Optical fiber connector

Claim 1

A connector for coupling the ends of two lengths of optical fiber in contiguous, aligned position comprising: (i) two connector assemblies, each connector assembly comprising: (a) a three-pin sub-assembly comprising three like-size, generally cylindrical, rigid pins extending parallel to each other in contiguous relationship, said pins having a diameter such that an inscribed circle extending tangent to the pin circumferences in the interior space between the pins substantially corresponds to the diameter of a length of optical fiber, said three-pin, sub-assembly partially protruding from the proximal end of said connector assembly; (b) first retaining means surrounding the non-protruding portion of said three-pin sub-assembly for securely retaining the pins of the sub-assembly in contiguous relationship, the interior space extending between the circumferences of the pins defining a chamber for receiving a length of optical fiber; (c) second retaining means for providing a stress relieving space for the optical fiber adjacent to the distal end of the three-pin sub-assembly; (d) spring-loaded retaining means for securing an optical fiber within the chamber defined by the three pins of the sub-assembly by exertion of a radial compressive force on said optical fiber; and (e) coupling means for connecting the connector assembly to its mating connector assembly; (ii) first alignment means for connecting the coupling means of each connector assembly and including abutment means which abuts against the first retaining means of each connector assembly when they are connected by said alignment means; and (iii) second alignment means for securely retaining the protruding portions of each three-pin sub-assembly in contiguous relationship when the connector assemblies are connected by said first alignment means.