Patent ID: 6579013
Filing Date: 2003-06-17
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An optical fiber coupler for disposing a first optical fiber having a first end face and a second optical fiber having a second end face with said end faces juxtaposed and axially aligned, comprising:a first coupler member comprising a hollow cylinder, said coupler member forming a plurality of openings through a side wall of said member; said first coupler member comprising a plurality of deflectable retainer latches extending from one end thereof; a second coupler member comprising a tubular cylinder, said second coupler member further comprising a radially extending flange extending from and circumscribing a portion of an external surface of said second coupler member; said second coupler member further comprising a plurality of latch fingers disposed equally spaced around and extending parallel with side walls of said second coupler member and from an end face of said second coupler member; said latch fingers retained in and engageable with said openings; a sleeve disposed within and retained within said first and said second coupler members; said flange engageable with a mating groove in a retainer structure, whereby axial force may be exerted thereon inserting said second optical fiber into said second coupler member and sleeve to optically couple the first and second optical fibers without displacing said first and second coupler members and causing damage to either of said first and second optical fibers.