# US 10,481,331 B2 · Reinforcement sleeve

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 10,481,331 B2
- Document ID: US10481331B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 16/240,208
- Filed: 2019-01-04
- Published: 2019-08-15
- Granted: 2019-11-19
- Earliest claimed: 2018-02-13
- Assignees: Fujikura Ltd.
- Applicants: Fujikura Ltd.
- Inventors: Katsushi Agata; Norihiro Momotsu
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10481331B2

## CPC

- G02B 6/2558: {Reinforcement of splice joint}
- G02B 6/2551: {using thermal methods, e.g. fusion welding by arc discharge, laser beam, plasma torch}
- G02B 6/4454: {with splices}
- G02B: OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS

## Abstract

A reinforcement sleeve for connecting a plurality of optical fibers to each other by fusion splice includes: a base member; a cover member that sandwiches a fusion splice portion of the plurality of optical fibers between the cover member and the base member; a first adhesive layer disposed between the base member and the plurality of optical fibers; and a second adhesive layer disposed between the cover member and the plurality of optical fibers. A width of the reinforcement sleeve is defined by a reinforcement sleeve standard relating to a reinforcement sleeve, and a height of the reinforcement sleeve is 1/n of a height defined by the reinforcement sleeve standard, where n is an integer equal to or larger than 2.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A reinforcement sleeve for reinforcing a fusion splice portion of a plurality of optical fibers for connecting the plurality of optical fibers to each other by fusion splice, the reinforcement sleeve comprising:
a base member;
a cover member that sandwiches the fusion splice portion between the cover member and the base member;
a first adhesive layer disposed between and in direct contact with the base member and the plurality of optical fibers; and
a second adhesive layer disposed between and in direct contact with the cover member and the plurality of optical fibers, wherein
a width of the reinforcement sleeve is defined by a reinforcement sleeve standard,
a height of the reinforcement sleeve is 1/n of a height defined by the reinforcement sleeve standard, where n is an integer equal to or larger than 2,
the base member has sidewalls disposed on opposite ends of the base member in a width direction of the base member so as to extend along a height direction of the base member,
one of the cover member or the sidewalls comprises a protrusion projecting in the width direction, and
the other one of the cover member or the sidewalls comprises an engagement hole that engages with the protrusion.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The reinforcement sleeve as recited in claim 1, wherein
at least one of the base member or the cover member has a color different from a color of the optical fibers.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The reinforcement sleeve as recited in claim 2, further comprising
a third adhesive layer disposed between the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer, wherein
the plurality of optical fibers includes:
a first group of optical fibers disposed between the first adhesive layer and the third adhesive layer; and
a second group of optical fibers disposed between the second adhesive layer and the third adhesive layer.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The reinforcement sleeve as recited in claim 1, further comprising
a third adhesive layer disposed between the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer, wherein
the plurality of optical fibers includes:
a first group of optical fibers disposed between the first adhesive layer and the third adhesive layer; and
a second group of optical fibers disposed between the second adhesive layer and the third adhesive layer.