US 12,228,775 B2
Fiber optic connector push-pull boot with self-locking boot latch
Scott Mendenhall, Hickory, NC (US); Jason Higley, Hickory, NC (US); and Darrell R. Childers, Hickory, NC (US)
Assigned to US Conec Ltd., Hickory, NC (US)
Filed by US Conec Ltd., Hickory, NC (US)
Filed on Nov. 8, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/982,604.
Application 17/982,604 is a continuation of application No. 29/814,639, filed on Nov. 8, 2021, granted, now D1031670.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/276,826, filed on Nov. 8, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2023/0145020 A1, May 11, 2023
Int. Cl. G02B 6/38 (2006.01)
CPC G02B 6/3893 (2013.01) [G02B 6/3825 (2013.01); G02B 6/3869 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A fiber optic connector comprising:
a ferrule configured to support at least one optical fiber;
a plug at least partially surrounding the ferrule;
a connector latch attached to the plug to engage the fiber-optic connector with an adapter or with a receptacle;
a connector body attached to the plug;
a release member attached to the connector body and to the connector latch and having a boot latch opening at a rear end;
a push-pull boot attached to the release member; and
a boot latch attached to the push-pull boot and extending forward and away from the push-pull boot, the boot latch having a first side extension and a second side extension and a central head member connected to and at least partially disposed between the first side extension and the second side extension by at least one flexure member,
wherein the boot latch is permanently disposed within the release member after the boot latch is inserted into the boot latch opening as the central head member engages each of the first side extension and the second side extension preventing removal of the boot latch from the release member when a push force or a pull force is applied to the push-pull boot.