Abstract:
A fiber optic adapter ( 736/836 ) includes a body configured to mate a first fiber optic connector ( 12 ) with a second fiber optic connector ( 50 ), the first and second fiber optic connectors ( 12,50 ) including latches ( 60 ) for mating with catches ( 771 ) of the adapter ( 736/836 ) for releasably engaging the first and second connectors ( 12,50 ) with the fiber optic adapter ( 736/836 ), wherein the latches ( 60 ) are configured to be unlatched from the catches ( 771 ) by direct contact with the latches ( 60 ). The adapter ( 736/836 ) includes a release mechanism ( 702/802 ) for allowing a user to release the latch ( 60 ) of at least one of the first and second fiber optic connectors ( 12,50 ) from the adapter ( 736/836 ) without directly contacting the latch ( 60 ) of the at least one of the first and second fiber optic connectors ( 12,50 ).

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is related to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/898,159, filed on Oct. 31, 2013, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates generally to a fiber optic connection system. Modern optical devices and optical communications systems widely use fiber optic cables. Fiber optic cables are often used to transmit light signals for high speed data transmission. A fiber optic cable typically includes an optical fiber or optical fibers, a buffer or buffers that surrounds the fiber or fibers, a strength layer that surrounds the buffer or buffers, and an outer jacket. The optical fibers function to carry optical signals. A typical optical fiber includes an inner core surrounded by a cladding that is covered by a coating. Buffers (e.g., loose or tight buffer tubes) typically function to surround and protect coated optical fibers. Strength layers add mechanical strength to fiber optic cables to protect the internal optical fibers against stresses applied to the cables during installation and thereafter. Example strength layers include aramid yarn, steel and epoxy reinforced glass roving. Outer jackets provide protection against damage caused by crushing, abrasions, and other physical damage. Outer jackets also provide protection against chemical damage (e.g., ozone, alkali, acids). 
         [0003]    Fiber optic cable connection systems are used to facilitate connecting and disconnecting fiber optic cables in the field without requiring a splice. A typical fiber optic cable connection system for interconnecting two fiber optic cables includes fiber optic connectors mounted at the ends of the fiber optic cables, and an adapter for mechanically and optically coupling the fiber optic connectors together. Fiber optic connectors generally include ferrules that support the ends of the optical fibers of the fiber optic cables. The end faces of the ferrules are typically polished and are often angled. The adapter includes co-axially aligned ports (i.e., receptacles for receiving the fiber optic connectors desired to be interconnected). The adapter includes an internal sleeve that receives and aligns the ferrules of the fiber optic connectors when the connectors are inserted within the ports of the adapter. With the ferrules and their associated fibers aligned within the sleeve of the adapter, a fiber optic signal can pass from one fiber to the next. Some systems are known which include alignment of fibers but no ferrules. Improvements in the adapters are desired. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    In one implementation, a fiber optic connector is mounted to a fiber optic connector holder. The holder can be a separate piece mountable to other devices, such as trays, panels, modules, cassettes, and chassis. Alternatively, the holder can be integrally formed with the device. In some implementations, multiple holders can be provided as separate elements, or as an integral element. 
         [0005]    The fiber optic connector holder holds the fiber optic connector in position ready for connection to another fiber optic connector at a desired time. The holder receives a fiber optic adapter, and a second fiber optic connector. The adapter aligns the two connectors for fiber optic signal transmission. In one example, the fiber optic connector holder includes a clip for clipping to the connector. In some implementations, the clip is releasable. 
         [0006]    According to certain embodiments, the first and the second fiber optic connectors and the adapter include interlatching features for relatively fixing the connectors to the adapter. The connector(s) may be removed from the adapter by releasing the latching features. Similarly, the adapter may also be relatively removed from the connector(s) by releasing the latching features. 
         [0007]    According to other aspects, the disclosure is directed to fiber optic connector holders that include release mechanisms for releasing the fiber optic adapter and a second fiber optic connector from a first fiber optic connector when the first fiber optic connector may not be readily accessible to a user. For example, the first fiber optic connector might be held by a holder that is part of a fixture on a device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis, wherein the first fiber optic connector is positioned inside such a device without access to the first connector from an exterior of the device. 
         [0008]    According to other aspects of the disclosure, the release mechanism may be an integral part of the adapter that aligns the first and second fiber optic connectors. The release mechanism of the adapter might allow a user to release the adapter and the second fiber optic connector from the first fiber optic connector when the first fiber optic connector is not readily accessible to a user (e.g., when the first fiber optic connector is supported by a holder that is part of a device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis, wherein the first fiber optic connector is positioned inside such a device without access to the first connector from an exterior of the device). 
         [0009]    According to one aspect of the disclosure, the disclosure is directed to a telecommunications system comprising a fiber optic adapter including a catch, a fiber optic connector including a latch configured to mate with the catch for latching the connector with the adapter, wherein the latch is configured to be unlatched from the catch by direct contact with the latch, and a fixture configured to fixedly hold the fiber optic connector for mating with the adapter, wherein the fixture includes a release mechanism for allowing a user to release the latch of the connector from the catch of the adapter without directly contacting the latch of the connector. 
         [0010]    According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a fiber optic adapter comprising a body configured to mate a first fiber optic connector with a second fiber optic connector, the first and second fiber optic connectors including latches for mating with catches of the adapter for releasably engaging the first and second connectors with the fiber optic adapter, wherein the latches are configured to be unlatched from the catches by direct contact with the latches, wherein the adapter has a release mechanism for allowing a user to release the latch of at least one of the first and second fiber optic connectors from the adapter without directly contacting the latch of the at least one of the first and second fiber optic connectors. 
         [0011]    According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a telecommunications system comprising a fiber optic adapter configured to mate a first fiber optic connector with a second fiber optic connector, the first fiber optic connector mounted to the fiber optic adapter, the second fiber optic connector mounted to the fiber optic adapter for optically mating with the first fiber optic connector, wherein both of the first and second fiber optic connectors include latches for mating with catches of the fiber optic adapter for releasably engaging the first and second connectors with the fiber optic adapter, the latches configured to be unlatched from the catches by direct contact with the latches, wherein the adapter has a release mechanism for allowing a user to release the latch of at least one of the first and second fiber optic connectors from the adapter without directly contacting the latch of the at least one of the first and second fiber optic connectors. 
         [0012]    According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a method of unlatching a fiber optic connector that is fixedly held by a fixture from a fiber optic adapter without directly contacting a latch of the fiber optic connector that mates with a catch of the fiber optic adapter, the method comprising contacting the latch of the fiber optic connector with a portion of a release mechanism located on the fixture to separate the latch of the fiber optic connector from the catch of the fiber optic adapter. 
         [0013]    According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a method of unlatching a fiber optic connector from a fiber optic adapter without directly contacting a latch of the fiber optic connector that mates with a catch of the fiber optic adapter, the method comprising contacting the latch of the fiber optic connector with a portion of a release mechanism located on the fiber optic adapter to separate the latch of the fiber optic connector from the catch of the fiber optic adapter. 
         [0014]    According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a telecommunications system comprising a fixture defining a pocket for receiving a fiber optic adapter, the pocket defining an adapter insertion first end and an opposite second end, the fiber optic adapter inserted into the pocket from the first end, the fiber optic adapter including a catch, a fiber optic connector inserted into the pocket from the second end, the fiber optic connector including a latch configured to mate with the catch ( 571 / 671 / 771 ) for latching the connector with the adapter, wherein the latch is configured to be unlatched from the catch by direct contact with the latch, and a release mechanism provided on the fiber optic adapter or on the fixture for allowing a user to release the latch of the connector from the catch of the adapter without directly contacting the latch of the connector, the release mechanism operable by the user from adjacent the adapter insertion first end of the pocket. 
         [0015]    According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a method of releasing a first fiber optic connector that has been inserted into a pocket defined by a fixture from a first end of the pocket from a fiber optic adapter that has been inserted into the pocket from a second end of the pocket, wherein the adapter is configured to mate the first fiber optic connector with a second fiber optic connector, the method comprising unlatching a latch of the first fiber optic connector that connects the first fiber optic connector to the fiber optic adapter from adjacent the second end of the pocket. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a fiber optic connector mounted to a fiber optic connector holder; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a further perspective view of the fiber optic connector and the fiber optic connector holder of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the fiber optic connector and the fiber optic connector holder of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the fiber optic connector and the fiber optic connector holder of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the fiber optic connector holder; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is another perspective view of the fiber optic connector holder; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  shows a fiber optic adapter being mounted to the fiber optic connector held by the fiber optic connector holder of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a further view of the fiber optic adapter being mounted to the fiber optic connector; 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the fiber optic adapter being mounted to the fiber optic connector; 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional side view of the view of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the fiber optic adapter fully mounted to the fiber optic connector; 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is a further perspective view of the fiber optic adapter mounted to the fiber optic connector; 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view showing a second fiber optic connector mounted to the fiber optic adapter for optical signal transmission between two fiber optic cables; 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  is a further perspective view of the view of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  is a side view of the view of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 16  is a top view of the view of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 17  is an exploded perspective view showing two fiber optic connectors separated from a mating fiber optic adapter; 
           [0033]      FIG. 18  shows a plurality of fiber optic connector holders mounted in a mounting arrangement for holding a plurality of first fiber optic connectors, mating fiber optic adapters, and second fiber optic connectors; 
           [0034]      FIG. 19  is a further perspective view of the fiber optic connector holder mounting arrangement of  FIG. 18 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the fiber optic connector holder mounting arrangement without the connectors or adapters shown; 
           [0036]      FIG. 21  is an example implementation of a connector holder system utilizing the connector holder implementations of  FIGS. 1-20 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 22  is another example implementation of a connector holder system utilizing the connector holder implementations of  FIGS. 1-20 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 23  is a further example implementation of a connector holder system utilizing the connector holder implementations of  FIGS. 1-20 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 24  is a further example implementation of a connector holder system utilizing the connector holder implementations of  FIGS. 1-20 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 25  is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a fiber optic connector holder system having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0041]      FIG. 26  is a rear perspective view of the system of  FIG. 25 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 27  is a side view of the system of  FIG. 25 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 28  is a top view of the system of  FIG. 25 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 29  is a bottom view of the system of  FIG. 25 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 30  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  30 - 30  of  FIG. 28 ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 31  is an exploded view of the system of  FIG. 25 ; 
           [0047]      FIG. 32  is a left side perspective view of another embodiment of a fiber optic connector holder system having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0048]      FIG. 33  is a rear perspective view of the system of  FIG. 32 ; 
           [0049]      FIG. 34  illustrates the system of  FIG. 33  in a fully assembled configuration; 
           [0050]      FIG. 35  is a front perspective view of the system shown in  FIG. 34 ; 
           [0051]      FIG. 36  is a top view of the system of  FIG. 34 ; 
           [0052]      FIG. 37  is a side view of the system of  FIG. 34 ; 
           [0053]      FIG. 38  is a rear view of the system of  FIG. 34 ; 
           [0054]      FIG. 39  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  39 - 39  of  FIG. 38 ; 
           [0055]      FIG. 40  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  40 - 40  of  FIG. 38 ; 
           [0056]      FIG. 41  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  41 - 41  of  FIG. 38 ; 
           [0057]      FIG. 42  is a front perspective view of the holder of the system of  FIGS. 32-41 ; 
           [0058]      FIG. 43  is a rear view of the holder of  FIG. 42 ; 
           [0059]      FIG. 44  is a top view of the holder of  FIG. 42 ; 
           [0060]      FIG. 45  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  45 - 45  of  FIG. 44 ; 
           [0061]      FIG. 46  illustrates a portion of the holder of  FIGS. 42-45  with a fiber optic connector mounted to the clip of the holder; 
           [0062]      FIG. 47  is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a fiber optic connector holder system having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0063]      FIG. 48  is a side view of the holder system of  FIG. 47 ; 
           [0064]      FIG. 49  is a top view of the holder system of  FIG. 47 ; 
           [0065]      FIG. 50  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  50 - 50  of  FIG. 49 ; 
           [0066]      FIG. 51  illustrates the holder system of  FIGS. 47-50  in an exploded configuration; 
           [0067]      FIGS. 52-56  illustrate the sequence of operation for releasing an adapter and a second connector of the system of  FIGS. 47-51  from a first connector of the system; 
           [0068]      FIG. 57  is a front perspective view of another embodiment of an adapter configured for use with the system of  FIGS. 47-56 , the adapter shown with first and second connectors mated; 
           [0069]      FIG. 58  is a rear perspective view of the adapter and connectors of  FIG. 57 ; 
           [0070]      FIG. 59  is a bottom perspective view of the adapter and connectors of  FIG. 57 ; 
           [0071]      FIG. 60  is a top view of the adapter and connectors of  FIG. 57 ; 
           [0072]      FIG. 61  is a bottom view of the adapter and connectors of  FIG. 57 ; 
           [0073]      FIG. 62  is a left side view of the adapter and connectors of  FIG. 57 ; 
           [0074]      FIG. 63  is a right side view of the adapter and connectors of  FIG. 57 ; 
           [0075]      FIG. 64  is a front view of the adapter and connectors of  FIG. 57 ; 
           [0076]      FIG. 65  is a rear view of the adapter and connectors of  FIG. 57 ; 
           [0077]      FIG. 66  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  66 - 66  of  FIG. 60 ; 
           [0078]      FIG. 67  illustrates the connectors exploded off the adapter of  FIG. 57 ; 
           [0079]      FIG. 68  is a top view of the adapter and connectors of  FIG. 67 ; 
           [0080]      FIG. 69  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  69 - 69  of  FIG. 68 ; 
           [0081]      FIG. 70  is a bottom view of the adapter and connectors of  FIG. 67 ; and 
           [0082]      FIG. 71  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  71 - 71  of  FIG. 70 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0083]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-6 , a connector holder system  10  is shown. System  10  includes a fiber optic connector holder  14  which holds a first fiber optic connector  12 . System  10  maintains first connector  12  in a protected and organized manner for later connection to a second fiber optic connector. System  10  also does not require a fiber optic adapter for holding the first connector  12  before connection to the second connector. With system  10 , a connector only approach is provided wherein only the one or more first connectors  12  are held and maintained ready for connection to an adapter and one or more second connector as desired by the user. 
         [0084]    Holder  14  includes a base  16  and a housing  18 . Housing  18  defines a pocket  20  for receipt of a distal end  22  of first connector  12 . Pocket  20  also receives an adapter as will be described below. Holder  14  includes a clip  26  which clips to first connector  12  to hold first connector  12  to holder  14 . As shown, clip  26  clips to a rear  24  of first connector  12 . Clip  26  is located at end  30  of holder  14 . Clip  26  is u-shaped and includes two clip arms  48 . 
         [0085]    As shown in  FIGS. 7-12 , an adapter  36  is inserted into an opposite end  32  of holder  14  for mating connection with first connector  12 . Adapter  36  is inserted along a longitudinal axis  40  into pocket  20  and latches to first connector  12 . Adapter  36  is not latched to holder  14  wherein movement in the axially direction would be prevented. Instead, axial movement is controlled by clip  26  mounted to first connector  12 . 
         [0086]    Adapter  36  includes posts  46  which slide along slots  28  of holder  14  to provide proper alignment with first connector  12 . Pocket  20  does provide some support to adapter  36 . The main fixation of the mating connectors and adapter is between first connector  12  and holder  14 . 
         [0087]    Once adapter  36  is mated with first connector  12 , a second connector  50  is mated with adapter  36 . See  FIGS. 13-16 . Once second connector  50  is mated with adapter  36 , fiber optic signals can be transmitted between a first cable  54  and a second cable  56 . Once both connectors are mated to adapter  36 , the fiber optical fibers within each of the first and second connectors  12 ,  50  and cables  54 ,  56  are in optical alignment. 
         [0088]    If desired, second connector  50  can be pre-mated with adapter  36 , and then the combined adapter  36  and second connector  50  can be inserted into holder  14  for mating with first connector  12 . 
         [0089]    First connector  12  includes a shutter  34  for protecting the user and others before connection to the second connector  50 . Second connector  50  also preferably includes a shutter. 
         [0090]    Holder  14  includes an RFID tag location  42  for holding an RFID tag, if desired. Holder  14  can be provided with holes  44  (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) to allow for RFID tags on the connectors to be read while positioned in holder  14 . RFID tags allow for identification of specific connectors and adapters. 
         [0091]    Holder  14  is shown with a closed housing  18  defining pocket  20 . Housing  18  is optional if desired. An open topped base  16  can be provided. 
         [0092]    Holder  14  can be used as a system demarcation location. In some implementations, first connectors  12  cannot be removed, if desired. Only adapters  36  and second connectors  50  would be accessible in that case. In such implementations, for example, the first fiber optic connector  12  might be held by a holder that is part of a fixture on a device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis, wherein the first fiber optic connector  12  is positioned inside such a device without access to the first connector  12  from an exterior of the device. The present disclosure contemplates fiber optic connector holders that include release mechanisms for releasing the fiber optic adapter  36  and a second fiber optic connector  50  from a first fiber optic connector  12  when the first optic connector  12  may not be readily accessible to a user. Such holders will be discussed in further detail below. According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the release mechanism may be an integral part of the adapter that aligns the first and second fiber optic connectors  12 ,  50 . Examples of such adapters will also be discussed in further detail below. 
         [0093]    Referring now to  FIG. 17 , adapter  36  is shown separated from first connector  12  and second connector  50 . In use, connectors  12 ,  50  mount to adapter  36  with latches  60 . During insertion of connectors  12 ,  50  into adapter  36 , shutters  34  lift up exposing the optical fiber inside of connectors  12 ,  50 . Further descriptions of the functions and structures of first connector  12  and second connector  50  and the mating adapter  36  are shown in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/758,021, Attorney Docket No. 02316.3413USP2, entitled Optical Fiber Connection System Including Optical Fiber Alignment Device, filed Jan. 29, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Further embodiments of fiber optic adapters configured to mate first and second fiber optic connectors  12 ,  50  having features similar to those discussed herein are described and illustrated in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/831,392, Attorney Docket No. 02316.3689USP1, entitled, Fiber Optic Adapter, filed Jun. 5, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
         [0094]    The types of first and second connectors  12 ,  50  and mating adapter  36  are shown in the drawings as one example implementation. It is to be appreciated that other format connectors and adapters could be used as desired wherein the connector (for example, LC, SC, MPO) is mounted to a holder configured to mount to the connector, instead of the adapter. 
         [0095]    Referring now to  FIGS. 18-20 , a mounting arrangement or fixture  70  is shown with a plurality of holders  14 . Holders  14  can be separate elements held together with a mounting structure, or mounting arrangement or fixture  70  can be made with integrally formed holders  14 . 
         [0096]    A single holder  14  or a plurality of holders  14 , such as mounting arrangement or fixture  70 , can be mounted to a tray, a panel, a module, a cassette, a chassis, or other telecommunications equipment, as desired. In the example implementation, clip  26  is releasable for removing first connector  12 . Other mounting structures can be used instead of clip  26  to mount first connector  12  to holder  14 . 
         [0097]      FIGS. 21-24  show various implementations of mounting arrangements  70  including a plurality of holders  14 , either separately mounted, or integrally formed therewith for holding a plurality of connectors prior to connections with an adapter and a second connector. The mounting arrangements  70  can be moveably mounted for improved user access too, as desired. 
         [0098]    Referring now to  FIG. 21 , a first tray  100  is shown including a mounting arrangement  70  in the form of a single row of fiber optic connector holders  14 . First tray  100  can include other cable management structures  102  such as a cable pass through  104  and a cable storage area  106 . 
         [0099]    Referring now to  FIG. 22 , a second tray  200  is shown with a mounting arrangement or fixture  70  in the form of a single row of fiber optic connector holders  14 . Second tray  200  includes a tray base  202  and a pivotable cover  204 . Posts  46  on adapters  36  are held in slots  206  when cover  204  is closed. Fixation is by the first connectors  12  (not shown) within the interior second tray  200 . Slots  206  provide an additional load bearing structure in situations where an extra load may be placed on second connectors  50  and cables  56 . However, the engagement of posts  46  and slots  206  does not interfere with the fiber optic signal pathway alignment between the first and second connectors  12 ,  50 , since the primary fixation is by tray  200 , holders  14  and first connectors  12  inside of tray  200 . Posts  46  allow for rotation of adapter  36  to help avoid stress on the fiber to fiber alignment. Adapters  36  can be removed from the interiorly located first connectors  12  by engagement with buttons  210 . Button  210  engages the connector latch  60  on first connector  12  disposed within the closed interior of a rear portion  212  of second tray  200 . 
         [0100]    Referring now to  FIG. 23 , a panel  300  is shown including a plurality of rows  302  of holders  14 . Holders  14  are provided in mounting arrangements  70  which are pivotable up and down relative to one another to allow for connector access. Such pivoting will also allow for improved access to individual RFID tags associated with the adapters  36 , and the related connectors  12 ,  50 . 
         [0101]    Referring now to  FIG. 24 , another fixture in the form of a mounting block  400  is shown with a plurality of rows  402  of holders  14 . As with panel  300 , mounting block  400  also includes a dense arrangement of the adapters  36  and the first and second connectors  12 ,  50  in mounting arrangement  70 . Rows  402  pivot about an axis which is parallel to the connector axis for each of the connectors for improved access to the adapters  36  and connectors  12 ,  50 . 
         [0102]    Connector holder system  10  and the various implementations noted above holds the connector of one of the mated connector pairs, instead of the mating adapter  36 . In general, it is not desirable to precisely fix to a holder, tray, or other device both of the mating connectors and the mating adapter. Tolerance offsets, and misalignments may interfere with proper fiber alignment and signal transmission. In the present implementations, the connector  12  is the primary fixation of the system  10 . If there is additional fixation provided, such as for load bearing situations, it does not interfere with the connector  12  to holder  14  fixation, or the fiber to fiber alignment. 
         [0103]    One result of providing a connector holder system  10  as described herein is that the adapters  36  can be added at a later date, when desired. In the implementations shown above, the connector  12  is protected without the need for an adapter. 
         [0104]    As noted above, in certain implementations, the first fiber optic connector  12  might be held by a holder that is part of a fixture on a device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis, wherein the first fiber optic connector  12  is positioned inside such a device without access to the first connector  12  from an exterior of the device. The present disclosure contemplates fiber optic connector holders that might include release mechanisms for releasing the fiber optic adapter and a second fiber optic connector  50  from a first fiber optic connector  12  when the first optic connector  12  may not be readily accessible to a user. When a connector  12  is protected within a device without the need for an adapter, the adapter and the second connector  50  may be added at a later date. However, removability of the adapter and the second connector  50  without having to access or interfering with the first connector  12  is important in such a connector-only approach wherein only the one or more first connectors  12  are held and maintained ready for connection to an adapter and one or more second connectors  50  as desired by the user. 
         [0105]    Referring now to  FIGS. 25-31 , another embodiment of a connector holder system  500  is illustrated. The holder system  500  includes a connector holder  514  that includes a release mechanism  502  for releasing a fiber optic adapter  536  and a second fiber optic connector  50  from a first fiber optic connector  12  when the first fiber optic connector  12  may not be readily accessible to a user such as, for example, when the holder  514  may be part of a fixture on a device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis, wherein the first fiber optic connector  12  is positioned inside such a device without access to the first connector  12  from an exterior of the device. 
         [0106]    Still referring to  FIGS. 25-31 , the holder  514  of the system  500  includes a base  516  and a housing  518 . Housing  518  defines a pocket  520  for receipt of a distal end  22  of first connector  12 . Pocket  520  also receives the adapter  536 . Holder  514  includes a clip  526  which clips to first connector  12  to hold first connector  12  to holder  514 . As shown, clip  526  clips to a rear  24  of first connector  12 . Clip  526  is located at end  530  of holder  514 . The depicted clip  526  is u-shaped and includes two clip arms  548 . Other variations in structures for fixedly holding the connector  12  are also possible. 
         [0107]    As shown in  FIGS. 25-31 , the adapter  536  is inserted into an opposite end  532  of holder  514  for mating connection with first connector  12 . Adapter  536  is inserted along a longitudinal axis  540  into pocket  520  and latches to first connector  12 . Adapter  536  is not latched to holder  514  wherein movement in the axially direction would be prevented. Instead, axial movement is controlled by clip  526  mounted to first connector  12 . As discussed for previous embodiments, pocket  520  does provide some support to adapter  536 . The main fixation of the mating connectors and adapter  536 , however, is between first connector  12  and holder  514 . 
         [0108]    Once adapter  536  is mated with first connector  12 , a second connector  50  is mated with adapter  536 . Once second connector  50  is mated with adapter  536 , fiber optic signals can be transmitted between a first cable and a second cable. Once both connectors  12 ,  50  are mated to adapter  536 , the optical fibers within each of the first and second connectors  12 ,  50  and first and second cables are in optical alignment. 
         [0109]    If desired, second connector  50  can be pre-mated with adapter  536 , and then the combined adapter  536  and second connector  50  can be inserted into holder  514  for mating with first connector  12 . 
         [0110]    In the embodiment shown, the holder  514  includes the release mechanism  502  that allows a user to release the fiber optic adapter  536  and the second fiber optic connector  50  from the first fiber optic connector  12  when the first optic connector  12  may not be readily accessible to a user such as, for example, when the holder  514  may be part of a fixture on a device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis, wherein the first fiber optic connector  12  is positioned inside such a device without access to the first connector  12  from an exterior of the device. The release mechanism  502  is defined by a lever arm  510  pivotally attached via a hinge  506  at a top  508  of the holder housing  518 . 
         [0111]    The lever arm  510  defines a first end  511  and a second end  513 . The first end  511  is configured to be pressed down by a user and is positioned so as to be accessible to a user from an exterior of a device if, for example, the holder is forming a part of the device that limits access to the first connector  12 . 
         [0112]    The second end  513  of the lever arm  510  is configured as a release end. When the lever arm  510  is operated, the release end  513  abuts and lifts up the latch  60  of the first fiber optic connector  12  and frees the latch  60  from a catch  571  of the adapter  536 . Thus, when the lever arm  510  is pivotally moved, the adapter  536  and the second connector  50  that is latched thereto can be slidably removed from holder  514 . Since the only connection that is preventing axial movement of the adapter  536  and the second connector  50  relative to the holder  514  is the latched connection of the first connector  12  that is held by the clip  526 , freeing the adapter  536  from the first connector  12  allows release of the adapter  536  and the second connector  50  from the holder  514 . 
         [0113]    In this manner, as discussed, when the first fiber optic connector  12  is not readily accessible to a user such as, for example, when the holder  514  may be part of a fixture on a device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis, wherein the first fiber optic connector  12  is positioned inside such a device without access to the first connector  12  from an exterior of the device, the release mechanism  502  can be used to release the adapter  536  and the second connector  50  without disturbing the first connector  12 . 
         [0114]    During initial insertion or re-insertion of the adapter  536  into the holder  514  to mate with the first connector  12 , the release end  513  of the lever arm  510  simply pivots upwardly and out of the way due to abutment with the adapter  536  to allow the latch  60  of the first connector to engage with the catch  571  of the adapter  536 . 
         [0115]      FIGS. 32-46  illustrate another embodiment of a connector holder system  600 , wherein the holder  614  of the system  600  includes a release mechanism  602  for releasing a fiber optic adapter  636  and a second fiber optic connector  50  from a first fiber optic connector  12  when the first optic connector  12  may not be readily accessible to a user. 
         [0116]      FIGS. 32-41  are various views of the connector holder system  600  wherein the mounting and the release of the adapter  636  and the second connector  50  to and from the first connector  12  that is held by the holder  614  are illustrated.  FIGS. 42-45  illustrate the holder  614  in isolation.  FIG. 46  illustrates a portion of the holder  614  with a first connector  12  attached to a clip  626  of the holder  614 . 
         [0117]    Still referring to  FIGS. 32-46 , in the embodiment shown, the holder  614  of the system  600  defines a plurality of pockets  620  for receiving the distal ends  22  of first connectors  12  and also the adapters  636 . It should be noted that the inventive features of the holder  614  are applicable to versions that might have less or more pockets. 
         [0118]    Each pocket  620  is cooperatively defined by a base  616  and a housing  618 . In the embodiment shown, the holder  614  also includes a vertical wall  604  that defines openings  606  for each housing  618 . 
         [0119]    The vertical wall  604  might represent a portion (e.g., an exterior wall) of a device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis. In such an example, the first fiber optic connector  12  may be positioned at a first side  608  of the wall  604  and not accessible from a second side  610  of the wall  604  that only provides access to the adapter  636  and the second connector  50 . 
         [0120]    For each pocket  620 , the holder  614  includes a clip  626  which clips to first connector  12  to hold first connector  12  to holder  614 . Similar to the embodiments discussed above, the clips  626  clip to the rear  24  of first connector  12 . In the depicted embodiment, the clips  626  are u-shaped and include two clip arms  648 . Other variations are possible. Each clip  626  is located at end  630  of housing  618  that is at the opposite end from the adapter insertion end of the housing  618 . 
         [0121]    The release mechanism  602  of the holder, as shown in  FIGS. 37-41 , is defined by a pivotable floor  601  of the base  616  of the holder  614 . The pivotable floor  601  is integrally attached to the base  616  at a first end  603  and defines a free unattached end  605  that enables the floor  601  to act as a cantilever. 
         [0122]    Once the first connector  12  has been inserted into the pocket  620  from the end  630  of the housing  618  and has been clipped to the clip  626 , the adapter  636  is brought into the pocket  620  from the opposite end  632 . When the adapter  636  is inserted into the pocket  620 , as shown in  FIG. 39 , the front end  637  of the adapter  636  that is going to be latched with the connector  12  can be pivoted downwardly within the pocket  620 . The pivoting of the adapter  636  is allowed because of the contact of the bottom  639  of the adapter with the pivotable floor  601 . The floor  601  acts as a cantilever that allows the latch  60  of the first connector  12  to move over the catch  671  of the adapter  636  and to latch to the adapter  636 . 
         [0123]    When the adapter  636  is latched with the first connector  12 , a tab  609  defined by the pivoting floor  601  also locks within a detent  611  defined on the adapter body  647  for axially engaging the adapter  636  with respect to the holder  614 . This axial engagement is in addition to the engagement provided by the latch  60  of the first connector  12 . 
         [0124]    The removal of the adapter  636  from the holder  614  occurs in a similar fashion to insertion thereof. However, as shown in  FIGS. 39-41 , in addition to using the pivoting floor  601  of the base  616  to free the adapter  636  from the holder  614 , the top  613  of the housing  618  is also used to initially free the adapter  636  from the first connector  12 . 
         [0125]    As shown in  FIGS. 39-41 , the top  613  of the housing  618  defines a flexible portion  621  that acts as a cantilever. By either pressing down on a first end  623  of the top  613  of the housing  618  or lifting up a second end  625  of the top  613  of the housing  618 , a rear end  61  of the latch  60  of the first connector  12  is contacted. By pressing down on the rear end  61  of the latch  60 , the front end  63  of the latch  60  can be freed from the catch  671  of the adapter  636 . 
         [0126]    Once the adapter  636  is freed from the first connector  12 , the adapter  636  needs to be freed from the tab  609  defined by the pivotable floor  601 . The rear end  641  of the adapter  636  can be pressed downwardly, lifting up the front end  637  and freeing the tab  609  from the detent  611  of the adapter  636 . The flexibility of the top  613  of the housing  618  allows the front end  637  of the adapter  636  to be lifted up and the pivotability/flexibility of the floor  601  allows the adapter  636  to be slidably pulled out once the tab  609  has cleared the detent  611 . In this manner, the adapter  636  can be taken out of the pocket  620  of the holder  614 . 
         [0127]    Referring now to  FIGS. 34, 36, and 41 , it should be noted that the first end  623  of the flexible portion  621  of the top  613  of the housing  618  can also be used in freeing the first connector  12  from the holder  614  if the user has access to the first side  608  of the vertical wall  604 . The first end  623  of the top  613  of the housing  618  is positioned such that it is accessible from the first side  608  of the wall  604 . If the first connector  12  is at a location that is accessible by the user and needs to be released from the adapter  636  and the second connector  50 , the first end  623  of the top  613  of the housing  618  can be pressed downwardly by the user to free to first connector  12  from the adapter  636 . The first connector  12  can, thus, be pulled out of the holder  614 . The adapter  636  is prevented from being pulled out of the first side  608  of the wall  604  by the clip  626 . 
         [0128]    The embodiments discussed above are directed to holders that include the release mechanisms. According to another aspect of the disclosure, the release mechanism may be an integral part of the adapter that aligns the first and second fiber optic connectors. Similar to the embodiments discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 25-46 , the release mechanism of the adapter might allow a user to release the adapter and the second fiber optic connector from the first fiber optic connector when the first optic connector is not readily accessible to a user (e.g., when the first fiber optic connector is supported by a holder that is part of a fixture on a device such as a tray, panel, module, cassette, or chassis, wherein the first fiber optic connector is positioned inside such a device without access to the first connector from an exterior of the device). 
         [0129]      FIGS. 47-56  illustrate such a system  700  wherein the release mechanism is an integral part of the adapter  736 .  FIGS. 47-51  illustrate various components of the system  700 , while  FIGS. 52-56  illustrate the sequence of operation in releasing the adapter  736  and the second fiber optic connector  50  from the first fiber optic connector  12  that may be held by the holder of the system  700 . 
         [0130]      FIGS. 57-71  show a variation of an adapter  836  for use with the system  700 , wherein the adapter  836  has similar release features to the adapter  736  of system  700 . 
         [0131]    Referring back to  FIGS. 47-56 , the system  700  includes the adapter  736  having an integral release mechanism  702 . The system  700  may include a holder  714  that facilitates use of the integral release mechanism  702  of the adapter  736  as will be described in further detail below. 
         [0132]    The release mechanism  702  of the adapter  736  is defined by a slider  704  that is positioned at the top  713  of the adapter  736 . The slider  704  is configured to be slidably moved by a user to release the latch  60  of a connector, either a first connector  12  or a second connector  50 , from the catches  771  of an adapter  736 . 
         [0133]    The slider  704  defines a pair of first slide tabs  701  on opposing sides of the slider  704  adjacent the first end  703  of the slider  704  and a pair of second slide tabs  705  on opposing sides of the slider  704  adjacent the second end  707  of the slider. Each of a right sidewall  709  and a left sidewall  711  of the adapter  736  defines a first slot  715  adjacent the first end  743  of the adapter  736  and a second slot  717  adjacent the second end  745  of the adapter  736 . The first slots  715  receive the first slide tabs  701  and the second slots  717  receive the second slide tabs  705  to allow the slider  704  to slidably move. The movement is limited by the slide tabs  701 ,  705  abutting with the ends of the slots  715 ,  717  that act as positive stops. The top  721  of the slider  704  defines a grip surface  723  to assist a user in using the slider  704 . 
         [0134]    The first and second ends  703 ,  707  of the slider  704  define release portions  725 . As shown in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 50 , the release portions  725  are configured to abut and wedge underneath the latches  60  of the connectors  12  to pivot the front ends  63  of the latches  60  of the connectors  12  to release the latches  60  from the catches  771  of the adapter  736 . In this manner, if one of the connectors  12 ,  50  is not accessible to a user, the user can push the slider  704  toward the connector and release the latch  60  from the catch  771  of the adapter  736 . 
         [0135]    As noted above, the system  700  may also include a holder  714  that facilitates use of the integral release mechanism  702  of the adapter  736  as illustrated in  FIGS. 47-56 . 
         [0136]    The holder  714 , similar to previously discussed holders, defines a base  716  and a housing  718 . A clip  726  is located at a first end  730  of the holder  714  for clipping in the first connector  12 . Extending from a top  719  of the housing  718  of the holder  714  is a retention tab  731 . The retention tab  731  is configured to contact a pair of tabs  733  positioned on the top  713  of the adapter  736  and retain the adapter within the housing  718  of the holder  714  and prevent the adapter  736  to be pulled out in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion into the housing  718 . 
         [0137]    When the slider  704  is used to release the latch  60  of the connector  12 , the slider  704  also contacts the retention tab  731  to move and unlatch the retention tab  731  from the tabs  733  on the top  713  of the adapter  736 . The deflection tab  731  is configured to be flexible such that when the slider  704  is used to release a connector from the adapter  736 , the deflection tab  731  abuts a portion of the slider  704  and moves upwardly out of the way of the slider  704  as the release portion  725  of the slider  704  is abutting the latch  60  of a connector. For example, the sequence of operation for releasing an adapter  736  and a second connector  50  from a first connector  12  of the system  700  is shown in  FIGS. 52-56 . 
         [0138]    The configuration of the release mechanism  702  of the system  700  allows a user to release the adapter  736  from the connector  12  and to pull the adapter  736  and the second connector  50  from the holder  714  with a single hand. 
         [0139]      FIGS. 57-71  illustrate another embodiment of an adapter  836  having an integral release mechanism  802  that is configured for use with the system  700  of  FIGS. 47-56 . The adapter  836  of  FIGS. 57-71  is similar in configuration to the adapter  736  shown in  FIGS. 47-56  except for having a slider  804  with a different grip surface  823 . 
         [0140]    The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended. 
       REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       [0000]    
       
           10  Connector holder system 
           12  First fiber optic connector 
           14  Fiber optic connector holder 
           16  Base 
           18  Housing 
           20  Pocket 
           22  Distal end of first connector 
           24  Rear of first connector 
           26  Clip 
           28  Slots 
           30  End of holder 
           32  Opposite end of holder 
           34  Shutter 
           36  Adapter 
           40  Longitudinal axis 
           42  RFID tag location 
           44  Holes 
           46  Posts 
           48  Clip arms 
           50  Second fiber optic connector 
           54  First cable 
           56  Second cable 
           60  Latch 
           61  Rear end 
           63  Front end 
           70  Mounting arrangement 
           100  First tray 
           102  Structures 
           104  Cable pass through 
           106  Cable storage area 
           200  Second tray 
           202  Base 
           204  Cover 
           206  Slots 
           210  Buttons 
           212  Rear portion 
           300  Panel 
           302  Rows 
           400  Mounting block 
           402  Rows 
           500  Connector holder system 
           502  Release mechanism 
           506  Hinge 
           508  Top 
           510  Lever arm 
           511  First end 
           513  Second release end 
           514  Holder 
           516  Base 
           518  Housing 
           520  Pocket 
           526  Clip 
           530  End 
           532  Opposite end 
           536  Adapter 
           540  Longitudinal axis 
           548  Clip arms 
           571  Catch 
           600  Connector holder system 
           601  Pivotable floor 
           602  Release mechanism 
           603  First end 
           604  Vertical wall 
           605  Second end 
           606  Opening 
           608  First side 
           609  Tab 
           610  Second side 
           611  Detent 
           613  Top 
           614  Holder 
           616  Base 
           618  Housing 
           620  Pocket 
           621  Flexible portion 
           623  First end 
           625  Second end 
           626  Clip 
           630  End 
           632  Opposite end 
           636  Adapter 
           637  Front end 
           639  Bottom 
           641  Rear end 
           647  Adapter body 
           648  Clip arms 
           671  Catch 
           700  Connector holder system 
           701  First slide tab 
           702  Release mechanism 
           703  First end 
           704  Slider 
           705  Second slide tab 
           707  Second end 
           709  Right sidewall 
           711  Left sidewall 
           713  Top 
           714  Holder 
           715  First slot 
           716  Base 
           717  Second slot 
           718  Housing 
           719  Top 
           721  Top of slider 
           723  Grip surface 
           725  Release portion 
           726  Clip 
           730  First end 
           731  Deflection tab 
           733  Tab 
           736  Adapter 
           743  First end 
           745  Second end 
           771  Catch 
           802  Release mechanism 
           804  Slider 
           823  Grip surface 
           836  Adapter