Patent Description:
The disclosure is directed to fiber optic terminals having one or more connection ports configured for receiving external fiber optic connectors having a latching trigger as a connector securing/release mechanism such as used on LC or SC connectors.

Optical fiber is increasingly being used for a variety of applications, including but not limited to broadband voice, video, and data transmission in a variety of new and expanding applications. As bandwidth demands increase optical fiber is migrating deeper into these new communication networks such as fiber inside the premises applications and the like. As optical fiber extends deeper into these communication networks there exist a need for quickly and easily making optical connections in a quick and easy manner for the demands of these new application spaces.

Rugged fiber optic terminals and hardened fiber optic connectors were developed for making one or more plug and play optical connections for outdoor applications that can maintain optical performance in adverse environmental conditions such as extreme cold temperatures or wet and damp locations for extending optical networks toward subscribers. These fiber optic terminals and connectors provide a node for mating and demating to the optical network and provide the flexibility of locating the connection points in convenient locations for efficient network assembly, design and/or deployment. Conventional fiber optic terminals and connectors used for these outdoor environments are typically larger fiber optic terminals that accommodate hardened fiber optic connectors that use a rotating fastener for securing the connector such as a threaded coupling nut or bayonet that rotates about the connector for securing the ruggedized optical connection to the fiber optic terminal or device. Since these hardened connectors require a rotating fastener the fiber optic connectors are substantially larger than non-hardened fiber optic connectors. Once the optical lines transition into indoor spaces these robust hardened fiber optic terminals and fiber optic connectors are not required for the indoor environment. Moreover, the hardened robust solutions are typically large and bulky and not desired for indoor environments for these reasons and other reasons.

Thus, network operators may have a desire to use simplified fiber optic terminals for their optical networks for indoor space or protected environment that mate using typical indoor (i.e., non-hardened) fiber optic connectors, thereby improving space requirements, routing and aesthetics. Thus, there is an unresolved need for fiber optic terminals that can use non-hardened fiber optic connectors for the reasons discussed herein.

<CIT> discloses an electrical and/or optical connector comprising a housing and a locking device being U-shaped with a pair of arms that fit into channels of the housing for securing a suitable device.

The disclosure is directed to fiber optic terminal (hereinafter "terminals") comprising at least one connection port having an optical connector opening extending toward or into a cavity of the terminal along with a flexible tab and actuator associated with the connection port for releasing an external connector from the connection port of the terminal.

The invention provides a fiber optic terminal according to claim <NUM>.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments that are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claims. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation.

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The concepts disclosed are related to fiber optic terminals (hereinafter "terminals") for making fiber optic connections with external fiber optic connectors. The concepts disclosed use a flexible tab <NUM> disposed within a shell of the terminal for creating a scalable form-factor devices for manufacturing. The terminal comprises one or more connection ports along with an associated actuator(s) cooperating with flexible tabs for providing quick and easy release of an external connector from the connection port with a robust and reliable design that is intuitive to use. The terminals comprising flexible tab(s) disclosed herein may take many different constructions or configurations for supporting optical connections with different types of external fiber optic connectors as desired.

The terminals disclosed comprise at least one connection port disposed on the terminal and the connection port has an optical connector opening configured for receiving and optical mating of an external fiber optic connector (hereinafter "external connector") with an internal connector of the terminal. The disclosed terminals comprise a flexible tab disposed within the terminal and is associated with the connection port and an actuator that is capable of translating with respect to the terminal for engaging a portion of the flexible tab, thereby deflecting a portion of the flexible tab. Deflecting a portion of the flexible tab allows the releasing of an external connector that may secured within the connection port of the terminal. Generally speaking, the connection port may be configured for the specific connector intended to be received in the terminal. By way of explanation, the external connector may be secured to the terminal using a latch of the external connector such as used on a LC-type or a SC-type of connector.

The terminals have the flexible tab bowed to a normally-open position. Biasing the flexible tab to the normally-open position allowing insertion of the external connector into the connection port of the terminal without disrupting the flexible tab, and the flexible tab is only actuated (or flexed) for releasing the external connector from the connection port. In other words, the flexible tab is capable of flexing to a connector release position when the actuator engages and deflects a portion of the flexible tab. The flexible tab may be configured an individual component associated with each respective connection port or the flexible tab may be a portion of a common flexible tab component comprising a plurality of flexible tabs on a single-component.

The terminal may have a connection port that is configured for receiving the external connector comprising a latching trigger and/or a latch. The external connector is received in an adapter of the terminal for optical mating with an internal connector of the terminal. The latching trigger of the respective external connectors are used as a releasing mechanism for engaging the latch of the external connector such as used on LC connector or the like.

When deflected by the actuator of the terminal, the flexible tab engages the latching trigger of the external connector pushing it downward onto a latch of the external connector (i.e., to a connector release position) so that the external connector may be released from the respective connection port of the terminal. In other embodiments, the flexible tab may be configured for directly cooperating with the latch of the external connector such as when the external connector does not have a latching trigger, rather than engaging the latching trigger if desired. The concepts disclosed may be used with any suitable external connector such a LC type, SC type or other suitable type of connector having a latching trigger or latch for releasing the connector from an adapter of the terminal.

The terminal concepts disclosed are modular and/or adaptable for supporting different types of connectors for optical mating by changing certain parts of the terminal such as changing the adapter and/or adapter interface insert, thereby configuring the terminal for optical mating for the desired connectors. By way of explanation, the adapter and/or adapter interface insert may be configured for a LC type of connectors or SC type of connectors. Likewise, the flexible tab may be configured for cooperating with a latch of the external connector or cooperating with the latching trigger of the external connector as desired.

Of course, the terminal concepts disclosed may be used in any suitable applications such as in-home networks, multi-dwelling units (MDUs), office buildings or the like. For instance, the concepts disclosed herein may also be suitable for fiber optic networks such as for Fiber-to-the-location (FTTx) and <NUM> applications, and are equally applicable to other optical applications as well including indoor, industrial, wireless, or other suitable applications. Additionally, the concepts disclosed may be used with fiber optic connectors having any suitable footprint or construction. Various designs, constructions, or features for fiber optic terminals are disclosed in more detail with respect to explanatory embodiments as discussed herein and may be modified or varied as desired.

<FIG> depict various views of an explanatory terminal <NUM> for depicting the disclosed concepts. <FIG> depict a plurality of flexible tabs <NUM> that are ganged together as a common flexible tab component <NUM> for use a component within the terminal <NUM>. <FIG> depict views of the adapter interface insert <NUM> that are ganged together for forming portions of the respective connection ports or connection port opening and configured for external fiber optic connectors comprising a latching trigger or the like. <FIG> and <FIG> depict terminal <NUM> with dust plugs <NUM> disposed in respective connection ports <NUM> for inhibiting dirt, debris and the like from entering the connection ports, and <FIG> depict perspective views of the dust plug <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a top perspective view of an explanatory terminal <NUM> having a shell <NUM> that defines an internal cavity <NUM> of the terminal <NUM> such as depicted in <FIG>. Terminals may have any suitable size or shape as desired and may be re-enterable or not as desired. Terminal <NUM> comprises at least one connection port <NUM> disposed on the terminal <NUM> for receiving a suitable external fiber optic connectors (EC) for making an optical connection with the terminal. The explanatory terminal <NUM> shown has four connection ports <NUM> in a linear row as numbered, but other terminals may have any suitable number of connection ports <NUM> as desired. Further, the terminal <NUM> may have the connection ports <NUM> arranged in any desired configuration such as having the connection ports in multiple rows, or on more than one end, etc..

One or more input optical fibers may be attached to the terminal <NUM> by way of a fiber optic connector or as tether cable that enters into the terminal <NUM>. In other words, one or more optical signals from one or more optical fibers are inputted to the terminal at the input and one or more optical signals are outputted at the respective connection ports of the terminal as output signals.

Illustratively, terminals <NUM> may also have one or more input ports <NUM> for receiving an input tether <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. <FIG> depict the input port for receiving a suitable external input connector so input optical signals may optically connect to terminal <NUM>. The input optical signals from the input connection or input optical fibers may be routed to the various connection ports <NUM> (e.g., output ports) of the terminal <NUM> as desired for distributing optical signals using terminal <NUM>. For instance, optical fibers inside the terminal <NUM> may have direct wiring from the input port <NUM> to the various connection ports <NUM> for optical communication, or the optical fibers from the input port <NUM> may be routed to one or more splitters, couplers or wavelength division multiplexers (WDM) disposed within the cavity <NUM> of the terminal and then routed to the connection ports <NUM> as desired.

<FIG> is a top perspective view of terminal <NUM> with an input fiber optic tether <NUM> shown attached at the input port <NUM> on the left-side of the connection ports <NUM> along with a plurality of external fiber optic connectors (EC) disposed in respective connection ports <NUM> on the right-side. <FIG> depicts a front view of the explanatory fiber optic terminal of <FIG> with the input connector port <NUM> on the left-side and a plurality of external fiber optic connectors (EC) to the right of the input connection port <NUM> disposed in respective fiber optic connection ports <NUM>.

Generally speaking, terminal <NUM> comprises a shell <NUM> comprising a body and one or more connection ports <NUM> disposed on a first end or portion <NUM> of terminal <NUM>. The connection ports <NUM> or input port <NUM> are configured for receiving and retaining suitable external connectors (EC) as shown in <FIG> for making optical connections with internal connector <NUM> of the terminal <NUM>.

The internal connectors <NUM> shown in <FIG> have a LC footprint, but other types of internal connectors are possible for use such as a SC type connector for optical mating with a suitable external connector (EC). Internal connectors <NUM> or external connectors (EC) may use a latch or other key for orientating the alignment of the connectors within adapter <NUM>. Additionally, adapter <NUM> may comprise a retention feature or geometry (not numbered) for seating or securing the adapter(s) <NUM> in the terminal <NUM> adjacent to the connection ports <NUM>.

Connection ports <NUM> each comprises a respective optical connector opening <NUM> extending from an outer surface <NUM> of the terminal <NUM> toward or into a cavity <NUM> of the terminal <NUM> and defining a portion of a connection port passageway. By way of explanation, at least one connection port <NUM> may be formed from one or more components such as an adapter interface insert <NUM>, shell <NUM> or both the adapter interface insert <NUM> and the shell <NUM> as desired. For instance, the connection port <NUM> may molded as a portion of shell <NUM> or the connection port <NUM> may be formed by the adapter interface for allowing modular adaptability for different connector type by selecting the desired adapter interface for use. Terminal <NUM> may also comprises an input port <NUM> that is similar to the connection ports <NUM>, but may be configured for a multifiber connector or not. As shown, the connection ports <NUM> or input port <NUM> may comprise a marking indicia such as an embossed number or text, but other marking indicia are also possible. For instance, the marking indicia may be on the actuator <NUM> such as text or the securing features may be color-coded to indicate fiber count, input or output for the associated connection port or input port.

Terminal <NUM> may have the input connection port <NUM> disposed in any suitable location. As used herein, "input connection port" is the location where external optical fibers are received or enter the device, and the input connection port does not require the ability to make an optical connection, but may use an input tether cable if desired. Other configurations are possible besides an input connection port <NUM> that receives an external connector. Instead of using a input connection port that receives a connector, terminals <NUM> may be configured for receiving an input tether <NUM> attached to the terminal <NUM> at the input connection port <NUM> such as represented in <FIG>.

Terminal <NUM> may have the input connection port <NUM> disposed in an outboard position of the array of connection ports <NUM>, on another side of the terminal, or disposed in a medial portion of array of connection ports <NUM> as desired.

Terminal <NUM> has one or more optical fibers <NUM> routed from the one or more connection ports <NUM> toward an input connection port <NUM> in a suitable fashion inside cavity <NUM> for optical communication using terminal <NUM>. The internal connectors <NUM> may be are attached to optical fibers <NUM> that are routing through an optical splitter, wavelength division multiplexer (WDM) or the like for optical communication with the optical fiber(s) that are in optical communication with the input port <NUM> as known in the art.

The input connection port <NUM> receives one or more optical fibers and then routes the optical signals as desired such as passing the signal through <NUM>:<NUM> distribution, routing through an optical splitter, WDM or passing optical fibers through the terminal <NUM>. Splitters allow 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. For instance, a single optical fiber may feed input connection port <NUM> and use a 1x8 splitter within the terminal <NUM> for allowing eight connection ports <NUM> for outputs on the terminal <NUM>. The input connection port <NUM> may be configured in a suitable manner such as a single-fiber or multi-fiber port. The WDM splits the optical signals into different wavelengths for the respective connection ports as known in the art. Likewise, the connection ports <NUM> may be configured as a single-fiber port or multi-fiber port. For the sake of simplicity and clarity in the drawings, all of the optical fiber pathways may not be illustrated or portions of the optical fiber pathways may be removed in places so that other details of the design are visible.

As depicted in <FIG>, terminal <NUM> may comprise mounting features 210MF that are integrally formed in the shell <NUM> or that are separate components attached to shell <NUM> for mounting the device. By way of example, shell <NUM> may have mounting features 210MF disposed near first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> of shell <NUM>. The mounting feature 210MF adjacent the second end <NUM> may a through hole with an internal support, and the mounting feature adjacent the first end of terminal may be a mounting tab (not shown) attached to shell <NUM>. However, mounting features 210MF may be disposed at any suitable location on the shell <NUM>. For instance, terminal <NUM> also depicts a plurality of mounting features 210MF integrally-formed on shell <NUM> and configured as passageways disposed on the lateral sides. Thus, the user may simply use a fastener such as a zip-tie threaded thru these lateral passageways for mounting the terminal <NUM> to a wall or pole as desired. Shell <NUM> may also include one or more notches on the bottom side for aiding in securing the device to a round pole or the like.

<FIG> depicts a partial sectional view of terminal <NUM> showing internal construction details for the terminal <NUM> with the external fiber optic connector (EC) disposed within the connection port <NUM>, and <FIG> is a detailed sectional view of a portion of the terminal <NUM>. Terminal <NUM> comprises shell <NUM>, at least one connection port <NUM> comprising an optical connector opening <NUM> disposed on the terminal <NUM>, an adapter <NUM> associated with the connection port for mating fiber optic connectors, flexible tab <NUM> disposed within the shell <NUM> and associated with the connection port <NUM>, and an actuator <NUM> capable of translating with respect to the terminal <NUM>. External fiber optic connectors (EC) may each comprise a latching trigger (ECT) for engaging the latch (ECL) of the respective external connector (EC) as shown in <FIG>.

In some embodiments, a portion of the flexible tab <NUM> is capable of deflecting for engaging a latching trigger for releasing the external fiber optic connector. When the external connector EC is fully-inserted into the connection port <NUM>, the latch (ECL) is capable of deflecting and springing-back for securing the external connector (EC) within adapter <NUM>. In other words, the latch (ECL) is flexible and springs back to a retain position after being deflected for securing the external connector (EC) in the adapter <NUM>. Consequently, the external connector (EC) is released or secured within the connection port <NUM> without turning a coupling nut or a bayonet like the prior art multiports.

Terminal <NUM> also comprises one or more adapters <NUM> for receiving respective internal connectors <NUM> in alignment with the respective connection port <NUM> for making the optical connection with the external connector (EC). Adapters <NUM> may be ganged together for simplifying assembly or may be individual adapter components for each connection port <NUM> as desired.

When assembled, adapter(s) <NUM> are aligned with the respective connection port <NUM> or connection port passageway for optical mating between the respective internal connectors <NUM> and external connectors (EC). Adapter <NUM> is suitable for securing an internal (i.e., rear) connector <NUM> thereto for aligning and registering the internal connector <NUM> with the connection port <NUM> for optical mating. One or more optical fibers <NUM> (not visible) may be routed from the connection port <NUM> toward an input connection port <NUM> of the terminal <NUM>. For instance, the internal connector <NUM> may terminate the optical fiber <NUM> for optical connection at connection port <NUM> and route the optical fiber <NUM> for optical communication with the input connection port <NUM>.

Internal connector(s) <NUM> are aligned with the respective passageways of the connection port(s) <NUM> within the cavity <NUM> using the adapter(s) <NUM> of the terminal <NUM> as shown. The internal connectors <NUM> are associated with one or more of the plurality of optical fibers <NUM>. Each of the respective internal connectors <NUM> aligns and attaches to a structure such as the adapter <NUM> or other structure related to the connection ports <NUM> in a suitable matter. The plurality of internal connectors <NUM> may comprise a suitable rear connector ferrule (not visible) as desired and internal connectors <NUM> may take any suitable form from a simple ferrule that attaches to a standard connector type inserted into an adapter to a standard type of LC or SC connector.

Terminal <NUM> may also comprise an optional adapter interface insert <NUM> that can be swapped as desired for the intended external connector (EC). Adapter interface insert <NUM> allows the shell <NUM> of the terminal <NUM> to be adaptable to different external connector types by allowing the adapter interface insert <NUM> to be swapped out for different external connector types such as LC-type or SC-type of external connectors, instead of having the connector specific geometry molded into the shell <NUM>. Additionally, the adapter <NUM> and/or the flexible tab <NUM> may need to be swapped out for a specific connector type as well. In other embodiments, the specific adapter interface insert may be molded as a portion the connection port <NUM>, rather than forming all of the connection port as desired.

Alternatively, the adapter interface may be integrally formed as a portion of the shell <NUM> so that it is connector specific such as LC-type connector specific and requires fewer parts since an adapter interface insert <NUM> would not be necessary, but instead these connection port features would be formed as a portion of the shell <NUM>. In other words, a second portion 210B of shell <NUM> would comprise the adapter interface geometry integrally molded as part of the second portion 210B of shell <NUM>.

As best shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the external fiber optic connector (EC) is disposed within the connection port <NUM>. The external fiber optic connector (EC) is secured within an adapter <NUM> associated with the connection port <NUM> for mating with the internal connector <NUM> of the terminal <NUM>. Specifically, the external fiber optic connector (EC) may be secured within adapter <NUM> using a latch (ECL) of the external connector (EC). Adapter <NUM> allows optical mating of the external connector (EC) with an internal fiber optic connector <NUM>. External connector (EC) also comprises a latching trigger (ECT) that is configured for engaging the latch (ECL) for releasing the external connector (EC) by pushing downward onto the latch (ECL) for deflecting the same and releasing the external connector (EC).

As depicted, when fully-inserted into the connection port <NUM> of terminal <NUM> the external fiber optic connector (EC) is secured by the latch (ECL) in adapter <NUM> for optical mating with an internal fiber optic connector <NUM> of terminal <NUM>. The internal fiber optic connector <NUM> may also comprise a latch <NUM> for securing the fiber optic connector <NUM> in adapter <NUM> as shown for optical mating. Internal fiber optic connector <NUM> may also comprise a latching trigger <NUM> for releasing the fiber optic connector <NUM> from the adapter <NUM> if desired.

Optical connections to the devices are made by inserting one or more suitable external fiber optic connectors (EC) into a respective connection port <NUM>, and may be optically disconnected as desired. Connection port <NUM> is associated with a actuator <NUM> for releasing the external connector in the terminal <NUM> and the latch (ECL) of the external connector (EC) is used for securing the external connector (EC) to the connection port <NUM> for making an optical connection. The actuator <NUM> advantageously allows the user to quickly and easily release the optical connection at the connection port <NUM> of terminal <NUM>.

Specifically, the external connector (EC) may be retained within the respective connection port <NUM> of the terminal by pushing and fully-seating the connector within the connection port <NUM> to engage the latch (ECL) with adapter <NUM>. To release the external connector (EC) from the respective connection port <NUM>, the actuator <NUM> is translated by pushing inward for engaging and deflecting the flexible tab <NUM> so it pushes on the latch trigger (ECT) of the external connector (EC), thereby translating the latch (ECL) to release the external connector (EC) from the adapter <NUM> and allowing the external connector (EC) to be removed from the connection port <NUM>.

Stated another way, the actuator <NUM> is capable of releasing the external connector (EC) when the actuator <NUM> translates within a portion of a securing feature passageway <NUM> to deflect the flexible tab <NUM> to release the external connector (EC). Additionally, the full insertion and automatic retention of the external connector (EC) may advantageously allow one-handed installation of the external connector (EC) by merely pushing the connector into the connection port <NUM> to engage the latch (ECL) with the adapter <NUM>, and pushing the actuator <NUM> for releasing the external connector (EC). However, other modes of operation for retaining and releasing the connector are possible according to the concepts disclosed.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, terminal <NUM> comprises flexible tab <NUM> disposed within the shell <NUM> of the terminal <NUM>, and associated with the respective connection port <NUM> along with an actuator <NUM> capable of translating relative to the terminal <NUM>. As depicted, actuator <NUM> is capable of engaging a portion of the flexible tab <NUM> for deflecting a portion of the flexible tab <NUM>. The flexible tab <NUM> is bowed to a normally-open connection position so it does not appreciably deflect the latching trigger (ECT) of the external connector (EC). When the flexible tab <NUM> is suitably deflected by translating the actuator <NUM>, the flexible tab <NUM> engages the latching trigger (ECT) of the external connector (EC). Consequently, the latching trigger (ECT) translates and pushes onto the latch (ECL) of the external connector (EC) for releasing the external connector from adapter <NUM>. The flexible tab <NUM> is capable of deflecting to a connector release position when the actuator <NUM> engages a portion of the flexible tab <NUM>. In other words, the latch (ECL) that secures the external connector (EC) in adapter <NUM> is moved from a normally-open position connection position to a release position so that the external connector (EC) is released or releasable from the adapter <NUM>. Further, the flexible tab <NUM> may bias the actuator <NUM> to a normally-open position.

As depicted in <FIG>, the shell <NUM> may be formed by a first portion 210A and a second portion 210B, but other constructions are possible for shell <NUM> using the concepts disclosed. Shell <NUM> may also comprise interlocking features between the first portion 210A and the second portion 210B of the shell <NUM> such as a tongue and groove construction for alignment or sealing of the device. Additionally, the shell <NUM> may have features for aligning and seating portions of the adapter interface insert <NUM>, adapter <NUM>, or flexible tabs <NUM>, thereby aligning components and making assembly of the terminal <NUM> easier and quicker.

Any of the terminals <NUM> disclosed herein may optionally be weatherproof by appropriately sealing seams of the shell <NUM> using any suitable means such as gaskets, O-rings, adhesive, sealant, welding, overmolding or the like if desired. To this end, terminal <NUM> or devices may also comprise a sealing element disposed between the first portion 210A and the second portion 210B of the shell <NUM>. The sealing element may cooperate with shell <NUM> geometry such as respective grooves or tongues in the shell <NUM>.

The concepts disclosed allow relatively small terminals <NUM> having a relatively high-density of connections along with an organized arrangement for the connection port <NUM> of the terminals <NUM>. Shells have a given height H, width W and length L that define a volume for the multiport as depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>. By way of example, the shell <NUM> of terminal <NUM> may define a volume of <NUM> cubic centimeters or less, other embodiments of the terminal <NUM> with shell <NUM> may define the volume of <NUM> cubic centimeters or less, still other embodiments of terminal <NUM> with shell <NUM> may define the volume of <NUM> cubic centimeters or less as desired. Some embodiments of terminals <NUM> comprise a port width density of at least one connection port <NUM> per each <NUM> millimeters of width W of the terminal <NUM>. Other port width densities are possible such as at least one connection port <NUM> per each <NUM> millimeters of width W of the terminal <NUM>.

Likewise, embodiments of terminal <NUM> may comprise a given density per volume of the shell <NUM> as desired such as a volume of <NUM> cubic centimeters or less with at least one connection port <NUM> per each <NUM> millimeters of width W of the terminal <NUM>.

As best depicted in <FIG>, a portion of actuator <NUM> is disposed within a portion of the securing feature passageway <NUM> and cooperates with the flexible tab <NUM> of the associated connection port <NUM>. Consequently, a portion of actuator <NUM> is capable of translating within a portion of the securing feature passageway <NUM>. Actuator <NUM> comprises a finger 260F for cooperating with a portion of a flexible tab <NUM>. As depicted, a sealing feature <NUM> may be disposed on the actuator <NUM>. Sealing feature <NUM> provides a seal between a portion of the actuator <NUM> and the securing feature passageway <NUM> to inhibit dirt, dust and debris from entering the device. As shown, the sealing feature <NUM> is disposed within a groove of actuator <NUM>.

<FIG> depict views of the flexible tab <NUM> associated with the respective connection ports <NUM> of terminal <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the flexible tab <NUM> is shaped with a bowed-portion to create the desired shape for the normally-open position and is formed so that it is flexible and able to spring-back to the normally-open position after being deformed for releasing the external connector. Flexible tab <NUM> has a geometry (e.g., shape and thickness) that comprises a bowed-shape (e.g., curved upward) in the normally-open position that may be deformed or flexed to a release position by the actuator using a suitable force. As shown in <FIG>, the bowed portion of the flexible tab <NUM> may also comprises a cutout portion (not numbered), thereby tailoring the force required for deformation and allowing easier spring-back of the flexible tab <NUM> once the deforming force is removed. By way of example, the flexible tab <NUM> may be formed from any suitable material such as a suitable polymer or spring steel as desired.

The terminal may use a plurality of individual flexible tabs <NUM> or the flexible tabs <NUM> may be ganged together for ease of assembly and reducing the number of components used. Flexible tabs <NUM> may have one or more alignment features for placing and registering the position of the flexible tabs within the shell <NUM> of the multiport. Moreover, the flexible tabs <NUM> may have features such as that inhibit the movement of the same when being deflected.

In this embodiment, a plurality of flexible tabs <NUM> associated with the respective connection ports <NUM> of terminal <NUM> are formed on a common flexible tab component <NUM> as shown. In this specific embodiment, the flexible tab component <NUM> is configured for the terminal <NUM> having four connection ports <NUM> using four flexible tabs <NUM> that are formed on a common substrate, but the concepts may be scaled for any suitable number of connection ports <NUM> as desired.

Although the features for securing and aligning the flexible tabs <NUM> are disclosed with respect to the common flexible tab <NUM>, the concepts may be used with individual flexible tabs <NUM> as well. As depicted, common flexible tab <NUM> has a front end 251F and a rear end 251R and the flexible tabs <NUM> are disposed between the front end 251F and the rear end 251R and bow upward toward the actuator <NUM> when assembled. As best shown in <FIG>, the flexible tabs <NUM> may be bowed or protrude upward by a distance 250P at the top of the bow in a relaxed state (e.g., not deflected).

Common flexible tab <NUM> comprises a ridge <NUM> as best shown in <FIG> that cooperates with the shell <NUM> and inhibits movement of the component in the Z-direction. Specifically, the ridge <NUM> fits into a groove of the first portion 210A of shell <NUM> as best shown in <FIG>. Other features of the flexible tab <NUM> or common flexible tab <NUM> may cooperate with the shell or other components of the terminal <NUM> as desired.

Common flexible tab <NUM> or flexible tab <NUM> may have other features for alignment or securing as well. For instance, common flexible tab <NUM> or flexible tab may also include one or more holes <NUM> for cooperating and aligning the component with the adapter interface insert <NUM>. More specifically, the holes <NUM> may cooperate with complimentary pins <NUM> disposed on the adapter interface insert <NUM>, thereby registering the common flexible tab <NUM> with the adapter interface insert <NUM>. Common flexible tab <NUM> may also have one or more notches <NUM> at the end portions for cooperating with the adapter interface insert <NUM> or shell <NUM>. More specifically, the notches <NUM> may cooperate with complimentary protrusions <NUM> disposed on the adapter interface insert <NUM> when assembled.

<FIG> are perspective views of the adapter interface insert <NUM> of terminal <NUM>. As depicted, adapter interface insert <NUM> has a front end 220F and a rear end 220R for forming a portions of the respective connection ports <NUM> of the terminal. Specifically, this adapter interface insert <NUM> comprises a plurality of passageways <NUM> from the front end 220F to the rear end 220R sized for receiving a portion of the respective external connectors (EC) for the terminal <NUM>, but other suitable inserts are possible using the concepts disclosed. The respective passageways are sized for the desired external connector (EC) as desired such as a LC type or SC type of connector.

Each of the connection port <NUM> portions of the adapter interface insert <NUM> also has an open side formed with a groove <NUM> for permitting the latch (ECL) and latching trigger (ECT) of the respective external connectors (EC) to pass through when inserting the same into the connection port <NUM>.

As best shown in <FIG>, the adapter interface insert <NUM> may also have geometry for aligning and securing the same into a portion of the shell <NUM> when assembled. As best shown in <FIG>, the adapter interface insert comprises a lug <NUM> that cooperates with a second portion 210B of shell <NUM> for registering the component in position relative to the shell <NUM>. Thereafter, the adapter <NUM> may have cooperating geometry for aligning and securing the adapter <NUM> to adapter interface insert <NUM>, and the common flexible tab <NUM> can cooperate with the adapter interface insert <NUM> and adapter <NUM> as depicted. Consequently, when the components are assembled within the shell <NUM> they have a proper registration for the connection ports <NUM> and actuator <NUM> and are held securing in place for proper operation.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the explanatory terminal <NUM> having a plurality of dust plugs <NUM> disposed within respective connection ports <NUM> of the terminal <NUM>. The dust plugs <NUM> inhibit dirt, dust and debris from entering the respective connection ports <NUM>. Dust plugs <NUM> may be removed from the respective connection ports for inserting a suitable external connector and making an optical connection with the terminal <NUM>. <FIG> is a sectional view of terminal <NUM> showing dust plug <NUM> disposed within the connection port <NUM> of terminal <NUM>. As depicted, the actuator <NUM> may cooperate with the flexible tab <NUM> for deflecting a latching arm <NUM> of the dust plug <NUM> for releasing the same from the adapter <NUM> releasing the dust plug <NUM> from the respective connection port <NUM>. Thereafter, the dust plug may be removed from the connection port <NUM>. The latching arm <NUM> engages with the adapter <NUM> once fully-inserted into the connection port <NUM> due to the spring action of the latching arm <NUM>. This cooperation of the flexible tab <NUM> and actuator <NUM> with the latching arm <NUM> of the dust plug <NUM> is similar to the cooperation of the flexible tab <NUM> and actuator <NUM> with latching trigger (ECT) and latch (EC) of the external connector (EC). <FIG> are respective sectional and perspective views of the dust plug <NUM> having a front end <NUM> and a rear end <NUM> with a body <NUM> and a shoulder <NUM> disposed therebetween. The latching arm <NUM> is flexible and may spring back to a retain position for securing the same in the adapter <NUM>. The rear end <NUM> of the dust plug <NUM> may comprise a grip for aiding the removal or insertion of the dust plug <NUM> from the connection port <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A fiber optic terminal (<NUM>) comprising:
a shell (<NUM>);
at least one connection port (<NUM>) disposed on the fiber optic terminal (<NUM>) with the at least one connection port (<NUM>) comprising an optical connector opening (<NUM>) extending from an outer surface (<NUM>) of the fiber optic terminal (<NUM>) toward a cavity (<NUM>) of the fiber optic terminal (<NUM>), wherein the at least one connection port (<NUM>) is configured for receiving and optically mating an external fiber optic connector;
an adapter (<NUM>) associated with the at least one connection port (<NUM>) for mating fiber optic connectors;
a flexible tab (<NUM>) disposed within the shell (<NUM>) and associated with the at least one connection port (<NUM>), wherein the flexible tab (<NUM>) is bowed to a normally-open connection position; and
an actuator (<NUM>) capable of translating relative to the fiber optic terminal (<NUM>), wherein the actuator (<NUM>) is capable of engaging a portion of the flexible tab (<NUM>) for deflecting a portion of the flexible tab (<NUM>).