Patent ID: 6293710
Filing Date: 2001-09-25
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A connector for terminating an optical fiber, the connector comprising:a ferrule assembly, the ferrule assembly having a first end, a second end and an axial passageway extending from the first end to the second end, the second end of the ferrule assembly adapted to maintain an end of an optical fiber in a substantially fixed position with respect to the second end of the ferrule assembly, the optical fiber passing through the axial passageway of the ferrule assembly;a housing having internal surfaces that define a cavity adapted to receive the ferrule assembly, the housing including a first opening for receiving the ferrule assembly having the optical fiber disposed therein and a second opening through which the second end of the ferrule assembly protrudes, the first and second openings of the housing being located at opposite ends of the housing, the first opening in the housing having a substantially square shape, the housing having at least a first slot formed in a first surface thereof, the first slot extending from the first opening a predetermined distance in a direction from the first opening toward the second opening, the predetermined distance corresponding to a length of the slot, the slot enabling the housing to be flexed outwardly in directions transverse to the length-wise direction of the slot, the housing comprising a keying mechanism; andan insert having a first opening formed in a first end thereof, a second opening formed in a second end thereof, and a passageway for allowing an optical fiber to pass through the insert, the second end of the insert adapted to engage the first end of the ferrule assembly, the insert comprising a keying mechanism, the insert being adapted to be secured to the housing by pressing the insert into the housing until the keying mechanism of the insert interlocks with the keying mechanism of the housing, the insert securing the ferrule assembly within the housing and preventing the ferrule assembly from being inadvertently removed from the housing when the second end of the insert is engaged with the first end of the ferrule assembly and the keying mechanism of the insert is interlocked with the keying mechanism of the housing.