Abstract:
To optically couple a tether to a ribbonized distribution cable, a cut is made in the distribution cable, exposing the ribbons inside. The correct ribbon is located and spliced to a tether. A splice protection sleeve is applied to the splice and placed into the existing cut on the cable so as to be recessed within an outer boundary of the cable jacket. The buffer tube from the tether cable is also guided toward the cut and fixed in place. A breakout assembly is installed on the distribution cable to secure the tether to the distribution cable.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE INFORMATION  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/950,521, filed Jul. 18, 2007, and also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/837,481, filed Aug. 14, 2006, which applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0002]     The principles disclosed herein relate to fiber optic cable systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to fiber optic cable systems having main cables and branch cables.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     Passive optical networks are becoming prevalent in part because service providers want to deliver high bandwidth communication capabilities to customers. Passive optical networks are a desirable choice for delivering high speed communication data because they may not employ active electronic devices, such as amplifiers and repeaters, between a central office and a subscriber termination. The absence of active electronic devices may decrease network complexity and/or cost and may increase network reliability.  
         [0004]      FIG. 1  illustrates a network  100  deploying passive fiber optic lines. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the network  100  may include a central office  110  that connects a number of end subscribers  115  (also called end users  115  herein) in a network. The central office  110  may additionally connect to a larger network such as the Internet (not shown) and a public switched telephone network (PSTN). The network  100  may also include fiber distribution hubs (FDHs)  130  having one or more optical splitters (e.g., 1-to-8 splitters, 1-to-16 splitters, or 1-to-32 splitters) that generate a number of individual fibers that may lead to the premises of an end user  115 . The various lines of the network can be aerial or housed within underground conduits (e.g., see conduit  105 ).  
         [0005]     The portion of network  100  that is closest to central office  110  is generally referred to as the F1 region, where F1 is the “feeder fiber” from the central office. The F1 portion of the network may include a distribution cable having on the order of 12 to 48 fibers; however, alternative implementations may include fewer or more fibers. The portion of network  100  that includes an FDH  130  and a number of end users  115  may be referred to as an F2 portion of network  100 . Splitters used in an FDH  130  may accept a feeder cable having a number of fibers and may split those incoming fibers into, for example, 216 to 432 individual distribution fibers that may be associated with a like number of end user locations.  
         [0006]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the network  100  includes a plurality of break-out locations  125  at which branch cables are separated out from main cable lines. Breakout locations can also be referred to as tap locations, drop cable locations, splice locations or branch locations. Branch cables can also be referred to as drop cables, drop lines, breakout cables or stub cables. Branch cables are often connected to drop terminals  104  that include connector interfaces for facilitating coupling the fibers of the branch cables to a plurality of different subscriber locations.  
         [0007]     Branch cables can manually be separated out from a main cable in the field using field splices. Field splices are typically housed within sealed splice enclosures. Manual splicing in the field is time consuming and expensive.  
         [0008]     As an alternative to manual splicing in the field, pre-terminated cable systems have been developed. Pre-terminated cable systems include factory integrated breakout locations manufactured at predetermined positions along the length of a main cable (e.g., see U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,961,623; 5,125,060; and 5,210,812). However, existing pre-terminated cable systems can be expensive because extra connectors at intermediate connection locations are often used. Moreover, the installation of pre-terminated cables can be difficult. For example, for underground applications, pre-terminations can complicate passing pre-terminated cable through the underground conduit typically used to hold fiber optic cable (e.g., 1.25 inch inner diameter conduit). Similarly, for aerial applications, pre-terminations can complicate passing pre-terminated cable through aerial cable retention loops.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0009]     Certain aspects of the disclosure relate to fiber optic cable systems, packaging configurations and methods that facilitate the effective use and installation of pre-terminated fiber optic cable.  
         [0010]     A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]      FIG. 1  shows a prior art passive fiber optic network;  
         [0012]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of an example distribution cable according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;  
         [0013]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of an example tether according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;  
         [0014]      FIG. 4  is a schematic view of an example tether coupled to a distribution cable at a breakout location according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;  
         [0015]      FIG. 5  is a top view of a distribution cable having a cut region according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;  
         [0016]      FIG. 6A  is a top view of a tether prepared to be optically coupled to the distribution cable of  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 6B  is a top view of the tether of  FIG. 6A  including a multi-fiber connector located at the end of the tether;  
         [0018]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a first breakout assembly installed on a distribution cable at a breakout location according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;  
         [0019]      FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of an example jacket support according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;  
         [0020]      FIG. 9  is an end view of the jacket support of  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the jacket support of  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 11  is a bottom view of the jacket support of  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the distribution cable of  FIG. 7  with an over-mold installed over the breakout location according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;  
         [0024]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a second breakout assembly installed on a distribution cable at a breakout location according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;  
         [0025]      FIG. 14  is a side view of an example transition block according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;  
         [0026]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the transition block of  FIG. 14 ;  
         [0027]      FIG. 16  is an end view of the transition block of  FIG. 14 ;  
         [0028]      FIG. 17  is a partial, schematic view of the breakout assembly of  FIG. 13  in which the tether is mounted to a first body member of the transition block and routed into the cut region of the distribution cable and in which the second body member of the transition block has been removed;  
         [0029]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the distribution cable of  FIG. 13  with an over-mold installed over the breakout location according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;  
         [0030]      FIGS. 19-23  show another jacket support having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;  
         [0031]      FIGS. 24-28  show a further jacket support having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;  
         [0032]      FIGS. 29-33  show still another jacket support having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;  
         [0033]      FIGS. 34 and 35  are cross-sectional views showing the jacket support of  FIGS. 29-33  mounted in a cut region of a distribution cable;  
         [0034]      FIG. 36  shows another breakout assembly having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;  
         [0035]      FIGS. 37-43  are various views of an anchor block of the breakout assembly of  FIG. 36 ;  
         [0036]      FIGS. 44-51  are various views of a first piece of the anchor block of  FIGS. 37-43 ;  
         [0037]      FIGS. 52-59  are various views of a second piece of the anchor block of  FIGS. 37-43 ;  
         [0038]      FIGS. 60-63  are various views of a cable reinforcing member having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;  
         [0039]      FIG. 64  is a cross-sectional view showing a pair of the reinforcing members of  FIGS. 60-63  being used to reinforce a distribution cable;  
         [0040]      FIGS. 65-67  are various views of another cable reinforcing member having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; and  
         [0041]      FIG. 68  is a cross-sectional view showing a pair of the reinforcing members of  FIGS. 65-67  being used to reinforce a distribution cable.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0042]     The present disclosure relates to mid-span breakout arrangements provided on distribution cables. Each breakout arrangement is provided at a breakout location to protect the optical coupling of a tether to a distribution cable. A typical distribution cable includes a relatively large number of fibers (e.g., 72, 144 or more fibers). The fibers are typically organized within ribbons in a central portion of the distribution cable.  
         [0043]     For example,  FIG. 2  shows an example distribution cable  220  including a central buffer tube  222  enclosing a ribbon stack  225 . Typically, a ribbon stack  225  includes approximately twelve ribbons and each ribbon contains about twelve fibers  224   dc . For clarity, only twelve fibers  224   dc  in the ribbon stack  225  are shown. The buffer tube  222  may include dry, water-blocking materials  228 , such as yarn and/or tape. The distribution cable  220  also includes at least one, and preferably two or more, strength members  226  (e.g., flexible rods formed by glass fiber reinforced epoxy) for reinforcing the cable  220 . An outer strength member (not shown), such as aramid fiber/yarn (e.g., Kevlar®), can surround the single buffer tube  222  within the jacket  230 . The distribution cable  220  further includes an outer jacket  230  that encloses the ribbon stack  225  and the strength members  226 . Ripcords  232  can be provided for facilitating tearing away portions of the jacket  230  to access the fibers of the ribbon stack  225  within the jacket  230 .  
         [0044]     A typical mid-span breakout location is provided at an intermediate point along the length of a distribution cable (e.g., see  FIG. 4 ). Commonly a tether (e.g., a drop cable or a stub cable) branches out from the distribution cable at the breakout location. The tether most commonly has a fewer number of fibers as compared to the number of fibers provided within the distribution cable. In an example embodiment, the tether has no more than twelve fibers. The tether includes fibers that extend between first and second ends. The first ends of the tether fibers are preferably spliced to selected fibers of the distribution cable at the breakout location. The second ends of the tether fibers can either be connectorized or unconnectorized. In one embodiment, the end of each tether is connectorized with a multi-fiber connector having a multi-fiber ferrule in which the second ends of the tether fibers of the corresponding tether are mounted.  
         [0045]      FIG. 3  illustrates a tether cable  240  configured to join to the distribution cable  220  (e.g., at a breakout location  260 ). The tether  240  is depicted as having a flat cable configuration. The flat cable configuration includes a central buffer tube  242  containing a plurality of fibers  224   t  (e.g., typically one to twelve loose or ribbonized fibers). Strength members  246  (e.g., flexible rods formed by glass fiber reinforced epoxy) are positioned on opposite sides of the central buffer tube  242 . An outer jacket  250  surrounds the strength members  246  and the buffer tube  242 .  
         [0046]     In the example shown, the outer jacket  250  includes an outer perimeter having an elongated transverse cross-sectional shape. An additional strength layer  248  (e.g., aramid fiber/yarn) can be positioned between the buffer tube  242  and the outer jacket  250 . As shown at  FIG. 3 , the transverse cross-sectional shape includes oppositely positioned, generally parallel sides  252  interconnected by rounded ends  254 . However, any suitable cable configuration can be utilized for both the distribution cable and the tether cable.  
         [0047]     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , one or more tethers  240  can optically couple to a distribution cable  220 . Each tether  240  branches outwardly from the distribution cable  220  at a breakout location  260 . The breakout location  260  includes a coupling location  280  where selected ribbonized fibers  224   dc  of the distribution cable  220  are optically coupled (e.g., spliced) to corresponding fibers  224   t  of the tether  242 . It is preferred for the fibers  224   t  of the tether to be pre-terminated to the fibers  224   dc  of the distribution cable. “Pre-terminated” means that the fibers  224   t  are fused (e.g., spliced) or otherwise optically coupled to the fibers  224   dc  of the distribution cable  220  at the factory as part of the cable manufacturing process rather than being field terminated. The remainder of the breakout assembly  200  is also preferably factory installed.  
         [0048]     In general, the coupling location  280  is recessed within the outer jacket  230  of the distribution cable  220  along with the ribbonized fibers  224   dc  and an end portion of the tether buffer tube  242 . Positioning the coupling location  280  within the outer jacket  230  of the distribution cable  220  provides a smaller transverse cross-section of the breakout location  260 .  
         [0049]     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , to prepare the breakout location  260  on the distribution cable  220 , a portion of the jacket  230  and the buffer tube  222  is first cut away to provide a cut region  270  (e.g., a rectangular access slot cut through the jacket  230  and the buffer tube  222 ). The cut region  270  extends along a length L from a first end  272  and a second, opposite end  274 . The ribbon stack  225  is accessible through the cut region  270 . One or more of the ribbons of the ribbon stack  225  are then selected and the fibers  224   dc  of the selected ribbons are accessed. With the distribution cable  220  prepared as shown in  FIG. 5 , the fibers  224   dc  are ready to be terminated to a prepared tether  240 .  
         [0050]     To prepare the tether  240  to be incorporated into the breakout assembly  300  (e.g., see  FIG. 7 ), a portion of the outer jacket  250  is stripped away to expose the central buffer tube  242  and the strength members  246  (see  FIG. 6A ). As shown at  FIG. 6A , the central buffer tube  242  and the strength members  246  project outwardly beyond an end  258  of the outer jacket  250 . The strength layer  248  has been removed from around the buffer tube  242 . After removing the outer jacket  250 , an end portion of the central buffer tube  242  is removed to expose the fibers  224   t .  FIG. 6B  shows the tether  240  including a multi-fiber connector  251  (e.g., a 12 fiber multi-fiber connector having a ferrule  253  that can receive 12 fibers) located at the end of the tether distal from the breakout location  260 . Once again, the end of the tether  240  prepared to be mechanically and optically coupled to the distribution cable  220  at the breakout location  260  includes end portions of fibers  224   t  exposed from the buffer tube  242 . Also, the jacket  250  has been stripped to expose end portions of the buffer tube  242  and the strength members  246 . A mechanical crimp member  255  can be crimped to exposed end portions of the strength members  246 . In other embodiments, the crimp member can be crimped over the tether jacket  250 .  
         [0051]     The prepared tether  240  is optically coupled to the distribution cable  220  at the coupling location  280  using known coupling techniques (e.g., a fusion splice technique). A coupling protector (i.e., a splice protection sleeve) can be positioned over the spliced fibers  224   dc ,  224   t  at the coupling location  280 . Typically, the coupling protector is configured to heat shrink to fit the fibers  224 . For example, the coupling protector can include a strength member, inner meltable adhesive tube, and polyolefin outer tube. The strength member of the coupling protector can be stainless steel or fiberglass. Example splice protection sleeves are disclosed at U.S. Pat. No. 5,731,051, that is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. It will be appreciated that a splice sleeve can hold/protect a single splice or multiple splices. In one embodiment, one splice sleeve is used to hold all of the splices corresponding to a given tether.  
         [0052]     The coupling protector is inserted within the cut region  270  of the distribution cable  220  so as to be recessed below/inside the cable jacket  230  as shown in  FIG. 4 . In one embodiment, the outer perimeter (i.e., the outer diameter) of the cable jacket  230  defines an outer boundary within which the coupled fibers  224   dc ,  224   t  are arranged. In a preferred embodiment, an end portion of the tether buffer tube  242  can also be inserted within the outer boundary through the cut region  270 . The buffer tube  242  and coupling protector can be secured using tape, adhesive, or any desired fastener. The tether  240  can be secured to the distribution cable  220  adjacent the cut region  270  using a breakout assembly as described herein.  
         [0053]     Referring now to  FIGS. 7-12 , one example of a breakout assembly  300  having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure is shown. In the example shown in  FIG. 7 , the breakout assembly  300  includes jacket supports  320 , a fastener  330 , and a spacer  340 . The fastener  330  secures the tether  240  to the distribution cable  220  at the second end  274  of the cut region  270 . In one embodiment, the fastener  330  includes a strip of tape wound around the tether  240  and the distribution cable  220 . In another embodiment, the fastener  330  includes a hose clamp.  
         [0054]     The spacer  340  is located at the first end  272  of the cut region  270 . The spacer is generally configured to protrude radially outwardly from the distribution cable a distance of less than about 0.2 inches. In one example embodiment, the spacer  340  includes a strip of tape wound multiple times around the distribution cable  220  adjacent the first end  272  of the cut region  270 . In other embodiments, however, the spacer  340  can include any desired structure configured to protrude radially outwardly from the distribution cable  220 .  
         [0055]     The jacket supports  320  are positioned within the cut region  270  to inhibit excess bending of the ribbon stack  225  along the cut region  270 . In the example shown in  FIGS. 8-11 , the jacket supports  320  include legs  324  configured to fit within the cut region  270  of the distribution cable  220  and a curved surface  322  configured to extend over the cut region  270 . In general, the jacket supports  320  have a length L′ ranging from about 0.5 inches to about 2 inches, a width W′ ranging from about 0.25 inches to about 0.75 inches, and a depth D′ of about 0.1 inches to about 0.4 inches. Typically, the jacket supports  320  have a length L′ of about 1.0 inches, a width W′ of about 0.37 inches, and a depth D′ of about 0.2 inches.  
         [0056]      FIGS. 20-23  and  24 - 28  respectively show two alternative jacket supports  520   a ,  520   b  adapted for use in reinforcing the cut region  270  of a breakout location. The jacket supports  520   a ,  520   b  have flanges  521   a ,  521   b  that are curved to match the outer diameter of the cable jacket  230 . The jacket supports  520   a ,  520   b  also include legs  524   a ,  524   b  that project outwardly from the flanges  521   a ,  521   b . The legs  524   a ,  524   b  are sized to fit within the cut region  270 . When installed at the cut region  270 , the legs  524   a ,  524   b  fit within the cut region  270  and the flanges overlap the outer diameter of the cable jacket  230  at opposite sides of the cut region  270 . The leg  524   a  has a length L 1  that is longer than a corresponding length L 2  of the leg  524   b . The length L 1  is selected so that the leg  524   a  is sufficiently long to extend through the cable jacket  230  and at least partially into the buffer tube  222  when the jacket support  520   a  is mounted at the cut region  270 . The length L 2  is selected so that the leg  524   b  does not extend into the buffer tube  222  when the jacket support  520   b  is mounted at the cut region  270 . To reinforce the full cut region  270 , it is preferred for a plurality of the jacket supports  520   a  and a plurality of the jacket supports  520   b  to be positioned along the length of the cut region  270 . To provide clearance within the cable  220  for the splice sleeves, the jacket supports  520   b  can be mounted at locations of the cut region  270  in which the jacket supports are arranged to cover the splice sleeves. In contrast, the jacket supports  520   a  can be mounted at locations of the cut region  270  that are axially offset from the splice sleeves. Typically, the jacket supports  520   b  will be arranged at a mid-region of the cut region  270 , and the jacket supports  520   a  will be arranged adjacent the ends  272 ,  274  of the cut region  270 .  
         [0057]      FIGS. 29-33  show another jacket support  620  adapted for use in reinforcing the cut region  270  of a breakout location. The jacket support  620  is a reinforcing strip having a length that generally equals the length of the cut region  270 . The jacket support  620  has a flange  621  that are curved to match the outer diameter of the cable jacket  230 . The jacket support  620  also includes legs  624   a ,  624   b  that project outwardly from the flange  621 . The legs  624   a ,  624   b  are sized to fit within the cut region  270 . When installed at the cut region  270 , the legs  624   a ,  624   b  fit within the cut region  270  and the flange  621  overlaps the outer diameter of the cable jacket  230  at opposite sides of the cut region  270 . The leg  624   a  has a length L 1  that is longer than a corresponding length L 2  of the leg  624   b . The length L 1  is selected so that the leg  624   a  is sufficiently long to extend through the cable jacket  230  and at least partially into the buffer tube  222  (see  FIG. 34 ) when the jacket support  620  is mounted at the cut region  270 . The length L 2  is selected so that the leg  624   b  does not extend into the buffer tube  222  (see  FIG. 35 ) when the jacket support  620  is mounted at the cut region  270 . Flex locations  626  are provided between the legs of the jacket support  620  to allow the jacket support  620  to flex with the distribution cable  220 . When assembled at the cut region  270 , splice sleeves are preferably mounted beneath the legs  640   b  to provide clearance for the splice sleeves.  
         [0058]     The breakout assembly  300  also includes an over-mold  350  that encloses and seals the cut region  270  of the distribution cable  220  from the fastener  330  to the ends of the tether strength members  246  (e.g., see  FIG. 12 ). In certain embodiments, a wrap of heat resistant tape (e.g., silicone tape) can provide an intermediate layer between the distribution cable  220  and the over-mold  350 .  
         [0059]     The over-mold  350  is preferably made of a flexible polymer plastic material. It is preferred for the over-mold  350  to be sized with a cross sectional shape sufficient to allow the breakout location to be readily passed through a one and one-half inch inner diameter conduit or a one and one-quarter inch diameter conduit. In certain embodiments, the breakout location  260  has a cross sectional area that can be passed through a one inch inner diameter conduit.  
         [0060]     Referring now to  FIGS. 13-18 , an alternative example of a breakout assembly  400  having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure is shown. The breakout assembly  400  includes a coupling protector (e.g., as described above) positioned over the fibers  224   dc ,  224   t  at the coupling location  280 .  
         [0061]     In the example shown in  FIG. 13 , the breakout assembly  400  includes at least one jacket support  420  and a transition block  430 . In general, the jacket supports  420  resemble the jacket supports  320  discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 7-12 . In a preferred embodiment, three jacket supports  420  are provided in the cut region  270  of the distribution cable  220 . For clarity, two jacket supports  420  are shown in  FIG. 13 .  
         [0062]     The transition block  430  secures the tether  240  to the distribution cable  220  at the second end  274  of the cut region  270 . The strength members  246  of the tether  240  can be secured to the transition block  430  to strengthen the mechanical interface between the tether  240  and the distribution cable  220 . The transition block  430  can also provide a path along which the tether buffer tube  242  can be routed into the cut region  270  of the distribution cable  220 .  
         [0063]     In certain embodiments, the transition block  430  includes two body members configured to secure together. In some embodiments, the two body members are mirror-images of one another. In other embodiments, however, one of the body members is wider than the other body member to facilitate mounting the tether  240  to the wider body member. For example,  FIGS. 14-16  illustrate a first body member  430 A configured to couple to a narrower body member (not shown) to form the transition block  430  shown in  FIG. 13 .  
         [0064]     The body member  430 A extends along a length L″ from a first end  431  to a second, opposite end  433 . The body member  430 A has a top side  437  and a bottom side  439 . The bottom side  439  of the body member  430 A defines a first channel  432  configured to receive the outer jacket  230  of the distribution cable  220 . The first channel  432  extends substantially linearly from the first end  431  to the second end  433  of the body member  430 A.  
         [0065]     In general, the body member  430 A has a length L″ ranging from about 1.5 to about 3.0 inches, a width W″ ranging from about 0.25 inches to about 1.0 inches, and a depth D″ ranging from about 0.75 to about 1.25 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the body member  430 A has a length L″ of about 2 inches, a width W″ of about 0.4 inches and a depth D″ of about 1 inch. The transition block  430  has a width equal to the width W″ of the first body member  430 A and the width of the second body member (not shown). In one example embodiment, the transition block  430  has a width of about 0.7 inches.  
         [0066]     The top side  437  of the body member  430 A defines a second channel  434  configured adjacent the first end  431  to extend generally parallel with the first channel  432  and configured adjacent the second end  433  to taper downwardly to the first channel  432 . A separating member  435  extends between and defines the first and second channels  432 ,  434 . The separating member  435  can include a fastening member  436  configured to engage with a corresponding fastening member on the second body member (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, the fastening member  436  can include a hole configured to receive a protruding fastening member on the second body member.  
         [0067]     As shown in  FIG. 17 , the second channel  434  is configured to receive the tether  240  at the first end  431  and to route the tether  240  into the cut region  270  of the distribution cable  220 . In a preferred embodiment, the second channel  434  is configured to receive the outer jacket  250  of the tether  240  at the first end  431  (see  FIG. 17 ). In some embodiments, the strength members  246  of the tether  240  can be secured to the body member  430 A adjacent the tapered portion of the second channel  434  (see  FIG. 17 ). For example, the second channel  434  can include a pair of strength member receptacles  435  for receiving the strength members  246 . The strength members  246  can be adhesively bonded within the receptacles  435 . Further, a pocket  447  can be provided for receiving the mechanical crimp member  255  crimped to the tether to provide a further mechanical coupling between the tether  240  and the transition block  430 . In other embodiments, however, the body member  430 A can be configured to receive and hold the strength members  246  at any point along the second channel  434 .  
         [0068]     The transition block  430  also includes further structure for providing an effective mechanical interface with the tether  240 . For example, the second channel  434  includes an end opening  459  sized to match the outer shape of the outer jacket  250  of the tether  240 . Also, a buffer tube receptacle  449  for receiving the exposed buffer tube  242  of the prepared tether  240  is defined between the receptacles  435  that receive the exposed strength members  246  of the prepared tether  240 .  
         [0069]     The breakout assembly  400  can also includes an over-mold  450  that encloses and seals the cut region  270  of the distribution cable  220  from the transition block  430  to adjacent the first end  272  of the cut region  270  (e.g., see  FIG. 18 ). In certain embodiments, a wrap of heat resistant tape (e.g., silicone tape) can provide an intermediate layer between the distribution cable  220  and the over-mold  450 .  
         [0070]     The over-mold  450  is preferably made of a flexible polymer plastic material. It is preferred for the over-mold  450  to be sized with a cross sectional shape sufficient to allow the breakout location to be readily passed through a one and one-half inch inner diameter conduit or a one and one-quarter inch diameter conduit. In certain embodiments, the breakout location  260  has a cross sectional area that can be passed through a one inch inner diameter conduit.  
         [0071]     Referring now to  FIG. 36 , an alternative example of a breakout assembly  700  having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure is shown. The breakout assembly  700  includes two splice protectors  701  (e.g., as described above) positioned over splices between the fibers  224   dc ,  224   t . It will be appreciated that the fibers  224   dc ,  224   t  depicted at  FIG. 36  are each representative of a plurality of fibers (e.g., 12 fibers in the case of 12 fiber tethers). The breakout assembly  700  also includes the jacket support  620  of  FIGS. 29-33 , which is mounted in the cut region  270  of the breakout location. The splice protectors  701  are located within the jacket  230  of the distribution cable  220  at locations beneath the shorter legs  624   b  of the jacket support  620 . The breakout assembly further includes a block  704  that functions to transition the fibers  224   t  from the distribution cable  220  to the tethers  240 , and also functions to anchor the tethers  240  to the distribution cable  220 . The jacket support  620  includes a tab  661  that overlaps the block  704  to resist relative movement between the block  704  and the jacket support  620 .  
         [0072]     Referring to  FIGS. 39-43 , the block  704  includes a cable channel  705  for receiving the distribution cable  220 . The cable channel  705  is generally straight and extends from a first open end  707  to a second open end  709 . The cable channel  705  receives the distribution cable  220  and allows the distribution cable  220  to pass through the block  704 . It will be appreciated that the jacket  230  of the distribution cable  220  cab be adhesively bonded within the channel  705  such that the block  704  is mechanically anchored to the cable  220 .  
         [0073]     The block  704  also includes a tether channel arrangement  710  adapted for anchoring two tethers  240  to the block  704 . The tether channel arrangement includes first and second tether channels  712  each adapted for receiving a tether  240 . Similar to previous embodiments, the channels  712  can include structures for mechanically coupling the tethers to the block  704 . For example, the tether channels  712  can include crimp pockets for receiving mechanical crimps coupled to the tethers, strength member receptacles for facilitating bonding the tether strength members to the block  704 , and other structures.  
         [0074]     The block  704  has a two piece configuration including pieces  704   a ,  704   b  that interconnect by a hinged, snap fit configuration. A hinge  720  is defined between the pieces  704   a ,  704   b  by tabs  722  of piece  704   b  that fit within openings  724  of piece  704   a . A snap fit connection is provided between the pieces  704   a ,  704   b  by flexible cantilever latches  726  of piece  704   b  that fit within receivers  728  of piece  704   a . To mount the block  704  on the distribution cable  220 , the tabs  722  are inserted within the openings  724  and the cable  220  is inserted between the pieces  704   a ,  704   b  in alignment with the cable channel  705 . The two pieces  704   a ,  704   b  are then pivoted toward one another about hinge line  730  thereby capturing the cable  220  within the cable channel  705 . The pieces  704   a ,  704   b  are pivoted toward one another until the cantilever latches  726  snap within the receivers  728  thereby securing the pieces  704   a ,  704   b  together.  
         [0075]     The block  704  includes other features for enhancing the breakout location. For example, piece  704   a  includes a lug  733  that fits within the cut region  270  to maintain rotational alignment between the distribution cable  220  and the block  704  during assembly (i.e., the lug prevents fits within the cut region  270  to prevent relative rotation from occurring between the block  704  and the distribution cable  220 ). Also, piece  704   a  includes an overlap member  735  that fits within a receptacle  737  of piece  704   b  to minimize any fiber pinch locations that may be present between the pieces  704   a ,  704   b . Further, piece  704   a  includes an integral hook  739  for receiving the buffer tube  242  of one of the tethers  240  to retain the buffer tube  242  in close proximity to the piece  704   a.    
         [0076]     The cable channel  705  of the block  704  also includes a tapered diameter  740  adjacent the second open end  709 . The tapered diameter  740  enlarges as the channel  705  extends toward the second open end  709 . Prior to assembling the block  704  on the distribution cable  220 , tape is wrapped about the cable at a location slightly offset from the end  274  of the cut region  270 . By mounting the block  704  on the cable  220 , and then sliding the block  704  axially along the cable toward the tape, the tape is received and compressed within the tapered diameter  740  to assist in sealing the second open end  709  of the cable channel  705 .  
         [0077]     In each of the above-described breakout arrangements, a cut region or slot was provided in the cable jacket  230  and buffer tube  222 . Because the cable  220  has been compromised, flexing of the cable can cause distortion of the cable cross-section and/or movement of the strength member  226  within the cable  220 . To protect the splice location, further reinforcement can be provided to resist cable distortion and/or strength member movement.  FIGS. 60-63  show an example reinforcing member  800  that can be used to further reinforce the cable  220  at the cut region  270 . The reinforcing member  800  is a bendable metal clip having a hook end  802  and a fastening end  804 . The fastening end  804  includes a strap  806  and a strap receiver  808 . In practice, a pair of the reinforcing members  800  are used together to reinforce the cable  220 . As shown at  FIG. 64 , the hook ends  802  are inserted through the cut region  270  and hooked over the cut edges of the jacket  230  and the buffer tube  222 . The bodies of the reinforcing members  800  are bent around the outer diameter of the jacket  230  and fastening ends  804  are fastened together at the side of the cable  220  opposite form the cut region  270 . The members  800  are fastened together by inserting the straps  806  through the receivers  808 , and bending the straps  806  while pulling the straps tight.  
         [0078]      FIGS. 65-68  show another reinforcing member  900  that can be used to further reinforce the cable  220  at the cut region  270 . The reinforcing member  900  is a buffer tube spreader that fits within the buffer tube  222  as shown at  FIG. 68  to assist in holding the buffer tube open. The reinforcing member  900  includes an insert portion  902  that fits within the cut region  270 , and spreader wings  904  that angle outwardly from the insert portion  902 . For certain applications, the reinforcing members  800  and  900  can be used separately or in combination with one another to reinforce a distribution cable.  
         [0079]     The above specification provides examples of how certain inventive aspects may be put into practice. It will be appreciated that the inventive aspects can be practiced in other ways than those specifically shown and described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventive aspects.