Fiber optic connector assembly

A connector assembly for mating the end of an optic fiber with a second optic element, said assembly including

• a cylindrical ferrule adapted to be secured around the fiber, said ferrule having a flange located a predetermined distance from the end of the fiber,
• a housing for receiving and maintaining the fiber end and second optic element in mating relation, said housing having a first housing portion for receiving the second optic element, a second housing portion defining an elongated passageway for receiving the fiber and ferrule, said passageway including an open end through which the fiber and ferrule are received, and locking means at the open end of the passageway cooperating with the ferrule to maintain the fiber within the passageway, and
• port means located generally between the fiber end and the second optic element allowing optical communication therebetween to define an optical interface region, said port means including inverted funnel means facing the fiber end for guiding the fiber end into alignment with the second optic element,
• the improvement comprising:
• a surface extending radially outwardly from the ferrule facing the port means;
• and
• an open ended cylindrically shaped elastomeric member secured around the fiber having an outside diameter greater than the diameter of the port means and not greater than the diameter of the passageway, said elastomeric member being held in compression between the radially extending surface and the inverted funnel means when the fiber and ferrule are inserted and locked into the first housing portion;
• whereby the pressure of the elastomeric member against the inverted funnel means serves to maintain the integrity of the optical interface by simultaneously maintaining the proper distance of the fiber end from the port means and sealing the optical interface at the port means from the outside environment.