Patent Description:
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 Coming 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> describes ruggedized fiber optic connectors and connection systems.

Fiber optic connectors, connectorized cable assemblies, closure assemblies, and methods for connecting fiber optic connectors to, and disconnecting fiber optic connectors from closure assemblies are disclosed herein.

According to a first aspect of the invention A1, there is provided a fiber optic connector assembly according to claim <NUM>.

Different embodiments are set out in the dependent claims. The following aspects, not forming part of the claimed invention, are helpful in understanding the invention.

In an aspect A16, the present disclosure provides the fiber optic connector assembly of aspect A1, further comprising a boot rearward of the connector housing in the axial direction, the boot defining a forwardly-extending adapter engagement feature, and wherein the locking retention feature comprises a slot defined on an outer surface of the locking housing, the adapter retention member defines a forwardly-facing locking engagement face positioned at least partially within the locking retention feature of the locking housing in the engaged position, and the boot is movable between an engaged position, in which the forwardly-extending adapter engagement feature is engaged with the adapter retention member, and a disengaged position, in which the forwardly-extending adapter engagement feature is spaced apart from the adapter retention member.

In an aspect A17, the present disclosure provides the fiber optic connector assembly of any of aspects A1 or A16, wherein the locking housing defines a protrusion extending outward from an outer surface of the locking housing.

In an aspect A18, the present disclosure provides a method for connecting a fiber optic connector assembly to a closure, the method comprising inserting a connector housing into a locking housing, the connector housing defining a locking portion defined on an outer surface of the connector housing, inserting the locking housing into an adapter housing, the adapter housing defining an adapter front end and an adapter retention member, and engaging the adapter retention member of the locking housing with a locking retention feature of the locking housing.

In an aspect A19, the present disclosure provides the method of aspect A18, further comprising engaging the adapter retention member with a forwardly-extending adapter engagement feature of a boot positioned rearward of the connector housing.

In an aspect A20, the present disclosure provides the method of aspect A19, wherein engaging the adapter retention member with the forwardly-extending adapter engagement feature of the boot comprises moving the forwardly-extending adapter engagement feature between an inner surface of the locking housing and the adapter retention member.

In an aspect A21, the present disclosure provides a method for disconnecting a fiber optic connector assembly from a closure, the method comprising moving a boot rearward in an axial direction with respect to a locking housing engaged an adapter housing, thereby disengaging a forwardly-extending adapter engagement feature of the boot from an adapter retention member of the adapter housing, moving the locking housing rearward in the axial direction with respect to the adapter housing, thereby disengaging the adapter retention member from a locking retention feature of the locking housing, and moving the locking housing and a connector housing within the locking housing out of the adapter housing.

In an aspect A22, the present disclosure provides the method of aspect A21, wherein disengaging the adapter retention member of the adapter housing from the locking retention feature of the locking housing comprises moving the adapter retention member outwardly in a radial direction.

Additional features of fiber optic connectors, connectorized cable assemblies, closure assemblies, and methods for connecting fiber optic connectors to, and disconnecting fiber optic connectors from closure assemblies will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description describe various embodiments and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the claimed subject matter.

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of optical adapter assemblies, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. Embodiments described herein are directed to fiber optic connector assemblies including a connector housing and an adapter assembly including a locking housing and an adapter housing. The adapter housing may generally permit the connector housing to be engaged with a dissimilar coupling, for example of a closure. The connector housing is selectively coupled to, and may be releasable from the adapter housing via the locking housing, thereby allowing the connector housing to be selectively coupled to and released from the dissimilar coupling and/or closure.

As used herein, the term "longitudinal direction" refers to the forward-rearward direction of the components described herein (i.e., in the +/- z-direction as depicted). The term "lateral direction" refers to the cross-wise direction of the components (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 (i.e., in the +/- y-direction as depicted). The term "axial direction" generally refers to the longitudinal direction of fiber optic connector assemblies described herein. The term "radial direction" refers to the direction extending outward from the longitudinal direction of fiber optic connector assemblies described herein (i.e., in the R-direction as depicted). The term "circumferential direction refers to the direction extending around the longitudinal direction of fiber optic connector assemblies described herein (i.e., in the C-direction as depicted).

Referring initially to <FIG>, a closure <NUM> is depicted with multiple fiber optic connector assemblies <NUM> inserted at least partially into the closure <NUM>. In embodiments, the closure <NUM> may facilitate the connection of multiple fiber optic connector assemblies <NUM>. In some embodiments, the closure <NUM> may be a boite de Protection d'epissurages optiques (BPEO) closure, however, it should be understood that this is merely an example. As shown in <FIG>, closures <NUM> may include multiple closure openings <NUM> that can each receive a fiber optic connector assembly <NUM>. In embodiments, the closure openings <NUM> may be positioned adjacent to one another in the vertical direction and/or in the lateral direction (i.e., in the +/- y-direction and the +/-x-direction as depicted). In other words, the closure openings <NUM> may be positioned on top of one another in the vertical direction, and may be placed side-by-side to one another in the lateral direction (i.e., in the +/- y-direction and the +/-x-direction as depicted, respectively). By positioning the closure openings <NUM> adjacent to one another in the vertical direction and the lateral direction (i.e., in the +/- y-direction and the +/-x-direction as depicted), multiple fiber optic connector assemblies <NUM> may be inserted into the closure <NUM> even when the closure <NUM> has a comparatively small footprint evaluated in the vertical and lateral directions. In other words, by positioning the closure openings <NUM> adjacent to one another in the vertical direction and the lateral direction, the number of fiber optic connector assemblies <NUM> inserted into the closure <NUM> may be increased as compared to similarly-sized closures having closure openings <NUM> that are not positioned adjacent to one another in the vertical direction and the lateral direction.

However, with fiber optic connector assemblies <NUM> positioned adjacent to one another in the vertical direction and the lateral direction (i.e., in the +/- y-direction and the +/x-direction as depicted), it may be difficult for users to insert and remove the fiber optic connector assemblies <NUM> from the closure <NUM>. In particular, space between adjacent fiber optic connector assemblies <NUM> in the vertical direction and the lateral direction (i.e., in the +/y-direction and the +/-x-direction as depicted, respectively) may be minimal. Minimal distance between the fiber optic connector assemblies <NUM> may make it difficult for a user to manipulate any of the fiber optic connector assemblies <NUM> to remove or insert the fiber optic connector assemblies <NUM> to the closure <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a perspective view of a fiber optic connector assembly <NUM> of a fiber optic cable <NUM> are schematically depicted, respectively. In embodiments, the fiber optic connector assembly <NUM> includes a connector housing <NUM> and an adapter assembly <NUM> including a locking housing <NUM>. The locking housing <NUM> is engageable with the connector housing <NUM>. For example, the connector housing may be insertable at least partially within the locking housing <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

In embodiments, the connector housing <NUM> defines an outer surface <NUM> extending from a rear end <NUM> to a front end <NUM> in the longitudinal direction (i.e., in the +/- z-direction as depicted). In embodiments, a ferrule <NUM> may be positioned at the front end <NUM> of the connector housing <NUM>. An optical fiber may extend through the ferrule <NUM> in the longitudinal direction (i.e., in the +/- z-direction as depicted). In embodiments in which the fiber optic cable <NUM> includes a single optical fiber, the optical fiber may be coaxial with the longitudinal direction (i.e., the +/- z-direction as depicted). For multifiber cables, this alignment will be offset for one, more than one, or all of the optical fibers of the fiber optic cable <NUM>.

In embodiments, the locking housing <NUM> defines an outer surface <NUM> extending from a locking rear end <NUM> to a locking front end <NUM> in the longitudinal direction (i.e., in the +/- z-direction as depicted). In embodiments, locking housing <NUM> defines one or more locking retention features <NUM> on the outer surface <NUM>. In embodiments, the one or more locking retention features <NUM> may be slots extending inwardly into the outer surface <NUM> of the locking housing <NUM>.

When assembled, the connector housing <NUM> may be at least partially inserted into the locking housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the connector housing <NUM> defines a connector keying portion <NUM> that interfaces with a complementary locking housing keying portion such that the connector housing <NUM> may be inserted into the locking housing <NUM> only in one rotational orientation. While in the embodiment depicted in <FIG>, the connector keying portion <NUM> of the connector housing <NUM> is depicted as a negative cutout, it should be understood that this is merely an example. In embodiments, the connector keying portion <NUM> of the connector housing <NUM> and the complementary locking housing keying portion may include any suitable complementary shapes to restrict rotation between the locking housing <NUM> and the connector housing <NUM> and to ensure rotational alignment between the locking housing <NUM> and the connector housing <NUM>. For example, in embodiments, the connector keying portion <NUM> may be a positive surface projection extending outward from the outer surface <NUM> of the connector housing <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a perspective view of the connector housing <NUM>, the locking housing <NUM>, and an adapter housing <NUM> is schematically depicted. In embodiments, the locking housing <NUM> (and accordingly the connector housing <NUM>) may be inserted at least partially within the adapter housing <NUM>, as described in greater detail herein. The adapter housing <NUM> generally extends between an adapter front end <NUM> to an adapter front end <NUM> in the longitudinal direction (i.e., in the +/- z-direction depicted in <FIG>). The adapter front end <NUM> is engageable with a coupling <NUM>. In the embodiment depicted in <FIG>, the coupling <NUM> is embodied as an SC coupling, however, it should be understood that this is merely an example, and the adapter housing <NUM> may be engageable with any suitable coupling, for example and without limitation, an LC coupling or the like. In some embodiments, couplings <NUM> may be positioned at least partially within the closure openings <NUM> (<FIG>), and the fiber optic connector assemblies <NUM> inserted into the closure <NUM> (<FIG>) may each interface with a coupling <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the locking housing <NUM> defines an outer locking keying feature <NUM> extending outwardly from the outer surface <NUM> of the locking housing <NUM>. In embodiments, the outer locking keying feature <NUM> interfaces with a complementary adapter housing keying feature of the adapter housing <NUM>, such that the locking housing <NUM> may be inserted into the adapter housing <NUM> only in one rotational orientation. While in the embodiment depicted in <FIG>, the outer locking keying feature <NUM> of the locking housing <NUM> is depicted as a positive surface projection, it should be understood that this is merely an example. In embodiments, the outer locking keying feature <NUM> of the locking housing <NUM> and the complementary adapter housing keying feature of the adapter housing <NUM> may include any suitable complementary shapes to restrict rotation between the locking housing <NUM> and the adapter housing <NUM> and to ensure rotational alignment between the locking housing <NUM> and the adapter housing <NUM>. For example, in embodiments, the outer locking keying feature <NUM> may be a negative cutout extending inwardly from the outer surface <NUM> of the locking housing <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the fiber optic connector assembly <NUM> further includes a boot <NUM> rearward of the connector housing <NUM> (<FIG>) in the axial direction (i.e., in the -z-direction as depicted). The boot <NUM> may be selectively movable with respect to the adapter housing <NUM> in the axial direction (i.e., in the +/- z-direction as depicted), as described in greater detail herein.

Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the fiber optic connector assembly <NUM> may include one or more sealing elements <NUM> engaged with the connector housing <NUM>, the locking housing <NUM>, and/or the adapter housing <NUM>. The one or more sealing elements <NUM> may include o-rings or the like. For example and referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, a sealing element <NUM> may be positioned on the connector housing <NUM> and may be positioned between the connector housing <NUM> and the locking housing <NUM> (<FIG>).

In embodiments and as shown in <FIG>, the fiber optic connector assembly <NUM> may include a rear seal <NUM> positioned at least partially around the connector housing <NUM>. The rear seal <NUM> may be restrict environmental elements (e.g., water, humidity, etc.) from passing between the connector housing <NUM> and locking housing <NUM>, and may include any suitable material for restricting the passage of environmental elements, for example and without limitation, a polymer or the like.

In embodiments and as shown in <FIG>, a sealing element <NUM> may be positioned on the locking housing <NUM> and may be positioned between the adapter housing <NUM> (<FIG>) and the locking housing <NUM>.

In embodiments and as shown in <FIG>, a sealing element <NUM> may be positioned on the adapter housing <NUM>. The sealing elements <NUM> may assist in restricting the passage of environmental elements (e.g., water, humidity, etc.) to interior portions of the fiber optic connector assembly <NUM>, as described in greater detail herein.

Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the fiber optic connector assembly <NUM> includes a connector retention feature <NUM> engaged with the locking housing <NUM>. The connector retention feature <NUM> may include a clip or the like that restricts movement of the connector housing <NUM> with respect to the locking housing <NUM> in the axial direction (i.e., in the -z-direction as depicted).

According to the claimed invention, and as shown in <FIG>, the connector housing <NUM> defines a rotationally-discrete locking portion <NUM> on the outer surface <NUM> of the connector housing <NUM>. As used herein, the term "rotationally" discrete represents a limited width-wise extent along the outer surface <NUM> of the connector housing <NUM>, as the connector housing <NUM> is rotated in the circumferential direction C.

In some embodiments, the rotationally-discrete locking portion <NUM> defines a connector locking face <NUM> that, in the embodiment depicted in <FIG> faces rearwardly in the longitudinal direction (i.e., in the -z-direction as depicted). The connector retention feature <NUM>, in embodiments, is engaged with the connector locking face <NUM> and restricts movement of the connector housing <NUM> with respect to locking housing <NUM> in the axial direction (e.g., in the -z-direction as depicted). For example, in some embodiments, the outer surface <NUM> of the locking housing <NUM> defines a groove <NUM>. The connector retention feature <NUM>, in embodiments, may be seated at least partially within the groove <NUM> such that movement of the connector retention feature <NUM> in the axial direction (i.e., in the +/- z-direction as depicted) with respect to the locking housing <NUM> is restricted. Through engagement with the connector locking face <NUM> of the connector housing <NUM>, the connector retention feature <NUM> may restrict withdrawal of the connector housing <NUM> from the adapter housing <NUM> in the -z-direction as depicted.

Referring to <FIG>, the boot <NUM> is depicted in isolation. In embodiments, the boot <NUM> defines one or more forwardly-extending adapter engagement features <NUM>. In the embodiment depicted in <FIG>, the forwardly-extending adapter engagement features <NUM> may be embodied as fingers extending forward from the boot <NUM>. In some embodiments, the forwardly-extending adapter engagement features <NUM> may be rotationally-discrete about the boot <NUM>, however, it should be understood that this is merely an example. In some embodiments, the boot <NUM> further defines a rotationally-discrete orientation indicator <NUM>. The rotationally-discrete orientation indicator <NUM> may assist a user, such as a technician in rotationally aligning the forwardly-extending adapter engagement features <NUM> with the adapter housing <NUM> (<FIG>), as described in greater detail herein. In embodiments, the boot <NUM> may have a varying thickness along the axial direction (i.e., in the +/- z-direction), which may allow the boot <NUM> to bend as desired in the radial direction and/or to assist a user in gripping the boot <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the locking housing <NUM> and the adapter housing <NUM> are schematically depicted. In embodiments, the locking housing <NUM> defines the one or more locking retention features <NUM>. The adapter housing <NUM>, in embodiments, the adapter housing <NUM> defines one or more adapter retention members <NUM> that are engageable with the one or more locking retention features <NUM> of the locking housing <NUM> as the locking housing <NUM> is inserted into the adapter housing <NUM>. The one or more adapter retention members <NUM>, in some embodiments, may include arms extend inwardly from an adapter inner surface <NUM> of the adapter housing <NUM>. In the embodiment depicted in <FIG>, the locking housing <NUM> defines four locking retention features <NUM>, and the adapter housing <NUM> defines four adapter retention members <NUM>, however, it should be understood that this is merely an example. In embodiments, the locking housing <NUM> may include any suitable number of locking retention features <NUM>, and the adapter housing <NUM> may include any suitable number of corresponding adapter retention members <NUM>. In embodiments, the adapter retention members <NUM> restrict movement of the locking housing <NUM> with respect to the adapter housing <NUM> when engaged with the locking retention features <NUM> of the locking housing <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, section views of the fiber optic connector assembly <NUM> are schematically depicted. Referring particularly to <FIG>, the connector housing <NUM> is inserted at least partially into the locking housing <NUM>. The adapter housing <NUM> may be engaged with the coupling <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, as the locking housing <NUM> (and accordingly the connector housing <NUM>) are inserted into the adapter housing <NUM>, the one or more adapter retention members <NUM> engage the one or more locking retention features <NUM> of the locking housing <NUM>. For example, in embodiments, the one or more adapter retention members <NUM> are positionable in a disengaged position as shown in <FIG>, in which the locking housing <NUM> (and accordingly the connector housing <NUM>) are movable with respect to the adapter housing <NUM> in the axial direction (i.e., in the +/- z-direction as depicted). The one or more adapter retention members <NUM> are also positionable in an engaged position, as shown in <FIG>, in which the one or more adapter retention members <NUM> restrict movement of the locking housing <NUM> (and accordingly the connector housing <NUM>) in the axial direction (i.e., in the +/- z-direction as depicted), for example, through engagement with the one or more locking retention features <NUM> of the locking housing <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the boot <NUM> is movable between a disengaged position, as shown in <FIG>, and an engaged position, as shown in <FIG>. In the disengaged position (<FIG>), the forwardly-extending adapter engagement features <NUM> are spaced apart from the one or more adapter retention members <NUM> (e.g., in the z-direction as depicted). In the engaged position, the forwardly-extending adapter engagement features <NUM> of the boot <NUM> are engaged with the one or more adapter retention members <NUM>.

For example and as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> enlarged section views of the boot <NUM> in the disengaged position and the engaged position are schematically depicted, respectively. In some embodiments, the one or more adapter retention members <NUM> may define a forwardly-facing locking engagement face <NUM> and/or a rearwardly-facing locking engagement face <NUM> that are positioned at least partially within the locking retention feature <NUM> of the locking housing <NUM>. Engagement between the forwardly-facing locking engagement face <NUM> and the rearwardly-facing locking engagement face <NUM> with the locking retention feature <NUM> may restrict movement of the locking housing <NUM> with respect to the adapter housing <NUM> in the axial direction (i.e., in the +/- z-direction as depicted).

In some embodiments, the one or more adapter retention members <NUM> may define a ramp <NUM> facing rearwardly and outwardly in the radial direction. In embodiments, the ramp <NUM> may assist in moving the forwardly-extending adapter engagement feature <NUM> of the boot <NUM> between the one or more adapter retention members <NUM> and the adapter inner surface <NUM>. For example, and as shown in <FIG>, in the engaged position, at least a portion of the forwardly-extending adapter engagement features <NUM> of the boot <NUM> are positioned between the one or more adapter retention members <NUM> and the adapter inner surface <NUM> of the adapter housing <NUM>. With the forwardly-extending adapter engagement features <NUM> of the boot <NUM> positioned between the one or more adapter retention members <NUM> and the adapter inner surface <NUM>, the forwardly-extending adapter engagement features <NUM> of the boot <NUM> restrict outward movement of the one or more adapter retention members <NUM> in the radial direction R. By restricting outward movement of the one or more adapter retention members <NUM>, the forwardly-extending adapter engagement features <NUM> of the boot <NUM> may generally restrict disengagement of the one or more adapter retention members <NUM> from the locking retention features <NUM> of the locking housing <NUM>. By restricting disengagement of the one or more adapter retention members <NUM> from the locking retention features <NUM> of the locking housing <NUM>, the forwardly-extending adapter engagement features <NUM> may assist in retaining a position of the locking housing <NUM> (and accordingly the connector housing <NUM> (<FIG>) with respect to the adapter housing <NUM>.

However, by moving the boot <NUM>, and according the forwardly-extending adapter engagement features <NUM>) rearward in the axial direction (i.e., in the -z-direction as depicted), the boot <NUM> can be re-positioned in the disengaged position. In the disengaged position, the one or more adapter retention members <NUM> can be disengaged from the locking retention features <NUM> of the locking housing <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more adapter retention members <NUM> can be disengaged from the locking retention features <NUM> by move the locking housing <NUM> rearward in the axial direction (i.e., in the -z-direction as depicted) with a force above a predetermined threshold. In this way, the locking housing <NUM> (and accordingly the connector housing <NUM> (<FIG>)) can be selectively connected to and disconnected from the adapter housing <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the boot <NUM> may be formed from a resilient material, such as a polymer or the like. In these embodiments, the forwardly-extending adapter engagement features <NUM> of the boot <NUM> may allow some movement of the one or more adapter retention members <NUM> outward in the radial direction R, for example, upon the application of a force exceeding a predetermined threshold. For example, in some embodiments, the forwardly-extending adapter engagement features <NUM> of the boot <NUM> may allow the one or more adapter retention members <NUM> to move outward in the radial direction R upon the application of a force to the locking housing <NUM> rearward in the axial direction (i.e., in the -z-direction as depicted) above a predetermined threshold. In some embodiments, the predetermined threshold is about <NUM> decanewtons. By allowing the one or more adapter retention members <NUM> to move outward in the radial direction R, the one or more adapter retention members <NUM> may disengage from the locking retention features <NUM>, such that the locking housing <NUM> (and accordingly the connector housing <NUM> (<FIG>)) can be removed from the adapter housing <NUM>. In this way, the locking housing <NUM> (and accordingly the connector housing <NUM> (<FIG>)) can be disconnected from the adapter housing <NUM> in the event that the locking housing <NUM> and/or the connector housing <NUM> (<FIG>) are subjected to an inadvertent force, which may assist in minimizing damage to the connector housing <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> section views of the fiber optic connector assembly <NUM> are schematically depicted. In some embodiments, the boot <NUM> defines an inwardly-extending boot inner ridge <NUM> that is selectively engageable with the locking housing <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, the locking housing <NUM> defines a locking protrusion <NUM> extending outwardly from the outer surface <NUM> of the locking housing <NUM>. The boot inner ridge <NUM> may engage the locking protrusion <NUM> as the boot <NUM> moves forward in the axial direction (i.e., in the +z-direction as depicted) and engagement between the boot inner ridge <NUM> and the locking protrusion <NUM> may provide tactile feedback to a user moving the boot <NUM> forward in the axial direction. For example, the boot inner ridge <NUM> and the locking protrusion <NUM> may be positioned such that the boot inner ridge <NUM> engages the locking protrusion <NUM> as the boot <NUM> moves into the engaged position, thereby providing tactile feedback to the user that the boot <NUM> is in the engaged position.

Accordingly, it should now be understood that embodiments described herein are directed to fiber optic connector assemblies including a connector housing and an adapter assembly including a locking housing and an adapter housing. The adapter housing permits the connector housing to be engaged with a dissimilar coupling, for example of a closure. The connector housing is selectively coupled to, and is releasable from the adapter housing via the locking housing, thereby allowing the connector housing to be selectively coupled to and released from the dissimilar coupling and/or closure.

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.

Claim 1:
A fiber optic connector assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a connector housing (<NUM>) defining a rotationally-discrete locking portion (<NUM>) defined on an outer surface (<NUM>) of the connector housing;
an adapter assembly (<NUM>) selectively coupled to the connector housing (<NUM>), the adapter assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
an adapter housing (<NUM>) extending around the connector housing (<NUM>) and defining an adapter front end (<NUM>) and an adapter retention member (<NUM>) that is positionable between an engaged position, in which the adapter retention member (<NUM>) restricts movement of the connector housing (<NUM>) with respect to the adapter assembly (<NUM>) in an axial direction, and a disengaged position, in which the connector housing (<NUM>) is movable with respect to the adapter assembly (<NUM>) in the axial direction; and
a locking housing (<NUM>) positioned between the adapter housing (<NUM>) and the connector housing (<NUM>), the locking housing (<NUM>) defining a locking front end (<NUM>) positionable at least partially within the adapter housing (<NUM>), and a locking retention feature (<NUM>) that is engaged with the adapter retention member (<NUM>) when the adapter retention member (<NUM>) is in the engaged position,
characterised in that the locking retention feature (<NUM>) comprises a slot defined on an outer surface (<NUM>) of the locking housing (<NUM>).