US4707074A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical fibre cables
Assignee: Telephone Cables Ltd
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Filing: 1985-06-13
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Granted: 1987-11-17
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Expires: 2005-06-13
Abstract
Abstract An optical fibre cable has a plurality of longitudinally extending closed channels (6) formed in a protective cover, and each bounded by part of the outer wall (5) of the cover, wherein said wall (5) is formed with at least one region (8) of reduced thickness extending along a channel (6) so as to form a line of weakness which facilitates penetration of the cover to give access to the optical fibre (7) or fibres within the channel (6). A rip cord (9) may be embedded in the wall (5) so that by pulling the rip cord (9) a slit (10) is formed in the wall (8).
Inventors
- 👤 Clifford Heywood
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 16:14
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/44; G02B6/4401; G02B6/4407; G02B6/4429; G02B6/443; G02B6/4431
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
104 words
An optical cable including a central core, an outer wall surrounding the core and a plurality of longitudinally extending partitions between the core and the outer wall to define between them a plurality of longitudinally extending channels at least one of which provides accommodation for one or more optical fibres, comprising: at least one region of reduced thickness formed in said outer wall between two adjacent partitions and extending longitudinally along and over at least one channel thereby forming a line of weakness which facilitates penetration of said outer wall to give access to said at least one channel between said two adjacent partitions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
104 words
An optical cable including a central core, an outer wall surrounding the core and a plurality of longitudinally extending partitions between the core and the outer wall to define between them a plurality of longitudinally extending channels at least one of which provides accommodation for one or more optical fibres, comprising: at least one region of reduced thickness formed in said outer wall between two adjacent partitions and extending longitudinally along and over at least one channel thereby forming a line of weakness which facilitates penetration of said outer wall to give access to said at least one channel between said two adjacent partitions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
An optical cable according to claim 1 wherein a region of reduced thickness is provided extending longitudinally along and over each of said channels between each two adjacent partitions.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
67 words
An optical cable according to claim 1 wherein two such regions of reduced thickness are provided extending longitudinally along and over said at least one channel between said two adjacent partitions, the two regions defining a strip which, in use, may be pulled away from the rest of the outer wall to leave a slot in the outer wall providing access to said at least one channel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
An optical cable according to claim 1 wherein said central core, outer wall and partitions are formed in one piece as an extrusion of thermoplastics material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
An optical cable according to claim 1 wherein said central core contains a strength member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
An optical cable according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said channels contains a water-repellent medium.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-11-16 | 1991-05-18 | 1991-11-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-11-16 | 1995-05-18 | 1995-11-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-11-16 | 1999-05-18 | 1999-11-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |