Receptacle with configurable keyway

Abstract

A receptacle includes a first wall, a second wall, a third wall and a fourth wall; a first passage within an interior of the first wall, the second wall, the third wall and the fourth wall; a first keyway configurable to be centered with respect to the first passage or to be offset with respect to the first passage.

Description

RECEPTACLE WITH CONFIGURABLE KEYWAYCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application number 63 / 716,812, filed November 6, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] The embodiments described herein relate to receptacles for mating connectors. Connectors, such as fiber optic connectors, may include a key. The key is used to ensure that the connector is mated with a receptacle in the correct orientation, so that a connector mounted in the receptacle is oriented in the proper manner. Connectors may have keys in a variety of positions, including centered key and offset key. Users of such connectors may need to use multiple receptacles, e.g., a first receptacle for connectors with centered keys and a second receptacle for connectors with offset keys.SUMMARY

[0003] According to an embodiment, a receptacle includes a first wall, a second wall, a third wall and a fourth wall; a first passage within an interior of the first wall, the second wall, the third wall and the fourth wall: a first keyway configurable to be centered with respect to the first passage or to be offset with respect to the first passage.

[0004] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include wherein the first keyway includes a first key slide having a first key arm and a second key arm extending from the first key slide, the first key arm and the second key arm defining the first keyway.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include a second key way configurable to be centered with respect to the first passage or to be offset with respect to the first passage.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include wherein the second keyway includes a second key slide having a first key arm and a second key arm extending from the second key slide, the first key arm and the second key arm defining the second keyway.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include a link arm connected to the first key slide and the second key slide, the link arm configured to transfer motion of the first key slide to the second key slide, and vice versa, such that both the first key way and the second key way are centered with respect to the first passage or both the first keyway and the second keyway are offset with respect to the first passage.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include a third keyway configurable to be centered with respect to the first passage or to be offset with respect to the first passage.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include wherein the third keyway includes a third key slide having a first key arm and a second key arm extending from the third key slide, the first key arm and the second key arm defining the third keyway.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include a lever connected to the second key slide and the third key slide, the lever configured to transfer motion of the second key slide to the third key slide, and vice versa, such that both the second keyway and the third keyway are centered with respect to the first passage or both the second keyway and the third keyway are offset with respect to the first passage.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include wherein the first keyway and the second key way are located at the first wall and the third keyway is located at the second wall, the second wall being opposite to and parallel to the first wall.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include wherein the receptacle is an adapter.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include a first dust shutter door located in the first passage.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include wherein the first dust shutter door is integrated with the first key slide and / or the first keyway.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include wherein the first dust shutter door is coupled with the first key slide and / or the first keyway.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include a first bezel housing the first key slide; a second bezel housing the second key slide; the second bezel configured to be aligned with the first bezel or inverted relative to the first bezel.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include indicia on the first bezel indicating that (i) the first key slide is positioned for a connector having a center key or (ii) the first key slide is positioned for a connector having an offset key.

[0018] According to another embodiment, a receptacle includes a passage configured to receive two connectors; a keyway positioned relative to the passage, the keyway configurable such that the adapter is configured to (i) mate two base 16 MPO connectors in both key-up to key-up and key-up to key-down configurations and (ii) mate two base 8 MPO connectors in both key-up to key-up and key-up to key -down configurations or mate two base 12 MPO connectors in both key-up to key -up and key -up to key -down configurations or mate two base 24 MPO connectors in both key -up to key-up and key -up to key-down configurations.|0019| According to another embodiment, a receptacle for mating two connectors in only a key-up to key-down configuration includes a first wall, a second wall, a third wall and a fourth wall; a first passage within an interior of the first wall, the second wall, the third wall and the fourth wall; a first key way configurable to be centered with respect to the first passage or to be offset with respect to the first passage; a key blocker configurable to be centered with respect to the first passage or to be offset with respect to the first passage; a second keyway configurable to be centered with respect to the first passage or to be offset with respect to the first passage; wherein the first key way and the key blocker are located at the first wall and the second keyway is located at the second wall, the second wall being opposite to and parallel to the first wall.

[0020] According to another embodiment, a receptacle for mating two connectors in only a key-up to key-up configuration includes a first wall, a second wall, a third wall and a fourth wall; a first passage within an interior of the first wall, the second wall, the third wall and the fourth wall; a first keyway configurable to be centered with respect to the first passage or to be offset with respect to the first passage; a second keyway configurable to be centered with respect to the first passage or to be offset with respect to the first passage; a key blocker configurable to be centered with respect to the first passage or to be offset with respect to the first passage; wherein the first key way and the second keyway are located at the first wall andthe key blocker is located at the second wall, the second wall being opposite to and parallel to the first wall.

[0021] The foregoing features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity, unless expressly indicated otherwise. These features and elements as well as the operation thereof will become more apparent in light of the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description and drawings are intended to be illustrative and explanatory in nature and non-limiting.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limited in the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements.

[0023] FIG. 1 A depicts example connectors that may be used with embodiments of the invention.

[0024] FIG. IB depicts key -up to key-up adapter used in the prior art.

[0025] FIG. 1C depicts key -down to key -up adapter used in the prior art.|0026| FIG. 2 depicts an adapter including a configurable key way in an example embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the adapter of FIG. 2.

[0028] FIG. 4A is top view of the adapter of FIG. 2.

[0029] FIG. 4B is top view of the adapter of FIG. 2.

[0030] FIG. 5A is front view of the adapter of FIG. 2.

[0031] FIG. 5B is front view of the adapter of FIG. 2.

[0032] FIG. 6 is side view of the adapter of FIG. 2.

[0033] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of an adapter that provides both center key, key-up to key-down mating and offset key, key-up to key-down mating.

[0034] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of an adapter that provides both center key, key-up to key-up mating and offset key, key-up to key-up mating.

[0035] FIG. 9 depicts an adapter including a configurable keyway and dust shutter door(s) in another example embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 10 depicts an adapter including a configurable keyway in an example embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 11 depicts an adapter including a configurable keyway in an example embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 12 depicts a lever in an example embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 13 depicts an adapter including a configurable key way in an example embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 14 depicts an adapter including a configurable key way in an example embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 15 depicts an adapter including a configurable key way in an example embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 16 depicts an adapter including a configurable keyway in an example embodiment.

[0043] FIGs. 17-29 depict an adapter including a configurable keyway in an example embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Embodiments described herein provide for one or more adjustable keyways on a receptacle that receives a connector. The receptacle may correspond to a wide variety of devices that receive a connector, including an adapter (which receives two connectors), an outlet, a jack, a port, a coupler, etc. The connector may correspond to a wide variety of devices including optical fiber connectors, copper connectors, coaxial cable connectors, etc. In the figures, the receptacle is an adapter and the connectors MPO fiber connectors. Embodiments are not limited to the specific implementations shown in the drawings.

[0045] FIG. 1 A depicts example connectors that may be used with embodiments of the invention. FIG. 1 A shows a base 12 multi -fiber push on (MPO) connector 2 having a centered key 4, a base 8 MPO connector 3 having a centered key 7, a base 24 MPO connector 6 having a centered key 8, and a base 16 MPO connector 10 having an offset key 12. A key is typically a raised section of material on the connector (e.g., a protrusion or nub) that is received in a keyway on an adapter. The key ensures that the connector is mounted to the adapter in the correct orientation. A centered key refers to a key that is centrally aligned on the connector, such that a center axis of the key is aligned with, and in the same plane, as a center axis of the connector. An offset key refers to a key that is offset on the connector, such that a center axis of the key is offset and parallel to a center axis of the connector. The connectors of FIG. 1A may be mated in varying orientations, such key -up to key-up or key-up to key-down. With the connectors available with a center key or an offset key, and the need for key-up to key-up orkey-up to key-down matings, a user may need several different types of adapters to mate the connectors in the desired configuration.

[0046] FIG. IB shows two base 12 multi-fiber push on (MPO) connectors 2 being mated to a conventional adapter 14. The adapter 14 has two openings, each opening receiving a connector 2. Each opening includes a fixed key way 16 that allows the connector 2 to be mated with the adapter 14 in a single orientation based on a key 18 on each connector 2. In the example in FIG. IB, the adapter 14 is configured to align the connectors 2 in a key -up to key-up configuration. In the example in FIG. 1 C, the adapter 15 is configured to align the connectors 2 in a key-up to key-down configuration. Two different types of adapters 14 and 15 are needed, namely, one adapter to provide for center key, key-up to key-up mating and one adapter to provide for center key, key-up to key-down mating. If the connectors have an offset key, such as the base 16 MPO connector 10 having an offset key 12, then two other adapters are needed, namely one adapter to provide for offset key, key -up to key -up mating and another adapter to provide for offset key, key-up to key-down mating.

[0047] FIG. 2 depicts a receptacle, in the form of an adapter 100 including at least one configurable key way in an example embodiment. The adapter 100 is a duplex adapter having a first wall 102 and a second wall 104 spaced apart from and parallel to the first wall 102. The adapter 100 includes a third wall 106 and a fourth wall 108 spaced apart from and parallel to the third wall 106. The third wall 106 and fourth wall 108 are perpendicular to the first wall 102 and the second wall 104, forming a generally rectangular structure.

[0048] The adapter includes a first passage 110 within an interior of the first wall 102, the second wall 104, the third wall 106 and the fourth wall 108. The first passage 110 receives two connectors allowing the two connectors to mate in a face-to-face manner, as known in the art. The adapter includes a second passage 112 which receives two connectors allowing the two connectors to mate in a face-to-face manner, as known in the art. The adapter 100 is a duplex adapter, but embodiments are not limited to duplex adapters.

[0049] A first key slide 120 is provided in a first slot 122 in the first wall 102. A second key slide 140 is provided in a second slot 142 in the first wall 102. A third key slide 160 (FIG. 3) is provided in a third slot 162 (FIG. 6) in the second wall 104. The slots 122, 142 and 162 are wider than the key slides 120, 140 and 160, respectively, so that the key slide can travel linearly in the slot. A gap 124 between the first key slide 120 and an end wall of the first slot 122 is shown in FIG. 2. A similar gap is present in the second key slot 142 and the third key slot 162.

[0050] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the adapter 100. The first key slide 120 and the second key slide 140 are connected by a linkage that transfers movement of the first key slide 120 to the second key slide 140, and vice versa. In the example of FIG. 3, the linkage includes a first link arm 130 and a second link arm 131. Each link arm 130 and 131 is pivotally secured to the first wall by a pin 132 on the link arm and a corresponding hole 133 in the first wall 102.

[0051] The ends of each link arm 130 and 131 are received in cut outs 134 in each of the first key slide 120 and the second key slide 140. The ends of each link arm 130 and 131 are curved to match the curved cut outs 134. This provides a pivotal connection between the link anus 130 and 131 and the first key slide 120 and the second key slide 140. Other techniques (e.g., a pin and hole) may be used to provide the pivot connection between the link arms 130 and 131 and the first key slide 120 and the second key slide 140. The connection between the link arms 130 and 131 and the key slides 120 and 140 may be implemented in various manners, and embodiments are not limited to the specific implementations described herein.

[0052] Each key slide includes key arms that define one or more keyways. For example, the first key slide 120 includes first key arm 170 and second key arm 171. The first key arm 170 and second key arm 171 extend perpendicular to the first key slide 120. The first key arm 170 and second key arm 171 are spaced apart to define a first keyway 201. The first key am 170 and second key am 171 extend through the first slot 122 in the first wall 102 placing the first keyway adjacent to the first passage 110 in a position to receive a connector key. The first key slide 120 includes third key am 172 and fourth key arm 173. The third key arm 172 and fourth key am 173 extend perpendicular to the first key slide 120. The third key arm 172 and fourth key arm 173 are spaced apart to define a second keyway 202. The third key arm 172 and fourth key arm 173 extend through the first slot 122 in the first wall 102 placing the second keyway adjacent to the second passage 112 in a position to receive a connector key.

[0053] The second key slide 140 also includes key arms 210, 212, 214 and 216, similar to the first key slide 120. As with the first key slide 120, first key am 210, second key am 212, third key am 214 and fourth key arm 16 extend through the second slot 142 in the first wall 102 placing a third key way 218 (defined by key ams 210 and 212) adjacent to first passage 110 in a position to receive a connector key and a fourth keyway 219 (defined by key arms 214 and 216) adjacent to second passage 112 in a position to receive a connector key.

[0054] The third key slide 160 is also includes key arms 220, 222, 224 and 226, similar to the first key slide 120 and the second key slide 140. Similar to the first key slide 120 and the second key slide 140, first key arm 220, second key arm 222, third key arm 224 and fourth key arm 226 extend through the second slot 142 in the second wall 104 placing a fifth keyway 228 (defined by key arms 220 and 22) adjacent to first passage 110 in a position to receive a connector key and a sixth keyway 229 (defined by key arms 224 and 226) adjacent to second passage 112 in a position to receive a connector key.

[0055] The second key slide 140 and the third key slide 160 are connected by a lever 180 that transfers movement of the second key slide 140 to the third key slide 160, and vice versa. The lever 180 is pivotally mounted to the adapter body by a pin 182 received in a hole 183 in the adapter body. The ends of the lever 180 are received in slots 184 centrally located in each of the second key slide 140 and the third key slide 160. This provides a pivotal connection between the lever 180 and the second key slide 140 and the third key slide 160. Other techniques (e.g., a pin and hole) may be used to provide the pivot connection between the lever 180 and the second key slide 140 and the third key slide 160. The connection between the lever 180 and the key slides 140 and 160 may be implemented in various manners, and embodiments are not limited to the specific implementations described herein,

[0056] Referring to FIG. 2, the first key slide 120, the second key slide 140 and the third key slide 160 may be adjusted to accommodate connectors with a center key or an offset key, in key-up to key-up or key-up to key-down configurations. As shown in FIG. 2, the first key slide 120, the second key slide 140 and the third key slide 160 are positioned to receive connectors having a center key. The first keyway of the first key slide 120 is centered in the first passage 110, the second key way of the first key slide 120 is centered in the second passage 112, the third key way of the second key slide 140 is centered in the first passage 110, the fourth key way of the second key slide 140 is centered in the second passage 1 12, the fifth keyway of the third key slide 160 is centered in the first passage 110, the sixth key way of the third key slide 160 is centered in the second passage 112.

[0057] When any of the first key slide 120, the second key slide 140 and the third key slide 160 is moved in a direction shown by the arrows in FIG. 2 (e.g., the first key slide 120 is moved towards fourth wall 108), the key ways assume the offset position to accommodate connectors with an offset key, in key-up to key-up or key-up to key-down configurations. When moved in a direction shown by the arrows in FIG. 2, the first key way 201 of the first key slide 120 is offset in the first passage 110, the second key way 202 of the first key slide 120 isoffset in the second passage 112, the third key way 218 of the second key slide 140 is offset in the first passage 110, the fourth keyway 219 of the second key slide 140 is offset in the second passage 112, the fifth key way 228 of the third key slide 160 is offset in the first passage 110, the sixth keyway 229 of the third key slide 160 is offset in the second passage 112.

[0058] Movement of the key slides 120, 140 and 160 may be accomplished in several ways. First, insertion of a connector into the adapter 100 will cause the contact between a key on the connector and a key way on one of the key slides 120, 140 and 160. An inlet of each keyway 201 , 202, 218, 219, 228 and 229 may be chamfered, to allow the keyway to accommodate a connector with a center key or a connector with an offset key. When a connector is mated to the adapter, the keyway, and corresponding key slide, contacted by the key is moved to the center position or offset position by physical interaction between the key and the keyway.

[0059] In another embodiment, a user physically slides one of the key slides 120, 140 and 160 into the center or offset position. Movement of one key slide causes corresponding movement of the other key slides, thereby placing all the keyways 201, 202, 218, 219, 228 and 229 collectively in the center position or offset position.

[0060] FIG. 4A is top view of the adapter 100 showing the first key slide 120 and the second key slide 140 in a position such that the first keyway 201 of the first key slide 120 is centered in the first passage 110, the second key way 202 of the first key slide 120 is centered in the second passage 112, the third key way 218 of the second key slide 140 is centered in the first passage 110, the fourth key way 219 of the second key slide 140 is centered in the second passage 112.

[0061] FIG. 4B is top view of the adapter 100 showing the first key slide 120 and the second key slide 140 in a position such that the first key way of the first key slide 120 is offset in the first passage 110, the second keyway of the first key slide 120 is offset in the second passage 112, the third key way of the second key slide 140 is offset in the first passage 110, the fourth keyway of the second key slide 140 is offset in the second passage 112.

[0062] FIG. 5A is front view of the adapter 100 showing the second key slide 140 and the third key slide 160 in a position such that the third keyway of the second key slide 140 is centered in the first passage 110, the fourth key way of the second key slide 140 is centered in the second passage 112, the fifth key way of the third key slide 160 is centered in the first passage 110, the sixth key way of the third key slide 160 is centered in the second passage 112.

[0063] FIG. 5B is front view of the adapter 100 showing the second key slide 140 and the third key slide 160 in a position such that the third keyway of the second key slide 140 is offset in the first passage 110, the fourth key way of the second key slide 140 is offset in the second passage 112, the fifth keyway of the third key slide 160 is offset in the first passage 110, the sixth keyway of the third key slide 160 is offset in the second passage 112.

[0064] FIG. 6 is side view of the adapter 100.

[0065] The adaptor 100 described herein allows for mating of various types of connectors, having center keys or offset keys, in both key-up to key-up or key-up to key-down configurations. In one embodiment, the adapter 100 includes a plurality of configurable key ways such that the adapter 100 is configurable to (i) mate two base 16 MPO connectors in both key-up to key-up and key-up to key-down configurations and (ii) mate two base 8 MPO connectors in both key-up to key-up and key -up to key -down configurations or mate two base 12 MPO connectors in both key-up to key-up and key -up to key-down configurations or mate two 24 MPO connectors in both key-up to key-up and key-up to key-down configurations.

[0066] FIGs. 2-6 depict a duplex adapter 100 having a first passage 110 and a second passage 112. Embodiments discussed herein may be used in other receptacle or adapter footprints, such as a simplex adapter having a single passage or a quad adapter having four passages, or any number of passages.

[0067] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a receptacle, in the form of an adapter 301 that provides both center key, key-up to key-down mating and offset key, key-up to key-down mating. Adapter 301 does not provide for key-up to key-up mating. The adapter 301 shares many of the elements of adapter 100 in FIGs. 2 and 3, which are not labeled with reference numerals for ease of illustration. In FIG. 7, the keyways 218 and 219 are placed with key blocks 218’ and 219’. The key blocks 218’ and 219’ prevent insertion of a connector into the adapter 301 with a key facing key slide 140.

[0068] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a receptacle, in the form of an adapter 401 that provides both center key, key-up to key-up mating and offset key, key-up to key-up mating. The adapter 401 does not provide for key-up to key -down mating. The adapter 401 shares many of the elements of adapter 100 in FIGs. 2 and 3, which are not labeled with reference numerals for ease of illustration. In FIG. 8, the key ways 228 and 229 in key slide 160 are replaced with key blocks 228’ and 229’. The key blocks 228’ and 229’ prevent insertion of a connector into the adapter 301 with a key facing key slide 160. The key slide 160 in FIG. 8may be fixed in position and does not need to slide between a centered position and an offset position.

[0069] FIG. 9 depicts an depicts a receptacle, in the form of an adapter including a configurable keyway in another example embodiment. The adapter of FIG. 9 is similar to that of FIG. 3, with the addition of a dust shutter door 904 in the first passage 110 and a dust shutter door 906 in the second passage 112. The dust shutter doors 904 and 906 may implemented using known types of dust shutter doors, such as dust shutter doors used in the MPO 12F Internal Shutter Adapters from SunCall America. The dust shutter doors 904 and 906 are shown on a front end of the adapter and may also be positioned at a rear end of the adapter, so that both ends of the first passage 110 has a dust shutter door 904 and both ends of the second passage 112 has a dust shutter door 906.

[0070] In one embodiment, the dust shutter doors 904 and 906 are positioned behind the key slides 120, 140 and 160 (i.e., closer to the interior of the adapter). A connector engaging the adapter first contacts the relevant key slide 120, 140 and 160 and then contacts the dust shutter door 904 or 906. The force from the connector causes the dust shutter door 904 or 906 to open allowing the connector to further travel into first passage 110 or second passage 112.

[0071] In another embodiment, the dust shutter doors 904 and 906 are integrated with one or more of the key slides 120, 140 and 160 and / or with one or more of the key ways 201, 202, 218, 219, 228 and 229. This allows the dust shutter doors 904 and / or 906 to move with the one or more of the key slides 120, 140 and 160 and / or with one or more of the key ways 201, 202, 218, 219, 228 and 229.

[0072] In another embodiment, the dust shutter doors 904 and 906 are coupled to one or more of the key slides 120, 140 and 160, and / or with one or more of the key ways 201, 202, 218, 219, 228 and 229. In this arrangement, movement of the one or more of the key slides 120, 140 and 160 and / or the one or more of the key ways 201, 202, 218, 219, 228 and 229 controls movement of one or more of the dust shutter doors 904 and / or 906. The dust shutter doors 904 and 906 are coupled to one or more of the key slides 120, 140 and 160 and / or with one or more of the key ways 201, 202, 218, 219, 228 and 229 through couplings, such as levers, pivots, etc.

[0073] FIG. 10 depicts a receptacle, in the form of an adapter 500 including a configurable key way in an example embodiment. The adapter 500 is similar adapter 100 in FIGs. 2-6. Differences between adapter 100 and adapter 500 are described with reference to FIG. 10. In FIG. 10, the first link arm 130 and a second link arm 131 of FIG. 3 are replacedwith a single link are 530. The link arm 530 is pivotally secured to the first wall by a pin 532 extending from the first wall 102 and received in a central hole in the link arm 530. A first key slide 120 and a second key slide 140 are pivotally connection to the link arm 530 (e.g., using a pin / hole at the junction of the link arm 530 and each respective key slides 120 and 140. The link arm 530 operates similar to the first link arm 130 and a second link arm 131 to transfer movement of the first key slide 120 to the second key slide 140, and vice versa.

[0074] FIG. 11 depicts a front view of the adapter 500 in an example embodiment. The adapter 500 includes a lever 580 different than the lever 180 in FIGs. 2-6. Lever 580 transfers movement of the second key slide 140 to the third key slide 160, and vice versa. The ends of the lever 580 are received in slots centrally located in each of the second key slide 140 and the third key slide 160. This provides a pivotal connection between the lever 580 and the second key slide 140 and the third key slide 160. Other techniques (e.g., a pin and hole) may be used to provide the pivot connection between the lever 580 and the second key slide 140 and the third key slide 160. The connection between the lever 580 and the key slides 140 and 160 may be implemented in various manners, and embodiments are not limited to the specific implementations described herein.

[0075] The lever 580 has a pivot axis that is not aligned with a central, lateral axis of the adapter 500. As shown in FIG. 11, the lever rotation axle 582, about which the lever rotates, is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the adapter 500 and perpendicular to a central, lateral axis of the adapter 580. The lever rotation axle 582 is offset from the center of the lever 580. The lever rotation axle 582 has distal ends that are received in holes in the front and back of the adapter body.

[0076] FIG. 12 depicts the lever 580 in an example embodiment. The lever rotation axle 582 is perpendicular to the lever 580. The lever rotation axle 582 is offset from the center 584 of the lever 580.

[0077] FIG. 13 depicts a receptacle, in the form of an adapter 600 including a configurable keyway in an example embodiment. The adapter 600 includes link arm 530 to connect the first key slide 120 and second key slide 140, as described with reference to FIG. 10. The lever 580 is replaced with a side linkage 620. The side linkage 602 includes a linkage body 622. A first pivot point 624 is provided between the linkage body 622 and the adapter body to allow the linkage body 622 to rotate relative to the adapter body. The first pivot point 624 may be provided by a pin, on the adapter body or the linkage body 622, and a corresponding hole on the other of the adapter body or the linkage body 622.

[0078] A second pivot point 626 is provided between the linkage body 622 and the second key slide 140, to allow the linkage body 622 to rotate relative to the second key slide 140. The second pivot point 626 may be provided by a pin, on the adapter body or a distal end of the second key slide 140, and a corresponding hole on the other of the adapter body or the distal end of the second key slide 140.

[0079] A third pivot point 628 is provided between the linkage body 622 and the third key slide 160, to allow the linkage body 622 to rotate relative to the third key slide 160. The third pivot point 628 may be provided by a pin, on the adapter body or a distal end of the third key slide 160, and a corresponding hole on the other of the adapter body or the distal end of the third key slide 160.

[0080] The side linkage 620 couples the second key slide 140 and the third key slide 160. The side linkage 620 operates similar to the lever 180 or lever 580, to transfer movement of the second key slide 140 to the third key slide 160, and vice versa.

[0081] FIGs. 14 -16. depict various embodiments of the side linkage 620, which operate in the same manner as that shown in FIG. 13.|0082| FIG. 17 depicts a receptacle, in the form of an adapter 700 including a configurable keyways in an example embodiment. FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the adapter 700. The adapter 700 is a duplex adapter having a first wall 702 and a second wall 704 spaced apart from and parallel to the first wall 702. The adapter 700 includes a third wall 706 and a fourth wall 708 spaced apart from and parallel to the third wall 706. The third wall 706 and fourth wall 708 are perpendicular to the first wall 702 and the second wall 704, forming a generally rectangular structure.

[0083] The adapter includes a first passage 710 within an interior of the first wall 702, the second wall 704, the third wall 706 and the fourth wall 708. The first passage 710 receives two connectors allowing the two connectors to mate in a face-to-face manner, as known in the art. The adapter includes a second passage 712 which receives two connectors allowing the two connectors to mate in a face-to-face manner, as known in the art. The adapter 700 is a duplex adapter, but embodiments are not limited to duplex adapters.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 18, the adapter 700 includes a second bezel 800 and a first bezel 802 on opposite ends of the adapter 700. The second bezel 800 includes openings that align with the first passage 710 and the second passage 712. The second bezel 800 receives a second key slide 840. A slot 842 is provided in one wall of the second bezel 800. The slot 842 receives a tab 844 extending from the second key slide 840. The slot 842 is longer than the tab844 to allow the second key slide 840 to move linearly to be biased towards the third wall 706 or biased towards the fourth wall 708. The second bezel 800 may be removed from the adapter 700, rotated 180 degrees (relative to the first bezel 802) and attached to the adapter 700 as described in further detail herein.

[0085] The second key slide 840 includes key arms that define one or more keyways. The second key slide 840 includes first key arm 810 and second key arm 812. The first key arm 810 and the second key arm 812 extend perpendicular to the second key slide 840. The first key arm 810 and second key arm 812 are spaced apart to define a first keyway 818. The first key way 818 is adjacent to the first passage 710 in a position to receive a connector key. The second key slide 840 includes third key arm 814 and fourth key arm 816. The third key arm 814 and fourth key arm 816 extend perpendicular to the second key slide 840. The third key arm 814 and fourth key arm 816 are spaced apart to define a second keyway 819. The second keyway 819 is adjacent to the second passage 712 in a position to receive a connector key.

[0086] A first key slide 820 is constructed similarly to the second key slide 840. The first bezel 802 includes openings that align with the first passage 710 and the second passage 712. The first bezel 802 receives the first key slide 820. A slot 843 is provided in one wall of the first bezel 802. The slot 843 receives a tab 845 extending from the first key slide 820. The slot 843 is longer than the tab 845 to allow the first key slide 820 to move linearly be biased towards the third wall 706 or biased towards the fourth wall 708. The first key slide 820 includes key arms that define one or more keyways 801 and 802, similar to keyways 818 and 819 in the second key slide 840. The first keyway 801 is adjacent to the first passage 710 in a position to receive a connector key. The second key way 802 is adjacent to the second passage 712 in a position to receive a connector key.

[0087] FIG. 19 is a top down view of the adapter 700. A first side 851 of the second bezel 800 includes indicia 863 identifying whether the key ways 818 and 819 of the second key slide 840 are positioned for a center key connector (e.g., a base 12 MPO connector having a centered key) or positioned for an offset key connector (e.g., a base 16 MPO connector). The tab 844 may include a nub 847 that is received in one of two detents 849 formed in the first side 851 of the second bezel 800, to secure the second key slide 840 in either a centered key or offset key position.

[0088] A first side 871 of the first bezel 802 includes indicia 873 identifying whether the key ways 801 and 802 of the second key slide 820 are positioned for a center key connector(e.g., a base 12 MPO connector having a centered key) or positioned for an offset key connector (e.g., a base 16 MPO connector). The tab 845 may include a nub 877 that is received in one of two detents 879 formed in the first side 871 of the first bezel 802, to secure the second key slide 820 in either a centered key or offset key position.

[0089] The first key slide 820 and the second key slide 840 may be adjusted to accommodate connectors with a center key or an offset key, in key-up to key-up or key-up to key-down configurations. FIG. 20 shows the adapter 700 in a key-up to key-up configuration, for connectors with a center key. The second bezel 800 and the first bezel 802 are arranged so that the first key slide 820 and the second key slide 840 are on the same side (e.g., both adjacent to the first wall 702) of the adapter. As shown in FIG. 20, the first key slide 820 and the second key slide 840 are positioned to receive connectors having a center key. The first key slide 820 is biased towards the fourth wall 708 and the second key slide 840 is biased towards the third wall 706. The first keyway of the first key slide 820 is centered in the first passage 710, the second key way of the first key slide 820 is centered in the second passage 712, the third keyway of the second key slide 840 is centered in the first passage 710, the fourth key way of the second key slide 840 is centered in the second passage 712.

[0090] FIG. 21 is a top view of the adapter 700 in a key -up to key -up configuration, for connectors with a center key.

[0091] FIG. 22 shows the adapter 700 in a key-up to key-down configuration, for connectors with a center key. The second bezel 800 and the first bezel 802 are arranged so that the first key slide 820 and the second key slide 840 are on opposite sides of the adapter (e.g., the second bezel 800 adjacent to the second wall 704, inverted with respect to the first bezel 802 which is adjacent to the first wall 702). As shown in FIG. 22, the first key slide 820 and the second key slide 840 are positioned to receive connectors having a center key. The first key slide 820 is biased towards the fourth wall 708 and the second key slide 840 is biased towards the fourth wall 708. The first keyway of the first key slide 820 is centered in the first passage 710, the second key way of the first key slide 820 is centered in the second passage 712, the third key way of the second key slide 840 is centered in the first passage 710, the fourth key way of the second key slide 840 is centered in the second passage 712.

[0092] FIG. 23 is a top view of the adapter 700 in a key -up to key-down configuration, for connectors with a center key. FIG. 24 is a bottom view of the adapter 700 in a key-up to key -down configuration, for connectors with a center key.

[0093] FIG. 25 shows the adapter 700 in a key -up to key-up configuration, for connectors with an offset key. The second bezel 800 and the first bezel 802 are arranged so that the first key slide 820 and the second key slide 840 are on the same side of the adapter 700 (e.g., both adjacent to the first wall 702). As shown in FIG. 25, the first key slide 820 and the second key slide 840 are positioned to receive connectors having an offset key. The first key slide 820 is biased towards the third wall 706 and the second key slide 840 is biased towards the fourth wall 708. The first keyway of the first key slide 820 is offset in the first passage 710, the second key way of the first key slide 820 is offset in the second passage 712, the third key way of the second key slide 840 is offset in the first passage 710, the fourth key way of the second key slide 840 is offset in the second passage 712.

[0094] FIG. 26 is a top view of the adapter 700 in a key -up to key -up configuration, for connectors with an offset key.

[0095] FIG. 27 shows the adapter 700 in a key-up to key-down configuration, for connectors with an offset key. The second bezel 800 and the first bezel 802 are arranged so that the first key slide 820 and the second key slide 840 are on opposite sides of the adapter 700 (e.g., the second bezel 800 adjacent to the second wall 704, inverted with respect to the first bezel 802 which is adjacent to the first wall 702). As shown in FIG. 27, the first key slide 820 and the second key slide 840 are positioned to receive connectors having an offset key. The first key slide 820 is biased towards the third wall 706 and the second key slide 840 is biased towards the third wall 706. The first keyway of the first key slide 820 is offset in the first passage 710, the second keyway of the first key slide 820 is offset in the second passage 712, the third key way of the second key slide 840 is offset in the first passage 710, the fourth key way of the second key slide 840 is offset in the second passage 712.

[0096] FIG. 28 is a top view of the adapter 700 in a key-up to key-down configuration, for connectors with an offset key. FIG. 29 is a bottom view of the adapter 700 in a key-up to key -down configuration, for connectors with an offset key.

[0097] Movement of the key slides 820 and 840 may be accomplished in several ways. First, insertion of a connector into the adapter 700 will cause contact between a key on the connector and a keyway on one of the key slides 820 and 840. An inlet of each keyway may be chamfered, to allow the keyway to accommodate a connector with a center key or a connector with an offset key. When a connector is mated to the adapter 700, the keyway, and corresponding key slide, contacted by the connector key is moved to the center position or offset position by physical interaction between the connector key and the keyway.

[0098] In another embodiment, a user physically slides one of the key slides 820 and 840 into the center position or offset position.

[0099] In some embodiments, a linkage may be used to connect the first key slide 820 and the second key slide 840, such that movement of one key slide causes corresponding movement of the other key slide, thereby placing all the keyways 801, 802, 818 and 819 collectively in the center position or offset position. Any of the linkages described above with reference to FIGs. 2-16 may be used with the adapter 700.

[0100] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and / or groups thereof.1001011 Those of skill in the art will appreciate that various example embodiments are shown and described herein, each having certain features in the particular embodiments, but the present disclosure is not thus limited. Rather, the present disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, combinations, sub-combinations, or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, while various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the present disclosure may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is.

1. A receptacle comprising : a first wall, a second wall, a third wall and a fourth wall; a first passage within an interior of the first wall, the second wall, the third wall and the fourth wall; a first key way configurable to be centered with respect to the first passage or to be offset with respect to the first passage.

2. The receptacle of claim 1, wherein the first key way includes: a first key slide having a first key ami and a second key arm extending from the first key slide, the first key arm and the second key arm defining the first keyway.

3. The receptacle of claim 2, further comprising a second keyway configurable to be centered with respect to the first passage or to be offset with respect to the first passage.

4. The receptacle of claim 3, wherein the second keyway includes: a second key slide having a first key arm and a second key arm extending from the second key slide, the first key arm and the second key arm defining the second keyway.

5. The receptacle of claim 4, further comprising: a link arm connected to the first key slide and the second key slide, the link arm configured to transfer motion of the first key slide to the second key slide, and vice versa, such that both the first keyway and the second keyway are centered with respect to the first passage or both the first keyway and the second keyway are offset with respect to the first passage.

6. The receptacle of claim 5, further comprising a third key way configurable to be centered with respect to the first passage or to be offset with respect to the first passage.

7. The receptacle of claim 6, wherein the third keyway includes: a third key slide having a first key arm and a second key arm extending from the third key slide, the first key arm and the second key arm defining the third keyway.

8. The receptacle of claim 7, further comprising: a lever connected to the second key slide and the third key slide, the lever configured to transfer motion of the second key slide to the third key slide, and vice versa, such that both the second keyway and the third keyway are centered with respect to the first passage or both the second keyway and the third key way are offset with respect to the first passage.

9. The receptacle of claim 6, wherein the first key way and the second key way are located at the first wall and the third keyway is located at the second wall, the second wall being opposite to and parallel to the first wall.

10. The receptacle of claim 1, wherein the receptacle is an adapter.

11. The receptacle of claim 2, further comprising a first dust shutter door located in the first passage.

12. The receptacle of claim 11, wherein the first dust shutter door is integrated with the first key slide and / or the first keyway.

13. The receptacle of claim 11, wherein the first dust shutter door is coupled with the first key slide and / or the first keyway.

14. The receptacle of claim 4, further comprising: a first bezel housing the first key slide; a second bezel housing the second key slide; the second bezel configured to be aligned with the first bezel or inverted relative to the first bezel.

15. The receptacle of claim 14, further comprising: indicia on the first bezel indicating that (i) the first key slide is positioned for a connector having a center key or (ii) the first key slide is positioned for a connector having an offset key.

16. A receptacle comprising : a passage configured to receive two connectors; a keyway positioned relative to the passage, the keyway configurable such that the adapter is configured to (i) mate two base 16 MPO connectors in both key -up to key -up and key-up to key-down configurations and (ii) mate two base 8 MPO connectors in both key-up to key -up and key-up to key-down configurations or mate two base 12 MPO connectors in both key-up to key-up and key -up to key-down configurations or mate two base 24 MPO connectors in both key-up to key -up and key-up to key -down configurations.

17. A receptacle for mating two connectors in only a key-up to key-down configuration, the receptacle comprising: a first wall, a second wall, a third wall and a fourth wall; a first passage within an interior of the first wall, the second wall, the third wall and the fourth wall;a first key way configurable to be centered with respect to the first passage or to be offset with respect to the first passage; a key blocker configurable to be centered with respect to the first passage or to be offset with respect to the first passage; a second keyway configurable to be centered with respect to the first passage or to be offset with respect to the first passage; wherein the first keyway and the key blocker are located at the first wall and the second keyway is located at the second wall, the second wall being opposite to and parallel to the first wall.

18. A receptacle for mating two connectors in only a key-up to key -up configuration, the receptacle comprising: a first wall, a second wall, a third wall and a fourth wall; a first passage within an interior of the first wall, the second wall, the third wall and the fourth wall; a first key way configurable to be centered with respect to the first passage or to be offset with respect to the first passage; a second keyway configurable to be centered with respect to the first passage or to be offset with respect to the first passage; a key blocker configurable to be centered with respect to the first passage or to be offset with respect to the first passage; wherein the first keyway and the second keyway are located at the first wall and the key blocker is located at the second wall, the second wall being opposite to and parallel to the first wall.

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