(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2004/0247252 A1
`Ehrenreich et al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Dec. 9, 2004
`
`US 2004O247252A1
`
`(54) RETRACTABLE FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR
`HOUSING
`
`(76) Inventors: John Ehrenreich, Ellicott City, MD
`(US); Michael Dahan, Owings Mills,
`MD (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`HOWREY SMON ARNOLD & WHTE LLP
`ATTORNEYS AT LAW
`750 BERING DRIVE
`HOUSTON, TX 77057-2198 (US)
`(21) Appl. No.:
`10/789,473
`(22) Filed:
`Feb. 27, 2004
`
`
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/450,610, filed on Feb.
`28, 2003.
`
`Publication Classification
`(51) Int. Cl. ................................................... GO2B 6/38
`(52) U.S. Cl. ................................................................ 385/58
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A fiber optic connector used for data communication and
`telecommunication applications is disclosed. A latch pull is
`used to decouple the fiber optic connector from a receptacle.
`The latch pull provides easier removal of the fiber optic
`connector than prior art connector removal mechanisms,
`thereby enabling high-density fiber optic installations.
`
`Senko EX1009
`PGR2024-00037
`U.S. Publication No. 2004/0247252
`
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`Patent Application Publication Dec. 9, 2004 Sheet 1 of 5
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`Patent Application Publication Dec. 9, 2004 Sheet 4 of 5
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`Patent Application Publication Dec. 9, 2004 Sheet 5 of 5
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`US 2004/0247252A1
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`Dec. 9, 2004
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`RETRACTABLE FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR
`HOUSING
`
`PRIORITY CLAIM
`0001) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provi
`sional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/450,610 filed on Feb.
`28, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
`entirety.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`0002 The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic
`connector used for data communication and telecommuni
`cation applications, and particularly to a fiber optic connec
`tor that is easier to install and remove from a receptacle in
`high-density installations.
`0.003
`Optical fibers are an integral part of modern signal
`transmission Systems. Optical fiber connectors are used to
`connect optical fibers to various receptacles, Such as con
`necting Segments of fibers together to make longer lengths,
`connecting fibers to active devices Such as radiation Sources,
`detectors, and amplifiers, and connecting fibers to passive
`devices Such as Switches, dividers, and attenuators. The
`connection between a pair of optical fiber ends typically
`consists of a pair of ferrules, Small capillary cylinders made
`of glass, ceramic, or plastic fiber, which are butted together
`end-to-end in a manner that allows light to travel from one
`to the other along their common central axis. AS Such,
`optical fiber connectors perform three basic functions:
`0004:
`1. Provide accurate positioning and abutment
`of the two ferrules;
`0005 2. Provide maximum transfer of optical sig
`nals with minimal Signal loss, and
`0006 3. Provide a stable mechanical joint with the
`receptacle So that no unintended decoupling occurs.
`0007 Optical fiber connectors are known in the art. One
`type of conventional connector is described in detail in U.S.
`Pat. No. 5,481,634 to Anderson et al., which is herein
`incorporated by reference. The connector disclosed in that
`patent comprises a cylindrical ceramic ferrule, which pro
`trudes through an opening in a plastic housing body. A
`cylindrical Spring Surrounds the ferrule and interacts with an
`interior Surface of the housing body to urge the ferrule
`axially outward from the housing opening. The housing
`body has a cantilever-type spring latch located on one
`exterior Side of the connector which is manually operable
`and which mates with a shoulder within the receptacle to
`lock the connector therein. When a connection is made, the
`ferrule first Seats on the optical interface of the mating
`ferrule or active device. The housing body then continues to
`advance until the cantilever latch clears the latching shoul
`der on the receptacle. The internal Spring absorbs this
`additional axial advance, and continues to apply axial force
`between the latch and the receptacle to maintain intimate
`contact at the optical interface.
`0008. The connector of the referenced patent is but one
`type of fiber optic connector. ST, SC, VF 45, and MTRJ
`connectors are also commonly used in fiber optic Systems.
`With the increasing use of optical fibers as transmission
`media, the general design concept behind the development
`of the connector described above was to create a simple
`
`device that could achieve higher density installations, i.e.
`more tightly Spaced fiber optic connections. One feature of
`Such connectors that prevents maximum packing density is
`the latching mechanism. Although advertised as easily
`removable by using only the tip of the finger on the latching
`mechanism, this in reality is only true when the connector is
`relatively unobstructed. To achieve the maximum packing
`configurations for which the connector was designed to
`achieve, it is far more difficult and perhaps impossible for an
`operator to remove a connector in a high density installation
`without grasping the connector body and latch, or by using
`Some other tool to depress the latch. It is still highly
`desirable to provide a fiber optic connector that facilitates
`the easy installation and the easy removal of the connector
`in a variety of installation configurations, including high
`density installations.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED SUBJECT
`MATTER
`0009. The subject matter of this disclosure overcomes the
`above-discussed shortcomings and Satisfies a significant
`need for a fiber optic connector that can be more easily
`removed from fiber optic receptacles in high-density instal
`lations. One fiber optic connector constructed in accordance
`with certain teachings herein has a connector body, a latch
`attached to the connector body and capable of coupling with
`a fiber optic receptacle, and a movable latch pull having a
`cavity capable of at least partially enclosing the latch and at
`least one inclined plane that is slidable against the latch. The
`latch pull is engaged to the connector body in a manner So
`as to allow the latch pull to slide over the connector body.
`By moving the latch pull away from the fiber optic recep
`tacle, at least one inclined plane of the latch pull slides
`against the latch, thus forcing the latch into a position closer
`to the connector body, thereby decoupling the latch from the
`fiber optic receptacle. Another illustrative embodiment pro
`vides a strain relief boot affixed to the latch pull, whereby
`moving the strain relief boot away from the fiber optic
`receptacle forces the latch into a position closer to the
`connector body, thus decoupling the connector body from
`the fiber optic receptacle.
`0010 Alternate latching mechanisms are also provided.
`One embodiment utilizes a latch that is biased into a position
`close to the connector body. Another embodiment utilizes a
`latch that is connected to the connector body by means of a
`hinging mechanism. In both of these embodiments, by
`moving the latch pull towards the fiber optic receptacle, at
`least one inclined plane of the latch pull slides against the
`latch, thus forcing the latch into a position away from the
`connector body, and into a coupling position with the fiber
`optic receptacle. The inclined planes are also oriented So as
`to allow the latch to return to a position closer to the
`connector body when the latch pull is moved away from the
`fiber optic receptacle, thus decoupling the latch from the
`fiber optic receptacle.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0011. A more complete understanding of the disclosed
`Subject matter may be obtained with reference to the accom
`panying drawings:
`0012 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of
`a fiber optic connector in accordance with certain teachings
`
`

`

`US 2004/0247252A1
`
`Dec. 9, 2004
`
`of the present disclosure, cantilever beam latch biased down,
`shown in a fully latched configuration, with an alternate
`embodiment duplex design shown in phantom.
`0013 FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of
`another embodiment of a fiber optic connector in accordance
`with certain teachings of the present disclosure, cantilever
`beam latch biased down, shown in a fully latched configu
`ration.
`FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of one
`0.014
`embodiment of a fiber optic connector in accordance with
`certain teachings of the present disclosure, cantilever beam
`latch biased down.
`0.015
`FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a preferred
`embodiment fiber optic connector in accordance with certain
`teachings of the present disclosure, cantilever beam latch
`biased up, shown fully latched with a receptacle.
`0016 FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a preferred
`embodiment fiber optic connector in accordance with certain
`teachings of the present disclosure, cantilever beam latch
`biased up, shown partially retracted from a receptacle.
`0017 FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of
`the latch pull mechanism in accordance with certain teach
`ings of the present disclosure, cantilever beam latch biased
`up, shown in a fully latched position.
`0018 FIG. 7A is a perspective view of another embodi
`ment of the latch pull mechanism in accordance with certain
`teachings of the present disclosure, cantilever beam latch
`biased up, shown in a retracted configuration.
`0019 FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the latch pull
`mechanism of FIG. 7A, shown in a fully latched configu
`ration.
`0020 FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an
`alternate embodiment of the latch pull mechanism in accor
`dance with certain teachings of the present disclosure,
`hinged latch.
`0021
`FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another alternate
`embodiment of the latch pull mechanism in accordance with
`certain teachings of the present disclosure, cantilever beam
`latch biased down and located on the latch pull mechanism.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE
`EMBODIMENTS
`0022. The present disclosure will now be described more
`filly with reference to the accompanying drawings in which
`a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This
`disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different
`forms and should not be construed as being limited to the
`embodiment set forth herein.
`0023 Referring to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown a preferred
`embodiment of a fiber optic connector in accordance with
`certain teachings of the present disclosure. Fiber optic
`connector 100 consists of a connector body 102 which is of
`material injection molded plastic or any other Suitable
`material known in the art. The connector body 102 encloses
`the fiber optic ferrule, stem, and Spring (not shown). The
`spring push 104 is affixed into the connector body 14 using
`mechanical latches 106 to remain attached during usage
`this member holds the ferrule, Stem and Spring into the
`connector body 102.
`
`Fiber optic connector 100 also consists of a latch
`0024.
`pull 108 having a cavity 110 capable of at least partially
`enclosing latch 112. Latch pull 108 is of a material injection
`molded plastic or any other Suitable material known in the
`art. Latch 112 is preferably a cantilever beam of the type and
`material typically found in the prior art, and is attached to
`connector body 102. Latch pull 108 is installed over the
`spring push 104 and the latch 112 in a manner so as to allow
`the latch pull 108 to freely slide over at least a portion of the
`connector body 10, including at least a portion of latch 112.
`Latch pull 108 has at least one, and preferably, a plurality of
`inclined planes 114 within cavity 110, which are designed to
`contact and Slide against latch 112. Latch 112 may slide
`directly against inclined planes 114, or, as shown in FIGS.
`1-3, latch 112 may contain two matched tabs 116 designed
`to contact and Slide against inclined planes 114.
`0025 FIGS. 1-3 depict a preferred latch embodiment in
`accordance with certain teachings of the present disclosure.
`Cantilever beam latch 112 is biased in a downward direction
`such that inclined planes 114 force latch 112 into a position
`away from the connector body 102 when connector 100 is
`latched with a fiber optic receptacle (not shown). Latch 112
`Slides along inclined planes 114 when the latch pull is moved
`towards connector body 102, thereby moving latch 112 and
`locking tabs 117 against the locking Surface of the fiber optic
`receptacle, thereby coupling connector 100 with the recep
`tacle. When latch pull 108 is moved away from the fiber
`optic receptacle, latch 112 Slides along inclined planes 114
`and returns to a position closer to the connector body 102,
`thereby releasing connector 100 from the fiber optic recep
`tacle.
`0026 AS is evident from this description and from the
`drawings, latch pull 108 enables the operator to install and
`remove fiber optic connector 100 from a fiber optic recep
`tacle without requiring room for the operator's fingers to
`directly release latch 112. Rather, the operator need only be
`able to pull the latch pull 108 away from the receptacle to
`release fiber optic connector 100. Additionally, it is a pre
`ferred embodiment that a strain relief boot 118 be perma
`nently affixed to latch pull 108. This allows the strain relief
`boot 118 to transfer any pulling forces to latch pull 108 and
`thus subsequently release the fiber optic connector 100 from
`the fiber optic receptacle. The strain relief boot 118 provides
`even easier acceSS and even easier removal of fiber optic
`connector 100 since the operator must only be able to reach
`strain relief boot 118 and pull it away from the receptacle to
`release fiber optic connector 100.
`0027 FIG. 1 also illustrates an alternative embodiment
`in which a duplex connector (the duplex portion shown as
`phantom 101) is provided in accordance with certain teach
`ings of the present disclosure. Duplex connectors are well
`known in the art and may utilize the latch pull concept
`presented herein, although Several latch pull designs are
`envisioned. One illustrative embodiment is shown in FIG. 1
`in which the duplex connector 101 utilizes a single latch pull
`to detach the dupleX latches.
`0028 FIGS. 4-7 depict the alternative embodiment of the
`latch and latch pull mechanism in which the cantilever beam
`latch 112 is biased in an upward direction. When latch pull
`108 is moved away from the fiber optic receptacle as shown
`in FIG. 5, latch 112, and more specifically latch tabs 116,
`Slides along inclined planes 114 and is forced into a position
`
`

`

`US 2004/0247252A1
`
`Dec. 9, 2004
`
`closer to the connector body 102, thereby providing the
`clearance for latch 112 and locking tabs 117 to clear the
`locking surface 122 of the fiber optic receptacle 120, thereby
`releasing connector 100 from fiber optic receptacle 120.
`FIGS. 4-6 depict one illustrative embodiment of inclined
`planes 114 where inclined planes 114 begin at the face of the
`latch pull. FIGS. 7A and 7B depict a second illustrative
`embodiment for this latch pull mechanism in which entrance
`planes 124 are used to help ensure proper latching of latch
`pull 108. As shown in FIG. 7A, latch 112 is forced down
`ward as latch pull 108 is moved towards the connector body
`102. As shown in FIG. 7B, latch 112 substantially returns to
`its biased position, which corresponds to the position in
`which latch 112 and locking tabs 117 are locked in fiber
`optic receptacle 120.
`0029 FIG. 8 shows an alternative latch embodiment in
`which latch 112 is attached to connector body 102 using a
`hinging mechanism 126. AS in the preferred embodiment
`(cantilever beam latch biased down) previously described in
`relation to FIGS. 1 and 2, latch 112 slides along inclined
`planes 114 when the latch pull is moved towards connector
`body 102, thereby moving latch 112 and locking tabs 117
`against the locking Surface of the fiber optic receptacle,
`thereby coupling connector 100 with the receptacle. When
`latch pull 108 is moved away from the fiber optic receptacle,
`latch 112 Slides along inclined planes 114 and returns to a
`position closer to the connector body 102, thereby releasing
`connector 100 from the fiber optic receptacle.
`0030 FIG. 9 shows yet another alternative embodiment
`of the present disclosure in which latch 128 is connected to
`latch pull 132. In this configuration, latch 128 is biased
`downward and extends in the direction of connector body
`102 and fiber optic receptacle 120. Connector body 102 has
`at least one, and preferably, a plurality of inclined planes
`130, which are designed to slide against latch 128. In this
`embodiment, inclined planes 130 force latch 128 away from
`latch pull 132 when latch pull 132 is moved towards
`connector body 102, thereby providing the necessary means
`for latch 128 and locking tabs 117 to couple with receptacle
`120. Inclined planes 130 also allow latch 128 to return to its
`biased position closer to latch pull 132 when latch pull 132
`is moved away from fiber optic receptacle 120, thereby
`decoupling latch 128 from fiber optic receptacle 120.
`0031. It is a preferred aspect of the present disclosure that
`all of the fiber optic connectors described herein are fully
`compatible with fiber optic receptacles designed for con
`ventional connectorS Such as an “LC connector. However,
`it is also envisioned that the apparatus and methods of the
`present disclosure may be utilized to improve upon the
`conventional connector designs to create an even Smaller
`fiber optic connector for maximum density installations.
`0032. It will be apparent to one of skill in the art that
`described herein is a novel fiber optic connector and a novel
`method for achieving a high-density fiber optic installation
`using Said connectors. A latch pull mechanism is provided
`Such that movement of the latch pull relative to the connec
`tor body acts to decouple the latch mechanism, and thus the
`fiber optic connector, from a fiber optic receptacle. While the
`invention has been described with references to specific
`preferred embodiments, it is not limited to these embodi
`ments. Although the embodiments described herein relate to
`fiber optic Systems, one of skill in the art can appreciate that
`
`the disclosed subject matter can be utilized with any form of
`communication device or System. The invention may be
`modified or varied in many ways and Such modifications and
`variations as would be obvious to one of skill in the art are
`within the Scope and Spirit of the invention and are included
`within the Scope of the following claims.
`
`What is claimed is:
`1. A connector, comprising:
`a connector body;
`a latch attached to the connector body, the latch being
`capable of coupling with a receptacle, and
`a latch pull movably engaged with the connector body;
`wherein moving the latch pull relative to the connector
`body decouples the latch from the receptacle.
`2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the latch pull has a
`cavity capable of at least partially enclosing the latch and at
`least one inclined plane that is slidable against the latch.
`3. The connector of claim 1, wherein the latch pull is
`engaged with the connector body So as to allow the latch pull
`to slide over at least a portion of the connector body.
`4. The connector of claim 1, wherein moving the latch
`pull relative to the connector body causes at least one
`inclined plane to Slide against the latch, thus moving the
`latch to a position that decouples the latch from the recep
`tacle.
`5. The connector of claim 1, wherein the latch further
`comprises at least one tab attached to at least one side of the
`latch.
`6. The connector of claim 5, wherein moving the latch
`pull away from the receptacle causes at least one inclined
`plane to Slide against at least one tab, thus moving the latch
`to a position that decouples the latch from the receptacle.
`7. The connector of claim 1, wherein the receptacle is
`designed to receive a conventional fiber optic connector.
`8. The connector of claim 1, wherein the latch comprises
`a cantilever beam.
`9. The connector of claim 1, wherein the latch is attached
`to the connector body with a hinging mechanism.
`10. The connector of claim 1, further comprising a Strain
`relief boot affixed to the latch pull.
`11. The connector of claim 10, wherein moving the strain
`relief boot relative to the connector body forces the latch into
`a position that decouples the latch from the receptacle.
`12. A connector, comprising:
`a connector body;
`a means for coupling the connector body with a receptacle
`by pushing the coupling means toward the receptacle;
`and
`a means for decoupling the connector body from a recep
`tacle by establishing relative movement between the
`decoupling means and the connector body.
`13. A connector, comprising:
`a connector body; and
`a means for decoupling the connector body from a recep
`tacle by pulling the decoupling means away from the
`receptacle.
`
`

`

`US 2004/0247252A1
`
`Dec. 9, 2004
`
`14. A fiber optic connector, comprising:
`a connector body;
`a latch attached to the connector body, the latch being
`capable of coupling with a receptacle, the latch further
`comprising at least one tab attached to at least one Side
`of the latch; and
`a latch pull movably engaged with the connector body, the
`latch pull having a cavity capable of at least partially
`enclosing the latch and at least one inclined plane that
`is slidable against the latch;
`wherein moving the latch pull away from the receptacle
`causes at least one inclined plane to Slide against at
`least one tab, thus moving the latch to a position that
`decouples the latch from the receptacle.
`15. The connector of claim 14, further comprising a Strain
`relief boot affixed to the latch pull.
`16. The connector of claim 15, wherein moving the strain
`relief boot away from the receptacle forces the latch into a
`position that decouples the latch from the receptacle.
`17. A connector, comprising:
`a connector body;
`a latch pull movably engaged with the connector body;
`and
`a latch attached to the latch pull, the latch capable of
`coupling with a receptacle;
`wherein moving the latch pull toward the receptacle
`couples the latch with the receptacle, and
`wherein moving the latch pull away from the receptacle
`decouples the latch from the receptacle.
`18. The connector of claim 17, wherein the latch pull is
`engaged with the connector body So as to allow the latch pull
`to slide over at least a portion of the connector body.
`19. The connector of claim 17, wherein the connector
`body contains at least one inclined plane capable of moving
`
`the latch into a position that couples the latch with the
`receptacle as the latch pull is moved toward the receptacle.
`20. The connector of claim 17, wherein the latch further
`comprises at least one tab attached to at least one side of the
`latch.
`21. The connector of claim 20, wherein moving the latch
`pull toward the receptacle causes at least one inclined plane
`to Slide against at least one tab, thus moving the latch into
`a position that couples the latch with the receptacle.
`22. The connector of claim 20, wherein moving the latch
`pull away from the receptacle causes at least one inclined
`plane to Slide against at least one tab, thus moving the latch
`into a position that decouples the latch from the receptacle.
`23. The connector of claim 17, wherein the latch com
`prises a cantilever beam.
`24. The connector of claim 17, wherein the latch is
`attached to the latch pull with a hinge.
`25. The connector of claim 17, further comprising a strain
`relief boot affixed to the latch pull.
`26. A method for decoupling a connector from a recep
`tacle, comprising:
`providing a connector comprising a connector body, a
`latch attached to the connector body, and a latch pull
`having a cavity capable of at least partially enclosing
`the latch and at least one inclined plane that is slidable
`against the latch; and
`moving the latch pull relative to the connector body So as
`to force the latch into a position that decouples the latch
`from the receptacle.
`27. The method of claim 26, wherein the connector further
`comprises a Strain relief 4 boot attached to the latch pull.
`28. The method of claim 27, wherein moving the strain
`relief boot relative to the connector body forces the latch into
`a position that decouples the latch from the receptacle.
`
`