Patent Abstract:
A fiber optic cable guide is disclosed for holding fiber optic cable in a bend without violating the minimum bend radius. The guide is a removably attachable to the fiber optic cable. Duplex embodiments and related methods of use are also disclosed.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates generally to a fiber optic cable guide to permit bendable installation of optical fiber cables and a method of application of the guide to a cable. More particularly, the invention is directed to a fiber optic cable guide that is removably attachable to a connector subassembly disposed at an end of the fiber optic cable and to a related method. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Often a fiber optic cable is terminated in a constrained enclosure such as a small cabinet or elsewhere where space is otherwise limited. Sometimes a fiber optic cable is required to bend through about ninety degrees shortly after the termination point. If appropriate care is not given the cable, the bending of the cable may violate the minimum bend radius of the optical fiber, which could lead to attenuation and even breakage of the optical fiber in the cable. Various types of guides have been developed for bendably connecting fiber optic cables to other components without violating the minimum bend radius of the fiber optic cable. For example, guides are available such as those shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,134,370; 5,710,851; 5,640,476; 5,347,603; and 5,037,175. 
     However, these guide devices include various disadvantages, such as bulkiness that may preclude their use in some applications, especially where small connectors or tight spaces are involved. Also, some of these devices cover most or all of the cable within the bend, making it difficult or impossible to visually detect which cable (for example, according to its color or markings) extends into a given connector. This difficulty can be increased where a large number of cables are connected in a group or where the connected cables extend out of sight beyond the guide. Some of the above guides also must be installed prior to the connector being installed on the optical fiber. Also, some of these devices include the guide as a permanent part of the connector itself, such as incorporating the guide into the boot, thereby precluding the ability to selectively provide a non-guided (i.e., non-bending) connector in the field. Some of these devices are also not readily rotatable relative to the connector after attachment to the connector, thereby limiting installation flexibility. Finally, the devices do not provide for a simple and reliable removal of a cable from the guide, either by choice or in case of an inadvertent snagging of a cable. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A fiber optic cable guide is disclosed for removable placement on a connectorized fiber optic cable assembly having a fiber optic cable and at least one connector subassembly. The fiber optic cable has a minimum bend radius. The fiber optic cable guide includes an elongated member at least partially curved along its length with a radius of curvature not less than the minimum bend radius of the fiber optic cable for guiding the fiber optic cable in a desired direction. The elongated member has a first end, a second end, a middle section between the first and second ends, and a channel extending from the first end to the second end for receiving the fiber optic cable. The first end is configured to be removably disposed around a portion of the connector subassembly. The second end includes at least one primary securement element extending from the second end and configured to releasably hold at least the fiber optic cable to the elongated member. The middle section includes at least one secondary securement element extending from the middle section and configured to releasably hold at least the fiber optic cable to the elongated member. The primary securement element is configured so that the fiber optic cable is releasable from the primary-securement element upon pulling the fiber optic cable at a first predetermined force in a direction generally away from a bottom of the channel. 
     The secondary securement element may be configured so that the fiber optic cable is releasable from the secondary securement element upon pulling of the fiber optic cable at a second predetermined force in the direction generally away from the bottom of the channel. The second predetermined force may be greater than the first predetermined force, or the second predetermined force may be substantially equal to the first predetermined force. 
     The at least one primary securement element may extend arcuately over a portion of the channel, and the second end may include at least two primary securement elements. The at least two primary securement elements may be disposed at two different axial positions along the second end of the elongated member, or the at least two primary securement elements may be disposed opposite each other at a common axial position along the second end of the elongated member, thereby forming a substantially C-shape with the second end. 
     The connector subassembly may include a strain relief boot, and the at least one primary securement element may be configured to hold the elongated member to the strain relief boot. The first end of the elongated member may be configured to allow the elongated member to rotate 360 degrees relative to the connector subassembly. The first end of the elongated member may have a receptacle extending from the first end, the receptacle defining a longitudinally-extending channel therethrough and a longitudinally-extending slot in communication with the channel. The receptacle may be substantially C-shaped. The slot may be configured to allow the fiber optic cable to be slid radially therethrough. If connector subassembly includes a strain relief boot, the receptacle may be configured to be removably disposed around the boot. 
     The at least one secondary securement element may be configured to allow axial movement of the fiber optic cable relative to the elongated member, or may be configured to be crimpable around the fiber optic cable to thereby substantially preclude axial movement of the fiber optic cable relative to the elongated member. 
     The middle section may have at least two secondary securement elements, which may be disposed at two different axial positions along the middle section of the elongated member, or which may be disposed opposite each other at a common axial position along the middle section end of the elongated member, thereby forming a substantially C-shape with the middle section. The at least one secondary securement element may also extend across a center of the channel. 
     The elongated member may be curved through about 90 degrees, and the channel may have a width that decreases in the direction of the first end to the second end. 
     Also, the elongated member may include at least one stiffening element. If desired, two ribs extending along the elongated member may be provided for stiffening. The stiffening element may be disposed proximate the secondary securement element or proximate an opening through the elongated member. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, a fiber optic cable guide is disclosed for removable placement on a connectorized fiber optic cable assembly having a fiber optic cable and at least one connector subassembly. The fiber optic cable has a minimum bend radius. The fiber optic cable guide includes an elongated member at least partially curved along its length with a radius of curvature not less than the minimum bend radius of the fiber optic cable for guiding the fiber optic cable in a desired direction. The elongated member has a first end, a second end, a middle section between the first and second ends, and a channel extending from the first end to the second end for receiving the fiber optic cable. The first end includes a substantially C-shaped receptacle for releasably holding a portion of the connector subassembly. The second end includes two primary securement elements extending from the second end to releasably hold at least the fiber optic cable. The middle section includes one secondary securement element extending from the middle section to releasably hold at least the fiber optic cable. The primary securement elements are configured so that the fiber optic cable is releasable from the primary securement elements upon pulling the fiber optic cable in a direction generally away from a bottom of the channel. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, a fiber optic cable guide is disclosed for removable placement on a connectorized fiber optic cable assembly having a fiber optic cable and at least one connector subassembly including a strain relief boot. The fiber optic cable has a minimum bend radius. The fiber optic cable guide includes an elongated member curved along its length with a radius of curvature not less than the minimum bend radius of the fiber optic cable. The elongated member has a first end, a second end, a middle section between the first and second ends, and a channel extending from the first end to the second end for receiving the fiber optic cable and the strain relief boot. The first end is removably attached to the strain relief boot. The second end includes at least one primary securement element extending from the second end to releasably hold the fiber optic cable to the elongated member substantially within the channel. The primary securement element is configured so that the fiber optic cable is releasable from the primary securement element upon pulling the fiber optic cable in a direction away from a bottom of the channel. 
     The elongated member may be forked. Each connector subassembly may include a strain relief boot and each receptacle may be disposed around a respective strain relief boot. The elongated member may include two channels extending from the first end to the second end, each channel for receiving a respective fiber optic cable. The primary securement elements may be configured so that the respective fiber optic cables are releasable upon pulling of the fiber optic cable in a direction away from a bottom of the respective channel. A middle section may be included between the first and second ends and two secondary securement elements disposed on the middle section, each secondary securement element for holding a respective fiber optic cable. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, a method is disclosed of removably fixing a fiber optic cable in a curvature not greater than that defined by a minimum bend radius of the fiber optic cable, a connector subassembly being disposed at at least one end of the fiber optic cable. The method includes the steps of radially inserting the fiber optic cable into a first end of a guide member, the first end being configured to be disposed around a portion of the connector subassembly, the guide member being at least partially curved along its length with a radius of curvature not less than the minimum bend radius and defining a channel for receiving the fiber optic cable extending from the first end of the guide member to a second end of the guide member, and radially inserting the fiber optic cable in a direction toward the bottom of the channel past at least one securement element extending from the guide member spaced from the first end to hold the fiber optic cable to the guide member. 
     Further steps may include inserting the fiber optic cable past at least another securement element axially spaced from the at least one securement element, crimping one of the securement elements over the fiber optic cable, axially sliding the guide member along the fiber optic cable after the first radially inserting step, removing the fiber optic cable from the guide member by pulling the cable radially from the at least one securement element, or rotating the guide member relative to the fiber optic cable to a desired orientation after the radially inserting steps. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. 
    
    
     For better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and its scope will be pointed out in the appending claims. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The above and other aspects and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the detailed description below in combination with the drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a left side perspective view of one embodiment of a fiber optic cable guide according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the fiber optic cable guide taken along line  2 — 2  in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the fiber optic cable guide of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is a partial sectional elevational view of the fiber optic cable guide of FIG. 1, also showing use with a connector subassembly and cable; 
     FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the fiber optic cable guide of FIG. 1, also showing use with an alternate connector subassembly and cable; 
     FIG. 6 is a left side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a fiber optic cable guide; 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of a fiber optic cable guide having offset securement elements; 
     FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of an alternative duplex embodiment of a fiber optic cable guide; 
     FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of another alternate duplex embodiment of a fiber optic cable guide; 
     FIG. 10 is a left side perspective view of the fiber optic cable guide of FIG. 9 with two connector subassemblies and cables; 
     FIG. 11 is a top view of fiber optic cable guide of FIG. 9; 
     FIG. 12 is a left side perspective view of another embodiment of a fiber optic cable guide according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a fiber optic cable guide according to the present invention; and 
     FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the fiber optic cable guide of FIG.  13 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Detailed reference will now be made to the drawings in which examples embodying the present invention are shown. The drawings and detailed description provide a full and detailed written description of the invention and of the manner and process of using it so as to enable one skilled in the pertinent art to make and use it as well the best mode of carrying out the invention. However, the examples set forth in the drawings and detailed description are provided by way of explanation of the invention and are not meant as a limitation of the invention. The present invention thus includes any modifications and variations of the following examples as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     The detailed description uses numerical and lettered designations to refer to figures in the drawings. Like or similar designations in the drawings and description have been used to refer to like or similar parts of the invention, in particular with reference to corresponding parts in different embodiments. 
     A first embodiment of a fiber optic cable guide  20  according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 1-5. The fiber optic cable guide  20  is suitable for removable placement on a connectorized fiber optic cable or cable assembly. The fiber optic cable guide  20  includes an elongated member  22  having a first end  24 , a middle section  26 , and a second end  28 . The elongated member  22  defines a channel  23  extending from the first end  24  to the second end  28 . The second end  28  has at least one primary securement element in the form of an extension  30  and the first end  24  has a receptacle  32 . 
     The receptacle  32  and extension  30  are configured and sized to be removably attached to and safely guide a fiber optic cable  48  through a predetermined bend without violating the minimum bend radius of the fiber optic cable. The cable  48  and a connector subassembly  49  together form what is referred to herein as connectorized fiber optic cable assembly  46  (which may also have a connector at a second end of cable  48 ). As shown, assembly  46  is terminated by an LC connector, but it should be understood that the present invention has applications with various types of connectors. Connector subassembly  49  may include a strain relief boot  50   a  or  50   b  attached to a housing  51  and a trigger member  53  attached to the housing. 
     It should also be understood that use of the term “connectorized” is meant to refer both to cables connectorized by a technician in the field and to cables connectorized during initial manufacture. Thus, “connectorized” is intended only to indicate that the fiber optic cable has at least one connector, regardless of how or when installed. 
     If desired, the extensions  30  may be provided in one or two mating pairs. As shown in FIGS. 1-5 two pairs of the mating extensions  30  are provided. A slot  31  is disposed between each mating extension pair to allow the cable  48  and possibly the strain-relief boot (as described below in relation to the inventive method) to be slid radially through the slot  31  between extensions  30 . It should be understood that the two pairs of mating extensions  30  could be replaced with a single mating pair, if desired. Alternately, each pair could be replaced by a single extension or only a single extension could be employed and still be within the scope of the invention. 
     As shown, the extensions  30  are arcuate and form a channel  33  in communication with the slot  31 . Channel  33  is coextensive with the channel  23  within the extensions  30 . As shown, a mating pair of extensions  30  are substantially C-shaped, so as to conform to the cable and/or boot exterior. The extensions  30 , whatever their number or form, are configured to be removably disposed around at least a portion of the connectorized cable assembly. FIG. 4 shows the extensions  30  disposed around the cable  48  only, while FIG. 5 shows the extensions  30  disposed around the cable  48  and a boot  50   b  (boot  50   a  in FIG. 4 does not extend along the cable to the extensions). 
     The receptacle  32  is configured to be removably disposed around a portion of the connector subassembly  49 . One example of the receptacle, as shown, includes a longitudinally-extending channel  34  (coextensive with channel  23  within the receptacle) and a longitudinally-extending slot  36  that cooperate to permit at least a portion of the cable assembly  46  to be radially inserted into the channel. The receptacle  32  may also be, by way of example, substantially C-shaped. Thus, receptacle  32  is formed of two sides  32   a  and  32   b  that may be similar to a mating pair of extensions  30 , as described above. Slot  36  should be wide enough for the cable  48  to pass through radially, and may also be wide enough for at least a portion of the boot  50   a  or  50   b  to pass therethrough. 
     In use, receptacle  32  and channel  34  releasably secure the elongated member  22  to a portion of the connector subassembly  49 , namely the boot  50   a  or  50   b  (see FIGS.  4  and  5 ). The receptacle  32  may be configured to grip the boot  50   a  or  50   b  so as to allow the cable subassembly  46  to rotate 360 degrees relative to the elongated member  22 . If the boot shape is altered, the receptacle  32  may be altered accordingly, whether to allow secure attachment or to ensure rotatability, or both. Such relative rotatability allows for flexibility during installation and maintenance, while still providing minimum bend radius protection. The boot may be configured to accept the guide for example, by providing a groove (not shown) in its outer surface. The receptacle could also be attached to a part of the connector housing  51 , if desired. 
     The fiber optic cable guide  20  and its channel  23  may be relatively wider near the first end  24  and the receptacle  32  and may decrease in width and diameter towards the second end  28  and extension  30 , as shown. Alternately, the fiber optic cable guide  20  may be axially uniform, having a width equal to that of the channel  34  from the first end and  24  to the second end  28 . The configuration may also be dictated or altered to fit different cable and/or boot configurations and still be within the scope of the invention. 
     At least one secondary securement element  38  may also be included on guide  20 . If so, the securement element  38  may extend from the middle section  26  and may be configured to extend across a center of the channel  23 . The secondary securement element  38  has a proximal end  40  attached near the middle section  26  of the elongated member  22  and a distal end  42  extending away from the proximal end. The distal end  42  of the secondary securement element  38  may be loosely restrictive relative to the cable  48  and therefore freely allow axial and rotational movement of the cable  48  relative to the elongated member  22  (i.e., both sliding and rotating). Alternatively, the secondary securement element  38  can grip the fiber optic cable  48  tightly (via boot  50   a  or  50   b ) so as to eliminate sliding unless the cable is pulled with a fair amount of force, or even can be crimped around the fiber optic cable to preclude sliding in most conditions. To be crimpable, securement element  38  and possibly all of guide  20 , would have to be made of a deformable material, such as a metal. 
     As shown, the secondary securement element  38  of the first embodiment extends arcuately, and its distal end  42  extends across the center of the channel  23  and therefore further circumferentially around the cable  48  and the boot  50   a  or  50   b  than do the arms  32   a  or  32   b  or the extensions  30 . Thus, the cable  48  must be carefully fed around the secondary securement element  38 , if the secondary securement element is so configured, so as to avoid damaging the cable during insertion and especially during removal. 
     In the exemplary embodiment as shown, the elongated member  22  is curved for at least a portion of its length. More particularly, the member  22  is curved through about ninety degrees but it may also be curved through other angles as desired. Regardless of the circumferential length of the curvature, the curvature (see FIG. 2) should not have a radius of curvature r smaller than the minimum bend radius of the fiber optic cable  48 . 
     As shown in FIG. 2, the elongated member  22  has a thickness  52  that extends in a plane through which the radius of curvature of the elongated member is curved. The thickness  52  increases in the direction of the first end  24  to provide more strength at that end and more flexibility at the second end  28 . If desired, however, the thickness  52  may be uniform from the first end  24  to the second end  28 , or may vary in other ways, whether uniformly or otherwise, as called for in particular applications. 
     The elongated member  22  also has a width  54  (FIG. 3) perpendicular to the plane of the radius of curvature. Put another way, a bottom  25  (see FIG. 2) of channel  23  extends along the member  22  in a plane aligned with the radius of curvature r. However, if desired, the curvature could extend in the direction of the width  54 , or in some other direction rather than in the direction of the thickness  52 . Thus, the plane which the radius of curvature extends could be at an angle to or even perpendicular to the plane in which the section was taken in FIG. 2, as will be discussed below with reference to FIG.  10 . 
     Of course, the guide  20  could be attached on or rotated to anywhere around connector subassembly  46 . For example, the guide  20  (as shown) could be mounted on the connector subassembly  46  with the guide  20  curving down, up, or sideways, regardless of the direction of curvature. Thus, it should be understood that various orientations of the elements described above relative to the curvature of the guide  20  are possible within the scope of the invention. 
     As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the extensions  30  may radially engage the cable  48  or an extended strain relief boot  50   a  or  50   b  disposed about the cable. The fiber optic cable  48  and the boot  50  may be releasably held by the extension  30  until a user pulls end  48   a  of the fiber optic cable  48  away from the extension in a direction generally away from the bottom  25  of the channel  23  (to the right in FIGS.  4  and  5 ). Pulling on the cable  48  causes the cable  48 /boot  50  to be pulled through the extension  30 , thereby releasing the fiber optic cable/boot if pulling is done with force of at least a first predetermined force. The distance between extensions  30  may be configured to release the fiber optic cable/boot upon such pulling with less or more pulling force without causing stress on the fiber cable that could cause attenuation and eventually breakage of the optical fiber in the cable. Securement element  38  provides protection for the fiber optic connector by reducing the force on the connector when the cable is pulled upward relative to the guide  20  with a force that is greater than the first predetermined force. However, due to the extent of extension of the securement element  38 , if the cable  48  is to be removed from the guide one should take care to feed the fiber optic cable around and out of the securement element of this embodiment during continued pulling. 
     The primary securement element may be sized so as to allow the cable  48  to be released from the guide upon inadvertent snagging of the cable. If so, the possibility is greatly increased for avoiding damage to the cable  48 . Of course, if the cable is more violently pulled, damage to the optical fiber may be unavoidable. With the slots  31  disposed radially above the bottom  25  of channel, rather than to the side, it is also simple to tug the cable  48  upward (away from the bottom  48  of the channel  23 ) to remove it from the second end  28  when one wants to remove the guide  20  from the connectorized cable assembly  46 , or the assembly itself from a receptacle (not shown). The slots and extensions may be thus designed so as to allow the cable  48  to slide out of the slots radially at a first predetermined force, at which a damaging bend of the cable around second end  28  would not occur. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 6, the middle section  226  of guide  220  may have at least two secondary securement elements  238   a  and  238   b  that further radially secure a connectorized assembly (not shown) to the elongated member  222 . The securement elements  238   a  and  238   b  would both extend a lesser distance over the cable than does the securement element  38 , and they more readily allow removal of the cable if pulled upward from the guide  220 . Thus, elements  238   a  and  238   b  do not extend over the center of channel  223  and are more akin to a mating pair of extensions  30 . Thus, the cable can be pulled upward out of elements  238   a  and  238   b , unlike element  38  of the first embodiment. 
     If desired, the secondary securement elements  238   a ,  238   b  may be sized so as to allow the cable  48  and boot  50   a / 50   b  to slide radially outward in a direction away from the bottom  225  of the channel  223  when the cable is pulled at a second predetermined force. The second predetermined force may be greater than or the same as the first predetermined force. If elements  238   a ,  238   b  are utilized, sequential or higher levels of protection of the cable if pulled or snagged may be provided depending on the magnitude, speed, and number of pulls the cable experiences. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 7, securement elements  338   a  and  338   b  are disposed on a central location of elongated member  322  of guide  330 . Securement elements  338   a  and  338   b  are offset relative to each other and overlap relative to the center of channel  323 . Thus, elements  338   a  and  338   b  can be dimensioned the same or similar to element  38 . This embodiment requires that the cable be either slid or manipulated sequentially in two opposing directions around the elements  338   a  and  338   b  to remove or insert a cable subassembly from or into the guide  320 . 
     A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 8 in which a multiplex fiber optic cable guide  420  is configured for removable placement on at least two fiber optic cables  448 . Guide  420  as shown includes a forked elongated member  422  having dual guide bodies  422   a  and  422   b  with dual channels  423   a  and  423   b . As shown in FIG. 8, receptacles  432   a  and  432   b  may be used to guide the fiber optic cables in a desired direction. At least two securement elements  438   a  and  438   b  may be used to secure the fiber optic cables. Elements  438   a  and  438   b  overlap the center of channel  423 , as with element  38 , although they may be configured as are elements  238  or  338 , if desired. Extensions  430  are also provided to receive fiber optic cables (not shown). 
     At the first end  424  of member  422 , the receptacles  432   a  and  432   b  are joined. At the middle section  426  and second end  426 , dual guide bodies  422   a  and  422   b  extend outwardly separately from the first end  424 . However, the guide bodies  422   a  and  422   b  could be joined along some or all of their lengths, if desired. 
     FIGS. 9-11 show an alternative embodiment of a multiplex fiber optic cable guide  520  having a forked elongated member  522  having dual guide bodies  522   a  and  522   b . Guide  520  differs from guide  420  in that guide  520  includes at least two securement elements  538   a  and  538   b  on each of guide body  522   a  and  522   b . Elements  538   a  and  538   b  do not extend over channels  523   a  and  523   b , as with elements  238   a  and  238   b . FIG. 10 shows two cable assemblies  546  secured to guide  520 . 
     FIG. 12 shows an alternative embodiment a fiber optic cable guide  620  including an elongated member  622  that is similar to that in FIGS. 1-5, except that the curvature of guide  620  extends essentially laterally with reference to the bottom  625  of the channel  623 . Guide  620  demonstrates that the curvature of the guide could extend in various directions with reference to the channel. 
     FIGS. 13 and 14 show another alternative embodiment of a fiber optic cable guide according to the present invention. As shown, fiber optic cable guide  720  includes an elongated member  722  that is similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-5, except that an opening  756  is located proximate securement element  738 . Opening  756  is also located proximate at least one stiffening element. As shown, the stiffening element may comprise a rib  758  extending along elongated member  722 . Fiber optic cable guide  720  as shown includes two such ribs  758  flanking opening  756 . Ribs  758  are also located proximate securement element  738 , as shown. 
     An opening (such as opening  756 ) may have to be formed in the elongated member  722 , if the part is made by molding. The presence, size, and location of such an opening is thus dependent on the molding procedure. Thus, opening  765  is not necessarily a required part of the fiber optic cable guide structure according to the present invention, although various openings, shapes, and locations could be included within an elongated member to alter the amount of material, shape, flexibility, etc. of the member within the scope of the present invention. The use of the at least one stiffening element (in this case two ribs  758 ) in the embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14 compensates for the loss of stiffness in elongated member  722  caused by the presence of opening  756 . The stiffening element also provides a slightly larger surface that can make grasping the elongated member easier in some situations. 
     It should be understood that the shape and number of stiffening elements could be altered within the scope of the invention. Also, a stiffening element may not be needed, even if a hole is present in the elongated member. Furthermore, at least one stiffening element may be provided on the elongated member regardless of whether any opening extends through the elongated member, and at any desired location along the elongated member whether disposed near an opening, a securement element, or elsewhere. Further, at least one stiffening element may be provided on any of the previously discussed embodiments to stiffen the elongated member. 
     By way of example with reference to guide  20 , a method of using the disclosed guides is to radially insert the fiber optic cable  48  through into the first end  24  of the guide member  20 . Thus, cable  48  could be slid through slot  36 . Then, the guide member  20  could be slid axially along the cable  48  until the guide member releasably engages the connector subassembly  49 . At this point, the cable can be radially inserted or threaded into the primary and/or secondary securement elements, and then the guide can be rotated into position, if desired. Alternately, any rotation may take place before additional inserting or threading. Also, the axial sliding step can take place after all of the inserting and sliding steps, or the radial insertion could occur with the first end  24  engaging the connector subassembly  49  immediately (i.e., snapping on without requiring axial sliding afterwards). 
     To remove the cable, the cable may be pulled upwardly in a direction generally away from the bottom  25  of the channel  23  until the cable clears at least the primary securement element(s). Then, the cable may be sequentially pulled from or threaded around the secondary securement elements, if present. Then, the guide may be radially slid off the connector subassembly (boot), or may be axially slid down the cable prior to radial sliding. 
     Preferably, the guide is made of plastic, but any material could be used that has sufficient strength to cause the boot and cable to curve along the guide. Various other materials, including metals could thus be employed, as could readily be selected by one skilled in the art provided with the present disclosure. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modification and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, specific shapes of various elements of the illustrated embodiments may be altered to suit particular connector or receptacle applications. Thus, the guides disclosed could be used with or ribbon type cable, and could be reconfigured to be flatter, or smaller or larger, if necessary to do so. Also, the various different configurations and numbers of securement elements could be switched among the embodiments, or the configurations of the receptacle, securement elements, and extensions could also be switched or modified, if desired, to suit the various cable assemblies currently available or that will be available in the future. It is intended that the present invention include such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6