Ruggedized fiber optic connector assembly

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

<i>Field of the Invention</i>

0001The present invention relates generally to a ruggedized fiber optic connector assembly, also referred to as a fiber optic "plug." More specifically, the present invention relates to a ruggedized fiber optic connector assembly that incorporates a retention body, or glue body, that is configured to both retain a fiber optic cable, preferably having one or more strength members, and engage a fiber optic receptacle or, alternatively, another fiber optic connector assembly.

<i>Technical Background of the Invention</i>

0002Optical fiber is increasingly being used for a variety of broadband applications, including voice, video, and data transmission. As a result, fiber optic communications networks include a number of interconnection points at which multiple optical fibers are interconnected. Fiber optic communications networks also include a number of connection terminals, examples of which include, but are not limited to, network access point (NAP) enclosures, aerial closures, below grade closures, pedestals, optical network terminals (ONTs), network interface devices (NIDs), and multi-port devices. In certain instances, the connection terminals include connector ports, typically opening through an external wall of the connection terminals, that are used to establish optical connections between optical fibers that are terminated from a distribution cable and respective optical fibers of one or more pre-connectorized drop cables, extended distribution cables, tether cables, or branch cables, collectively referred to as "drop cables." The connection terminals are used to readily extend fiber optic communications services to a subscriber. In this regard, fiber optic communications networks are being developed that deliver "fiber-to-the-curb" (FTTC), "fiber-to-the-business" (FTTB), ``fiber-to-the-home" (FTTH), and "fiber-to-the-premises" (FTTP), generically referred to as "FTTx."

0003A conventional connector port opening through an external wall of a connection terminal typically includes a receptacle that is configured to receive a connectorized optical fiber on the inside of the terminal, and a connectorized drop cable on the outside of the terminal. One of the mating ferrules is mounted on the end of an optical fiber that is optically interconnected to at least one optical fiber of the distribution cable within the connection terminal. The other mating ferrule is mounted on the end of an optical fiber of a drop cable that is inserted into the receptacle from the outside of the connection terminal. An alignment sleeve of the receptacle typically assists in the alignment of the ferrules, and ferrule guide pins or other alignment means may further assist in the precise alignment of multifiber ferrules.

0004In particular, a plug mounted on the end of the drop cable engages one side of a corresponding receptacle. Typically, the plug includes a substantially cylindrical plug body, and a fiber optic connector including a plug ferrule disposed within the plug body. The end of the plug body is open, or is provided with one or more openings, such that the ferrule is accessible within the plug body, for example to be cleaned. The ferrule is mounted on the end of one or more optical fibers of the drop cable such that mating the plug with the receptacle aligns the optical fibers of the drop cable with the respective optical fibers terminated from the distribution cable within the connection terminal. In the process of mating the plug with the receptacle, the ferrule is inserted into one end of the alignment sleeve housed within the receptacle. As a result of the construction of a conventional plug, the alignment sleeve is minimally received within the open end of the plug body as the ferrule is inserted into the alignment sleeve. As an alternative to the above, the plug mounted on the end of the drop cable engages a plug mounted on the end of another drop cable or another receptacle not associated with a connection terminal, such as that associated with a business, home, premises, etc.

0005Several different types of conventional connectors have been developed, examples of which include, but are not limited to, SC, ST, LC, MTP, MT-RJ, and SC-DC. The size and shape of the ferrule of each of these connectors is somewhat different. Correspondingly, the size and shape of the plug body and alignment sleeve are somewhat different. As a result, in conventional practice, different plugs and receptacles are used in conjunction with different ferrules. In this regard, the receptacles generally define different sized internal cavities and features corresponding to different sized alignment sleeves and plug bodies, and, in turn, different ferrules disposed within the plug bodies and alignment sleeves.

0006Referring to prior art <figref idref="f0001"><b>FIG. 1</b></figref><b>,</b> a conventional connector <b>10</b> includes a plug housing <b>12</b> in which a crimp body <b>14</b> including two halves <b>14a,14b</b> and a crimp band <b>16</b> are axially disposed during assembly. A heat shrink <b>18</b> is also utilized, as described in greater detail below. Collectively, the crimp body <b>14</b> and crimp band <b>16</b> retain both a drop cable <b>20</b> and a connector sub-assembly <b>22</b> (i.e., a pre-assembled ferrule holder module), the connector sub-assembly <b>22</b> holding a ferrule <b>24.</b> Specifically, a shaft <b>25</b> of the connector sub-assembly <b>22</b> is secured between the two halves <b>14a,14b</b> of the crimp body <b>14.</b> As a result, an optical fiber of the drop cable <b>20</b> and the ferrule <b>24</b> are optically connected. The heat shrink <b>18</b> is disposed about an end portion of the plug housing <b>12</b> and an end portion of the drop cable <b>20,</b> thereby providing some retention force and stress relief, and a flexible environmental seal. As illustrated, the drop cable <b>20</b> is a single-fiber drop cable and the ferrule <b>24</b> is a single-termination ferrule, although other types of drop cables, optical fibers, and ferrules could be used with other types of connectors. This inner assembly is partially housed within a coupling nut <b>26</b> that is externally threaded such that the connector <b>10</b> is configured to engage the internal threading of an alignment sleeve of a receptacle (not shown), thereby aligning and optically mating the ferrule <b>24</b> of the connector <b>10</b> and a ferrule of the receptacle. As described above, guide pins or other alignment means may assist in more precise alignment of multi-fiber ferrules. For example, the end of the plug housing <b>12</b> and the alignment sleeve and/or receptacle may be keyed. The connector <b>10</b> also includes one or more silicone O-rings <b>28</b> that environmentally seal the connector <b>10</b> and receptacle, when joined, and a boot <b>30</b> that further relieves stress in the drop cable <b>20.</b> Finally, the connector <b>10</b> incorporates one or more dust caps <b>32,34</b> that are used to selectively protect the ferrule <b>24</b> and the exposed end of the plug housing <b>12.</b> Preferably, the larger of the dust caps <b>34,</b> also referred to as the "pulling cap," is internally threaded such that it is configured to engage the external threading of the coupling nut <b>26.</b> Finally, the pulling cap <b>34</b> is secured to the boot <b>20</b> via a plastic lanyard <b>36</b> or other retention means, such that the pulling cap <b>34</b> is not easily lost. The connector <b>10</b> provides a hardened connector for outside plant deployment and incorporates an integral pulling eye <b>38</b> designed for pulling tension.

0007As of yet, however, there is an unresolved need for an alternative (or additional) retention method for dealing with otherwise incompatible drop cable strength members, such as glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) strength members and the like. The handling and mating of the two halves <b>14a,14b</b> of the crimp body <b>14</b> described above often applies excessive stress and jeopardizes the optical fiber (which typically has a diameter of about 250 µm) during termination. Further, this crimp design alone is typically not strong enough to meet pulling tension requirements, necessitating the use of an adhesive. This adhesive rigidly fixes the connector sub-assembly, eliminating the ability to compensate for radial offset due to manufacturing tolerances. This radial offset can be compensated for by "floating" the adapter, however, in a plug-to-plug arrangement, there is no such floating element. Thus, manufacturing tolerances become much more stringent. Still further, this crimp design, incorporating the heat shrink <b>18,</b> relies on a hard stop of the plug housing <b>12</b> against the coupling nut <b>26</b> and, ultimately, the heat shrink <b>18</b> itself to keep the drop cable <b>20</b> and the connector sub-assembly <b>22</b> in the same position during process and use. In a high temperature environment, and due to improper fixturing during the application of the heat shrink <b>18,</b> the plug housing <b>12</b> is allowed to move axially and piston in and out of position. As of yet, there is also an unresolved need for an alternative retention method that does not allow multiple ways (i.e., two 180-degree opposing ways) to assemble the connector components, thereby requiring fixturing and verification by an operator in order to make sure that the connector sub-assembly <b>22</b> is oriented properly. On occasion, this requires the cutting off of a good connector as the orientation of the endface angle is incompatible, resulting in wasteful scrap.

0008<patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US5129023A1"><text>US-A1-5129023</text></patcit> discloses a connector with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

0009<patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US6224270B1"><text>US-B1-6224270</text></patcit> discloses a fiber optic connector having a ferrule attached to a tubular member, i.e. a ferrule holder. The assembly, i.e. a plug, of the ferrule and tubular member are movable with respect to cylindrical tube by spring coil. The cylindrical tube does not engage and retain an optical cable.

0010Other prior art is known from <patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="US20050069264A1"><text>US-A1-2005/0069264</text></patcit>

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0011In one embodiment of the present invention, a ruggedized fiber optic connector assembly includes a substantially hollow plug housing; and a retention body disposed within the substantially hollow plug housing; wherein the retention body includes a first portion that is configured to engage and retain an optical cable comprising an optical fiber and one or more strength members; wherein the retention body includes a second portion that is configured to engage and retain a connector sub-assembly comprising an optical ferrule; wherein the second portion of the retention body includes a pair of opposed snap hooks that are configured to engage a corresponding pair of opposed recesses of the connector sub-assembly; and wherein the optical fiber and the optical ferrule are optically coupled.

0012In another embodiment of the present invention, a ruggedized fiber optic connector assembly includes a substantially hollow plug housing; and a glue body disposed within the substantially hollow plug housing; wherein the glue body includes a first portion that is configured to engage and retain an optical cable comprising an optical fiber and one or more strength members; wherein the glue body includes a second portion that is configured to engage and retain a connector sub-assembly comprising an optical ferrule; wherein the second portion of the glue body includes a pair of opposed snap hooks that are configured to engage a corresponding pair of opposed recesses of the connector sub-assembly; and wherein the optical fiber and the optical ferrule are optically coupled.

0013Additional features and advantages of the present invention according to claim 1 will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, explaining the principles and operations thereof, and will also be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the description and/or recognized by practicing the invention as described. It is to be understood that the general description above and the detailed description which follows present exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are intended to provide an overview and framework for understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrating and further highlighting the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0014<figref idref="f0001"><b>FIG. 1</b></figref> is a perspective and exploded perspective view of a conventional connector.

0015<figref idref="f0002"><b>FIG. 2</b></figref> is a perspective view of one embodiment of the connector assembly of the present invention.

0016<figref idref="f0003"><b>FIG. 3</b></figref> is a cut-away perspective view of the connector assembly of <figref idref="f0002"><b>FIG. 2</b></figref><b>,</b> highlighting the use of a glue body that is configured to retain both a drop cable having one or more strength members and a connector sub-assembly.

0017<figref idref="f0004"><b>FIG. 4</b></figref> is another cut-away perspective view of the connector assembly of <figref idref="f0002"><b>FIG. 2</b></figref><b>,</b> highlighting the use of a glue body that is configured to retain both a drop cable having one or more strength members and a connector sub-assembly.

0018<figref idref="f0005"><b>FIG. 5</b></figref> is an isolated perspective view of the assembled glue body and connector sub-assembly of <figref idref="f0003"><b>FIGS. 3</b></figref><b>and</b><figref idref="f0004"><b>4</b></figref><b>.</b>

0019<figref idref="f0006"><b>FIG. 6</b></figref> is an isolated perspective view of the glue body of <figref idref="f0003 f0004 f0005"><b>FIGS. 3-5</b></figref><b>.</b>

0020<figref idref="f0007"><b>FIG. 7</b></figref> is another isolated perspective view of the glue body of <figref idref="f0003 f0004 f0005"><b>FIGS. 3-5</b></figref><b>,</b> highlighting the joining of a substantially flat drop cable incorporating an optical fiber and a pair of GRP strength members with the glue body.

0021<figref idref="f0008"><b>FIG. 8</b></figref> is an isolated perspective view of an end cap used in conjunction with the connector assembly of <figref idref="f0002"><b>FIG. 2</b></figref><b>.</b>

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

0022Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, like reference numbers will be used to refer to like components or parts.

0023Referring to <figref idref="f0002"><b>FIG. 2</b></figref><b>,</b> the connector assembly <b>40,</b> also referred to herein as a "plug", of the present invention includes a plug housing <b>42</b> that contains a connector sub-assembly <b>44</b> (i.e., a pre-assembled ferrule holder module), the connector sub-assembly <b>44</b> holding a ferrule <b>46.</b> The connector sub-assembly <b>44</b> and ferrule <b>46</b> are accessible through one open end of the plug housing <b>42,</b> such that the ferrule can be optically connected to the ferrule of a receptacle or another connector assembly, or plug. The shrouding fingers <b>48</b> of the connector assembly <b>40</b> are reduced in length as compared to the conventional connector <b>10 (</b><figref idref="f0001"><b>FIG. 1</b></figref><b>)</b> in order to allow two connector assemblies to better mate with one another, among other things. Any reduced protection that results is compensated for by increased flexibility in situations requiring a more protruding ferrule <b>46.</b> The more protruding ferrule <b>46</b> also allows for more efficient pre-assembly and termination, including polishing, etc. The keyed configurations of the inner assembly and plug housing <b>42</b> of the connector assembly <b>40</b> require that the connector assembly <b>40</b> be assembled in one specific orientation, as described in greater detail below. This addresses the unresolved need for an alternative retention method that does not allow multiple ways (i.e., two 180-degree opposing ways) to assemble the connector components, thereby eliminating the requirement for fixturing and verification by an operator in order to make sure that the connector sub-assembly <b>44</b> is oriented properly. The other end of the plug housing <b>42</b> is more open as compared to the conventional connector <b>10.</b> This fact, and the configuration of the end cap <b>50</b> used, described in greater detail below, allow for relatively free flexural movement of the plug housing <b>42</b> relative to a substantially flat drop cable <b>52</b> that incorporates one or more GRP strength members <b>54 (</b><figref idref="f0003"><b>FIGS. 3</b></figref><b>,</b><figref idref="f0004"><b>4</b></figref>, <b>and</b><figref idref="f0007"><b>7</b></figref><b>)</b> or the like, for example. The one or more silicone O-rings <b>28 (</b><figref idref="f0001"><b>FIG. 1</b></figref><b>)</b> of the conventional Optitap connector <b>10</b> may be replaced with a single integrally formed and overmolded O-ring <b>56</b> that is disposed within a recessed channel <b>58</b> that is manufactured into the exterior surface of the plug housing <b>42.</b> Optionally, the exterior surface of the plug housing <b>42</b> includes a number of convenient gripping surfaces.

0024Referring to <figref idref="f0003"><b>FIG. 3</b></figref><b>,</b> internally, the connector assembly <b>40</b> includes a retention body <b>60,</b> or glue body, having a pair of snap hooks <b>62</b> configured to engage a pair of snap hook recesses <b>64</b> manufactured into opposing sides of the connector sub-assembly <b>44,</b> the snap hooks <b>62</b> retaining the connector sub-assembly <b>44</b> against the glue body 60 once it is "snapped" into place. These snap hooks <b>62</b> each comprise a protruding "finger" member having a "hooked" end. Because the finger members have a degree of flexibility, they are deflected out of place or bent as the connector sub assembly <b>44</b> is pressed between them and "snap" back into place when the hooked ends of the finger members engage the snap hook recesses <b>64.</b> Once the plug housing <b>42</b> is secured over the retention body and snap hooks, an interior surface of the plug housing <b>42</b> may contact the exterior surface of the snap hooks <b>62,</b> maintaining the snap hooks <b>62</b> within the snap hook recesses <b>64.</b> Advantageously, the snap hooks <b>62</b> or another sub-assembly retention feature allow the connector sub-assembly <b>44</b> to rotate slightly (+/- about 5 degrees maximum) about the axis of the glue body <b>60</b> and connector assembly <b>40,</b> as the snap hook recesses <b>64</b> are somewhat oversized with respect to the snap hooks <b>62.</b> The connector parts will self-align below about 45 degrees if the proper chamfer and lead-in detail exists, thus the sub-assembly retention feature allows the connector sub-assembly <b>44</b> to rotate less than about 45 degrees. This inherent radial float reduces the stringency of the manufacturing tolerances involved. This is especially important in an in-line application, where two connector assemblies are relatively rigidly aligned with respect to one another in order to meet mechanical performance requirements. In such applications, an alignment sleeve disposed between the connector assemblies is often not capable of adequately adjusting to both connector assemblies, which can have contrary orientations. The shaft <b>25 (</b><figref idref="f0001"><b>FIG. 1</b></figref><b>)</b> of the connector sub-assembly <b>44</b> is preferably disposed and held within a bore <b>66 (</b><figref idref="f0006"><b>FIG. 6</b></figref><b>)</b> manufactured into the end of the glue body <b>60</b> having the snap hooks <b>62.</b> This end also includes a pair of alignment blocks <b>68</b> that are designed to ensure the proper positioning of the connector sub-assembly <b>44</b> on the face of the glue body <b>60.</b>

0025Referring to <figref idref="f0004"><b>FIGS. 4</b></figref><b>and</b><figref idref="f0005"><b>5</b></figref><b>,</b> the glue body <b>60</b> engages the plug housing <b>42 (</b><figref idref="f0004"><b>FIG. 4</b></figref><b>)</b> by means of one or more recesses <b>70</b> manufactured into the exterior surface of the glue body <b>60</b> and one or more corresponding protrusions <b>72 (</b><figref idref="f0004"><b>FIG. 4</b></figref><b>)</b> manufactured into the interior surface of the plug housing <b>42.</b> Accordingly, the glue body <b>60</b> is "snapped" into place within the interior of the plug housing <b>42.</b> Again, the materials chosen facilitate this and either or both of the recesses <b>70</b> or protrusions <b>72</b> can have complimentary angled surfaces. Advantageously, this mechanical retention of the glue body <b>60</b> within the interior of the plug housing <b>42</b> alleviates the problem of endface position variance due to heat shrink pistoning. Importantly, the exterior surface of the glue body <b>60</b> and the interior surface of the plug housing <b>42</b> also include corresponding flattened and raised surfaces. Thus, the keyed configurations of the glue body <b>60</b> and plug housing <b>42</b> of the connector assembly <b>40 (</b><figref idref="f0004"><b>FIG. 4</b></figref><b>)</b> require that the connector assembly <b>40</b> be assembled in one specific orientation. Again, this addresses the unresolved need for an alternative retention method that does not allow multiple ways (i.e., two 180-degree opposing ways) to assemble the connector components, thereby eliminating the requirement for fixturing and verification by an operator in order to make sure that the connector sub-assembly <b>44</b> is oriented properly. The geometries involved rely on material flexibility and utilize minor localized interferences between the semi-rigid bodies involved to determine molding tolerances, while maintaining mechanical integrity.

0026Referring to <figref idref="f0006"><b>FIG. 6</b></figref><b>,</b> the glue body <b>60</b> includes a relatively larger diameter portion <b>74</b> and a relatively smaller diameter portion <b>76,</b> the larger diameter portion <b>74</b> located proximal to the end of the glue body <b>60</b> having the snap hooks <b>62</b> and the smaller diameter portion <b>76</b> located distal to the end of the glue body <b>60</b> having the snap hooks <b>62.</b> When the glue body <b>60</b> is inserted into the plug housing <b>42,</b> this larger diameter portion <b>74</b> acts as a natural stop as it contacts a shelf <b>78</b> manufactured into the interior surface of the plug housing <b>42</b> (see <figref idref="f0004"><b>FIG. 4</b></figref><b>).</b> As described above, the shaft <b>25 (</b><figref idref="f0001"><b>FIG. 1</b></figref><b>)</b> of the connector sub-assembly <b>44 (</b><figref idref="f0002 f0003 f0004 f0005"><b>FIGS. 2-5</b></figref><b>)</b> is preferably disposed and held within the bore <b>66</b> manufactured into the end of the glue body <b>60</b> having the snap hooks <b>62.</b> This end also includes the pair of alignment blocks <b>68</b> that are designed to ensure the proper positioning of the connector sub-assembly <b>44</b> on the face of the glue body <b>60</b> in conjunction with the snap hooks <b>62.</b>

0027In an alternative embodiment, the shaft <b>25</b> of the connector sub-assembly <b>44</b> is disposed and held between the two halves <b>14a,14b (</b><figref idref="f0001"><b>FIG.</b> 1</figref>) of the former crimp body <b>14 (</b><figref idref="f0001"><b>FIG. 1</b></figref><b>),</b> which is now eliminated. These are, in turn, disposed within the bore <b>66</b> manufactured into the end of the glue body <b>60</b> having the snap hooks <b>62.</b> As above, this keeps the connector sub-assembly <b>44</b> centered with respect to the glue body <b>60</b> and the plug housing <b>42.</b> In another alternative embodiment, the two halves <b>14a,14b</b> of the former crimp body <b>14</b> are combined into a single crimp retainer (not shown) which is disposed within the bore <b>66</b> manufactured into the end of the glue body <b>60</b> having the snap hooks <b>62.</b> Again, this keeps the connector sub-assembly <b>44</b> centered with respect to the glue body <b>60</b> and the plug housing <b>42.</b>

0028Referring to <figref idref="f0007"><b>FIG. 7</b></figref><b>,</b> the glue body <b>60</b> also includes a central channel <b>80</b> positioned to receive at least one optical fiber <b>82</b> of the drop cable <b>52</b> and a pair of edge channels <b>84</b> positioned to receive GRP strength members <b>54</b> or other strength members of the drop cable <b>52.</b> The optical fiber <b>82</b> (which typically has a diameter of about 250 µm) and the pair of GRP strength members <b>54</b> are encased within a drop cable sheath <b>86,</b> as is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Although GRP strength members <b>54</b> are illustrated and described herein, the drop cable <b>52</b> can include other kinds of strength members as well, or as an alternative. Any such strength members can be accommodated by one or more channels manufactured into the glue body <b>60.</b> Preferably, the pair of GRP strength members <b>54</b> protrude between about 10 mm and about 20 mm (and more preferably, about 17 mm) into the pair of edge channels <b>84</b> and the edge channels <b>84</b> are filled with an adhesive that serves to bond the drop cable <b>52</b> to the glue body <b>60.</b> The adhesive can be a visible light curable epoxy, or an ultraviolet (UV) light or heat curable glue. All material choices depend upon the pull strength, temperature exposure range, and chemical resistance desired. In the case that a visible light curable epoxy is used, the glue body <b>60</b> is preferably substantially transparent such that visible light can reach and cure the epoxy. For example, a natural poly ether imide can be used, also providing a relatively high temperature resistance. This substantially transparent material allows for visual feedback during the adhesive filling and optical fiber routing processes. Advantageously, the pair of edge channels <b>84</b> separate the adhesive from the central channel <b>80</b> and the optical fiber <b>82.</b> Because the edge channels <b>84</b> are sealed, material is prevented from flowing into the connector assembly <b>40 (</b><figref idref="f0002 f0003 f0004"><b>FIGS. 2-4</b></figref><b>)</b> internals during assembly. The connector assembly <b>40</b> of the present invention readily meets about the 100 lbf pull strength requirement desired, due to the use of the glue body <b>60</b> and the adhesive. During assembly, preferably, the drop cable <b>52</b> is secured to the glue body <b>60</b> first, and then the connector sub-assembly <b>44 (</b><figref idref="f0002 f0003 f0004 f0005"><b>FIGS. 2-5</b></figref><b>)</b> is attached to the glue body <b>60.</b>

0029In an alternative embodiment, the pair of edge channels <b>84</b> are configured to accept a pair of wedge-type clamps which are held in place by a pair of uncrimped bands. These wedge-type clamps and uncrimped bands are subsequently fixed onto the GRP strength members <b>54</b> by crimping, thereby securing the drop cable <b>52</b> to the glue body <b>60.</b> This represents a non-adhesive solution.

0030Referring to <figref idref="f0008"><b>FIG. 8</b></figref><b>,</b> the end cap <b>50</b> described above includes an insertion end <b>88</b> that is configured to be inserted snugly into the "back" end of the plug housing <b>42 (</b><figref idref="f0002"><b>FIGS. 2</b></figref><b>and</b><figref idref="f0003"><b>3</b></figref><b>).</b> The end cap <b>50</b> also includes a tapering end <b>90</b> that is manufactured with a slot opening <b>92</b> that is configured to receive the substantially flat drop cable <b>52 (</b><figref idref="f0007"><b>FIG. 7</b></figref><b>),</b> which passes through the end cap <b>50</b> and into the plug housing <b>42.</b>

0031As described above, the retention body <b>60</b> of the present invention is coupled to the connector sub-assembly <b>44</b> by retention snap hooks <b>62.</b> In conventional connector assemblies, optical fibers and/or strength member movement over time may cause the connector assembly, including the ferrule, to protrude or push forward relative to the connector outer housing or plug shroud, thus resulting in a defective drop cable incapable of proper interconnection. Stops positioned about protrusion <b>72</b> may prevent the retention body <b>60,</b> once snapped into place, from being removed through the front, or connective, end of the plug assembly. Thus, as the fibers or strength members push forward into the retention body <b>60,</b> the retention body may be stopped from moving internally within the plug housing <b>42</b> beyond a predetermined point. By coupling the connector sub-assembly <b>44</b> to the retention body <b>60,</b> the connector sub-assembly is then also prevented from protruding beyond a predetermined point, providing a drop cable capable of proper interconnection over time. In one embodiment, the plug housing <b>42,</b> retention body <b>60</b> and their contact points are capable of withstanding forces up to about 50 lbs.

0032Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples can perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. For example, the mating of two connector assemblies could be achieved by providing a "female" version of the connector assembly (i.e., an outlet). The mating order would be plug-outlet-plug.