Fiber optic cable assembly

A fiber optic cable assembly includes a connector that has a mating end and a cable end. A fiber optic cable is terminated to the cable end of the connector. A cable director is coupled to the fiber optic cable rearward of the connector. The cable director includes a flexible support sleeve and a clip extending from the support sleeve. The support sleeve includes a raceway that receives the fiber optic cable. The support sleeve has a first end segment and a second end segment. The support sleeve has a first attachment point proximate to the first end segment and a second attachment point proximate to the second end segment. The support sleeve is held in a bent shape when the clip is attached to both the first attachment point and the second attachment point. The support sleeve is configured to be straightened to a loading position in which the raceway is substantially linear when the clip is removed from at least one of the first or second attachment points.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter herein relates generally to fiber optic cables, and more particularly to cable directors for fiber optic cables.

Fiber optic cables are used in many applications that require routing of the cables between various components. For example, a fiber optic cable may be terminated in a cabinet and routed from the cabinet to another device. The fiber optic cable may be required to be bent at approximately 90° shortly after the termination point at the cabinet. Care should be given to the cable routing, bending or flexing to minimize the possibility of such routing violating a minimum bend radius of the fiber optic cable.

One commonly used method of preventing excessive bending is to employ a bend limiter. The bend limiter is attached to a rear portion of the fiber optic connector that terminates the cable. The bend limiter serves as a mechanical means of preventing the cable from bending too sharply. The bend limiter defines a guide path for the fiber optic cable to bend around and ensure the bend of the fiber optic cable does not exceed the minimum acceptable bend radius. Such bend limiters are typically open ended channels that receive the fiber optic cable. Known bend limiters are not without disadvantages. For example, the bend limiters merely support the fiber optic cable and provide little or no strain relief for the fiber optic cable at the termination point with the connector. Some known systems utilize strain relief boots that provide strain relief for the termination between the fiber optic cable and the connector. The strain relief boots are bent along a certain radius of curvature that does not violate the minimum bend radius of the fiber optic cable. However, such strain relief boots are not without disadvantages. For example, the strain relief boots have a predetermined curvature. Lacing of the fiber optic cable through the strain relief boot can be difficult and time consuming to push the fiber optic cable through the radius of curvature. Additionally, once the curved strain relief boot is mounted to the fiber optic cable, it becomes difficult or impossible to pass the cable through piping or conduits, such as those run between floors of a building to feed the fiber optic cables between the floors. For example, for cables that have a 1″ minimum bend radius, the size of the conduit needs to be significantly wider, such as 1.5″ conduit diameter just to pass the fiber optic cable through the conduit. When other fiber optic cables are in the conduit, the conduit may need to be even larger.

Accordingly, a need remains for a cable director that is easy to assemble to a fiber optic cable and that provides strain relief.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a fiber optic cable assembly is provided having a connector that has a mating end and a cable end. A fiber optic cable is terminated to the cable end of the connector. A cable director is coupled to the fiber optic cable rearward of the connector. The cable director includes a flexible support sleeve and a clip extending from the support sleeve. The support sleeve includes a raceway that receives the fiber optic cable. The support sleeve has a first end segment and a second end segment. The support sleeve has a first attachment point proximate to the first end segment and a second attachment point proximate to the second end segment. The support sleeve is held in a bent shape when the clip is attached to both the first attachment point and the second attachment point. The support sleeve is configured to be straightened to a loading position in which the raceway is substantially linear when the clip is removed from at least one of the first or second attachment points.

In another embodiment, a fiber optic cable assembly is provided including a connector having a mating end and a cable end. A fiber optic cable is terminated to the cable end of the connector. A cable director is coupled to the fiber optic cable rearward of the connector and has a flexible support sleeve and a clip extending from the support sleeve. The support sleeve includes a raceway that receives the fiber optic cable. The support sleeve is movable between a loading position and a holding position. The raceway is substantially linear in the loading position and is bent at an angle in the holding position. The clip is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The clip retains the support sleeve in the holding position when in the engaged position.

In a further embodiment, a cable director for a fiber optic cable is provided having a flexible support sleeve including a raceway configured to receive the fiber optic cable. The support sleeve has a first end segment and a second end segment. The support sleeve has a first attachment point proximate to the first end segment and a second attachment point proximate to the second end segment. A clip extends from the support sleeve and holds the support sleeve in a bent shape when the clip is attached to both the first attachment point and the second attachment point. The support sleeve is configured to be straightened to a loading position in which the raceway is substantially linear when the clip is removed from at least one of the first or second attachment points.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1illustrates a fiber optic cable assembly100formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The fiber optic cable assembly100includes a connector102having a mating end104and a cable end106. The fiber optic cable assembly100also includes a fiber optic cable108terminated to the cable end106of the connector102. The fiber optic cable assembly100includes a cable director110coupled to the fiber optic cable108rearward of the connector102. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable director110is coupled to the fiber optic cable108immediately adjacent the cable end106of the connector102. The cable director110abuts the cable end106of the connector102. Other components may be positioned between the cable director110and the connector102in alternative embodiments. The cable director110may be spaced apart from the connector102in alternative embodiments.

The cable director110includes a flexible support sleeve112and a clip114extending from the support sleeve112. The fiber optic cable108extends through the support sleeve112. The cable director110holds the fiber optic cable108in a bent shape. Optionally, the cable director110may hold the fiber optic cable108along a predetermined bend, such as approximately a 90° bend, an 80° bend, a 70° bend a 100° bend or another predetermined bend angle. Optionally, the cable director110may be configurable such that the cable director110may be configured to be fixed at many different predetermined angles by providing different attachment points or other features that hold the cable director110at more than one angle. The cable director110serves as a mechanical means of preventing the fiber optic cable108from bending too sharply. The cable director110operates as a bend limiter to limit the radius of curvature of the fiber optic cable108. The cable director110securely holds the fiber optic cable108therein. Optionally, the cable director110may engage the outer circumference of the fiber optic cable108. The cable director110may operate as a cable strain relief by reducing or eliminating strains between the connector102and the fiber optic cable108.

In an exemplary embodiment, during assembly, the cable director110may be straightened such that the support sleeve112follows a generally straight path. The support sleeve112may be straightened out by disengaging the clip114from the support sleeve112. When the support sleeve112is straightened, the fiber optic cable108may be fed directly through the support sleeve112. Once the support sleeve112is loaded on the fiber optic cable108, the fiber optic cable108may be terminated to the connector102. The support sleeve112may be secured to the fiber optic cable108behind the connector102. The support sleeve112may then be bent into the bent shape, such as the shape illustrated inFIG. 1, and held in the bent shape by the clip114. Having the support sleeve112movable to a straight or linear shape, allows easy feeding of the fiber optic cable108through the support sleeve112.

During use, once the cable director110is loaded onto the fiber optic cable108, the fiber optic cable108may be routed along a cable path, such as to a desired location, such as an equipment rack. The fiber optic cable108and cable director110may be routed or loaded through conduits, such as conduits extending between floors of a building, with the cable director110in a straight shape. Once positioned at the end use point, such as the equipment rack, the cable director110may be bent into the bent shape and held by the clip114. The fiber optic cable108and cable director110may be easily routed, without requiring large conduits to pass through because the cable director110is generally straight when the fiber optic cable108is routed.

FIG. 2is a perspective view of the cable director110. In the illustrated embodiment, the clip114is separate from, and completely detached from, the support sleeve112. The support sleeve112includes a raceway120extending through the support sleeve112. The raceway120extends along a central longitudinal axis122between a first end segment124and a second end segment126of the support sleeve112at opposite ends of the support sleeve112.

The support sleeve112is illustrated in a loading position, in which the support sleeve112is generally straight and has a cylindrical shape. In the loading position, the central longitudinal axis122extends along a generally linear path. In the loading position, the first end segment124and the second end segment126are generally parallel to one another and face in opposite directions. In the loading position, the support sleeve112is configured to receive the fiber optic cable108for loading the fiber optic cable108through the support sleeve112. The fiber optic cable108may be passed straight through the support sleeve112, such as by loading the fiber optic cable108through the second end segment126and pushing the fiber optic cable108through the intermediate segment128and out of the support sleeve112through the first end segment124.

In an exemplary embodiment, the support sleeve112includes a first attachment point130proximate to the first end segment124and a second attachment point132proximate to the second end segment126. The clip114is configured to be attached to the support sleeve112at the first and second attachment points130,132. In the illustrated embodiment, the support sleeve112includes a first tab134extending outward from the support sleeve112proximate to the first end segment124. The first attachment point130is defined by and/or included on the first tab134. The support sleeve112includes a second tab136extending from the support sleeve112proximate to the second end segment126. The second attachment point132is defined by and/or provided on the second tab136. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second tabs134,136have generally triangular shapes extending from a common side of the support sleeve112. The first and second tabs134,136include dimples138on one or both sides thereof. The dimples138define the first and second attachment points130,132. The clip114is configured to be attached to the support sleeve112at the dimples138.

In alternative embodiments, the first and second tabs134,136may have different shapes and/or may include different features for securing the clip114thereto. For example, rather than dimples, the first and second tabs134,136may include openings are protrusions that are received in corresponding dimples or openings in the clip114. Other types of securing features may be used in alternative embodiments.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support sleeve112includes an inner conduit140and an outer sleeve142surrounding the inner conduit140. A portion of the outer sleeve142has been removed for clarity to show the inner conduit140. The inner conduit140includes a plurality rings or ribs defining the intermediate segment128. The ribs are held spaced apart by the outer sleeve142and allow the support sleeve112to be bent into the bent shape. The intermediate segment128may be bent or otherwise manipulated to provide the flexibility for the support sleeve112and allow the support sleeve112to be bent into the bent shape (shown inFIG. 3). In an exemplary embodiment, the inner conduit140is manufactured from a metal material and the outer sleeve142is manufactured from a plastic or synthetic material, such as rubber. Rather than the ribs, the inner conduit140may be defined by a helical coil. In other alternative embodiments, the support sleeve112may be manufactured without the inner conduit140. For example, the support sleeve112may be manufactured from rubber material or a plastic material that is elastic and configured to be bent into the bent shape. The outer sleeve142may include grooves or slits in the sides that allow the outer sleeve142to be bent into the bent shape.

The clip114includes a body extending between a first end150and a second end152. The clip114includes one or more attachment features154at the first end150and one or more attachment features156at the second end152. The attachment features154,156interface with the support sleeve112at the first and second attachment points130,132, respectively, to secure the clip114to the support sleeve112. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment features154,156constitute fingers that face inward and are configured to be received in the dimples138to secure the clip114to the first and second tabs134,136. The fingers pinch the first and second tabs134,136therebetween. Other types of attachment features may be utilized in alternative embodiments to secure the clip114to the support sleeve112. Optionally, the second end152of the clip114may be permanently attached to the support sleeve112at the second attachment point132. The first end150of the clip114may be removably attached to the first attachment point130. When the first end150is engaged, the support sleeve112is held in the bent shape. When the first end150is disengaged, the support sleeve112may be straightened.

FIG. 3is a perspective view of the cable director110showing the clip114in an engaged position. In the engaged position, the first and second ends150,152of the clip114are attached to the support sleeve112. The attachment features154engage the support sleeve112at the first attachment point130. The attachment features156engage the support sleeve112at the second attachment point132. The clip114is used to hold the support sleeve112in the bent shape. When the support sleeve112is bent, the intermediate segment128is curved along the radius of curvature. The radius of curvature may be controlled by a length158of the clip114. For example, a longer length158may correspond with a broader radius of curvature, whereas a shorter length158may correspond with a tighter or narrower radius of curvature.

In the bent shape, the first end segment124is angled with respect to the second end segment126. The central longitudinal axis122at the first end segment124is non-parallel to the central longitudinal axis122at the second end segment126. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end segment124and the second end segment126are oriented at generally right angles with respect to one another. The intermediate segment128transitions approximately 90° such that the first end segment124is generally perpendicular with respect to the second end segment126. The clip114holds the relative position of the first end segment124with respect to the second end segment126. In the illustrated embodiment, both the first end150and the second end152of the clip114may be removed from the first and second tabs134,136, respectively. Alternatively, the clip114may be disengaged from the support sleeve112by removing only one of the first end150or the second end152from the corresponding first tab134or second tab136. In some alternative embodiments, the second end152of the clip114defines a fixed end that is permanently attached to the second tab136. The first end150of the clip114defines a free end that may be removably coupled to the first tab134. In the engaged position the first end150is attached to the first tab134. In the disengaged position, the first end150is uncoupled or disengaged from the first tab134allowing the first end segment124to be bent to a generally straight shape, thus returning the support sleeve112to the loading position.

FIG. 4is a side view of an alternative cable director210. The cable director210includes a flexible support sleeve212and a clip214extending from the support sleeve212. The support sleeve212is movable between a straight position (shown inFIG. 4) and a bent position (not shown). In the straight position, a fiber optic cable (not shown) is configured to be drawn through the support sleeve212. In the bent position, the support sleeve212is bent at an angle, such as a 90° angle. The clip214is used to hold the support sleeve212in the bent shape.

In the illustrated embodiment, the clip214is integrally formed with the support sleeve212. For example, the clip214and the support sleeve212may be molded during a common molding process. The support sleeve212includes a raceway220(shown in phantom) extending through the support sleeve212. The raceway220extends along a central longitudinal axis222between a first end segment224and a second end segment226of the support sleeve212at opposite ends of the support sleeve212. An intermediate segment228extends between the first and second end segments224,226.

The support sleeve212is illustrated in a loading position, in which the support sleeve212is generally straight and has a cylindrical shape. In the loading position, the central longitudinal axis222extends along a generally linear path. The fiber optic cable may be passed straight through the support sleeve212.

In an exemplary embodiment, the support sleeve212includes a first attachment point230proximate to the first end segment224and a second attachment point232proximate to the second end segment226. The clip214is configured to be attached to the support sleeve212at the first and second attachment points230,232. In the illustrated embodiment, the support sleeve212includes a first tab234extending outward from the support sleeve212proximate to the first end segment224. A portion of the first tab234is cutaway to illustrate a channel236extending through the first tab234. Teeth238are provided in the channel236for interfacing with the clip214.

The support sleeve212includes a second tab240extending from the support sleeve212proximate to the second end segment226. The second attachment point232is defined by and/or provided on the second tab240. The clip214extends from the second tab240. The clip214is integrally formed with the second tab240. Alternatively, the clip214may be separate from, and coupled to, the second tab240.

In an exemplary embodiment, the support sleeve212is manufactured from a plastic or synthetic material, such as rubber. In the illustrated embodiment, the support sleeve212includes a backbone242extending between the first and second end segments224,226. A plurality of grooves244are formed in the support sleeve212along the intermediate segment228. The grooves244define wall sections246that are separate from one another and spaced apart from one another. Each of the wall sections246are connected to the backbone242. In an exemplary embodiment, the wall sections246are ring shaped to define the raceway220. Optionally, adjacent wall sections246may have different heights. Having the wall sections246separate from one another, except at the backbone242, provides flexibility in the support sleeve212and allows the support sleeve to be bent into the bent shape. For example, the support sleeve212may be bent until the portions of the wall sections246opposite the backbone242touch one another.

The clip214includes a body extending between a first end250and a second end252. The second end252is formed integral with the second tab240. The clip214includes one or more attachment features254at the first end250. The attachment features254interface with the support sleeve212at the first attachment point230, respectively, to secure the clip214to the support sleeve212. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment features254constitute teeth that are configured to be received in the channel236and engage the teeth238. Other types of attachment features may be utilized in alternative embodiments to secure the clip214to the support sleeve212.

During use, the first end250of the clip214is loaded through the channel236. As the clip214is pulled through the channel236, the teeth defining the attachment features254engage the teeth238to resist removal of the clip214from the channel236. As the clip214is pulled further through the channel236, the intermediate segment228is bent by closing the gaps between the wall sections246. The clip214holds the support sleeve212in the bent shape. Optionally, the clip214can be released from the channel236, allowing the support sleeve212to be straightened to the loading position.

FIG. 5is a side view of another alternative cable director310. The cable director310includes a flexible support sleeve312and clips314,315extending from the support sleeve312. The support sleeve312is movable between a straight position (shown inFIG. 5) and a bent position (not shown). In the straight position, a fiber optic cable (not shown) is configured to be drawn through the support sleeve312. In the bent position, the support sleeve312is bent at an angle, such as a 90° angle. The clips314,315are used to hold the support sleeve312in the bent shape.

In the illustrated embodiment, the clips314,315are integrally formed with the support sleeve312. For example, the clips314,315and the support sleeve312may be molded during a common molding process. The support sleeve312includes a raceway320(shown in phantom) extending through the support sleeve312. The raceway320extends along a central longitudinal axis322between a first end segment324and a second end segment326of the support sleeve312at opposite ends of the support sleeve312. An intermediate segment328extends between the first and second end segments324,326.

The support sleeve312is illustrated in a loading position, in which the support sleeve312is generally straight and has a cylindrical shape. In the loading position, the central longitudinal axis322extends along a generally linear path. The fiber optic cable may be passed straight through the support sleeve312.

In an exemplary embodiment, the support sleeve312includes first attachment points330,331proximate to the first end segment324and second attachment points332,333proximate to the second end segment326. The clips314,315are permanently attached to the support sleeve312at the attachment points332,333, respectively. The clips314,315are configured to be removably attached to the support sleeve312at the attachment points330,331, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment points330,331constitute pins, pegs, bars, or hooks extending from the support sleeve312.

The clips314,315are on opposite sides of the support sleeve312and the attachment points330,331are also on opposite sides of the support sleeve312. During use, either the clip314is attached to the support sleeve312at the attachment point330or the clip315is attached to the support sleeve312at the attachment point331. The support sleeve312may be bent in two different directions and held by one of the clips314,315.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support sleeve312includes first tabs334,335extending outward from the support sleeve312proximate to the first end segment324. The attachment points330,331are defined by and/or provided on the first tab334. The support sleeve312includes second tabs340,341extending from the support sleeve312proximate to the second end segment326. The clips314,315are integrally formed with the second tabs340,341, respectively. Alternatively, the clips314,315may be separate from, and coupled to, the second tabs340,341.

In an exemplary embodiment, the support sleeve312is manufactured from a plastic or synthetic material, such as rubber. In an alternative embodiment, the support sleeve312may be manufactured from another material, such as a metal material. The support sleeve312includes backbones342extending between the first and second end segments324,326. A plurality of grooves344are formed in the support sleeve312along the intermediate segment328along one side of the backbones342and a plurality of grooves345are formed in the support sleeve312along the intermediate segment328along the opposite side of the backbones342. The grooves344,345define wall sections346,347, respectively, that are separate from one another and spaced apart from one another. The wall sections346,347are connected to the backbones342. In an exemplary embodiment, the wall sections346,347are half-ring shaped to define complementary halves of the raceway320. Having the wall sections346,347separate from one another, except at the backbones342, provides flexibility in the support sleeve312and allows the support sleeve to be bent into the bent shape. Having wall sections346,347on both sides of the backbones342allows the support sleeve312to be bent in two different directions.

The clip314includes a body extending between a first end350and a second end352. The second end352is formed integral with the second tab340. The clip314includes one or more attachment features354at the first end350. The attachment features354interface with the support sleeve312at the first attachment point330to secure the clip314to the support sleeve312. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment feature354constitutes a hook that is configured to be coupled to the pin (e.g. a separate piece that is coupled to the tab334) or bar (e.g. an integral piece that is formed integrally with the tab334) defining the attachment point330. Other types of attachment features may be utilized in alternative embodiments to secure the clip314to the support sleeve312. The clip315is substantially similar to the clip314.

FIG. 6is a side view of another alternative cable director410. The cable director410includes a flexible support sleeve412and a clip414configured to be coupled to the support sleeve412. The support sleeve412is movable between a straight position (shown inFIG. 6) and a bent position (not shown). In the straight position, a fiber optic cable (not shown) is configured to be drawn through the support sleeve412. In the bent position, the support sleeve412is bent at an angle, such as a 90° angle. The clip414is used to hold the support sleeve412in the bent shape.

The cable director410is similar to the cable director310(shown inFIG. 5), however, the cable director410has the clip414and the support sleeve412separate from one another. Additionally, the support sleeve412includes grooves416formed therein. The grooves416are formed in a staggered pattern, alternating on four sides of the support sleeve412, allowing the support sleeve412to be bent in four directions rather than two directions. For example, the grooves416are provided at 0° and 180°, which are staggered with grooves416at 90° and 270°. The clip414is configured to be connected to four sides of the support sleeve412to hold the support sleeve412at any of the four bent positions.

The clip414is similar to the clip114(shown inFIG. 2), however, the clip414is C-shaped having a central body420and arms422,424at opposite ends of the body420. The arms422,424define attachment features of the clip414. The arms422,424are configured to be received in openings426,428, respectively, in the support sleeve412. The openings426,428define attachment points of the support sleeve412. The openings426,428are provided in tabs430extending outward from the end segments of the support sleeve412. In the illustrated embodiment, the tabs430are provided at four different radial positions about the end segments of the support sleeve412(e.g. at 0°, 90°, 180° and 270°).

FIG. 7is a side view of another alternative cable director510. The cable director510includes a flexible support sleeve512and a clip514configured to be coupled to the support sleeve512. The support sleeve512is movable between a straight position (shown inFIG. 7) and a bent position (not shown). In the straight position, a fiber optic cable (not shown) is configured to be drawn through the support sleeve512. In the bent position, the support sleeve512is bent at an angle, such as a 90° angle. The clip514is used to hold the support sleeve512in the bent shape.

The cable director510is similar to the cable director410(shown inFIG. 6), however, the support sleeve512includes grooves516formed therein in a different pattern than in the cable director410. The grooves516are formed in a staggered pattern, alternating on four sides of the support sleeve512, allowing the support sleeve512to be bent in four directions rather than two directions. The grooves516are staggered at 0°, 90°, 180°, 270° and then the pattern repeats. In other words, the pattern of grooves516are formed in the bottom, right, top then left of the support sleeve512, and then the pattern repeats. The clip514is configured to be connected to four sides of the support sleeve512to hold the support sleeve512at any of the four bent positions.

FIG. 8is a side view of another alternative cable director610. A portion of an end of the cable director610is cutaway to show internal features therein. The cable director610includes a flexible support sleeve612and a clip614configured to be coupled to the support sleeve612. The support sleeve612is movable between a straight position (shown inFIG. 8) and a bent position (not shown). In the straight position, a fiber optic cable (not shown) is configured to be drawn through a raceway616in the support sleeve612. In the bent position, the support sleeve612is bent at an angle, such as a 90° angle. The clip614is used to hold the support sleeve612in the bent shape.

The cable director610is similar to the cable director110(shown inFIG. 2), however, the support sleeve612defines a bellows having a flexible pleated configuration. The support sleeve612can be bent in any direction. The larger rings of the bellows limit the amount of bending, such as beyond 90° when the rings are folded in on one another.

In an exemplary embodiment, the ends of the support sleeve612have tabs that define circumferential channels618in the ends thereof. The circumferential channel618is illustrated at one of the ends in the cutaway portion of the support sleeve612. The channel618entirely circumferentially surrounds the raceway616. Alternatively, the channel618may only partially circumferentially surround the raceway616. Multiple channels may be provided in each end rather than a continuous circumferential channel. The clip614includes attachment features620at the ends thereof in the form of hooks or fingers that are configured to be received in the channels at the ends of the support sleeve612to hold the support sleeve in the bent shape.

FIG. 9is a side view of another alternative cable director710. The cable director710includes a flexible support sleeve712and a clip714configured to be coupled to the support sleeve712. The support sleeve712is movable between a straight position (not shown) and a bent position (shown inFIG. 9). In the straight position, a fiber optic cable (not shown) is configured to be drawn through the support sleeve712. In the bent position, the support sleeve712is bent at an angle, such as a 90° angle. The clip714is used to hold the support sleeve712in the bent shape.

The cable director710is similar to the cable director110(shown inFIG. 3), however, the support sleeve712includes different types of attachment points730,732than the cable director110. The support sleeve712includes a first tab734and a second tab736that extend from first and second end segments738,740, respectively. The first tab734includes a hook defining the first attachment point730. The second tab736includes a hook defining the second attachment point732. The open sides of the hooks face outward away from one another. The hooks are provided on the underside of the support sleeve712, such as along the interior portion of the curve.

The clip714differs from the clip114(shown inFIG. 1). The clip714includes a rectangular body750having an open interior. The body750may have other shapes in alternative embodiments, such as an oval shape, a C-shape or other shapes. The body750includes main arms752,754and cross-beams756,758at opposite ends of the main arms752,754. The cross-beams756,758define attachment features of the clip714. The cross-beams756,758are configured to be received in the hooks defined by the first and second tabs734,736, respectively. The clip714holds the support sleeve712in the bent shape.

FIG. 10is a side view of another alternative cable director810. The cable director810includes a flexible support sleeve812and a clip814configured to be coupled to the support sleeve812. The support sleeve812is movable between a straight position (not shown) and a bent position (shown in FIG.10). In the straight position, a fiber optic cable (not shown) is configured to be drawn through the support sleeve812. In the bent position, the support sleeve812is bent at an angle, such as a 90° angle. The clip814is used to hold the support sleeve812in the bent shape.

The cable director810is similar to the cable director710(shown inFIG. 9), however, the support sleeve812includes different types of attachment points830,832than the cable director710. The support sleeve812includes a first tab834and a second tab836that extend radially outward from first and second end segments838,840, respectively, rather than radially inward as with the first and second tabs734,736(shown inFIG. 9). The first tab834includes a hook defining the first attachment point830. The second tab836includes a hook defining the second attachment point832. The open sides of the hooks face outward away from one another. The hooks are provided on the outside of the support sleeve812, such as along the exterior portion of the curve.

The clip814differs from the clip714(shown inFIG. 9) in that the clip814is configured to extend around the outside of the support sleeve812rather than along the inside of the curve. The clip814includes a rectangular body850having an open interior. The body850may have other shapes in alternative embodiments, such as an oval shape, a C-shape or other shapes. The body850includes main arms852,854and cross-beams856,858at opposite ends of the main arms852,854. The cross-beams856,858define attachment features of the clip814. The cross-beams856,858are configured to be received in the hooks defined by the first and second tabs834,836, respectively. During assembly, the clip814is placed over the support sleeve812. The clip814holds the support sleeve812in the bent shape.