Patent ID: 7988367
Filing Date: 2011-08-02
Classification: G02B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A cap for a field-installable optical connector, said connector having a front and rear orientation, a housing, an axially-actuated clamping mechanism in said housing, and a ferrule assembly forward of said clamping mechanism and forwardly biased in said housing, said ferrule assembly comprising a holder and a ferrule extending from said holder, said connector being actuated by a crimp tool, said crimp tool configured to receive a component having a certain geometry at a forward end of said connector, said cap comprising: a front end defining a cavity for receiving said ferrule and having an outer surface defining at least part of said certain geometry; a back end defining an opening through which said ferrule is received and a perimeter around said opening, said perimeter configured to contact said holder when said cap is pushed rearward in said housing, said front and back ends being unitary such that any rearward force on said front end is transferred to said back end and through said perimeter to said holder; and a retention portion for contacting said housing to secure said cap to said housing.