Mechanical advantage extraction of vsff mass insertion connector solutions

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 away the adapter 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

MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE EXTRACTION OF VSFF MASS INSERTION CONNECTOR SOLUTIONSReference to Related Case

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (e) to U.S. provisional application no. 63 / 561,523 filed on March 5, 2024, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The fiber-optic connector industry is moving toward mass insertion solutions that combine the simultaneous insertion of multiple fiber-optic connectors such as the very small form factor (VSFF) mechanical advantage 4 connector system (see, e.g., WO2023 / 122215 by the Applicant US Conec Ltd., USCO-156-INT) and the multiport VSFF mass insertion solution with four and to up to 16 fiber-optic connectors at a time (see application PCT / US2024 / 47221by the Applicant, USCO-175-INT). Both of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Also, both of these solutions address the need to incorporate a mechanical advantage for the user when inserting the fiber-optic connectors due to the combined spring force of each fiber-optic connector. What these aforementioned patent applications do not address are the forces resulting from ferrule engagement features while extracting or removing them from the adapter and the mating fiber-optic connectors.

[0003] Single fiber ferrule ceramic split sleeves are a common method to keep the mating ferrules aligned. These sleeves result in a force being applied to the LC-type ferrule that must be overcome in order to remove the ferrule from the adapter. With the increase in ferrule count being mated and removed, the force required by the user to remove them also increases. For some split sleeves, the removal force from the split sleeve can be as much as one half of the fiber-optic connector spring force.

[0004] When dealing with multifiber ferrules, guide pins are a common method of aligning the ferrules when mating. Due to the nature of the fine alignment there is a frictional force between the guide pin and the mating ferrule such that when disconnecting the fiberoptic connector and un-mating the ferrules, there is a force that must be overcome. Similar to the single fiber ferrules, the force required for removal increases with the number of ferrules in the connection.

[0005] Thus, there is a need to ease the force that the end user experiences removing these ganged VSFF fiber-optic connectors from a telecommunications structure (adapter or receptacle).SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to one aspect, 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, 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 wherein the carrier is configured to allow removal of individual fiber-optic connectors form the ganging adapter assembly, and a first lever rotatably attached to the first side of the main body to only engage a corresponding first projection on a top side of the carrier and a second lever rotatably attached to the first side of the main body and across the first main opening from the first lever to only engage a corresponding second projection on a bottom side of the carrier, the first lever and the second lever causing the carrier and the at least two fiber-optic connectors to move away from the adapter and away from a mating position inside the main body upon a rotation of the first lever and the second lever.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first lever and the second lever are asymmetric about a longitudinal plane, the longitudinal plane passing through the first longitudinal axis.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first projection and the second projection on the carrier are disposed in a middle of the long sides of each of the top side and the bottom side, respectively, and extend away from the carrier.

[0009] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of fiber-optic connectors has a housing with a length along the second longitudinal axis, wherein the housing is longer than a distance between the first side and the second side of the carrier.

[0010] In some embodiments, the carrier has lever projections that are disposed at a junction of the long sides and the short sides and extend away from the carrier.

[0011] In some embodiments, the carrier has openings on at least one of the two long sides to receive respective connector latches on the plurality of fiber-optic connectors.

[0012] In other embodiments, the first lever and the second lever each have at least one slot to receive a respective one of the lever projections.

[0013] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of fiber-optic connectors is also individually removable from the carrier.

[0014] In yet another aspect, 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, 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, wherein the carrier is configured to allow removal individual connectors from the ganging adapter assembly, and at least one lever rotatably attached to the first side of the main body to engage the carrier, the at least one lever causing the carrier and the at least two fiber-optic connectors to move away from the adapter and away from a mating position inside the main body upon a rotation of the at least one lever.

[0015] In some embodiments, the at least one lever comprises a first lever and a second lever, the first and second levers being across the first main opening from one another.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first lever and the second lever are asymmetric about a longitudinal plane, the longitudinal plane passing through the first longitudinal axis.

[0017] In some embodiments, the carrier has a first projection and a second projection, the first projection and the second projection disposed in a middle of the long sides of each of the top side and the bottom side, respectively, and extend away from the carrier.

[0018] In other embodiments, the carrier has lever projections that are disposed at a junction of the long sides and the short sides and extend away from the carrier.

[0019] In other embodiments, the ganging assembly also includes a third lever and a fourth lever, the third lever mounted on the same at least one of the plurality of engagement projections at the first side of the main body with the first lever, and the fourth lever mounted on the same at least one of the plurality of engagement projections on the first side of the main body across the main opening from the first lever.

[0020] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present embodiments of the invention are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the 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

[0021] Fig. 1 is a perspective view from above of one embodiment of ganging adapter assembly according to the present invention in a locked position;

[0022] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an adapter of the ganging adapter assembly in Fig. 1;

[0023] Fig. 3 is top view of the adapter in Fig. 2;

[0024] Fig. 4 is an elevational view of the adapter in Fig. 2;

[0025] Fig. 5 is perspective view of one embodiment of a carrier of the ganging adapter assembly in Fig. 1;

[0026] Fig. 6 is a front elevational view of the carrier in Fig. 5;

[0027] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of one lever according to the present invention used with the ganging adapter assembly of Fig. 1;

[0028] Fig. 8 is a different perspective view of the lever in Fig. 7;

[0029] Fig. 9 is a different perspective view of the lever in Fig. 7;

[0030] Figs. 10-13 are a top view of the adapter and the carrier of the ganging adapter assembly in Fig. 1 showing the movement of the carrier and the unlocking of the carrier and adapter in the assembly of Fig. 1;

[0031] Fig. 14 is a perspective view from above of one embodiment of ganging adapter assembly according to the present invention in a locked position;

[0032] Fig. 15 is an elevational view of the adapter used with the ganging adapter assembly in Fig. 14;

[0033] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the adapter in Fig. 15;

[0034] Fig. 17 is a front elevational view of a carrier used with the ganging adapter assembly in Fig.15;

[0035] Fig. 18 a perspective view of the carrier in Fig. 17;

[0036] Fig. 19 is a side elevational view of the carrier in Fig. 17;

[0037] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of one internal lever according to the present invention used with the ganging adapter assembly of Fig. 14;

[0038] Fig. 21 is another view of the internal lever in Fig. 20;

[0039] Fig. 22 is a side elevation of view of the internal lever in Fig. 20;

[0040] Fig. 23 is a perspective view of one external lever according to the present version and used with the ganging adapter assembly in Fig.14;

[0041] Fig. 24 is another view of the external lever in Fig. 23;

[0042] Fig. 25 is a side elevation of view of the external lever in Fig. 23;

[0043] Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the adapter with the internal and the external levers attached thereto;

[0044] Fig. 27 is a side view of the adapter with the internal and the external levers attached thereto in Fig. 26;

[0045] Fig. 28 is a top view of the adapter with the internal and the external levers attached thereto in Fig. 26;

[0046] Fig. 29 is cross-section view of the internal and external levers engaging one another;

[0047] Fig. 30 is a top view of the ganging adapter assembly in Fig.14 in a mated position;

[0048] Fig. 31 is a top view of the ganging adapter assembly in Fig. 15 starting to release the carrier;

[0049] Fig. 32 shows the external levers engaging the carrier to move the carrier away from the adapter;

[0050] Fig. 33 shows the projections on the carrier free of the internal levers;

[0051] Fig. 34 shows the projections on the carrier past the levers;

[0052] Fig. 35 is a perspective view from above of a third embodiment of ganging adapter assembly according to the present invention in a locked position;

[0053] Fig. 36 is a perspective view of an adapter used with the ganging adapter assembly in Fig. 35;

[0054] Fig. 37 is a front elevation view of a carrier used with the ganging adapter assembly in Fig. 35;

[0055] Fig. 38 is a perspective view of the carrier shown in Fig. 37;

[0056] Fig. 39 is a side elevation view of the carrier shown in Fig. 37;

[0057] Fig. 40 is a perspective view of a lever used with the ganging adapter assembly in Fig. 35

[0058] Fig. 41 is a perspective view of a carrier lever to be used with the carrier in Fig. 37;

[0059] Fig. 42 is a perspective view of a linkage to be used with the carrier lever in Fig. 41;

[0060] Fig. 43 a perspective view of a slider used with the carrier lever and the linkage to separate the carrier from the adapter;

[0061] Fig. 44 is a top view of the ganging adapter assembly in Fig. 35 in a mated position;

[0062] Fig. 45 shows the levers moved away from the carrier releasing the projections on the carrier;

[0063] Fig. 46 shows the carrier lever moving downward in the figure putting force on the central projections of the adapter, moving the adapter and carrier apart;

[0064] Fig. 47 is a detail view of the carrier lever engaging the stops to prevent overrotation;

[0065] Fig.48 is a perspective view from above of a fourth embodiment of ganging adapter assembly according to the present invention in a locked position;

[0066] Fig. 49 is a perspective view of an adapter used with the ganging adapter assembly in Fig. 48;

[0067] Fig. 50 is a perspective view of a carrier used with the ganging adapter assembly in Fig. 48;

[0068] Fig. 51 is a perspective view of a lever used with the ganging adapter assembly in Fig. 48;

[0069] Fig. 52 is a perspective view of a carrier lever to be used with the carrier in Fig. 51;

[0070] Fig. 53 is a top view of the ganging adapter assembly in Fig. 48 in a mated position;

[0071] Fig. 54 shows the levers moved away from the carrier releasing the projections on the carrier and the carrier;

[0072] Fig. 55 shows the carrier lever moving downward in the figure putting force on the central projections of the adapter, moving the adapter and carrier apart; and

[0073] Fig. 56 shows the carrier lever engaged with the projection on the adapter in a final state.

[0074] 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.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0075] Illustrated in Figs. 1 - 13 is one embodiment of a ganging adapter assembly 100 according to the present invention. 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 two opposing 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.

[0076] 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 fiber-optic connectors 130a in the second main opening 150. In one embodiment, at least two fiber-optic connectors 130a are installed in the carrier 104.

[0077] The first longitudinal axis Al and the second longitudinal axis A2 are colinear with each other as illustrated in Figs. 2, 5 and 10. 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. The fiber-optic connectors 130 may be individually removed from the carrier 104 and the adapter 102 (and also the others disclosed below).

[0078] There are also levers 160,162 rotatably attached to the main body 106 of the adapter 102. The levers 160,162 engage corresponding lever projections 164 on the carrier 104 to retain the carrier 104 in position with respect to the adapter 102. As the levers 160,162 are rotated about engagement projections 168, the carrier 104 and any installed fiber-optic connectors of the first plurality of fiber-optic connectors 130a begin to move away from the adapter 102. Upon further rotation of the levers 160,162, one of the levers 160 engages a projection 166a on the top of the carrier 104 . The other lever 162 engages a projection 166b on the bottom of the carrier 104. Further rotation of the levers 160,162, cause the levers to push on the projections 166a, 166b, moving the carrier 104 further away from the adapter 102. The projections 166a, 166b are preferably in the middle of the long sides 142,144, but may also be offset. This is best illustrated in Figs. 1 and 10-13. As can be seen, the lever projections 164 on 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.

[0079] Turning to each of the components in the ganging adapter assembly 100 in more detail, the adapter 102 is best illustrated in Figs. 2 - 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 fiber-optic connectors 130b. The adapter 102 may also have prongs or extensions 176 on the first side 118 that extend toward and engage in receivers 178 on the carrier 104

[0080] 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 fiber-optic 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

[0081] The levers 160,162 are asymmetrical about a plane A3 that also passes through the first longitudinal axis Al. See, e.g., Figs. 7 and 8. However, the levers 160,162 are the same and can be used on either side of the first main opening 116 at the first side 118. The levers 160,162 have two sides 190,192 with a central member 194. Each of the two sides 190,192 has a pivot opening 196 and a slot 198. The pivot openings 196 receive a corresponding engagement projection 168 on the adapter 102 that allows the levers 160,162 to rotate relative to the adapter 102 and the carrier 104. See Figs. 10-13. On side 190, there is a larger flange 190a that engages the projections166a, 166b to move the carrier 104 away from the adapter 102 as the levers are rotated. The slot 198 receives the corresponding lever projections 164 on the carrier 104, and the surface 198a engages the lever projections 164 on the carrier 104 to prevent unwanted movement between the adapter 102 and the carrier 104. The length of the levers 160,162 between the pivot opening 194 and a push surface 188, provides a mechanical advantage as the levers 160,162 rotate and engage the projections 166a.

[0082] In Fig. 10, the carrier 104 is completely inserted into the adapter 102 and the lever projections 164 are within the slots 198. The larger flange 190a has yet to engage the projections 166a (and 166b also on the other side. In Fig. 11, the levers 160,162 are rotated away from each other and the lever projections 164 on the carrier 104 have disengaged from the slot 198, thereby allowing movement between the carrier 104 and the adapter 102. The larger flange 190a has also begun to make contact with the projections 166a / 166b (on the other side). See Fig. 12. In Fig. 13, the levers 160,162 have been rotated as far as they can go and the fiber-optic connectors 130 have been extracted from the adapter 102. The carrier 104 may now be moved with respect to the adapter 102 without any further entanglement.

[0083] Illustrated in Figs. 14-34 is another embodiment of a ganging adapter assembly 200 for use with the fiber optic connectors 130a and 130b. The ganging adapter assembly 200 has adapter 202 that may be mounted in a panel or rack (not shown) and a carrier 204. The adapter 202 is similar to the adapter 102, but the present adapter 202 has longer engagement projections 268 (extending farther away from the adapter 202) to be able to accept the internal levers and the external levers, as explained below. Other than this small difference, the two adapters 102,202 are the same. Cf. Figs. 2-4 with 15-16.

[0084] Similarly, there are small differences between the carrier 104 and the carrier 204. The main difference between carrier 104 and carrier 204 are the projections 266a, 266b that will engage with the external levers. Cf. Figs. 5-6 with 17-19. The projections 266a are configured as two separate projections that extend up from the long side 242. There are two projections 266a on the top or long side 242 with a gap (receiver 278) in between to accept the prongs or extensions 276 from the adapter 202 and engage in receivers 278. The bottom projection 266b can be solid as illustrated or may also be two separate portions / proj ections since the receivers 278 are on opposite sides thereof.The projections 266a may also have other configurations and still fall within the scope of the present invention. Again, reference is made to Figs. 5-6 for the other components of the carrier 204.

[0085] The adapter 202 has the internal levers 260 and external levers 262 attached thereto. See Figs. 14 and 26-34. The internal levers 260, shown best in Figs. 20-22, have two extensions 290 with a central member 292. In each of the extensions 290 is a pivot opening 294 and a slot 296. The pivot opening 294 receives a corresponding engagement projection 268 on the adapter 202 that allows the levers 160 to rotate relative to the adapter 202 and the carrier 204. The slot 196 receives the corresponding projections 264 on the carrier 204, and the surface 298 engages the projections 264 on the carrier 204 to prevent the carrier 204 from separating with the adapter 202. The length of the levers 160 between the pivot opening 194 and the push surface 288 provides a mechanical advantage as the levers 160 rotate and engage the projections 164.

[0086] The external levers 262, illustrated in Figs. 23-25, have two extensions 300 with a central member 302. Associated with each of the extensions 300 is a pivot opening 304 and a protrusion 306. Extending away from the pivot opening 304 is a push surface 310. The pivot opening 304 receives a corresponding engagement projection 268 on the adapter 202 that allows the external lever 162 to rotate relative to the adapter 202 and the carrier 204 - and the internal lever 206 as well. The protrusions 306 engage the projections 266a / 266b on the carrier 204 and, as explained in more detail below, push the carrier 204 from the adapter 202. The central member 302 also has a surface 312 that engages the internal lever 260 and prevents over-rotation of the levers 260,262. See Fig. 29. The length of the levers 260 between the pivot opening 304 and the push surface 310 provides a mechanical advantage as the levers 260 rotate and engage the projections 266a, 266b

[0087] Figs. 26-29 show the relationship between the adapter 202 and the internal and external levers 260,262. It should be noted that the internal and external levers 260,262 are mounted on the same longer engagement projections 268. There is sufficient space on the longer engagement projections 268 to accept both levers 260,262, as seen in Fig. 27. There is space between both levers 260,262 such that they may rotate independently of one another.

[0088] Figs. 30-34 illustrate the removal of the carrier 204 from the adapter 202. In Fig. 30, the adapter 202 and the carrier 204 are fully mated, with the carrier 204 being encapsulated by the levers 260 and the protrusions 306 are unengaged. In Fig. 31, the internal levers 260 have been pushed outward toward the external levers 262 to begin the uncoupling of the carrier 204 from the adapter 202. There is no need for the external levers 202 to be moved yet. As the projections 264 move past the internal levers 260, the external levers 262 (and the protrusions 306) begin to engage the projections 266a, 266b. See Fig. 32. The same movement is occurring on the other side of the assembly 200. In Fig. 33, the external levers 262 have pushed on the carrier 204 and the projections 264 move past the internal levers 260. When the external levers 262 have been rotated fully, the carrier 204 is no longer held in the adapter and the carrier can be easily removed.

[0089] Illustrated in Figs. 35-47 is another embodiment of a ganging adapter assembly 400 for use with the fiber optic connectors 130a and 130b. The ganging adapter assembly 400 has an adapter 402 that may be mounted in a panel or rack (not shown) and a carrier 404. The adapter 402 is similar to the adapter 402, but the present adapter 402 has a number of prongs 476 for engagement with the carrier 404, as explained below. The adapter 402 continues to have at least one lever 460 attached thereto. However, the carrier 404 also has carrier lever 462 that engages the adapter 402, unlike in the other embodiments. Other than these differences, the adapters 102,202,402 are essentially the same.

[0090] Similarly, there are differences between the carrier 404 and the other carriers discussed above. The main differences include different numbers of and locations of the prongs or extensions 476, the presence of a carrier lever 462 and its interaction with the adapter 402 through a slider and a linkage, discussed below.

[0091] Turning back to the adapter 402, it has the engagement projections 468 to receive the lever 460, which engages with the projections 464 on the carrier 404 to retain the carrier in the adapter 402. The adapter 402 also has four projections 476 that mate with receivers 478 on the carrier 404. However, there are two central projections 476a that are also instrumental in separating the adapter 402 from the carrier 404 as discussed below.

[0092] The carrier 404 is illustrated in Fig. 37. The carrier 404 has two receivers 478 on the bottom side of the carrier - long side 444. There are also two receivers 478a onopposing sides of the carrier 404 that receive not only the projections 476 but also the sliders. See Fig. 43. The receivers 478a preferably have a dovetail configuration to better hold the sliders as they engage the adapter 402. Also on the top and the bottom side walls 442,444 are pegs 434 for the carrier lever 462 and allow the carrier lever 462 to rotate around. Also on the top and bottom of the carrier 404 are stops 436, to prevent the carrier lever 462 from over-rotating. See also Fig. 47.

[0093] Fig. 40 illustrates a lever 460 that is rotatably attached to the engagement projections 468 on the adapter 402 to hold the projections 464 on the carrier 404, thereby retaining the carrier 404 in the adapter 402. The lever 460 is essentially the same as lever 260. See Fig. 20.

[0094] Fig. 41 shows the carrier lever 462 with an opening 470 to receive the peg 434 and a projection 472 with an opening 474 to engage with the linkage 480 of Fig. 41. A dowel 482 may be used to link the linkage 480 through linkage opening 484 with the carrier lever 462 through opening 474 (see Fig. 44). The carrier lever 462 also has a push surface 488 that is quite a distance removed from the opening 470, providing a mechanical advantage to the carrier lever 462.

[0095] Finally, there is a slider 490 that is to be attached to the linkage 480 in Fig.43. There is an upper portion 492 and a lower portion 494, with an opening 496 therebetween that can receive the linkage 480. The dowel 482 (see Fig. 44) can be inserted into the hole 498 to retain the linkage 480. The lower portion 494 of the slider 490 has a dovetail configuration that matches the configuration of the receiver 478a in Fig. 37.

[0096] With reference to Figs. 44-47, the operation of the ganging adapter assembly 400 will be explained. In Fig. 44, the adapter 402 and the carrier 404 are in complete engagement. The levers 460 have secured the projections 464 and the carrier 404 cannot move. In Fig. 45, the levers 460 have be rotated out of the way, allowing the projections 464 and the carrier 404 to move. The carrier levers 462 remain in their original place. In Fig. 46, the carrier levers 462 have rotated as fully as allowed. This causes the projection 472 on the carrier lever 462 to push on the linkage 480, which in turn pushes on the slider 490. The slider 490, which is biased against the projection 476a on the adapter 402, then pushes on the projection 476a separating the adapter from the carrier 404. Fig. 47 shows that the carrier lever 462 will stop its rotation when it engages the stop 436. There is noneed for the carrier lever 462 to rotate any farther because the carrier will have been removed from the adapter 402.

[0097] Illustrated in Figs. 48-56 is another embodiment of a ganging adapter assembly 500 for use with the fiber optic connectors 130a and 130b. This ganging adapter assembly 500 is similar in many respects as ganging adapter assembly 400 discussed above. There are a few differences in the projection 576a on the adapter 502, and there is difference with the carrier lever 562 and the way it is connected to the carrier 504 and engages the adapter 502.

[0098] Fig. 48 shows the ganging adapter assembly 500 in a mated state. The levers 560 have engaged the projections 564 keeping the components together. Fig. 49 shows the adapter 502 with a revised projection 576a - the projection 576a being a single element and also functioning to align and hold the adapter 502 and the carrier 504 (see Fig. 50). There are also the projections 576 on the bottom side of the adapter 504 to engage the receptacles 578 on the carrier 504. See Fig. 50.

[0099] Fig. 50 shows the carrier 504 with the receivers 578 to accept the projections 576 and a revised receiver 578a to receive the projections 576a on the adapter 502. The revised receiver 578a is essentially an opening between two raised portions 578b. There is also a peg 534 extending upward on which the carrier lever 562 is mounted. Fig. 51 has the lever 590, which as noted above, engages the projections 564. It is the same as those above.

[0100] Fig. 52 illustrates a new carrier lever 562. The carrier lever 562 has an opening 570 to receive the peg 534 and a projection 572 with a surface 74 to engage with the revised projection 576a. The carrier lever 462 also has a push surface 588 that is quite a distance removed from the opening 570, providing a mechanical advantage to the carrier lever 562.

[0101] The operation of the ganging adapter assembly 500 will be described with reference to Figs. 53-56. Fig. 53 shows the ganging adapter assembly 500 in a mated state - the projections 564 retained by the levers 560. To remove the carrier 504 from the adapter 502, the levers 560 are moved outwardly as in Fig. 54. This now allows access to the carrier 504. In order to remove the carrier 504 from the adapter 502, the carrier lever 562 is rotated (one on both top and bottom of the ganging adapter assembly 500) in aclockwise direction. See Fig. 55. The surface 574 acts like a cam, pushing on the projection 576a causing the carrier 504 and the adapter 502 to separate.

[0102] In yet another aspect of the invention, the ganging adapter assembly 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, the adapter having a plurality of engagement projections that are disposed at a junction of the long sides and the short sides and are extending away from the adapter; 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 a first lever rotatably mounted on at least one of the plurality of engagement projections at the first side of the main body and a second lever rotatably mounted on at least one of the plurality of engagement projections on the first side of the main body across the main opening from the first lever to engage projections on the carrier causing the carrier and the at least two fiber-optic connectors to move away from the adapter and a mating position inside the main body upon rotation of the first lever and the second lever.

[0103] The ganging adapter assembly may also include a third lever and a fourth lever, the third lever mounted on the same at least one of the plurality of engagement projections at the first side of the main body with the first lever, and the fourth lever mounted on the same at least one of the plurality of engagement projections on the first side of the main body across the main opening from the first lever.

[0104] The carrier of the ganging adapter assembly may have lever projections that are disposed at a junction of the long sides and the short sides and are extending away from the carrier.

[0105] The third lever and the fourth lever of the ganging adapter assembly may each have at least one slot to receive a respective one of the lever projections.

[0106] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a ganged adapter assembly 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 offiber-optic connectors from each of the first side and the second side, 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 is coupled to at least one lever to engage projections on the adapter, causing the carrier and the at least two fiber-optic connectors to move away from the adapter and a mating position inside the main body upon rotation of the at least one lever.

[0107] The ganged adapter assembly may have a first lever and a second lever, the first and second levers being across the second main opening from one another.

[0108] The at least one lever of ganged adapter assembly is rotatably connected to a linkage that engages the projections on the adapter.

[0109] The at least one lever of ganged adapter assembly directly engages the projections on the adapter.

[0110] 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

IN THE CLAIMS:We claim:

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 fiber-optic connectors from each of the first side and the second side; 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 wherein the carrier is configured to allow removal of individual fiber-optic connectors form the ganging adapter assembly; and a first lever rotatably attached to the first side of the main body to only engage a corresponding first projection on a top side of the carrier and a second lever rotatably attached to the first side of the main body and across the first main opening from the first lever to only engage a corresponding second projection on a bottom side of the carrier, the first lever and the second lever causing the carrier and the at least two fiber-optic connectors to move away from the adapter and away from a mating position inside the main body upon a rotation of the first lever and the second lever.

2. The ganging adapter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first lever and the second lever are asymmetric about a longitudinal plane, the longitudinal plane passing through the first longitudinal axis.

3. The ganging adapter assembly according to claim 1, the first projection and the second projection on the carrier are disposed in a middle of the long sides of each of the top side and the bottom side, respectively, and extend 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 axis, wherein the housing is longer than a distance between the first side and the second side of the carrier.

5. The ganging adapter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the carrier has lever projections that are disposed at a junction of the long sides and the short sides and extend away from the carrier.

6. The ganging adapter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the carrier has openings on at least one of the two long sides to receive respective connector latches on the plurality of fiber-optic connectors.

7. The ganging adapter assembly according to claim 5, wherein the first lever and the second lever each have at least one slot to receive a respective one of the lever projections.

8. The ganging adapter assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of fiber-optic connectors is also individually removable from the carrier.

9. The 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 fiber-optic connectors from each of the first side and the second side; 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, wherein the carrier is configured to allow removal individual connectors from the ganging adapter assembly; and at least one lever rotatably attached to the first side of the main body to engage the carrier, the at least one lever causing the carrier and the at least two fiber-optic connectors to move away from the adapter and away from a mating position inside the main body upon a rotation of the at least one lever.

10. The ganged adapter assembly according to claim 9, wherein the at least one lever comprises a first lever and a second lever, the first and second levers being across the first main opening from one another.

11. The ganging adapter assembly according to claim 10, wherein the first lever and the second lever are asymmetric about a longitudinal plane, the longitudinal plane passing through the first longitudinal axis.

12. The ganging adapter assembly according to claim 9, wherein the carrier has a first projection and a second projection, the first projection and the second projection disposed in a middle of the long sides of each of the top side and the bottom side, respectively, and extend away from the carrier.

13. The ganging adapter assembly according to claim 9, wherein the carrier has lever projections that are disposed at a junction of the long sides and the short sides and extend away from the carrier.

14. The ganging adapter assembly according to claim 13, wherein at least one has at least one slot to receive a respective one of the lever projections.

15. The ganging adapter assembly according to claim 10, further comprising a third lever and a fourth lever, the third lever mounted on the same at least one of the plurality of engagement projections at the first side of the main body with the first lever, and the fourth lever mounted on the same at least one of the plurality of engagement projections on the first side of the main body across the main opening from the first lever.

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