of the push - pull boot connector at a first end
`of the housing . A second end of the connector housing is
`connected to a first end of a strain relief boot . A second end
`of the strain relief boot defines the distal end of the push - pull
`connector . A latch release ramp is provided on one of the
`connector housing and the strain relief boot . The push - pull
`connection also includes an adapter having a channel con
`figured to receive the proximal end of the push - pull boot
`connector . The adapter also includes a latch positioned in the
`channel of the adapter to engage the push - pull boot connec -
`tor when the push - pull boot connector moves relative to the
`
`adapter in a first direction along the longitudinal direction .
`The latch retains the push - pull boot connector in the channel
`of the adapter when the latch engages the push - pull boot
`connector . The latch release ramp of the push - pull boot
`connector is configured to disengage the latch of the adapter
`from the push - pull boot connector when the push - pull boot
`connector moves relative to the adapter in a second direction
`opposing the first direction .
`[ 0008 ]
`In a second exemplary embodiment , a push - pull
`boot connector is provided . The push - pull boot connector
`extends along a longitudinal direction from a proximal end
`to a distal end . The proximal end of the push - pull boot
`connector is configured to be retained in a channel of an
`adapter by a latch of the adapter . The push - pull boot
`connector includes a connector housing defining the proxi
`mal end of the push - pull boot connector at a first end of the
`housing . A second end of the connector housing is connected
`to a first end of a strain relief boot . A second end of the strain
`relief boot defines the distal end of the push - pull connector .
`A latch release ramp is provided on one of the connector
`housing and the strain relief boot . The push - pull boot
`connector is configured to engage the latch of the adapter
`when the push - pull boot connector is pushed into the adapter
`in a first direction along the longitudinal direction . The latch
`release ramp is configured to disengage the latch of the
`adapter from the push - pull boot connector when the push
`pull boot connector is pulled out of the adapter in a second
`direction opposing the first direction .
`[ 0009 ] These and other features , aspects and advantages of
`the present invention will become better understood with
`reference to the following description and appended claims .
`The accompanying drawings , which are incorporated in and
`constitute a part of this specification , illustrate embodiments
`of the invention and , together with the description , serve to
`explain the principles of the invention .
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`[ 0010 ]
`A full and enabling disclosure of the present inven
`tion , including the best mode thereof , directed to one of
`ordinary skill in the art , is set forth in the specification ,
`which makes reference to the appended figures .
`[ 0011 ]
`FIG . 1 provides a perspective view of a push - pull
`boot connector according to one or more exemplary embodi
`ments of the present subject matter .
`[ 0012 ] FIG . 2 provides an exploded view of the exemplary
`push - pull boot connector of FIG . 1 .
`[ 0013 ]
`FIG . 3 provides a section view of a push - pull
`connection according to one or more exemplary embodi
`ments of the present subject matter .
`[ 0014 ] FIG . 4 provides an enlarged view of a portion of
`FIG . 3 .
`[ 0015 ] FIG . 5 provides a perspective view of a push - pull
`boot connector according to one or more additional embodi
`ments of the present subject matter .
`[ 0016 ]
`FIG . 6 provides an exploded view of the exemplary
`push - pull boot connector of FIG . 5 .
`[ 0017 ]
`FIG . 7 provides a section view of a push - pull
`connection according to one or more additional exemplary
`embodiments of the present subject matter .
`[ 0018 ]
`FIG . 8 provides an enlarged view of a portion of
`FIG . 7 with a connector release arm
`of the push - pull
`connection in a latched position .
`
`

`

`US 2019 / 0204513 A1
`
`Jul . 4 , 2019
`
`[ 0019 ] FIG . 9 provides an enlarged view of a portion of
`FIG . 7 with a connector release arm of the push - pull
`connection in a release position .
`[ 0020 ] FIG . 10 provides a perspective view of a push - pull
`boot connector according to one or more additional embodi
`ments of the present subject matter .
`[ 0021 ] FIG . 11 provides an exploded view of the exem
`plary push - pull boot connector of FIG . 10 .
`[ 0022 ] FIG . 12 provides a section view of a push - pull
`connection according to one or more additional exemplary
`embodiments of the present subject matter .
`[ 0023 ] FIG . 13 provides an enlarged view of a portion of
`FIG . 12 .
`[ 0024 ] FIG . 14 provides a perspective view of a push - pull
`boot connector according to one or more additional embodi
`ments of the present subject matter .
`[ 0025 ] FIG . 15 provides an exploded view of the exem
`plary push - pull boot connector of FIG . 14 .
`[ 0026 ] FIG . 16 provides a section view of a push - pull
`connection according to one or more additional exemplary
`embodiments of the present subject matter .
`[ 0027 ] FIG . 17 provides an enlarged view of a portion of
`FIG . 16 .
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`[ 0028 ] Reference now will be made in detail to embodi
`ments of the invention , one or more examples of which are
`illustrated in the drawings . Each example is provided by way
`of explanation of the invention , not limitation of the inven
`tion . In fact , it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
`various modifications and variations can be made in the
`present invention without departing from the scope or spirit
`of the invention . For instance , features illustrated or
`described as part of one embodiment can be used with
`another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment .
`Thus , it is intended that the present invention covers such
`modifications and variations as come within the scope of the
`appended claims and their equivalents .
`10029 ] As used herein , terms of approximation such as
`" generally , " " about , ” or “ approximately ” include values
`within ten percent greater or less than the stated value . When
`used in the context of an angle or direction , such terms
`include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated
`angle or direction , e . g . , " generally vertical ” includes form
`ing an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction , e . g . ,
`clockwise or counterclockwise , with the vertical direction .
`[ 0030 ]
`FIG . 1 illustrates a push - pull boot connector 100
`according to one exemplary embodiment of the present
`disclosure . FIG . 2 provides an exploded view of the push
`pull connector 100 of FIG . 1 . As illustrated in FIGS . 1 and
`2 , the push - pull boot connector 100 is a duplex uniboot
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`two ferrules 208 and a single strain relief boot 300 . The
`push - pull boot connector 100 extends along a longitudinal
`direction L from a proximal end 102 to a distal end 104 . The
`push - pull boot connector 100 includes a connector housing
`200 defining the proximal end 102 of the push - pull boot
`connector 100 at a first end 202 of the housing 200 . A second
`end 204 of the connector housing 200 is connected to a first
`end 302 of the strain relief boot 300 and a second end 304
`of the strain relief boot 300 defines the distal end 104 of the
`push - pull connector 100 . As will be described in more detail
`herein , pulling on the boot 300 allows the release of the
`connector 100 from the adapter 400 ( see , e . g . , FIGS . 3 and
`
`4 ) . Thus , the connector 100 may be a remote release
`connector and accessibility to release the connector 100 may
`thereby be improved .
`[ 0031 ] The strain relief boot 300 may include features to
`promote ease of manipulating the strain relief boot 300 , e . g . ,
`for assisting a user in gripping the strain relief boot 300 to
`push the push - pull boot connector 100 into a connection
`and / or to pull the push - pull boot connector 100 out of a
`connection such as when installing or removing the connec
`tor in a hub such as a main distribution frame . For example ,
`such features may include one or more ridges 308 at or
`proximate to the second end 304 of the strain relief boot 300
`which provide a profiled edge to assist in gripping the
`push - pull boot connector 100 , e . g . , with a user ' s fingers , at
`the second end 304 of the strain relief boot 300 , which , as
`noted above , defines the distal end 104 of the push - pull boot
`connector 100 . Accordingly , the push - pull boot connector
`100 may be a remote release push - pull boot connector , e . g . ,
`in that the user does not need access to the proximal end 102
`of the push - pull boot connector 100 . Rather , the remote
`release connector 100 can be released by manipulating the
`strain relief boot 300 , which is remote , e . g . , distal , from the
`point of connection at the proximal end 102 of the push - pull
`boot connector 100 .
`[ 0032 ] As may be seen in FIGS . 1 and 2 , the push - pull
`connector 100 includes a ferrule holder 206 which fits within
`the connector housing 200 . One or more ferrules 208 may be
`positioned in the ferrule holder 206 of the connector housing
`200 . As is generally understood in the art , the ferrules 208
`are each configured for supporting and aligning an optical
`fiber ( not shown ) in order to promote an optical connection
`of the optical fibers in the ferrules 206 with , e . g . , a receptacle
`in a main distribution frame . The ferrules 208 may be biased
`forward , e . g . , towards the proximal end 102 of the push - pull
`boot connector 100 , by a pair of springs 210 , each spring 210
`of the pair of springs 210 corresponding to one of the
`ferrules 208 .
`[ 0033 ] As best seen in FIG . 2 , the connector housing 200
`may further include various internal components for sup
`porting and / or aligning the ferrules 208 and any optical
`fibers therein , as well as for mounting the push - pull boot
`connector 100 on a cable containing the optical fibers . For
`example , such internal components may include a bracket
`212 , a first collar 214 and a second collar 216 . The bracket
`212 may be positioned immediately distal of the ferrules 208
`and / or the springs 210 , e . g . , when the internal components
`are installed within the connector housing 200 , such that the
`springs 210 may bias against the bracket 212 at one end of
`the springs 210 and against a flange on each respective
`ferrule 208 at the other end of the springs 210 . The collars
`214 and 216 may be configured to receive an open end of a
`cable containing the optical fibers which are received in the
`ferrules 208 and secure the open end of the cable within the
`push - pull boot connector 100 .
`[ 0034 ] As mentioned above , the connector housing 200 is
`connected to the strain relief boot 300 . Such connection may
`be a clip - in connection , where the connector housing 200 is
`connected to the strain relief boot 300 by a clip on one of the
`strain relief boot 300 and the connector housing 200 , and the
`clip is engaged with a clip mating face on the other of the
`strain relief boot 300 and the connector housing 200 . For
`example , the strain relief boot 300 may include one or more
`mating clips 306 ( FIG . 2 ) which are engageable with cor
`responding clip mating face ( s ) 218 ( FIG . 1 ) of the connector
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`Jul . 4 , 2019
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`housing 200 . When connected by such a clip - in connection ,
`the connector housing 200 and the strain relief boot 300 may
`thereby be free to move together along the longitudinal
`direction L .
`[ 0035 ] As shown in FIG . 3 , an example push - pull con
`nection 10 includes the push - pull boot connector 100 and an
`adapter 400 . In various embodiments , the push - pull boot
`connector 100 also includes a latch release ramp 106 on one
`of the connector housing 200 and the strain relief boot 300 .
`For example , in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS . 1 - 4 , the
`latch release ramp 106 is positioned on the connector
`housing 200 .
`[ 0036 ] The adapter 400 includes a channel 406 configured
`to receive the proximal end 102 of the push - pull boot
`connector 100 and a latch 408 positioned in the channel 406
`of the adapter 400 to engage the push - pull boot connector
`100 when the push - pull boot connector 100 moves relative
`to the adapter 400 in
`a first direction 1000 along the
`longitudinal direction L , e . g . , into the channel 406 of the
`adapter 400 . For example , in the embodiment illustrated in
`FIGS . 1 - 4 , the adapter 400 is a dual latch adapter with a pair
`of opposing latches 408 . As shown in FIGS . 3 and 4 , the pair
`of latches 408 are disposed at opposite sides of the channel
`406 , e . g . , a first latch 408 is disposed at the top of the
`channel 406 and a second latch 408 is disposed at the bottom
`of the channel 406 , e . g . , when the push - pull connection 10
`is positioned as shown in FIG . 3 . The latches 408 may be
`mirror images of one another , e . g . , each latch 408 may
`extend into the channel 406 from one of the opposing sides
`towards the other latch 408 . The latches 408 may each
`engage with a recess or notch 220 in the connector housing
`200 ( FIGS . 1 and 4 ) . Through engagement of the latches 408
`with the push - pull boot connector 100 , the latches 408 retain
`the push - pull boot connector 100 in the channel 406 of the
`adapter 400 when the push - pull boot connector 100 is
`inserted , e . g . , pushed , into the channel 406 of the adapter
`400 . In embodiments where the latch 408 is a dual latch
`comprising a pair of opposing latches 408 , the push - pull
`boot connector 100 may include a pair of latch release ramps
`106 corresponding to the pair of opposing latches 408 . In
`such embodiments , each latch release ramp 106 of the pair
`of latch release ramps 106 may be configured to disengage
`a corresponding latch 408 of the pair of opposing latches 408
`from the push - pull boot connector 100 when the push - pull
`boot connector 100 moves in the second direction 2000
`relative to the adapter 400 , e . g . , when the push - pull boot
`connector 100 is pulled out of the adapter 400 .
`[ 0037 ] The latch release ramp 106 of the push - pull boot
`connector 100 may be configured to disengage the latch 408
`of the adapter 400 from the push - pull boot connector 100
`when the push - pull boot connector 100 moves relative to the
`adapter 400 in the second direction 2000 . For example , as
`best seen in FIGS . 3 and 4 , the latch release ramp 106 may
`be oblique to the longitudinal direction L and may slope
`towards the distal end 104 of the push - pull boot connector
`100 . The latch release ramp 106 may extend from a high
`point at a proximal end of the latch release ramp 106 , the
`proximal end of the latch release ramp 106 being , e . g . , an
`end of the latch release ramp 106 which is closer to or
`oriented towards the proximal end 102 of the push - pull boot
`connector 100 , to a low point at a distal end of the latch
`release ramp 106 , the distal end of the latch release ramp 106
`being , e . g . , an end of the latch release ramp 106 which is
`closer to or oriented towards the distal end 104 of the
`
`push - pull boot connector 100 . The latch release ramp 106
`may be generally oriented or sloped opposite the latch 408 ,
`in order to disengage the latch 408 of the adapter 400 from
`the push - pull boot connector 100 when the push - pull boot
`connector 100 moves relative to the adapter 400 in the
`second direction 2000 , e . g . , when the push - pull boot con
`nector 100 is pulled out of the adapter 400 .
`[ 0038 ] FIGS . 5 - 9 illustrate an additional embodiment of
`the present subject matter , where the push - pull boot con
`nector 100 is a duplex uniboot connector . As shown in FIG .
`6 , the push - pull boot connector 100 may include a collar 214
`which serves as a crimp for a jacket or strength member of
`a fiber optic cable . In some embodiments , e . g . , as illustrated
`in FIGS . 7 - 9 , the latch 408 may be a single latch . As shown ,
`the latch 408 also may be provided as a leaf spring within the
`channel 406 . The leaf spring latch 408 of FIGS . 7 - 9 may be
`provided as a single latch 408 , as shown , or may be provided
`as a dual latch in other embodiments , e . g . , one or more of the
`dual latches 408 shown in FIGS . 3 , 4 , 12 , 13 , 16 , and / or 17
`may also be provided as leaf spring latches 408 .
`[ 0039 ]
`In the embodiment illustrated by FIGS . 5 - 9 , the
`latch release ramp 106 is positioned on the strain relief boot
`300 . As shown , the latch release ramp 106 is positioned on
`a connector release arm 310 of the strain relief boot 300 . In
`such embodiments , the push - pull boot connector 100 may
`include a spring 210 positioned generally between the
`connector housing 200 and the strain relief boot 300 , such as
`between the connector release arm 310 of the strain relief
`boot 300 and a shoulder 222 on the connector housing 200 ,
`e . g . , as shown in FIGS . 7 - 9 . The spring 210 may be
`configured to bias the connector release arm 310 in the first
`direction 1000 . As most easily seen in FIGS . 8 and 9 , the
`connector release arm 310 may be configured to move a
`fixed distance relative to the connector housing 200 in the
`second direction 2000 . For example , the connector release
`arm 310 may be biased to or towards a latched position , as
`shown , e . g . , in FIGS . 5 and 8 , by the spring 210 . The
`connector release arm 310 may move the fixed distance from
`the latched position of FIG . 8 to a release position , which is
`shown in FIG . 9 . The fixed distance may be defined by the
`shoulder 222 on the connector housing 200 , where the
`connector release arm 310 abuts the shoulder 222 when in
`the release position , as shown in FIG . 9 . Once the connector
`release arm 310 has reached the release position , the con
`nector housing 200 and the strain relief boot 300 may move
`together in the second direction 2000 , e . g . , as the push - pull
`boot connector 100 is pulled out of the adapter 400 . Once the
`pulling force is removed , the spring 210 may be configured
`to return the connector release arm 310 in the first direction
`1000 to the latched position from the release position . As
`shown in FIG . 9 , when the connector release arm 310 is in
`the release position while the proximal end 102 of the
`push - pull boot connector 100 is received within the channel
`406 of the adapter 400 , the latch release ramp 106 biases the
`latch 408 outward , e . g . , away from the push - pull boot
`connector 100 , to disengage the latch 408 from the push - pull
`boot connector 100 .
`[ 0040 ]
`In some embodiments , e . g . , as illustrated in FIGS .
`10 - 13 , the push - pull boot connector 100 may be a SC duplex
`uniboot connector . In such embodiments , e . g . , as shown in
`FIGS . 10 - 13 , the latch release ramp 106 may be provided on
`the connector housing 200 of the push - pull boot connector
`100 . In some embodiments , the latch release ramp 106 may
`be provided proximate the first end 202 of the connector
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`US 2019 / 0204513 A1
`
`Jul . 4 , 2019
`
`housing 200 and close to the portion of the connector
`housing 200 in which the ferrule holders 206 are received
`As shown in FIG . 11 , the push - pull boot connector 100 may
`include two ferrules 208 and two corresponding ferrule
`holders 206 , with the ferrules 208 biased forward , e . g . , to or
`towards the proximal end 102 of the push - pull boot con
`nector 100 , by springs 210 positioned between a flange on
`each ferrule 208 and a first collar 214 . The push - pull boot
`connector 100 may further include a bracket 212 distal of the
`first collar 214 and a second collar 216 distal of the bracket
`212 . One or both of the collars 214 and 216 may be
`configured to engage and support an end of a fiber optic
`cable containing the optical fibers which are routed through
`the ferrules 208 . As shown in FIGS . 12 and 13 , when the
`push - pull boot connector 100 moves relative to the adapter
`400 in the second direction 2000 , e . g . , from the installed
`position shown in FIG . 12 to the release position shown in
`FIG . 13 , the latch release ramp 106 biases the latch 408
`outward , e . g . , away from the push - pull boot connector 100
`along a third direction 3000 which is generally perpendicu
`lar to the longitudinal direction L , to disengage the latch 408
`from the push - pull boot connector 100 .
`[ 0041 ] As another example , the push - pull boot connector
`100 may also be a SC simplex connector , e . g . , including a
`single ferrule 208 for a single optical fiber , as illustrated in
`FIGS . 14 - 17 . In such embodiments , e . g . , as shown in FIGS .
`14 - 17 , the latch release ramp 106 may be provided on the
`connector housing 200 of the push - pull boot connector 100 .
`In some embodiments , the latch release ramp 106 may be
`provided proximate the first end 202 of the connector
`housing 200 and close to the portion of the connector
`housing 200 in which the ferrule holders 206 are received .
`[ 0042 ] The present subject matter provides numerous
`advantages over the prior art , as will be apparent to those of
`ordinary skill . For example , utilization of an industry stan
`dard recognized connector design that has a dual latching
`feature that does not protrude beyond the body of the
`connector , therefore minimizing the space required for the
`connection to occur . This in turn allows a greater density to
`be mounted within a standard footprint of one rack unit
`( 1RU ) . The density of a 1RU panel can be increased , e . g . , up
`to 288 fibers . As another example , the combination of a
`connector variant with a uniboot design minimizes cable
`volume as compared to a design including more than one
`boot . Ease of access to install or remove the push - pull boot
`connector 100 is increased , e . g . , in that the installation or
`removal can be performed by pushing or pulling on the
`connector boot 300 instead of needing access to the con
`nector housing 200 . No remote pulling latch to hinder cable
`routing or finger access is included . The foregoing are
`merely examples of potential benefits and advantages the
`present subject matter may provide and are in no way
`limiting , the present subject matters may provide additional
`advantages , and embodiments of the present subject matter
`may not necessarily include any or all of the specific
`example advantages described in this paragraph .
`10043 ]
`This written description uses examples to disclose
`the invention , including the best mode , and also to enable
`any person skilled in the art to practice the invention ,
`including making and using any devices or systems and
`performing any incorporated methods . The patentable scope
`of the invention is defined by the claims , and may include
`other examples that occur to those skilled in the art . Such
`other examples are intended to be within the scope of the
`
`claims if they include structural elements that do not differ
`from the literal language of the claims , or if they include
`equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences
`from the literal languages of the claims .
`What is claimed is :
`1 . A push - pull connection , comprising :
`a push - pull boot connector extending along a longitudinal
`direction from a proximal end to a distal end , the
`push - pull boot connector comprising a connector hous
`ing defining the proximal end of the push - pull boot
`connector at a first end of the housing , a second end of
`the connector housing connected to
`a first end of a
`strain relief boot , a second end of the strai