A device for providing enhanced patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection

Abstract

A device for providing enhanced patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection. The device may include a patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection assembly having a housing portion configured to receive a plug portion of a patch cord, a blocking portion configured to move between a first position configured to inhibit access to the locking portion of the plug portion and a second position to engage a locking portion of the plug portion to disengage the plug portion from a port, and an actuation portion configured to move the blocking portion from the first position and the second position.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 0404.0002-PCTA DEVICE FOR PROVIDING ENHANCED PATCH CORD PLUG-PORT MANUAL DISENGAGEMENT AND / OR UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS PROTECTIONCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Indian Provisional Patent Application No.202411105022, filed December 31 , 2024, currently pending, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 871,839, filed August 28, 2025, currently pending, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a device for providing enhanced patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a device for a patch cord configured to prevent manual disengagement of a patch cord plug from a port by obstructing access to a locking clip of the patch cord plug, and therefore, preventing data unauthorized access thereto.BACKGROUND

[0003] Due to the importance of maintaining continuous electronic network communications, the security of plug connections is a growing issue. Unanticipated interruption of data transmission in a network could result in data losses, production interruption, machine malfunction and / or significant, unnecessary expense.

[0004] With the increasing networking of electronic equipment in the business and manufacturing sector, the safety of plug connections is continuously gaining importance. An uncontrolled interruption of data transmission within such a network can result in malfunctions, expensive loss of production, or fatal data losses.

[0005] It has long been known to use connectors to terminate a cable so as to connect the cable to various ports. These connectors may prevent inadvertent disconnection of the cable to the port. The connector may be an LC duplex patch cord assembly to secure the cable plug within the sleeve or boot. The LC duplex patch cord may prevent inadvertent actuation of the locking clip which is typically integrated in a plug for the patch cord. Conventionally, the LC duplex patch cord includes a baseAttorney Docket No. 0404.0002-PCTcomponent and a locking component, both of which surround the plug. A key may be implemented to disengage the locking component from the base component to remove at least part of the LC duplex patch cord (such as the locking component) so that a user can subsequently access and actuate the locking clip on the plug-in order to remove the plug from the port. It is understood that access to the locking clip of the plug may be challenging under this conventional arrangement given that such plugs may be closely arranged in a cluster with corresponding ports. Moreover, the multi-step process of removing all or part of the LC duplex patch cord together with subsequently accessing and actuating the locking clip could present inefficiencies for a user who needs to quickly connect and disconnect many plugs in a particular location.

[0006] Therefore, it may be desirable to provide a locking device which protects the plug connection from unauthorized or inadvertent disconnection while also enabling an easier and quicker process for disconnecting and connecting such plugs.SUMMARY

[0007] According to some aspects of the disclosure, a device may be configured for providing enhanced patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection. In some embodiments, the device may include a patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection assembly.

[0008] In some embodiments, the patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection assembly may include a housing portion configured to receive a plug portion of a patch cord, a blocking portion configured to be received at least partially in the housing portion and configured to move between a first position and a second position, and an actuation portion configured to move the blocking portion from the first position and the second position.

[0009] In some embodiments, in the second position, the blocking portion may be configured to engage a locking portion of the plug portion to disengage the plug portion from a port.Attorney Docket No. 0404.0002-PCT

[0010] In some embodiments, in the first position, the blocking portion may be configured to inhibit access to the locking portion of the plug portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection assembly may be structurally configured to provide enhanced patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection by blocking access to the locking portion during operation so as to prevent unauthorized manual disengagement of the plug portion from the port during operation.

[0012] In some embodiments, the blocking portion may be configured to pivot relative to the housing portion between the first position and the second position.

[0013] In some embodiments, the actuation portion may be configured to be received at least partially in the housing portion proximate the blocking portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the actuation portion may include a profile defined at a first end portion of the actuation portion, and a gripping portion defined at a second end portion opposite the first end portion. In some embodiments, the profile may be configured to be received through an actuation portion receiving portion in the blocking portion when the actuation portion is in a first actuation position.

[0015] In some embodiments, the profile may define an irregular and asymmetrical shape.

[0016] In some embodiments, the actuation portion may be configured to be rotated from the first actuation position to a second actuation position relative to the housing portion, wherein in the second actuation position, an elongated portion of the profile is positioned axially adjacent to an actuation portion engaging portion of the blocking portion.

[0017] In some embodiments, the blocking portion may include an upper wall portion and a lower wall portion, and wherein the lower wall portion includes the actuation portion receiving portion and the actuation portion engaging portionA

[0018] In some embodiments, the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion may be disposed at an angle in a range of 45 degrees to 135 degrees.Attorney Docket No. 0404.0002-PCT

[0019] In some embodiments, the upper wall portion of the blocking portion may include a locking portion receiving portion configured to engage the locking portion of the plug portion.

[0020] In some embodiments, the actuating portion may be configured to be pulled rearward from the second actuating position to a third actuating position such that the elongated portion engages the actuation portion engaging portion to pivot the blocking portion from the first position to the second position.

[0021] In some embodiments, the housing portion may include a plug receiving portion configured to receive the plug portion. In some embodiments, the plug receiving portion may include a lower flange portion extending from a lower portion of the plug receiving portion and structurally configured to engage with a bottom edge portion of the plug portion.

[0022] In some embodiments, a device may be configured for providing enhanced patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection. In some embodiments, the device may include a patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection assembly.

[0023] In some embodiments, the patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection assembly may include a housing portion configured to receive a plug portion of a patch cord, wherein the plug portion includes a locking portion configured to lock the plug portion into a port, a blocking portion configured to be received in the housing portion, and an actuation portion configured to be received in the blocking portion.

[0024] In some embodiments, the actuation portion may include a profile defined at a first end portion of the actuation portion, and a gripping portion defined at a second end portion opposite the first end portion. In some embodiments, the profile may be configured to be received through an actuation portion receiving portion in the blocking portion when the actuation portion is in a first actuation position.

[0025] In some embodiments, the blocking portion may be configured to pivot relative to the housing portion between a first position and a second position.Attorney Docket No. 0404.0002-PCT

[0026] In some embodiments, the actuation portion may include an elongated portion configured to engage to blocking portion to move the blocking portion between the first position and the second position at least partially in the housing portion.

[0027] In some embodiments, in the second position, the blocking portion may be configured to engage a locking portion of the plug portion to disengage the plug portion from a port.

[0028] In some embodiments, in the first position, the blocking portion may be configured to inhibit access to the locking portion of the plug portion.

[0029] In some embodiments, patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection assembly may be structurally configured to provide enhanced patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection by blocking access to the locking portion during operation so as to prevent unauthorized manual disengagement of the plug portion from the port during operation.

[0030] In some embodiments, the blocking portion may include an upper wall portion and a lower wall portion. In some embodiments, the lower wall portion may include the actuation portion receiving portion and an actuation portion engaging portion. In some embodiments, the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion may be disposed at an angle in a range of 45 degrees to 135 degrees.

[0031] In some embodiments, the upper wall portion of the blocking portion may include a locking portion receiving portion configured to engage the locking portion of the plug portion.

[0032] In some embodiments, the actuation portion may be configured to be rotated from the first actuation position to a second actuation position relative to the housing portion. In some embodiments, in the second actuation position, the elongated portion may be positioned axially adjacent to an actuation portion engaging portion of the blocking portion. In some embodiments, the actuating portion may be configured to be pulled rearward from the second actuating position to a third actuating position such that the elongated portion engages the actuation portion engaging portion to pivot the blocking portion from the first position to the second position.Attorney Docket No. 0404.0002-PCT

[0033] In some embodiments, a device may be configured for providing enhanced patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection. In some embodiments, the device may include a patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection assembly.

[0034] In some embodiments, the patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection assembly may include a housing portion configured to receive a plug portion of a patch cord. In some embodiments, the plug portion may include a locking portion configured to lock the plug portion into a port.

[0035] In some embodiments, the patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection assembly may include a blocking portion configured to be received in the housing portion

[0036] In some embodiments, the patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection assembly may include an actuation portion configured to be received in the blocking portion, wherein the actuation portion includes an elongated portion configured to engage the blocking portion.

[0037] In some embodiments, the blocking portion may be configured to pivot relative to the housing portion between a first position and a second position.

[0038] In some embodiments, the elongation portion may be configured to engage to blocking portion to move the blocking portion between the first position and the second position at least partially in the housing portion.

[0039] In some embodiments, in the second position, the blocking portion may be configured to engage a locking portion of the plug portion to disengage the plug portion from a port.

[0040] In some embodiments, in the first position, the blocking portion may be configured to inhibit access to the locking portion of the plug portion.

[0041] In some embodiments, the patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection assembly may be configured to provide enhanced patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection by blocking access to the locking portion during operation so as to preventAttorney Docket No. 0404.0002-PCTunauthorized manual disengagement of the plug portion from the port during operation.

[0042] In some embodiments, the actuation portion may include a profile defined at a first end portion of the actuation portion and a gripping portion defined at a second end portion opposite the first end portion. In some embodiments, the profile may be configured to be received through an actuation portion receiving portion in the blocking portion when the actuation portion is in a first actuation position.

[0043] In some embodiments, the profile may define an irregular and asymmetrical shape.

[0044] In some embodiments, the blocking portion may include an upper wall portion and a lower wall portion. In some embodiments, the lower wall portion may include an actuation portion receiving portion configured to receive the actuating portion. In some embodiments, the upper wall portion of the blocking portion may include a locking portion receiving portion configured to engage the locking portion of the plug portion.

[0045] In some embodiments, the actuation portion may be configured to be rotated from the first actuation position to a second actuation position relative to the housing portion, wherein in the second actuation position, the elongated portion is positioned axially adjacent to an actuation portion engaging portion of the blocking portion.

[0046] In some embodiments, the actuation portion may be structurally configured to be pulled rearward from the second actuating position to a third actuating position such that the elongated portion engages the actuation portion engaging portion to pivot the blocking portion from the first position to the second position.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a first example of a locking device for a patch cord..

[0048] FIG. 2A is a perspective front view of the rocker and housing of the lock device prior to installation of the plug portion.Attorney Docket No. 0404.0002-PCT

[0049] FIG. 2B is a perspective rear view of the rocker and housing in FIG. 2A.

[0050] FIG. 3A is an enlarged isometric view of the rocker in FIG.1.

[0051] FIG. 3B is an enlarged partial view of the key shown in FIG. 1 wherein the key profile is shown.

[0052] FIG. 3C is a partial cross-sectional view of the housing and rocker along line 30 in FIG. 5A.

[0053] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the housing and rocker affixed to the patch cord plug.

[0054] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the patch cord in FIG. 4A in its locked position on a port densely arranged other locked patch cords.

[0055] FIG. 5A is a side view of the patch cord locking assembly in FIG. 4B where the key is inserted in its first position as shown in FIG. 3B.

[0056] FIG. 5B is a side view of the patch cord locking assembly in FIG. 5A where the key is rotated to the key’s second position so as to engage the key’s elongated portion with the lower cross-member of the rocker.

[0057] FIG. 5C is a side view of the patch cord locking assembly in FIGS. 5A-5B where the key is pulled in a rearward direction thereby pivoting the rocker and compressing the locking clip to release the patch cord plug from the port.

[0058] FIG. 5D is a side view of the patch cord locking assembly in FIGS. 5A-5C wherein the rocker has continued to pivot past the locking clip(s) of the plug.

[0059] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the patch cord locking assembly of FIG.2A wherein the rocker is being assembled into the housing.

[0060] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the patch cord locking assembly of FIG.2A wherein the rocker is seated in the housing (along line 6B-6B in FIG. 2A).

[0061] FIG. 6C is an enlarged front view of the key aperture and rocker of FIG. 2A.Attorney Docket No. 0404.0002-PCT

[0062] FIG. 7 is a second example patch cord locking assembly having a linear key.

[0063] FIG. 8A is an isometric rear view of the housing for the patch cord locking assembly of FIG. 7.

[0064] FIG. 8B an isometric front view of the housing for the patch cord locking assembly of FIG. 7.

[0065] FIG. 8C is a rear view of the housing for the patch cord locking assembly of FIG. 7.

[0066] FIG. 9A is an isometric top partial view of the first end of the linear key in FIG. 7.

[0067] FIG. 9B is an isometric bottom partial view of the first end of the linear key in FIG. 7.

[0068] FIG. 9C is a side view of the linear key in FIG. 7.

[0069] FIG. 10 is a side view of a fiber patch cord installed in a port and locked in position by the housing.

[0070] FIG. 11 is a side view of the locking clips of the fiber patch being compressed by the linear key wherein the locking clips of the plug are disengaged from the port.

[0071] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view along line 12-12 in FIG. 11 wherein the first and second resilient members of the linear key engage the corresponding protrusions defined by the housing.

[0072] FIG. 13A is an upper isometric view of another example key according to the present disclosure.

[0073] FIG. 13B a partial expanded view of the underside of the key in FIG. 13A.

[0074] FIG. 14A is an isometric view of another example housing of the present disclosure.Attorney Docket No. 0404.0002-PCT

[0075] FIG. 14B is a rear view of another example housing of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] Although certain embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The scope of the present disclosure will in no way be limited to the number of constituting components, the materials thereof, the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement thereof, etc., and are disclosed simply as an example of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0077] As a preface to the detailed description, it should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0078] Referring now to FIG. 1 , an expanded view of a first example locking device 10 for a patch cord (e.g., a fiber patch cord) is shown. In some embodiments, the locking device may include a patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection assembly In some embodiments, the patch cord plugport manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection assembly may include a blocking portion 14 (e.g., a rocker portion), a housing or enclosing portion 12, and an actuating portion 16 (e.g., a key) for releasing the locked patch cord from a port. In some embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, that patch cords may be fiber patch cords 110 and the plug portions may be fiber patch cord plug portions 100 (e.g., LC connectors).

[0079] In the example provided in FIGS. 2A-2B, the housing portion 12 may define a blocking portion receiving portion 18 (e.g., an aperture, opening, recessed portion, etc.) (FIG. 2A) at the front side of the housing portion 12 and an actuating portion receiving portion 20 (e.g., an aperture, opening, recessed portion, etc.) (FIG. 2B) at the rear side of the housing portion 12. In some embodiments, the blocking portion receiving portion 18 and the actuating portion receiving portion 20 may be aligned with one another as later described herein.Attorney Docket No. 0404.0002-PCT

[0080] In some embodiments, the blocking portion receiving portion 18 may be structurally configured to receive the blocking portion 14 shown in FIG. 1 , and the actuating portion receiving portion 20 may be structurally configured to receive a first end portion 68 of the actuating portion 16 in the housing portion 12. In some embodiments, the housing portion 12 may define at least one plug receiving portion 27 (e.g., one or more channels or passages) for receiving a patch cord plug portion 100. In the example shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the plug receiving portion 27 may include two open channels or plug receiving portions) provided in a lower (second) region of the housing portion 12, and the blocking portion receiving portion 18 and the actuating portion receiving portion 20 may be provided in the upper (first) region of the housing portion 12. In other embodiments, however, it is understood that the channel(s) or plug receiving portion(s) 27 may be closed wherein a bottom side portion 29 (shown in phantom) of the housing portion 12 also defines the lower end of the channel(s) or plug receiving portion (s) 27. In the example shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, each channel or plug receiving portion 27 may include a lateral flange portion or lateral projecting portion 26 and a lower flange portion or projecting portion 28 to maintain the position of the patch cord plug portion 100 at least partially in the housing portion 12. The lateral flange portion(s) 26 (FIGS. 2B and 5C) may engage a lateral groove portion or recessed portion 32 (FIG. 5C) defined in the patch cord plug portion 100 to prevent the patch cord plug portion 100 from moving in a fore-aft or axial direction (see element 72 in FIGS. 5A-5B). The lower flange portion(s) 28 may engage the lower edge portion or lower shoulder portion 34 of the patch cord plug portion 100 to vertically affix the patch cord plug portion 100 in the plug receiving portion(s) 27. The lateral flange portion 26 may engage the recessed portion 32 (e.g., a mating groove) of the patch cord plug portion 100 (FIGS. 2B, 5C) to horizontally affix the patch cord plug portion 100 in the plug receiving portion 27.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 3A, in some embodiments, the blocking portion 14 may be structurally configured to pivot relative to housing portion 12. In some embodiments, the blocking portion 14 may attach to the housing portion 12 via a pivot connecting portion. In some embodiments, the pivot connecting portion 35 may include a first pivot post portion, or projecting portion. 36 and a second pivot post portion, or projecting portion, 38. In some embodiments, the first pivot post portion 36 may extend from a first side portion 40 of the blocking portion 14, and the second pivot post portion 38Attorney Docket No. 0404.0002-PCTmay extend from a second side portion 42 of the blocking portion 14. Upon installation of the blocking portion 14 into the housing portion 12 via the blocking portion receiving portion 18, the first pivot post portion 36 may engage with (e.g., be disposed at least partially in) a first pivot projection receiving portion 44 (e.g., aperture, recessed portion, etc.) which may be defined in housing portion 12, and the second pivot post portion 38 may engage with (e.g., be disposed at least partially in) a second pivot projection receiving portion 46 (e.g., aperture, recessed portion, etc.) which may be defined in the housing portion 12. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3C, the housing portion 12 may define the first and second pivot projection receiving portions as a first recessed portion 43 and a second recessed portion 45. In other embodiments, the first and second pivot projection receiving portions 44,46 may be defined as a first aperture and a second aperture, respectively. The blocking portion 14 may be structurally configured to pivot about an axis 57 defined between the first and second pivot post portions 36, 38 when the blocking portion 14 is installed in the housing portion 12.

[0082] Referring again to FIG. 3A, in some embodiments, the blocking portion 14 may include an upper wall portion 48 and a lower wall portion 50 which may be disposed at approximately a 90-degree angle relative to the upper wall portion 48. However, it is understood that the angle 53 (FIG. 3A) between the lower wall portion 50 and the upper wall portion 48 may fall within the range of approximately 45 to 135 degrees. In some embodiments, the upper wall portion 48 and lower wall portion 50 may be integral to one another wherein the angle 53 between the upper wall portion 48 and lower wall portion 50 is fixed. In some embodiments, the first pivot post portion 36 may extend from the first side portion 40 of the blocking portion 14 in a region 47 where the upper wall portion 48 and the lower wall portion 50 meet, and the second pivot post portion 38 extends from a second side portion 42 of the blocking portion 14 in the region 47 where the upper wall portion 48 and the lower wall portion 50 meet.

[0083] With respect to the upper wall portion 48 of the blocking portion 14 shown in FIG. 3A, in some embodiments, a first locking portion receiving portion 52 (e.g., aperture, recessed portion, etc.) and a second locking portion receiving portion 54 (e.g., aperture, recessed portion, etc.) may be defined in the upper wall portion 48 wherein the first locking portion receiving portion 52 may be structurally configured to receive (optionally engage with) a distal end portion 56 of a first locking portion 58Attorney Docket No. 0404.0002-PCT(e.g., locking clip) of the plug portion 100 and the second locking portion receiving portion 54 may be structurally configured to receive (optionally engage with) a distal end portion 56 of a second locking portion 60 (e.g. locking clip) of the plug portion 100 when the plug portion 100 is installed in the blocking portion 14 and housing portion 12 (see FIGS. 6B-6C). It is understood that while two locking portion receiving portions 52, 54 are shown, the blocking portion 14 may alternatively only define one locking portion receiving portion if the housing portion 12 and blocking portion 14 are configured to lock a patch cord plug portion 100 having only one locking portion (e.g., locking clip). It is also understood that more than two locking portion receiving portions may be defined in the blocking portion 14 if the plug portion 100 has more than two locking portions (e.g., locking clips), such as a quattro plug. It is also understood that recessed portions (not shown) may optionally be defined on the underside of the upper wall portion in lieu of the first and second locking portion receiving portions 52, 54 wherein the surface(s) of the recessed portions may be configured to optionally engage with the distal end portions 56 of first and second locking portions 58, 60.

[0084] In some embodiments, the blocking portion 14 may include an actuation portion receiving portion 62 (e.g., a key orifice) which may be defined in the lower wall portion 50 and may partially extend into the upper wall portion 48 as shown in FIG.3A. In some embodiments, the lower wall portion 50 may define an actuation portion engaging portion 64 (e.g., a lower cross member) structurally configured to engage the actuation portion 16. In some embodiments, the actuation portion engaging portion 64 may define a lower edge portion 94’ of the actuation portion receiving portion 62. The actuation portion engaging portion 64 in the blocking portion 14 may be structurally configured to engage with an elongated portion 84 of the profile 66 of the actuating portion 16 after the actuating portion 16 is inserted, rotated, and pulled in a rearward direction 86 as shown in FIG. 3C and as later described herein.

[0085] In some embodiments, upon insertion of the first end portion 68 of the actuating portion 16 into the housing portion 12 and blocking portion 14, the elongated portion 84 may be disposed in a substantially horizontal position (see element 102 in FIG. 3C and 66 in FIG. 5A) at an approximately zero-degree angle. In some embodiments, upon rotation of the actuating portion 16, the elongated portion 84 mayAttorney Docket No. 0404.0002-PCTbe disposed in a substantially vertical position (see element 104 in FIG. 3C and element 66 in FIG. 5B) to approximately a 90-degree angle.

[0086] As previously indicated in FIG. 2A, in some embodiments, the blocking portion 14 may be structurally configured to be disposed at least partially in the housing portion 12 prior to inserting the plug portion 100 into the plug receiving portion 27 of the patch cord plug portion 100. Referring now to FIG. 6A, in some embodiments, the blocking portion 14 may be initially assembled into the housing portion 12 by inserting the first pivot post portion 36 into the blocking portion receiving portion 18 so that the first pivot post portion 36 abuts the first side portion 37 of the blocking portion receiving portion 18. Next, the second pivot post portion 38 may be inserted into the blocking portion receiving portion 18 so that the second pivot post portion 38 abuts the second side portion 39 of the blocking portion receiving portion 18 such that an axis 57 of the pivot post portions 36, 38 may be substantially parallel to an axis 49 of the blocking portion receiving portion 18 of the housing portion 12.

[0087] The blocking portion 14 may then be pushed further into the blocking portion receiving portion 18 until the first pivot post portion 36 is seated in the first pivot projection receiving portion 44 44 of housing portion 12 and the second pivot post portion 38 is seated in the second pivot projection receiving portion 46 of housing portion 12 as shown in FIG. 6B. When the first and second pivot post portions 36, 38 are seated in the first and second pivot projection receiving portions 44, 46 respectively, the axis 49 of the blocking portion receiving portion 18 should be substantially aligned with the axis 57 of the pivot post portions 36, 38.

[0088] In some embodiments, the first pivot post portion 36 and the second pivot post portion 38 may each have a chamfered surface portion 41 which may ease the entry of the blocking portion 14 and pivot posts portions 36, 38 into the blocking portion receiving portions 18 of the housing portion 12. As shown in FIGS. 6B-6C, the first side portion 37 and second side portion 39 of the blocking portion receiving portion 18 may be tapered wherein the width of the blocking portion receiving portion 18 progressively decreases in the region proximate to the first and second pivot projection receiving portions 44, 46 of the housing portion 12.Attorney Docket No. 0404.0002-PCT

[0089] As shown in FIG. 4A, in some embodiments, the patch cord plug portion 100 (having two locking portions 58, 60) for a fiber patch cord may be inserted into the plug receiving portions 27 of the housing portion 12 via the channel openings defined on rear side portion of the housing portion 12. Also, as shown in FIG. 4A, in some embodiments, the patch cord plug portion 100 may be affixed at least partially in the housing portion 12 via a snap-fit arrangement. For example, in some embodiments, the distal end portion 56 of the first locking portion 58 may optionally engage with and be disposed in the first locking portion receiving portion 52 of the blocking portion 14, the distal end portion 56 of the second locking portion 60 may optionally engage with and may be disposed in the second locking portion receiving portion 54 of the blocking portion 14, and the lateral and lower flange portions 28 of the housing portion 12 may be received in the recessed portion defined in that patch cord plug portion 100.

[0090] As mentioned, the upper wall portion 48 may also optionally include first and second locking portion receiving portions 52, 54 (apertures, recesses, etc.) configured to receive the distal end portions 56 of the first and second locking portions 58, 60. However, in the event the upper wall portion 48 of the blocking portion 14 does not define first and second locking portion receiving portions 52, 54, the distal end portions 56 of each locking portion 58, 60 may alternatively abut the upper wall portion 48 of the blocking portion 14 when the patch cord plug portion 100 is installed in the housing portion 12. In some embodiments, the upper wall portion 48 may further include a downward extending portion 55 which may span the substantial width of the blocking portion 14. The downward extending portion 55 may also keep the distal end portions 56 of the locking portions 58, 60 engaged with the upper wall portion of the blocking portion 14.

[0091] Once the housing portion 12 and the blocking portion 14 of the locking device have been attached to the patch cord plug portion 100, the patch cord plug portion 100 may be securely connected to a port. As shown in FIG. 4B, the patch cord plug portion 100 is shown in the locked condition where the housing portion 12 (and blocking portion 14) surrounds patch cord plug portion 100 and prevents access to the locking portions(s).

[0092] Referring back to FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, the actuating portion 16 may include a first end portion 68 and a second end portion 70 opposite the first endAttorney Docket No. 0404.0002-PCTportion 68, and an elongated body portion 76 extending between the first end portion 68 and the second end portion 70. The profile 66 of the actuating portion 16 may be defined at the first end portion 68 of the actuating portion 16 and a gripping portion 74 (e.g., a handle) may be disposed at the second end portion 70 of the actuating portion 16. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3C, the elongated body portion 76 may vary in width along the length of the elongated body portion 76.

[0093] With reference to FIG. 3C, the front view of the profile 66 is shown wherein the first end portion 68 of the actuating portion 16 is inserted into the housing portion 12 and blocking portion 14 (via the actuating portion receiving portion 20 defined in the housing portion 12 and the actuation portion receiving portion 62 defined in the blocking portion 14) in the key’s first position (see position 88 in FIG. 3C). It is understood that that the shape of the profile 66 of the actuating portion 16 of the present disclosure may be one of a variety of different configurations. In some embodiments, the profile 66 may include an elongated portion 84 which extends away from the axis of the elongated body portion 76. In some embodiments, the elongated portion 84 may, but not necessarily, extend from only one side portion 78 of the elongated body portion 76.

[0094] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the profile 66 may define an irregular and asymmetrical shape having an upper edge portion 90 (e.g. horizontal) followed by a beveled edge portion 91 , which in turn continues to a straight angled edge portion 92 followed by a lower straight edge portion 94 (e.g., horizontal), which in turn is followed by a large curved edge portion 96 and a small curved edge portion 98. In some embodiments, the small, curved edge portion 98 may be disposed between the large, curved edge portion 96 and the upper edge portion 90. In some embodiments, the elongated portion 84 of the profile 66 may be defined at least in part by the upper edge portion 90, the beveled edge portion 91 , the straight angled edge portion 92, and the lower straight edge portion 94 of the profile 66.

[0095] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C, the lower wall portion 50 of the blocking portion 14 may similarly define a corresponding straight angled edge portion 92’ followed by a lower straight horizontal edge portion 94’, which in turn is followed by a large curved edge portion 96’ so that the profile 66 of the actuating portion 16 may pass through the lower wall portion 50 of the blocking portion 14 via the actuationAttorney Docket No. 0404.0002-PCTportion receiving portion 62. In some embodiments, the actuation portion receiving portion 62 may be configured to accommodate the upper edge portion 90 of the profile 66 by extending into the upper wall portion 48 of the blocking portion 14 so that the upper edge portion 82 of the actuation portion receiving portion 62 (shown in FIG. 3A) may be configured to stop the first end portion 68 of the actuating portion 16 once the profile 66 has moved past the actuation portion engaging portion 64 along the axial direction 72 (shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B). In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2B, the actuating portion receiving portion 20 defined on the rear side portion 23 of the housing portion 12 may similarly define a corresponding straight angled edge portion 92” followed by beveled edge portion 91” and a lower straight horizontal edge portion 94”, which in turn is followed by a large curved edge portion 96” so that the profile 66 may pass through the rear side portion 23 of the housing portion 12 via the actuating portion receiving portion 20. It is understood that the actuating portion receiving portion 20 may therefore be aligned with the actuation portion receiving portion 62 of the blocking portion 14.

[0096] An exemplary method for removing a locked patch cord is shown in FIGS.5A-5C. With reference to FIG. 5A, a side view of the locked patch cord and actuating portion 16 in FIG. 3C is shown. First, the actuating portion 16 may be inserted into the locked housing portion 12 in a first position or insertion position (see position 88 in FIG. 3C) of the actuating portion 16. In order for the actuating portion 16 to pass through the actuation portion receiving portion 62 of the housing portion 12 and the actuating portion receiving portion 20 of the blocking portion 14, the profile 66 of the actuating portion 16 may be inserted at a zero degree angle (as shown in FIG. 3C) until the actuating portion 16 abuts an upper edge of the actuating portion receiving portion 20 of the blocking portion 14. Again, the elongated portion 84 may be disposed in a substantially horizontal position (see element 102 in FIG. 3C and elements 66, 84 in FIG. 5A) upon insertion of the first end portion 68 of the actuating portion 16 into the housing portion 12 and blocking portion 14.

[0097] Second, the actuating portion 16 may be rotated to a second position or unlocking position (see 89 in FIG. 3C) such as but not limited to 90 degrees, so that the elongated portion 84 of the profile 66 rotates below the elongated body portion 76 of the actuating portion 16. Thus, the elongated portion 84 may be disposed in aAttorney Docket No. 0404.0002-PCTsubstantially vertical position (see element 104 in FIG. 3C and elements 66, 84 in FIG.5B). In the second position, shown in FIG. 5B, the elongated portion 84 of the profile 66 may be directly adjacent (e.g., axially) to the actuation portion engaging portion 64 of the blocking portion 14 as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C.

[0098] Third, as shown in FIG. 5C, the actuating portion 16 may be pulled in the rearward direction 86 to a third position or actuated position wherein the elongated portion 84 of the profile 66 engages with the actuation portion engaging portion 64 and pulls the actuation portion engaging portion 64 in the rearward direction 86. Pulling the actuation portion engaging portion 64 rearward, causes the blocking portion 14 to pivot about the pivot post portions 36, 38 from a first pivot position to a second pivot position, causing the upper wall portion 48 to rotate in a downward direction thereby compressing the locking portions(s) 58, 60 of the patch cord plug portion 100. When the locking portion(s) 58, 60 are compressed via the downward rotation of the upper wall portion 48, the patch cord plug portion 100 may then be disengaged from the port 106. As shown in FIG. 5D, in some embodiments, the upper wall portion 48 of the blocking portion 14 may even rotate past distal end portions 56 of the locking portions 58, 60.

[0099] Referring now to FIG. 7, an example patch cord locking device 10’ is shown where the patch cord locking device 10’ may include a patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection assembly. In some embodiments, the patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection assembly may include a housing portion 112 and a linear actuating portion 116 (e.g., a key). FIG. 8A is an isometric view of the rear side portion 114 of the housing portion 112 and FIG. 8C shows a rear view of the housing portion 112. As shown in FIG. 8C, in some embodiments, the housing portion 112 may include an actuating portion receiving portion 119 structurally configured to receive the linear actuating portion 116. In some embodiments, the actuating portion receiving portion 119 may include first, second, and third projection receiving portions 122, 124, 126 (e.g., prong aperture portions) defined on the rear side portion 114 of the housing portion 112. However, it is understood that in some embodiments, the housing portion 112 may include only the first projection receiving portion 122 and third projection receiving portion 126 when the housing portion 112 is implemented on a plug portionAttorney Docket No. 0404.0002-PCThaving only one locking portion 128 (e.g. locking clip). Referring back to FIG. 8C, in some embodiments, the first projection receiving portion 122 may be structurally configured to receive a first projecting portion 118 (e.g., a first compression prong) of the linear actuating portion 116, and the second projection receiving portion 124 may be structurally configured to receive a second projecting portion 120 (e.g., a second compression prong) of the linear actuating portion 116.

[0100] Referring now to the examples shown in FIGS. 9A-9B and 13A-13B, the first and second projecting portions 118, 118’, 120 120’ of the linear actuating portion 116, 116’ shall be described in more detail herein. Referring to FIG. 8A only, a third projection receiving portion 126 (e.g., a third prong aperture) may be defined on the rear side portion 114 of the housing portion 112 wherein the third projection receiving portion 126 may be structurally configured to receive at least one resilient retaining portion 132, 134 of the linear actuation portion 116. With reference to example actuation portions shown in both FIGS. 8A and 14A-14B, it is also understood that in lieu of a third projection receiving portion 126, the housing portion 112 may include fourth and fifth projection receiving portions 162, 162’, 164, 164’(e.g., prong apertures) wherein the fourth projection receiving portion 162, 162’ (shown in phantom in FIG.8G and shown in FIGS. 14A-14B) may be structurally configured to receive a first resilient portion 132, 132’ and the fifth projection receiving portion 164, 164’ (shown in phantom in FIG. 8C and shown in FIGS. 14A-14B) may be structurally configured to receive a second resilient portion 134, 134’ (FIGS. 9B and 13A-13B). Referring only to the example actuating portion 16’ of FIGS. 13A-13B, the first and second resilient portions 132’, 134’ may each include a corresponding extending portion 137’, 137’ which a user may push in lateral directions 144’ as previously described.

[0101] Referring now to the example shown in FIGS. 8C and 12, in some embodiments, the third projection receiving portionl 26 may include a first side portion 158 and a second side portion 160 wherein a first protruding portion 140 may extend from the first side portion 158 while a second protruding portion 142 may extend from the second side portionl 60. The third projection receiving portion 126 may be configured to receive the pair of resilient portions 132, 134 of the linear actuation portion 116. However, as noted above, in lieu of a third projection receiving portion 126, the housing portion 112 may include fourth and fifth projection receiving portionsAttorney Docket No. 0404.0002-PCT162, 162’, 164, 164’ (see examples in FIGS. 8C and FIGS. 14A-14B) wherein the fourth projection receiving portion 162, 162’ may include that the first protruding portionl 40, 140’ may extend from a side portion 166’ of the fourth projection receiving portion 162 and the second protruding portion 142, 142’ may extend from a side portion 168’ of the fifth projection receiving portions 164 (see FIGS. 12 and 14B).

[0102] In the examples provided in FIGS. 12 and 13A-13B, the linear actuation portion 116, 116' may include first and second resilient retaining portions 132, 134 wherein a mating projecting portion or tab portion 136, 136’ may be defined at a distal end portion 138 of each of the first and second resilient portions 132, 132’, 134, 134’. Therefore, when the linear actuation portion 116, 116’ is fully inserted into the housing portion 112, 112’ as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13A-13B, the mating projecting portion 136, 136’ of the first resilient portion 132, 132’ of the linear actuation portion 116, 116’ may be configured to engage with the first protruding portion 140, 140’ and the mating projecting portion 136, 136’ of the second resilient portion 134, 134’ may be configured to engage with the second protruding portion 142, 142’ as shown in FIG. 12 and 14B and as further described herein.

[0103] Referring back to FIGS. 8A-8C and 14A-14B, in some embodiments, the housing portion 112, 112’, may include a plug receiving portion(s) or channel portion(s) 127, 127’ (e.g., such as two open channel portions) may be provided in the lower (second) region 152 of the housing portion 112, 112’ and the first and second projection receiving portions 122, 122’, 124, 124’ may be provided in the upper (first) region 150 of the housing portion 112, 112’. However, it is understood that the plug receiving portion(s) 127, 127’ may be closed or partially closed wherein a bottom side portion 29, 29’ (shown in phantom in FIG. 8C and 14A-14B) of the housing portion 112, 112’ may also define the lower end portion of the plug receiving portion(s) 127, 127’. In the example shown in FIGS. 2A-2B and 13A-13B, each plug receiving portion 127, 127’ may include a lateral flange portion 170, 170’, and a lower flange portion 172 (in FIGS. 8A-8C) bottom side portion 29’ (in FIGS. 14A-14B) to maintain the position of the patch cord plug portion 100 at least partially in the housing portion 112, 112’. The lateral flange portion(s) 170, 170’ (FIGS. 8A-8C and 14A-14B) may engage a lateral recessed portion (e.g., a groove) (not shown) defined in the patch cord plug portion 100 to prevent the patch cord plug portion 100 from moving in a fore-aftAttorney Docket No. 0404.0002-PCTdirection 154, 154’ (see FIG. 8B and 14A). The lower flange portion(s) 172 of FIG. 8B and the bottom side portion 29’ of FIGS. 14A-14B may engage the lower edge portion 135 (see FIG. 11) of the patch cord plug portion 100 to vertically affix the patch cord plug portion 100 in the plug receiving portion 127, 127’. Accordingly, the patch cord plug portion 100 may remain fixed at least partially in the housing portion 112, 112’ regardless of whether the patch cord plug portion 100 is or is not disposed at least partially in a port 148.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 10, in some embodiments, the patch cord plug portion 100 may be securely connected to a port 148 using this the patch cord locking devicelO’. The patch cord plug portion 100 is shown in the locked condition where the housing portion 112 surrounds patch cord plug portion 100 and prevents access to the first and second locking portions(s) 128, 130.

[0105] Referring back to FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the linear actuation portion 116 may include a first end portion 168 and a second end portion 170 wherein the first end portion 168 may define the first projecting portion 118, the second projecting portion 120 and two resilient portions. A gripping portion or handle 156 may be disposed at the second end portion 170 of the linear actuation portion 116. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9A-9C, the first projecting portion 118, the second projecting portion 120 and two resilient portions may extend directly from the gripping portion 156 wherein the first and second projecting portions 118, 120 may be disposed above the two resilient members. The linear actuation portion 116 may, but not necessarily, be a unitary structure which is formed via an injection molding process.

[0106] Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9C, in some embodiments, the first and second projecting portions 118, 120 may have chamfered end portions 123 to facilitate the insertion of the first projecting portion 118 above the first locking portion 128 of the plug portion 100 and to facilitate the insertion of the second projecting portion 120 above the second locking portion 130 of the plug portion 100 when the linear actuation portion 116 is fully inserted into the housing portion 112 as shown in FIG. 11 . In some embodiments, the first projecting portion 118 may be configured to compress the first locking portion 128 and the second projecting portion 120 may be configured to compress the second locking portion 130 as shown in FIG. 11. The compression ofAttorney Docket No. 0404.0002-PCTthe first and second locking portions 128, 130 may disengage the plug portion 100 from the port 148.

[0107] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, in some embodiments, simultaneous to the first and second projections 118, 120 insertion into the housing portion 112, the two resilient members of the linear actuation portion 116 may be inserted into the third projection receiving portion 126 defined in the housing portion 112. As previously indicated, the first and second resilient retaining portions 132, 134 may each include a mating projecting portion 136 which may be defined at the distal end portion 138 of each of the first and second resilient portion 132, 134. Thus, when the linear actuation portion 116 is fully inserted into the housing portion 112, the mating projecting portion 136 for the first resilient portion 132 may engage with the first protruding portion 140 and the mating projecting portion 136 of the second resilient portion 134 may engage with the second protruding portion 142 as shown in FIG. 12.

[0108] Accordingly, upon full insertion of the linear actuation portion 116 into the housing portion 112, the first and second locking portions 128, 130 of the plug portion 100 may be disengaged from the port 148 (see FIG. 11) while the linear actuation portion 116 may simultaneously engage with the housing portion 112 via the resilient portions 132, 134 (see FIG. 12). When a user subsequently pulls the linear actuation portion 116 in a rearward direction 146, both the housing portion 112 and the plug portion 100 may be removed from the port 148 due to the engagement between the first and second resilient portions 132, 134 and protruding portions 140, 142 of the housing portion 112. As indicated earlier, the plug portion 100 may remain fixed at least partially in the housing portion 112 due to the lateral flange portions defined in the housing portion 112 and mating recessed portion defined in the plug portion 100.

[0109] In some embodiments, in order to release the linear actuation portion 116 from the housing portion 112 (after removing the plug portion 100 / housing portion 112 from the port 148), a user may compress the resilient portion(s) 132, 134 to disengage the mating projecting portion(s) 136 from the associated protruding portion(s) 140, 142. In the example shown in FIG. 12, lateral compression, as shown by arrows144 in FIG. 13B, is required to disengage the resilient portion(s) 132, 134 from the protruding portion(s) 140, 142.Attorney Docket No. 0404.0002-PCT

[0110] Additional embodiments include any one of the embodiments described above, where one or more of its components, functionalities or structures is interchanged with, replaced by or augmented by one or more of the components, functionalities, or structures of a different embodiment described above.

[0111] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

[0112] Although several embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to which the disclosure pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein above, and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the present disclosure, nor the claims which follow.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 0404.0002-PCTWhat is claimed is:

1. A device for providing enhanced patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection, comprisinga patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection assembly comprising:a housing portion configured to receive a plug portion of a patch cord, wherein the plug portion includes a locking portion configured to lock the plug portion into a port;a blocking portion configured to be received in the housing portion;an actuation portion configured to be received in the blocking portion, wherein the actuation portion includes a profile defined at a first end portion of the actuation portion, and a gripping portion defined at a second end portion opposite the first end portion, wherein the profile is configured to be received through an actuation portion receiving portion in the blocking portion when the actuation portion is in a first actuation position;wherein the blocking portion is configured to pivot relative to the housing portion between a first position and a second position;wherein the actuation portion includes an elongated portion configured to engage to blocking portion to move the blocking portion between the first position and the second position at least partially in the housing portion;wherein in the second position, the blocking portion is configured to engage a locking portion of the plug portion to disengage the plug portion from a port;wherein in the first position, the blocking portion is configured to inhibit access to the locking portion of the plug portion; andwherein the patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection assembly is structurally configured to provide enhanced patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection by blocking access to the locking portion during operation soAttorney Docket No. 0404.0002-PCTas to prevent unauthorized manual disengagement of the plug portion from the port during operation.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the blocking portion includes an upper wall portion and a lower wall portion, and wherein the lower wall portion includes the actuation portion receiving portion and an actuation portion engaging portion, wherein the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion are disposed at an angle in a range of 45 degrees to 135 degrees.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the upper wall portion of the blocking portion includes a locking portion receiving portion configured to engage the locking portion of the plug portion.

4. The device of claim 2, wherein the actuation portion is configured to be rotated from the first actuation position to a second actuation position relative to the housing portion, wherein in the second actuation position, the elongated portion is positioned axially adjacent to an actuation portion engaging portion of the blocking portion, and wherein the actuating portion is configured to be pulled rearward from the second actuating position to a third actuating position such that the elongated portion engages the actuation portion engaging portion to pivot the blocking portion from the first position to the second position.

5. A device for providing enhanced patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection, comprisinga patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection assembly comprising:a housing portion configured to receive a plug portion of a patch cord, wherein the plug portion includes a locking portion configured to lock the plug portion into a port;.a blocking portion configured to be received in the housing portion;an actuation portion configured to be received in the blocking portion, wherein the actuation portion includes an elongated portion configured to engage the blocking portion;Attorney Docket No. 0404.0002-PCTwherein the blocking portion is configured to pivot relative to the housing portion between a first position and a second positionwherein the elongation portion is configured to engage to blocking portion to move the blocking portion between the first position and the second position at least partially in the housing portion;wherein in the second position, the blocking portion is configured to engage a locking portion of the plug portion to disengage the plug portion from a port;wherein in the first position, the blocking portion is configured to inhibit access to the locking portion of the plug portion; andwherein the patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection assembly is structurally configured to provide enhanced patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection by blocking access to the locking portion during operation so as to prevent unauthorized manual disengagement of the plug portion from the port during operation.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the actuation portion includes a profile defined at a first end portion of the actuation portion, and a gripping portion defined at a second end portion opposite the first end portion, wherein the profile is configured to be received through an actuation portion receiving portion in the blocking portion when the actuation portion is in a first actuation position.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the profile defines an irregular and asymmetrical shape.

8. The device of claim 6, wherein the blocking portion includes an upper wall portion and a lower wall portion, wherein the lower wall portion includes an actuation portion receiving portion configured to receive the actuating portion, and wherein the upper wall portion of the blocking portion includes a locking portion receiving portion configured to engage the locking portion of the plug portion.Attorney Docket No. 0404.0002-PCT9. The device of claim 8, wherein the actuation portion is configured to be rotated from the first actuation position to a second actuation position relative to the housing portion, wherein in the second actuation position, the elongated portion is positioned axially adjacent to an actuation portion engaging portion of the blocking portion.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the actuation portion is configured to be pulled rearward from the second actuating position to a third actuating position such that the elongated portion engages the actuation portion engaging portion to pivot the blocking portion from the first position to the second position.

11. A device for providing enhanced patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection, comprisinga patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection assembly comprising:a housing portion configured to receive a plug portion of a patch cord,a blocking portion configured to be received at least partially in the housing portion and configured to move between a first position and a second position;an actuation portion configured to move the blocking portion from the first position and the second position;wherein in the second position, the blocking portion is configured to engage a locking portion of the plug portion to disengage the plug portion from a port;wherein in the first position, the blocking portion is configured to inhibit access to the locking portion of the plug portion; andwherein the patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection assembly is structurally configured to provide enhanced patch cord plug-port manual disengagement and / or unauthorized access protection by blocking access to the locking portion during operation so as to prevent unauthorized manual disengagement of the plug portion from the port during operation.Attorney Docket No. 0404.0002-PCT12. The device of claim 11 , wherein the blocking portion is configured to pivot relative to the housing portion between the first position and the second position.

13. The device of claim 11 , wherein the actuation portion is configured to be received at least partially in the housing portion proximate the blocking portion.

14. The device of claim 11 , wherein the actuation portion includes a profile defined at a first end portion of the actuation portion, and a gripping portion defined at a second end portion opposite the first end portion, wherein the profile is configured to be received through an actuation portion receiving portion in the blocking portion when the actuation portion is in a first actuation position.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the profile defines an irregular and asymmetrical shape.

16. The device of claim 14, wherein the actuation portion is configured to be rotated from the first actuation position to a second actuation position relative to the housing portion, wherein in the second actuation position, an elongated portion of the profile is positioned axially adjacent to an actuation portion engaging portion of the blocking portion.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the blocking portion includes an upper wall portion and a lower wall portion, and wherein the lower wall portion includes the actuation portion receiving portion and the actuation portion engaging portion.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion are disposed at an angle in a range of 45 degrees to 135 degrees.

19. The device of claim 17, wherein the upper wall portion of the blocking portion includes a locking portion receiving portion configured to engage the locking portion of the plug portion.Attorney Docket No. 0404.0002-PCT20. The device of claim 17, wherein the actuating portion is configured to be pulled rearward from the second actuating position to a third actuating position such that the elongated portion engages the actuation portion engaging portion to pivot the blocking portion from the first position to the second position.21 . The device of claim 11 , wherein the housing portion includes a plug receiving portion configured to receive the plug portion, wherein the plug receiving portion includes a lower flange portion extending from a lower portion of the plug receiving portion and configured to engage with a bottom edge portion of the plug portion.

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