Patent ID: 7677814

Claim:
A converter for converting a non-ruggedized SC connector to a ruggedized connector, the non-ruggedized SC connector including a ferrule supported by an SC connector body and a release sleeve that mounts over the SC connector body, the converter comprising: a converter housing including a first end and an opposite second end, the converter housing defining a central axis that extends through the converter housing from the first end to the second end, the converter housing defining a central passage sized to receive the SC connector body with the ferrule of the non-ruggedized SC connector aligned along the central axis and located adjacent the first end of the converter housing, the first end of the converter housing including opposing first and second paddles positioned at opposite sides of the central axis; a coupling nut that mounts at the second end of the converter housing, the coupling nut being rotatable relative to the converter housing about the central axis; the converter housing including a first housing piece and a second housing piece that cooperate to define the central passage of the converter housing such that the SC connector body is retained between the first housing piece and the second housing piece when the SC connector body is mounted within the converter housing, at least one of the first and second housing pieces of the converter housing defining a slot for receiving a retention shoulder of the SC connector body to limit axial movement of the SC connector body relative to the converter housing; the first housing piece including an integrated tool for use in removing the release sleeve from the SC connector body; the first and second housing pieces including half-pieces that each generally receive one half of the SC connector body, wherein the first and second housing pieces meet at a plane that extends along the central axis from the first end to the second end of the converter housing; and a release sleeve pushing tool is integrated into the second housing piece, wherein the integrated tool of the first housing piece includes an opening for receiving the ferrule of the non-ruggedized SC connector and a bearing force surface for engaging an end of the SC connector body of the non-ruggedized SC connector.