Cassette adapter and method of installation

A cassette adapter for the installation of a cassette in a patch panel of a data rack including a base configured to accept the cassette, a front frame connected to a distal end of the base, at least one latch connected to the base, and a mounting portion configured to mount the cassette adapter to the panel. The cassette adapter being configured to retain the cassette within the cassette adapter and connect the cassette to the patch panel in a removable fashion.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cassette adapter for attaching cassettes in a patch panel of a rack having connection characteristic different from the patch panel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pre-terminated copper or fiber-optic cable cassettes are utilized in the installation of cables to patch panels within a data rack. Patch panels have typically been designed to accommodate a particular cassette configuration as a system. Cassettes designed to connect to a patch panel typically do not directly attach to differently configured patch panel. Further, earlier iterations of cassettes provide for a limited number of connections within a cassette and patch panel. Many users of data centers are looking to transition to smaller Local Connector adapters (“LC adapters”) or Multi-fiber Push-on/Pull-off adapters (“MPO adapters”) to increase the density within a patch panel to accommodate demand for high bandwidth. Existing high-density cassettes are not configured to be interchangeable with older or differently configured patch panels. Further, patch panels configured for low density cassettes are not typically configured to accept a direct connection with high-density cassettes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a cassette adapter for installation of a cassette in a patch panel, the cassette adapter including a base configured to accept the cassette, a front frame connected to a distal end of the base, at least one latch connected to the base, and a mounting portion configured to mount the cassette adapter to the patch panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed cassette adapter solves or improves upon one or more of the above noted and/or other problems and disadvantages with prior cassette and patch panel systems. The disclosed cassette adapter facilitates interchangeability between cassettes of one system with patch panels of another system. The disclosed cassette adapter further facilitates installation of high-density cassettes within a patch panel configured for low-density cassettes. These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure.

Turning now to the drawings,FIG. 1depicts one example of a cassette adapter50of the present invention. The cassette adapter50includes a front insert52and a rear insert54. The cassette adapter50is configured to attach to one example of a patch panel51within a high-density fiber enclosure system.

FIGS. 2A and 2Bdepict the front insert52of the cassette adapter ofFIG. 1.FIG. 2Adepicts an isometric view of the top of the front insert52.FIG. 2Bdepicts an isometric view of the underside of the front insert52. The front insert52includes a base56. The base56includes a front57, a rear59, a first side61, a second side63, an upper surface65, and an underside surface67. The base56is generally rectangular with the first and second sides61,63being longer than the front57and rear59. The upper surface65and underside surface67are generally planar.

As depicted inFIGS. 2A and 2B, two extended helms58are disposed near the front57of the base56. One extended helm58resides one along the first side61and the other extended helm58resides along the second side63. The extended helms58include a first portion68that extends away from the underside surface67. A second portion69of the extended helms58extend from the first portion68towards the rear59of the front insert52. The second portion69of the extended helms58are generally parallel with a plane of the underside surface67of the base56. The configuration of the extended helms58and the underside surface67of the base56form catches75.

FIGS. 2A and 2Balso depict two shortened helms60near the rear59of the front insert52. The shortened helms60reside near a center of the base56. The shortened helms60include a first portion78that extends away from the underside surface67and a second portion79that extends from the first portion78towards the rear59of the front insert52. The second portion79of the shortened helms60are generally parallel with a plane of the underside surface67of the base56. The configuration of the shortened helms60and the underside surface67of the base56form catches80.

Depicted inFIGS. 2A and 2B, near the rear59of the front insert52and between the shortened helms60, is a snap finger62. The snap finger62includes an arm64and an engaging portion66. The arm64of the snap finger62resides within an opening76the base56, between a plane of the upper surface65and a plane of the underside surface67of the base56. The arm64of the snap finger62is connected to the base56at a first end. The arm64is an elongated member extending from the first end towards the front57of the front insert52. The engaging portion66is connected to a second end of the arm64.

The engaging portion66includes a first element that extends at an angle away from the arm64and underside surface67of the base56. The engaging portion66further includes a second element that extends towards the front57of the base56generally parallel with the underside67. The second element of the engaging portion66, is offset from the underside surface67and configured to engage a connector of the rear insert54.

As depicted inFIGS. 2A and 2B, disposed adjacent the snap finger62, is a cutout73. The cutout73is located in the rear59of the base56. The cutout73is rectangularly shaped and inset into the base56.

Further depicted inFIGS. 2A and 2Bat the front57of the base56is a frame70. The frame70includes a bottom segment71that is connected with the front57of the base56. The bottom segment71extends away from the underside surface67at generally a right angle. The bottom segment71generally spans the width of the front57of the base56.

At each end of the bottom segment71are mounting portions including posts72. The posts72are generally rectangularly shaped. The posts72are connected to the bottom segment71at the distal ends and may reside in the same plane as the bottom segment71. The posts72extend vertically away from the bottom segment71. An aperture74is located in each of the posts72. The aperture74is configured to accept a fastener to mount the cassette adapter50to the patch panel51.

FIGS. 3A and 3Bdepict the rear insert54of the cassette adapter50.FIG. 3Ais an isometric view of the top of the rear insert54andFIG. 3Bis an isometric view of the underside of the rear insert54. The rear insert54includes a first side103, front105, rear107, and second side109. The rear insert54includes a base100having a footprint that is generally U-shaped. The overall length and width of the rear insert54base100may be approximately the same length and width as the base56of the front insert52.

The rear insert54base100includes a first element102and a second element104as depicted inFIGS. 3A and 3B. First and second elements102,104may be provided as an elongated rectangular shape, extending from approximately the front105of the base100to approximately the rear107of the base100. The first and second elements102,104are mirrored elements. The first element102may be on the first side103of the base100and the second element104may be on the second side109of the base100. First and second elements102,104are connected by a connecting element106.

As depicted inFIGS. 3A and 3B, the first and second elements102,104may each include centering channels108at the front105of the base100. The centering channels108include a V-shaped cutout110and an engagement cutout112. The V-shaped cutout110is disposed within the first and second elements102,104such that the widest portion opens towards the front105of the base100. The V-shaped cutout110then narrows as it extends into the base100towards the rear107of the base100. The narrowest portion of the V-shaped cutout110is connected with the engagement cutout112.

The engagement cutouts112are generally square shaped. The engagement cutouts112extend from the V-shaped cutout110towards the rear107of the rear insert54. The engagement cutouts112are sized and shaped to accept the extended helms58of the front insert52.

As depicted inFIGS. 3A and 3B, adjacent the engagement cutouts112of the centering channels108on each of the first and second elements102,104are front cassette retainers120. The front cassette retainers120are planar and extend down from the base100at approximately a right angle. An upper slot122and a lower slot124are located within each of the front cassette retainers120. Each of the upper slot122and lower slot124are configured to retain a front post of a cassette as further described below.

Connected to the front cassette retainers120are flanges126. As depicted inFIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4, the flanges126extend from the front cassette retainers120horizontally at approximately a right angle. A space may exist between the flanges126on each of the first element102and second element104to accommodate a fastener between the flanges126. The flanges126are configured to support the front insert54against a faceplate of the patch panel51.

FIGS. 3A and 3Bfurther depict a pair of retaining guides114disposed on both the first element102and second element104. As depicted inFIGS. 3A and 3B, the retaining guides114include a bend116and a planar portion118. The bend116includes a first end connected to the base100. The bend116is a radiused section between the base100and the planar portion118. The bend116extends along a portion of the length of each of the first and second elements,102,104.

A first end of the planar portion118is connected to the second end of the bend116. The planar portions118are generally rectangularly shaped and may be the same width as the bend116. The planar portions118transverse the length of the first and second elements,102,104.

As depicted inFIGS. 3A and 4, the planar portion118resides above each of the first and second elements102,104in a parallel orientation forming a slot119. The slot119is configured to accept a portion of the base56of the front insert52disposed between the planar portion118and respective first and second elements102,104.

As depicted inFIGS. 3A and 3B, located at the rear107of each of the first and second elements102,104, are rear cassette retainers128. The rear cassette retainers128include a base extension129. The base extension129is generally square shaped. The base extension129extends from each of the first and second elements102,104. A portion of the base extension129may extend beyond the first side103of the first element102and the second side of the second element104, respectively. A second portion of the base extension129may extend beyond the rear107portion of each of the first and second elements102,104. The base extension129may be generally planar with the base100.

A vertical portion130extends generally perpendicular from each of the base extensions129of the rear cassette retainer128. The vertical portion130is generally rectangular. Each of the vertical portions130includes two openings, an upper opening131and a lower opening132. The upper and lower openings131,132may be any shape that is configured to interact with a rear post of a cassette as described below. A stop136situated approximately midway along the length of the vertical portion130, and between the upper and lower openings.

The stop136includes an extension138and an engagement portion140. The extension138is connected to the stop136at a first end. The extension138extends laterally from the vertical portion130in an angled direction towards the front105and center of the base100. The engagement portion140is disposed at a second end of the extension138. The engagement portion140extends from the second end of the extension138towards the front105of the rear insert54. The engagement portion140is configured to contact a cassette installed in the rear insert54as described fully below.

At the lower most portion of the vertical portion130is a lower flange134. The lower flange134extends from the vertical portion130at approximately a right angle inwards towards a center line of the base100. The lower flange134is disposed below the base extension129in a spaced parallel relationship. The lower flange134may be generally the same size and shape as the base extension129. The area created between the base extension129and lower flange134is configured to accommodate two cassettes in a stacked relationship when installed in the rear insert54.

As referred to above and depicted inFIGS. 3A and 3B, the first and second elements102,104are joined by the connecting element106. The connecting element106is generally rectangular with a first end connected to the first element102and a second end connected to the second element104. The connecting element106is generally planar with the first and second elements102,104. Disposed along the length of the connecting element106is a connector142.

The connector142is joined to the connecting element106at a first end. The connector142resides between the first and second elements102,104. The location of the connector142on the connecting element106creates engagement channels143between the connector142and the first element102and between the connector142and second element104.

The connector142extends from the connecting element106towards the front105of the rear insert54. The connector142is tapered as it extends towards the front105of the rear insert54. At the end of the connector142is a fold148. At the fold148, a portion of the connector142is folded over onto itself. The fold adds strength and creates a lip149. The lip149abuts a cut-out150in the connector142. The cut-out150is a through opening in the connector142. The cut-out150is configured to interact with the snap finger62of the front insert52.

Lastly, as depicted inFIGS. 3A and 3Bon the side of the connecting element106opposite the connector142, is a pre-load finger152. The pre-load finger152is inset into the connecting element106, extending only slightly beyond the outer edge of the connecting element106. The pre-load finger152is angled slightly away from the top of the base100. The pre-load finger152is configured to provide a force against the base56of the front insert52. The pre-load finger152acts to push the base100of the rear insert54away from the base56of the front insert52.

FIGS. 5A and 5Bdepict the front insert52and rear insert54assembled together to form the cassette adapter50.FIG. 5Adepicts the cassette adapter50in an installation orientation, whereasFIG. 5Bdepicts the underside of the cassette adapter50. To install the rear insert54to the front insert52, the front105of the rear insert54may be aligned with the rear59of the front insert52. Further, the first side103and second side109of the rear insert52may be aligned with the first side61and second side63of the front insert52, respectively. The rear insert54may then be slid towards the front57of the front insert52.

As depicted inFIG. 5A, the base56of the front insert52is retained within each of the two slots119formed from the retaining guides114. During assembly, the retaining guides114properly align first and second elements102,104of the rear insert54with the front insert52.

As depicted inFIGS. 5A and 5B, the extended and shortened helms58,60engage the rear insert54. The catches75of the extended helms58mate within the engagement cut-outs112of the first and second elements102,104. The extended helms58may be slightly smaller in width than the width of the engagement cut-outs112to allow the mating connection. The catches80of the shortened helms60mate within the engagement channels143of the first and second elements102,104. The shortened helms60may be slightly smaller in width than the width of the engagement channels143to allow the mating connection. The extended and shortened helms58,60facilitate a connection of the front insert52to the rear insert54.

During assembly, as the rear insert54slides forward, the extended helms58mate within the engagement cut-outs112of the first and second elements102,104and the shortened helms60of the front insert52mate within the engagement channels143of the first and second elements102,104.

Further, as the rear insert54slides forward, the snap finger62of the front insert52flexes and travels over the fold148of the connector142. As the rear insert54continues to travel forward, the engaging portion66of the snap finger62drops into the cut-out150. As depicted inFIG. 5B, the engaging portion66of the snap finger62is retained within the cut-out150. The retention of the snap finger62within the cut-out150works to maintain the rear insert54in place when installed into the patch panel51and prevent the rear insert54from sliding out from the front insert52.

The pre-load finger152, depicted inFIGS. 5A and 5B, further provides a connection between the front insert52and rear insert54. The pre-load finger152acts a force against the base56of the front insert52. The angled portion enacts a force to push the base100of the rear insert54away from the base56of the front insert52.

The cassette adapter50as depicted inFIGS. 5A and 5B, is in an interlocked position. The above described interactions and connections between the front insert52and rear insert54maintain the front insert52and rear insert54in a fixed relationship. The rear insert54is supported by the front insert52. The front insert52has roughly the same footprint at the rear insert54. In general, the rear insert54mates to the underside surface67of the front insert52.

The front insert52may also be disconnected from the rear insert54. A user may push up on the engaging portion66of the snap finger62, forcing the engaging portion66out of the cut-out150of the connector142of the rear insert54. A user may then slide the rear insert54away from the front57of the front insert52. The rear insert54may be slid until the extended helms58disengage with the cut-outs112and the shortened helms60disengage with the engagement channels143. The rear insert54may then be removed from the front insert52.

FIGS. 6A and 6Bdepict an embodiment of an exemplar cassette for use within the invention. Cassette170may have a cassette body172. The cassette body172is generally rectangularly shaped, and includes a base174, front173, back175, first side176, and second side178. The first side176includes a first wall180that is attached at generally a right angle to the base174. The second side178includes a second side wall182that is attached at generally a right angle to the base174. The cassette170may also include a cassette cover173which extends parallel to the base174of the cassette body172from the first wall180to the second wall182.

Further depicted inFIGS. 6A and 6B, cassette170may have cassette front posts184on each of the first and second sides176,178. The cassette front posts184extend out at generally a right angle from each the first wall180and second wall182. The cassette front posts184are configured to interact with the upper and lower slots152,154of the rear insert54.

The cassette170may have cassette rear posts186on each of the first and second sides176,178. The cassette170may have a cassette rear post release latches188on each of the first and second sides176,178that includes a protrusion190. The cassette rear post release latches188are configured such that when the protrusion190is depressed, the release latches188act on the cassette rear posts186to withdraw the cassette rear posts186inward. The cassette rear posts186are configured to interact with the upper and lower apertures131,132of the rear insert54.

As depicted inFIGS. 6A and 6B, the cassette170may also include a MPO adapter194and a front LC mounting face196. The MPO trunk adapter194is located at the rear175of cassette body172. The LC mounting face196is located at the front173of the cassette body172. The LC mounting face196includes mounting openings197. The mounting openings197may be used to mount LC adapters198.

It is contemplated that other cassettes may be used within the cassette adapter such as those cassettes described in U.S. application Ser. No. 14/848,757, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety in this application. It is further contemplated that different adapters may be utilized within the cassette170, such as MPO-LC. MPO-MPO, MPO-LC Splice Cassette, and a MPO Fiber Access Panel.

FIG. 7depicts the rear insert54with two installed cassettes. As depicted inFIG. 7, an upper cassette230and a lower cassette232are mounted into the rear insert54. The depicted upper and lower cassettes230,232may be the same cassette170as depicted in6A and6B. The upper cassette230mounts to an upper portion of the rear insert54. The lower cassette232mounts to a lower portion of the rear insert54.

A user may install the cassette170by inserting the cassette front posts184of the upper cassette230into the upper slot122of the rear insert54. A user may also depress the protrusion190of the upper cassette230, causing the release latches188act on the cassette rear posts186to draw the cassette rear posts186inward. The cassette rear posts186of upper cassette230may then be inserted into the upper aperture131within the vertical rear cassette retainer128.

Once installed, as depicted inFIG. 7, the cassette front posts184of the upper cassette230are retained within the upper slot122of the rear insert54. The cassette rear posts186of the upper cassette230are retained within the upper aperture131within the vertical rear cassette retainer128of the rear insert54.

Similarly, the cassette front posts184of the lower cassette232are installed and retained within the lower slot124of the rear insert54as described above. The cassette rear posts186of the lower cassette232are also installed and retained within the lower aperture132within the vertical rear cassette retainer128of the rear insert54as described above.

Further depicted inFIG. 7, the stop136engages the two cassettes230,232in central position within the cassette adapter50. The stop136is configured to restrict excessive motion of the cassettes170when installed within the rear insert54and to prevent the cassettes170from disengaging from the rear insert54.

A user may also remove the cassettes170from the rear insert54. A user may depress the protrusion190of the upper cassette232, causing the release latches188to act on the cassette rear posts186to draw the cassette rear posts186inward and out of the respective upper aperture131or lower aperture132. The user may slide cassette front posts184out of the installed upper slot122or lower slot124of the rear insert54. The cassette170may then be free of the rear insert54and removable.

FIG. 8depicts the front insert52disposed for installation into one example of a patch panel51. The patch panel51depicted inFIG. 8is a 1 RU patch panel. The patch panel51includes a face plate250, top side wall252, and bottom side wall254. The top side wall252and bottom side wall254extend along a respective top and bottom edge of the face plate250. The top and bottom side walls252,254being configured to reinforce the face plate250. The face plate250includes an exterior surface251that faces the exterior of the rack.

As depicted inFIGS. 8 and 9, the face plate250is generally rectangular. The face plate250includes a first end256and a second end258. The first end256and second end258are configured to overlay rails of a rack for attachment to the rack. At each of the first and second ends256,258are attachment openings260. The attachment openings260are configured to accept a fastener to attach the patch panel51to a rack. Any suitable fastener may be used to secure the patch panel51to a rack.

The face plate250depicted inFIGS. 8 and 9includes panel attachment openings262. The panel attachment openings262are generally rectangular and sized and shaped to accept at least the front insert52of the adapter50. Disposed on each side of each of the panel attachment262are insert attachment openings263. The insert attachment openings263are configured to mount the cassette adapter50to the patch panel51. The cassette adapter50may mount to the patch panel51using a fastener261. The fastener261is inserted through the front insert52and through the attachment openings263. The fastener261may include a grommet264and plunger266fastener such as a Nylatch Two-Piece Panel Fastener.

The grommets264and plungers266are of a standard grommet/plunger configuration utilized as a fastener. The grommets264and plungers266are configured to attach the front insert52to the patch panel51. The grommets264are of a similar size and shape as the openings74in the front frame70of the front insert52and the insert attachment openings262in the patch panel51. When the grommets264are inserted into the respective openings74of the front insert52and the insert attachment openings263in the patch panel51, they loosely retain the front frame70to the patch panel51. The plungers266are configured to be inserted into an opening of the grommet264. Inserting the plunger266into the grommet264expands the grommet264and removably attaches the front insert52to the patch panel51. Any other suitable fastener may be utilized to removably secure the front insert52to the patch panel51.

A user may insert the front insert52of the cassette adapter50into one of the panel attachment openings262in the patch panel51. The front insert52may be installed such that the front frame70of the front insert52abuts the exterior surface251of the patch panel51. The grommets264are then inserted into each of the corresponding openings74of the front insert52and the insert attachment openings263of the patch panel51. The plungers266are then inserted into each of grommets264, extending through the front insert52and the patch panel51. The front insert52may be installed in this fashion so that the front insert52restricts rotation and permanent deflection during use, when connecting and disconnecting a cable to a cassette170.

The front insert52may also be removed from the patch panel51. To remove the front insert52, the fastener261is removed from the opening74of the front insert and the opening263of the patch panel51. With the fastener261removed, the front insert52may be removed from the patch panel51.

FIG. 10depicts an alternative configuration of an alternative patch panel270configuration. The patch panel270ofFIG. 10depicts two cassette adapters50and cassettes170installed in a 2 RU patch panel. In this configuration the cassette adapter50and attached cassettes170may be installed one over another within the same attachment opening262of the patch panel270. Patch panel270is configured as the previous patch panel50, the difference being the 2 RU patch panel attachment openings262.

The rear insert54is configured to accept the cassettes170with the cover173in the upward orientation or the base174in the upward orientation. Further, cassettes with different configurations are contemplated to be installed within the cassette adapter of the present invention. The rear insert54and installed upper cassette230and lower cassette232ofFIG. 7, are configured to be inserted into the front insert52for installation into the patch panel51.

The above example of the cassette adapter50depicted inFIGS. 1-10is configured to install cassettes170into the patch panel within a rack. A user may install the cassette170via the cassette adapter50into a new or existing patch panel51,270within a rack system. The adapter50may be installed into a 1 RU, 2 RU or greater patch panel. It is also contemplated that the cassette adapter50may attach to other patch panel configurations for installation of a cassette within a rack. Once the cassette adapter50with cassettes170is installed within a patch panel, the cassette may be connected to the system or equipment with cables (not shown) for use in the data rack.

Depicted inFIGS. 11-15is another example of the cassette adapter of the present invention. The cassette adapter300may be configured to be used with the cassette170discussed above or other cassette configurations. The cassette adapter300is configured to install a cassette170to an alternative patch panel where the cassette170is not configured to mount directly to the patch panel.

The cassette adapter300depicted inFIG. 11includes a base301. The base301includes a front302, a rear303, a first side304, and a second side305. The base301is generally rectangular. The base301may be formed to include a first portion306, second portion307, and a third portion311.

The first portion306may be at the front302of the base301. The third portion311may be at the rear303of the base301. The second portion307may be disposed between the first portion306and third portion311. The first and third portions306,311may be generally planar. The second portion307may reside above the first and third portions306,311. It is also contemplated that the first, second, and third portions306,307, &311may reside on the same plane or be of any configuration to correspond with a base of a cassette to be inserted therein.

At the connection between the first portion306and the second portion307, the second portion307may be of a similar width as the first portion306. The second portion includes two chamfers309. The chamfers309are located on the second portion307, adjacent the first portion306and is on each of the first and second sides304,305of the base. The chamfers309reduce the width of the second portion307. The third portion311may be of a similar width as the second portion307.

As depicted inFIG. 11, body ribs308extend across the length of the base301. The body ribs308are configured to provide strength down the length of the base301. The body ribs308are configured to enable the cassette adapter300to tolerate higher loads.

Referring to the first portion306of the base301as depicted inFIG. 11, a front frame320is disposed at the front302of the base301, along an edge of the first portion306. The front frame320includes posts322disposed at the first and second sides304,305of the first portion306. The posts322extend vertically up from the base301. The posts322are generally rectangular. A top bridge324may extend horizontally between the two posts322. The top bridge324connects the two posts322. Support ribs326may extend down from the top bridge324to the first portion306. The support ribs326are configured to support the top bridge324.

Connected to the posts322on each of the first and second side304,305is a mounting portion including side wall328. The side wall328extends along the each of the first and second sides304,305, approximately half the length of the first portion306. The side wall328extends up from the first portion306of the base301at generally a right angle. Located on an outside portion of each of the side walls328is an upper rail332and a lower rail334.

The upper rail332extends the length of the upper portion of the side wall328. The lower rail334extends along the length of the side wall328and continues along the entire first portion306. The upper rail332and lower rail334are configured to engage a channel in a backside of a patch panel to attach the adapter300to the patch panel.

Located on an internal portion of each of the side walls328is a front tower330. The front tower330extends up the side wall328from the base301. The front tower330is configured as a stop to prevent the cassette170from moving towards the front302farther than the location of the front tower330. The front tower330fixes the front302location of the cassette170and corresponding elements.

At the end of each of the two side walls328opposite the posts322, is a release latch336. The release latch336is a cantilever beam337having a hinge point338, a latch tab339, and a depressing tab340. The release latch336extends from the side wall328towards the rear303of the base301extending above a portion of the first portion306and the second portion307. As depicted inFIG. 11, the release latch336roughly follows a parameter of the first and second sides304,305, including the chamfer309of the second portion307.

The latch tab339may be a protrusion from the cantilever beam337of the release latch336. When the depressing tab340is depressed inward, the latch tab339will move inward because the latch tab339is located between the hinge point338and the depressing tab340. The latch tab339is configured to engage a lip of a guide latch tab of a patch panel to maintain the cassette adapter300in the patch panel.

Referring to the second portion307of the base301as depicted inFIG. 11, openings310may be formed within the base301. The openings310are configured to allow a user to remove a cassette170installed within the cassette adapter300.

Also depicted inFIG. 11, connected to each of the first and second sides304,305of the second portion307are latches342. The latches342include a vertical element344and a catch346. The vertical element344extends up from the base301, at generally a right angle. The catch346is located on top of the vertical elements344. The catch346may be in the shape of a right triangular prism as depicted inFIG. 11. A link350extends between the catches341on each of the first and second sides304,305of the base301. The catch346is configured to retain the cassette170in the cassette adapter300and prevent vertical movement of the cassette170. The catch346may be any shape or configuration sufficient to retain the cassette170within the cassette adapter300.

Lastly, referring to the third portion311of the base301as depicted inFIG. 11, the third portion311includes a latching mechanism defined by a rear tower352on each of the first and second sides304,305of the base301. The rear tower352extends up from the third portion311of the base301at generally a right angle. The rear tower352includes a rear post support354and a rear post catch356.

FIGS. 12 and 13depict the cassette adapter300ofFIG. 11with the cassette170as described above in relation toFIGS. 6A and 6Bmounted within. The cassette adapter300being slightly larger than the cassette170to accept the cassette170.

To install the cassette170into the patch panel400, a user may install the cassette170into the cassette adapter300. The shuttered LC adapters198of the cassette170are positioned down at an angle with the rear175of the cassette170being above the front173. The shuttered LC adapters198may then be slid under the top bridge324and through of the front frame320. The rear175of the cassette170may then be pushed down into the cassette adapter170until the base174of the cassette170rests upon the body ribs308of the base301across the first, second, and third portions306,307, and311.

In the installed state, the shuttered LC adapters198of the cassette170extend through the front frame320of the cassette adapter300. The latches342on the first and second sides304,305of the cassette adapter300retain the cassette170within and prevent vertical movement of the cassette170. As depicted inFIGS. 12 and 13, the cassette rear posts186rest upon the rear post supports354and abut the rear post catches356of the rear tower352. The rear post catches356prevent the cassette from movement towards the rear303of the cassette adapter300. As depicted inFIG. 13, the cassette front posts184abut the front tower330, preventing the cassette from movement towards the front302of the cassette adapter300.

The cassette170may also be removed from the cassette adapter300. A user may push on the links350on each the first side304and second side305causing the latches342to pivot away from the cassette170. The latches342will then clear the cassette170and unlatch the catches346from the cassette170. A user may insert an object through the openings310of the base301of the cassette adapter300and push on the cassette170, forcing the rear175of the cassette170out of the cassette adapter300. The user may slide the shuttered LC adapters198out from underneath the front frame320and remove the cassette170from the cassette adapter300.

FIGS. 14 and 15depict a further example of a patch panel400for use with the above described cassette adapter300. The patch panel400ofFIGS. 14 and 15includes a face plate402, a top404and a bottom406. The top404and bottom406extend along a respective top and bottom edge of the face plate402. The top404and bottom406of the patch panel400are slightly shorter than the face plate402. The top404and bottom406are generally rectangular with planar surfaces. The top404and bottom406may be the same size and shape.

The face plate402of the patch panel400is generally rectangular. The face plate402includes a first end408and a second end410. The first end408and second end410are configured to overlay rails of a data rack for attachment to the data rack. Each of the first and second ends408,410include mounting apertures412. The mounting apertures412are configured to accept a fastener to attach the patch panel400to a rack. Any suitable fastener may be used to secure the patch panel400to a rack.

The face plate402depicted inFIG. 14includes panel attachment openings414. The panel attachment openings414are generally rectangular and sized and shaped to accept at least a cassette170mounted within the cassette adapter300. As depicted inFIG. 14, the face plate402includes two rows of panel attachment openings414.

As depicted inFIG. 14, the top404, bottom406, and face plate402of the patch panel400form a cavity416. Within the cavity416are guides418for affixing the cassette adapter300to the patch panel400. The guides418include a top420, bottom422, first side424and second side426. The top420and bottom422of the guide418attach to the top404and bottom406of the patch panel400. Guides418are disposed on each longitudinal side of the panel attachment openings414. The patch panel400depicted inFIG. 14includes five guides418, however, additional or fewer guides are contemplated.

On each of the first and second sides424,426of the guides418are an upper channel428and a lower channel430. The upper channel428aligns with the upper panel attachment opening414and the lower channel430aligns with the lower panel attachment opening414. At the end of each of the of the upper and lower channels428,430opposite the face plate402, are guide latch tabs434. The guide latch tabs434are flexible tabs that extend outwardly from the guides418. The guide latch tabs434include a lip436that engages the latch tab339of the cassette adapter300when installed into the patch panel400. As depicted inFIG. 14, the upper and lower channels428,430as well as the latch tabs434are located on both the first and second sides424,426of the guides418.

FIG. 15depicts multiple cassette adapters400containing cassettes170installed into the patch panel400. Once the cassette170is installed into the cassette adapter400, the combination may be installed into the patch panel400. The cassette adapter300is aligned with one of the openings414of the patch panel400. The cassette adapter300is advanced towards the selected opening414such that the upper rail332and lower rail334of the cassette adapter300sidewall328engage the guides418on each side of the selected opening414.

In the installed orientation, the upper rail332and lower rail334of the cassette adapter300sidewall328are retained within the upper and lower channels428,430of the patch panel400. As described above, the lip436of the guides418engages the latch tab339of the cassette adapter300to fix the cassette adapter400within the respective upper or lower channels428,430. As depicted inFIG. 15, the cassettes170are maintained within the panel attachment openings414of the patch panel400.

Once the cassette adapter300with the cassette170is installed within a patch panel, the cassette may be connected to the system or equipment with cables (not shown) for use in the data rack.

The cassette adapter300is also configured to be removable from the patch panel400and for the cassette170to be removable from the cassette adapter300. When the cassette adapter300is installed into the patch panel400, a user may remove the adapter by acting on each depressing tab340on each side of the cassette adapter300, causing the latch tab339to move inward and clear the latch tabs434of the guides418. The cassette adapter300may then be pulled away from the patch panel400. The cassette adapter300sidewall328is slid from upper and lower rails332,334out of the installed upper channel428or lower channel430of the guides418.

The above example of the cassette adapter400depicted inFIGS. 11-15is configured to install the cassette170into the patch panel400as depicted inFIGS. 14 and 15within a rack. A user may install the cassette170via the cassette adapter300into a new or existing patch panel within a rack system. The cassette adapter300may be installed into a 1 RU, 2 RU, or greater patch panel.