Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates generally to assemblies for interconnecting or otherwise terminating optical fibers, and more particularly to multiport assemblies for interconnecting optical fiber connectors.

Optical fibers are used in an increasing number and variety of applications, such as a wide variety of telecommunications and data transmission applications. As a result, fiber optic networks include an ever increasing number of terminated optical fibers and fiber optic cables that can be conveniently and reliable mated with corresponding optical receptacles in the network. These terminated optical fibers and fiber optic cables are available in a variety of connectorized formats including, for example, hardened OptiTap® and OptiTip® connectors, field-installable UniCam® connectors, preconnectorized single or multi-fiber cable assemblies with SC, FC, or LC connectors, etc., all of which are available from Corning Incorporated, with similar products available from other manufacturers, as is well documented in the patent literature.

The optical receptacles with which the aforementioned terminated fibers and cables are coupled are commonly provided at optical network units (ONUs), network interface devices (NIDs), and other types of network devices or enclosures, and often require hardware that is sufficiently robust to be employed in a variety of environments under a variety of installation conditions. These conditions may be attributable to the environment in which the connectors are employed, or the habits of the technicians handling the hardware. Consequently, there is a continuing drive to enhance the robustness of these connectorized assemblies, while preserving quick, reliable, and trouble-free optical connection to the network.

<CIT> discloses an optical adapter having an adapter body that receives stop members for making optical connections between fiber optic connectors received from opposite ends. A coil spring is coupled to stop member and the coil spring is controlled by actuator that are disposed external to the optical adapter. The optical adapter with a body is formed as a single component.

<CIT> is directed to a terminal having a pass-through assembly for securing an input cable to a base along with ruggedized adapters that may be mounted to the base. Ruggedized adapters secure a ruggedized exterior fiber optic connectors using threads.

<CIT> is directed to a housing for an optical fiber assembly with improved sealing characteristics comprising an housing upper body and an housing lower body, and upper and lower sealing pads made of a gel sealing material.

<CIT> discloses a multiport assembly with a shell, a cavity bounded by the shell and a plurality of optical connector ports and optical adapter assemblies positioned within the cavity of the shell.

According to the subject matter of the present disclosure, multiport assemblies and methods for connecting optical connecters in a multiport assembly are provided.

The invention provides a multiport assembly that includes a shell extending between a front end and a rear end positioned opposite the front end in a longitudinal direction, the shell defining a cavity bounded by the shell, a plurality of apertures extending through the shell to the cavity, each aperture defining a tool insertion path extending inward from the plurality of apertures into the cavity, and a plurality of optical connector ports positioned at the front end of the shell and defining connector insertion paths extending inward from the plurality of optical connector ports into the cavity of the shell, where each aperture of the plurality of apertures is associated with a respective connector insertion path, a plurality of optical adapter assemblies positioned within the cavity of the shell, the plurality of optical adapter assemblies structurally configured to receive, align, and optically couple one or more input optical connectors to one or more output optical connectors, and a plurality of sealing piston securing members associated with respective ones of the connector insertion paths, each sealing piston securing member of the plurality of sealing piston securing members including a button portion and a securing portion positioned below the button portion, where each of the sealing piston securing members is repositionable between an engaged position, in which at least a portion of the securing portion intersects the connector insertion path, and a disengaged position, in which the securing portion is spaced apart from the connector insertion path, and where a width of the button portion of each of the sealing piston securing members is greater than width defined by each of the plurality of apertures.

The multiport assembly may include a release tool sized to be insertable into apertures of the plurality of apertures to engage the button portion of each of the sealing piston securing members.

The invention provides further a method for selectively disconnecting a fiber optic connector from a multiport assembly that includes inserting a release tool into an aperture of a multiport assembly to depress a sealing piston securing member positioned within a cavity of the multiport assembly and engaged with an optical connector, moving the sealing piston securing member away from a connector insertion path defined by the multiport assembly with the release tool, disengaging the sealing piston securing member from the fiber optic connector, and removing the fiber optic connector from the multiport assembly through optical connector port of the multiport assembly.

Although the concepts of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to a set of drawings that show a particular type of fiber optic cable, and connector components of particular size and shape, it is contemplated that the concepts may be employed in any optical fiber connectorization scheme including, for example, and without limitation, hardened OptiTap® and OptiTip® connectors, field-installable UniCam® connectors, single or multi-fiber cable assemblies with SC, FC, LC, or multi-fiber connectors, etc..

Embodiments described herein generally relate to various devices for forming an optical connection between optical fibers. More particularly, embodiments described herein relate to multiport assemblies including a plurality of optical adapter assemblies structurally configured to receive, align, and optically couple one or more input optical connectors to one or more output optical connectors. Optical connectors may be selectively inserted within the multiport assembly to engage the plurality of optical adapter assemblies, and may be selectively retained within the multiport assembly by sealing piston securing members. The sealing piston securing members may also selectively release the optical connectors such that the optical connectors may be disengaged from the optical adapters. However, inadvertent or unauthorized manipulation of the sealing piston securing members may release the optical connectors from the multiport assembly, which may result in signal disruption.

Embodiments described herein restrict access to the sealing piston securing members through apertures defined by a shell of the multiport assembly. In embodiments, a width of each of the apertures is selected to be less than a width of a human finger, such that the plurality of sealing piston securing members may not generally be accessed by a user without the use of a release tool that is sized to be inserted within the apertures. In this way, inadvertent or unauthorized manipulation of the sealing piston securing members and selective release of the plurality of optical connectors from the multiport assembly may be minimized. These and other embodiments will now be described with specific reference to the appended drawings.

As used herein, the term "longitudinal direction" refers to the forward-rearward direction of components of the multiport assembly (i.e., in the +/- Z-direction as depicted). The term "lateral direction" refers to the cross-direction of components of the multiport assembly (i.e., in the +/- X-direction as depicted), and is transverse to the longitudinal direction. The term "vertical direction" refers to the upward-downward direction of the components of the multiport assembly (i.e., in the +/- Y-direction as depicted), and is transverse to the lateral and the longitudinal directions.

Referring initially to <FIG>, a perspective view of a multiport assembly <NUM> is schematically depicted. The multiport assembly <NUM> generally includes a shell <NUM> that extends between a front end <NUM> and a rear end <NUM> in the longitudinal direction and that defines a plurality of optical connector ports <NUM> positioned at the front end <NUM> of the multiport assembly <NUM>. A plurality of optical connectors may be inserted within the plurality of optical connector ports <NUM>, as described in greater detail herein. In some embodiments, the shell <NUM> defines an input connector port <NUM> positioned at the front end <NUM> of the multiport assembly <NUM>. An input connector, such as an input tether may be inserted within the input connector port <NUM>, as described in greater detail herein.

In embodiments, the shell <NUM> defines a plurality of apertures <NUM> extending through the shell <NUM> to a cavity bounded by the shell <NUM>. A release tool <NUM> may be insertable within the apertures <NUM> to selectively disconnect optical connectors from the multiport assembly <NUM>, as described in greater detail herein.

The shell <NUM> may also define one or more perimeter through slots <NUM> that extend through the shell <NUM> in the vertical direction and that may receive a band or belt to fasten the multiport assembly <NUM> to a post or utility pole. In some embodiments, the shell <NUM> further includes a bushing <NUM> extending through the shell <NUM>. A mechanical fastener, such as a screw or the like may be passed through the bushing <NUM> to fasten the multiport assembly <NUM> to an object, such as a utility pole or the like, and the bushing <NUM> may resist forces applied to the shell <NUM> by the mechanical fastener.

Referring to <FIG>, a perspective view of the multiport assembly <NUM> is depicted with a plurality of optical connectors <NUM> inserted within corresponding optical connector ports of the plurality of optical connector ports <NUM>. In the embodiment depicted in <FIG>, an input tether <NUM> is inserted within the input connector port <NUM>. While in the embodiment depicted in <FIG>, the input connector port <NUM> is positioned at the front end <NUM> of the multiport assembly <NUM>, it should be understood that the input connector port <NUM> may be positioned at any suitable location on the multiport assembly <NUM>, for example at the rear end <NUM> of the multiport assembly <NUM> or at a position between the front end <NUM> and the rear end <NUM> of the multiport assembly <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the input tether <NUM> is depicted in isolation. The input tether <NUM> may generally include a plurality of optical fibers <NUM> therein, which may be terminated within the multiport assembly <NUM> (<FIG>), for example at corresponding optical adapter assemblies, as described in greater detail herein. In some embodiments, the input tether <NUM> may include a furcation body that generally includes a portion of the input tether <NUM> that transitions to the individual optical fibers <NUM> for routing within a cavity of the shell <NUM> to facilitate connection to corresponding optical adapter assemblies. In some embodiments, the input tether <NUM> may terminate with a fiber optic connector or be a stubbed cable as desired. For instance, the input tether <NUM> could be an OptiTip® connector for optical connection to previously installed distribution cables; however, other suitable single-fiber or multi-fiber connectors may be used for terminating the input tether <NUM> as desired. While the embodiment depicted in <FIG> depicts an input tether <NUM> including a plurality of optical fibers <NUM>, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the input tether <NUM> may include a single optical fiber, as described in greater detail herein.

Referring to <FIG>, an exploded perspective view of the multiport assembly <NUM> is depicted. The shell <NUM> generally includes an upper shell member <NUM> coupled to a lower shell member <NUM>, the upper shell member <NUM> and the lower shell member <NUM> defining a cavity <NUM> positioned within and bounded by the shell <NUM>. In embodiments, the upper shell member <NUM> and the lower shell member <NUM> may be formed from any suitable material, such as a polymer, a composite, a resin, or the like, and may be formed through any suitable process, such as and without limitation, molding or the like. The shell <NUM> of the multiport assembly <NUM> may optionally be weatherproofed by appropriately sealing the upper shell member <NUM> to the lower shell member <NUM>. The optical connector ports <NUM> and the input connector port <NUM> may also be sealed with the plurality of optical connectors <NUM> and the input tether <NUM>, respectively, using any suitable means such as gaskets, O-rings, adhesive, sealant, welding, overmolding or the like. If the multiport assembly <NUM> is intended for indoor applications, then the weatherproofing may not be required.

In one embodiment, to seal the upper shell member <NUM> and the lower shell member <NUM> together, a heat soluble resin may be utilized. The heat soluble resin can be in the form of a thermoplastic cord containing magnetically active particles. For example, the heat soluble resin can be placed in a groove defined by the upper shell member <NUM> and/or the lower shell member <NUM>, and the upper shell member <NUM> and the lower shell member <NUM> may be pressed toward each other. An induced energy may then be applied to heat the heat soluble material (also referred to herein as a resin) causing the heat soluble material to soften and then re-harden after cooling, thereby making a strong seal at the housing interface. Typically, the strength seal (e.g., the cord of thermoplastic) extends entirely around a perimeter of the upper shell member <NUM> and the lower shell member <NUM>; however, in some applications the cord does not extend entirely around the perimeter. The resin can include magnetically active particles and the induced energy can be a radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic field which induces eddy currents in the magnetically active pieces. The eddy currents flowing in the magnetically active particles heat the magnetically active particles which cause the heat soluble material to soften and bond with the upper shell member <NUM> and the lower shell member <NUM>. The RF field is then turned off, and when the heat soluble material cools off, the heat soluble material hardens, and thus, the upper shell member <NUM> and the lower shell member <NUM> are welded together. One exemplary process employs EMABONDTM, commercially available from the Ashland Specialty Chemical company of Ohio as the heat soluble material with embedded magnetically active particles.

Still referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, an optical splitter <NUM> may be positioned within the cavity <NUM>, and may split a signal from a single optical fiber <NUM> into a plurality of optical fibers <NUM>. In particular, the optical splitter <NUM> may receive a single optical fiber <NUM>, for example from an input tether <NUM> (<FIG>), and may split a signal from the optical fiber <NUM> into a plurality of optical fibers <NUM> that extend between the optical splitter <NUM> and a plurality of optical adapter assemblies <NUM>. In one example, the optical splitter <NUM> allows a single optical signal to be split into multiple signals such as 1xN split, but other splitter arrangements are possible such as a 2xN split. In the embodiment depicted in <FIG>, a signal from the single optical fiber <NUM> is split by the optical splitter <NUM> to four optical fibers <NUM>.

The multiport assembly <NUM> further includes a plurality of sealing piston securing members <NUM> associated with each of the optical connector ports <NUM> and the input connector port <NUM>. The plurality of sealing piston securing members <NUM> are structurally configured to engage the input tether <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or the plurality of optical connectors <NUM> (<FIG>) and retain at least a portion of the input tether <NUM> and/or the plurality of optical connectors <NUM> within the cavity <NUM> of the multiport assembly <NUM>. In embodiments, the plurality of sealing piston securing members <NUM> selectively retain the plurality of optical connectors <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or the input tether <NUM> (<FIG>) within the cavity <NUM> of the multiport assembly <NUM>, such that the plurality of optical connectors <NUM> and/or the input tether <NUM> may be selectively removable from the multiport assembly <NUM>. In some embodiments, the input tether <NUM> (<FIG>) and the plurality of optical connectors <NUM> (<FIG>) are each selectively retained within the cavity <NUM> of the multiport assembly <NUM> by the plurality of sealing piston securing members <NUM>. In other embodiments, the plurality of optical connectors <NUM> (<FIG>) may be selectively retained within the cavity <NUM> of the multiport assembly <NUM> by the plurality of sealing piston securing members <NUM>, while the input tether <NUM> is rigidly connected to the multiport assembly <NUM> (i.e., the input tether <NUM> is not generally removable from the multiport assembly <NUM> without dis-assembling the multiport assembly <NUM>). In other embodiments, the input tether <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or the optical connectors <NUM> (<FIG>) may be secured to the multiport assembly <NUM> in other suitable manners such as adhesive, a collar or crimp, heat shrink or combinations of the same.

The multiport assembly <NUM> further includes the plurality of optical adapter assemblies <NUM> positioned within the cavity <NUM> of the shell <NUM>. As described in greater detail herein, the plurality of optical adapter assemblies <NUM> are structurally configured to receive, align, and optically couple one or more input optical connectors to one or more output optical connectors. In embodiments each of the plurality of optical adapter assemblies <NUM> are aligned with a corresponding optical connector port of the plurality of optical connector ports <NUM> and/or with the input connector port <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a perspective view of the upper shell member <NUM> is schematically depicted. In embodiments, the upper shell member <NUM> defines at least a portion of the plurality of optical connector ports <NUM> and/or the input connector port <NUM>. In some embodiments, the plurality of optical connector ports <NUM> and/or the input connector port <NUM> may be defined entirely on the upper shell member <NUM> or entirely on the lower shell member <NUM> (<FIG>). Each of the plurality of optical connector ports <NUM> and the input connector port <NUM> define a connector insertion path <NUM> through which the optical connectors <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or the input tether <NUM> (<FIG>) may be inserted, permitting the optical connectors <NUM> to access the plurality of optical adapter assemblies <NUM> (<FIG>). The plurality of sealing piston securing members <NUM> (<FIG>) selectively interrupt the connector insertion paths <NUM> to secure the optical connectors <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or the input tether <NUM> (<FIG>), as described in greater detail herein.

In embodiments, the upper shell member <NUM> defines the plurality of apertures <NUM> extending through the shell <NUM>, through which the plurality of sealing piston securing members <NUM> (<FIG>) may be accessed. For example, at least a portion of the plurality of sealing piston securing members <NUM> (<FIG>) may be accessed through the plurality of apertures <NUM>, such that a user may reposition the plurality of sealing piston securing members <NUM> between an engaged position, in which the plurality of sealing piston securing members <NUM> may retain the input tether <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or the plurality of optical connectors <NUM> (<FIG>) within the multiport assembly <NUM>, and a disengaged position, in which the input tether <NUM> and/or the plurality of optical connectors <NUM> may be removable from the multiport assembly <NUM>.

In the embodiment depicted in <FIG>, the plurality of apertures <NUM> are positioned on a different surface of the upper shell member <NUM> than the input connector port <NUM> and the plurality of optical connector ports <NUM>. In other embodiments, the input connector port <NUM> and the plurality of optical connector ports <NUM> are positioned on the same surface of the upper shell member <NUM> as the plurality of apertures <NUM>. Each aperture <NUM> of the plurality of apertures is associated with a respective connector insertion path <NUM>, and each aperture <NUM> defines a tool insertion path <NUM> that extends inward from the plurality of apertures <NUM> to the cavity <NUM> (<FIG>) of the shell <NUM>. In some embodiments, each of the tool insertion paths <NUM> is transverse to and intersects a respective connector insertion path <NUM>. In other embodiments, for example in embodiments in which the plurality of optical connector ports <NUM> and the plurality of apertures <NUM> are positioned on the same surface of the upper shell member <NUM>, the tool insertion paths <NUM> may be aligned with and may not intersect a respective connector insertion path <NUM>.

In operation, the release tool <NUM> may be inserted into the individual apertures <NUM> along the tool insertion paths <NUM> to engage ones of the plurality of sealing piston securing members <NUM> (<FIG>) and move the sealing piston securing members <NUM> from the engaged position to the disengaged position. In embodiments, each of the individual apertures <NUM> define a width that corresponds to a width of the release tool <NUM>, such that the release tool <NUM> may be inserted through the apertures <NUM>. For example, in the embodiment depicted in <FIG>, the release tool <NUM> defines a cylindrical shape and the apertures <NUM> are generally circular, and the release tool <NUM> defines a diameter dT that corresponds to a diameter dA of each of the apertures <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the diameter dT of the release tool <NUM> and the diameter dA of each of the apertures <NUM> is selected to be less than a width of a human finger, such that the plurality of sealing piston securing members <NUM> (<FIG>) may not generally be accessed by a user without the release tool <NUM>. In this way, inadvertent or unauthorized manipulation of the sealing piston securing members <NUM> (<FIG>) and selective release of the plurality of optical connectors <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or the input tether <NUM> (<FIG>) from the multiport assembly <NUM> may be minimized. Inadvertent or unauthorized release of the plurality of optical connectors <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or the input tether <NUM> (<FIG>) from the multiport assembly <NUM> may result in signal disconnection and may require time-consuming troubleshooting to identify the source of the disconnection, which may result in end-user dissatisfaction. However, by restricting access such that a user generally cannot access the sealing piston securing members <NUM> (<FIG>) without the release tool <NUM>, inadvertent or unauthorized release of the plurality of optical connectors <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or the input tether <NUM> (<FIG>) from the multiport assembly <NUM> may be minimized. In some embodiments, the diameter dT of the release tool <NUM> and the diameter dA of each of the apertures <NUM> is less than about <NUM> millimeters.

In other embodiments, the release tool <NUM> and the apertures <NUM> may include other complementary shapes, for example the release tool <NUM> may include a rectangular prism and the apertures <NUM> may define rectangular shapes. Regardless of the shape of the release tool <NUM> and the apertures <NUM>, an outer perimeter of the release tool <NUM> is generally selected to correspond to an inner perimeter of the apertures <NUM>, such that the release tool <NUM> is insertable through the apertures <NUM>.

Referring collectively to <FIG>, and <FIG>, a perspective view, a side view, and a front view of one of the plurality of sealing piston securing members <NUM> and one of the plurality of optical adapter assemblies <NUM> is schematically depicted. Each sealing piston securing member of the plurality of sealing piston securing members <NUM> corresponds to and is generally aligned with a respective optical adapter assembly of the plurality of optical adapter assemblies <NUM>. In embodiments, each sealing piston securing member of the plurality of sealing piston securing members <NUM> and each of the optical adapter assembly of the plurality of optical adapter assemblies <NUM> are mounted to a module member <NUM>. The module members <NUM> may generally "float" within the cavity <NUM> (<FIG>) of the shell <NUM> (<FIG>), such that each of the optical adapter assemblies of the plurality of optical adapter assemblies <NUM> and each of the sealing piston securing members of the plurality of sealing piston securing members <NUM> may have some freedom of movement in the lateral, the longitudinal, and/or the vertical directions within the cavity <NUM> (<FIG>) of the shell <NUM>. Allowing some freedom of movement of individual optical adapter assemblies of the plurality of optical adapter assemblies <NUM> may assist in aligning optical fibers of the plurality of optical connectors <NUM> (<FIG>) with corresponding optical fibers positioned within the plurality of optical adapter assemblies <NUM>.

In embodiments, the multiport assembly <NUM> includes securing member biasing members <NUM> that are each engaged with a corresponding sealing piston securing member of the plurality of sealing piston securing members <NUM>. The securing member biasing members <NUM> are positioned within the securing member recess <NUM> of the module member <NUM>, and in some embodiments, each of the securing member recess <NUM> include a post that engages and retains a corresponding securing member biasing member <NUM>. Each of the securing member biasing members <NUM> may bias a corresponding sealing piston securing member <NUM> upward in the vertical direction and into the engaged position. A user may depress the securing portion <NUM> downward in the vertical direction (i.e., with the release tool <NUM> as shown in <FIG>) to overcome the bias of the securing member biasing member <NUM> and reposition the sealing piston securing member <NUM> into the disengaged position. The securing member biasing member <NUM> may include any suitable biasing member, for example and without limitation, a compression spring, a tension spring, a torsion spring, or the like.

Each sealing piston securing member <NUM> generally includes a button portion <NUM> and a securing portion <NUM> that is positioned below the button portion <NUM> and that defines a bore <NUM> extending through the securing portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the button portion <NUM> and the securing portion <NUM> are monolithically formed. In other embodiments, the button portion <NUM> and the securing portion <NUM> are coupled to and/or engaged with one another. In embodiments, at least a portion of the input tether <NUM> (<FIG>) or an optical connector <NUM> (<FIG>) may be inserted within the bore <NUM> as the input tether <NUM> or the optical connector <NUM> is inserted within the multiport assembly <NUM>. Each of the sealing piston securing members <NUM> may include one or more retention features configured to engage the input tether <NUM> (<FIG>) or the optical connector <NUM> (<FIG>) and retain the input tether <NUM> or the optical connector <NUM> within the multiport assembly <NUM>.

In embodiments, the button portion <NUM> generally defines a width extending across the button portion <NUM> that is greater than a width of the apertures <NUM> (<FIG>). Because the button portion <NUM> generally defines a width that is that is greater than a width of the apertures <NUM> (<FIG>), the upper shell member <NUM> (<FIG>) may generally constrain the plurality of sealing piston securing members <NUM> within the multiport assembly <NUM>. In the embodiment depicted in <FIG>, and <FIG>, the button portion <NUM> includes a generally cylindrical shape defining a diameter dS, which in embodiments, is greater than about <NUM> millimeters. In other embodiments, the button portion <NUM> may include any suitable shape having a width that is greater than the width of the apertures <NUM> (<FIG>), such as a rectangular prism or the like.

Referring to <FIG>, a section view of the multiport assembly <NUM> is depicted along section <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>. Each of the connector insertion paths <NUM> are generally aligned with a corresponding optical adapter assembly <NUM>, such that optical fibers of optical connectors <NUM> (<FIG>) inserted into the multiport assembly <NUM> along a connector insertion path <NUM> may be aligned with a corresponding optical adapter assembly <NUM>. In embodiments, each of the optical adapter assemblies <NUM> are structurally configured to receive, align, and optically couple one or more input optical connectors to one or more output optical connectors. For example, the optical adapter assemblies <NUM> are configured to receive an optical connector <NUM> (<FIG>) on one side, and optically couple the optical connector <NUM> (<FIG>) to another optical fiber engaged with and/or optically coupled to the optical adapter assembly <NUM>, such as an optical fiber <NUM> (<FIG>) of the input tether <NUM> (<FIG>) that is optically coupled to the other side of the optical adapter assembly <NUM>.

As depicted, sealing piston securing members <NUM> are positioned within the shell <NUM> and intersect the connector insertion paths <NUM>. In particular, each of the sealing piston securing members <NUM> are repositionable with respect to the shell <NUM> in the vertical direction between an engaged position, in which at least a portion of the sealing piston securing members <NUM> are positioned within and intersects a corresponding connector insertion path <NUM>, and a disengaged position, in which the sealing piston securing members <NUM> is spaced apart from the connector insertion path <NUM>. By moving each of the sealing piston securing members <NUM> in and out of a corresponding connector insertion path <NUM>, the sealing piston securing members <NUM> may selectively engage the input tether <NUM> (<FIG>) and the optical connectors <NUM> (<FIG>) and retain the input tether <NUM> and the optical connectors <NUM> within the shell <NUM>.

Each of the apertures <NUM> are aligned with and correspond to one of the plurality of sealing piston securing members <NUM>, such that the release tool <NUM> may be inserted within the apertures <NUM> to move the sealing piston securing members <NUM> between the engaged position and the disengaged position. For example, to disconnect one of the optical connectors <NUM> (<FIG>) from the multiport assembly <NUM>, the release tool <NUM> may be inserted into the aperture <NUM> to depress an associated sealing piston securing member <NUM> within the cavity <NUM> of the shell <NUM>. With the release tool <NUM>, the sealing piston securing member <NUM> is moved downward and away from the connector insertion path <NUM>, disengaging the optical connector <NUM> (<FIG>) from the sealing piston securing member <NUM>, such that the optical connector <NUM> may be removed from the multiport assembly <NUM>.

Accordingly, it should now be understood that multiport assemblies of the present disclosure generally include various devices for forming an optical connection between optical fibers. More particularly, embodiments described herein relate to multiport assemblies including a plurality of optical adapter assemblies structurally configured to receive, align, and optically couple one or more input optical connectors to one or more output optical connectors. Optical connectors may be selectively inserted within the multiport assembly to engage the plurality of optical adapter assemblies, and may be selectively retained within the multiport assembly by sealing piston securing members. The sealing piston securing members may also selectively release the optical connectors such that the optical connectors may be disengaged from the optical adapters. However, inadvertent or unauthorized manipulation of the sealing piston securing members may release the optical connectors from the multiport assembly, which may result in signal disruption.

Embodiments described herein restrict access to the sealing piston securing members through apertures defined by a shell of the multiport assembly. In embodiments, a width of each of the apertures is selected to be less than a width of a human finger, such that the plurality of sealing piston securing members may not generally be accessed by a user without the use of a release tool that is sized to be inserted within the apertures. In this way, inadvertent or unauthorized manipulation of the sealing piston securing members and selective release of the plurality of optical connectors from the multiport assembly may be minimized.

It is noted that recitations herein of a component of the present disclosure being "structurally configured" in a particular way, to embody a particular property, or to function in a particular manner, are structural recitations, as opposed to recitations of intended use. More specifically, the references herein to the manner in which a component is "structurally configured" denotes an existing physical condition of the component and, as such, is to be taken as a definite recitation of the structural characteristics of the component.

It is noted that terms like "preferably," "commonly," and "typically," when utilized herein, are not utilized to limit the scope of the claimed invention or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the claimed invention. Rather, these terms are merely intended to identify particular aspects of an embodiment of the present disclosure or to emphasize alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the present disclosure.

For the purposes of describing and defining the present invention it is noted that the terms "substantially" and "about" are utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. The terms "substantially" and "about" are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

Having described the subject matter of the present disclosure in detail and by reference to specific embodiments thereof, it is noted that the various details disclosed herein should not be taken to imply that these details relate to elements that are essential components of the various embodiments described herein, even in cases where a particular element is illustrated in each of the drawings that accompany the present description. Further, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, including, but not limited to, embodiments defined in the appended claims. More specifically, although some aspects of the present disclosure are identified herein as preferred or particularly advantageous, it is contemplated that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to these aspects.

Claim 1:
A multiport assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
plurality of optical connector ports (<NUM>);
a shell (<NUM>) extending between a front end (<NUM>) and a rear end (<NUM>) positioned opposite the front end (<NUM>), the shell (<NUM>) defining:
a cavity bounded by the shell (<NUM>) with the plurality of optical connector ports (<NUM>) positioned at the front end (<NUM>) of the shell (<NUM>) and each defining a respective connector insertion path (<NUM>) extending inward from the plurality of optical connector ports (<NUM>) into the cavity of the shell (<NUM>);
a plurality of apertures (<NUM>) extending through the shell (<NUM>) to the cavity, each aperture (<NUM>) defining a tool insertion path (<NUM>) extending inward from the plurality of apertures (<NUM>) into the cavity;
a plurality of optical adapter assemblies (<NUM>) positioned within the cavity of the shell (<NUM>), the plurality of optical adapter assemblies (<NUM>) structurally configured to optically couple one or more input optical connectors to one or more output optical connectors; and
a plurality of sealing piston securing members (<NUM>) associated with respective ones of the connector insertion paths (<NUM>) and being positioned within the shell (<NUM>) and intersecting the connector insertion paths (<NUM>), each of the apertures (<NUM>) being aligned with and corresponding to one of the plurality of sealing piston securing members (<NUM>) such that a release tool (<NUM>) may be inserted within the apertures (<NUM>) to move the sealing piston securing members (<NUM>) between an engaged position and a disengaged position, each sealing piston securing member (<NUM>) of the plurality of sealing piston securing members (<NUM>) comprising a button portion (<NUM>) and a securing portion (<NUM>) positioned below the button portion (<NUM>), wherein each of the sealing piston securing members (<NUM>) is repositionable between the engaged position, in which at least a portion of the securing portion (<NUM>) intersects the connector insertion path (<NUM>), and the disengaged position, in which the securing portion (<NUM>) is spaced apart from the connector insertion path (<NUM>), and wherein a width of the button portion (<NUM>) of each of the sealing piston securing members (<NUM>) is greater than a width defined by each of the plurality of apertures (<NUM>).