Connector device and method for producing a furcated fibre optic cable

A method for producing a furcated fibre optic cable assembly, said method including providing a first fibre optic cable comprising a multi-fibre optical cable, exposing a section of the fibres contained therein, providing a plurality of second fibre optic cables and exposing a section of the fibres contained therein, connecting at least some of the fibres in the multi-fibre optical cable to the second fibre optic cables, and applying a connector device to house the exposed fibres and to increase the tensile strength between the first and second cables, said connector device comprising:

• a casing comprising a first opening arranged to receive the first fibre optic cable, a second opening arranged to receive the plurality of second fibre optic cables, a cavity that connects the first and second openings such that a fibre connection can be made between the first fibre optic cable and the plurality of second cables, and first and second parts that are connectable to each other;
• and securing means for securing the casing to the first fibre optic cable and to the plurality of second fibre optic cables such that when secured thereto the casing transfers tensile loads between the cables, wherein the securing means includes means for clamping at least one strengthening member in the first fibre optic cable to the connector device, a furcation member that is arranged to receive and support the plurality of second fibre optic cables, said furcation member including a protruding portion that is arranged such that strengthening members contained within the plurality of second fibre optic cables can be clamped thereto and clamping means for clamping the strengthening members to the protruding portion.