Protective Package for an Optical Fiber Splice

This invention relates to a protective package for an optical fiber splice. In particular it relates to a self-contained package which is readily applied, with little or no preparation at the time of application.

The splicing of optical fiber pairs in end-to-end axial alignment by fusion, enclosing in a sleeve and other techniques is now widely accepted. However the splice should be protected by a suitable packaging which will provide structural and environmental protection during handling and service.

It has been proposed to cover the splice by a heat shrink tube, but the tube must be positioned over one fiber prior to splicing, a heat source of correct characteristics is necessary and the tube is very flexible.

The present invention provides a protective package which provides structural rigidity, seals the bare fiber from external influences and is self-contained, using a pressure sensitive adhesive.

Broadly, the protective package comprises two elongate plastic material members and a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on front faces of the plastic members, whereby on laying a fiber splice on one member, on the adhesive material, the other member is applied, front face to front face, and the members adhere to each other around the splice. The members can be hingedly joined side by side by the layer of adhesive material, or a hinge can be provided. Locking means on one or both members can be provided. Several pairs of spliced fibers can be positioned side by side in one pair of members. Grooves are provided at each end of each member to accept a coated portion of each fiber. If desired a narrow groove can be provided at the center portion of each member to accept the uncoated spliced ends of the fibers.

The invention will be readily understood by the following description of certain embodiments by way of example, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perpective view of one form of package with an optical fiber splice in position;

FIG. 2 is an end view of a package as illustrated in FIG. 1, the members hinged together by the adhesive layer;

FIG. 3 is a cross-section on the line III--III of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-section as in FIG. 3, with the package in a closed condition;

FIG. 5 is a cross-section similar to that of FIG. 3 illustrating a package with the members connected by a plastic hinge;

FIG. 6 is a cross-section, similar to that of FIG. 3, of a package with the members connected by a plastic hinge, and with locking means;

FIG. 7 is a transverse cross-section of the package of FIG. 6 in a closed condition;

FIG. 8 is a transverse cross-section of a multiple splice package;

FIG. 9 is a transverse cross-section of a package using two separate members, interlocking;

FIG. 10 is a cross-section similar to FIG. 3 and illustrates a modified form of the package illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3;

FIG. 11 is a cross-section, as in FIG. 10, with the package closed about a pair of spliced fibers.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the general concept of a package in accordance with the invention. The package, indicated generally at 10, comprises two plastic members 11 and 12, elongate in plan form. Each member has a longitudinal groove 14 at each end. Covering the two members, on their front faces, is a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive 15. On one member 11, is positioned a spliced pair of fibers 16 and 17. The fiber ends are bare, on either side of the splice, the coated portions of the fibers positioned over the grooves 14. The grooves 14 may be of such dimensions as to be a fairly firm fit on the coated fibers, over the layer of adhesive, although the grooves can be larger. The grooves 14 preferably are such as will ensure a seal around the coated fibers. Prior to positioning the spliced fibers 16 and 17 on one of the members 11, 12, a protective cover or backing is removed from the adhesive layer 15 to expose the adhesive. After positioning the spliced fibers on one of the members, the two members are pressed together, face to face, the adhesive layer bonding the two members together.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment as in FIG. 1, illustrating the two members 11 and 12, adhesive layer 15 and protective cover or backing 18. The two members are connected together by the adhesive layer 15 and the cover 18. FIG. 3 illustrates the use of the package of FIG. 2. The protective cover 18 has been removed, exposing the pressure sensititve adhesive layer 15. A spliced pair of fibers is placed on the layer 15, the coated portions of the fibers over the grooves 14 in one member 12 in FIG. 3. Member 11 is then pivotted over, as indicated by the arrow 20. The final package is illustrated in FIG. 4.

In the embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 1, and in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the connection of the two members 11 and 12 is by the adhesive layer 15. A suitable adhesive is a modified acrylic adhesive such as is sold by National Starch under the name "Tackmaster". A typical thickness for the adhesive layer is about 0.005". Other adhesives can be used, and the thickness can vary. The package is prepared by positioning two members side-by-side and the pressure adhesive layer 15 and backing or cover 18 is applied to the front faces of the members. This holds the members together. As described, the protective backing or cover 18 is removed prior to positioning of the spliced fibers. The adhesive layers are compressed by the bare ends of the fibers 16 and 17, which are closely held in the center sections of the members 11 and 12, while the coated portions are more loosely held in the grooves at the end sections.

The package is extremely easy to use. The previously assembled members can be supplied ready to use and all the user has to do after the fibers have been spliced is to remove the protective cover or backing and, in effect, fold the package about the splice, pressing the two members firmly together for a completed packaging.

An alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, two plastic members 30 and 31 are connected by a hinge formed by a thin section 32. The protective cover or backing is not shown in FIG. 9, spliced fibers being in position prior to closing the two members together. The layer of pressure sensititve adhesive 33 need not, in this example be such that it has enough strength to hold the two members together and act as a hinge. FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment in which two members 35 and 36 are connected by a thin portion 37 which acts as a hinge, and one of the members 35, has a hooked member 38 extending upward from the front face. When member 35 is hinged over onto member 36, the hooked member engages over a rib 39 along the edge of member 36, as seen in FIG. 7. The adhesive layer is seen at 40.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment for packaging a multiple of fiber pairs. In the particular example, the package is for three pairs but it will be appreciated that the number can vary. In this example, the members 45 and 46 are connected by the adhesive layer 47, but a hinge can be provided by a thin portion, as in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment in which two members 50 and 51 are used. The two members are, in the example, of the same form, each member having a body portion 52 with a hook shaped member 53 extending upward normal to the front face. A layer of pressure sensitive adhesive 54 is on the front face of each member. Prior to use a protective cover or backing is positioned on the adhesive layer, but in FIG. 9 the protective cover has been removed and the two members closed over a spliced pair of fibers. The hook shaped members 53 interlock over the main body portions of the members.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a modification of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, in which a small groove 60 is provided for the center section of each member. Such a groove extends between the grooves 14 and is of a dimension such that the adhesive may be slightly compressed when the package is closed, gripping the bare fiber ends. Such an arrangement may have advantages for some adhesives. The provision of a groove 60, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, can be applied to all of the various package forms described above.