Multi-port mechanical advantage ganging adapter assembly

Abstract

A ganging adapter assembly has an adapter, a carrier, and at least one lever to engage projections on the carrier to move the carrier and fiber-optic connectors into the adapter to a mating position inside the main body upon rotation of the at least one lever. Each of the adapter and the carrier are formed by two long sides bound by two opposing short sides and having an opening along a first longitudinal axis between a first side and a second side of the main body. The adapter has a main opening for receiving a plurality of fiber-optic connectors from each of a first side and a second side, and the carrier has a main opening along a second longitudinal axis between a first side and a second side for receiving at least two of the plurality of fiber-optic connectors. The first and second longitudinal axes being colinear.

Description

MULTI-PORT MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE GANGING ADAPTER ASSEMBLYREFERENCE TO RELATED CASES

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application serial number 63 / 583,397 filed September 18, 2023, the contents of all of which are incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The number of fiber optic connectors that are being installed today has risen dramatically over the last few years. There are both single optical fiber and multi-fiber connectors. Given the high volume of fiber-optic connectors that need to be mated to other fiber-optic connectors it is easier to install a number of fiber-optic connectors at the same time. Usually, this is done in multiples of two fiber-optic connectors (4, 6 and 12 fiber-optic connectors are popular). However, the insertion of multiple fiber-optic connectors into an adapter can require a higher force, e.g. 10N for each fiber-optic connector. The repetitive mating of the fiber-optic connectors may cause issues with the installers, including damage to their hands and wrists from all of the mating of fiber-optic connectors. Additionally, as the number of connectors in a ganged setup increases, non-uniform forces may be applied to a group of fiber optic connectors being inserted into an adapter simultaneously and may cause misalignment of some of the connectors relative to the mating plane causing optical connection issues.

[0003] Applicant has developed a ganging adapter assembly that uses a mechanical advantage to allow for an easier and accurate installation of the ganged fiber optic connectors in the adapter.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention is directed to a ganging adapter assembly that includes an adapter having a main body formed by two long sides bound by two opposing short sides and having a first main opening along a first longitudinal axis between a first side and a second side of the main body, the first main opening for receiving a plurality of fiber-optic connectors from each of the first side and the second side, and a carrier formed by two long sides bound by two opposing short sides and having a second main opening along a secondlongitudinal axis between a first side and a second side for receiving at least two of the plurality of fiber-optic connectors, and at least one lever rotatably attached to the main body to engage corresponding projections on the carrier to move the carrier and the at least two fiber-optic connectors when installed in the carrier toward a mating position inside he main body upon rotation of the at least one lever.

[0005] In some embodiments, the at least one lever comprises two levers, the two levers are disposed on opposing sides of the first main opening.

[0006] In some embodiments, the projections on the carrier are disposed at a junction of the long sides and the short sides and are extending away from the carrier.

[0007] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of fiber-optic connectors having a housing with a length along the second longitudinal axis.

[0008] In some embodiments, a sleeve is used to rotate the at least one lever.

[0009] In some embodiments, the lever extends orthogonally to the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis and along one of the long sides.

[0010] In some embodiments, the carrier has openings to receive connector latches on the plurality of fiber-optic connectors.

[0011] In some embodiments, the at least one lever has at least one slot to receive the carrier projections.

[0012] In some embodiments, there are detents to retain the at least one lever in an engaged position.

[0013] In some embodiments, the detents are disposed on the main body.

[0014] In some embodiments, the detents are disposed on the carrier.

[0015] According to another embodiment, there is a ganging adapter assembly that includes an adapter having a main body formed by two long sides bound by two opposing short sides and having a first main opening along a first longitudinal axis between a first side and a second side of the main body, the first main opening for receiving a plurality of fiberoptic connectors from each of the first side and the second side, and two flexible latch arms, each of the flexible latch arms on opposing sides of the first main opening and extending away from the main body, and a carrier having a second main opening along a second longitudinal axis between a first side and a second side of the main body for receiving at least two of the plurality of fiber-optic connectors, the carrier having two flanges, each of the flanges on opposing sides of the second main opening to engage the flexible latch arms on the main body.

[0016] According to yet another embodiment, there is a ganged adapter assembly that includes an adapter having a main body formed by two long sides bound by two opposing short sides and having a first main opening along a first longitudinal axis between a first side and a second side of the main body, the first main opening receiving a plurality of fiber-optic connectors from each of the first side and the second side, and a latch on each one of the two opposing sides, respectively, each latch having a pair of projections, and a carrier formed by two long sides bound by two opposing short sides and having a second main opening along a second longitudinal axis between a first side and a second side of the main body for receiving at least two of the plurality of fiber-optic connectors, wherein the carrier includes receptacles for respectively receiving the projections, and when the latch is moved toward the carrier, the at least two fiber-optic connectors installed in the carrier move toward a mating position / plane inside the main body and the projections are positioned in the respective receptacles.

[0017] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the invention as described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

[0018] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present embodiments of the invention, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operations of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Fig. 1 is a perspective view from the right front of one embodiment of ganging adapter assembly according to the present invention in a locked position;

[0020] Fig. 2 is a perspective view from the right front of the ganging adapter assembly in Fig. 1 in an unlocked position;

[0021] Fig. 3 is an exploded view from the right front of the ganging adapter assembly in Fig. 1;

[0022] Fig 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an adapter of the ganging adapter assembly in Fig. 1;

[0023] Fig. 5 is right perspective view of one embodiment of a carrier according to the present invention;

[0024] Fig. 6 is a front elevational view of the carrier in Fig. 5;

[0025] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of one lever according to the present invention used with the ganging adapter assembly of Fig. 1;

[0026] Fig. 8 is a different perspective view of the lever in Fig. 7;

[0027] Fig. 9 is a front perspective view of the adapter and the carrier of the ganging adapter assembly in Fig. 1;

[0028] Figs. 10-12 are a top plane view of the adapter, two of the levers, and the carrier of the ganging adapter assembly in Fig. 1 showing the engagement of the adapter and the carrier with fiber-optic connectors on a first side;

[0029] Fig. 13 is another embodiment of a carrier according to the present invention with detents on the alternative carrier rather than the adapter as in Fig. 1;

[0030] Fig. 14 is a perspective view from the right front of another embodiment of ganging adapter assembly according to the present invention ;

[0031] Fig. 15 is right view perspective view of another embodiment of a carrier according to the present invention;

[0032] Fig. 16 is a front elevational view of the carrier in Fig. 15;

[0033] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an adapter of the ganging adapter assembly in Fig. 14;

[0034] Fig. 18 is a rear perspective of the main body in Fig. 17;

[0035] Figs. 19 is a perspective view of another lever according to the present invention used with the ganging adapter assembly of Fig. 14;

[0036] Fig. 20 is a different perspective view of the lever in Fig. 19;

[0037] Fig. 21 is a different perspective view of the lever in Fig. 19;

[0038] Figs. 22-24 show a sleeve used with the ganging adapter assembly of Fig. 15;

[0039] Fig. 25 is cross sectional view of the ganging adapter assembly of Fig. 14 showing the interaction of the sleeve with the adapter and levers;

[0040] Figs. 26 and 27 show the movement of the carrier into the adapter with the movement of levers coming from the sleeve movement toward the adapter;

[0041] Figs. 28-30 show more detailed version of the movement of the carrier and the locking of the carrier and fiber-optic connectors in the assembly of Fig. 14;

[0042] Fig. 31 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a ganging adapter assembly according to the present invention;

[0043] Fig. 32 is a rear perspective of the adapter and carrier of the ganging adapter assembly in Fig. 31;

[0044] Figs. 33-35 show the carrier from the ganging adapter assembly in Fig. 31;

[0045] Figs. 36-38 show the main body of the ganging adapter assembly in Fig. 31 in more detail;

[0046] Figs. 39-42 show the attachment of the carrier to the main body of the ganging adapter assembly in Fig. 31;

[0047] Fig. 43 is a perspective view of another embodiment of ganging adapter assembly according to the present invention;

[0048] Fig. 44 is a perspective view of another embodiment of ganging adapter assembly according to the present invention;

[0049] Figs. 45-46 show the adapter of the ganging adapter assembly in Fig. 44 in more detail;

[0050] Figs. 47-50 show the carrier of the ganging adapter assembly in Fig. 44 in more detail;

[0051] Figs. 51-53 show the carrier engaging the adapter of the ganging adapter assembly in Fig. 44;

[0052] Figs. 54-55 show the movement of the levers and carrier of the ganging adapter assembly in Fig. 44; and

[0053] Figs. 56-57 show the engagement of the carrier to the main body of the ganging adapter assembly in Fig. 44.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0054] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment s) 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.

[0055] One embodiment of a ganging adapter assembly 100 according to the present invention is illustrated in Figs. 1-12. The ganging adapter assembly 100 has two main components, an adapter 102 that may be mounted in a panel or rack (not shown) and a carrier 104. The adapter 102 has a main body 106 formed by two long sides 108,110 bound by twoopposing short sides 112,114 and having a first main opening 116 along a first longitudinal axis Al between a first side 118 and a second side 120 of the main body 106. As can be seen in the figures, there are a plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130 that may be installed into the adapter 102. There may be a first plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130a installed into the opening 116 on the first side 118 and a second plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130b installed into the first main opening 116 on second side 120. The plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130b (and the second side of the adapter 102) are typically located behind the panel or rack and not readily accessible to the installer or tradesperson. In fact, there may not be any of the plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130b installed when the present invention is used, or there only may be a fewer number installed than what is illustrated in the figures. Additionally, the plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130b may be installed at a future date.

[0056] The ganging adapter assembly 100 also includes the carrier 104. The carrier 104 is formed by two long sides 142,144 bound by two opposing short sides 146,148 and having a second main opening 150 along a second longitudinal axis A2 between a first side 152 and a second side 154 of the carrier 104 for receiving at least some of the first plurality of fiberoptic connectors 130a in the second main opening 150. In one embodiment, at least two fiber-optic connectors 130a are installed in the carrier 104.

[0057] The first longitudinal axis Al and the second longitudinal axis A2 are co-linear with each other as illustrated in Fig. 9. Additionally, the plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130 are preferably the very small form factor (VSFF) connectors, although they could be any number of other formats, e.g., LC Duplex type or MPO type, with corresponding structural changes made to the carrier 104 and the adapter 102 to accommodate the size, housing geometry and force requirements for any given format. Each of the plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130 have an outer housing 132 that extends along a length of the fiber-optic connectors 130 and in a direction of the first longitudinal axis Al and the second longitudinal axis A2.

[0058] There are also levers 160,162 rotatably attached to the main body 106 of the adapter 102. The levers 160,162 engage corresponding projections 164 on the carrier 104 to move the carrier 104 and any installed fiber-optic connectors of the first plurality of fiberoptic connectors 130a when installed in the carrier 104 toward a mating position or plane 124 inside the main body 106 upon rotation of the levers 160,162 about pivot axles 168. This is best illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 and Figs. 10-12. As can be seen, the projections 164on the carrier 104 are disposed at a junction of the long sides 142,144 and the opposing short sides 146,148 and are extending away from the carrier 104. See also Figs. 5 and 6.

[0059] Turning to each of the components in the ganging adapter assembly 100 in more detail, the adapter 102 is best illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4. The main body 106 of the adapter 102 may have within the first main opening 116 guide rails 170 to assist with the location and orientation of the plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130 within the first main opening 116. A strength member 172 (or internal wall 172) may also be in the main body 106 and extend at least partially between the first side 118 and the second side 120 for structural support. For only two or even three fiber optic connectors 130, the strength member 172 may be optional due to the smaller size of the adapter 102. On the other hand, for higher port counts (i.e., a higher number of fiber optic connectors 130), more than one strength member 172 may be used. At the second side 120 of the main body 106 there may be latch openings or depressions 174 in the main body 106 to receive latches on the plurality of fiberoptic connectors 130b.

[0060] On opposing sides of the first main opening 116 and on the outside of the main body 106 are detents 176 to keep the levers 160,162 from rotating past a certain point, and allowing the plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130 to move relative to the adapter 102. As illustrated in Fig. 13, the detents 176’ may be on the carrier 104’ rather than on the adapter. In Fig. 13 then, the levers 160,162 may be attached to the carrier 104’ such that the levers 160,162 rotatably engage corresponding projections on the adapter 102 to move the carrier 104’ and the at least two fiber-optic connectors 130a when installed in the carrier toward a mating position inside the main body 106.

[0061] As more easily seen in Figs. 5 and 6, the carrier 104 may also have within the second main opening 150 guide rails 180 to assist with the location and orientation of the plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130a within the second main opening 150. The guide rails 180 on one of the two long sides 142,144 may be of a different height than the guide rails 180 on the other of the two long sides 142,144. There are also at the second side 154 latch openings or depressions 182 in the main body 106 to receive latches on the plurality of fiberoptic connectors 130a. As with the adapter 102, there is a strength member 184 (or internal wall 184) that extends at least partially between the first side 152 and the second side 154 for structural support, similar to the strength member 172 of the adapter 102.

[0062] The levers 160,162 can be either mirror images of each other or they can also be the same structure. See, e.g., Figs. 7 and 8. The levers 160,162 have two extensions 190with a central member 192. In each of the extensions 190 is a pivot opening 194 and a slot 196. The pivot opening 194 receives a corresponding pivot axle 168 on the adapter 102 that allows the levers 160,162 to rotate relative to the adapter and the carrier 104. See Figs. 10- 12. The slot 196 receives the corresponding projections 164 on the carrier 104, and the surface 198 engages the projections 164 on the carrier 104 and moves the carrier 104 toward the adapter 102 as the levers 160,162 rotate. The length of the levers 160,162 between the pivot opening 194 and the push surface 200, provides a mechanical advantage as the levers 160,162 rotate and engage the projections 164. In Fig. 10, the carrier 104 is beginning to be inserted into the adapter 102 and the pivot axles 168 are aligned with the projections 164. In Fig. 11, the levers 160,162 are rotated toward each other and the projections 164 on the carrier 104 engage the surface 198 in the slot 196, thereby moving the carrier 104 and the plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130a into the adapter 102. In Fig. 12, the levers 160,162 have been rotated as far as they can go and the connectors have been installed in the adapter 102. The levers 160,162 engage the detents 176 to retain the levers 160,162 in place and so too then the carrier 104, preventing the carrier 104 from being accidentally dislodged. A portion of the levers 160,162 moving over the detents 176 may temporarily deform during the rotation. Once the levers 160,162 are fully rotated and the carrier 104 is locked with the adapter 102, the fiber-optic connectors 130 may be removed individually too while the remaining fiber optic-connectors 130 remain mated.

[0063] As noted above, Fig. 13 has an alternative carrier 104’ where the detents 176’ may be on the carrier 104’ rather than on the adapter.

[0064] Another embodiment of a ganging adapter assembly 300 according to the present invention is illustrated in Figs. 14-30. The ganging adapter assembly 300 has two main components, an adapter 302 that may be mounted in a panel or rack (not shown) and a carrier 304. In this embodiment, there is a different way of moving the carrier 304 relative to the adapter 302 - a sleeve 322 is used to push the carrier 304. In this embodiment, the carrier 304 (Figs. 15 and 16) is the same as the carrier 104.

[0065] The adapter 302 has a main body 306 formed by two long sides 308,310 bound by two opposing short sides 312,314. See Fig. 17. There is also a first main opening 316 along a first longitudinal axis Al between a first side 318 and a second side 320 of the main body 306. As can be seen in the figures, there are a plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130 that may be installed into the adapter 302. There may be a first plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130a installed into the first main opening 316 on the first side 318 and a second plurality offiber-optic connectors 130b installed into the first main opening 316 on second side 320. The connectors 130 from each side meet at a mating position / plane 324 inside the main body 306. The plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130b (and the second side 320 of the adapter 302) are typically located behind the panel or rack and not readily accessible to the installer or tradesperson. In fact, there may not be any of the plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130b installed when the present invention is used, or there only may be a fewer number installed than what is illustrated in the figures. Additionally, the plurality of fiberoptic connectors 130b may be installed at a future date.

[0066] The adapter 302 has two center guides 326, one on opposing long sides 308,310 of the first main opening 316 on first side 318. The center guides 326 are used to align the adapter 302 with the sleeve 322. This is discussed in more detail below. The adapter 302 also has two sleeve stops 328a and 328b on each of the short sides 312, 314 to prevent the sleeve 322 from moving too far relative to the main body 304.

[0067] The ganging adapter assembly 300 also includes the carrier 304. The carrier 304 is the same as in the first embodiment and is formed by two long sides 342,344 bound by two opposing short sides 346,348 and having a second main opening 350 along a second longitudinal axis A2 and that extends between a first side 352 and a second side 354 of the carrier 304 for receiving at least some of the first plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130a in the second main opening 150.

[0068] As with the first embodiment, the first longitudinal axis Al and the second longitudinal axis A2 are co-linear with each other as illustrated in Figs. 15 and 17 and as also described above. Additionally, the plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130 are preferably the very small form factor (VSFF) connectors, although they could be any number of other formats, e.g., as described above with respect to the first embodiment. Each of the plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130 have an outer housing 132 that extends along a length of the fiber-optic connectors 130 and in a direction of the first longitudinal axis Al and the second longitudinal axis A2. The plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130 also have a latching mechanism 134 that engages openings or depressions 374 in the adapter 302.

[0069] There are also levers 360,362 rotatably attached to the main body 306 of the adapter 302. As with the first embodiment, the levers 360,362 engage corresponding projections 364 on the carrier 304 to move the carrier 304. This causes any installed fiberoptic connectors of the first plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130a in the carrier 304 to move toward a mating position or plane 324 inside the main body 306 upon rotation of thelevers 360,362 about pivot axles 368. However, in this embodiment, there is a sleeve 366 that engages the levers 360,362 to move the carrier 304. This is best illustrated in Figs. 26- 30 and the discussion below. As can be seen, the projections 364 on the carrier 304 are disposed at a junction of the long sides 342,344 and the opposing short sides 346,348 and are extending away from the carrier 304. See also Figs. 15 and 17.

[0070] Turning to each of the components in the ganging adapter assembly 300 in more detail, the adapter 302 is best illustrated in Figs. 17 and 18. The main body 306 of the adapter 302 may have within the first main opening 316 guide rails 370 to assist with the location and orientation of the plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130 within the first main opening 316. A strength member 372 may also be in the main body 306 and extend at least partially between the first side 318 and the second side 320 for structural support. At the second side 320 of the main body 306 there may be latch openings or depressions 374 in the main body 306 to receive latches on the plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130.

[0071] As more easily seen in Figs. 5 and 6, the carrier 304 may also have within the second main opening 350 guide rails 380 to assist with the location and orientation of the plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130a within the second main opening 350. There are also at the second side 354 latch openings or depressions 382 in the main body 306 to receive latches on the plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130a. As with the adapter 302, there is a strength member 384 that extends at least partially between the first side 352 and the second side 354 for structural support.

[0072] The levers 360,362 can be either mirror images of each other or they can also be the same structure. The levers 360,362 have two extensions 390 with a central member 392. In each of the extensions 390 is a pivot opening 394 and a slot 396. The pivot opening 394 receives a corresponding pivot axle 368 on the adapter 302 that allows the levers 360,362 to rotate relative to the adapter 302 and the carrier 304. See Figs. 26-30. The slot 396 receives the corresponding projections 364 on the carrier 304, and the surface 398 engages the projections 364 on the carrier 304 and moves the carrier 304 toward the adapter 302 as the levers 360,362 rotate. The levers 360,362 also have on each of the two extensions 390 a return guide projection 402 that engages a return guide opening 404 in the sleeve 322. The combination of the return guide projection 402 and the return guide opening 404 make for a smoother rotation of the levers 360,362 and the movement of the carrier 302 with the plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130a.

[0073] The sleeve 322 is illustrated in Figs. 22-24. The sleeve 322 has a top 406, bottom 408, and two sides 410,412 forming a sleeve opening 414 to receive the carrier 304 and the plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130b. On a front side 416 of the sleeve 322 are two push surfaces 418 used by the user to move the carrier 304 toward the adapter 302. On the inside surfaces of the top 406 and the bottom 408 are a number of structures to engage the levers 360 / 362 and the carrier 304. Since they are the same in the top and bottom, only the structures on the bottom surface will be discussed herein. First is the center guide receiver 420 to receive the center guide 326 on the adapter 302. This is the first alignment and engagement of the sleeve 322 with the adapter 302. To either side of the center guide receiver 420 are lever pushers 422 that engage the extensions 390 of the levers 360 / 362. Next to the lever pushers 422 are protrusions 424 that engage another portion of the extension 390 of the levers 360 / 362. See Fig. 27.

[0074] On an inside surface of the two sides 410,412 are two detents 426 and a sleeve stop surface 428. The detents 426 function to keep the carrier 304 from moving out of the sleeve 322. As the carrier 304 is pushed into the sleeve 322, the projections 364 move the detents outward and then when the carrier reaches a certain point, the detents 426 can move in behind the projections 364, keeping the carrier locked into position. This is described below and with reference to Figs. 28-30.

[0075] Next the sleeve stop surface 428 prevents the sleeve 322 from moving too far unintentionally. The sleeve stop surface 428 engages the sleeve stop 328a before the sleeve 322 is being used. It prevents the sleeve 322 from being inserted too early and without the carrier 304. As seen Fig. 29, as the carrier 304 is inserted, the projections 364 move the sleeve stop surface 428 outward and the sleeve stop surface 428 can move past the sleeve stop 328a. As the carrier 304 is further inserted, the sleeve stop surface 428 engages the sleeve stop 328b, thereby preventing the carrier 304 from being moved too far. See Fig. 30.

[0076] It should be noted that the levers 360 / 362 are already attached to the adapter 302 and the carrier 304 may already be partially engaged with the adapter 302 and the levers 360 / 362, as illustrated in Fig. 26.

[0077] Turning now to the operation of the ganging adapter assembly 300, reference is made to Figs. 14 and 25-30. The ganging adapter assembly 300 is illustrated in Fig. 14 just before the insertion of the fiber-optic connectors 130a. The status of the adapter 302, levers 160 / 162, and the sleeve 322 are shown in Fig. 25. There the sleeve stop surface 428 engages the sleeve stop 328a to prevent the sleeve 322 from moving prematurely relative to theadapter 302. The fiber-optic connectors 130a are installed in the carrier 304 and the user will push the fiber-optic connectors 130a and the carrier 304 into the sleeve 322 and the adapter 302. See Fig. 28. The detents 426 are moved outward and the carrier 304 passes the detents 426. At this point, the carrier 304 is then held in the sleeve 322. See Figs. 26 and 29. The sleeve 322 (and the carrier 304) is then pushed and the carrier 304 pushes the sleeve stop surface 428 allowing the sleeve 322 to move forward. The lever pushers 422 then push the extensions 390, causing the levers 360 / 362 to rotate and capture the projections 364 on the carrier 304 to move the carrier 304. Fig. 27. As illustrated in Figs. 27 and 30, the protrusions 424 engage another portion of the extension 390 of the levers 360 / 362 to keep the carrier 304 from moving. The carrier 304 is disposed between the detent 426 and the adapter 302. Fig.30. The sleeve stop surface 428 also engages the sleeve stop 328b, preventing the sleeve 322 from moving any farther. As this point the carrier 304 and the plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130a are secured within the adapter 302.

[0078] Another embodiment of a ganging adapter assembly 500 according to the present invention is illustrated in Figs. 31-42. The ganging adapter assembly 500 has two main components, an adapter 502 that may be mounted in a panel or rack (not shown) and a carrier 504. The adapter 502 has a main body 506 formed by two long sides 508,510 bound by two opposing short sides 512,514 and having a first main opening 516 along a first longitudinal axis Al between a first side 518 and a second side 520 of the main body 506. As with the prior embodiments, there are a plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130 that may be installed into the adapter 502. Given the disclosure in the other embodiments above for the fiber-optic connectors 130, that information will not be repeated here but it is relied upon for this embodiment as well.

[0079] The ganging adapter assembly 500 also includes the carrier 504. The carrier 504 is formed by two long sides 542,544 bound by two opposing short sides 546,548 and having a second main opening 550 along a second longitudinal axis A2 between a first side 552 and a second side 554 of the carrier 504 for receiving at least some of the first plurality of fiberoptic connectors 130a in the second main opening 550. The first longitudinal axis Al and the second longitudinal axis A2 are co-linear with each other as illustrated in Fig. 32 .

[0080] The adapter 502 is best illustrated in Figs. 32 and 36. The main body 506 of the adapter 502 may have within the first main opening 516 guide rails 570 to assist with the location and orientation of the plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130 within the first main opening 516. A strength member 572 may also be in the main body 506 and extend at leastpartially between the first side 518 and the second side 520 for structural support. At the second side 520 of the main body 506 there may be latch openings or depressions 574 in the main body 506 to receive latches on the plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130.

[0081] There are two flexible latch arms 568 on the first side 518 of the adapter 502 that extend away from the main body 506 and the second side 520. There is one flexible latch arm 568 on each of the opposing short sides 512,514. The flexible arms 568 are able to flex away from the main body 506 as illustrated by the arrows in Fig. 38. An edge of the adapter 502 between the two flexible latch arms 568 facing the carrier 504 may have a slight radius or curve thereto to allow easy lever action or rotation of the carrier 504 at one of the flanges 560 when engaged to one of the flexible latch arms 568. This allows gaining lever action and subsequently attach the other one of the flanges 560 to the other one of the flexible latch arms 568

[0082] The carrier 504 may also have within the second main opening 550 guide rails 580 to assist with the location and orientation of the plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130a within the second main opening 550. The guide rails 580 may have a tapered structure that allows for space for the installed fiber-optic connectors 130a on the carrier 504 to move or rotate or slide laterally as a fulcrum action is utilized with the carrier 504 as described below. There are also at the second side 554 latch openings or depressions 582 in the carrier 504 to receive latches on the plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130a. There is also a strength member 584 that extends at least partially between the first side 552 and the second side 554 for structural support.

[0083] On the second side 554 of the carrier 504 are four flanges 560, two on each side of the second main opening 550 and on the short sides 546,548. Each of the flanges 560 have a surface that is directed to the first side 552 and is configured to engage the flexible latch arms 568. See Figs. 31, 34 and 41. The carrier 504 also has on the first side 552 a pushing area 562 on either side of the second main opening 550. See Fig. 33.

[0084] As illustrated in Figs 39-42, the attachment of the carrier 504 to the adapter 502 is illustrated. The fiber-optic connectors 130 have been omitted for clarity. The carrier 504 is brought to the adapter 502 and one of the flexible latch arms 568 on the adapter 502 is biased to one side to engage two of the flanges 560 on the carrier. See Fig. 41. The other of the flexible latch arms 568 on the adapter 502 flexes outward and away from the carrier 504. Using the first connection of the flexible latch arms 568 on the adapter 502 with two of the flanges 560 on the carrier to create a fulcrum of a lever, the user can push on the pushingarea 562 (on the upper side in Fig. 41) to gain a mechanical advantage in connecting the carrier 504 to the adapter 502 with the other of the flexible latch arms 568 on the adapter 502 and the other of the flanges 560.

[0085] Another embodiment of a ganging adapter assembly 600 according to the present invention is illustrated in Fig. 43. The ganging adapter assembly 600 has two main components, an adapter 602 that may be mounted in a panel or rack (not shown) and a carrier 604. In this embodiment, the levers 660 / 662 extend across the two long sides 642,644 of the carrier 604 and the long sides of the adapter 602. The projections 664 that engage the levers 660 / 662 are also on the short sides 612. Similarly, the pivot axles 668 about which the levers 660 / 662 rotate are also on the short sides 612 of the adapter 602. The remaining parts are the same as for the ganging adapter assembly 100.

[0086] Another embodiment of a ganging adapter assembly 700 according to the present invention is illustrated in Fig. 44. The ganging adapter assembly 700 has two main components, an adapter 702 that may be mounted in a panel or rack (not shown) and a carrier 704. The adapter 702 has a main body 706 formed by two long sides 708,710 bound by two opposing short sides 712,714 and having a first main opening 716 along a first longitudinal axis Al between a first side 718 and a second side 720 of the main body 706. As with the other embodiments, there may be a plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130 that may be installed into the adapter 702. There may be a first plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130a installed into the first main opening 716 on the first side 718 and a second plurality of fiberoptic connectors 130b on the second side 720.

[0087] The carrier 704 is formed by two long sides 742,744 bound by two opposing short sides 746,748 and having a second main opening 750 along a second longitudinal axis A2 between a first side 752 and a second side 754 of the carrier 704 for receiving at least some of the first plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130a in the second main opening 750.

[0088] The first longitudinal axis Al in the adapter 702 and the second longitudinal axis A2 in the carrier 704 are co-linear with each other as illustrated in Fig. 45.

[0089] There are also levers 760,762 attached to the opposing short sides 712,714 of the main body 706 of the adapter 702. The levers 760,762 are fixedly attached to the adapter 702, but are able to flex inward toward each other. See Figs. 54 and 55. On the levers 760,762 is a sloped projection 766 to engage a portion of the carrier 704. See Fig. 46. On the top and bottom of the levers 760,762 is a peg or projections 768 to receive a corresponding opening or receptacle 764 in the carrier 704. See Fig. 47.

[0090] Turning to each of the components in the ganging adapter assembly 700 in more detail, the adapter 702 is best illustrated in Figs. 44 and 45. The main body 706 of the adapter 702 may have within the first main opening 716 guide rails 770 to assist with the location and orientation of the plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130 within the first main opening 716. A strength member 772 may also be in the main body 706 and extend at least partially between the first side 718 and the second side 720 for structural support. At the second side 720 of the main body 706 there may be latch openings or depressions 774 in the main body 706 to receive latches on the plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130.

[0091] As more easily seen in Fig. 47, the carrier 704 may also have within the second main opening 750 guide rails 780 to assist with the location and orientation of the plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130a within the second main opening 150. There are also at the second side 754 latch openings or depressions 782 in the carrier 704 to receive latches on the plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130a. Alternatively, the latch openings 782 may be equidistant from the first and the second sides 752,754. As with the adapter 702, there is a strength member 784 that extends at least partially between the first side 752 and the second side 754 for structural support.

[0092] Referring to Figs. 47-50, the carrier 704 has extensions 776 that extend from the short side 746 / 748 to engage the adapter 702. The extensions 776 have the opening 764 and also a lip 778 to engage the backside of the peg or projections 768 to keep the carrier 704 from moving backward. See Fig. 53. The short sides 746 / 748 also have a protruding surface 786 to engage the sloped projection 766 on the levers 760,762 . See Fig. 55.

[0093] The operation of the ganging adapter assembly 700 will be discussed with reference to Figs 51-57. In Fig. 51, the carrier 704 (and the fiber-optic connectors which are not shown for clarity) is advanced to the adapter 702. As the extensions 776 engage the peg or projections 768, the extensions 776 flex upwards and over the peg or projections 768. See Fig. 52. The lip 778 engages the backside of the peg or projections 768, preventing the carrier 704 from moving backwards. See Fig. 53. At this point, the user can pinch the levers 760,762 inward (see Fig. 54) and the sloped projection 766 engages the protruding surface 786 to move the carrier 704 toward the adapter 702. See Fig. 55. The extensions 776 move over the peg or projections 768 and the peg or projections 768 move into the opening 764. See Figs. 56 and 57. At this point, the carrier 704 is fully mounted on the adapter 702.

[0094] Accordingly, various embodiments of this disclosure thus provide a mechanical advantage to insert and mate simultaneously a plurality of fiber optic connectors accuratelyat the mating plane in a ganged manner, without the end user having to apply too much force on their part, due to the lever action from the ganging adapter assembly. Finally, once the connectors are mated, and if there is a need to pull out individual connectors one-by-one or even two at a time (e.g., using a boot portion of the fiber optic connectors 130), the abovenoted implementations allow the end user to do so, without disturbing the other individual fiber optic connectors.

[0095] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed:

1. A ganging adapter assembly comprising: an adapter having a main body formed by two long sides bound by two opposing short sides and having a first main opening along a first longitudinal axis between a first side and a second side of the main body, the first main opening for receiving a plurality of fiberoptic connectors from each of the first side and the second side; and a carrier formed by two long sides bound by two opposing short sides and having a second main opening along a second longitudinal axis between a first side and a second side for receiving at least two of the plurality of fiber-optic connectors; and at least one lever rotatably attached to the main body to engage corresponding projections on the carrier to move the carrier and the at least two fiber-optic connectors when installed in the carrier toward a mating position inside the main body upon rotation of the at least one lever.

2. The ganging adapter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one lever comprises two levers, the two levers are disposed on opposing sides of the first main opening.

3. The ganging adapter assembly according to claim 1, the projections on the carrier are disposed at a junction of the long sides and the short sides and are extending away from the carrier.

4. The ganging adapter assembly according to claim 1, each of the plurality of fiberoptic connectors having a housing with a length along the second longitudinal axis5. The ganging adapter assembly according to claim 1, wherein a sleeve is used to rotate the at least one lever.

6. The ganging adapter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lever extends orthogonally to the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis and along one of the long sides.

7. The ganging adapter assembly according to claim 1, herein the carrier has openings to receive connector latches on the plurality of fiber-optic connectors.

8. The ganging adapter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one lever has at least one slot to receive the carrier projections.

9. The ganging adapter assembly according to claim 1, further comprising detents to retain the at least one lever in an engaged position.

10. The ganging adapter assembly according to claim 9, wherein the detents are disposed on the main body.

11. The ganging adapter assembly according to claim 9, wherein the detents are disposed on the carrier.

12. A ganging adapter assembly comprising: an adapter having a main body formed by two long sides bound by two opposing short sides and having a first main opening along a first longitudinal axis between a first side and a second side of the main body, the first main opening for receiving a plurality of fiberoptic connectors from each of the first side and the second side, and two flexible latch arms, each of the flexible latch arms on opposing sides of the first main opening and extending away from the main body; and a carrier having a second main opening along a second longitudinal axis between a first side and a second side of the main body for receiving at least two of the plurality of fiber-optic connectors, the carrier having two flanges, each of the flanges on opposing sides of the second main opening to engage the flexible latch arms on the main body.

13. The ganging adapter assembly according to claim 12, wherein a first of the two flanges is connected to the adapter and a second of the two flanges engages the carrier as the second of the two flanges is moved to connect with the adapter, the connection of the first of the two flanges with the adapter acting as a fulcrum to move the carrier to the adapter.

14. A ganged adapter assembly comprising:an adapter having a main body formed by two long sides bound by two opposing short sides and having a first main opening along a first longitudinal axis between a first side and a second side of the main body, the first main opening receiving a plurality of fiber-optic connectors from each of the first side and the second side; a latch on each one of the two opposing sides, respectively, each latch having a pair of projections; and a carrier formed by two long sides bound by two opposing short sides and having a second main opening along a second longitudinal axis between a first side and a second side of the main body for receiving at least two of the plurality of fiber-optic connectors, wherein the carrier includes receptacles for respectively receiving the projections, and when the latch is moved toward the carrier, the at least two fiber-optic connectors installed in the carrier move toward a mating position / plane inside the main body and the projections are positioned in the respective receptacles.

15. A ganging adapter assembly comprising: an adapter having a main body formed by two long sides bound by two opposing short sides and having a first main opening along a first longitudinal axis between a first side and a second side of the main body, the first main opening for receiving a plurality of fiberoptic connectors from each of the first side and the second side; and a carrier formed by two long sides bound by two opposing short sides and having a second main opening along a second longitudinal axis between a first side and a second side for receiving at least two of the plurality of fiber-optic connectors; and at least one lever to rotatably engage corresponding projections on the carrier or the adapter to move the carrier and the at least two fiber-optic connectors when installed in the carrier toward a mating position inside the main body upon rotation of the at least one lever for mating the plurality of fiber-optic connectors from the first side and the second side, wherein subsequent to the mating, individual ones of the plurality of fiber-optic connectors are removable from the ganging adapter assembly.

Images