WO2025178773A1

WO2025178773A1 - Pulling grip assemblies

Info

Publication number: WO2025178773A1
Application number: PCT/US2025/015000
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vahid EBRAHIMI; Adam ELLIS
Original assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
Current assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
Priority date: 2024-02-21
Filing date: 2025-02-07
Publication date: 2025-08-28
Anticipated expiration: 2026-08-21

Abstract

PULLING GRIP ASSEMBLIES Pulling grip assemblies (100) are provided. A pulling grip assembly (100) includes a sleeve (110) extending between a first end and a second end. The pulling grip assembly (100) further includes a transition piece (130) extending between a first end and a second end, wherein an inner diameter of the transition piece (130) at the first end is less than an inner diameter of the transition piece (130) at the second end, and wherein the second end of the transition piece (130) is disposed within the first end of the sleeve (110). The pulling grip assembly (100) further includes a pulling sock (150) including a first end portion (162), an intermediate portion (166), and a second end portion (164), the pulling sock (150) surrounding the sleeve (110) and the transition piece (130) such that the sleeve (110) and the transition piece (130) are disposed within the intermediate portion (166), the second end portion (164) of the pulling sock (150) forming a pulling end of the pulling grip assembly (100).

Description

PULLING GRIP ASSEMBLIES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/556.138 filed on February 21, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to pulling grip assemblies for protecting cable assemblies during installation activities.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Cables, such as fiber optic cables, are widely utilized in a variety⁷ of applications to provide, for example, optical and/or electrical connections. For example, optical fiber cables are increasingly being utilized for data, voice, and video transmission purposes. As a result of this usage, communications netw orks, such as fiber optic communications networks, ty pically include a variety of interconnection points. Examples of such interconnection points include, for example, network access point (NAP) enclosures, aerial closures, below grade closures, pedestals, optical network terminals (ONTs) and network interface devices (NIDs).

[0004] During installation of a cable, the cable is typically payed-off from a reel and installed in the field. Part of this installation includes pulling the cable to a desired location through relatively tight spaces and/or small diameter conduits.

During such pulling activity, the cable may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors, such as dust, moisture, etc. This exposure can be particularly problematic when the end of the cable being pulled includes terminated optical fibers, such as for example pre-connectorized optical fibers. Pre-connectorized optical fibers include connectors which have been installed on the ends of the optical fibers in a clean, controlled factory environment to reduce contamination issues. The exposure of terminated and/or pre-connectorized optical fibers to environmental factors during pulling can damage the optical fibers and/or require extensive cleaning before the optical fibers can be connected and utilized. [0005] Various apparatus have been deployed to address the environmental exposure issue. For example, pulling grip assemblies have been attached to the ends of cable being deployed. These assemblies typically include a number of features which house the terminated optical fibers in order to protect them from environmental exposure. The assemblies also typically attempt to protect the optical fibers from damage due to tensile loading during pulling efforts. However, known assemblies are typically expensive and include a significant number of machined parts which are difficult and time-consuming to assemble and deploy. Further, improvements in the environmental exposure and loading protection characteristics of known pulling grip assemblies are desired.

[0006] Accordingly, improved pulling grip assemblies are desired in the art. In particular, pulling grip assemblies which are relatively inexpensive and efficient to assemble and deploy while also providing desired environmental exposure protection and loading protection would be advantageous.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0007] Aspects and advantages of the invention in accordance with the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the technology.

[0008] In accordance with one embodiment, a pulling grip assembly is provided. The pulling grip assembly includes a sleeve extending between a first end and a second end, the sleeve defining an internal channel extending between the first end and the second end. The pulling grip assembly further includes a transition piece extending between a first end and a second end, the transition piece defining an internal channel extending between and through the first end and the second end. wherein an inner diameter of the transition piece at the first end is less than an inner diameter of the transition piece at the second end, and w herein the second end of the transition piece is disposed within the first end of the sleeve. The pulling grip assembly further includes a pulling sock extending between a first end and a second end and including a first end portion, an intermediate portion, and a second end portion, the pulling sock surrounding the sleeve and the transition piece such that the sleeve and the transition piece are disposed within the intermediate portion, the second end portion of the pulling sock forming a pulling end of the pulling grip assembly.

[0009] In accordance with another embodiment, a pulling gnp assembly is provided. The pulling grip assembly includes a cable, the cable including an outer sheath and a plurality of optical fibers extending through the outer sheath, the plurality of optical fibers further extending beyond a distal end of the outer sheath to terminated ends thereof. The pulling grip assembly further includes a sleeve extending between a first end and a second end, the sleeve defining an internal channel extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the optical fibers are disposed in the sleeve. The pulling grip assembly further includes a transition piece extending between a first end and a second end, the transition piece defining an internal channel extending between and through the first end and the second end, wherein an inner diameter of the transition piece at the first end is less than an inner diameter of the transition piece at the second end, wherein the second end of the transition piece is disposed within the first end of the sleeve, and wherein the distal end of the outer sheath is disposed in the transition piece. The pulling grip assembly further includes a pulling sock extending between a first end and a second end and including a first end portion, an intermediate portion, and a second end portion, the pulling sock surrounding the sleeve and the transition piece such that the sleeve and the transition piece are disposed within the intermediate portion, the first end portion of the pulling sock surrounding and connected to the outer sheath, the second end portion of the pulling sock forming a pulling end of the pulling grip assembly.

[0010] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the technology and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the technology⁷.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode of making and using the present systems and methods, directed to one of ordinary⁷ skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pulling grip assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of a pulling grip assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a transition piece for a pulling grip assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a transition piece for a pulling grip assembly in accordance with other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating components of a pulling grip assembly including a first end of a sleeve in accordance with other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating components of a pulling grip assembly including a second end of a sleeve in accordance with other embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a portion of an exemplary cable for use with a pulling grip assembly in accordance with other embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary’” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, each example is provided by way of explanation, rather than limitation of, the technology. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present technology without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed technology. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features in the drawings. Like or similar designations in the drawings and description have been used to refer to like or similar parts of the invention.

[0020] As used herein, the terms “first”, “second”, and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms “coupled,” “fixed,” “attached to,” and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attaching, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes.” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive- or and not to an exclusive- or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0021] Terms of approximation, such as “about.” “generally,” “approximately,” or “substantially,” include values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction. For example, “generally vertical” includes directions within ten degrees of vertical in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise.

[0022] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems are described below" with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims.

[0023] In general, the present disclosure is directed to improved pulling grip assemblies for pulling cables, such as fiber optic cable, during installation activities. Pulling grip assemblies in accordance with the present disclosure advantageously include a reduced number of components and require a simplified, efficient assembly and deployment process. Further, pulling grip assemblies in accordance with the present disclosure advantageously provide environmental exposure protection and loading protection during cable pulling activities.

[0024] Referring now to the drawings. FIG. 7 illustrates a cable 10 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The cable 10 as illustrated is a fiber optic cable. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to fiber optic cables or the use of fiber optic cables with pulling grip assemblies, and rather that any suitable cables, such as electrical cable, hybrid optical / electrical cables, etc. are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0025] As shown, cable 10 includes an outer sheath 12. Outer sheath 12 may include an exterior surface 14, which may be the radially outer-most surface of the cable 10. Outer sheath 12 may extend between a proximal end (not shown) and a distal end 16. One or more optical fibers 20 may extend within and through the outer sheath 12, and may further extend from the outer sheath 12 at the distal end 16 such that the optical fibers 20 extend beyond the distal end 16 of the outer sheath 12. Each optical fiber 20 may extend to a terminated end 22 thereof. The terminated ends 22 may be external to the sheath 12.

[0026] The optical fibers 20 may be loose optical fibers, or may be connected in groups as optical fiber ribbons 24 (e.g. coated ribbons, intermittently bonded ribbons, etc.). Further, in some embodiments, furcation tubes or subunit sheaths may surround the portions of the ribbons which extend beyond the distal end 16.

[0027] In exemplary embodiments, the optical fibers 20 may be connectorized. such as pre-connectonzed (e.g. connectorized in a factory setting prior to installation). When connectorized, fiber optic connectors 30 are connected to the terminated ends 22 of the optical fibers 20. Any suitable connectors 30, such as SC, LC, MPO, etc., are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0028] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, embodiments of pulling grip assemblies 100 in accordance with the present disclosure are illustrated. Pulling grip assemblies 100 are generally connected to cables 10, and may advantageously cover exposed portions of the cables 10 (such as exposed optical fibers 20, terminated ends 22 thereof, and/or connectors 30 connected thereto) to protect those portions of the cables 10 during pulling and other installation procedures.

[0029] A pulling grip assembly 100 may, for example, include a sleeve 110. Sleeve 110 may be the main body portion of the pulling grip assembly, and may generally house exposed portions of the cables 10 (such as exposed optical fibers 20, terminated ends 22 thereof, and/or connectors 30 connected thereto). Sleeve 110 may extend between a first end 112 and a second end 114. Sleeve 110 may further define an internal channel 1 16 extending therethrough. Internal channel 116 may extend between the first end 112 and the second end 114. Further, internal channel 116 may extend through the first end 112 such that the internal channel 116 is accessible through the first end 112. In exemplary embodiments, internal channel 116 may further extend through the second end 114 such that the internal channel 116 is accessible through the second end 114. The sleeve 110 may generally be a cylindrical body such that the channel 116 is generally closed except for the openings defined in the first end 112 and/or second end 114.

[0030] In exemplary embodiments, the sleeve 110 is formed from a metal, such as aluminum or steel. Further, in exemplary embodiments, the sleeve 110 is formed from a corrugated material, such as a corrugated metal.

[0031] When assembled, the exposed optical fibers 20, terminated ends 22 thereof, and/or connectors 30 may be disposed in the sleeve 110, such as in the internal channel 116 thereof.

[0032] With reference now also to FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the pulling grip assembly 100 may further include an end cap 120. End cap 120 may be disposed at the second end 114 of the sleeve 110, and may be connected to the sleeve 110 at the second end 114. For example, a portion of the end cap 120 may fit within or over the sleeve 110 (such as via a friction fit) to connect the end cap 120 to the second end 114. For example, an insert portion 122 may fit within the sleeve 110, and a main body portion 124 may remain exterior to the sleeve 110, as shown. Additionally or alternatively, suitable adhesives or bonding techniques such as welding may be utilized to connect the end cap 120 to the second end 114. Additionally or alternatively, heat shrink 174 may be utilized to connect the end cap 120 to the second end 114. Such heat shrink 174 may be disposed on and surrounding at least a portion of the end cap 120 and the sleeve 110 (such as the second end 114 thereof), and may during assembly be heated to connect the end cap 120 and the sleeve 110 (such as the second end 114 thereof) together. Such connection and components may be underneath and within a pulling sock as discussed herein.

[0033] In some embodiments, end cap 120, such as main body portion 124 thereof, may be generally dome shaped. Alternatively, other suitable shapes may be utilized.

[0034] With reference now also to FIGS. 3 through 5, pulling grip assembly 100 may further include a transition piece 130. When assembled, the transition piece 130 may house the distal end 16 of cable 10, and may thus further house the transition of the optical fibers 20 from the cable 10 interior at the distal end 16 thereof. Transition piece 130 may extend between a first end 132 and a second end 134. Transition piece 130 may further define an internal channel 136 extending therethrough. Internal channel 136 may extend between the first end 132 and the second end 134. Further, internal channel 136 may extend through the first end 132 and the second end 134 such that the internal channel 136 is accessible through the first end 132 and the second end 134. The transition piece 130 may generally be a cylindrical body such that the channel 136 is generally closed except for the openings defined in the first end 112 and/or second end 114 and optional ports, such as for epoxy insertion into the internal channel 136.

[0035] In exemplary embodiments, when assembled, the distal end 16 of the cable 10 may be inserted into the internal channel 136 through the first end 132 thereof and the optical fibers 20 may be extended from the distal end 16 through and from the internal channel 136 through the second end 134 thereof. An epoxy may be introduced into the internal channel 136 to secure and protect the components with the internal channel 136.

[0036] Transition piece 130 may further include an outer surface 140 and an interior surface 142. The interior surface 142 may define the internal channel 136. In exemplary embodiments, a transition piece 130 may further include a rib 144 disposed with the internal channel 136. For example, rib 144 may extend from the interior surface 142 inwardly into the internal channel 136. Rib 144 may be located between and spaced from the first end 132 and the second end 134. In some embodiments, rib 144 may be ring shaped. Additionally or alternatively, rib 144 may be arcuate or have another suitable shape. Rib 144 may act as a stop for the distal end 16 of the cable 10 when inserted into the internal channel 136 of the transition piece 130. Thus, when assembled, distal end 16 may abut against rib 144. This may allow for accurate locating of the distal end 16 to allow for optical fibers 20 to protrude therefrom, and may further allow for effective potting of the optical fibers 20 within the internal channel 136.

[0037] An inner diameter 143 (e.g. maximum diameter or maximum width of interior surface 142) and an outer diameter 141 (e.g. maximum diameter or maximum width of the outer surface 140) may be defined for a transition piece 130. In exemplary embodiments, the inner diameter 143 at the first end 132 is less than the inner diameter at the second end 134. Further, in some exemplary embodiments, the inner diameter 143 may taper from the second end 134 towards the first end 132. For example, inner diameter 143 may taper from the second end 134 to the rib 144. In some exemplary embodiments, inner diameter 143 may be generally constant from the first end 132 to the rib 144.

[0038] Transition piece 130 may be disposed at the first end 112 of the sleeve 110, and may be connected to the sleeve 110 at the first end 112. For example, a portion of the transition piece 130, including the second end 134, may fit within the sleeve 110 (such as via a friction fit) to connect the transition piece 130 to the first end 1 12. Thus, the second end 134 of the transition piece 130 is disposed within the first end 112 of the sleeve 110. Additionally, suitable adhesives or bonding techniques such as welding may be utilized to connect the transition piece 130 to the first end 112. Additionally or alternatively, heat shrink 176 may be utilized to connect the transition piece 130 to the first end 112. Such heat shrink 176 may be disposed on and surrounding at least a portion of the transition piece 130, the sleeve 110 (such as the first end 112 thereof), and/or the sheath 12, and may during assembly be heated to connect the transition piece 130, the sleeve 110 (such as the first end 112 thereof), and/or the sheath 12 together. Such connection and components may be underneath and within a pulling sock as discussed herein.

[0039] In exemplary embodiments, a transition piece 130 may further include a flange 146 disposed on the outer surface 140. For example, flange 146 may extend radially outwardly from the outer surface 140. Flange 146 may be located between and spaced from the first end 132 and the second end 134, such as in some embodiments between the nb 144 and the second end 134 along a length of the transition piece 130. In some embodiments, flange 146 may be ring shaped. Additionally or alternatively, flange 146 may be arcuate or have another suitable shape. Flange 146 may act as a stop for the transition piece 130 when inserted into the first end 112 of the sleeve 110. Thus, when assembled, first end 112 may abut against flange 146. This may allow for accurate locating and connecting of the transition piece 130 to the sleeve 110.

[0040] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the outer diameter 141 of the transition piece 130 at the first end 132 is less than the outer diameter 141 of the transition piece 130 at the second end 134. For example, the outer diameter 141 may taper from the second end 134 towards the first end 132. For example, outer diameter 141 may taper from the second end 134 to the rib 144. In some exemplary⁷ embodiments, outer diameter 141 may be generally constant from the first end 132 to the rib 144. Further, in some embodiments, an external shoulder 148 may be defined, such as for example at the location of the rib 144 along the length of the transition piece 130.

[0041] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the outer diameter 141 of the transition piece 130 at the first end 132 may be generally equal to the outer diameter 141 at the second end 134. In exemplary⁷ embodiments, outer diameter 141 may be generally constant from the first end 132 to the second end 134.

[0042] In exemplary embodiments, the transition piece is formed as a singular, unitary component, such that the assembly of multiple components together to form a transition from the cable 10 to the sleeve 110 is not required.

[0043] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, a pulling grip assembly 100 in accordance with the present disclosure may further include a pulling sock 150. Pulling sock 150 may be a generally flexible outermost component of the pulling assembly 100. Pulling sock 150 may generally surround (e.g. fully surround) the sleeve 110, end cap 120, and transition piece 130. Further pulling sock 150 may partially surround the cable 10, including the distal end 16 thereof. Pulling sock 150 may, for example, be formed from a mesh material, such as an expandable mesh material, such as an expandable braided sleeve. One suitable material for such pulling sock 150 is polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0044] Pulling sock 150 may extend between a first end 152 and a second end 154, and may include a first end portion 162, a second end portion 164, and an intermediate portion 166. The first end portion 162 may include the first end 152. The second end portion 164 may include the second end 154. The intermediate portion 166 may be disposed between the first end portion 162 and the second end portion 164. When assembled, the pulling sock 150 may surround the sleeve 1 10, the transition piece 130, and the end cap 120 such that the sleeve 110, the transition piece 130, and the end cap 120 are disposed within the intermediate portion 166.

[0045] The first end portion 162 may, when assembled, surround and be connected to the outer sheath 12 of the cable 10. Advantageously, by connecting the pulling sock 150 to the outer sheath 12, tensile loading that is imparted onto the pulling sock 150 may be transmitted directly to the outer sheath 12, thus reducing the risk of damage to the exposed optical fibers 20, terminated ends 22 thereof, connectors 30, etc.

[0046] For example, in some embodiments, heat shrink 170 may be utilized to connect the pulling sock 150 to the outer sheath 12. Such heat shrink 170 may be disposed on and surrounding at least a portion of the first end portion 162 and the pulling sock 150. and may during assembly be heated to connect the pulling sock 150 to the outer sheath 12.

[0047] The second end portion 164 may, when assembled, form a pulling end 168 of the pulling grip assembly 100. For example, in some embodiments, the second end portion 164 may be disposed in a loop, as illustrated in FIG. 1, to form the pulling end 168. Heat shrink 172 may be utilized to connect the second end portion 164 to itself to form the loop. Such heat shrink 172 may be disposed on and surrounding at least a portion of the second end portion 162, and may during assembly be heated to connect the second end portion 164 to itself to form the loop.

[0048] Alternatively, the second end portion 164 may be closed and utilized as a pulling end 168 without being looped, or may otherwise be manipulated or configured to be pulled. [0049] Pulling of the second end portion 164 advantageously allows for loading force transmission to the sheath 12.

[0050] Further aspects of the invention are provided by one or more of the following embodiments:

[0051] A pulling grip assembly including a sleeve extending between a first end and a second end, the sleeve defining an internal channel extending between the first end and the second end. The pulling grip assembly further includes a transition piece extending between a first end and a second end, the transition piece defining an internal channel extending between and through the first end and the second end, wherein an inner diameter of the transition piece at the first end is less than an inner diameter of the transition piece at the second end, and wherein the second end of the transition piece is disposed within the first end of the sleeve. The pulling grip assembly further includes a pulling sock extending between a first end and a second end and including a first end portion, an intermediate portion, and a second end portion, the pulling sock surrounding the sleeve and the transition piece such that the sleeve and the transition piece are disposed within the intermediate portion, the second end portion of the pulling sock forming a pulling end of the pulling grip assembly.

[0052] A pulling grip assembly including a cable, the cable including an outer sheath and a plurality’ of optical fibers extending through the outer sheath, the plurality of optical fibers further extending beyond a distal end of the outer sheath to terminated ends thereof. The pulling grip assembly further includes a sleeve extending between a first end and a second end, the sleeve defining an internal channel extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the optical fibers are disposed in the sleeve. The pulling grip assembly further includes a transition piece extending between a first end and a second end, the transition piece defining an internal channel extending between and through the first end and the second end, wherein an inner diameter of the transition piece at the first end is less than an inner diameter of the transition piece at the second end, wherein the second end of the transition piece is disposed within the first end of the sleeve, and wherein the distal end of the outer sheath is disposed in the transition piece. The pulling grip assembly further includes a pulling sock extending between a first end and a second end and including a first end portion, an intermediate portion, and a second end portion, the pulling sock surrounding the sleeve and the transition piece such that the sleeve and the transition piece are disposed within the intermediate portion, the first end portion of the pulling sock surrounding and connected to the outer sheath, the second end portion of the pulling sock forming a pulling end of the pulling grip assembly.

[0053] A pulling grip assembly of any one or more embodiments disclosed herein, further including a cable, the cable including an outer sheath and a plurality of optical fibers extending through the outer sheath, the plurality of optical fibers further extending beyond a distal end of the outer sheath to terminated ends thereof, wherein the optical fibers are disposed in the sleeve, and wherein the first end portion of the pulling sock surrounds and is connected to the outer sheath.

[0054] A pulling grip assembly of any one or more embodiments disclosed herein, wherein the terminated ends are connectorized.

[0055] A pulling grip assembly of any one or more embodiments disclosed herein, wherein the sleeve is formed from a corrugated metal.

[0056] A pulling grip assembly of any one or more embodiments disclosed herein, wherein the pulling sock is formed of a mesh.

[0057] A pulling grip assembly of any one or more embodiments disclosed herein, wherein the second end portion of the pulling sock is disposed in a loop to form the pulling end.

[0058] A pulling grip assembly of any one or more embodiments disclosed herein, further comprising a rib disposed within the internal channel of the transition piece.

[0059] A pulling grip assembly of any one or more embodiments disclosed herein, wherein an inner diameter of the transition piece tapers from the second end towards the first end.

[0060] A pulling grip assembly of any one or more embodiments disclosed herein, further including a flange disposed on an outer surface of the transition piece.

[0061] A pulling grip assembly of any one or more embodiments disclosed herein, wherein an outer diameter of the transition piece at the first end is less than an outer diameter of the transition piece at the second end. [0062] A pulling grip assembly of any one or more embodiments disclosed herein, further comprising an end cap, the end cap disposed at the second end of the sleeve and surrounded by the pulling sock.

[0063] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A pulling grip assembly, comprising: a sleeve extending between a first end and a second end, the sleeve defining an internal channel extending between the first end and the second end; a transition piece extending between a first end and a second end, the transition piece defining an internal channel extending between and through the first end and the second end, wherein an inner diameter of the transition piece at the first end is less than an inner diameter of the transition piece at the second end, and wherein the second end of the transition piece is disposed within the first end of the sleeve; and a pulling sock extending between a first end and a second end and comprising a first end portion, an intermediate portion, and a second end portion, the pulling sock surrounding the sleeve and the transition piece such that the sleeve and the transition piece are disposed within the intermediate portion, the second end portion of the pulling sock forming a pulling end of the pulling grip assembly.

2. The pulling grip assembly of claim 1, further comprising a cable, the cable comprising an outer sheath and a plurality of optical fibers extending through the outer sheath, the plurality of optical fibers further extending beyond a distal end of the outer sheath to terminated ends thereof, wherein the optical fibers are disposed in the sleeve, and wherein the first end portion of the pulling sock surrounds and is connected to the outer sheath.

3. The pulling grip assembly of claim 2, wherein the terminated ends are connectorized.

4. The pulling grip assembly of claim 1, wherein the sleeve is formed from a corrugated metal.

5. The pulling grip assembly of claim 1, wherein the pulling sock is formed of a mesh.

6. The pulling grip assembly of claim 1, wherein the second end portion of the pulling sock is disposed in a loop to form the pulling end.

7. The pulling grip assembly of claim 1, further comprising a rib disposed within the internal channel of the transition piece.

8. The pulling grip assembly of claim 1, wherein an inner diameter of the transition piece tapers from the second end towards the first end.

9. The pulling grip assembly of claim 1, further comprising a flange disposed on an outer surface of the transition piece.

10. The pulling grip assembly of claim 1, wherein an outer diameter of the transition piece at the first end is less than an outer diameter of the transition piece at the second end.

11. The pulling grip assembly of claim 1, further comprising an end cap, the end cap disposed at the second end of the sleeve and surrounded by the pulling sock.

12. A pulling grip assembly, comprising: a cable, the cable comprising an outer sheath and a plurality of optical fibers extending through the outer sheath, the plurality of optical fibers further extending beyond a distal end of the outer sheath to terminated ends thereof; a sleeve extending between a first end and a second end, the sleeve defining an internal channel extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the optical fibers are disposed in the sleeve; a transition piece extending between a first end and a second end, the transition piece defining an internal channel extending between and through the first end and the second end, wherein an inner diameter of the transition piece at the first end is less than an inner diameter of the transition piece at the second end, wherein the second end of the transition piece is disposed within the first end of the sleeve, and wherein the distal end of the outer sheath is disposed in the transition piece; and a pulling sock extending between a first end and a second end and comprising a first end portion, an intermediate portion, and a second end portion, the pulling sock surrounding the sleeve and the transition piece such that the sleeve and the transition piece are disposed within the intermediate portion, the first end portion of the pulling sock surrounding and connected to the outer sheath, the second end portion of the pulling sock forming a pulling end of the pulling grip assembly.

13. The pulling grip assembly of claim 12. wherein the sleeve is formed from a corrugated metal.

14. The pulling grip assembly of claim 12, wherein the pulling sock is formed of a mesh.

15. The pulling grip assembly of claim 12, wherein the second end portion of the pulling sock is disposed in a loop to form the pulling end.

16. The pulling grip assembly of claim 12. further comprising a rib disposed within the internal channel of the transition piece.

17. The pulling grip assembly of claim 12, wherein an inner diameter of the transition piece tapers from the second end towards the first end.

18. The pulling grip assembly of claim 12. further comprising a flange disposed on an outer surface of the transition piece.

19. The pulling grip assembly of claim 12, wherein an outer diameter of the transition piece at the first end is less than an outer diameter of the transition piece at the second end.

20. The pulling grip assembly of claim 12, further comprising an end cap, the end cap disposed at the second end of the sleeve and surrounded by the pulling sock.