Valve type optical fiber adapter

Abstract

Adapters and methods and systems utilizing adapters are provided. An adapter includes a housing defining a pair of ports configured to optically couple a first connector and a second connector together, where the housing includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the second housing portion removably coupled to the first housing portion; a shutter coupled to the housing, where the shutter is movable between a closed position, in which the first port is blocked, and an open position, in which the first port is unobstructed; and a biasing element biasing the shutter to a closed position wherein a portion of at least one of the shutter and the biasing element is held between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 421,493, filed on November 1, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Generally, the present disclosure relates to fiber optic adapters, and more particularly, to an improved flap - type adapter. Background Art

[0004] Optical fiber signals are transmitted between two or more endpoints through optical fibers. The optical fibers are connected together to form an optical network that interconnects multiple endpoints to allow data transmission. Different techniques can be used to connect optical fibers together. However, the main methods of connecting optical fibers together include splicing the un - terminated ends of the optical fibers together, coupling connectors to the ends, and mating the connectors together.

[0005] For connectorized optical fibers, the connectorized ends are typically mated together through an adapter. Before installing the connectorized ends in the adapter, the adapter is held in a sealed configuration to prevent debris from entering the adapter. The entry of debris may scratch one or more optical components associated with the adapter (or the later - connected connector) and impede signal transmission. Traditionally, the sealing of the adapter is performed using a plug. The plug can be inserted into the adapter to close the adapter opening and prevent debris from entering. Before installing the connector, the plug will be removed and replaced by the connector.

[0006] Over time, the plug solution has been replaced by a flap mechanism integrated into the adapter. The flap selectively closes the adapter until the connector is introduced with it. However, current adapters incorporating an internal flap mechanism have a large footprint and are non - standard - compatible in at least one orientation or dimension. As a result, the desired fiber density cannot be achieved compared to adapters without an internal flap mechanism.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved adapters. Specifically, it would be advantageous to provide an adapter with an integrated flap design without compromising space and fiber density. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Many aspects and advantages of the invention in accordance with the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, or may become apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the present technology.

[0009] According to one embodiment, an adapter is provided. The adapter includes: a housing that defines a pair of ports configured to optically couple a first connector and a second connector together, wherein the housing includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion, and the second housing portion is removably coupled to the first housing portion; a shutter coupled to the housing, wherein the shutter is movable between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position, the first port is blocked, and in the open position, the first port is unobstructed; and a biasing element that biases the shutter to the closed position, wherein at least a portion of one of the shutter and the biasing element is held between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

[0010] According to another embodiment, an optical system is provided. The optical system includes a frame and an adapter. The frame has a first side and a second side, and the frame defines a receiving slot extending between the first side and the second side. The adapter includes: a housing that defines a pair of ports including a first port and a second port; a shutter coupled to the housing, wherein the shutter is movable between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position, the first port is blocked, and in the open position, the first port is unobstructed; and a biasing element that biases the shutter to the closed position, wherein the adapter can be installed in the receiving slot from the first side of the frame in a first orientation during installation in which the first port faces the frame or in a second orientation during installation in which the first port faces away from the frame, and wherein the adapter can be selectively fixed in the receiving slot in both the first orientation and the second orientation.

[0011] According to another embodiment, a method of coupling an adapter to a frame that defines a receiving slot is provided. The method includes aligning the adapter including the shutter with the receiving slot in a first orientation or a second orientation opposite the first orientation; and translating the adapter into the receiving slot until the adapter passes a locking position, after which an unlocking procedure is required to remove the adapter from the receiving notch.

[0012] 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 technology. Description of the Drawings

[0013] For those of ordinary skill in the art, a complete and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode of making and using the systems and methods, is set forth in the specification with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a single-port adapter according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 2 Is a perspective view of a dual - port adapter according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 3 Is a perspective view of a four - port adapter according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 4 Is a perspective view of a two - port adapter according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 5 Is a perspective view of the sleeve portion of a ferrule alignment sleeve according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 6 Is a bottom view of a portion of the housing of an adapter according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, with the sleeve portion being installed Figure 5 the sleeve portion;

[0020] Figure 7 Is a perspective view of a valve assembly for an adapter according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 8 Is a perspective view of a valve for a valve assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 9 Is a bottom view of an adapter according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 10 Is according to some embodiments of the present disclosure along Figure 9 A cross - sectional side view of the adapter as seen along line A - A in;

[0024] Figure 11 Is according to some embodiments of the present disclosure along Figure 9 A cross - sectional side view of the adapter as seen along line A - A in;

[0025] Figure 12 Is according to some embodiments of the present disclosure along Figure 9 A cross - sectional side view of the adapter as seen along line A - A in;

[0026] Figure 13 Is a perspective view of a biasing element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 14 Is a perspective view of an adapter according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 15 Is a perspective view of a second housing portion of an adapter according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 16Is a perspective view of a second housing portion of an adapter according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 17 Is a perspective view of an adapter according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 18 Is a perspective view of an optical system including a frame and an adapter coupled to the frame according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 19 Is a side view of an optical system including a frame and an adapter coupled to the frame according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0033] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. In addition, each example is provided by way of explanation, and not 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 example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield yet a further additional embodiment. Accordingly, it is intended that the present disclosure cover such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. The detailed description uses numerical and alphabetical labels to refer to features in the drawings. The same or similar labels in the drawings and the description are used to refer to the same or similar parts of the invention.

[0034] As used herein, the terms "first," "second," and "third" may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to denote the position or importance of individual components. The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms "coupled," "fixed," "attached," etc. refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attaching and indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein. As used herein, the term "comprising," "including," "having," or any other variation thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited 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 rather than an exclusive or. For example, condition A or B is satisfied by any of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or absent), A is false (or absent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0035] Approximating terms such as "about," "substantially," "approximately," or "essentially" include values within ten percent greater or less than the recited value. When used in the context of an angle or a direction, such terms include directions within ten degrees greater or less than the recited angle or direction. For example, "substantially vertical" includes directions within ten degrees of the vertical direction in any direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise).

[0036] The following describes benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems with respect 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 apparent should not be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all claims.

[0037] Generally, an adapter and systems and methods that utilize the adapters described herein allow for optical coupling between two or more optical cables. The adapter can utilize a shutter that closes the cable port when no optical cable is present therein. The shutter can be biased to a closed position by a biasing element that includes a base and one or more fingers extending from the base. In some instances, two or more fingers can share a common base. The shutter and the associated biasing element(s) can be mounted between a first housing portion and a second housing portion of the adapter housing to allow for quick installation. In one embodiment, the adapter can further include reversible mounting hardware that allows an installer to reversibly mount the adapter on a frame or other connection hardware, such as those found in fiber optic distribution hubs, data centers, field enclosures, etc. Advantageously, the adapter and systems and methods that utilize the adapters described herein can allow for easier operation and installation while also maintaining a neat optical connection for the optical coupling.

[0038] Referring now to the drawings, Figures 1 to 3 illustrated are adapters 100A, 100B, and 100C (collectively referred to hereinafter as adapter 100 unless otherwise indicated) in accordance with some illustrative embodiments described herein. Figure 1 The adapter 100A illustrated therein is a single-port adapter configured to optically couple a single pair of optical cables together. Figure 2 The adapter 100B illustrated therein is a dual-port adapter configured to optically couple two pairs of optical cables together. Figure 3 The adapter 100C illustrated therein is a four-port adapter configured to optically couple four pairs of optical cables together. Other numbers of optical cables can be optically coupled together using the multi-port adapter 100, such as having three (3) ports, five (5) ports, six (6) ports, seven (7) ports, etc. To optically couple optical cables together using the adapter 100, one optical cable from each respective optical cable is inserted into the first end 102 of the adapter 100, and the other optical cable from each respective optical cable is inserted into the second end 104 of the adapter 100. By aligning the ends of the optical fibers within the optical cables relative to each other such that each end is in optical communication with the other, the respective optical cables are optically coupled together within the adapter 100 to allow for the transmission of optical signals between the two optical cables.

[0039] Figure 4 illustrated as seen in accordance with an illustrative embodiment Figure 2 an exploded view of the adapter 100 illustrated therein. The adapter 100 generally includes a housing 106. In some instances, the housing 106 is formed from multiple components, such as a first housing portion 106A and a second housing portion 106B.

[0040] The first housing portion 106A is formed of a first material. As a non-limiting example, the first material may include plastics, such as thermoplastics or thermosetting plastics. One or more fillers may be included in the first material to enhance one or more of its desired properties. In one or more instances, the first housing portion 106A may be formed using molding techniques such as injection molding. In one embodiment, the first housing portion 106A may have a monolithic construction. For example, the first housing portion 106A may be formed of a homogeneous single-piece material. In another embodiment, the first housing portion 106A may have a heterogeneous construction, including, for example, two or more regions or materials having different configurations or material compositions.

[0041] The second housing portion 106A may be formed of a second material. The second material may be different from the first material. As a non-limiting example, the second material may include metals. The metals may include, for example, metal sheets. The metals may include spring metals that are configured to have elastic properties that allow the metals to rebound to an initial desired position. As other non-limiting examples, the second material may include, for example, alloys, plastics different from the first material, and the like. In still some other embodiments, the second material may be the same as the first material.

[0042] In one embodiment, the first housing portion 106A may define a first end 102 and a second end 104 of the adapter 100. In one embodiment, the first housing portion 106A includes a plurality of ports, such as a first port 108 and a second port 110. As described above, the adapter 100 may alternatively include a single port or more than two ports, such as at least three ports, such as at least four ports, such as at least five ports, such as at least six ports, such as at least seven ports, and the like. The first port 108 and the second port 110 may each be one of a pair of ports. Each pair of ports may include a port on the first end 102 of the adapter 100 and a port on the second end 104 of the adapter 100. For example, the first port 108 may have a complementary port (not shown) disposed on the second end 104 of the first housing portion 106A. The paired ports may be used together to optically align two optical cables relative to each other.

[0043] In one embodiment, the first housing portion 106A includes end walls or end surfaces 112 and 114 at the first end 102 and the second end 104, respectively. The end walls or end surfaces 112 and 114 may define the inlets of the first port 108 and the second port 110. Extending between the end walls or end surfaces 112 and 114 are a first lateral side 116, a second lateral side 118, a bottom side 120, and a top side 122. The first lateral side 116 and the second lateral side 118 may be separated by the bottom side and the top side 122. In one embodiment, the first lateral side 116 and the second lateral side 118 may be substantially continuous or continuous surfaces that are substantially free or free of openings extending into the first port 108 and the second port 110, respectively. In one embodiment, the top side 122 may be a substantially continuous or continuous surface that is substantially free or free of an opening extending into the first port 108 or the second port 110. In one embodiment, the bottom side 120 may define the open side of the adapter 100. At least one of the first port 108 or the second port 110 may be accessible through the open bottom side 120. In one embodiment, all ports of the adapter 100 (i.e., the first port 108 and the second port 110) may be accessible through the open bottom side 120. As described in more detail below, the accessibility through the open bottom side 120 allows one or more features of the adapter 100 to be mounted within the port in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the optical cable inserted into the port. The accessibility through the open bottom side 120 further increases the ease of assembly and repair of the adapter 100 and the components associated therewith. It should be understood that the orientation of the adapter 100 may be changed such that the bottom side 120 becomes the top side 122 or one of the first and second lateral sides 116 or 118. Additionally, other configurations and arrangements may be made to change the shape or functionality of the first housing portion 106A.

[0044] The second housing portion 106B may be coupled to the first housing portion 106A. In one embodiment, the second housing portion 106B may be selectively removed from the first housing portion 106A. In one embodiment, the second housing portion 106B may be docked with the first housing portion 106A by translating the second housing portion 106B toward the first housing portion 106A in a direction perpendicular to the insertion of the optical cable into at least one of the first port 108 or the second port 110. In one embodiment, the second housing portion 106B may be translated toward the bottom side 120 of the first housing portion 106A. The second housing portion 106B may cover at least a portion (such as all) of the bottom side 120 and close the associated opening.

[0045] The second housing portion 106B may generally include a body 124 having a bottom side 126 configured to cover the open bottom side 120 of the first housing portion 106A when the first and second housing portions 106A and 106B of the adapter are coupled together. The body 124 may further include a first lateral side 128 and a second lateral side 130. Both the first lateral side 128 and the second lateral side 130 may extend from the bottom side 126 in orientations similar to each other. The orientations of the first lateral side 128 and the second lateral side 130 may be generally perpendicular to the orientation of the bottom side 126. In some instances, the first lateral side 128 and the second lateral side 130 may be inwardly inclined, i.e., inclined toward each other, such that when the first and second housing portions 106A and 106B are coupled together, the first lateral side 128 and the second lateral side 130 form an interference fit with the first lateral side 118 and the second lateral side 120 of the first housing portion 106A.

[0046] In one embodiment, the first lateral side 128 may include a plurality of segments, such as a first segment 128A and a second segment 128B. Both the first segment 128A and the second segment 128B may extend from the bottom side 126. The first segment 128A and the second segment 128B may be disconnected from each other such that the first segment 128A and the second segment 128B independently conform to the first lateral side 118 of the first housing portion 106A. The second lateral side 130 may similarly include a plurality of segments, such as a first segment 130A and a second segment 130B. The plurality of segments of the second lateral side 130 may include any one or more features similar to the plurality of segments of the first lateral side 128. Alternatively, the plurality of segments of the second lateral side 130 may include any one or more different features compared to the plurality of segments of the first lateral side 128. The first segment 130A and the second segment 130B may independently conform to the second lateral side 120 of the first housing portion 106A.

[0047] In one embodiment, when the second housing part 106B is coupled to the first housing part 106A, the second housing part 106B can be disposed on at least one side of the first housing part 106A. The at least one side can be the open bottom side 120 of the first housing part 106A. In another embodiment, when the second housing part 106B is coupled to the first housing part 106A, the second housing part 106B can be arranged on at least two sides of the first housing part 106A. The at least two sides can include the open bottom side 120 of the first housing part 106A and at least one of the first lateral side 116 or the second lateral side 118 of the first housing part 106A. In another embodiment, when the second housing part 106B is coupled to the first housing part 106A, the second housing part 106B can be disposed on at least three sides of the first housing part 106A. The at least three sides can include the open bottom side 120 of the first housing part 106A and the first lateral side 116 and the second lateral side 118 of the first housing part 106A. In another embodiment, when the second housing part 106B is coupled to the first housing part 106A, the second housing part 106B can be disposed at least partially on four sides of the first housing part 106A( Figure 14 ).

[0048] For example, referring to Figure 14 , the first lateral side 116 and the second lateral side 118 of the first housing part 106A, as well as the bottom side 120 and the top side 122, can be at least partially abutted or disposed adjacent to the second housing part 106B. The first housing part 106A can include one or more interface portions, such as one or more protrusions 212, which dock with one or more complementary interface portions (such as openings 214) in the second housing part 106B to hold the first housing part 106A and the second housing part 106B together. It should be noted that although Figure 4 the second housing part 106B illustrated therein is formed of a single part (i.e., an integral construction), the second housing part 106B can be formed of multiple parts, such as at least two parts, such as at least three parts, as shown in Figure 14 .

[0049] Referring again to Figure 4, the second housing portion 106B may include one or more features (such as one or more fingers 132) that engage with one or more complementary features (such as one or more recesses 134) of the first housing portion 106A to secure the first housing portion 106A and the second housing portion 106B together. When the second housing portion 106B reaches the engagement position relative to the first housing portion 106A, the fingers 132 may dock with the recesses 134 to selectively couple the first housing portion 106A and the second housing portion 106B together. When the second housing portion 106B is guided to the first housing portion 106A, the second housing portion 106B may deform, such as flexing outwardly, during an initial engagement step. When the second housing portion 106B reaches the appropriate engagement position, the second housing portion 106B may deform, such as flexing inwardly, when the fingers 132 dock with the recesses 134. This docking between the fingers 132 and the recesses 134 may occur as a snap. The snap between the fingers 132 and the recesses 134 may provide an indication of the completion of the engagement between the first housing portion 106A and the second housing portion 106B. The indication may be in the form of, for example, tactile feedback, auditory feedback, visual indication, or any combination thereof. In some instances, the second housing portion 106B includes a plurality of fingers 132, and the first housing portion 106A includes a plurality of recesses 134 (such as Figure 4 as shown). In these embodiments, the respective fingers 132 and recesses 134 may be coupled together simultaneously or at staggered intervals based on the relative angle between the first housing portion 106A and the second housing portion 106B when they are guided together. In this regard, the indication of proper engagement between the first housing portion 106A and the second housing portion 106B may occur simultaneously or at successive intervals.

[0050] The adapter 100 also includes one or more internal structures to support the optical coupling between the optical fibers led into the first port 108 and the second port 110 and the complementary optical fibers in the port mated with it on the second port 104 of the adapter 100. In one embodiment, the internal structure may dock with one or more portions of the first housing portion 106A, one or more portions of the second housing portion 106B, or both to secure the internal structure within the internal volume 140 of the adapter 100.

[0051] The internal structure may include a ferrule sleeve 136, which is configured, for example, to receive the ferrule of an optical fiber installed in the adapter 100. The ferrule sleeve 136 may be disposed between and optically couple the optical fibers introduced into the first port 108 and the second port 110 and the complementary optical fibers introduced at the second end 104 of the adapter 100. In one embodiment, the ferrule sleeve 136 may include a single structure that can be inserted into the internal volume 140 of the adapter 100. The single-structure ferrule sleeve 136 may form the entirety of the ferrule sleeve 136 such that the ferrule introduced into the ferrule sleeve 136 is supported only by the removable ferrule sleeve 136. In another embodiment, the ferrule sleeve 136 may include a plurality of components that together support the optical connection between the optical fibers. For example, the ferrule sleeve 136 may include a first sleeve portion 136A ( Figure 9 ) that is integral with the housing 106 (such as integral with the first housing portion 106A), and a second sleeve portion 136B ( Figure 4 ) that mates with the first sleeve portion 136A to form the ferrule sleeve 136.

[0052] Reference Figure 5 , shows the second sleeve portion 136B according to an exemplary embodiment. The second sleeve portion 136B may include a body 138 that is configured to be at least partially inserted into the internal volume 140 ( Figure 4 ) of the adapter 100. The body 138 may generally include a slider 142 that carries one or more ferrule receiving portions 144, each ferrule receiving portion being configured to form at least a part of a support interface for supporting the ferrule inserted into the adapter 100. In one embodiment, the slider 142 and the ferrule receiving portions 144 may be integrally formed, i.e., monolithic. In another embodiment, the ferrule receiving portions 144 may be connected to the slider 142. In one embodiment, the slider 142 may be positioned along or substantially along a plane that is oriented perpendicular to the direction in which the ferrule (not shown) is inserted into the ferrule receiving portions 144.

[0053] The number of ferrule receiving portions 144 on the body 138 may be the same as the number of ports in the adapter 100. Each ferrule receiving portion 144 may define a cradle, such as a semi-circular profile, to receive and support the ferrule. Each ferrule receiving portion 144 may receive a plurality of ferrules, such as two ferrules, from its opposite ends, and these ferrules are inserted into the adapter 100 from the first end 102 and the second end 104. The lip 146 may provide a support surface for the ferrule.

[0054] In one embodiment, the second sleeve portion 136B may be coupled to the housing 106 in a manner that prevents relative movement of the second sleeve portion 136B relative to the housing 106. In an illustrative embodiment, the second sleeve portion 136B may be coupled to the first housing portion 106A( Figure 6 ). For example, the second sleeve portion 136B may include structures such as one or more latches 148 that may interface with the first housing portion 106A to selectively couple the second sleeve portion 136B to the first housing portion 106A. The latch 148 may include a protrusion 150 extending from the slider 142 and movable relative to the slider 142, for example at a living hinge 152, such that the engagement structure 154 may interface with a complementary receiving structure of the first housing portion 106A. The engagement structure 154 may be ramped to deflect the protrusion 150 during installation of the second sleeve portion 136B to allow it to mate with the first housing portion 106A. Once properly aligned relative to the first housing portion 106A, the protrusion 150 may deflect towards an unbiased state and the engagement structure 154 may hold the second sleeve portion 136B in a desired position within the adapter 100. In one embodiment, the second sleeve portion 136A may include a plurality of latches 148, such as two latches spaced apart from each other on the slider 142.

[0055] Figure 6 A bottom view of the first housing portion 106A and the second sleeve portion 136B being brought together therewith is illustrated. In one embodiment, the first port 108 and the second port 110 may be separated by a sidewall 198. The sidewall 198 may define a gap 200. The gap 200 may have a dimension corresponding to the dimension of the slider 142 such that the second sleeve portion 136B may be inserted into the first housing portion 106A at a position where the slider 142 is aligned with the gap 200. As the second sleeve portion 136B is translated towards the first housing portion 106A, the latches 148 of the second sleeve portion 136B may interface with latch receivers (e.g., slots 202 of the first housing portion 106A) to lock the second sleeve portion 136B to the first housing portion 106A. In some instances, the gap 200 may have a depth that is the same as the corresponding height of the slider 142 such that the exposed portion of the slider 142 is flush with the bottom side 120 of the first housing portion 106A.

[0056] Referring again to Figure 4 , the internal structure may further include a shutter 156 disposed at least partially within the internal volume 140 to selectively block at least one of the respective ports, such as one of the first port 108 or the second port 110, and prevent debris from entering the (one or more) ports when there is no optical cable therein. As Figure 4As depicted, the valve 156 may include a plurality of valves, such as a first valve 156A and a second valve 156B. The number of valves may be equal to the number of ports in the adapter 100. The plurality of valves may also include complementary valves 156C and 156D, which are disposed on the other end (e.g., the second end 104) of the adapter 100 to block the complementary ports on the other end of the adapter 100.

[0057] Figure 7 An exemplary embodiment of the valve structure 158 is illustrated, which includes a first valve 156A, a second valve 156B, and a biasing element 160 that biases the valve structure 158 (e.g., the first valve 156A and the second valve 156B) to a closed position, thereby preventing debris from entering the internal volume 140 when there is no optical cable in the port ( Figure 4 ).

[0058] Figure 8 One of the valves 156 according to an embodiment is illustrated. The valve 156 generally includes a body 162 that defines a clam-shaped recess 164 configured to receive the leading edge of the optical cable or a connector coupled thereto when the optical cable is installed in the port of the adapter 100. The clam-shaped recess 164 may define an arcuate recess extending from the main surface of the body 162. When the leading edge of the optical cable or connector is pushed into the port, the leading edge may rest at least partially within the clam-shaped recess 164 and cause the valve 156 to rotate about a rotation axis 166. The rotation axis 166 may be formed by a shaft 168 disposed at a first end 170 of the body 162. In one embodiment, the shaft 168 may be integrally formed with the body 162. The shaft 168 may also be separated between two or more elements, such as two portions 168A and 168B that project from the body 162. In some instances, the second end 172 of the body 162 may be shaped to form a tight fit with the internal shape of the port defined in the first housing portion 106A. Similarly, the opposing sidewalls 174 and 176 of the body 162 may have a suitable shape to block access to the port when no optical cable is present therein. As a non-limiting example, the opposing sidewalls 174 and 176 may have straight sidewalls.

[0059] Referring again to Figure 7 , at least one of the first valve 156A and the second valve 156B may rest on the biasing element 160. For example, the shaft 168 may rest directly on the biasing element 160 or be spaced from the biasing element 160 by an intermediate member such as a gasket, a support surface, etc. In one embodiment, the rotation axis 166 remains in a relatively fixed position relative to the biasing element 160 as the valve 156 moves within its entire range of motion between the open position and the closed position.

[0060] In one embodiment, each of the valves 156, i.e., each of the first valve 156A and the second valve 156B, may share a biasing element 160. That is, the biasing element 160 that supports the first valve 156A and the second valve 156B may be a single structure. In another embodiment, the first valve 156A and the second valve 156B may have separate biasing elements 160. The separate biasing elements 160 may be disposed adjacent to each other and may simulate a single structure.

[0061] The biasing element 160 may include a base 178 on which the valve 156 or at least one of the valves 156 rests. The base 178 may include retention features 180 to prevent the biasing element 160 from moving relative to the housing 106. For example, the retention features 180 may include holes extending through the base 178. In one embodiment, the holes may have a non-rotationally reflective shape, such as an oval, a polygon, etc., to prevent the base 178 from rotating relative to the housing 106. Refer to Figure 9 , the housing 106 (e.g., the first housing portion 106A) may include complementary retention features 182 that mate with the retention features 180 to prevent relative movement between the biasing element 160 and the housing 106. As a non-limiting example, the complementary retention features 182 may include protrusions extending from the first housing portion 106A. In one embodiment, the protrusions may extend from the bottom side 120 of the first housing portion 106A. In one embodiment, the base 178 may be disposed between the first housing portion 106A and the second housing portion 106B (shown by the dashed line in Figure 9 ). In one embodiment, the first housing portion 106A may include a recessed feature, such as a recess 184 that receives the base 178. The recess 184 may have a depth similar to or the same size as the thickness of the base 178. Thus, the base 178 may form a flush fit with the bottom side 120 of the first housing portion 106A (see also Figure 10 ). In one embodiment, the complementary retention features 182 may have similar or the same dimensions such that the complementary retention features 182 do not extend past the bottom side 120 of the first housing portion 106A. Thus, the second housing portion 106B may form a tight fit with the bottom side 120 of the first housing portion 106A, and the base 178 of the biasing element 160 may be held between the first housing portion 106A and the second housing portion 106B.

[0062] In one embodiment, the biasing element 160 includes fingers 186 projecting from a base 178. The fingers 186 may be integral with the base 178 and are movable relative to the base 178 along the length of the fingers 186 or at a hinge 188.

[0063] Figure 10 Illustrated is a cross-sectional view of the adapter 100 taken along line A-A in Figure 9 . As illustrated, the fingers 186 project upwardly from the base 178 at a relative angle α. In one embodiment, the relative angle α is at least 10°, such as at least 15°, such as at least 20°, such as at least 25°, such as at least 30°, such as at least 35°, such as at least 40°, such as at least 45°. The fingers 186 of the biasing element 160 may have a length L to position the flap 156 at a desired position relative to the housing 106. As depicted in Figure 10 , the fingers 186 have a length L and are angled at a relative angle α such that a second end 172 of the flap 156 is disposed adjacent to or even at a complementary position 188 of the housing 106 to restrict debris from entering the ports 108 or 110.

[0064] When the flap 156 moves from the closed position as illustrated in Figure 10 to the open position in the direction indicated by arrow 190, the fingers 186 of the biasing element 160 deflect, for example, in a downward direction. The fingers 186 generate a pressure on the flap 156 such that when an optical cable or connector is removed from the port 108 or 110, the flap 156 returns to the Figure 10 closed position. The front end 192 of the fingers 186 may have a curved profile to prevent jamming during movement of the flap 156. During movement of the flap 156, the front end 192 may follow along an inner side 194 of the flap 156.

[0065] The first housing portion 106A may include engagement structures, such as notches 196, to engage the shaft 168 of the flap 156 ( Figure 8 ). The shaft 168 may be held in the notch 196 to limit the axis of rotation 166 to a relatively same position relative to the first housing portion 106A and thus relative to the adapter 100. In this regard, the biasing force generated by the biasing element 160 does not undesirably move the flap 156 relative to the adapter 100 from the desired position.

[0066] Figure 11 Illustrated is an alternative embodiment of the adapter 100 taken along line A-A in Figure 9 . As depicted, the biasing element 160 includes a base 178 and fingers 186 projecting from the base 178, however, as compared to Figure 10Unlike the embodiments depicted in , the finger 186 projects from the end 204 of the base 178 and rests on the inner portion 194 of the valve 156. In one embodiment, the valve 156 may have a recessed portion 206, and the finger 186 or a portion thereof rests within the recessed portion 206. The interface 208 between the base 178 and the finger 186 may form a notch 196 or be part of the notch 196 to hold the valve 156 in the same relative position with respect to the first housing part 106A.

[0067] Figure 12 Illustrated is yet another alternative embodiment of the adapter 100 as seen along Figure 9 line A-A in Figure 13 and Figure 12 illustrated is the embodiment of the biasing element 160 as depicted in Figure 10 and Figure 11 Unlike the embodiments depicted in , the base 178 is not located below the finger 186. Instead, the finger 186 projects from the base 178 in a cantilever manner and does not overhang any part of the base 178. The base 178 may be inserted into the first housing part 106A or into a slot 210 between the first housing part 106A and the second housing part 106B to hold the base 178 and provide support to the finger 186. The finger 186 may be disposed within the recessed portion 206 of the valve 156. Alternatively, the finger 186 may be embedded within the valve 156, spaced apart from the valve 156 by one or more intermediate elements, or coupled to the valve 156 by a different type of interface. The base 178 may include retention features 180 to mate with complementary retention features 182 on the housing 106 to prevent movement of the biasing element 160 relative to the housing 106 when mounted together with the housing 106.

[0068] Figure 15 Illustrated is yet another embodiment of a portion of the adapter 100. More particularly, Figure 15 illustrated is the second housing part 106B integrally formed with the biasing element 160 or a portion thereof. Figure 15 The second housing part 106B depicted in Figure 15 is configured to extend around the entire first housing part 106A. However, it should be understood that in some instances, Figure 15 the second housing part 106B depicted in

[0069] The finger 186 projects from the bottom side 126 of the second housing part 106B. Referring again to Figure 14 , when the second housing part 106B is guided to translate, for example, towards the first housing part 106A, the finger 186 ( Figure 15 ) can be aligned with the valve 156.

[0070] As described above, the internal structure of the adapter 100 can be configured to receive, support, and optically couple optical fibers together to allow optical transmission therebetween. Illustrative systems and methods for attaching the adapter 100 to a structure such as a frame to allow an operator to access the adapter 100 are described below.

[0071] Referring again to Figure 4 and Figure 16 , the second housing part 106B is formed with one or more engagement structures, such as flanges 216, such as a first flange 216A, a second flange 216B, a third flange 216C, and a fourth flange 216D. The first flange 216A can be disposed on a first section 128A of the first lateral side 128 of the second housing part 106B. The second flange 216B can be disposed on a second section 128B of the first lateral side 128 of the second housing part 106B. The third flange 216C can be disposed on a first section 130A of the second lateral side 130 of the second housing part 106B. The fourth flange 216D can be disposed on a second section 130B of the second lateral side 130 of the second housing part 106B. Still other configurations are also contemplated herein. For example, one or both of the first lateral side 128 or the second lateral side 130 can include a single structure instead of a first part and a second part, where the single structure includes two flanges or the like.

[0072] In one embodiment, the flanges 216A, 216B, 216C, and 216D can all share substantially the same shape. For example, referring to Figure 16, the third flange 216C may include an inclined portion 218 extending away from a first section 130A of a second lateral side 130 of the second housing portion 106B. The inclined portion may form a relative angle of at least 5°, such as at least 10°, such as at least 15°, such as at least 20°, such as at least 25°, such as at least 30°, as measured with respect to the first section 130A. The relative angle of the inclined portion 218 may cause the third flange 216C to project outwardly from the first section 130A. An end section 220 of the third flange 216C may be angled with respect to the inclined portion 218. For example, when the inclined section 218 is angled with respect to the first section 130A, the end section 220 may be angled at the same relative angle with respect to the inclined section 218. In this regard, the end section 220 may be parallel to the first section 130A of the second housing portion 106B. The end section 220 may define an end surface 222 that is configured to form a stop feature to secure the adapter 100 with respect to a structure such as the aforementioned frame.

[0073] In some instances, all of the flanges 216A, 216B, 216C, and 216D may share a common shape, size, or both a common shape and a common size. In one embodiment, at least one of the flanges 216A, 216B, 216C, or 216D may have a different shape compared to another of the flanges 216A, 216B, 216C, or 216D. In yet another embodiment, at least one of the flanges 216A, 216B, 216C, or 216D may have a different size compared to another of the flanges 216A, 216B, 216C, or 216D.

[0074] Reference Figures 17 to 19 , the combination of the flange 216 and the stop feature 224 of the housing 106 allows an installation technician to install the adapter 100 into a receiving slot 226 of, for example, a frame 228. The frame 228 may be part of a fiber optic network solution (e.g., a server bay, a panel assembly, a field unit, etc.). By translating the adapter 100 in a direction 230 ( Figure 18 ) into the receiving slot 226 until the end surface 222 of at least one of the respective flanges 216 reaches the frame 228, the combination of the flange 216 and the stop feature 224 can be used to hold the adapter on the frame 228 such that an installation technician or another technician at a later time can install an optical fiber into the ports 108 or 110 ( Figure 4 ) to optically couple one or more pairs of optical cables together.

[0075] In one embodiment, the stop feature 224 is part of the first housing portion 106A. The stop feature 224 may include one or more protrusions 232 that project away from the first lateral side 116 and the second lateral side 118 of the first housing portion 106A.

[0076] For example, the first protrusion 232A may be a bilateral protrusion that defines a first stop surface 234A and a second stop surface 234B. The first stop surface 234A and the second stop surface 234B may be disposed on opposite sides of the first protrusion 232A. Each of the first stop surface 234A and the second stop surface 234B may cooperate with a different one of the respective flanges 216 (e.g., the third flange 216C and the fourth flange 216D) to hold the adapter 100 in the receiving slot 226. The size of the space 236 between the end surface 222 of each flange 216 and the corresponding stop surface 234A or 234B of the first protrusion 232A may be set to correspond to the dimensions of the frame 228. For example, the frame 228 may define a thickness T that fits within the space 236B.

[0077] The second protrusion 232B may be a unilateral protrusion that defines a single stop surface 234C. The stop surface 234C may cooperate with one of the respective flanges 216 (e.g., the third flange 216C or the fourth flange 216D) to hold the adapter 100 in the receiving slot 226. In one embodiment, the stop surface 234C of the second protrusion 232B may be parallel or substantially parallel to the first stop surface 234A of the first protrusion 232A. Additionally, the stop surface 234C may be collinear with the first stop surface 234A of the first protrusion 232A such that when the frame 228 is disposed in the space 236, i.e., when the adapter 100 is held at the frame 228, both the stop surfaces 234A and 234C contact the frame 228 or at least align with the frame 228. Alternatively, the respective stop surfaces 234 may be offset from each other. For example, as Figure 19 illustrated, when the stop surface 234C of the second protrusion 232B abuts the frame 228, the first stop surface 234A may be offset from the frame 228. Thus, in the event that the second protrusion 232B breaks, the first protrusion 232A may form a safety stop. The second protrusion 232A may also provide a user grip portion, allowing the deflected first protrusion 232B to be used while still providing a form-fit stop, i.e., the first protrusion 232A may be a rigid protrusion while the second protrusion(s) is / are deformable protrusions, or provide one or more additional benefits.

[0078] In one embodiment, the second protrusion 232B may include a plurality of second protrusions. Each of the second protrusions 232B may act together or separately in various combinations to define a space 236 for receiving the frame 228. For example, as a non-limiting example, two second protrusions 232B may cooperate with the third flange 216C to define a first space 236A, and two different second protrusions 232B may cooperate with the fourth flange 216D to define a second space 236B.

[0079] When the installer inserts the adapter 100 into the receiving slot 226 in the direction 230, the (one or more) first flanges 216 of the contact frame 228 are deflected inwardly under the force provided by the frame 228 to allow the adapter 100 to fit within the receiving slot 226. When the adapter 100 is further inserted into the receiving slot 226, the adapter 100 reaches the position of the frame 228 at the space 236 defined by the (one or more) flanges 216 and the protrusions 232. At this position, the (one or more) flanges 216 are no longer biased by the frame 228 and return to their unbiased state. In their unbiased state, the (one or more) end surfaces 222 of the (one or more) flanges 216 cooperate with the stop surfaces 234 of the protrusions 232 to hold the frame 228 within the space 236, thereby holding the adapter 100 coupled to the frame 228.

[0080] Due to the relatively arranged flanges 216, namely, the third flange 216C on the first side of the protrusion 232 and the fourth flange 216D on the second opposite side of the protrusion 232 and / or the first flange 216A on the first side of the protrusion 232 and the second flange 216B on the second opposite side of the protrusion 232, the adapter 100 may be reversible. That is, the adapter 100 may be installed in the receiving slot 226 of the frame 228 in a first orientation where the first port 108 faces the frame 228 during installation or in a second orientation where the first port 108 faces away from the frame during installation. Additionally, the adapter 100 may be installed with either the bottom surface or the top surface 120 or 122 of the first housing portion 106A facing up or down. In this regard, the adapter 100 may be selectively installed on the frame 228 in a desired configuration based on the individual needs of a particular installation requirement.

[0081] To release the adapter 100 from the frame 228, one or more flanges 216 forming the active space 236 (i.e., the space 236 in which the frame 228 resides) are deflected inwardly until the one or more end surfaces 222 are completely disengaged from the frame 228. The adapter 100 is then translated through the receiving slot 226 until it is completely disengaged from the frame 228. Once the translation of the adapter 100 begins, the one or more flanges 216 may be maintained in the depressed state without the need for active pressure from a technician because the frame 228 provides pressure against the flanges 216. Once removed from the frame 228, the flanges are in an unbiased state and the adapter 100 is again ready to be installed in the same or another receiving slot 226.

[0082] Various other aspects of the invention are provided by one or more of the following embodiments:

[0083] Embodiment 1. An adapter comprising: a housing defining a pair of ports configured to optically couple a first connector and a second connector together, wherein the housing includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion removably coupled to the first housing portion; a shutter coupled to the housing, wherein the shutter is movable between a closed position in which the first port is blocked and an open position in which the first port is unobstructed; and a biasing element biasing the shutter to the closed position, wherein at least a portion of one of the shutter and the biasing element is held between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

[0084] Embodiment 2. The adapter according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the first housing portion includes a first material, wherein the second housing portion includes a second material, and wherein the second material is different from the first material.

[0085] Embodiment 3. The adapter according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the biasing element includes: a base; a finger projecting from the base and resiliently supporting the shutter, wherein the base includes a retention feature and the housing includes a complementary retention feature, and wherein the retention feature and the complementary retention feature mate with each other to prevent relative movement between the biasing element and the housing when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are coupled together.

[0086] Example 4. The adapter according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein both the second housing portion and the biasing element are removable from the first housing portion by movement in the same direction.

[0087] Example 5. The adapter according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein when the first housing and the second housing portion are coupled together, the second housing portion is disposed on at least three sides of the first housing portion, wherein the at least three sides include a bottom side, a first lateral side, and a second lateral side, and wherein the second housing portion includes a first flange extending outwardly from the first lateral side and a second flange extending outwardly from the first lateral side.

[0088] Example 6. The adapter according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the second housing portion further includes a third flange extending outwardly from the second lateral side and a fourth flange extending outwardly from the second lateral side.

[0089] Example 7. The adapter according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the first housing further includes a protrusion, and wherein the adapter is configured to be held at a receiving cutout of the frame by a combination of the protrusion and the first flange or the second flange.

[0090] Example 8. The adapter according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the adapter further includes a ferrule sleeve disposed between the first port and the second port and optically coupling the first port and the second port together, and wherein the ferrule sleeve includes a first sleeve portion integral with the first housing portion and a second sleeve portion removably coupled to the first housing portion.

[0091] Example 9. The adapter according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the second sleeve portion includes a latch that can dock with the first housing portion to selectively couple the second sleeve portion to the first housing portion.

[0092] Example 10. An optical system, comprising: a frame having a first side and a second side, the frame defining a receiving slot extending between the first side and the second side; and an adapter including: a housing defining a pair of ports, the pair of ports including a first port and a second port; a shutter coupled to the housing, wherein the shutter is movable between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position, the first port is blocked, and in the open position, the first port is unobstructed; and a biasing element biasing the shutter to the closed position, wherein the adapter can be mounted in the receiving slot from the first side of the frame in a first orientation during installation in which the first port faces the frame or in a second orientation during installation in which the first port faces away from the frame, and wherein the adapter can be selectively fixed in the receiving slot in both the first orientation and the second orientation.

[0093] Example 11. The optical system according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the housing includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion, wherein when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are coupled together, the second housing portion is disposed on at least three sides of the first housing portion, wherein the at least three sides include a bottom side, a first lateral side, and a second lateral side, wherein the second housing portion includes a first flange extending outward from the first lateral side, a second flange extending outward from the first lateral side, a third flange extending outward from the second lateral side, and a fourth flange extending outward from the second lateral side, and wherein the first flange and the third flange or the second flange and the fourth flange are docked with the frame to couple the adapter to the frame based on whether the adapter is in the first orientation or the second orientation.

[0094] Example 12. The optical system according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the adapter can also be mounted in the receiving slot from the second side of the frame in the first orientation or the second orientation.

[0095] Example 13. The optical system according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein a portion of both the shutter and the biasing element is held between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

[0096] Example 14. The optical system according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the biasing element includes: a base; a finger that protrudes from the base and elastically supports the shutter, wherein the base includes a retention feature, and the housing includes a complementary retention feature, and wherein the retention feature and the complementary retention feature dock with each other to prevent relative movement between the biasing element and the housing when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are joined together.

[0097] Example 15. The optical system according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the shutter includes a shaft that extends into a notch in the housing, and wherein the notch is configured to maintain the axis of rotation of the shaft in a relatively same position relative to the housing.

[0098] Example 16. The optical system according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the adapter further includes a ferrule sleeve, wherein the ferrule sleeve includes a first sleeve portion and a second sleeve portion, wherein the first sleeve portion is integral with the housing, and wherein the second sleeve portion is coupled to the housing by a latch.

[0099] Example 17. The optical system according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the first housing portion includes a protrusion, wherein the second housing portion includes a deformable flange, and wherein a space is defined between the protrusion and the flange, the space being configured to receive the frame and hold the adapter relative to the frame.

[0100] Example 18. A method of coupling an adapter to a frame defining a receiving slot, the method including: aligning the adapter including the shutter with the receiving slot in a first orientation or a second orientation opposite to the first orientation; and translating the adapter into the receiving slot until the adapter passes a locking position, after which removal of the adapter from the receiving notch requires an unlocking procedure.

[0101] Example 19. The method according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the shutter is installed in the adapter before aligning the adapter with the receiving slot, and wherein installing the shutter in the adapter includes translating the shutter into the adapter in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of translating the adapter into the receiving slot.

[0102] Example 20. The method according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the adapter includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion coupled together, and wherein installing the valve into the adapter includes coupling the second housing portion to the first housing portion after translating the valve into the adapter.

[0103] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any device or system and performing any incorporated method. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. If these other examples include structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that have insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims, then these other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An adapter, comprising: a housing that defines a pair of ports configured to optically couple a first connector and a second connector together, wherein the housing includes: a first housing portion; and a second housing portion removably coupled to the first housing portion; a shutter coupled to the housing, wherein the shutter is movable between a closed position in which the first port is blocked and an open position in which the first port is unobstructed; and a biasing element that biases the shutter to the closed position, wherein at least a portion of the shutter and the biasing element is held between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

2. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein, The first housing portion includes a first material, wherein the second housing portion includes a second material, and wherein the second material is different from the first material.

3. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein, The biasing element includes: a base; fingers projecting from the base and elastically supporting the shutter, wherein the base includes retention features and the housing includes complementary retention features, and wherein the retention features and the complementary retention features mate with each other to prevent relative movement between the biasing element and the housing when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are coupled together.

4. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein, The second housing portion and the biasing element can both be removed from the first housing portion by movement in the same direction.

5. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein, When the first housing portion and the second housing portion are coupled together, the second housing portion is disposed on at least three sides of the first housing portion, wherein the at least three sides include a bottom side, a first lateral side, and a second lateral side, and wherein the second housing portion includes a first flange extending outwardly from the first lateral side and a second flange extending outwardly from the first lateral side.

6. The adapter according to claim 5, wherein The second housing portion further includes a third flange extending outwardly from the second lateral side and a fourth flange extending outwardly from the second lateral side.

7. The adapter according to claim 5, wherein, The first housing further includes a protrusion, and wherein the adapter is configured to be held at a receiving cutout of a frame by a combination of the protrusion and the first flange or the second flange.

8. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein, The adapter further includes a ferrule sleeve disposed between the first port and the second port and optically coupling the first port and the second port together, and wherein the ferrule sleeve includes a first sleeve portion integral with the first housing portion and a second sleeve portion removably coupled to the first housing portion.

9. The adapter according to claim 8, wherein, The second sleeve portion includes a latch that can mate with the first housing portion to selectively couple the second sleeve portion to the first housing portion.

10. An optical system, comprising: a frame having a first side and a second side, the frame defining a receiving slot extending between the first side and the second side; and an adapter, the adapter including: A housing that defines a pair of ports, the pair of ports including a first port and a second port; A valve coupled to the housing, wherein the valve is movable between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position, the first port is blocked, and in the open position, the first port is unobstructed; and A biasing element that biases the valve to the closed position, wherein the adapter can be installed in the receiving slot from a first side of the frame in a first orientation with the first port facing the frame during installation or in a second orientation with the first port facing away from the frame during installation, and wherein the adapter can be selectively fixed in the receiving slot in both the first orientation and the second orientation.

11. The optical system according to claim 10, wherein, The housing includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion, wherein when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are coupled together, the second housing portion is disposed on at least three sides of the first housing portion, wherein the at least three sides include a bottom side, a first lateral side, and a second lateral side, wherein the second housing portion includes a first flange extending outwardly from the first lateral side, a second flange extending outwardly from the first lateral side, a third flange extending outwardly from the second lateral side, and a fourth flange extending outwardly from the second lateral side, and wherein the first flange and the third flange or the second flange and the fourth flange are docked with the frame to couple the adapter to the frame based on whether the adapter is in the first orientation or the second orientation.

12. The optical system according to claim 10, wherein, The adapter can also be installed in the receiving slot from the second side of the frame in the first orientation or the second orientation.

13. The optical system according to claim 10, wherein, A portion of both the valve and the biasing element is held between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

14. The optical system according to claim 10, wherein, The biasing element includes: A base; A finger that projects from the base and elastically supports the valve, wherein the base includes a retention feature, and the housing includes a complementary retention feature, and wherein the retention feature and the complementary retention feature are docked with each other to prevent relative movement between the biasing element and the housing when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are coupled together.

15. The optical system according to claim 10, wherein, The valve includes a shaft that extends into a recess in the housing, and wherein the recess is configured to maintain the axis of rotation of the shaft in a relatively same position relative to the housing.

16. The optical system according to claim 10, wherein, The adapter further includes a ferrule sleeve, wherein the ferrule sleeve includes a first sleeve portion and a second sleeve portion, wherein the first sleeve portion is integral with the housing, and wherein the second sleeve portion is coupled to the housing by a latch.

17. The optical system according to claim 10, wherein, The first housing portion includes a protrusion, wherein the second housing portion includes a deformable flange, and wherein a space is defined between the protrusion and the flange, and the space is configured to receive the frame and hold the adapter relative to the frame.

18. A method of coupling an adapter to a frame defining a receiving slot, the method comprising: aligning an adapter including a valve with the receiving slot in a first orientation or a second orientation opposite the first orientation; and translating the adapter into the receiving slot until the adapter passes a locking position, after which unlocking procedures are required to remove the adapter from the receiving incision.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, Before aligning the adapter with the receiving slot, the valve is mounted in the adapter, and wherein mounting the valve in the adapter includes translating the valve into the adapter in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the adapter is translated into the receiving slot.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The adapter includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion coupled together, and wherein mounting the valve to the adapter includes coupling the second housing portion to the first housing portion after translating the valve into the adapter.

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