0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of optical cable connectors.
More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an integrated boot for a
5 protected cable connector assembly and methods thereof. The present application
is a patent of addition of Indian Application Number 201811042735 filed on 14th
November 2018, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference
herein.
10 BACKGROUND
[0002] Over the last few years there has been a significant rise in the use of
optical fibre cables. The optical fibre cables are employed for a variety of
applications. However, the optical fibre cables are primarily employed for
15 networking and communication applications. In networking and communication
applications, it is frequently desirable to make connections between different pairs
of optical fibres. A variety of equipment is used to make these connections
between different pairs of optical fibres. The variety of equipment includes
optical connectors. The optical connectors enable optical coupling of optical fibre
20 cable with fibre termination box. It is important to ensure that the connections
provided by optical connectors are sufficiently strong to withstand environmental
disturbances and various loads. However, these optical connectors are not
environmentally robust. In addition, these optical connectors are not water proof.
Moreover, these optical connectors are not weather proof. Further, these optical
25 connectors are not provided with protective or shielding arrangements.
3/35
[0003] In light of the above, there is a need for an environmentally robust
connector that overcomes the above stated disadvantages.
OBJECT OF THE DISCLOSURE
5
[0004] A primary object of the present disclosure is to provide an integrated
boot for use with a fibre optic connector.
[0005] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide the integrated boot
10 which prevents vibrations of an optical fibre cable connected to the fibre optic
connector.
[0006] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a collet tab
which can join two cylindrical bodies.
15
[0007] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to enable engagement of a
pre-terminated connector to housing of a fibre optic distribution box.
[0008] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the pre20 terminated connector which is field deployable.
[0009] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the protected
cable connector which can be engaged and disengaged from housing using click
and unclick functionality.
25
[0010] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a protected
cable connector assembly that is easily affixed with fibre distribution boxes.
4/35
[0011] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the protected
cable connector assembly that is simple in construction.
SUMMARY
5
[0012] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an integrated boot for use
with a connector. The connector is connected to an inner optical fibre cable. The
integrated boot includes a boot part and an elf part. The elf part is integral to the
boot part. The boot part holds the connector with the inner optical fibre cable.
10 The boot part connects a first end of the inner optical fibre cable to the connector.
The elf part is capable of engaging with a transport tube when the elf part is
pushed into the transport tube. The inner optical fibre cable passes through the
transport tube.
15 [0013] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the elf part removably
engages with the transport tube.
[0014] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the boot part is capable of
providing strain relief at the connector.
20
[0015] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the integrated boot prevents
vibrations of the inner optical fibre cable in the transport tube from being
transferred to the connector when the elf part is pushed into the transport tube.
25 [0016] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the boot part has a
cylindrical shape.
5/35
[0017] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the elf part has a slotted
cylindrical shape.
[0018] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the connector is an LC
5 connector.
[0019] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a collet tab for locking
a first cylindrical body and a second cylindrical body. The first cylindrical body
has a first cylindrical cavity. The first cylindrical body is defined by a first
10 housing-end and a first cable-end. The collet tab sits in the first cylindrical
cavity. The second cylindrical body has a second cylindrical cavity. The second
cylindrical body has a second housing-end and a second cable-end. The collet tab
includes a cover arc structure and a locking arc structure. The locking arc
structure is integral to the cover arc structure. The cover arc structure is defined
15 by a first inner diameter d1. The locking arc structure is defined by a second inner
diameter d2. The first inner diameter d1 of the cover arc structure is greater than
the second inner diameter d2 of the locking arc structure. The locking arc
structure protrudes out of the first cylindrical cavity of the first cylindrical body.
The locking arc structure has a first tapered surface such that when the collet tab
20 sits into the first cylindrical cavity of the first cylindrical body. The first tapered
surface forms an acute angle from a central axis measured from the first cableend. The second housing-end of the second cylindrical body is defined by a
second tapered surface. The second tapered surface is capable of pushing the first
tapered surface causing the locking arc structure to allow the first cylindrical body
25 to pass till the locking arc structure fits into the second cylindrical cavity of the
second cylindrical body when the second cylindrical body is pushed inside the
first cylindrical body.
6/35
[0020] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second cylindrical body
is connected to housing.
[0021] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of
5 engaging a pre-terminated connector to housing. The housing is engaged to a
second cylindrical body. The method includes a set of steps. The set of steps
include a first step of assembling the pre-terminated connector on an inner optical
fibre cable. The set of steps include a second step of pushing the pre-terminated
connector into the second cylindrical body. The pre-terminated connector
10 engages into the second cylindrical body engaged with the housing using a collet
tab when the pre-terminated connector is pushed into the second cylindrical body.
The collet tab displaces sideways when the pre-terminated connector is pushed
into the second cylindrical body till the collet tab locks into a second cylindrical
cavity of the pre-terminated connector.
15
[0022] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pre-terminated connector
is assembled according to a method. The pre-terminated connector is assembled
on the inner optical fibre cable. The method includes a set of steps. The set of
steps include a first step of engaging the first cylindrical body to the transport
20 tube. The set of steps include a second step of blowing the inner optical fibre
cable through a transport tube. The set of steps include a third step of feeding the
inner optical fibre cable through an integrated boot. The set of steps include a
fourth step of fitting the connector to an end of the inner optical fibre cable. The
set of steps include a fifth step of pushing the integrated boot onto the connector.
25 The set of steps include a sixth step of pushing the inner optical fibre cable into
the integrated boot. The set of steps include a seventh step of pushing the
transport tube onto the integrated boot. The integrated boot grips the inner optical
fibre cable and pins the inner optical fibre cable to the transport tube. The set of
steps include an eighth step of pushing the connector into the first cylindrical
7/35
body that locks the transport tube onto the internal thread portion of the first
cylindrical body. The connector is pushed into the first cylindrical body to allow
assembling of the pre-terminated connector.
5 [0023] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the transport tube is engaged
with the first cylindrical body using threads.
STATEMENT OF THE DISCLOSURE
10 [0024] The present disclosure talks about an integrated boot for use with a
connector. The connector is connected to an inner optical fibre cable. The
integrated boot includes a boot part and an elf part. The elf part is integral to the
boot part. The boot part holds the connector with the inner optical fibre cable.
The boot part connects a first end of the inner optical fibre cable to the connector.
15 The elf part is capable of engaging with a transport tube when the elf part is
pushed into the transport tube. The inner optical fibre cable passes through the
transport tube.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
20
[0025] Having thus described the disclosure in general terms, reference will now
be made to the accompanying figures, wherein:
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates an integrated boot, in accordance with an embodiment
25 of the present disclosure;
8/35
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates the integrated boot connected with one or more
components, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross sectional view of a collet tab for locking two
5 cylindrical bodies, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates engagement of a housing with a pre-terminated
connector, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
10 [0030] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the pre-terminated connector
engaged with the housing, in accordance with another embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates assembling of the pre-terminated connector to be
15 engaged with the housing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates an assembled cross sectional view for showing of the
assembled pre-terminated connector to be engaged with the housing, in
20 accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0033] FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded cross sectional view of a protected cable
connector assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
25 [0034] FIG. 9 illustrates a semi-exploded cross sectional view of the protected
cable connector assembly of FIG. 8, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure;
9/35
[0035] FIG. 10 illustrates side view of the protected cable connector assembly
of FIG. 8 along with dimensions, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure; and
5 [0036] FIG. 11 illustrates cross sectional view of the protected cable connector
assembly with a protective grip, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0037] It should be noted that the accompanying figures are intended to present
10 illustrations of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. These figures
are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be
noted that accompanying figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.
10/35
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous
specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the
5 present technology. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the
present technology can be practiced without these specific details. In other
instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagram form only in order
to avoid obscuring the present technology.
10 [0039] Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”
means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection
with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present
technology. The appearance of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places
in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor
15 are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other
embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited
by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are
described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other
embodiments.
20
[0040] Moreover, although the following description contains many specifics for
the purposes of illustration, anyone skilled in the art will appreciate that many
variations and/or alterations to said details are within the scope of the present
technology. Similarly, although many of the features of the present technology
25 are described in terms of each other, or in conjunction with each other, one skilled
in the art will appreciate that many of these features can be provided
independently of other features. Accordingly, this description of the present
11/35
technology is set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing
limitations upon, the present technology.
[0041] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", and the like, herein do
5 not denote any order, ranking, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to
distinguish one element from another. Further, the terms "a" and "an" herein do
not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one
of the referenced item.
10 [0042] FIG. 1 illustrates an integrated boot 100, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates the integrated boot 100
connected with one or more components, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present disclosure. The integrated boot 100 includes a boot part 102 and an
elf part 104 (as shown in FIG. 1). The one or more components connected with
15 the integrated boot 100 include a connector 106, an inner optical fibre cable 108
and a transport tube 110 (as shown in FIG. 2). The elf part 104 is integral to the
boot part 102. The boot part 102 and the elf part 104 constitute a single
component i.e the integrated boot 100. The integrated boot 100 is a cylindrical
shaped component. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the boot part 102
20 has a cylindrical shape. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the elf part
104 has a slotted cylindrical shape.
[0043] The integrated boot 100 is configured to be used with a connector 106.
The connector 106 is affixed to a first end of the inner optical fibre cable 108.
25 The connector 106 is connected to the inner optical fibre cable 108 (as shown in
FIG. 2). The integrated boot 100 is utilized to feed the inner optical fibre cable
108 into the transport tube 110. The connector 106 corresponds to a fibre optic
connector. A connector terminates end of an optical fibre cable and mechanically
couples and aligns cores of optical fibre. In addition, the connector 106
12/35
terminates end of an optical fibre cable to enable optical coupling with an optical
fibre distribution box.
[0044] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the connector 106 is a lucent
5 connector. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the connector 106
may be a subscriber connector or square connector or standard connector. In yet
another embodiment of the present disclosure, the connector 106 is multiple fibre
push-on connector. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the
connector 106 is any suitable connector of the like. In an embodiment of the
10 present disclosure, the connector 106 is a factory fitted connector. In another
embodiment of the present disclosure, the connector 106 is a field fitted
connector. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the connector
106 is any suitable connector of the like. The connector 106 enables the inner
optical fibre cable 108 to easily terminate into an optical fibre distribution box. In
15 an embodiment of the present disclosure, the connector 106 is a universal
connector. Furthermore, the connector 106 can be easily affixed with the optical
fibre distribution box when engaged with a housing of the optical fibre
distribution box. Moreover, the connector 106 is compatible with a plurality of
distribution boxes. Also, the connector 106 is a low cost connector.
20
[0045] The boot part 102 holds the connector 106 with the inner optical fibre
cable 108. The boot part 102 connects a first end of the inner optical fibre cable
108 to the connector 106. The boot part 102 holds the inner optical fibre cable
108 into a body of the connector 106. In an embodiment of the present
25 disclosure, the boot part 102 is capable of providing strain relief at the connector
106. The boot part 102 has a length shorter than a length of the elf part 104. In
an embodiment of the present disclosure, the boot part 102 has a larger inner
diameter than an inner diameter of the elf part 104. In an embodiment of the
present disclosure, the boot part 102 is a hollow cylindrical body. In an
13/35
embodiment of the present disclosure, the elf part 104 is a hollow cylindrical
body. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cylindrical body of the elf
part 104 has an opening for partially viewing the inner optical fibre cable 108.
5 [0046] The inner optical fibre cable 108 is pushed into the integrated boot 100
through the transport tube 110. The transport tube 110 is a hollow cylindrical
tube. The inner optical fibre cable 108 passes through a hollow opening of the
integrated boot 100 after passing through the transport tube 110. Accordingly, the
inner optical fibre cable 108 is affixed with the connector 106 after the inner
10 optical fibre cable 108 passes through the integrated boot 100. The connector 106
is affixed with a first open end of the inner optical fibre cable 108. The integrated
boot 100 is affixed with the connector 106 which is affixed with the inner optical
fibre cable 108. The integrated boot 100 is affixed by pushing the integrated boot
100 towards a first end of the connector 106. The inner optical fibre cable 108 is
15 pushed into a body of the integrated boot 100 to trap the inner optical fibre cable
108 into the body of the integrated boot 100.
[0047] Accordingly, the elf part 104 is inserted into the transport tube 110. The
elf part 104 is capable of engaging with the transport tube 110 when the elf part
20 104 is pushed into the transport tube 110. The inner optical fibre cable 108 passes
through the transport tube 110. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the
elf part 104 removably engages with the transport tube 110. The elf part 104 can
be disengaged from the transport tube 110 by pulling the integrated boot 100 out
of the transport tube 110.
25
[0048] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the integrated boot 100
prevents vibrations of the inner optical fibre cable 108 in the transport tube 110
from being transferred to the connector 106 when the elf part 104 is pushed into
the transport tube 110.
14/35
[0049] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross sectional view 300 of a collet tab 202 for
locking two cylindrical bodies, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure. The collet tab 202 is configured to lock two cylindrical bodies which
5 include suitable cavities over a surface of both the cylindrical bodies. The cross
sectional view 300 shows the collet tab 202, a first cylindrical body 204 and a
second cylindrical body 206. The collet tab 202 is configured for locking the first
cylindrical body 204 and the second cylindrical body 206. The collet tab 202 can
be utilized in any type of mechanical equipment where two cylindrical bodies
10 need to be connected with each other. The collet tab 202 is configured to sit in a
cylindrical cavity of a cylindrical body which is to be connected with another
cylindrical body.
[0050] The first cylindrical body 204 and the second cylindrical body 206 are
15 shown here for illustrative purposes and may be any type of cylindrical body
employed in any application. The first cylindrical body 204 has a first cylindrical
cavity 208. In addition, the first cylindrical body 204 is defined by a first
housing-end 210 and a first cable-end 212. The first housing-end 210 may be
associated with any type of housing. The first cable-end 212 refers to an end for
20 allowing any type of cable to enter the housing through the first housing-end 210.
The collet tab 202 sits in the first cylindrical cavity 208. The second cylindrical
body 206 has a second cylindrical cavity 214. The second cylindrical body 206
has a second housing-end 216 and a second cable-end 218.
25 [0051] The collet tab 202 includes a cover arc structure 220 and a locking arc
structure 222. The locking arc structure 222 is integral to the cover arc structure
220. The collet tab 202 is a continuous structure with the cover arc structure 220
integrated with the locking arc structure 222 to form a single element. The cover
arc structure 220 is defined by a first inner diameter d1 (as shown in FIG. 3). The
15/35
locking arc structure 222 is defined by a second inner diameter d2 (as shown in
FIG. 3). The first inner diameter d1 of the cover arc structure 220 is greater than
the second inner diameter d2 of the locking arc structure 222. In an embodiment
of the present disclosure, the cover arc structure 220 has the first inner diameter d1
5 of about 10.6 millimetres. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the
first inner diameter d1 of the cover arc structure 220 may vary. In an embodiment
of the present disclosure, the locking arc structure 222 has the second inner
diameter d2 of about 16.5 millimetres. In another embodiment of the present
disclosure, the second inner diameter d2 of the locking arc structure 222 may vary.
10
[0052] The collet tab 202 is defined by a central axis 226. The central axis 226
passes through a centre of the collet tab 202. The locking arc structure 222
protrudes out of the first cylindrical cavity 208 of the first cylindrical body 204.
The locking arc structure 222 has a first tapered surface 224. The first tapered
15 surface 224 forms an acute angle from the central axis 226 measured from the
first cable-end 212. The acute angle is formed when the collet tab 202 sits into
the first cylindrical cavity 208 of the first cylindrical body 204.
[0053] The second housing-end 216 of the second cylindrical body 206 is
20 defined by a second tapered surface 228. The first tapered surface 224 and the
second tapered surface 228 correspond to a surface with decreasing thickness.
The first tapered surface 224 and the second tapered surface 228 become
gradually narrower at one end. The second cylindrical body 206 is pushed inside
the first cylindrical body 204. The first cylindrical body 204 is fitted with the
25 collet tab 202 which protrudes out of the first cylindrical cavity 208 of the first
cylindrical body 204. The second tapered surface 228 of the second cylindrical
body 206 pushes the first tapered surface 224 as the second cylindrical body 206
is pushed inside the first cylindrical body 204.
16/35
[0054] The locking arc structure 222 is pushed upwards as the second
cylindrical body 206 is pushed inside the first cylindrical body 204. The locking
arc structure 222 is pushed upwards by the second tapered surface 228 after
coming in contact with the first tapered surface 224. Accordingly, the locking arc
5 structure 222 of the collet tab 202 fitted in the first cylindrical body 204 fits into
the second cylindrical cavity 214 of the second cylindrical body 206 as the first
cylindrical body 204 allows the second cylindrical body 206 to pass. The second
cylindrical body 206 passes through a hollow opening of the first cylindrical body
204. Accordingly, the first cylindrical body 204 is locked with the second
10 cylindrical body 206. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second
cylindrical body 206 is connected to a housing (described in FIG. 4).
[0055] FIG. 4 illustrates engagement of a housing 304 with a pre-terminated
connector 302, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG.
15 5 illustrates the pre-terminated connector 302 engaged with the housing 304, in
accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 illustrates
an exploded view 600 for showing assembling of the pre-terminated connector
302 to be engaged with the housing 304, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present disclosure. FIG. 7 illustrates a cross sectional view 700 for showing
20 the assembled pre-terminated connector 302 to be engaged with the housing 302,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0056] The cross sectional view 400 illustrates the pre-terminated connector 302
ready to be connected with the housing 304. The cross sectional view 500
25 illustrates the pre-terminated connector 302 connected with the housing 304. The
cross sectional view 600 illustrates the pre-terminated connector 302 ready to be
assembled. The cross sectional view 700 illustrates the assembled pre-terminated
connector 302 ready to be connected with the housing 304. The housing 304 is a
housing of a fibre optic distribution box. A fibre optic distribution box provides
17/35
optical cable interconnections between communication facilities, and integrates
fibre splicing, fibre termination, fibre optic adapters and connectors and cable
connections together in a single unit.
5 [0057] The housing 304 includes a second cylindrical body 306. The second
cylindrical body 306 is similar to the first cylindrical body 204 of the FIG. 3.
The second cylindrical body 306 includes the collet tab 202. The collet tab 202
allows the housing 304 to be engaged with the pre-terminated connector 302. In
addition, the pre-terminated connector 302 includes a first cylindrical body 308,
10 the connector 106, the integrated boot 100, the inner optical fibre cable 108 and
the transport tube 110. The first cylindrical body 308, the connector 106, the
integrated boot 100, the inner optical fibre cable 108 and the transport tube 110
are assembled to form the pre-terminated connector 302.
15 [0058] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pre-terminated connector
302 is assembled according to a method. The pre-terminated connector 302 is
assembled on the inner optical fibre cable 108. The method corresponds to the
FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. The method includes a set of steps. The set of steps include a
first step of engaging the first cylindrical body 308 to the transport tube 110. In
20 an embodiment of the present disclosure, the transport tube 110 is engaged with
the first cylindrical body 308 using threads. In an embodiment of the present
disclosure, the threads of the first cylindrical body 308 include an internal thread
portion. The internal thread portion is located at an inner portion of the first
cylindrical body 308.
25
[0059] The set of steps include a second step of blowing the inner optical fibre
cable 108 through the transport tube 110. In an embodiment of the present
disclosure, the inner optical fibre cable 108 is blown through the transport tube
110 using a blowing machine. In another embodiment of the present disclosure,
18/35
the inner optical fibre cable 108 is blown through the transport tube 110 by any
suitable means. The set of steps include a third step of feeding the inner optical
fibre cable 108 through the integrated boot 100 (as shown in FIG. 2 and
explained in the detailed description of FIG. 2). The set of steps include a fourth
5 step of fitting the connector 106 to an end of the inner optical fibre cable 108 (as
shown in FIG. 2 and explained in the detailed description of FIG. 2).
[0060] The set of steps include a fifth step of pushing the integrated boot 100
onto the connector 106 (as shown in FIG. 2 and explained in the detailed
10 description of FIG. 2). The set of steps include a sixth step of pushing the inner
optical fibre cable 108 into the integrated boot 100 (as shown in FIG. 2 and
explained in the detailed description of FIG. 2). The set of steps include a
seventh step of pushing the transport tube 110 onto the integrated boot 100 (as
shown in FIG. 2 and explained in the detailed description of FIG. 2). The
15 integrated boot 100 grips the inner optical fibre cable 108 and pins the inner
optical fibre cable 108 to the transport tube 110.
[0061] The set of steps include an eighth step of pushing the connector 106 into
the first cylindrical body 308 that locks the transport tube 110 onto the internal
20 thread portion of the first cylindrical body 308. The connector 106 is pushed into
the first cylindrical body 308 to allow assembling of the pre-terminated connector
302 (as shown in FIG. 7). The connector 106 has one or more retention
properties. The one or more retention properties include but may not be limited
to click, unclick, and unwind. In an example, clicking and unclicking of the
25 connector 106 prevents air access in the first cylindrical body 308. Also, the one
or more retention properties of the connector 106 enable unplugging of the
connector 108. Also, the connector 106 is field deployable connector.
19/35
[0062] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the integrated boot 100 is
locked into the internal threaded portion of the first cylindrical body 308 as the
connector 106 is pushed into the internal threaded portion of the first cylindrical
body 308. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the connector 106 clips
5 into a plurality of retention features of the first cylindrical body 308.
[0063] The pre-terminated connector 302 is engaged with the housing 304 by a
method. The housing 304 is engaged to the second cylindrical body 306. The
method includes a set of steps. The set of steps include a first step of assembling
10 the pre-terminated connector 302 on the inner optical fibre cable 108 (as
explained above). The set of steps include a second step of pushing the preterminated connector 302 into the second cylindrical body 306. The preterminated connector 302 engages into the second cylindrical body 306 engaged
with the housing 304 using a collet tab 202 when the pre-terminated connector
15 302 is pushed into the second cylindrical body 306. The collet tab 202 displaces
sideways when the pre-terminated connector 302 is pushed into the second
cylindrical body 306 till the collet tab 202 locks into a second cylindrical cavity
of the pre-terminated connector 302. The second cylindrical cavity of the preterminated connector 302 is similar to the second cylindrical cavity 214 of the
20 second cylindrical body 206 shown in FIG. 3.
[0064] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the collet tab 202 includes a
chamfer which helps the collet tab 202 to move aside when the pre-terminated
connector 302 is pushed in the second cylindrical body 306. In an embodiment of
25 the present disclosure, the first cylindrical body 308 includes a chamfer on a front
portion of the first cylindrical body 308 which helps the collet tab 202 to move
aside when the pre-terminated connector 302 is pushed in the second cylindrical
body 306. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the collet tab 202 springs
20/35
back into place when the pre-terminated connector 302 is fully pushed in the
second cylindrical body 306.
[0065] It is to be noted that in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, there is only one collet tab
5 202 visible; however, there is another collet tab located opposite to the collet tab
202.
[0066] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second cylindrical body
306 is screwed to the housing 304. In an embodiment of the present disclosure,
10 the pre-terminated connector 302 can be removed from the second cylindrical
body 306 by unscrewing the second cylindrical body 306 to give access to a
release tab of the connector 106 to enable unplugging of the pre-terminated
connector 302.
15 [0067] FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded cross sectional view of a protected cable
connector assembly 800, in accordance with various embodiments of the present
disclosure. FIG. 9 illustrates a semi-exploded cross sectional view of the
protected cable connector assembly 800, in accordance with various embodiment
of the present disclosure. The protected cable connector assembly 800 provides
20 housing for optical fibre cable connector. In general, optical fibre connector
terminates end of an optical fibre cable, and enables rapid connection and
disconnection. The protected cable connector assembly 800 connects end of first
optical fibre cable with second optical fibre cable. In addition, the protected cable
connector assembly 100 mechanically couples and aligns the cores of fibres so
25 light can pass. Further, the protected cable connector assembly 800 ensures
proper alignment of the fibres to minimize losses. Furthermore, the protected
cable connector assembly 800 enables optical connection of fibres of the first
optical fibre cable with fibres of the second optical fibre cable or cables.
Moreover, the protected cable connector assembly 800 ensures maximum axial
21/35
alignment of respective fibre pairs. Also, the protected cable connector assembly
800 is characterized by a diameter. The diameter is overall diameter of circular
cross section of the protected cable connector assembly 800. In addition, the
diameter is largest external diameter of cross-section of the protected cable
5 connector assembly 800. Further, the diameter of the protected cable connector
assembly 800 is about 20.4 millimetres (as shown in FIG. 10). In an embodiment
of the present disclosure, the protected cable connector assembly 800 has any
suitable value of diameter.
10 [0068] Further, the protected cable connector assembly 800 facilitates to
terminate optical fibre cable into a distribution enclosure. The protected cable
connector assembly 800 ensures proper alignment of optical fibre cable with the
distribution enclosure to minimize losses. In addition, the protected cable
connector assembly 800 enables pairing of connector and adapter. The connector
15 adapter pairing ensures proper alignment of optical fibre cable with the
distribution enclosure to minimize losses. The optical fibre cable connector
assembly 800 provides water proof housing to cable connector. The protected
cable connector assembly 800 provides environmentally robust housing for cable
connector. In addition, the protected optical fibre cable connector housing 800
20 provides strain relief to the optical fibre cable.
[0069] The protected cable connector assembly 800 includes a plurality of
elements. The protected cable connector assembly 800 includes a cable gland
body 802, a gland nut 804, a grommet 806 and a protected connector 808.
25 Further, the protected cable connector assembly 800 includes an optical fibre
cable 108, an adapter 812, an optical fibre distribution box 814 and a protective
grip 816. The plurality of elements of the protected cable connector assembly
800 enable improvement in a plurality of characteristics of the protected
22/35
connector 808. The plurality of properties of the protected connector 808
includes mechanical characteristics, optical characteristics and physical
characteristics. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of
characteristics includes any suitable characteristics of the like.
5
[0070] The protected cable connector assembly 800 includes the cable gland
body 802. The cable gland body 802 is similar to the first cylindrical body 308 of
the FIGS, 4, 5 6 and 7. In general, cable gland corresponds to a component
designed to attach and secure one end of an optical cable to any equipment. The
10 cable gland body 802 is characterized by a first substantially cylindrical cross
section. The cable gland body 802 is hollow cylindrical body. The first
substantially cylindrical cross section of the cable gland body 802 is hollow
cylindrical body. In addition, the first substantially cylindrical cross section of
the cable gland body 802 includes a first threaded portion and a second threaded
15 portion. Further, the first substantially cylindrical cross section of the cable gland
body 802 includes an unthreaded portion. The first threaded portion is at first end
of the first substantially cylindrical cross section of the cable gland body 802.
The first threaded portion corresponds to external threads over periphery of the
first substantially cylindrical cross section of the cable gland body 802. The
20 second threaded portion is at a second end of the first substantially cylindrical
cross section of the cable gland body 802. The second threaded portion
corresponds to external threads over periphery of the first substantially cylindrical
cross section of the cable gland body 802. The unthreaded portion of the cable
gland body 802 corresponds to central non-threaded portion between the first
25 threaded portion and the second threaded portion.
[0071] The cable gland body 802 is characterized by an inner diameter and an
outer diameter. The inner diameter is diameter of internal hollow cylindrical
23/35
cross section of the cable gland body 802. The outer diameter is external
diameter of cylindrical cross section of the cable gland body 802. The cable
gland body 802 is characterized by a first length, a second length and a third
length. The first length is length of the first threaded portion of the cable gland
5 body 802. The first length is measured from the first end of the cable gland body
802 to first end of the unthreaded portion. The second length is length of the
unthreaded portion of the cable gland body 802. The second length is measured
from the second end of the cable gland body 802 to second end of the unthreaded
portion. The third length is length of the second threaded portion of the cable
10 gland body 802. The third length of the cable gland body 802 is about 10
millimetres. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cable gland body
802 has any suitable value of third length. The sum of the first length, the second
length and the third length is total length of the cable gland body 802. The total
length of the cable gland body 802 is about 55 millimetres. In an embodiment of
15 the present disclosure, the cable gland body 802 has any suitable value of the total
length (as shown in FIG. 10).
[0072] The protected cable connector assembly 800 incudes the gland nut 804.
In general, gland nut corresponds to a nut for fastening on cable glands to enable
20 a secure connection for the optical fibre cable. The gland nut 804 is characterized
by a second substantially cylindrical cross section. The second substantially
cylindrical cross section of the gland nut 804 is hollow cylindrical cross section.
The gland nut 804 includes internal threads. The gland nut 804 is characterized
by an inner diameter, an outer diameter and a total length. The inner diameter is
25 diameter of internal hollow cylindrical cross section of the gland nut 804. The
outer diameter is external diameter of cylindrical cross section of the gland nut
804. The inner diameter of the gland nut 804 is comparable to external diameter
of the cable gland body 802. The total length is length of the gland nut 804. The
24/35
length of the gland nut 804 is about 17.87 millimetres. In an embodiment of the
present disclosure, the gland nut 804 has any suitable value of total length (as
shown in FIG. 10).
5 [0073] Further, the internal threads of the gland nut 804 correspond to threads of
the first threaded portion of the cable gland body 802. The internal threads of the
gland nut 804 engage with threads of the first threaded portion of the cable gland
body 802. The gland nut 804 is fastened on the cable gland body 802 with
facilitation of threads. The gland nut 804 is fastened on the cable gland body 802
10 to ensure firm grip on the inner optical fibre cable 108. The gland nut 804 is
fastened on the cable gland body 802 to ensure optical connection between the
inner optical fibre cable 108 and the optical fibre distribution box 814. In an
embodiment of the present disclosure, the gland nut 804 is fastened on the cable
gland body 802 with facilitation of any suitable fastening mechanism of the like.
15
[0074] The protected cable connector assembly 800 includes the grommet 806.
The grommet 806 is similar to the transport tube 110 of the FIG. 2. The grommet
806 is positioned partially inside the cable gland body 802. In general, grommet
is a tube or ring like structure through which an optical cable passes. In addition,
20 the grommet 806 facilitates the protected cable connector assembly 800 to firmly
hold the inner optical fibre cable 108. Further, the grommet 806 is positioned
partially inside the first end of the cable gland body 802. Furthermore, the
grommet 806 seals the first end of the cable gland body 802 as the gland nut 804
is fastened on the first threaded portion of the cable gland body 802. Moreover,
25 the grommet 806 enables a firm grip over the inner optical fibre cable 108 as the
gland nut 804 is fastened on the first threaded portion of the cable gland body
802. Also, the grommet 806 has a cylindrical shape with a hollow circular cavity.
The cylindrical shape of the grommet 806 is characterized by an outer diameter
and an inner diameter. The outer diameter is diameter of outer periphery of
25/35
cylindrical shape of the grommet 806. The inner diameter is diameter of the
hollow circular cavity in the cylindrical shape of the grommet 806.
[0075] The outer diameter of the grommet 806 is comparable to inner diameter
5 of the cable gland body 802. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the
grommet 806 has any suitable outer diameter. The inner diameter of the grommet
806 is comparable to diameter of the inner optical fibre cable 108. The grommet
806 is compressed as the gland nut 804 is fastened on the first threaded portion of
the cable gland body 802. In addition, the grommet 806 is compressed to a
10 suitable degree of compression. The suitable degree of compression is achieved
and adjusted with facilitation of the gland nut 804. The gland nut 804 is fastened
or loosened on the cable gland body 802 to adjust the suitable degree of
compression. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the grommet 806 is
formed of rubber. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the grommet
15 806 is formed of any suitable compressible material of the like. In yet another
embodiment of the present disclosure, the grommet 806 is formed of any suitable
material of the like.
[0076] The protected cable connector assembly 800 includes the protected
20 connector 808. The protected connector 808 is similar to the connector 106
described above. The protected connector 808 terminates end of the inner optical
fibre cable 108 to enable optical coupling with the optical fibre distribution box
814. The protected connector 808 is characterized by negligible transmission loss
due to reflection or misalignment of the fibres. The protected connector 808 is
25 affixed to a first end of the inner optical fibre cable 108. The protected connector
808 is a lucent connector. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the
protected connector 808 is a subscriber connector or square connector or standard
connector. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the protected
connector 808 is multiple fibre push-on connector. In yet another embodiment of
26/35
the present disclosure, the protected connector 808 is any suitable connector of
the like.
[0077] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the protected connector 808
5 is a factory fitted connector. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the
protected connector 808 is a field fitted connector. In yet another embodiment of
the present disclosure, the protected connector 808 is any suitable connector of
the like. The protected connector 808 enables the inner optical fibre cable 108 to
easily terminate into the optical fibre distribution box 814. In addition, the
10 protected connector 808 enables the inner optical fibre cable 108 to terminate into
the optical fibre distribution box 814. Further, the protected connector 808 is a
universal connector. Furthermore, the protected connector 808 is easily affixed
with the optical fibre distribution box 814. Moreover, the protected connector
808 is compatible with a plurality of distribution boxes. Also, the protected
15 connector 808 is a low cost connector.
[0078] The protected cable connector assembly 800 includes the inner optical
fibre cable 108. In general, optical cable is an assembly containing one or more
optical fibres that are used to carry light. The inner optical fibre cable 108 is used
20 for different applications. The different applications include long distance
telecommunication, data transmission, and providing a high-speed data
connection and the like. The inner optical fibre cable 108 is terminated into the
optical fibre distribution box 814. The inner optical fibre cable 108 includes a
first open end. The first open end of the inner optical fibre cable 108 is
25 terminated into the optical fibre distribution box 814. The protected connector
808 is affixed at the first open end of the inner optical fibre cable 108. The
protected connector 808 aligns the inner optical fibre cable 108 with optical
transmission element of the optical fibre distribution box 814. The protected
27/35
connector 808 ensures minimum transmission losses in termination of the inner
optical fibre cable 108.
[0079] The inner optical fibre cable 108 is characterized by a substantially
5 circular cross section. The inner optical fibre cable 108 is characterized by an
outer diameter. The outer diameter is diameter of periphery of circular cross
section of the inner optical fibre cable 108. The outer diameter of the inner
optical fibre cable 108 is comparable to the inner diameter of the grommet 806.
The inner optical fibre cable 108 is received through the grommet 806 into the
10 cable gland body 802. The inner optical fibre cable 108 is received through the
grommet 806 when gland nut 804 is loose. The gland nut 804 is fastened on the
cable gland body 802 to enable the grommet 806 to completely seal and grip the
inner optical fibre cable 108. The gland nut 804 is fastened on the cable gland
body 802 to ensure firm grip of the grommet 806 on the inner optical fibre cable
15 108.
[0080] The protected connector assembly 800 includes the adapter 812 and the
optical fibre distribution box 814. The optical fibre distribution box 814 includes
the adapter 812. In general, distribution box provides optical cable
20 interconnections between communication facilities, and integrates fibre splicing,
fibre termination, fibre optic adapters and connectors and cable connections
together in a single unit. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical
fibre distribution box 814 includes a plurality of adapters 812. The adapter 812
facilitates in termination of the inner optical fibre cable 108 into the optical fibre
25 distribution box 814. The inner optical fibre cable 108 is affixed with the
protected connector 808. The protected connector 808 engages with the adapter
812 to enable termination of the inner optical fibre cable 108. The adapter 812 is
characterized by a cross sectional shape. The cross sectional shape of the adapter
28/35
812 is corresponding to shape of the protected connector 808. The protected
connector 808 slides and fits into the adapter 812.
[0081] The optical fibre distribution box 814 includes hollow cylindrical
5 protrusions at one or more positions. The hollow cylindrical protrusion at each of
the one or more positions is characterized by an inner diameter. The inner
diameter of the hollow cylindrical protrusion at each of the one or more positions
is internal diameter of the hollow cylinder. The inner diameter of the hollow
cylindrical protrusion at each of the one or more positions is comparable to the
10 outer diameter of the second threaded portion. The hollow cylindrical protrusion
at each of the one or more positions includes internal threads. The second
threaded portion of the cable gland body 802 is fastened on the internal threads of
the hollow cylindrical protrusion. The second threaded portion of the cable gland
body 802 engages with the internal threads of hollow cylindrical protrusion of the
15 optical fibre distribution box 814. The cable gland body 802 is fastened with the
optical fibre distribution box 814 to enable engagement of the protected connector
808 and the adapter 812.
[0082] The protected connector 808 engages with the adapter 812 within a
20 protective housing. The protective housing is enabled by the cable gland body
802, the gland nut 804, the grommet 806, the adapter 812 and the optical fibre
distribution box 814. The cable gland body 802 is fastened with the optical fibre
distribution box 814 to enable the protective housing for the protected connector
808. The protective housing acts as ruggedized housing of the protected
25 connector 808. The protective housing of the protected connector 808 is water
proof housing. The protective housing of the protected connector 808 is
environmentally robust housing. The protective housing of the protected
connector 808 is weather proof. The protective housing of the protected
connector 808 enables safe and secure termination of the inner optical fibre cable
29/35
108 into the optical fibre distribution box 814. The protective housing of the
protected connector 808 eliminates transmission losses occurring during
termination of the inner optical fibre cable 108. The protective housing of the
protected connector 808 is ruggedized shell.
5
[0083] FIG. 11 illustrates a cross sectional view 1100 of the protected cable
connector assembly 800 with the protective grip 816, in accordance with various
embodiments of the present disclosure. The protected cable connector assembly
800 includes the protective grip 816. The protective grip 816 is protection and
10 safety cover of the protected cable connector assembly 800. The protective grip
816 is a robust outer covering of the protected cable connector assembly 800.
The protective grip 816 prevents components from slipping down from the
protected cable connector assembly 800. The protective grip 816 prevents
components of the protected cable connector assembly 800 from slipping down
15 the inner optical fibre cable 108. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the
protective grip 816 enables any suitable characteristics of the like.
[0084] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present
technology have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They
20 are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present technology to the precise
forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in
light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in
order to best explain the principles of the present technology and its practical
application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present
25 technology and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to
the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and
substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or
render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or
30/35
implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the
present technology.
[0085] While several possible embodiments of the disclosure have been
5 described above and illustrated in some cases, it should be interpreted and
understood as to have been presented only by way of illustration and example, but
not by limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should
not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

We claim:

1. An integrated boot (100) for use with a connector (106), wherein the
connector (106) is connected to an inner optical fibre cable (108), the integrated boot
(100) comprising:
a. a boot part (102), the boot part (102) holds the connector (106) with the inner
10 optical fibre cable (108), wherein the boot part (102) connects a first end of the
inner optical fibre cable (108) to the connector (106); and
b. an elf part (104) integral to the boot part (102), wherein the elf part (104) is
capable of engaging with a transport tube (110) when the elf part (104) is pushed
15 into the transport tube (110), wherein the inner optical fibre cable (108) passes
through the transport tube (110).
2. The integrated boot (100) for use with a connector (106), wherein the elf part
(104) removably engages with the transport tube (110).
20
3. The integrated boot (100) for use with a connector (106), wherein the boot part
(102) is capable of providing strain relief at the connector (106).
4. The integrated boot (100) for use with a connector (106), wherein the integrated
25 boot (100) prevents vibrations of the inner optical fibre cable (108) in the
transport tube (110) from being transferred to the connector (106) when the elf
part (104) is pushed into the transport tube (110).
32/35
5. The integrated boot (100) for use with a connector (106), wherein the boot part
(102) has a cylindrical shape.
6. The integrated boot (100) for use with a connector (106), wherein the elf part
5 (104) has a slotted cylindrical shape.
7. The integrated boot (100) for use with a connector (106), wherein the connector
(106) is an LC connector.
10 8. A collet tab (202) for locking a first cylindrical body (204) and a second
cylindrical body (206), wherein the first cylindrical body (204) has a first
cylindrical cavity (208), wherein the first cylindrical body (204) is defined by a
first housing-end (210) and a first cable-end (212), wherein the collet tab (202)
sits in the first cylindrical cavity (208), wherein the second cylindrical body (206)
15 has a second cylindrical cavity (214), wherein the second cylindrical body (206)
has a second housing-end (216) and a second cable-end (218), the collet tab (202)
comprising:
a. a cover arc structure (220), wherein the cover arc structure (220) is
20 defined by a first inner diameter (d1); and
b. a locking arc structure (222) integral to the cover arc structure (220),
wherein the locking arc structure (222) is defined by a second inner
diameter (d2), wherein the first inner diameter (d1) of the cover arc
structure (220) is greater than the second inner diameter (d2) of the
25 locking arc structure (222), wherein the locking arc structure (222)
protrudes out of the first cylindrical cavity (208) of the first cylindrical
body (204), wherein the locking arc structure (222) has a first tapered
surface (224) such that when the collet tab (202) sits into the first
cylindrical cavity (208) of the first cylindrical body (204), the first
33/35
tapered surface (224) forms an acute angle from a central axis (226)
measured from the first cable-end (212), wherein the second housingend (216) of the second cylindrical body (206) is defined by a second
tapered surface (228), wherein the second tapered surface (228) is
5 capable of pushing the first tapered surface (224) causing the locking
arc structure (222) to allow the first cylindrical body (204) to pass till
the locking arc structure (222) fits into the second cylindrical cavity
(214) of the second cylindrical body (206) when the second cylindrical
body (206) is pushed inside the first cylindrical body (204).
10
9. The collet tab (202) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second cylindrical body
(206) is connected to a housing (304).
10. A method of engaging a pre-terminated connector (302) to a housing (304),
15 wherein the housing (304) is engaged to a second cylindrical body (306), the
method comprising:
a. assembling the pre-terminated connector (302) on an inner optical
fibre cable (108); and
b. pushing the pre-terminated connector (302) into the second cylindrical
20 body (306) thereby engaging the pre-terminated connector (302) into
the second cylindrical body (306) engaged with the housing (304)
using a collet tab (202) that displaces sideways when the preterminated connector (302) is pushed into the second cylindrical body
(306) till the collet tab (202) locks into a second cylindrical cavity of
25 the pre-terminated connector (302).
11. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein the assembling of the pre-terminated
connector (302) on the inner optical fibre cable (108) further comprising:
a. engaging a first cylindrical body (308) to a transport tube (110);
34/35
b. blowing the inner optical fibre cable (108) through the transport tube
(110);
c. feeding the inner optical fibre cable (108) through an integrated boot
(100);
5 d. fitting a connector (106) to an end of the inner optical fibre cable
(108);
e. pushing the integrated boot (100) onto the connector (106);
f. pushing the inner optical fibre cable (108) into the integrated boot
(100);
10 g. pushing the transport tube (110) onto the integrated boot (100),
wherein the integrated boot (100) grips the inner optical fibre cable
(108) and pins the inner optical fibre cable (108) to the transport tube
(110); and
h. pushing the connector (106) into the first cylindrical body (308) that
15 locks the transport tube (110) onto internal thread portion of the first
cylindrical body (308) thereby making the pre-terminated connector
(302).
12. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the transport tube (110) is engaged
20 with the first cylindrical body (308) using threads.