Fiber optic adapters having a translating release for disengaging a fiber optic connector

Abstract

Fiber optic adapters having a translating release for disengaging a fiber optic connector secured within the fiber optic adapter are disclosed. The translating release is configured for translation along the longitudinal axis of fiber optic adapter for releasing the optically mated external fiber optic connector from the fiber optic adapter. The translating release is at least partially disposed within the housing passageway and sized for receiving the external fiber connector therein. The fiber optic adapter may cooperate with a fiber optic core for aligning mating single-fiber or multi-fiber ferrules as desired. The fiber optic adapter may be a portion of the fiber optic adapter or mounted to a closure as desired. The fiber optic adapter may optionally use a resilient member(s) for biasing the translating release within the adapter housing.

Description

Attorney Docket No.: HI24-062 FIBER OPTIC ADAPTERS HAVING A TRANSLATING RELEASE FOR DISENGAGING A FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 661,230 filed on June 18, 2024, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIELD

[0002] Fiber optic adapters having a translating release for disengaging a fiber optic connector secured within the fiber optic adapter are disclosed. The translating release is configured for translation along the longitudinal axis of the fiber optic adapter for releasing the mating of external fiber optic connector when desired. The fiber optic adapter may cooperate with a fiber optic core for aligning mating ferrules of opposing connectors. BACKGROUND

[0003] Optical fiber is increasingly being used for a variety of applications, including but not limited to broadband voice, video, and data transmission. As bandwidth demands for optical fiber networks have increased over the years next generation products have been developed for outside plant applications. One example of next generation products for outside plant applications are hardened fiber optic connectors used for optical mating at nodes of the optical network. One supporting device for optical mating of hardened fiber optic connectors at nodes are fiber optic adapters that mate the hardened fiber optic connector with an opposing indoor type of connector such as an SC connector that are received at opposing ends of the fiber optic adapter. The fiber optic adapters for outside plant applications may have the indoor connector disposed inside a closure or terminal for environmentally protecting the indoor connector while the hardened fiber optic connector is an external fiber optic connector that is connected from outside of the closure or terminal.Attorney Docket No.: HI24-062

[0004] The next generation of hardened fiber optic connectors that have been developed use different structures for securing the fiber optic connectors in a suitable device compared with the previous generation of fiber optic connectors used in outside plant applications. By way of explanation, one next generation fiber optic connector design uses a push-to-secure configuration for optical mating while the earlier generation of fiber optic connector used a rotating coupling nut for securing and optically mating the fiber optic connector. The next generation fiber optic connector is smaller and easier to use compared with the previous generation of fiber optic connector having a rotating coupling nut. Although the newer fiber optic connectors are quickly being adopted there is still a need for fiber optic products that support the new fiber optic connector designs for network operators.

[0005] There exists a need for improved fiber optic adapters that allow optical mating to external fiber optic connectors that may be used in optical networks such as outside plant applications. SUMMARY

[0006] The disclosure is directed to a simplified fiber optic adapter that may be used for receiving and optically mating different types of external fiber optic connectors (e.g., hardened fiber optic connector) with an indoor connector (e.g., non-hardened fiber optic connector) such as an SC connector or the like.

[0007] The fiber optic adapters disclosed may cooperate with a fiber optic core receives and aligns the mating fiber optic connectors that are received on opposing ends of the fiber optic adapter. The fiber optic core may be mounted on a bulkhead wall and be part of the closure or be part of the fiber optic adapter such as a kit of parts. The fiber optic core may be configured for optically mating a single-fiber external fiber optic connector or a multi-fiber external fiber optic connector as desired.

[0008] The disclosure is directed to fiber optic adapters comprising a translating release configured for being at least partially received in a housing passageway andAttorney Docket No.: HI24-062 translating in the housing passageway along a longitudinal axis of the fiber optic adapter. The longitudinal axis is generally aligned with the connector insertion directions for the fiber optic adapter. The translating release also forms a portion of the connector passageway for exterior connector.

[0009] The translating release is configured for deflecting a connector lock of the fiber optic adapter when translated to a release position. The translating release may deflect the connector lock when translating forward to the release position or translating rearward to the release position.

[0010] The disclosure is directed to a fiber optic adapter configured for receiving and optically mating an external fiber optic connector with an indoor connector. The fiber optic adapter comprises a connector latching member, a housing comprising a longitudinal passageway extending from a front end to a rear end, and a translating release. The connector latching member comprises a latching member passageway extending from a first end to a second end that comprises a connector lock. The translating release is configured for being at least partially received in the housing passageway and translating in the housing passageway along a longitudinal axis of the fiber optic connector aligned with a connector insertion direction and deflecting the connector lock of the connector latching member to a connector release position when moved to a release position within the housing.

[0011] The disclosure is also directed to a fiber optic adapter configured for receiving and optically mating an external fiber optic connector with an indoor connector. The fiber optic adapter comprises a fiber optic core, a connector latching member, a housing comprising a longitudinal passageway extending from a front end to a rear end, and a translating release. The connector latching member comprises a latching member passageway extending from a first end to a second end that comprises a connector lock configured for securing the external fiber optic connector. The translating release is configured for being at least partially received in the housing passageway and translating in the housing passageway along a longitudinal axis of the fiber optic connector aligned with a connector insertion direction and deflecting the connector lock of the connectorAttorney Docket No.: HI24-062 latching member to a connector release position when moved to a release position within the housing.

[0012] The disclosure is further directed to a fiber optic closure comprising at least one fiber optic adapter configured for receiving and optically mating an external fiber optic connector with an indoor connector. The fiber optic connector comprises a fiber optic core for optical mating of opposing connectors, a connector latching member, a housing comprising a longitudinal passageway extending from a front end to a rear end, and a translating release. The connector latching member comprises a latching member passageway extending from a first end to a second end that comprises a connector lock configured for securing the external fiber optic connector. The translating release is configured for being at least partially received in the housing passageway and translating in the housing passageway along a longitudinal axis of the fiber optic connector aligned with a connector insertion direction and deflecting the connector lock of the connector latching member to a connector release position when moved to a release position within the housing.

[0013] Additional features and advantages 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 same as described herein, including the detailed description that follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

[0014] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments that are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claims. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the concepts and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURESAttorney Docket No.: HI24-062

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an explanatory fiber optic adapter configured for receiving and optically mating an external fiber optic connector with an indoor fiber optic connector according to the concepts disclosed;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a closure from an inside cavity showing a plurality of fiber optic adapters of FIG. 1 being installed into openings on a wall of the closure;

[0017] FIG. 2A shows a closure having a plurality of fiber optic adapters of FIG. 1 optically mated with external fiber optic connectors and one external fiber optic connector being aligned for installation into an unpopulated fiber optic adapter and with the visible indicator for the user’s attention;

[0018] FIG.3 is an exploded view of the fiber optic adapter of FIG.1;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the fiber optic adapter of FIG. 1 taken along a longitudinal axis showing details of the construction;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view showing a portion of the connector latching member and the translating release of the fiber optic adapter of FIG. 1;

[0021] FIGS. 6 and 7 detailed views showing the translating release with the connector latching member of the fiber optic adapter of FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the connector latching member of the fiber optic adapter of FIG.1;

[0023] FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the connector latching member of the fiber optic adapter of FIG.8;

[0024] FIGS. 10-12 show various views of the connector latching member of FIGS. 8 and 9;

[0025] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a fiber optic core being aligned with the connector latching member for assembly;

[0026] FIG. 14 is a detailed sectional view the fiber optic core assembled with the connector latching member for the fiber optic adapter;

[0027] FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the fiber optic core of FIGS. 13 and 14 suitable for use in the fiber optic adapter;Attorney Docket No.: HI24-062

[0028] FIG. 16 shows a sectional view of the fiber optic core of FIGS. 13-15 being assembled;

[0029] FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the front core of the fiber optic core fitted into the retention member;

[0030] FIG. 18 is a sectional view of a portion of the assembled fiber optic adapter core of FIGS.13-16;

[0031] FIG. 19 and 20 are longitudinal sectional views showing orthogonal planes along the longitudinal axis of the assembled fiber optic core of FIGS.13-17;

[0032] FIG. 21 is a sectional view of the assembled fiber optic core of FIGS. 13-17 with an external fiber optic connector inserted into the fiber optic core and the front core and rear core moving relative to the retention member;

[0033] FIGS. 22-24 show various views of another explanatory fiber optic adapter having a translating release suitable for mounting to the bulkhead or closure using a threaded nut that attaches to external threads on the housing;

[0034] FIGS. 25-29 show various views of another fiber optic core that may be used with the fiber optic adapters disclosed herein;

[0035] FIG. 30 perspective view of another explanatory fiber optic adapter configured for receiving and optically mating a multi-fiber external fiber optic connector with a multi-fiber ferrule according to the concepts disclosed;

[0036] FIG.31 is a partially exploded view of the fiber optic adapter of FIG. 30;

[0037] FIG. 32 is a partially exploded view of the multi-fiber fiber optic core of the fiber optic adapter depicted in FIGS. 30 and 31;

[0038] FIG. 33 is an assembled cross-sectional view of the multi-fiber fiber optic core of the fiber optic adapter of FIG. 30;

[0039] FIG. 34 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the assembled fiber optic adapter taken along line 34-34 of FIG. 30;

[0040] FIG. 35 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the assembled fiber optic adapter taken along line 35-35 of FIG. 30;Attorney Docket No.: HI24-062

[0041] FIG. 36 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the fiber optic adapter of FIG.30 showing further details of the construction; and

[0042] FIG. 37 is a detailed cross-sectional view showing the fiber optic core suitable for mating the external fiber optic connector assembled with the fiber optic adapter of FIG.30. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, like reference numbers will be used to refer to like components or parts.

[0044] The concepts disclosed herein are directed to fiber optic adapters used for mating different fiber optic connectors. Generally speaking, the fiber optic adapters disclosed are configured for being mounted to a bulkhead, a wall of a closure or the like so that the side of the fiber optic adapter receiving the indoor connector such as a non- hardened connector or ferrule that is protected within the closure, and the opposing side of the fiber optic adapter receiving the external fiber optic connector is presented to the environment outside of the enclosure and may be configured as a hardened connector if desired. Although, the fiber optic adapters disclosed are useful for the outside plant environment they may be used for indoor applications as well.

[0045] The fiber optic adapters disclosed allow for quick and easy release and retention of the external fiber optic connector using a translating release. The translating release is configured for being at least partially received in a passageway of the housing of the fiber optic adapter and translating along a longitudinal axis of the fiber optic adapter and deflecting a connector lock of a connector locking member when moved to the release position. The concepts of the fiber optic adapter having a translating release may be configured for moving to the release position when pushed inward (i.e., forward toward the ferrule) or pulled outward (i.e., rearward away from the ferrule) as desired.Attorney Docket No.: HI24-062

[0046] The fiber optic adapters disclosed may be configured for optically mating with any suitable type of external fiber optic connector or indoor connector as desired. Additionally, the fiber optic adapters may be configured for optically mating single-fiber connectors or optically mating multi-fiber connector as desired. For instance, the fiber optic adapter may be configured for optically mating a Pushlok® connector available from Corning Optical Communications of Charlotte, NC from the exterior end and with a SC fiber optic connector received from the interior end for mating the single-fiber connectors. Alternatively, the fiber optic adapter may be configured for optically mating a multi-fiber Pushlok® connector available from Corning Optical Communications of Charlotte, NC from the exterior end and with a MT fiber optic ferrule received at the interior end of the fiber optic adapter.

[0047] The concepts provide an improved and simplified fiber optic adapters that allow flexibility and configurability for supporting the optical mating of different types of external fiber optic connectors with a suitable indoor fiber optic connector or ferrule. Further, the fiber optic adapters may also have features for mounting in different arrangements on bulkheads, closures or the like for optical connectivity in the optical network. The concepts disclosed herein are suitable for outside plant applications such as fiber-to-the-home, fiber-to-the-curb or 5G and are equally applicable to other optical applications such as indoor, industrial, or other suitable applications. The concepts will be described in more detail herein with reference to the figures.

[0048] FIG. 1-14 depict views of a fiber optic adapter 100 configured for receiving and optically mating an outside plant external fiber optic connector (not shown) such as a Pushlok® connector with an indoor connector such as an SC connector. FIGS. 15-21 depict views of a fiber optic core 50 used with the fiber optic adapters 100 disclosed herein. FIGS. 22-24 depict views of another fiber optic adapter 100 configured for receiving and optically mating an external fiber optic connector using a threaded nut for mounting the fiber optic adapter 100 to a bulkhead, closure or the like. FIGS.25-29 show various views of another fiber optic core that may be used with the fiber optic adapters disclosed. FIG. 30-37 depict views of a fiber optic adapter 100’ configured forAttorney Docket No.: HI24-062 receiving and optically mating an outside plant external fiber optic connector (not shown) such as a multi-fiber Pushlok® connector with a multi-fiber ferrule such as a MT or MPO ferrule.

[0049] FIG. 1 shows the assembled explanatory fiber optic adapter 100 with an interior end 1 on the right-side. Fiber optic adapter 100 is configured for receiving and optically mating an external fiber optic connector such as an outside plant connector (e.g., a hardened connector) with an indoor connector such as an SC connector (e.g., a non- hardened connector), ferrule or the like that are received at opposing ends of fiber optic adapter 100.

[0050] Specifically, the indoor connector may be received at the interior end 1 of the fiber optic adapter 100, and the external fiber optic connector may be received at an exterior end 3 of the fiber optic adapter 100 for optical mating with the SC connector inserted at the interior end 1. Although the fiber optic adapter concepts are shown with a fiber optic core for aligning the mating ferrules of the connectors, it is not necessary for the concepts. If desired, the fiber optic core may be part of the closure or other device with the fiber optic adapter 100 attaching to the closure and alignment with the fiber optic core 50. In other embodiments, the fiber optic core may be part of the fiber optic adapter if desired.

[0051] Fiber optic adapter 100 comprises a translating release 90 that cooperates with a housing 70. Housing 70 comprises a housing passageway 72 extending from a front end 71 to a rear end 73. Likewise, translating release 90 comprises a release passageway 92 extending from a forward end 91 to a rear end 93. A portion of the outer surface of the translating release 90 is sized and shaped for assembly into the housing 70 and movement relative to the housing 70. The translating release 90 may also include stop surfaces for limiting travel within the housing 70.

[0052] The release passageway 92 of the translating release 90 is sized for receiving the external fiber optic connector at the exterior end 3 for optical mating within the fiber optic adapter 100. The release passageway 92 may provide a sealing surface or profile for cooperating with the intended external fiber optic connector. Consequently, the releaseAttorney Docket No.: HI24-062 passageway 92 may configured and tailored for the specific exterior fiber optic connector profile desired for optical mating.

[0053] Translating release 90 is configured for being at least partially received in the housing passageway 72 and translating in the housing passageway 72 along a longitudinal axis (LA) of the fiber optic adapter 100 that is generally aligned with the connector insertion directions. When moved to the release position, the translating release 90 is configured for engaging a connector lock 69 of the connector latching member 60.

[0054] The explanatory fiber optic adapter 100 comprises geometry at the second end 63 for deflecting a connector lock 69 of the fiber optic adapter 100 from a retain position when moved to a release position for unmating the external fiber optic connector (EC). The translating release 90 may deflect the connector lock 69 when translating forward to the release position or the translating rearward to the release position as desired.

[0055] Fiber optic adapter 100 is also advantageous since it has a relatively small footprint and provides easy operation for mating and unmating of the external fiber optic connector using the translating release 90. Fiber optic adapter 100 may also comprise a visual indicator 101 for alerting the technician as to the state of the translating release 90. For instance, the absence of the visual indicator 101 may signal that the external fiber optic connector or other device such as a dust plug is properly attached at the exterior end 3. The visual indicator 101 may be a colored ring on the translating release 90 that is visible or not depending on position of the translating release 90 relative to the housing 70, but other suitable indicators may be used for showing or indicating the state of the fiber optic adapter 100.

[0056] The fiber optic adapter concepts disclosed herein are suitable for use with various closures or the like. As depicted in FIG. 2, fiber optic adapter 100 may be configured for mounting on a bulkhead, a closure or the like and the interior end 1 may be environmentally protected within a closure 300. The exterior end 3 of the fiber optic adapter 100 is configured for being accessible from a non-protected space outside theAttorney Docket No.: HI24-062 closure 300, thereby allowing the technician to make moves, adds and changes to the optical connections using the respective fiber optic adapter 100 for optical mating.

[0057] The housing 70 of fiber optic adapter 100 may be sized and shaped for cooperating with an opening (not visible) of closure 300 for mounting an array of fiber optic adapters 100. As shown in the explanatory fiber optic adapter 100 of FIG. 1, housing 70 comprises a body having a polygonal shape at a medial portion that cooperates with an opening on the closure 300 or the like for receiving and mounting the fiber optic adapter 100. Other shapes of the medial portion of housing 70 are possible as well such as round for being received in a complimentary round opening in a bulkhead or wall.

[0058] FIG. 2 depicts the assembly of the fiber optic adapters 100 into closure 300 from the inside cavity 316 of the closure 300. As shown, when the fiber optic adapter 100 is inserted into the opening of the closure 300, the interior end 1 may be presented at the inside cavity 316 of the closure 300, thereby providing protection to the interior end 1 from the elements. The fiber optic adapters 100 may be organized in a suitable array as depicted. Housing 70 may also include one or more O-rings 89 or the like at a suitable location for sealing the fiber optic adapter 100 to the bulkhead or closure 300. O-ring 89 may cooperate with an appropriately sized groove or shoulder (not numbered) on housing 70 and sized for providing an environmental seal between the housing 70 and shell 310 of closure 300. In this instance, the O-ring 89 is captured between a shoulder on the connector latching member 60 and a shoulder on the front end of the housing 70.

[0059] As depicted, fiber optic adapters 100 are installed into the openings on a wall 312 of the shell 310 from the exterior of the closure 300 so that the interior end 1 of the fiber optic adapters 100 extends into the inside cavity 316 of the closure 300, thereby forming an array of fiber optic adapters 100 with their interior ends 1 presented for optical mating from inside the closure 300. The exterior end 3 of the fiber optic adapters 100 are accessible from the exterior of the closure 300 for optical mating. Closure 300 may comprise a seal 320 for sealing the interior cavity 316 of the shell 310. For instance, the shell 310 may comprise a base having a removable cover, dome or the like as desired and seal 320 is used therebetween for making an environmental seal.Attorney Docket No.: HI24-062

[0060] These fiber optic adapters 100 are assembled to the closure 300 with the fiber optic core 50 installed from the inside cavity 316 of the closure 300 for securing the fiber optic adapters 100 in a suitable manner. As shown by FIG. 2, respective fiber optic retention members 40 attached to each respective fiber optic adapter 100 over each respective rear core 30 of each fiber optic adapter 100 from the interior cavity 316 of closure 300. Then, the front core 20 can be attached to each respective fiber optic adapter 100 as shown in the lower-right portion of FIG. 2 for securing the fiber optic adapter 100 to the closure 300. Other variations of fiber optic adapters using the concepts may have the fiber optic adapter secured directly to the closure 300.

[0061] FIG. 2A shows closure 300 with the plurality of fiber optic adapters 100 optically mated with external fiber optic connectors (EC) and one plurality of fiber optic adapters 100 not optically mated. As depicted, the external fiber optic connector (EC) is aligned for installation into an unpopulated fiber optic adapter 100. As shown, this fiber optic adapter 100 has a visible indicator 101 for indicating to the user the state of the fiber optic adapter. As shown, the visible indicator 101 that the external device is not properly attached since the visual indicator 101 can be observed by the user. In this case, the visible indicator is brightly colored ring disposed on for the user’s attention.

[0062] When the external fiber optic connector (EC) is fully inserted into the fiber optic adapter 100 the ferrule of the external fiber optic connector can enter the fiber optic core 50 for optical mating of the opposing ferrules.

[0063] FIG. 3 depicts a partially exploded view of fiber optic adapter 100 of FIG. 1. As depicted, fiber optic adapter 100 comprises a connector latching member 60, housing 70 and translating release 90. The fiber optic core 50 is depicted in an assembled state and may or may not be part of the fiber optic adapter 100 as desired if mounted to the closure. Details of the fiber optic core 50 are discussed in further detail herein.

[0064] As shown, connector latching member 60 comprises a latching member passageway 62 extending from a first end 61 to a second end 63. Latching member passageway 62 is sized for receiving a portion of the external fiber optic connector (EC)Attorney Docket No.: HI24-062 therethrough for optical mating. The second end 63 comprises features that cooperate and mate the external fiber optic connector (EC).

[0065] Specifically, the second end 63 of the connector latching member 60 comprises a connector lock 69. Connector lock 69 is configured for securing the external fiber optic connector within the fiber optic adapter 100 for optical mating. The connector lock 69 may be deflected to the release position by moving the connector latching member 60 to the release position so that the external fiber optic connector may be unmated from the fiber optic adapter 100.

[0066] The first end 61 of the connector latching member 60 may comprise structure for aiding the attachment of the fiber optic adapter 100 to closure 300 or the like. The explanatory fiber optic adapter 100 has a connector latching member 60 with the first end 61 having at least one assembly arm 65. As depicted, the first end 61 of the connector latching member 60 is configured as first and second assembly arms each comprising a respective latch 66 on the ends of the respective assembly arms 65 for cooperating with the fiber optic core 50 for assembly. During assembly, the at least one assembly arm 65 may be aligned with appropriate structure on the retention member 40 such as passageways 45 so that the respective latches 66 pass through the respective passageways 45 and snap-fit to the retention member 40 such as depicted in FIG. 1. The fiber optic adapter 100 may be attached to the closure 300 using other geometry or structure as desired such as using fasteners, snap-fit or the like for attaching the fiber optic adapter 100 to the closure.

[0067] Connector latching member 60 may also have one or more medial latches 67 that cooperate with the housing 70 for securing the housing 70 to the connector latching member 60. During assembly the medial latches 67 will deflect inward and then spring back so portions of the medial latches 67 catch an inner shoulder of the housing 70 as best shown in FIG. 4. The fiber optic adapter 100 may also include an O-ring or seal 89 disposed between the translating release 90 and housing 70 if desired, thereby inhibiting contaminants from entering the fiber optic adapter 100 during use.

[0068] Further, if desired the connector latching member 60 may comprise an alignment key 60AK as shown in FIG. 3. Alignment key 60AK is configured so that theAttorney Docket No.: HI24-062 connector latching member 60 only assembles to fiber optic core 50 in one orientation, thereby ensuring proper orientation of the respective fiber optic connectors being inserted into the fiber optic adapter 100 during mating. The translating release 90 may also include a feature adjacent the rear end 93 that provides a surface (not numbered) for the technician to easily push or pull the translating feature 90 with their fingers.

[0069] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the assembled fiber optic adapter 100 taken along the longitudinal axis (LA) showing further details of the construction and components and FIGS. 5-7 is a partial sectional view rear portion of the fiber optic adapter 100 showing details of the connector latching member 60 when assembled in the housing 70 of the fiber optic adapter 100. FIGS. 8 and 9 show further details of the connector latching member 60 and FIGS. 10-12 show further details of the second end 63 of connector latching member 60.

[0070] As depicted, the translating release 90 is configured for being at least partially received in the housing passageway 72. Translating release 90 is configured for translating in the housing passageway 72 along a longitudinal axis (LA) of the fiber optic adapter 100 aligned with a connector insertion direction and deflecting the connector lock 69 of the connector latching member 60 to a connector release position when moved to a release position, thereby allowing the external fiber optic connector to be unmated from the fiber optic adapter 100. Translating release 90 has a portion configured for applying a deflection force to the connection release member 60 so that the connector lock 69 moves to the release position.

[0071] Translating release 90 comprises at least one deflection surface 97 capable of engaging a portion of the connector latching member 60 for deflecting the connector lock 69 to the connector release position when moved in the appropriate direction. The deflection surface 97 may be arranged so that connector lock 69 is deflected without the translating release 90 directing engaging the connector lock 69. The forward end 91 of the translating release 90 may also be configured so that the translating release can only assemble and translate in one orientation and may include features that allow a snap-fit assembly.Attorney Docket No.: HI24-062

[0072] Fiber optic adapter 100 may also include a resilient member 80 for biasing the translating release 90 to a normally retain position or not as desired. In other variations, the fiber optic adapter can use a friction fit between the translating release and the housing 70 without a resilient member.

[0073] FIG. 6 shows the at least one deflection surface 97 of the translating release 90 along with the corresponding deflection guide 60G of the connector latching member 60. In this explanatory embodiment, the translating release 90 is configured for moving the connector lock 69 to the release position when the translating release 90 moves forward along the longitudinal axis LA toward mating ferrule a suitable distance. More specifically, deflection surface 97 is configured as a ramp that will engage the deflection guide 60G when moving forward along the longitudinal axis LA toward mating ferrule a suitable distance. Consequently, the ramp of the deflection surface 97 will engage the inner side of the deflection guide 60G of the connector latching member 60, thereby deflecting the deflection guide 60G to the release position that is downward away from the longitudinal axis LA of the fiber optic adapter 100. The translating release 90 may also include a stop to inhibit the removal of the translating release 90 from the housing 70 once assembled.

[0074] Other variations of the concepts could arrange the ramp of the deflection surface 97 on the other side of the deflection guide 60G so that the ramp that will engage the deflection guide 60G when moving rearward along the longitudinal axis LA away from the mating ferrules a suitable distance. Either configuration is advantageous since moving a relatively short distance with the translating release 90 deflects the connector lock 69 of the connector latching member 60 to the release position. Moreover, the concepts may be used with two deflection surfaces 97 and two deflection guides 60G if desired.

[0075] The connector lock 69 is configured to cooperate directly with the mating geometry of the external fiber optic connector (EC). As best depicted in FIG. 7, the connector lock 69 is arranged on the connector latching member 60 so that the connector lock 69 is in a normally retain position when the translating release 90 is not in the release position. This explanatory fiber optic adapter 100 uses the connector lock 69Attorney Docket No.: HI24-062 configured as a ramp with a ledge for engaging a cooperating portion of the housing on the external fiber optic connector (EC) for securing the optical mating in the fiber optic adapter 100. However, other geometries may be used with connector lock 69 that cooperate with the external fiber optic connector (EC) as desired.

[0076] FIGS. 8 and 9 show details of the connector latching member 60. As shown, the second end 63 of the connector latching member 60 comprises at least one deflection guide 60G for cooperating with the translating release 90. As best shown in FIG. 8, the deflection guide 60G is provided at an outboard location for the deflection of the connector lock 69. In other words, one or more deflection guides 60G may be located at outport locations relative to the connector lock 69 for avoiding direct engagement with the connector lock 69. Consequently, the deflection guide 60G does not interfere with the securing function of the connector lock 69 with the external fiber optic connector (EC) received at the exterior end 3 of the fiber optic adapter 100.

[0077] As shown best shown in FIG. 8, the connector latching member 60 may comprise a first deflection guide 60G and a second deflection guide 60G. The fiber deflection guide 60G and the second deflection guide 60G may be disposed on opposite sides of the connector lock 69. FIG. 9 shows the second end 63 of the connector latching member 60 having the connector lock 69 attached using one or more cantilevered arms 68. Consequently, the force required to deflect the connector lock 69 to the release position can be tailored using the geometry of the one or more cantilevered arms 68. FIGS. 10-12 show further sectional views of the cantilevered arm 68 geometry and the connector lock 69 that are disposed on the second end 63 of the connector latching member 60.

[0078] In other words, the geometry of the second end 63 of the connector latching member 60 may be tailored so that suitable forces are required for activating (e.g., translating) the translating release 90 and allowing release of the external fiber optic connector from the fiber optic adapter. By way of example, and not limitation, a release force on the translating release 90 may be in the range of between about 7 Newton to about 15 Newton for engaging the connector latching member 60 and deflecting theAttorney Docket No.: HI24-062 connector lock 69 the required distance for releasing the external fiber optic connector from the fiber optic adapter 100. The forces required may be influenced by the material used for the connector latching member along with the geometry of the cantilevered arms 68 and shape of the connector lock 69 for cooperating and releasing the suitable external fiber optic connector.

[0079] Connector latching member 60 may also comprise a connector key 60CK for proper rotational alignment of the external fiber optic connector (EC) with the fiber optic adapter 100. Connector key 60CK in the explanatory fiber optic adapter 100 is a protrusion configured as a male key, but other geometries are possible of the connector key 60CK such as a female key depending on the intended external fiber optic connector. Connector latching member 60 may have other features if desired as well such as a flange 60F disposed at a medial portion. In this instance, flange 60F aids in defining the groove location for the O-ring 89.

[0080] FIGS. 13 and 14 depict details of the explanatory fiber optic core 50 being aligned and then assembled as part of the explanatory fiber optic adapter 100. The concepts disclosed may use any suitable fiber optic core 50 for precision alignment of mating ferrules of connectors received within the fiber optic adapter 100. Fiber optic core 50 may comprise front core 20 and rear core 30 that are assembled together, but the fiber optic core 50 could be formed by a single component if desired. Likewise, the fiber optic core 50 may include further components as desired or not.

[0081] As shown, the fiber optic core 50 may include keying features so that the components only assemble in one orientation for ease of assembly and optical mating. For instance, the front core 20 comprises keying portion 26 for aligning the indoor connector as it is inserted into the fiber optic core 50. The rear core 30 may include a keying feature 38 that cooperates with a complementary keying feature (not visible) disposed on the connector latching member 60. Likewise, a complimentary keying feature 60AK disposed on the connector latching member 60 of the adapter housing may cooperate with complimentary features on the retention member 40.

[0082] Fiber optic adapters 100 may have structure for attaching the fiber optic core 50 to the connector latching member or other portions of the fiber optic adapter 100. AsAttorney Docket No.: HI24-062 shown in FIG. 14, the latches 66 on the first end 61 of the connector latching member 60 extend though the passageways 45 on the retention member 40 and are captured by the retaining member 40.

[0083] Further details of the explanatory fiber optic core 50 as discussed herein with reference to FIGS. 15-21. FIG. 15 is an exploded view of fiber optic core 50 that may be used in the fiber optic adapter 100. As shown, fiber optic core 50 comprises a front core 20 and a rear core 30 that define the fiber optic core 50 when assembled. Fiber optic core 50 may optionally include a ferrule split sleeve 12 captured between the front core 20 and the rear core 30 for precision alignment of the opposing mating ferrules of the indoor connector and the external fiber optic connector if desired. For instance, the rear core passageway 22 and the front core passageway 32 cooperate to capture the split ferrule sleeve 12 in a loosely captive manner for allowing slight movement of the split ferrule sleeve 12 when the fiber optic core 50 is assembled.

[0084] However, the precision geometry for the alignment of the mating ferrules could be incorporated into the front core 20 and rear core 30 if desired without using a ferrule split sleeve 12.

[0085] The components of the explanatory fiber optic core 50 as discussed below and other fiber optic cores 50 may be used as desired. As shown, front core 20 comprises a front core passageway 22 that extends from a front end 21 to a rear end 23. Front core 20 may also include one or more windows 27 sized for cooperating with the latch arms 35 of the rear core 30 for assembly. Rear core 30 comprises a rear core passageway 32 that extends from a front end 31 to a rear end 33.

[0086] Front core 20 may comprise tabs 25 that cooperate with respective pockets (not numbered) on the retention member 40 when assembled. Tabs 25 of the front core 20 and the respective pockets on the retention member 40 cooperate to only allow relative movement between the front core 20 and the retention member 40 along the longitudinal axis and inhibit relative movement in the other orthogonal directions. Further, the tabs 25 may have different sizes for allowing the front core 20 to mate with the retention member 40 in only one orientation if desired.Attorney Docket No.: HI24-062

[0087] The front core passageway 22 is sized and shaped for receiving the desired indoor connector such as an SC connector as known in the art. A keying portion 26 or the like may be disposed at the front end of the front core 20 for keying the desired rotational orientation for the indoor connector received for optical mating. When the indoor connector is fully inserted into the fiber optic core 50 the ferrule of the indoor connector can enter the ferrule split sleeve 12 held by the fiber optic core 50 if used.

[0088] Rear core 30 comprises a plurality of latch arms 35 extending from the medial portion toward the front end 31 of the rear core 30. Latch arms 35 also each may include a respective locking features 36 disposed on the inboard sides for engaging with the interior connector when inserted into the fiber optic core 50 for optical mating. Latch arms 35 may also comprise one or more medial latches 37 for engaging with the front core 20. For instance, the medial latches 37 may be disposed on the outboard sides of the latch arms 35 and engage with the respective windows 27 of the front core 20 for a snap- fit assembly. Further, a secondary retention between the rear core 30 and front core 20 may be provided once the indoor connector is fully-inserted into the fiber optic core 50 since the indoor connector will flex the latch arms 35 outward and will further secure the rear core 20 and the front core 30 of the fiber optic core 50 due to the outward flexing of the latch arms 34 provided by the mated indoor connector.

[0089] Fiber optic core 50 may also include the use of the one or more resilient members 39 if desired. The resilient members 39 allows movement of the front core 20 and rear core 30 relative to the retention member 40 along the longitudinal axis while biasing the front core 20 and rear core 30 toward the exterior end 3 of the fiber optic adapter. Resilient members 39 may be disposed in a cavity formed between an outer wall of the front core 20 and the retention member 40 as shown. Further, the resilient members 39 may be located in the respective spring cavity using a post 47 formed on the retention member 40.

[0090] FIGS. 16-18 depict sectional views showing the assembly of the fiber optic core 50 of FIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 16, the front core 20 may be aligned and positioned so the tabs 25 are in the respective pockets on the retention member 40 for assembly. As shown in FIG. 17, the resilient members 39 may be placed on the post 47Attorney Docket No.: HI24-062 of the respective spring cavity. Then, the rear core 30 may be positioned so that the latch arms 35 are aligned with respective passages 45 of the retention member 40 and assembled to the front core 20 as shown in FIG. 18. The rear core 30 may snap-fit into the respective windows 27 of the front core 20 using medial latches 37 disposed on the outboard sides of the latch arms 35 as best shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. The use of other suitable fiber optic cores 50 are possible as well or the fiber optic core 50 could be a mounted to the closure or other structure if desired.

[0091] FIGS. 22-24 show various views of another explanatory fiber optic adapter 100 similar to the fiber optic adapter 100. This fiber optic adapter comprises translating release 90 that having a portion disposed within housing 70 and translating within the housing passageway 72 along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the fiber optic adapter 100 in order to move to a release position where the connector lock 69 of the connector latching member 60 is deflected. Fiber optic adapter 100 of FIGS. 22-24 may be mounted to the closure or the like using a threaded nut 78 that attaches to external threads 79 disposed on the housing 70. As shown, the external threads 79 are disposed forward of a shoulder (not numbered) of the housing 70. An O-ring or gasket 89 may also be disposed between the shoulder of the housing 70 and the threaded nut 78 for providing environmental protection for the installation to the closure or like.

[0092] Still other variations of fiber optic adapters are possible using the concepts disclosed. For instance, the concepts of fiber optic adapters may be used with any suitable fiber optic core as desired. FIGS. 25-29 show various views of another fiber optic core 50 that may be used with fiber optic adapters 100 disclosed herein and similar to the fiber optic core 50 of FIG. 15. FIG. 25 shows the fiber optic core 50 assembled and exploded from the other components. FIG. 26 is an exploded view of the fiber optic core 50 of FIG. 25 and FIG. 27 shows a sectional view of the assembled fiber optic core 50. FIGS. 28 and 29 are partial sectional views of the assembled fiber optic adapter 100 with the fiber optic core 50 of FIGS.25-27.

[0093] Still other variations of fiber optic adapters are possible according to the concepts disclosed herein. For instance, the fiber optic adapters may be used with fiberAttorney Docket No.: HI24-062 optic cores configured for optically mating a multi-fiber external fiber optic connector received from an exterior end with a suitable multi-fiber ferrule or multi-fiber connector received at the interior end of the fiber optic adapter. The multi-fiber ferrule or multi- fiber connector may be configured as a pigtail or a jumper as desired. Further, the multi- fiber ferrule may support any suitable number of optical fibers such as from 2-32 fibers arranged in one or more rows on the mating end face of the ferrule, but ferrules with other fiber counts may be possible using the disclosed concepts as well. Illustratively, FIGS. 30-37 depict an explanatory fiber optic adapter 100’ comprising a fiber optic core 50’ configured for optically mating the multi-fiber connector having between 2-32 fibers.

[0094] FIG. 30 depicts an assembled perspective view of the explanatory fiber optic adapter 100’ with the interior end 1 on the left side that cooperates with fiber optic core 50’ configured for receiving and optically mating a multi-fiber external fiber optic connector with a multi-fiber ferrule 10 as shown in FIG. 31. Fiber optic adapter 100’ is configured for receiving and optically mating an external fiber optic connector such as an outside plant connector (e.g., a hardened connector) with a ferrule such as a MT ferrule, MPO ferrule or the like received at interior end 1 of fiber optic adapter 100’.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 31, fiber optic adapter 100’ has a construction that is similar to fiber optic adapter 100 but uses a different fiber optic core 50’. Fiber optic core 50’ is configured for optically mating the multi-fiber external fiber optic connector with multi-fiber ferrule 10. As depicted, fiber optic adapter 100’ comprises connector latching member 60, housing 70 and translating release 90 like fiber optic adapter 100 and are similar to the components disclosed herein. Consequently, the details of the latching member 60, housing 70 and translating release 90 will not be repeated herein for the sake of brevity. However, the fiber optic core 50’ of fiber optic adapter 100’ uses different components since it is configured for optically mating the multi-fiber external fiber optic connector that has a different footprint and optical mating interface.

[0096] As shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, the fiber optic core 50’ is depicted in a partially exploded views. FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view showing the assembled fiber optic core 50’. Fiber optic core 50’ may or may not be part of the fiber optic adapter 100 as desired and discussed. Fiber optic core 50’ may comprise a fiber optic retentionAttorney Docket No.: HI24-062 member 40’. For instance, the fiber optic core 50’ may be mounted to the closure if desired or not. Details of the fiber optic core 50’ are discussed in further detail herein.

[0097] Like fiber optic core 50, fiber optic core 50’ may comprise a front core 20’ a rear core 30’ and fiber optic retention member 40’ suitable for attaching the fiber optic core 50’ to the fiber optic adapter 100’. For instance, fiber optic retention member 40’ may have a passageway 42 sized for fitting over the rear core 30’ of the fiber optic adapter 100’ from an interior cavity of a closure or the like as disclosed herein. The fiber optic retention member 40’ may snap-fit about the interior side of rear core 30’ and cooperate with the respective latches 66 disposed on the ends of the respective assembly arms 65 as shown in the FIGS.

[0098] As best depicted in FIG. 33, the rear core 30’ comprises rear core passageway 32 extending from the front end 31 of the rear core 30’ to the rear end 33 of the rear core 30’. The rear end 33 of the rear core 30’ is sized for receiving the multi-fiber ferrule 10 therein. The rear core passageway 32 has an internal shoulder 30S that acts as a stop for the travel of the multi-fiber ferrule 10. As depicted, the mating end face 18 of the multi- fiber ferrule 10 extends past the internal shoulder of the rear core passageway 32 and is positioned for optical mating with the suitable external fiber optic connector (not shown) that may be inserted into the fiber optic adapter 100’.

[0099] FIGS. 34-36 are cross-sectional views of the assembled fiber optic adapter 100’ with the multi-fiber fiber optic core 50’ showing details of the construction and FIG. 37 is a detailed cross-sectional view showing the multi-fiber fiber optic core 50’ attached to the fiber optic adapter 100’. The multi-fiber fiber optic core 50’ may be configured to cooperate with any suitable multi-fiber ferrule 10. Additionally, the multi- fiber ferrule 10 may use any other suitable components as desired for the assembly. As depicted in FIG. 33 the multi-fiber ferrule 10 may terminate a plurality of optical fibers 17 such as optical fibers of a ribbon, thereby forming a pigtail that may be spliced within the closure or the like as desired.

[0100] A front core 20’ operates as spring push that engages with the rear core 30’ of the fiber optic core 50’ as shown in FIG. 33 for securing a ferrule 10 and relatedAttorney Docket No.: HI24-062 components within the rear core 30’. Latches or other structure that cooperate between the front core 20’ and rear core 30’ may be used for creating a snap-fit of components for quick and easy assembly.

[0101] The front core 20’ comprises a front core passageway 22 from a first end to a second end and comprises latches for snap-fitting to the rear core 30’ as depicted in FIG. 33 for assembly. When assembled the multi-fiber ferrule 10 is disposed within the fiber optic core 50 as shown in FIG. 33 with the mating end face 18 presented for optical mating with the appropriate external fiber optic connector. The fiber optic core 50’ may also include a biasing spring 39 that is captured between the rear core 30’ and the fiber optic retention member 40’. The fiber optic retention member 40’ may capture the biasing spring 39 and also be used for securing the fiber optic core 50’ with the fiber optic adapter 100’ as shown. The biasing spring 39 aids in allowing the fiber optic core 50’ to float and accommodate any variances in tolerances or alignment during optical mating.

[0102] The multi-fiber ferrule 10 may also include other component and form part of a multi-fiber ferrule assembly. By way of example, the multi-fiber ferrule assembly may optionally include a ferrule boot 12 and alignment pins 14 that are received within appropriately sized bores of the multi-fiber ferrule 10. A ferrule spring 16 may also be disposed between the rear end of the multi-fiber ferrule 10 and the front core 20’. The ferrule spring 16 is used to provide a biasing force to the multi-fiber ferrule for maintaining physical contact of the mating optical fibers. Other multi-fiber ferrules or multi-fiber ferrule assemblies are possible according to the concepts disclosed as well.

[0103] Although the disclosure has been illustrated and described herein with reference to explanatory embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples can perform similar functions and / or achieve like results. For instance, the fiber optic adapters disclosed may also include a dust plug or cover for inhibiting dirt, debris and dust from entering the device and maintaining cleanliness of the device prior to optical mating. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the disclosure and are intended to be covered by the appended claims. It will also beAttorney Docket No.: HI24-062 apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the concepts disclosed without departing from the spirit and scope of the same. Thus, it is intended that the present application cover the modifications and variations provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

Attorney Docket No.: HI24-062 We claim:

1. A fiber optic adapter (100, 100’) configured for receiving and optically mating an external fiber optic connector with an indoor connector, the fiber optic adapter (100, 100’) comprising: a connector latching member (60) comprising a latching member passageway (62) extending from a first end (61) to a second end (63), wherein the second end (63) comprises a connector lock (69); a housing (70) comprising a housing passageway (72) extending from a front end (71) to a rear end (73); and a translating release (90) configured for being at least partially received in the housing passageway (72) and translating in the housing passageway (72) along a longitudinal axis (LA) of the fiber optic adapter (100, 100’) aligned with a connector insertion direction and deflecting the connector lock (69) of the connector latching member (60) to a connector release position when moved to a release position.

2. The fiber optic adapter of claim 1, wherein the translating release (90) comprises a deflection surface (97) capable of engaging a portion of the connector latching member (60) for deflecting the connector lock (69) to the connector release position.

3. The fiber optic adapter of claims 1 or 2, wherein the second end (63) of the connector latching member (60) comprises at least one deflection guide (60G) for cooperating with the translating release (90).

4. The fiber optic adapter of claim 3, wherein the at least one deflection guide (60G) comprises a first deflection guide and a second deflection guide.Attorney Docket No.: HI24-062 5. The fiber optic adapter of claim 4, wherein the first deflection guide (60G) and the second deflection guide (60G) are disposed on opposite sides of the connector lock (69).

6. The fiber optic adapter of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the first end comprises at least one assembly arm (65) is configured for attaching the fiber optic adapter (50).

7. The fiber optic adapter of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the second end (63) of the connector latching member (60) has the connector lock (69) attached using one or more cantilevered arms (68).

8. The fiber optic adapter of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the connector latching member (60) is configured for attaching to the housing (70).

9. The fiber optic adapter of any one of claims 1-8, further comprising at least one resilient member (80) configured for biasing the translating release (90) toward a retain position.

10. The fiber optic adapter of any one of claims 1-9, further comprising a fiber optic core (50, 50’) comprising a front core (20, 20’) and a rear core (30,30’).

11. The fiber optic adapter of claim 10, wherein the fiber optic core (50,50’) further comprises a retention member (40,40’) configured for attaching to the front core (20).

12. The fiber optic adapter of claims 10 or 11, further comprising a multi-fiber ferrule (10) configured for being captured between the rear core (30) and the front coreAttorney Docket No.: HI24-062 13. The fiber optic adapter of claims 10 or 11, further comprising a ferrule split sleeve (12) configured for being captured between the rear core (30) and the front core (20).

14. The fiber optic adapter of claim 11, wherein the at least one assembly arm (65) of the connector latching member (60) is configured for cooperating with the retention member (40,40’) of the fiber optic core (50,50’).

15. The fiber optic adapter of any one of claims 1-14, further comprising one or more O-rings (89) configured for being disposed between the connector latching member (60) and the housing (70).

16. The fiber optic adapter of any one of claims 1-15, further comprising one or more O-rings (89) configured for being disposed on the translating release (90).

17. The fiber optic adapter of any one of claims 1-16, further comprising a visual indicator (101) showing that a complimentary device is properly attached at an exterior end (3) of the fiber optic adapter.

18. The fiber optic adapter of any one of claims 1-17, wherein the translating release (90) is configured to deflect the connector lock (69) when translating forward along the longitudinal axis (LA) to the release position or translating rearward along a longitudinal axis (LA) to the release position.

19. The fiber optic adapter of any one of claims 1-18, wherein the a release force on the translating release (90) is in the range of between 7 Newton to 15 Newton for engaging the connector latching member (60) and deflecting the connector lock (69) for releasing the external fiber optic connector from the fiber optic adapter (100).

20. The fiber optic adapter of any one of claims 1-18 being a portion of a closure (300).Attorney Docket No.: HI24-062 21. A fiber optic adapter (100,100’) configured for receiving and optically mating an external fiber optic connector with an indoor connector, the fiber optic adapter (100,100’) comprising: a fiber optic core (50,50’); a connector latching member (60) comprising a latching member passageway (62) extending from a first end (61) to configured for attaching to the fiber optic core (50,50’) and a second end (63) comprising a connector lock (69) configured for securing the external fiber optic connector; a housing (70) comprising a housing passageway (72) extending from a front end (71) to a rear end (73); and a translating release (90) configured for being at least partially received in the housing passageway (72) and translating in the housing passageway (72) along a longitudinal axis (LA) of the fiber optic adapter (100,100’) aligned with a connector insertion direction and deflecting the connector lock (69) of the connector latching member (60) to a connector release position when moved to a release position.

22. The fiber optic adapter of claim 21, wherein the second end (63) of the connector latching member (60) has the connector lock (69) attached using one or more cantilevered arms (68).

23. The fiber optic adapter of claims 21 or 22, wherein the second end (63) of the connector latching member (60) comprises at least one deflection guide (60G) for cooperating with the translating release (90).

24. The fiber optic adapter of claim 23, wherein the at least one deflection guide (60G) comprises a first deflection guide and a second deflection guide.Attorney Docket No.: HI24-062 25. The fiber optic adapter of claim 24, wherein the first deflection guide (60G) and the second deflection guide (60G) are disposed on opposite sides of the connector lock (69).

26. The fiber optic adapter of any one of claims 21-25, wherein the first end (61) of the connector latching member (60) comprises at least one assembly arm (65) configured for attaching the fiber optic adapter.

27. The fiber optic adapter of claim 26, wherein the at least one assembly arm (65) comprises a first assembly arm (65) and a second assembly arm (65) configured for attaching the fiber optic adapter.

28. The fiber optic adapter of claims 21-27, wherein the translating release (90) comprises a deflection surface (97) capable of engaging a portion of the connector latching member (60) for deflecting the connector lock (69) to the connector release position.

29. The fiber optic adapter of any one of claims 21-28, wherein the connector latching member (60) is configured for attaching to the housing (70) when assembled.

30. The fiber optic adapter of any one of claims 21-29, further comprising at least one resilient member (80) configured for biasing the translating release (90) toward a retain position.

31. The fiber optic adapter of any one of claims 21-30, wherein the fiber optic core (50,50’) comprises a front core (20,20’) and a rear core (30,30’).

32. The fiber optic adapter of claim 31, wherein the fiber optic core (50,50’) further comprises a retention member (40,40’) configured for attaching to the front core (20).Attorney Docket No.: HI24-062 33. The fiber optic adapter of claims 31 or 32, further comprising a multi-fiber ferrule (10) configured for being captured between the rear core (30) and the front core (20).

34. The fiber optic adapter of claims 31 or 32, further comprising a ferrule split sleeve (12) configured for being captured between the rear core (30) and the front core (20).

35. The fiber optic adapter of any one of claims 21-34, further comprising one or more O-rings (89) configured for being disposed between the connector latching member (60) and the housing (70).

36. The fiber optic adapter of any one of claims 21-35, further comprising one or more O-rings (89) configured for being disposed on the translating release (90).

37. The fiber optic adapter of any one of claims 21-36, further comprising a visual indicator (101) showing that a complementary device is properly attached at the exterior end (3) of the fiber optic adapter.

38. The fiber optic adapter of any one of claims 21-37, wherein the translating release (90) is configured to deflect the connector lock (69) when translating forward along the longitudinal axis (LA) to the release position or translating rearward along a longitudinal axis (LA) to the release position.

39. The fiber optic adapter of any one of claims 21-38, wherein the a release force on the translating release (90) is in the range of between 7 Newton to 15 Newton for engaging the connector latching member (60) and deflecting the connector lock (69) for releasing the external fiber optic connector from the fiber optic adapter (100).

40. The fiber optic adapter of any one of claims 21-39 being a portion of a closure (300).Attorney Docket No.: HI24-062 41. A fiber optic closure (300) comprising at least one fiber optic adapter (100,100’) configured for receiving and optically mating an external fiber optic connector with an indoor connector, the fiber optic adapter (100,100’) comprising: a fiber optic core (50,50’) for optical mating of opposing connectors; a connector latching member (60) comprising a latching member passageway (62) extending from a first end (61) to a second end (63), the second end (63) comprising a connector lock (69) configured for securing the external fiber optic connector; a housing (70) comprising a housing passageway (72) extending from a front end (71) to a rear end (73); and a translating release (90) configured for being at least partially received in the housing passageway (72) and translating in the housing passageway (72) along a longitudinal axis (LA) of the fiber optic adapter (100) aligned with a connector insertion direction and deflecting the connector lock (69) of the connector latching member (60) to a connector release position when moved to a release position.

42. The fiber optic adapter of claim 41, wherein the translating release (90) comprises a deflection surface (97) capable of engaging a portion of the connector latching member (60) for deflecting the connector lock (69) to the connector release position.

43. The fiber optic adapter of claims 41 or 42, wherein the second end (63) of the connector latching member (60) comprises at least one deflection guide (60G) for cooperating with the translating release (90).

44. The fiber optic adapter of claim 43, wherein the at least one deflection guide (60G) comprises a first deflection guide and a second deflection guide.Attorney Docket No.: HI24-062 45. The fiber optic adapter of claim 44, wherein the first deflection guide (60G) and the second deflection guide (60G) are disposed on opposite sides of the connector lock (69).

46. The fiber optic adapter of any one of claims 41-45, wherein the first end comprises at least one assembly arm (65) is configured for attaching the fiber optic adapter (50).

47. The fiber optic adapter of any one of claims 41-46, wherein the second end (63) of the connector latching member (60) has the connector lock (69) attached using one or more cantilevered arms (68).

48. The fiber optic adapter of any one of claims 41-47, wherein the connector latching member (60) is configured for attaching to the housing (70).

49. The fiber optic adapter of any one of claims 41-48, further comprising at least one resilient member (80) configured for biasing the translating release (90) toward a retain position.

50. The fiber optic adapter of any one of claims 41-49, further comprising a fiber optic core (50,50’) comprising a front core (20,20’) and a rear core (30,30’).

51. The fiber optic adapter of claim 50, wherein the fiber optic core (50,50’) further comprises a retention member (40,40’) configured for attaching to the front core (20,20’).

52. The fiber optic adapter of claims 50 or 51, further comprising a multi-fiber ferrule (10) configured for being captured between the rear core (30) and the front core (20).Attorney Docket No.: HI24-062 53. The fiber optic adapter of claims 50 or 51, further comprising a ferrule split sleeve (12) configured for being captured between the rear core (30) and the front core (20).

54. The fiber optic adapter of claim 51, wherein the at least one assembly arm (65) of the connector latching member (60) is configured for cooperating with the retention member (40,40’) of the fiber optic core (50).

55. The fiber optic adapter of any one of claims 41-54, further comprising one or more O-rings (89) configured for being disposed between the connector latching member (60) and the housing (70).

56. The fiber optic adapter of any one of claims 41-55, further comprising one or more O-rings (89) configured for being disposed on the translating release (90).

57. The fiber optic adapter of any one of claims 41-56, further comprising a visual indicator (101) showing that a complimentary device is properly attached at an exterior end (3) of the fiber optic adapter.

58. The fiber optic adapter of any one of claims 41-57, wherein the translating release (90) is configured to deflect the connector lock (69) when translating forward along the longitudinal axis (LA) to the release position or translating rearward along a longitudinal axis (LA) to the release position.

59. The fiber optic adapter of any one of claims 41-58, wherein the a release force on the translating release (90) is in the range of between 7 Newton to 15 Newton for engaging the connector latching member (60) and deflecting the connector lock (69) for releasing the external fiber optic connector from the fiber optic adapter (100).

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