Ingress Protected Connector with an Unitary Orientation Feature

Abstract

Ingress protected connectors used outdoors are mated with and within an adapter. To aid in mating an orientation finger is provided as part of the proximal end of the ingress protected connector. Within the ingress protected connector is a fiber optic connector being protected from the environment.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An ingress protected connector, comprising:
 a plug frame configured to accept a fiber optic connector at a proximal end of the plug frame;   the plug frame accepts a sealing surface that mates with a corresponding adapter interface to protect against water and debris ingress; and wherein   a front portion of the plug frame further comprise an integrated unitary finger with a flat surface for orienting the ingress protected connector upon insertion and mating to the adapter interface.   
     
     
         2 . The ingress protected connector of  claim 1 , wherein
 the sealing surface is an O-ring.   
     
     
         3 . The ingress protected connector of  claim 1 , wherein
 an outer housing further comprises a threaded portion near a proximal end of the ingress protected connector for securing to an adapter.   
     
     
         4 . The ingress protected connector of  claim 1 , wherein a cable is secured to a crimp ring at a distal end of the ingress protected connector, the cable further comprising at least one optical fiber for connection to a fiber optic connector secured at a proximal end of the plug frame.