Universal connector assembly particularly adapted for use with fiber optic cables

Claim 1

A connector apparatus for accommodating various diameter fiber optic cable assemblies to be exposed to a source of light contained within a housing upon which said connector apparatus is mounted, comprising: (a) a connector housing member having an aperture directed from a top to a bottom surface, said housing having on a bottom surface, a plurality of transverse slots each communicating with said aperture and each extending transverse thereto towards a side of said housing, said slots extending into said housing for a predetermined depth and of a width substantially narrower than said depth, (b) a plurality of clamp members, each separate one positioned within an associated one of said slots, each of said clamp members of a "C" shaped configuration and located within said slot, with the length of said "C" from said top to bottom arms relatively equal to said predetermined depth and the width of said "C" relatively equal to said width of said slot whereby said "C" member is positioned in said slot in an upstanding relation with said main central side as joining said arms facing said aperture, (c) a plurality of spring biasing means, each separate one positioned in one of said slots to coact with and urge said associated clamp member within said aperture, with said spring biasing means positioned between the arms of said "C" with the main side of said "C" shaped member being forced into said aperture by said spring biasing means to contact each of said clamp members similarly urged by said associated spring to cause said main sides of said clamp members to coact to form a triangular opening with each side relatively equal to the width of said slot, whereby a cable inserted in said aperture is retained therein by said clamp members coacting therewith due to the forces exerted by said spring members.