Patent Description:
Over the last few years, there has been a rapid growth in the use of optical fiber cables. One such type of optical fiber cables are drop optical fiber cables. The drop optical fiber cables run from a distribution point or cable to a subscriber/user. The drop optical fiber cables are primarily circular in shape or flat shape. Traditionally, the circular drop optical fiber cables include multiple buffer tubes. Each buffer tube encapsulates multiple optical fibers. The drop optical fiber cables require tools to strip-open the buffer tube to access the optical fibers. The circular drop optical fiber cables are not suitable for aerial application due to inequivalent stresses of wind pressure. The drop optical fiber cables with loose optical fibers in flat structure increases width of the drop optical fiber cables drastically. The flat and circular drop optical fiber cables results in lower span length. The flat and circular drop optical fiber cables with multiple optical fibers result in longer installation time. The flat and circular drop optical fiber cables have higher cable weight. A prior art, <CIT>, discloses an optical fiber cable including an optical fiber ribbon in a pipe, wherein the ribbon includes at least two optical fibers arranged side by side, and wherein at least two of the optical fibers are bonded intermittently along a length of the fibers.

In light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need for a flat drop optical fiber cable which overcomes the above cited drawbacks of conventionally known drop optical fiber cables.

There is provided a flat drop optical fiber cable according to claim <NUM>. Further embodiments of flat drop optical fiber cables are disclosed in the dependent claims.

Having thus described the disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying figures, wherein:.

It should be noted that the accompanying figures are intended to present illustrations of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. These figures are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be noted that accompanying figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

For a more complete understanding of the present invention parts, reference is now made to the following descriptions:.

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention.

Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present technology. The appearance of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.

Reference will now be made in detail to selected embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with accompanying figures. The embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, and the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described. It should be understood that the accompanying figures are intended and provided to illustrate embodiments of the disclosure described below and are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and thicknesses and dimensions of some components may be exaggerated for providing better clarity and ease of understanding.

Moreover, although the following description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and/or alterations to said details are within the scope of the present technology. Similarly, although many of the features of the present technology are described in terms of each other, or in conjunction with each other, one skilled in the art will appreciate that many of these features can be provided independently of other features. Accordingly, this description of the present technology is set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the present technology.

It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", and the like, herein do not denote any order, ranking, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. Further, the terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

In this description we will explain and provide more details about the flat drop optical fiber cable that is comprising one or more buffer tubes, wherein the one or more buffer tubes extends substantially along a longitudinal axis passing through a geometrical center of the flat drop optical fiber cable, and a plurality of optical fiber ribbons, wherein each of the plurality of optical fiber ribbons comprising a plurality of optical fibers, wherein the one or more buffer tubes encapsulates the plurality of optical fiber ribbons.

<FIG> illustrates a cross sectional view of a flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM>, in accordance with an embodiment of 'the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a cross sectional view of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM>, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. In general, an optical fiber cable is a network cable that contains strands or array of glass fibers inside an insulated casing. The glass fibers are optical transmission elements and, are used to carry optical signals. The insulated casing facilitates to protect the optical transmissions elements from heat, cold, harsh environment, unwanted disturbances and external interference from other types of wiring. The insulated casing provides protection to the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> from ultraviolet rays of sun. The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is designed for aerial application. In general, drop optical fiber cables are specifically designed for fiber-to-the-subscriber applications. In general, drop optical fiber cables are dielectric cables ideally suited for self-supporting drop-type installations and in lashed or conduit builds.

The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is a flat optical cable. In general, flat optical cables are non-circular with two flat or substantially parallel sides. The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is characterized by elliptical cross sectional area with two flat sides. The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is designed to enable higher span length. The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> includes easy strippable buffer tubes. The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is designed for long distance transmission of optical signals. The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> enables high speed data transmission. The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> transmits data at a higher speed than copper data cable. The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> transmits data at much higher band width than copper data cable. The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is optimized in weight. In general, light weight optical cables are employed for aerial, duct and underground installations. The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is used for aerial application. The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is used for a wide variety of applications. The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is less susceptible to interference.

The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> includes one or more buffer tubes <NUM>, a plurality of optical fiber ribbons <NUM> and one or more water blocking tapes <NUM>. In addition, the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> includes a cable sheath <NUM>, a plurality of strength members <NUM> and a plurality of ripcords <NUM>. The above combination of structural elements enables an improvement in a plurality of characteristics of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM>. The plurality of characteristics includes but may not be limited to optical characteristics, mechanical characteristics, electrical characteristics, transmission characteristics and the like.

The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> includes the one or more buffer tubes <NUM>. In general, buffer tubes meet an optimal requirement of dimensions to facilitate free arrangement of the light transmission elements. The one or more buffer tubes <NUM> extends substantially along a longitudinal axis <NUM>. The longitudinal axis <NUM> passes through a geometrical center <NUM> of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM>. In general, geometrical center corresponds to a point at center of cross sectional geometry of a body. In general, longitudinal axis corresponds to an imaginary axis passing through geometrical center of a body. The geometrical center <NUM> is center of cross sectional geometry of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM>. The longitudinal axis <NUM> is an imaginary axis. The one or more buffer tubes <NUM> extend along entire length of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM>.

Each of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM> is positioned to intersect a first straight line <NUM>. The first straight line <NUM> is an imaginary line. The first straight line <NUM> extends orthogonally to the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM>. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> includes two buffer tubes. The two buffer tubes are positioned substantially along the first straight line <NUM>. Each of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM> provides primary protection to optical fibres of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM>. The one or more buffer tubes <NUM> maintain adequate flexibility over a wide range of temperatures. The one or more buffer tubes <NUM> have low moisture sensitivity, good heat resistance, dimensional stability and chemical resistance. The one or more buffer tubes <NUM> forms inner barrier against water penetration and facilitates to isolate the optical fibers from thermal stresses.

Each of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM> is a substantially cylindrical tube for encapsulating plurality of optical transmission elements. Each of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM> is easily strippable. In general, buffer tube of an optical cable is stripped or peeled-off to enable access to optical fibers. The one or more buffer tubes <NUM> are striped to enable access to the optical fibers of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM>. Each of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM> is finger peelable. Each of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM> is easily peeled-off with human fingers. Each of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM> is easily peeled-off with human fingers to enable access to the optical fibers of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM>.

Each of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM> is circular in cross section. Each of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM> is uniform in structure and dimensions. Each of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM> is characterized by a first diameter and a second diameter. The first diameter is an inner diameter of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM>. The second diameter is an outer diameter of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM>. The inner diameter is diameter of internal surface of each of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM>. The inner diameter of each of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM> is in a range of about <NUM> millimeters ± <NUM> millimeter. In an embodiment the present disclosure, each of the one or more buffer tubes has any suitable value of inner diameter. The outer diameter is diameter of external surface of each of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM>. The outer diameter of each of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM> is in a range of about <NUM> millimeters ± <NUM> millimeter. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the one or more buffer tubes has any suitable value of outer diameter. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cross section of each of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM> is of any suitable cross section.

Further, each of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM> is characterized by a first thickness. The first thickness is radial thickness of each of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM> between an inner surface and outer surface of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM>. The first thickness of each of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM> is identical. The first thickness of each of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM> is in a range of about <NUM> millimeters ± <NUM> millimeters. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM> has any suitable first thickness. Each of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM> are formed of either low smoke zero halogen or thermoplastic elastomer. In general, low smoke zero halogen and thermoplastic elastomer enable easy stripping or peeling of buffer tube.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM> are formed of low smoke zero halogen. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM> is formed of thermoplastic elastomer. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM> is formed of any suitable material which is easily strippable. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM> is formed of any suitable material of the like.

The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> includes the plurality of optical fiber ribbons <NUM>. The one or more buffer tubes <NUM> encapsulate the plurality of optical fiber ribbons <NUM>. In general, multiple optical fibers are sandwiched, encapsulated, and/or edge bonded to form an optical fiber ribbon. In general, optical fiber ribbon cables have inherent advantage of mass fusion splicing. Mass fusion splicing makes installation of optical fiber cable easy and saves time. The plurality of optical fiber ribbons <NUM> enable high packing density and higher counts to enables more efficient use of space. The plurality of optical fiber ribbons <NUM> are prepped and spliced easily. The plurality of optical fiber ribbons <NUM> enable less installation time, less installation labor cost and significantly less emergency restoration time. The plurality of optical fiber ribbons <NUM> are rollable ribbons. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of optical fiber ribbons <NUM> is non-rollable ribbons.

Each of the plurality of optical fiber ribbons <NUM> includes a plurality of optical fibers. In general, an optical fiber is a light transmission element used for transmitting information as light pulses from one end to another. In addition, each of the plurality of optical fibers is a thin strand of glass suitable for transmitting optical signals. Also, each of the plurality of optical fibers is configured to transmit large amounts of information over long distances with relatively low attenuation. The plurality of optical fibers enables optic fiber communication. In general, optical fiber communication is a method of transmitting information from one place to another by sending pulses of light through optical fiber. The light forms an electromagnetic carrier wave that is modulated to carry information. Each of the plurality of optical fibers is a single mode optical fiber. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of optical fibers is a multimode optical fiber.

Each of the plurality of optical fibers in the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> includes a core region and a cladding region. The core region is an inner part of an optical fiber and the cladding section is an outer part of the optical fiber. Moreover, the core region is defined by a central longitudinal axis of each of the at least one optical fiber. In addition, the cladding region surrounds the core region. Each of the plurality of optical fibers in the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is colored optical fiber. Each of the plurality of optical fibers is characterized by a diameter. The diameter is outer diameter of cladding of each of the plurality of optical fibers. The diameter of each of the plurality of optical fibers is about <NUM> millimeters. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of optical fibers has any suitable diameter of the like.

The plurality of optical fiber ribbons <NUM> in the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is <NUM>. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> includes any suitable number of plurality of optical fiber ribbons <NUM>. Each of the plurality of optical fiber ribbons <NUM> includes <NUM> optical fibers. The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> includes <NUM> (<NUM>><<NUM>) optical fibers. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> includes any suitable number of plurality of optical fibers. Each of the plurality of optical fiber ribbons <NUM> is characterized by a ribbon width and a ribbon diameter. In general, ribbon width corresponds to maximum end-to-end distance between two extremes optical fibers in a ribbon. The ribbon height corresponds to dimension of side orthogonal to the ribbon width. The ribbon width of each of the plurality of optical fiber ribbons <NUM> is about <NUM> millimeters. The ribbon height of each of the plurality of optical fiber ribbons <NUM> is about <NUM> millimeters. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fiber ribbons <NUM> have any suitable value of ribbon width and ribbon height.

The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> includes the one or more water blocking tapes <NUM>. In general, water blocking tape is formed of water resistant material and prevents ingression of water and moisture. The one or more water blocking tapes <NUM> are characterized by substantially cylindrical shape. The one or more water blocking tapes <NUM> are positioned the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> in one or more arrangements. The one or more arrangements include a first arrangement and a second arrangement. The first arrangement includes a buffer tube of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM> encapsulated by a water blocking tape of the one or more water blocking tapes <NUM>. The water blocking tape of the one or more water blocking tapes <NUM> circumferentially surrounds the buffer tube of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM>. The water blocking tape surrounds the buffer tube along entire length of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the one or more water blocking tapes <NUM> encapsulates each of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM>.

The second arrangement includes a water blocking tape of the one or more water blocking tapes <NUM> encapsulated by a buffer tube of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM>. The buffer tube of the one or more buffer tubes <NUM> circumferentially surrounds the water blocking tape of the one or more water blocking tapes <NUM>. The buffer tube surrounds the water blocking tape along entire length of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM>. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more water blocking tapes <NUM> are positioned in the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> in any suitable manner. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> includes a plurality of one or more arrangements. The one or more water blocking tapes <NUM> is characterized by a second thickness. The second thickness corresponds to thickness of the one or more water blocking tapes <NUM> inside the one or more buffer tubes <NUM>. The second thickness of the one or more water blocking tapes <NUM> is about <NUM> millimeter. The one or more water blocking tapes <NUM> is characterized by a first width and a second width. The first width is width of the one or more water blocking tapes <NUM> positioned inside the one or more buffer tubes <NUM>. The first width of the one or more water blocking tapes <NUM> is in a range of about <NUM> millimeters ± <NUM> millimeter. The second width is width of the one or more water blocking tapes <NUM> positioned around the one or more buffer tubes <NUM>. The second width of the one or more water blocking tapes <NUM> is in a range of about <NUM> millimeters ± <NUM> millimeter.

The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> includes the cable sheath <NUM>. The cable sheath <NUM> encapsulates the one or more buffer tubes <NUM> and the one or more water blocking tapes <NUM>. In general, cable sheath is outermost layer of an optical cable and protects the optical cable from external hazards. The cable sheath <NUM> protects the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> from moisture, dust, dirt, harmful environment and UV rays. The cable sheath <NUM> extends substantially along entire length of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM>. The cable sheath <NUM> is a covering jacket of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM>. The cable sheath <NUM> protects core of optical fiber cables <NUM> from harsh environment, water, moisture, dust, external radiations, mechanical forces and harmful UV rays. The cable sheath <NUM> is black in color. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cable sheath <NUM> is of any suitable color of the like.

The cable sheath <NUM> is characterized by a substantially elliptical cross sectional area. The substantially elliptical cross sectional area of the cable sheath <NUM> is associated with a major axis and a minor axis. In general, major axis corresponds to a line segment passing through center and connecting the widest points on perimeter of ellipse. In general, minor axis corresponds to a line segment passing through center and connecting the nearest points on perimeter of ellipse. The major axis of the substantially elliptical cross section is parallel to the first straight line <NUM>. The substantially elliptical cross sectional area of the cable sheath <NUM> includes a first flat side <NUM> and a second flat side <NUM>. The substantially elliptical cross sectional area of the cable sheath <NUM> includes a first arc <NUM> and a second arc <NUM>. The first arc <NUM> extends from one end of the first flat side <NUM> to corresponding one end of the second flat side <NUM>. The second arc joins <NUM> extends from other end of the first flat side <NUM> to corresponding other end of the second flat side <NUM>. The first flat side <NUM> is parallel to the second flat side <NUM>. The first flat side <NUM> and the second flat side <NUM> of the cable sheath <NUM> are parallel to the first straight line <NUM>. The first flat side <NUM> and the second flat side <NUM> of the cable sheath <NUM> are parallel to the major axis of the cable sheath <NUM>. The first flat side <NUM> and the second flat side <NUM> extend substantially along entire length of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM>.

The cable sheath <NUM> is characterized by a third thickness. The third thickness corresponds to minimum thickness of the cable sheath <NUM> over the one or more buffer tubes <NUM>. The third thickness Is shortest distance between the one or more buffer tubes <NUM> and the cable sheath <NUM>. The third thickness of the cable sheath <NUM> is in a range of about <NUM> millimeters ± <NUM> millimeter. The cable sheath <NUM> is formed of either polyethylene or low smoke zero halogen. In general, polyethylene is usually a mixture of similar polymers of ethylene with various number of polyethylene molecules. Polyethylene is a rugged flexible and durable material. In general, low smoke zero halogen emits limited smoke, no halogen and won't produce dangerous gas when exposed to high sources of heat. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cable sheath <NUM> is formed of any suitable material of the like.

The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> includes a plurality of strength members <NUM>. The plurality of strength members <NUM> are embedded in the cable sheath <NUM>. In general, strength members provide tensile strength and mechanical support to optical fiber cable. The plurality of strength members <NUM> is positioned to intersect the first straight line <NUM>. The first straight line <NUM> includes a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end are two extreme ends of the first straight line <NUM>. The plurality of strength members <NUM> are positioned at the first end and the second end of the first straight line <NUM>. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> includes two strength members. The two strength members are positioned at the first end and at the second end of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM>. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of strength members <NUM> is positioned at any suitable position of the like.

Each of the plurality of strength members <NUM> is circular in cross section. The center of the circular cross section of the plurality of strength members <NUM> lies substantially along the first straight line <NUM>. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of strength members <NUM> is of any other suitable cross section. The plurality of strength members <NUM> is characterized by a third diameter. The third diameter is diameter of circular cross section of each of the plurality of strength members <NUM>. The third diameter of each of the plurality of strength members <NUM> is in a range of about <NUM> millimeters ± <NUM> millimeters. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of strength members <NUM> has any suitable value of the first diameter.

The plurality of strength members <NUM> lies substantially along the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM>. The plurality of strength members <NUM> extends along entire length of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM>. The plurality of strength members <NUM> bears forces applied on the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> during maintenance, installation and regular use. The plurality strength members <NUM> prevents the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> from damage and increases life span of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM>. The plurality of strength members <NUM> provides physical strength to the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> and resists over bending of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM>. In addition, the plurality of strength members <NUM> provides tensile strength to the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM>. The plurality of strength members <NUM> provides structural resistance the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> against buckling.

Each of the plurality of strength members <NUM> is formed of either fiber reinforced plastic or aramid reinforced plastic. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of strength members <NUM> is formed of any suitable material. The cable sheath <NUM> is characterized by a fourth thickness and a fifth thickness. The fourth thickness is thickness of the cable sheath <NUM> between the one or more buffer tubes <NUM> and a nearest strength member of the plurality of strength members <NUM>. The fourth thickness of the cable sheath <NUM> is in a range of about <NUM> millimeter± <NUM> millimeter. The fifth thickness is thickness of the cable sheath <NUM> over the plurality of strength members <NUM> in direction perpendicular to the first straight line <NUM>. The fifth thickness of the cable sheath <NUM> is in a range of about <NUM> millimeter± <NUM> millimeter. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cable sheath <NUM> has any suitable value of thickness.

The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> includes the plurality of ripcords <NUM>. The plurality of ripcords <NUM> is embedded in the cable sheath <NUM>. The plurality of ripcords <NUM> extends substantially along entire length of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM>. In general, ripcords facilitate in striping of outer sheath of optical cables to enable access to optical fibers. The plurality of ripcords <NUM> facilitates striping of the cable sheath <NUM> of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM>. The plurality of ripcords <NUM> facilitates striping of the cable sheath <NUM> to enable access to the plurality of optical fiber ribbons <NUM>. The plurality of ripcords <NUM> is positioned around the one or more buffer tubes <NUM>. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of ripcords <NUM> is positioned at any suitable position of the like.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of ripcords <NUM> is formed of either polyester or aramids. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of ripcords <NUM> is formed of any other suitable material. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, number of plurality of ripcords <NUM> in the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is <NUM>. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, number of plurality of ripcords <NUM> may vary. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of ripcords <NUM> is of yellow color. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of ripcords <NUM> is of any suitable color of the like.

The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is characterized by a cable width. The cable width of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> corresponds to shortest distance between the first flat side <NUM> and the second flat side <NUM>. The cable width of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is measured along a straight line orthogonal to the first flat side <NUM> or the second flat side <NUM>. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cable width of the fiat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is about <NUM> millimeters. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> has any suitable value of the cable width. The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is characterized by a cable height. The cable height of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> corresponds to maximum distance between the first arc <NUM> and the second arc <NUM>. The cable height of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is measured along a straight line parallel to the first fiat side <NUM>. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cable height of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is about <NUM> millimeters. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> has any suitable value of cable height. The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is characterized by a cable weight. The cable weight corresponds to weight of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM>. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cable weight of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is about <NUM> kilograms per kilometer. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> has any suitable value of the cable weight.

The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is UV resistant. The cable sheath <NUM> of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is formed of UV resistant material. The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is resistant to harmful UV rays of sun. The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is ideal for aerial application. The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> includes the plurality of strength members <NUM> embedded in the cable sheath <NUM>. The plurality of strength members <NUM> of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> enable anti-buckling properties. The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is resistant to buckling. The one or more buffer tubes <NUM> of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> are easily strippable. The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> enable easy access to the plurality of optical fiber ribbons <NUM>. The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is light in weight.

The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is characterized by easy fiber access. The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> enable easy access to the plurality of optical fibers due to finger peelable buffer tubes. The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> enable easy access to the plurality of optical fibers due to the cable sheath <NUM>. The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is low in cost. The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is less prone to wind pressure loads. The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is gel free and dry optical cable. The flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is characterized by a reduced installation time. The reduced installation time of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is due to gel free and dry construction. The reduced installation time of the flat drop optical fiber cable <NUM> is due to the plurality of optical fiber ribbons <NUM>. The plurality of optical fiber ribbons <NUM> allow mass fusion splicing to enable the reduced installation time. The flat drop optical fiber cable enable higher span length for aerial application.

Claim 1:
A flat drop optical fiber cable (<NUM>) comprising:
one or more buffer tubes (<NUM>), wherein the one or more buffer tubes (<NUM>) extends substantially along a longitudinal axis (<NUM>) passing through a geometrical center (<NUM>) of the flat drop optical fiber cable (<NUM>), wherein each of the one or more buffer tubes (<NUM>) is positioned to intersect a first straight line (<NUM>) extending orthogonally to the longitudinal axis (<NUM>) of the flat drop optical fiber cable (<NUM>), wherein the one or more buffer tubes (<NUM>) extend along entire length of the flat drop optical fiber cable (<NUM>), and wherein the one or more buffer tubes (<NUM>) are formed of one of low smoke zero halogen or thermoplastic elastomer;
a plurality of optical fiber ribbons (<NUM>), wherein each of the plurality of optical fiber ribbons (<NUM>) comprising a plurality of optical fibers, wherein the one or more buffer tubes (<NUM>) encapsulates the plurality of optical fiber ribbons (<NUM>), wherein the plurality of optical fibers in the flat drop optical fiber cable (<NUM>) is <NUM>, wherein the flat drop optical fiber cable (<NUM>) has a weight of <NUM> kilograms per kilometer; and
a cable sheath (<NUM>) encapsulating the one or more buffer tubes (<NUM>) and the plurality of optical fiber ribbons (<NUM>), wherein the cable sheath (<NUM>) has a substantially elliptical cross section such that the substantially elliptical cross section of the cable sheath (<NUM>) comprises a first flat side (<NUM>) and a second flat side (<NUM>) parallel to the first straight line (<NUM>), and wherein each of the one or more buffer tubes (<NUM>) is circular in cross section, encapsulated in the elliptical cross section of the cable sheath (<NUM>), wherein each of the one or more buffer tubes (<NUM>) is strippable or finger peelable, and wherein a minimum thickness of the cable sheath (<NUM>) over the one or more buffer tubes (<NUM>) is in a range of about <NUM> millimeters± <NUM> millimeter.