Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes a messenger section having at least one strength member, a carrier section having at least one optical fiber therein, and a common jacket that forms a common jacket. In one embodiment, the carrier jacket has a preferential tear portion adjacent to the at least one optical fiber with a substantially continuous outer surface in the carrier jacket adjacent to the preferential tear portion. The preferential tear portion may be defined by at least one of: at least one internal void, at least one weld line, and at least one wing extending from a tape disposed about the one or more optical fibers. Various alternatives are possible. For example, the carrier jacket may also or alternatively include at least one gripping area extending for enhancing the gripping of the carrier section when pulling apart the carrier section and messenger section.

Abstract: An optical fiber ribbon having a plurality of optical fibers connected by a radiation curable matrix and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The optical fiber ribbon includes at least one preferential tear portion formed by a weakened portion in the matrix, the weakened portion of the matrix having a reduced cure level compared with the surrounding matrix material, thereby creating the weakened portion. In another embodiment, the optical fiber ribbon is formed of two subunits each having a plurality of optical fibers, wherein the subunits are connected by a secondary matrix.

Abstract: According to certain aspects of the present invention, a fiber optic ribbon is disclosed including a plurality of optical fibers arranged in a generally planar configuration, and a matrix disposed generally about the plurality of optical fibers. The matrix has a substantially continuous outer surface and defines an internal discontinuity spaced from the outer surface. The discontinuity weakens the matrix at the discontinuity, thereby forming a preferential tear area. Various options and modifications to the above structure are disclosed. Also, related methods of forming fiber optic ribbons are disclosed.