Guide pin holder for guide pin in adapter

Abstract

A guide pin insert for an adapter for aligning two fiber optic connectors includes a central body having an opening configured to allow two fiber optic ferrules to mate therethrough, the opening having a longitudinal axis therethrough; a first guide pin retainer in communication with the opening on a first side of the center body to engage the first guide pin; a second guide pin retainer in communication with the opening on a second side of the center body to engage a second guide pin; a third guide pin retainer spaced apart from the first guide pin retainer along the longitudinal axis to engage the first guide pin; and a fourth guide pin retainer spaced apart from the second guide pin retainer along the longitudinal axis to engage the second guide pin.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application No. 201980075421.1, whose application date is November 14, 2019 and whose invention name is “Guide pin retainer for guide pins in adapter”.

[0002] References to related cases

[0003] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to Provisional Application No. 62 / 767,347, filed on November 14, 2018, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Background Art

[0004] In optical links, such as those found in Next Generation Data Centers ("NGDCs"), fiber optic ferrules are mated to each other using high tolerance guide pins. Guide pins are often metal (e.g., high precision steel) and are more expensive than other components of the optical connection. Typically, adapters are used to receive and align mating fiber optic ferrules from opposite ends thereof. Conventionally, fiber optic ferrules are labeled as male fiber optic ferrules because they include guide pins, and the mating fiber optic ferrules will be female fiber optic ferrules with guide pin openings. Sometimes, the gender of one of the fiber optic ferrules needs to be changed to properly mate with the mating fiber optic ferrule. For example, two male-type fiber optic ferrules with guide pins cannot be mated, and in order to mate with another fiber optic ferrule, the pins must be removed (if feasible). If there are two female fiber optic ferrules, one of the fiber optic ferrules needs to have an inserted guide pin.

[0005] An example of a conventional fiber optic connector adapter having guide pins therein is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,867,621 (the '621 patent). A similarly shaped guide pin holder may also be used with a fiber optic connector, illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 6,669,377. Certain other adapters have receptacles that are press-fit into internal features of the adapter to align the fiber ferrules themselves, rather than via guide pins (see, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0171298).

[0006] Although guide pins are very useful in aligning the fiber optic ferrules installed in the fiber optic connector when the fiber optic connector is inserted into the adapter, there are still problems. One problem is that the user must have the fiber optic connector with the correct orientation or properties. It is difficult, if not impossible, to change the properties of the fiber optic connector in the field. Therefore, the user must order a larger number of fiber optic connectors to ensure that the appropriate fiber optic connectors are available. Even if the user has the appropriate number of fiber optic connectors, it can be difficult to align the guide pins with the guide pin holes in the fiber optic ferrules. Other problems related to the use of guide pins in the fiber optic ferrules are discussed in the '621 patent.

[0007] As described above, the use of guide pins with adapters is known. However, these adapters also present problems with aligning the fiber ferrule and the connector. The '621 patent uses two halves of an adapter with a mounting portion fixed between the halves. There may be problems with the flatness of the mounting portion and the flatness and depth of the cavity in each half. The guide pin is retained in the mounting portion by an interference snap fit into a cutout in the mounting portion. There is a certain amount of float that allows for the guide pin to have an angled tilt of the guide pin. If the user is not careful, the guide pin may not align with the guide pin hole, causing the front of the fiber ferrule to stub or become damaged.

[0008] To prevent such problems and to better ensure alignment, a new guide pin holder that can be used in an adapter is designed. The guide pin is set in the adapter body and firmly holds the guide pin during the fiber optic ferrule mating process. This technology helps to avoid the trouble of ordering fiber optic connectors with correct properties, ordering tools to change the properties of the connector (by removing or adding pins), and generally changing the properties of the connector. One or more aspects of the present application can be used in a fiber optic connection system, including where two fiber optic connectors are connected in an adapter. Summary of the invention

[0009] The present invention relates to a guide pin insert for an adapter for aligning two optical fiber connectors, the guide pin insert comprising: a central body having an opening, the opening being configured to allow two optical fiber ferrules to be mated therethrough, the opening having a longitudinal axis passing therethrough; a first guide pin holder, the first guide pin holder being connected to the opening on a first side of the central body to engage a first guide pin; a second guide pin holder, the second guide pin holder being connected to the opening on a second side of the central body to engage a second guide pin; a third guide pin holder, the third guide pin holder being spaced from the first guide pin holder along the longitudinal axis to engage the first guide pin; and a fourth guide pin holder, the fourth guide pin holder being spaced from the second guide pin holder along the longitudinal axis to engage the second guide pin.

[0010] In some embodiments, the third guide pin holder is at the end of a first cantilever plate attached to a first side of the center body and the fourth guide pin holder is at the end of a second cantilever plate attached to a second side of the center body.

[0011] In some other embodiments, the first and second cantilever plates are connected to the body via a resilient portion.

[0012] In another embodiment, the guide pin holder has a curved portion having a cross-section, and the cross-section of the first and second guide pin holders is smaller than the cross-section of the third and fourth guide pin holders.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is an adapter for mating two fiber optic connectors, each of the fiber optic connectors having a fiber optic ferrule with at least one guide pin opening in the fiber optic ferrule, the adapter comprising: a main body extending from a first end to a second end; an opening extending between the first end and the second end to receive a corresponding fiber optic connector therein; a first guide pin holder communicating with the opening from a first side of the adapter; a second guide pin holder communicating with the opening from a second side of the adapter; a third guide pin holder extending from the first side of the adapter into the opening and adjacent to the first guide pin holder; and a fourth guide pin holder extending from the second side of the adapter into the opening and adjacent to the second guide pin holder.

[0014] It will be understood that both the above general description and the following detailed description of the current embodiments of the invention are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and features 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 accompanying drawings illustrate different embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is an elevational view of one embodiment of a guide pin for use with a guide pin insert and adapter according to the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 According to the present invention, Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of a guide pin insert for use with a guide pin;

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The guide pin inserts in the Figure 2 A top view of a cross section taken along line 3-3 of ;

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The guide pin insert in Figure 2 A side elevation view taken along line 4-4;

[0019] Figure 5 For use with an adapter Figure 2 A front elevation view of a guide pin insert;

[0020] Figure 6 For use with an adapter Figure 2 A rear elevation view of a guide pin insert;

[0021] Figure 7 It is installed in Figure 2 The guide pin insert in Figure 1 A partial elevation view of the guide pin;

[0022] Figure 8 It is installed in Figure 2 The guide pin insert in Figure 1 A partial stereogram of a guide pin;

[0023] Fig. 9 is a top view of an embodiment of an adapter according to the present invention, Figure 3 A guide pin insert is disposed therein;

[0024] Fig.10 It is along Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of the adapter and guide pin insert taken along line 10-10 in FIG.

[0025] Fig.11 is a front elevational view of a second embodiment of a guide pin insert for an adapter according to the present invention;

[0026] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 A side elevation view of a guide pin insert in FIG.

[0027] Fig.13 In a second embodiment of the adapter according to the invention Fig.11 A cross-sectional view of a guide pin insert and a guide pin;

[0028] Fig.14 yes Fig.13 a perspective view of a cross section of a guide pin insert, an adapter, and a guide pin; and

[0029] Fig.15 Is with Fig.13 A partial cross-sectional view of a guide pin adapter and a guide pin insert. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently 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 / components.

[0031] An embodiment of the guide pin 100 according to the present invention is Figure 1 The guide pin 100 may be used in conjunction with an embodiment of a guide pin insert 130 according to the present invention (e.g., Figure 2-10 104 and 106). The guide pin 100 has a generally cylindrical pin body 102 and extends a length L1 between a first end 104 and a second end 106. A pin channel 108 is in a central portion of the guide pin 100, extending a length G along the guide pin 100 and preferably centered between the first end and the second end. The cross-section of the pin channel 108 is also preferably cylindrical, having a diameter D1 that is smaller than the diameter D2 of the guide pin 100 at the pin body 102. A transition 110 is provided from the pin channel 108 to the pin body 102. The transition 110 from the pin channel 108 to the cylindrical pin body 102 may be a flat surface or shoulder 110. The transition 110 may also have a portion that is first a flat surface disposed closer to the surface of the pin channel 108 and then a chamfered, sloped or rounded portion that transitions to an outer surface 112 of the pin body 102. The pin channel 108 may also have configurations (cross-sections) other than circular, such as flat sections, oval cross-sections, square or rectangular cross-sections, and still fall within the scope of the present invention. Although only one pin channel 108 is shown, more than one pin channel is also within the scope of the present invention.

[0032] The ends 104, 106 of the guide pin 100 have end profiles, the shape of which can vary. They can be generally spherical, or they can have a configuration configuration according to one or more pin head profiles discussed in, for example, U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 948,786, entitled “Non-Ferrule Damaging Field Removable Guide Pin” filed by the applicant on April 9, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0033] One embodiment of a guide pin insert 130 according to the present invention is Figure 2-10 As can be appreciated, the guide pin insert 130 is to be inserted into an adapter that preferably mates two optical fiber connectors (e.g., MT type connectors). One such adapter is shown in FIG. Figure 9-10136 and will be discussed in more detail below. The guide pin insert 130 has a generally flat central body portion 132 that is preferably rectangular and has a thickness TI that is less than the length G of the pin channel 108. The guide pin insert 130 includes an opening 134 in the flat central body portion 132 that is used to mate with the end face of the fiber optic ferrule disposed in the adapter. The opening 134 can be asymmetrically positioned relative to the top side 136 and the bottom side 138 of the generally flat body portion 132. For example, the opening 134 can be biased toward the bottom side 138 and have more area toward the top side 136. See FIG. Figure 5 and Figure 6 However, the openings 134 may also be concentrated in the flat central body portion, toward the top side 136, toward the left side 140 or the right side 142 (e.g., in Figure 6 In addition, the opening 134 can match the end face profile of the ferrule, which may or may not be rectangular. The longitudinal axis A extends through the guide pin insert 130 and the opening 134. Figure 2 Fiber optic connectors are connected generally along this longitudinal axis A, and the spacing of the several elements of the guide pin insert 130 is also generally along this longitudinal axis A, as discussed below.

[0034] The guide pin insert 130 may also have cantilevered panels that extend from two sides 140, 142 of the flat central body portion and are foldable, such as Figure 2 and Figure 6 140 . For example, the left cantilever plate 144 extends from the left side 140, while the right cantilever plate 146 extends from the right side 142. The cantilever plates 144, 146 are folded back toward the opening 134 in the flat central body portion 132. Therefore, the elastic member 150 is formed by an arcuate or circular folded portion extending from the outward edge of the flat central body portion 132 to the cantilever plates 144, 146, which in turn extend toward the opening 134 in the guide pin insert 130. The elastic member 150 acts as a flexible component, and as described in more detail below, when the guide pin insert 130 is inserted into the adapter, the cantilever plates 144, 146 compress toward the flat central body portion 132 under a certain force to retain the guide pin 100 in the guide pin insert 130. Other shapes of the elastic member 150 may also be used. For example, there may also be a u-shaped configuration connecting the flat central body portion 132 and the cantilever plates 144, 146.

[0035] The guide pin insert 130 has a plurality of guide pin retainers that engage the guide pins 100. A first guide pin retainer 160 is provided that is on the left side 140 of the guide pin insert 130 and communicates with the opening 134 in the flat central body portion 132 (see, e.g., Figure 5 and Figure 6 ). A second guide pin retainer 162 is provided, which is located on the right side 142 of the guide pin insert 130 and communicates with the opening 134 in the flat central body portion 132. There are also two guide pin retainers, one at the end of each of the cantilever plates 144, 146. The third guide pin retainer 164 is at the terminal end of the left cantilever plate 144, and the fourth guide pin retainer 166 is at the terminal end of the right cantilever plate 146. As shown in several Figures (especially Figure 2-4 ), the guide pin retainers on each side of the opening 134 are also spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis A. Implementations of this feature will be discussed below. Each of the guide pin inserts 130 has an opening that generally conforms to the shape of the pin channel 108. However, other shapes are also possible as long as the guide pins 100 can fit within the guide pin inserts 130. In the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the guide pin channel 108 is circular, and therefore the guide pin retainers have generally rounded openings to receive the guide pins 100 and particularly the guide pin channels 108 therein. If the guide pin channels 108 have a different configuration (i.e., square, rectangular, oval, etc.), it is preferred, but not necessary, that the guide pin retainers have a corresponding configuration.

[0036] The flat central body portion 132 may also have a folded portion 170 at the top side 136 and another folded portion 172 at the bottom side 138. The folded portions 170, 172 are preferably extensions of the flat central body portion 132 and may be folded or bent. Alternatively, they may be added in a subsequent process. The folded portions 170, 172 are used to maintain the orientation of the guide pin insert 130 in the adapter. The length L2 of the folded portions 170, 172 generally corresponds to Figure 3 1 and 170. Thus, the rear surface of the flat center body portion 132 and the folded portion 170 maintain the orientation of the guide pin insert 130 along the longitudinal axis A and within the slot in the adapter, as described in more detail below. As briefly mentioned above and as discussed in detail below, the cantilever plates 144, 146 will move relative to the flat center body portion 132 and, therefore, are preferably not used to maintain the orientation of the guide pin insert 130 in the slot of the adapter.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the guide pin 100 is inserted into the guide pin holder on each side of the opening 134. Figure 2 in (and in Figure 5 and Figure 6The right side 142 is more easily seen in the figure, so the following discussion refers to the right side, but the discussion is equally applicable to the left side 140. In particular, the guide pin 100 is aligned with the second guide pin retainer 162 of the guide pin insert 130 through the opening 134 in the flat center body portion 132. The pin channel 108 is sized to fit within the guide pin retainer 162. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As best seen in the drawings, the second guide pin retainer 162 of the guide pin insert 130 has a portion 162a that slightly narrows the second guide pin retainer 162 nearest the opening 134 - to assist in retaining the guide pin 100 within the second guide pin retainer 162. The guide pin 100 is also inserted into the fourth guide pin retainer 166, with the pin channel 108 being the portion of the guide pin 100 disposed therein. Although the fourth guide pin retainer 166 is not provided with the same slightly narrowed portion as the second guide pin retainer 162, it is within the scope of the present invention to include such a feature.

[0038] The corresponding surfaces of the second guide pin retainer 162 (rear of the flat central body portion 132) and the corresponding surfaces of the fourth guide pin retainer 166 (front of the cantilever plate 146) preferably engage the transitions 110 on both sides of the pin channel 108 to align and retain the guide pins 100 in the guide pin insert 130. As described above, each guide pin retainer on each side of the opening 134 is spaced from the other guide pin retainer on the same side of the opening along the longitudinal axis A. See also Figure 4 This allows the guide pin retainers to engage the transition 110 on both sides of the guide pin channel 108. Since there are two guide pin retainers, one at the end of each of the cantilever plates 144, 146, it is possible to control the pressure applied to the transition 110 by controlling the width W1 along the length of the guide pin, and by controlling the properties of the material used to form the guide pin insert and particularly the resilient member 150.

[0039] As in Figure 7 and Figure 8 As can be seen in the figure, the circumference of the third guide pin holder 164 and the fourth guide pin holder 166 is preferably greater than the circumference of the first guide pin holder 160 and the second guide pin holder 162. The first and second guide pin holders are more used for the alignment of the guide pins 100 in the adapter and the alignment with respect to the fiber optic connector in which the guide pins 100 will be used. The third guide pin holder 164 and the fourth guide pin holder 166 are more for providing support, and the third and fourth guide pin holders provide a second surface against which the transition portion 110 can be pressed. The combination of the first and third guide pin holders (160, 164) and the second and fourth guide pin holders (162, 166) is sufficient to hold and align the guide pins 100 so that two fiber optic connectors can have the guide pins 100 positioned in the guide pin openings in the fiber optic connectors and align the two fiber ferrules.

[0040] The adapter 200 configured to receive the guide pin insert 130 is Figure 9-10 2 and 3. The adapter 200 is shown in the figure, and corresponds to one embodiment of an adapter capable of receiving an MT type optical fiber connector. As known to those skilled in the art, the MT type connector has an optical fiber ferrule, an inner connector housing, and an outer connector housing, but the adapter 200 can also adapt to other types of housings for MT ferrules or non-MT types (e.g., duplex connector ferrules). Fig. 9 2 is a top view of an adapter 200 having a slot 202 for receiving a guide pin insert 130. The slot 202 is preferably centered (depending on the Fig. 9 1 and 2) so that the fiber optic connector is mated at the center point and in the opening 134 in the guide pin insert 130. The slot 202 leads to a recessed portion 204 that receives a stop 206 that is partially inserted into the slot 202 to retain the guide pin insert 130 in the slot 202 (see Fig.10 ). As shown, the retainer 206 has a generally T-shaped cross-section with a top portion 208 and a leg portion 210. Preferably, the retainer 206 is retained in the slot 202 by the leg portion 210 frictionally engaging the adapter 200 on each side of the slot 202. Fig.10 , the top 208 of the stop 206 is disposed in a cutout portion 212 in the top of the adapter 200. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the cutout portion 212 is where an adapter clip (not shown) is located that assists in retaining the adapter 200 in a panel or other device.

[0041] A second embodiment of the guide pin insert 500 is Figure 11-15 500. The guide pin insert 500 has a top cross member 502 extending between a first leg 504 and a second leg 506. The top cross member 502 and the two legs 504, 506 form an opening 508, which will be discussed in detail below. The two legs 504, 506 are also flexible / elastic and can bend outwardly away from the opening 508. The guide pin insert 500 preferably has a uniform thickness T2 along the longitudinal axis B (the same axis along which the fiber optic connectors mate), but can also have different thicknesses, which are accommodated in the adapter or with a folded portion as in the first embodiment described above. The first leg 504 and the second leg 506 each have a detent 510 on the inner side portion 512 of each of the legs 504, 506. The detent 510 is used to engage a portion of the guide pin 100 and particularly the pin channel 108.

[0042] Guide pin insert 500 with Figure 13-15. The adapter 550 has a slot 552 extending from a top surface 554 into the adapter 550, the slot 552 being used to receive the guide pin insert 500. The adapter 550 has a partition 556 disposed within the slot 552 and forming two arm slots 558, 560. The partition 556 is sized and configured to fit within the opening 508 of the guide pin insert 500. The partition 556 forms the top of a ferrule opening 562 that allows the optical fiber ferrules (not shown) of two optical fiber connectors to be mated within the adapter 550. The partition 556 has two downwardly extending portions on each side of the ferrule opening 562 that form a portion of a guide pin retainer 564 on each side of the ferrule opening 562. The second portion of the guide pin retainer 564 extends upward from below the ferrule opening 562. As shown in FIG. Fig.15 As best seen in FIG. 5 , guide pin retainer 564 is a generally semicircular opening 566 in adapter 550 for engaging guide pin 100. See also Fig.14 In this embodiment, the guide pin retainer 564 engages the outer surface 112 of the guide pin 100 instead of the pin channel 108. The guide pin retainer 564 has an aperture 568 that extends from the ferrule opening 562 to a generally semicircular opening 566 of the guide pin retainer 564. The width of the aperture 568 is insufficient to allow the guide pin 100 to enter the ferrule opening 562. Therefore, the guide pin 100 is inserted into the adapter 550 and each guide pin retainer 564 from outside the ferrule opening 562. The guide pin insert 500 is then inserted into the slot 552 of the adapter 550, and the first leg 504 and the second leg 506 engage the guide pin channel 108 of the guide pin 100. In particular, the detent 510 on the inner portion 512 of each leg 504, 506 engages the guide pin channel 108 and pushes the guide pin 100 in the guide pin retainer 564 toward the ferrule opening 562. Alternatively, the guide pin insert 500 may be inserted into the adapter 550, and then the guide pin 100 may be inserted into the adapter 550. The ends of the guide pins 100 may force the legs 504, 506 to splay open (outward) for all guide pins 100 to be pushed in. The legs 504, 506 will then snap into the guide pin channels 108 when they are aligned with each other. In this embodiment, the guide pin channels 108 have a shorter length G than in the first embodiment.

[0043] As described above, the legs 504, 506 are flexible and the spacing of the legs 504, 506 when engaging the guide pin 100 is wider than in the unmounted condition. Thus, the legs 504, 506 flex when in the adapter 550 to bias the guide pin 100 into the guide pin holder 564. Alternatively, the top cross member 502 may provide flexibility to the legs 504, 506 to bias the legs 504, 506 into the guide pin 100.

[0044] When the guide pin insert 500 is installed in the adapter 550, the top cross member 502 can engage with the top 570 of the partition 556. In this way, the user will know that the guide pin insert 500 is properly inserted and the detent 510 is positioned adjacent to the guide pin retainer 564. However, it is also possible that there is some space between the top cross member 502 and the top 570 of the partition 556.

[0045] The adapter 550 may further have a stopper 572 that covers the slot 552 and may be inserted into the recessed portion 574 .

[0046] 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, it is intended that the present invention will cover 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. An adapter, comprising: a body extending from a first end to a second end; an adapter opening extending between the first end and the second end to receive a corresponding fiber optic connector therein; as well as a guide pin locator that is removably inserted into the body to align the corresponding optical fiber connectors, the guide pin locator comprising: a central body having a locator opening configured to align with the adapter opening to allow the corresponding fiber optic connector to mate, the locator opening having a longitudinal axis therethrough; a first guide pin retainer in communication with the locator opening on a first side of the center body to engage a first guide pin; a second guide pin retainer in communication with the locator opening on a second side of the center body to engage a second guide pin; a third guide pin holder spaced from the first guide pin holder along the longitudinal axis to engage the first guide pin; and A fourth guide pin holder is spaced from the second guide pin holder along the longitudinal axis to engage the second guide pin.

2. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein: The third guide pin holder is at the end of the first cantilever plate attached to the first side of the center body, and the fourth guide pin holder is at the end of the second cantilever plate attached to the second side of the center body, and / or wherein the third and fourth guide pin holders are connected to the locator opening to receive the first and second guide pins passed through the third and fourth guide pin holders.

3. The adapter according to claim 2, wherein: First and second cantilever plates are connected to the central body via resilient portions.

4. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein: The guide pin holder has a bent portion into which the guide pin is inserted.

5. The adapter according to claim 4, wherein: Each of the bent portions of the guide pin holders has a cross-section, and the cross-sections of the first and second guide pin holders are smaller than the cross-sections of the third and fourth guide pin holders.

6. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein: The first guide pin retainer is configured to engage a channel in the first guide pin and the second guide pin retainer is configured to engage a channel in the second guide pin; and / or wherein the third guide pin retainer is configured to engage a channel in the first guide pin and the fourth guide pin retainer is configured to engage a channel in the second guide pin; and / or wherein a single channel is provided in the first guide pin and a single channel is provided in the second guide pin, or the first guide pin retainer and the third guide pin retainer engage different channels in the first guide pin, and the second guide pin retainer and the fourth guide pin retainer engage different channels in the second guide pin.

7. The adapter according to claim 3, wherein: The resilient portion is integral with the first and second cantilever plates and the central body.

8. The adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The body is formed with a slot configured to receive the guide pin locator, and wherein the slot is formed between a first end and a second end of the body, preferably in a center of the body.

9. The adapter according to claim 8, wherein: The slot opens into a recessed portion formed in a top portion of the body, and the adapter further includes a stop received in the recessed portion, the stop configured to retain the guide pin locator in the slot.

10. The adapter according to claim 9, wherein: The stopper is configured to be partially inserted into the slot.

11. The adapter according to claim 10, wherein: The stop has a generally T-shaped cross-section with a top portion and a leg portion, wherein the top portion is to be set in a cutout portion in the top of the body and the leg portion is to be inserted into the slot, and wherein the cutout portion is where the adapter clip for holding the adapter is positioned.

12. The adapter according to claim 11, wherein: The center body also includes a first folded portion at the top side of the center body and a second folded portion at the bottom side of the center body, and the first folded portion and the second folded portion are used to cooperate with the rear surface of the center body to maintain the orientation of the guide pin locator in the groove along the longitudinal axis.

13. The adapter according to claim 12, wherein: The first and second folded portions extend along the longitudinal axis by a length that generally corresponds to a spacing between the first guide pin holder and the third guide pin holder or a spacing between the second guide pin holder and the fourth guide pin holder.

14. A guide pin locator for use with an adapter to align two optical fiber connectors along a longitudinal axis, the guide pin locator comprising: a cross member extending between the first side and the second side and having a thickness along the longitudinal axis; a first leg extending from the cross member at a first side and having the same thickness as the cross member; a second leg extending from the cross member at a second side and in the direction of and generally parallel to the first leg; as well as A detent is provided on each of the first and second legs and faces each other, each detent being configured to engage a channel in a corresponding guide pin disposed in the adapter to bias the guide pin against a portion of the adapter.

15. An adapter, comprising: a body extending from a first end to a second end; an adapter opening extending between the first end and the second end to receive a corresponding fiber optic connector therein; as well as The guide pin locator according to claim 14, wherein the guide pin locator is removably inserted into the main body.

16. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein: A slot is formed in the body to receive a guide pin locator therein, and wherein the slot extends from a top surface of the body and communicates with an adapter opening through pin openings formed on each side of the body.

17. The adapter according to claim 16, wherein: The body is formed with a divider, the divider being disposed within the slot, and wherein the divider is sized and configured to fit within the opening of the guide pin locator.

18. The adapter according to claim 17, wherein: The partition forms a top portion of the adapter opening and has two downwardly extending portions on each side of the adapter opening that define upper portions of corresponding pin openings.

19. The adapter according to claim 18, wherein: The pin opening is further defined as having a generally semicircular shape by a portion of the body extending upwardly from a portion of the body below the pin opening opposite the downwardly extending portion of the partition.

20. The adapter of claim 19, wherein: An aperture is formed between the pin opening and the adapter opening to prevent the guide pin inserted into the pin opening from entering the adapter opening.

21. An adapter according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein: The adapter further includes a stopper covering the groove, and wherein the stopper is inserted into a recessed portion formed in a top portion of the body.

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