Patent ID: 7118288

Claim:
A fiber optic connector for mating with an adapter, the fiber optic connector comprising: a) a one-piece outer connector housing having a longitudinal connector axis, the one-piece outer connector housing including: i) a leading end having an opening, the leading end being sized for receipt within an open end of an adapter; ii) an interior including a chamber and an internal cavity, the chamber being positioned adjacent to the opening at the leading end of the outer connector housing; and iii) a connecting clip positioned to engage the adapter, the connecting clip having a movable end and a fixed end attached to the outer connector housing, the outer connector housing and the connecting clip defining a volume therebetween; b) an optical cable having a fiber optic and a strain relief boot; c) a crimp for securing the optical cable in relation to the outer connector housing; and d) an inner connector arrangement including a ferrule that receives a terminal end of the fiber optic of the cable, a hub that contains the ferrule, a spring, and a mandrel, wherein: i) the hub and the spring are located within the cavity of the outer connector housing; ii) the ferrule extends from the cavity into the chamber of the outer connector housing; and iii) the mandrel engages the outer connector housing when inserted into the cavity of the outer connector housing from an end of the housing opposite the leading end, the inserted mandrel contacting the spring such that the spring biases the hub, ferrule, and the terminal end of the fiber optic toward the opening of the leading end of the outer connector housing.