Small Form Factor Connectors and Adapters

Abstract

A two-piece fiber optic connector and a corresponding two-piece adapter allow for tripling the fiber optic capacity that can be used with a standard fiber optic cassette. The two-piece fiber optic connector has a roll-up latch for engaging the adapter. The two-piece adapter has at least one latch for engaging a standard fiber optic cassette to retain the two-piece adapter and the fiber optic connector within the cassette. This allows for retrofitting and / or continued use with standard fiber optic cassettes.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application No. 202080011829.5, with the application date of January 30, 2020 and the invention name being “Small Form Factor Connector and Adapter”.

[0002] Citations of related cases

[0003] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to provisional application No. 62 / 798,699, filed on January 30, 2019, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Background of the Invention

[0004] Adapters are used in various applications to align and mate fiber optic connectors inserted on opposite sides of the adapter. One design parameter for adapters is the footprint of the adapter used with a panel or backplane. With the demand for higher connection density per panel, smaller and smaller adapters are being introduced.

[0005] One example of using a smaller form factor adapter is with a fiber optic cassette. A fiber optic cassette has an input port into which duplex LC connectors are inserted. These are then multiplexed into multi-fiber connectors (e.g., MPO connectors) for further optical transmission. The cassette has limited internal space, making it impossible to route optical fibers that receive optical input from external duplex connectors or other connectors. Currently, a single adapter used with a fiber optic cassette can only accommodate only two LC connectors, which means that only two optical fibers can be routed through that space. Assuming there are six spaces, this limits the fiber optic cassette to routing only 12 optical fibers.

[0006] To allow for higher density, a new adapter has been designed that triples the number of optical fibers (and fiber connectors) that can be accommodated in a fiber optic cassette. This design allows for the installation of new fiber optic cassettes and also allows for the retrofitting of already installed cassettes. A corresponding fiber optic connector has also been designed that is compatible with the new adapter and provides other advantages, such as reducing the fiber snag area inherent in the LC connector design. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention relates to a two-piece fiber optic connector, which includes: a first part, the first part having at least two channels to receive a fiber ferrule in each of the at least two channels; a latch, the latch extending from a surface adjacent to a rear portion of the first part to removably engage an adapter; two side latches, each of the two latches being disposed on a surface adjacent to the surface from which the latch extends and on opposite sides of the first part; a second part, the second part being used to receive a front portion of the first part; and at least two side latch windows on the second part, the at least two side latch windows being used to receive at least a portion of the two side latches to hold the first part and the second part together.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first portion and the second portion have alignment shoulders thereon, and the alignment shoulders are configured to engage alignment protrusions protruding from a wall in the adapter.

[0009] In some embodiments, the backplane adapter further includes at least one step alignment channel for receiving at least one alignment step on the fiber optic connector housing.

[0010] In other embodiments, the latch has a distal end, and the distal end of the latch is disposed behind the blocking member.

[0011] In still another aspect, the present invention relates to a two-piece adapter for mating fiber optic connectors on a fiber optic box body, the two-piece adapter comprising: a first portion for removably receiving a plurality of fiber optic connectors in a first central opening, the first central opening having a plurality of alignment protrusions protruding from opposing walls; a central divider disposed within the first portion, the central divider having a first plurality of fiber optic ferrule openings; at least one latch for engaging the fiber optic box body; a second portion attachable to the first portion, the second portion for removably receiving a second plurality of fiber optic connectors in a second central opening, the central opening having a plurality of alignment protrusions protruding from opposing walls; and a second plurality of fiber optic ferrule openings for aligning with the first plurality of fiber optic ferrule openings.

[0012] In some embodiments, at least one of the second plurality of fiber optic connectors in the second central opening is a two-piece fiber optic connector that is attached to the second portion via a fold-down latch on a top surface or a bottom surface of one of the two parts of the two-piece fiber optic connector.

[0013] In other embodiments, the second portion includes a latch pocket for receiving a portion of the at least one latch.

[0014] In still another aspect, the present invention relates to a combination of a two-piece adapter for receiving a two-piece fiber optic connector, the combination comprising a two-piece adapter, the two-piece adapter further comprising a first component and a second component, the first component being configured to receive a plurality of fiber optic connectors in a first central opening, and the second component being removably attached to the first component and configured to removably receive at least two fiber optic connectors to mate with a corresponding one of the plurality of fiber optic connectors in the first component, the first component comprising a latch for attaching the two-piece adapter to a fiber optic box body, and the combination further comprising a two-piece fiber optic connector, the two-piece fiber optic connector further comprising a first portion and a second component, the first portion having at least two channels to receive a fiber optic ferrule in each of the at least two channels, and the second component being attachable to the first component via a side latch, the second component having a folding latch on its top or bottom surface for engaging a portion of the two-piece adapter, the folding latch extending from a rear end of the second component toward the first component, and the distal end of the folding latch being disposed behind a blocking surface.

[0015] It will be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present embodiments of the invention are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed invention. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operation of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 is a front right side perspective view of a prior art cartridge adapter with the input port side facing outward;

[0017] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of a prior art cartridge adapter with the internal connector port facing outward;

[0018] Figure 3 is a right side perspective view of one embodiment of a two-piece fiber optic connector according to the present invention inserted into one embodiment of a two-piece adapter;

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A front perspective view of a two-piece adapter;

[0020] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A rear perspective view of the two-piece adapter;

[0021] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 a front elevational view of a center divider in a first portion of a two-piece adapter;

[0022] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 a rear perspective view of a first portion of a two-piece adapter;

[0023] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 a right perspective view of the second portion of the two-piece adapter;

[0024] Figure 9 yes Figure 3 A right perspective view of a partial cross-section of the two-piece adapter;

[0025] Figure 10 yes Figure 3 A left perspective view of a partial cross-section of a two-piece adapter;

[0026] Figure 11A yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the two-piece adapter from the bottom side looking toward the second part;

[0027] Figure 11B is a right perspective view in partial cross-section of a two-piece adapter with a two-piece fiber optic connector inserted therein;

[0028] Figure 11C is a rear perspective view, partially in section, of a two-piece adapter having a two-piece fiber optic connector inserted therein;

[0029] Figure 12 yes Figure 3 A top left perspective view of a two-piece fiber optic connector;

[0030] Figure 13 yes Figure 3 A left perspective view of a two-piece fiber optic connector;

[0031] Figure 14 yes Figure 3 A left-side exploded perspective view of a two-piece fiber optic connector;

[0032] Figure 15 yes Figure 3 A cross section of a two-piece fiber optic connector;

[0033] Figure 16 yes Figure 3 Cross-section of a two-piece fiber optic connector and a two-piece adapter;

[0034] Figure 17 yes Figure 12 A front perspective view of a second portion of a two-piece fiber optic connector;

[0035] Figure 18 yes Figure 12a rear perspective view of a second portion of the two-piece fiber optic connector;

[0036] Figure 19 is a partial cross-sectional view of a second portion of the two-piece fiber optic connector as viewed from the bottom side;

[0037] Figure 20 is an exploded right side perspective view of a second embodiment of a two-piece fiber optic connector according to the present invention; and

[0038] Figure 21 is an exploded right side perspective view of a second embodiment of a two-piece adapter according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0040] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The figure shows a prior art adapter 10 for use with a fiber optic cassette (not shown). The prior art adapter 10 is inserted into the cassette and retained therein by latches 12. Two openings 14 are provided in the front of the adapter 10 to receive a pair of connectors, typically having an LC configuration. Figure 1 Similarly, there is also a connector that is inserted into the opening 16 in the rear side of the adapter 10 to mate with the connector inserted in the front. Figure 2 The optical fibers exit the rear of the connector in the rear side of the adapter 10 and cross over the fiber optic cassette to terminate in a different style of connector (e.g., an MPO connector). However, the adapter 10 takes up a large amount of space on the front of the fiber optic cassette to accommodate only two optical fibers. Therefore, a new adapter and fiber optic connector are proposed that triples the number of optical fibers that can be accommodated.

[0041] A first embodiment of a two-piece fiber optic connector 100 according to the present invention is shown inserted into one embodiment of a two-piece adapter 200. Figure 3 As will be appreciated, the two-piece adapter 200 is inserted into a fiber optic cassette, such as Figure 3 Thus, the two-piece fiber optic connector 100 will be located within the fiber optic cabinet. Figure 3-11CAs will be appreciated, the two-piece adapter 200 can receive three duplex fiber optic connectors (on both sides). Since the two-piece adapter 200 is the same size as the adapter 10, this means that the two-piece adapter 200 allows the number of fiber optic connectors and optical fibers in the fiber optic cabinet to be tripled. The two-piece adapter 200 and the two-piece fiber optic connector 100 can also be used with a backplane or the front panel of a server rack.

[0042] The two-piece adapter 200 has a first portion 200a and a second portion 200b. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The first portion 200a has a central opening 202 for removably receiving a plurality of optical fiber connectors. The central opening 202 is formed by a top wall 204, a bottom wall 206, and two side walls 208 extending from the top wall 204 to the bottom wall 206, such as Figure 4 . A plurality of alignment protrusions 210 extend from the top wall 204 to the bottom wall 206 into the central opening 202. The alignment protrusions 210 divide the central opening 202 into thirds and cooperate with alignment shoulders on a connector inserted into the first portion 200a from outside the fiber optic cabinet. Such a fiber optic connector may be an MDC-type connector sold by the applicant and disclosed, for example, in WIPO Publication No. WO / 2019 / 195652, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0043] The alignment protrusions (on both sides, as described in detail below) may be the same or similar to those discussed in, for example, Applicant's U.S. Patent Nos. 9,857,538 and 10,156,684 and Applicant's co-pending patent application No. PCT / US 18 / 66518, entitled "Mini Duplex Connector with Push-Pull Polarity and Carrier," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0044] Steering Figure 6 and Figure 7 , which shows the ( Figure 6 ) and ( Figure 7 ) First part 200a. The first part 200a has a central divider 216 that divides the first part 200a into two parts. The central opening 202 is at the front 212, and the second part 200b is connected to the first part 200a at the rear 214. Figure 8-10 A plurality of fiber ferrule openings 218 extend from the central divider 216 toward the front portion 212. See also Figure 9 and Figure 10. The fiber ferrule openings 218 are used to receive fiber ferrules from a connector inserted into the central opening 202 and align them with the two-piece fiber optic connector 100, as described below. The fiber ferrule openings 218 can also be large enough to receive a split sleeve (as known in the art), which then in turn receives the fiber ferrules from the fiber optic connector. These fiber ferrule openings 218 will align with similar fiber ferrule openings 220 in the second portion 200b, which will also receive the split sleeve if a split sleeve is used. See, e.g. Figure 10 , Figure 10 Thus, the fiber ferrule openings 218 , 220 ensure that the optical fibers from opposing fiber optic connectors are aligned within the two-piece adapter 200 .

[0045] The center divider 216 also includes two alignment openings 222 that each receive an alignment post 224 associated with the second portion 200b (see, e.g., Figure 8 ). In fact, in Figure 9 In FIG, alignment post 224 is visible within alignment opening 222. These two components further ensure that fiber ferrule opening 218 will be aligned with ferrule opening 220. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As can be seen in the figure, the alignment opening 222 and the alignment post 224 are vertically offset from the center, thereby also serving as a polarity key to ensure that the two parts 200a, 200b are connected to each other in the correct orientation. Other external polarization features may be provided in addition to or in place of the alignment post 224 and the alignment opening 222. The center divider 216 also includes a recess or opening 230 that provides space for a depressed latch within the first part 200a to allow the two-piece adapter 200 to be moved into and out of the fiber optic cabinet. This is discussed in more detail below.

[0046] Now turn Figure 8 , the second portion 200b is shown. The second portion 200b has a front end 240 and a rear end 242, with the rear end 242 being inserted into the rear portion 214 of the first portion 200a. As described above, the rear end 242 has a wall 244 from which the alignment posts 224 extend to engage the two alignment openings 222 in the center divider 216. A plurality of fiber ferrule openings 220, which mate with the aforementioned fiber ferrule openings 218, extend from the wall 244 in a direction toward the front end 240.

[0047] The second portion 200b also has a central opening 250 at the front end 240 for removably receiving a plurality of two-piece fiber optic connectors 100. The central opening 250 is formed by a top wall 252, a bottom wall 254, and two side walls 256 extending from the top wall 252 to the bottom wall 254. A plurality of alignment protrusions 260 extend into the central opening 250 from the top wall 252 to the bottom wall 254. The alignment protrusions 260 divide the central opening 250 into thirds and cooperate with alignment shoulders on the plurality of two-piece fiber optic connectors 100 to guide the two-piece fiber optic connectors 100 into the fiber ferrule opening 220.

[0048] The connection between the first part 200a and the second part 200b is achieved by simply pushing the second part 200b into the first part 200a. A plurality of detents 264 are provided on the second part 200b towards the rear end 242. The first part 200a has a corresponding number of windows 266 to receive these detents 264. Figure 5 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 and Figure 11A As shown, the detents 264 can be on both sides of the second portion 220b and also have corresponding windows 266, or the detents 264 can be on only one side. The first portion 200a and the second portion 200b are pushed together or relative to each other so that the detents 264 engage the windows 266. The first portion 200a and the second portion 200b each have wall surfaces 268a, 268b, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, when the first and second parts 200a, 200b are properly connected, the wall surfaces 268a, 268b contact each other. The wall surfaces are a portion of the top surface, bottom surface and side walls of the respective first and second parts 200a, 200b.

[0049] The two-piece adapter 200 also has a plurality of latches 270 for engaging the fiber optic cassette. The latches 270 are shown as four, two on each of the top and bottom portions of the first portion 200a. The latches 270 are cantilevered and have openings 272 around the latches 270 (see, e.g., FIG. 2 ). Figure 5 ), the opening extends from the outside into the first portion 200b. As mentioned above, a recess or opening 230 is provided (see, for example, Figure 7 ), when the two-piece adapter 200 is inserted into the fiber optic cabinet, the recesses or openings provide space for the latches 270 to be pushed into these recesses or openings 230. The portion of the opening 272 adjacent the side wall 208 of the first portion 200a also serves as a window 266 to receive some of the detents 264. It is also feasible to move the latch 270 from the first portion 200a to the second portion 200b.

[0050] It should be noted that there are also different portions of the first portion 200a and the second portion 200b. The first portion 200a is divided into a front portion 274 and a rear portion 276 (see e.g. Figure 9 ), while the second portion 200b is divided into a front portion 278 and a rear portion 280 (see e.g. Figure 11A ). The front portion 274 has a larger circumference than the rear portion 276. Similarly, the front portion 278 is larger than the rear portion 280. The rear portion 280 is sized to fit into the rear portion 276. In addition, the front portion 278 has the same circumference as the rear portion 276 of the first portion 200b. Figure 9 , these different dimensions mean that different portions of the first and second portions 200a, 200b lie in different planes. The front portion 274 of the first portion 200a lies in plane A, while the rear portion 274 of the first portion 200a and the front portion 276 of the second portion 200b lie in the same plane B. The rear portion 278 of the second portion 200a lies in plane C. The larger circumference of the front portion 274 helps prevent the two-piece adapter 200 from being pulled into the fiber optic cabinet.

[0051] Figure 12-15 The figure shows a two-piece fiber optic connector 100, which includes a first portion 100a and a second portion 100b. The two-piece fiber optic connector 100 is a duplex connector, meaning that it has two fiber ferrules 102, each of which has a single optical fiber (not shown) secured within the fiber ferrule 102. The first portion 100a and the second portion 100b can also be modified to accommodate multi-fiber ferrules. The first portion 100a has two channels 104 that receive the fiber ferrules 102 and other components that may be required to protect the fiber ferrules 102 and the optical fibers. For example, a ferrule holder 106 is provided that receives the fiber ferrule 102 from a front end 108 of the ferrule holder 106. A heat shrink tubing 110 may also be provided at the rear end of the ferrule holder 106.

[0052] The first portion 100a generally has a top surface 112, a bottom surface 114, and two side surfaces 116 (see e.g. Figure 13 As can be seen from the figure, the surface need not be flat, but the surface can be flat. At each of the junctions of the top surface 112 and the side surface 116 and at least a portion of where the bottom surface 114 meets the side surface 116, an alignment shoulder 118 is provided (see, e.g. Figure 12 ). These alignment shoulders 118 correspond to the alignment protrusions 260 in the second portion 200b of the two-piece adapter 200. When the alignment shoulders 118 correspond to the alignment protrusions 260, the fiber ferrule 102 is aligned with the alignment protrusions 260 in the second portion 200b. See, e.g. Figures 11A-11C .

[0053] Due to the chamfered surface of the ferrule holder 106, the front portion of the ferrule holder 106 has a hexagonal nut shape. Figure 14 The channels 104 each have a forward facing surface 120 that engages a rearward facing surface 122 of the ferrule holder 106. See, e.g. Figure 15 In the case of the two-piece fiber optic connector 100, no spring is required.

[0054] The first portion 100a also has an integral latch 130 that engages the second portion 200b of the two-piece adapter 200. The integral latch 130 is formed simultaneously with and from the same material as the remainder of the first portion 100a. The latch 130 preferably begins at a rear end 132 of the second portion 200b of the two-piece adapter 200 and extends toward a distal or front end 134. A space 136 exists between the top surface 112 and the underside of the latch 130. The space 136 allows a user to remove the two-piece fiber optic connector 100 from the two-piece adapter 200. The latch 130 also serves as a key to prevent the two-piece fiber optic connector 100 from being inserted into the two-piece adapter 200 in an incorrect manner. The latch 130 also has two latch extensions 138 that engage surfaces in the second portion 200b of the two-piece adapter 200. The front end 140 of the latch 130 is preferably located behind a blocking surface 142. For example, Figure 13 As shown in FIG, the blocking surface 142 is a portion of the top surface 112 on the first portion 100a. The latch 130 is coupled to the blocking surface 142 and forms a folding latch at the front end 134 of the two-piece connector 100. This coupling of the folding, integrated latch 130 eliminates any chance of fiber snagging due to the exposed end of a freely hanging latch (as used in, for example, a conventional LC connector). In later embodiments, another blocking surface is provided on the second portion of the fiber optic connector. Alternatively, the latch 130 can also be fixed to the top surface 112 of the first portion 100a.

[0055] return Figures 11A-11C, the function of the latch 130, the keying function of the latch 130, and the positioning of the two latch extensions 138 will be discussed. The second portion 200b of the two-piece adapter 200 has a channel 290 in the top of the central opening 250 between the alignment protrusions 260 for receiving the latch 130. There is no corresponding channel in the bottom of the central opening 250, thereby preventing the user from incorrectly inserting the two-piece fiber optic connector 100 into the two-piece adapter 200. The top wall 204 also has three windows 292 that align with the channel 290 to receive the two latch extensions 138 when the two-piece fiber optic connector 100 is properly inserted. A discontinuity 294 is provided in the alignment protrusions 260 in the second portion 200b, thereby forming a surface 296 against which the two latch extensions 138 will engage to prevent the two-piece fiber optic connector 100 from being accidentally removed. The user can press on the latch 130 to release the two latch extensions 138, press on the latch 130 through the window 292, or press on the top surface of the latch 130 or on a tab on the latch to depress the latch 130, shortening the space 136.

[0056] The folding latch design of the latch 130 provides the advantage of controlling only a single dimension from where the latch 130 couples with the blocking surface 142 to the rearward facing surface 122 of the ferrule holder 106 relative to the rear component of the connector to properly seat the ferrule, such as Figure 11B Therefore, only a single dimension needs to be controlled thereafter with respect to ferrule positioning, and the stack-up of tolerances is not a problem for the design of such a small form factor two-piece connector 100.

[0057] As in Figure 11C As best seen in FIG. 2 , there is a continuation of the channel, namely the portion 298 that receives the front end 140 of the latch 130 .

[0058] The first portion 100a also has two side latches 150 that correspond to the side latch windows on the second portion 100b. Figure 14 As best seen in FIG, the two side surfaces 116 are not smooth, but rather have contours 152 that protect the two side latches 150. Although the first and second parts 100a, 100b are attached to each other via the side latches 150, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate in light of this disclosure that the first and second parts 100a, 100b can also be attached to each other in other ways, such as by moving the latches 150 to the top and bottom surfaces 112, 114, with corresponding windows on the second part 100b. Alternatively, only a single side latch 150 is also feasible.

[0059] The second portion 100b has a top surface 154, a bottom surface 156, and two side surfaces 158 with tabs 160 extending along the side surfaces 116 of the first portion 100b. The second portion 100b also has an alignment shoulder 118a that is a continuation of the alignment shoulder 118 of the first portion 100a. The tabs 160 have side latch windows 162 that each receive one of the two side latches 150 to secure the first portion 100a to the second portion 100b.

[0060] The second portion 100b has two channels 164 (e.g., at the ends) for receiving the fiber ferrule 102 and the front end 108 of the ferrule holder 106. Figure 15 ). The passage 164 includes a portion 166 having a configuration configured as a hexagonal nut portion of the ferrule retainer 106. See, e.g. Figure 17-19 Thus, the ferrule retainer 106 engages the portion 166 (particularly the chamfered portion) to prevent the ferrule retainer 106 from extending beyond the portion 166 .

[0061] A second embodiment of a two-piece fiber optic connector 100' is shown in FIG. Figure 20 . Most aspects of the two-piece fiber optic connector 100' are similar to the two-piece fiber optic connector described in detail above and will not be described again here. However, the two-piece fiber optic connector 100' has a different latch 130' and a different front end 140'. The front end 140' of the latch 130' is separate from the rest of the first portion 100a'. The second portion 100b' has a latch pocket 142', which in this embodiment acts as a blocking surface. After the first and second portions 100a', 100b' have been attached, the latch pocket 142' prevents the latch 130' from snagging on other connectors, adapters, and optical fibers.

[0062] A second embodiment of a two-piece adapter 200' is shown in FIG. Figure 21 The adapter 200' can be used with Figure 20 1 '. A major difference in this embodiment is that the alignment post 224' and alignment opening 222' are located in the center of the center divider 216' and therefore do not provide a keying feature. However, the second portion 200b has two polarity keys 286' and the first portion 200a has two polarity slots 288' to ensure proper assembly of the two-piece adapter 200'.

[0063] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is intended to encompass these modifications and variations of the present invention as long as they fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A two-piece adapter for mating optical fiber connectors, comprising: a first portion having a first central opening to removably receive a plurality of fiber optic connectors therein, the first central opening having a plurality of alignment protrusions projecting from opposing walls; a central divider disposed within the first portion, the central divider having a first plurality of fiber stub openings; at least one latch for engaging a fiber optic cassette body; a second portion attachable to the first portion, the second portion having a second central opening to removably receive a second plurality of fiber optic connectors therein, the second central opening having a plurality of alignment protrusions projecting from opposing walls; as well as a second plurality of fiber ferrule openings for alignment with the first plurality of fiber ferrule openings, Wherein, the adapter is configured such that the first portion and the second portion are removably attached to each other when the first plurality of fiber stub openings and the second plurality of fiber stub openings are aligned and engaged to each other.

2. The two-piece adapter for mating fiber optic connectors according to claim 1, further comprising at least one polarity key in the second portion, the at least one polarity key being adapted to fit within the at least one polarity slot in the first portion.

3. The two-piece adapter for mating optical fiber connectors according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one latch is disposed on the first portion.

4. The two-piece adapter for mating with a fiber optic connector according to claim 1, further comprising a first plurality of ferrule holes in the first portion and a second plurality of ferrule holes in the second portion, each ferrule hole in the first portion corresponding to one of the second plurality of ferrule holes.

5. The two-piece adapter for mating with a fiber optic connector of claim 4, further comprising a split ferrule disposed in each of the first plurality of ferrule apertures.

6. The two-piece adapter for mating optical fiber connectors according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of alignment protrusions in the first and second portions engages a portion of the fiber optic connector to align the fiber optic connector with one of the plurality of ferrule bores.

7. The two-piece adapter for mating optical fiber connectors according to claim 1, wherein: One of the first and second parts has a detent, and the other of the first and second parts has a corresponding receptacle to receive the detent to removably attach the first part to the second part.

8. The two-piece adapter for mating optical fiber connectors according to claim 1, wherein: The first portion has a first outer surface and a second outer surface, the first outer surface having a perimeter greater than the second outer surface, and wherein the second portion has an outer surface having a perimeter the same as the perimeter of the second outer surface of the first portion.

9. The two-piece adapter for mating optical fiber connectors according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the second plurality of fiber optic connectors in the second central opening is a two-piece fiber optic connector attached to the second portion via a fold-over latch on a top surface or a bottom surface of one of the two components of the two-piece fiber optic connector.

10. The two-piece adapter for mating optical fiber connectors according to claim 1, wherein: The second portion includes a latch pocket for receiving a portion of the at least one latch.

11. A two-piece adapter assembly for receiving a two-piece fiber optic connector, comprising: A two-piece adapter, comprising: a first component having a first central opening configured to receive a plurality of fiber optic connectors therein; and a second component removably attached to the first component and configured to removably receive at least two fiber optic connectors to mate with respective ones of the plurality of fiber optic connectors in the first component, the first component including a latch for attaching the two-piece adapter to the fiber optic cassette body; and A two-piece optical fiber connector, comprising: a first portion having at least two channels to receive a fiber optic stub in each of the at least two channels; and A second component, which is attachable to the first component via a side latch, has a folding latch on its top or bottom surface for engaging a portion of the two-piece adapter, the folding latch extending from a rear end of the second component toward the first component, and the distal end of the folding latch is disposed behind the blocking surface.

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