# US 11,307,364 B2 · Compact fiber optic connectors having multiple connector footprints, along with cable assemblies and methods of making the same > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 11,307,364 B2 - Document ID: US11307364B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 16/710,755 - Filed: 2019-12-11 - Published: 2020-04-16 - Granted: 2022-04-19 - Earliest claimed: 2017-06-28 - Assignees: Corning Research & Development Corporation - Applicants: Corning Research & Development Corporation - Inventors: Joel Christopher Rosson - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11307364B2 ## CPC - G02B 6/3879: {Linking of individual connector plugs to an overconnector, e.g. using clamps, clips, common housings comprising several individual connector plugs} - G02B 6/3825: {with an intermediate part, e.g. adapter, receptacle, linking two plugs} - G02B 6/3826: {characterised by form or shape} - G02B 6/3831: {comprising a keying element on the plug or adapter, e.g. to forbid wrong connection (keying element on the ferrule G02B6/3851; keying element for electrical coupling H01R13/64)} - G02B 6/3851: {Ferrules having keying or coding means} - G02B 6/3869: {Mounting ferrules to connector body, i.e. plugs} - G02B 6/387: {Connector plugs comprising two complementary members, e.g. shells, caps, covers, locked together} - G02B 6/3873: {Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls} - G02B 6/3885: {Multicore or multichannel optical connectors, i.e. one single ferrule containing more than one fibre, e.g. ribbon type (optical ribbon cable G02B6/4403, G02B6/448)} - G02B 6/3897: {Connectors fixed to housings, casing, frames or circuit boards (G02B6/44528 takes precedence)} - G02B 6/44515: {Fibre drop terminals with surplus length (without surplus length G02B6/4472)} - G02B 6/381: {of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres} - G02B 6/3821: {with axial spring biasing or loading means (G02B6/3847 takes precedence)} - G02B 6/3837: {forwarding or threading methods of light guides into apertures of ferrule centering means} - G02B 6/3841: {using rods, balls for light guides} - G02B 6/3843: {with auxiliary facilities for movably aligning or adjusting the fibre within its ferrule, e.g. measuring position or eccentricity (testing the alignment of axes, including eccentricity, G01B11/27)} - G02B 6/3849: {using mechanical protective elements, e.g. caps, hoods, sealing membranes (G02B6/3816 takes precedence; provisionally see H01R13/44)} - G02B 6/3871: {Ferrule rotatable with respect to plug body, e.g. for setting rotational position (adjusting fibre within the ferrule, G02B6/3843); Fixation of ferrules after rotation} - G02B 6/3887: {Anchoring optical cables to connector housings, e.g. strain relief features} - G02B 6/3889: {using encapsulation for protection, e.g. adhesive, molding or casting resin} - G02B 6/389: {characterised by the method of fastening connecting plugs and sockets, e.g. screw- or nut-lock, snap-in, bayonet type} - G02B 6/3893: {Push-pull type, e.g. snap-in, push-on} - G02B 6/3895: {identification of connection, e.g. right plug to the right socket or full engagement of the mating parts (keying element on the plug or adapter G02B6/3831; keying element on the ferrule G02B6/3851; keying element for electrical connection H01R13/64)} - G02B 6/4262: {characterised by the shape of the housing (for semiconductor lasers H01S5/02208)} - G02B 6/4401: {Optical cables (glass fibres with a protective coating G02B6/02395)} - G02B 6/4446: {Cable boxes, e.g. splicing boxes with two or more multi fibre cables} - G02B 6/4471: {Terminating devices (demountable connectors G02B6/3807); Cable clamps} - G02B 6/4472: {Manifolds} - G02B 6/4477: {with means for strain-relieving to interior strengths element} - G02B 6/4479: {Manufacturing methods of optical cables} - G02B: OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS ## Abstract Fiber optic connectors comprising multiple footprints along with cable assemblies and methods for making the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the optical connector comprises a housing and a ferrule. The housing comprises a longitudinal passageway between a rear end and a front end. The fiber optic connector may be converted from a first footprint to a second footprint by a conversion housing that fits about a portion of the housing. The optical connectors disclosed may be tunable for improving optical performance and may also include a spring for biasing the ferrule to a forward position as desired. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A fiber optic connector, comprising: a housing configured as a one-piece component comprising a rear end and a front end with a longitudinal passageway extending from the rear end to the front end and a locking feature for securing the optical mating of the fiber optic connector, wherein a part of the rear portion of the housing comprises a round cross-section and a part of the front portion of the housing comprises a non-round cross-section with a transition region disposed between the rear portion and the front portion, wherein the transition region comprises a threaded portion and the housing provides a first connector footprint and the locking feature is a subtractive portion from the primitive geometry of the rear portion; a ferrule comprising a fiber bore extending from a rear end to a front end; and a conversion housing, wherein the conversion housing cooperates with the housing for changing the fiber optic connector from the first connector footprint to a second connector footprint. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the threaded portion extends from the non-round cross-section to the round cross-section. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the threaded portion is adjacent to a keying feature. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the front portion of housing comprises another cross-section portion. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The fiber optic connector of claim 4, wherein the another cross-section portion comprises a SC footprint. ### Claim 6 A fiber optic connector, comprising: a housing configured as a one-piece component comprising a rear end and a front end with a longitudinal passageway extending from the rear end to the front end, a locking feature for securing the optical mating of the fiber optic connector, and a tuning pocket in cooperation with the longitudinal passageway, wherein the housing provides a first connector footprint with a part of the rear portion of the housing comprising a round cross-section and a part of the front portion of the housing comprising a non-round cross-section and the locking feature is a subtractive portion from the primitive geometry of the rear portion; a ferrule comprising a fiber bore extending from a rear end to a front end along with at least one selectively tunable surface, wherein the at least one selectively tunable surface cooperates directly with the tuning pocket of the housing allowing rotation of the ferrule for optical tuning; and a conversion housing, wherein the conversion housing cooperates with the housing for changing the fiber optic connector from the first connector footprint to a second connector footprint. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The fiber optic connector of claim 6, further comprising a transverse ferrule retention member for limiting the movement of the ferrule relative to the housing. ### Claim 8 A fiber optic connector, comprising: a housing configured as a one-piece component comprising a rear end and a front end with a longitudinal passageway extending from the rear end to the front end and a locking feature for securing the optical mating of the fiber optic connector, and a part of the rear portion of the housing comprises a round cross-section and a part of the front portion of the housing comprises a non-round cross-section, wherein the housing provides a first connector footprint and the locking feature is a subtractive portion from the primitive geometry of the rear portion; a ferrule comprising a fiber bore extending from a rear end to a front end; a transverse ferrule retention member for securing the ferrule, wherein the transverse ferrule retention member is attachable to the housing for limiting the movement of the ferrule relative to the housing; and a conversion housing, wherein the conversion housing cooperates with the housing for changing the fiber optic connector from the first connector footprint to a second connector footprint. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The fiber optic connector of claim 8, wherein the locking feature is a groove, a shoulder, a scallop, or a ramp with a ledge formed in the housing. ### Claim 10 A fiber optic connector, comprising: a housing configured as a one-piece component comprising a rear end and a front end with a longitudinal passageway extending from the rear end to the front end, and a locking feature for securing the optical mating of the fiber optic connector, wherein the housing provides a first connector footprint with a part of the rear portion of the housing comprising a round cross-section and a part of the front portion of the housing comprising a non-round cross-section and the locking feature is a subtractive portion from the primitive geometry of the rear portion; a ferrule comprising a fiber bore extending from a rear end to a front end; a transverse ferrule retention member for securing the ferrule, wherein the transverse ferrule retention member is attachable to the housing for limiting the movement of the ferrule relative to the housing; and a conversion housing, wherein the conversion housing cooperates with the housing for changing the fiber optic connector from the first connector footprint to a second connector footprint. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The fiber optic connector of claim 10, the housing further comprising an opening in an outer surface that is transverse to the longitudinal passageway. ### Claim 12 (depends on 10) The fiber optic connector of claim 10, wherein the ferrule further comprises a ferrule retention feature that cooperates with the transverse ferrule retention member. ### Claim 13 (depends on 10) The fiber optic connector of claim 10, wherein the housing comprises a transition region disposed between a rear portion and a front portion, wherein the rear portion of the housing has a round cross-section and the front portion of the housing has a non-round cross-section. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The fiber optic connector of claim 13, wherein the transition region comprises a threaded portion. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The fiber optic connector of claim 14, further comprising a shroud attached to the threaded portion. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The fiber optic connector of claim 15, wherein the threaded portion extends from the non-round cross-section to the round cross-section. ### Claim 17 (depends on 13) The fiber optic connector of claim 13, wherein the front portion of housing comprises another cross-section portion. ### Claim 18 (depends on 17) The fiber optic connector of claim 17, wherein the another cross-section portion comprises a SC footprint. ### Claim 19 A fiber optic connector, comprising: a housing configured as a one-piece component comprising a rear end and a front end with a longitudinal passageway extending from the rear end to the front end, a locking feature for securing the optical mating of the fiber optic connector, a tuning pocket in cooperation with the longitudinal passageway, and a transition region between the rear end and the front end, wherein the transition region comprises an asymmetric transition with respect to a longitudinal axis, wherein the housing provides a first connector footprint with a part of the rear portion of the housing comprising a round cross-section and a part of the front portion of the housing comprising a non-round cross-section and the locking feature is a subtractive portion from the primitive geometry of the rear portion; a ferrule comprising a fiber bore extending from a rear end to a front end; and a conversion housing, wherein the conversion housing cooperates with the housing for changing the fiber optic connector from the first connector footprint to a second connector footprint. ### Claim 20 (depends on 19) The fiber optic connector of claim 19, the ferrule comprising at least one selectively tunable surface, wherein the selectively tunable surface allows the ferrule to have a plurality of rotational positions relative to the housing. ### Claim 21 (depends on 20) The fiber optic connector of claim 20, wherein the selectively tunable surface is formed by a plurality of planar surfaces on the ferrule. ### Claim 22 (depends on 20) The fiber optic connector of claim 20, the selectively tunable surface formed by a plurality of planar surfaces that are recessed on the ferrule. ### Claim 23 (depends on 20) The fiber optic connector of claim 20, wherein the selectively tunable surface of the ferrule is disposed adjacent to a free rotation portion of the ferrule, thereby allowing rotation of the ferrule for tuning during assembly. ### Claim 24 (depends on 20) The fiber optic connector of claim 20, wherein the housing comprises an opening in an outer surface that is transverse to the longitudinal passageway. ### Claim 25 (depends on 20) The fiber optic connector of claim 20, further comprising a transverse ferrule retention member for limiting the movement of the ferrule relative to the housing. ### Claim 26 (depends on 25) The fiber optic connector of claim 25, wherein the transverse ferrule retention member limits rotation of ferrule relative to the housing when assembled. ### Claim 27 (depends on 25) The fiber optic connector of claim 25, the transverse ferrule retention member comprising a clip. ### Claim 28 (depends on 24) The fiber optic connector of claim 24, further comprising a nosepiece, wherein the nosepiece is attachable to the front end of the housing and covers the opening of the housing when assembled. ### Claim 29 (depends on 19) The fiber optic connector of claim 19, further comprising a nosepiece, wherein the nosepiece is attachable to the front end of the housing. ### Claim 30 (depends on 19) The fiber optic connector of claim 19, wherein the asymmetric transition comprises a threaded portion. ### Claim 31 (depends on 30) The fiber optic connector of claim 30, wherein the threaded portion extends from the non-round cross-section to the round cross-section. ### Claim 32 (depends on 19) The fiber optic connector of claim 19, wherein the front portion of housing comprises another cross-section portion. ### Claim 33 A fiber optic connector, comprising: a housing configured as a one-piece component comprising a rear end and a front end with a longitudinal passageway extending from the rear end to the front end, a locking feature for securing the optical mating of the fiber optic connector, a tuning pocket in cooperation with the longitudinal passageway, an opening that is transverse to the longitudinal passageway, and a transition region between the rear end and the front end, wherein the transition region comprises an asymmetric transition with respect to a longitudinal axis, wherein the housing provides a first connector footprint with a part of the rear portion of the housing comprising a round cross-section and a part of the front portion of the housing comprising a non-round cross-section and the locking feature is a subtractive portion from the primitive geometry of the rear portion; a ferrule comprising a fiber bore extending from a rear end to a front end along with a selectively tunable surface, wherein the selectively tunable surface cooperates directly with the tuning pocket of the housing for allowing rotation and optical tuning of the ferrule; a clip, wherein the clip is sized for fitting into the opening for limiting the rotation of ferrule relative to the housing when assembled; and a conversion housing, wherein the conversion housing cooperates with the housing for changing the fiber optic connector from the first connector footprint to a second connector footprint. ### Claim 34 (depends on 33) The fiber optic connector of claim 33, wherein the clip limits rotation of ferrule relative to the housing by cooperating with the selectively tunable surface of the ferrule when assembled. ### Claim 35 (depends on 33) The fiber optic connector of claim 33, the longitudinal passageway of the housing defining a resilient member cavity. ### Claim 36 (depends on 33) The fiber optic connector of claim 33, further comprising a resilient member for biasing the ferrule to a forward position. ### Claim 37 (depends on 33) The fiber optic connector of claim 33, further comprising a nosepiece, wherein the nosepiece is attachable to the front end of the housing. ### Claim 38 (depends on 33) The fiber optic connector of claim 33, further comprising a nosepiece, wherein the nosepiece is attachable to the front end of the housing and covers the opening when assembled. ### Claim 39 (depends on 37) The fiber optic connector of claim 37, wherein the nosepiece is formed from a material that permits UV curing or ultrasonic welding. ### Claim 40 (depends on 19) The fiber optic connector of claim 19, wherein a part of the rear portion of the housing has a round cross-section and a part of the front portion of the housing has a non-round cross-section. ### Claim 41 (depends on 40) The fiber optic connector of claim 40, wherein the non-round cross-section comprises a rectangular cross-section having rounded corners. ### Claim 42 (depends on 33) The fiber optic connector of claim 33, wherein the conversion housing is secured using a retaining member. ### Claim 43 (depends on 19) The fiber optic connector of claim 19, wherein a portion of the front end of the housing comprises one or more ears. ### Claim 44 A fiber optic connector, comprising: a housing configured as a one-piece component comprising a rear end and a front end with a longitudinal passageway extending from the rear end to the front end, a locking feature for securing the optical mating of the fiber optic connector, a tuning pocket in cooperation with the longitudinal passageway and a resilient member cavity defined by the longitudinal passageway, and the housing comprising an opening and a transition region disposed between a rear portion and a front portion, wherein the transition region comprises an asymmetric transition, wherein the housing provides a first connector footprint with a part of the rear portion of the housing comprising a round cross-section and a part of the front portion of the housing comprising a non-round cross-section and the locking feature is a subtractive portion from the primitive geometry of the rear portion; a ferrule comprising a fiber bore extending from a rear end to a front end along with a selectively tunable surface, wherein the selectively tunable surface cooperates directly with the tuning pocket of the housing for allowing rotation and optical tuning of the ferrule without using a ferrule holder; a resilient member for biasing the ferrule to a forward position; a transverse ferrule retention member, wherein the transverse ferrule retention member is sized for being insertable into the opening for limiting the rotation of ferrule relative to the housing when assembled; a nosepiece attachable to the front end of the housing; and a conversion housing, wherein the conversion housing cooperates with the housing for changing the fiber optic connector from the first connector footprint to a second connector footprint. ### Claim 45 (depends on 44) The fiber optic connector of claim 44, wherein the transverse ferrule retention member is a clip for limiting the rotation of ferrule relative to the housing by cooperating with the selectively tunable surface of the ferrule when assembled. ### Claim 46 (depends on 44) The fiber optic connector of claim 44, wherein the resilient member cavity allows insertion of a resilient member from the front end of the housing. ### Claim 47 (depends on 44) The fiber optic connector of claim 44, wherein the nosepiece is formed from a translucent material. ### Claim 48 (depends on 44) The fiber optic connector of claim 44, wherein a part of the rear portion of the housing has a round cross-section and a part of the front portion of the housing has a non-round cross-section. ### Claim 49 (depends on 48) The fiber optic connector of claim 48, wherein a part of the non-round cross-section comprises a rectangular cross-section having rounded corners. ### Claim 50 (depends on 44) The fiber optic connector of claim 44, wherein the conversion housing is secured by a retaining member. ### Claim 51 (depends on 48) The fiber optic connector of claim 48, wherein the transition region comprises a threaded portion. ### Claim 52 (depends on 44) The fiber optic connector of claim 44, wherein the front portion of housing comprises another cross-section portion. ### Claim 53 (depends on 52) The fiber optic connector of claim 52, wherein the another cross-section portion comprises a SC footprint. ### Claim 54 (depends on 44) The fiber optic connector of claim 44, wherein a portion of the front end of the housing comprises one or more ears. ### Claim 55 (depends on 44) The fiber optic connector of claim 44, wherein the housing comprises less than three threads on an outer surface. ### Claim 56 (depends on 55) The fiber optic connector of claim 55, wherein the less than three threads are continuous. ### Claim 57 (depends on 44) The fiber optic connector of claim 44, further comprising an O-ring. ### Claim 58 (depends on 44) The fiber optic connector of claim 44, further comprising a dust cap. ### Claim 59 (depends on 44) The fiber optic connector of claim 44, further comprising a cable adapter sized for fitting into a rear end opening of the housing. ### Claim 60 (depends on 44) The fiber optic connector of claim 44, wherein the locking feature is a groove, a scallop, a shoulder, a ramp with a ledge formed in the housing. ### Claim 61 (depends on 44) The fiber optic connector of claim 44, wherein the ferrule cooperates directly with the housing without using a ferrule holder. ### Claim 62 (depends on 44) The fiber optic connector of claim 44 being a portion of a cable assembly. ### Claim 63 (depends on 44) The fiber optic connector of claim 44 being a portion of a distribution cable. ### Claim 64 (depends on 44) The fiber optic connector of claim 44, wherein the second connector footprint is a SC connector footprint. ### Claim 65 (depends on 44) The fiber optic connector of claim 44, wherein the second footprint comprises a hardened connector footprint. ### Claim 66 (depends on 44) The fiber optic connector of claim 44, wherein the changing from the first connector footprint to the second connector footprint comprises a single component. ### Claim 67 (depends on 44) The fiber optic connector of claim 44, wherein the changing from the first connector footprint to the second connector footprint comprises a plurality of components. ### Claim 68 (depends on 44) The fiber optic connector of claim 44, wherein the changing from the first connector footprint to the second connector footprint comprises an inner boot, and outer boot, a shroud, a retaining member, and a coupling nut. ### Claim 69 A method of making a fiber optic connector, comprising: inserting a ferrule partially into a housing from a front end of a longitudinal passageway that extends from the front end to a rear end of the housing, the housing configured as a one-piece component and comprising a locking feature for securing the optical mating of the fiber optic connector, wherein the ferrule comprises a fiber bore extending from a rear end to a front end, wherein the housing provides a first connector footprint with a part of the rear portion of the housing comprising a round cross-section and a part of the front portion of the housing comprising a non-round cross-section and the locking feature is a subtractive portion from the primitive geometry of the rear portion; attaching a transverse ferrule retention member to the housing for limiting the movement of ferrule relative to the housing by inserting the transverse ferrule retention member into an opening disposed in an outer surface of the housing, wherein the opening is transverse to the longitudinal passageway; and attaching a conversion housing, wherein the conversion housing cooperates with the housing for changing the fiber optic connector from the first connector footprint to a second connector footprint. ### Claim 70 A method of making a fiber optic connector, comprising: inserting a ferrule partially into a housing from a front end, the housing configured as a one-piece component comprising a locking feature for securing the optical mating of the fiber optic connector, and a part of the rear portion of the housing comprising a round cross-section and a part of the front portion of the housing comprising a non-round cross-section, wherein the ferrule comprises a selectively tunable surface positioned with a tuning pocket of the housing, wherein the housing provides a first connector footprint and the locking feature is a subtractive portion from the primitive geometry of the rear portion; attaching a transverse ferrule retention member to the housing for limiting the rotation of ferrule relative to the housing by inserting the transverse ferrule retention member into an opening disposed in an outer surface of the housing, wherein the opening is transverse to the longitudinal passageway; and attaching a conversion housing, wherein the conversion housing cooperates with the housing for changing the fiber optic connector from the first connector footprint to a second connector footprint. ### Claim 71 A method of making a fiber optic connector, comprising: inserting a resilient member into a longitudinal passageway of a housing from a front end of the housing, the housing configured as a one-piece component comprising a locking feature for securing the optical mating of the fiber optic connector, and a part of the rear portion of the housing comprises a round cross-section and a part of the front portion of the housing comprises a non-round cross-section, wherein the resilient member is at least partially disposed within a resilient member cavity of the housing, and the housing provides a first connector footprint and the locking feature is a subtractive portion from the primitive geometry of the rear portion; inserting a ferrule partially into the housing from the front end, wherein the ferrule comprises a selectively tunable surface that is positioned within a tuning pocket of the housing; attaching a transverse ferrule retention member to the housing for limiting the rotation of ferrule relative to the housing by inserting the transverse ferrule retention member into an opening disposed in an outer surface of the housing, wherein the opening is transverse to the longitudinal passageway of the housing; attaching a nosepiece to the front end of the housing; and attaching a conversion housing, wherein the conversion housing cooperates with the housing for changing the fiber optic connector from the first connector footprint to a second connector footprint. ### Claim 72 (depends on 69) The method of claim 69, wherein the ferrule cooperates directly with the housing without using a ferrule holder. ### Claim 73 (depends on 69) The method of claim 69, wherein the transverse ferrule retention member cooperates with the selectively tunable surface of the ferrule. ### Claim 74 (depends on 69) The method of claim 69, wherein the transverse ferrule retention member is a clip. ### Claim 75 (depends on 69) The method of claim 69 further comprising securing a fiber optic cable to the rear end of the housing. ### Claim 76 (depends on 75) The method of claim 75, further comprising securing the fiber optic cable with a band or an adhesive. ### Claim 77 (depends on 69) The method of claim 69, wherein the second footprint comprises a hardened connector footprint. ### Claim 78 (depends on 69) The method of claim 69, wherein the changing from the first connector footprint to the second connector footprint comprises a single of component. ### Claim 79 (depends on 69) The method of claim 69, wherein the changing from the first connector footprint to the second connector footprint comprises a plurality of components. ### Claim 80 (depends on 69) The method of claim 69, wherein the changing from the first connector footprint to the second connector footprint comprises an inner boot, and outer boot, a shroud, a retaining member, and a coupling nut. ### Claim 81 (depends on 1) The fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the locking feature is a ramp with a ledge. ### Claim 82 (depends on 6) The fiber optic connector of claim 6, wherein the locking feature is a ramp with a ledge. ### Claim 83 (depends on 1) The fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the locking feature is a groove, a shoulder, or a scallop. ### Claim 84 (depends on 1) The fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the conversion housing is secured using a retaining member. ### Claim 85 (depends on 1) The fiber optic connector of claim 1, further comprising an O-ring. ### Claim 86 (depends on 1) The fiber optic connector of claim 1, further comprising a cable adapter sized for fitting into a rear end opening of the housing. ### Claim 87 (depends on 1) The fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the second connector footprint is a SC connector footprint. ### Claim 88 (depends on 1) The fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the second connector footprint comprises a hardened connector footprint. ### Claim 89 (depends on 1) The fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the changing from the first connector footprint to the second connector footprint comprises a single component. ### Claim 90 (depends on 1) The fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the changing from the first connector footprint to the second connector footprint comprises a plurality of components. ### Claim 91 (depends on 1) The fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the changing from the first connector footprint to the second connector footprint comprises an inner boot, and outer boot, a shroud, a retaining member, and a coupling nut. ### Claim 92 (depends on 1) The fiber optic connector of claim 1 being a portion of a cable assembly.