WO2017106012A1

WO2017106012A1 - Hardened network components and methods

Info

Publication number: WO2017106012A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/065643
Authority: WO
Inventors: George I. Wakileh; Federico Zamora LOPEZ; Joselyn Gabriela GAMBOA; Nicholas B. Larsson
Original assignee: Communications Systems, Inc.
Priority date: 2015-12-16
Filing date: 2016-12-08
Publication date: 2017-06-22

Abstract

Cable connecting assemblies, components, enclosures and related methods are provided. A cable connecting assembly includes a cable adapter assembly, a cable connector assembly, a sealing member, and a linearly engageable latch mechanism. The adapter assembly and the connector assembly have latch portions that engage as the cable connector assembly is moved along a connection axis toward the cable adapter assembly. The engagement fastens the cable connector and adapter assemblies. One connector assembly has an inner housing, an outer housing, a cable sealing member, and a connector latch portion. Coupling the inner and outer housings compresses the cable sealing member to provide a seal between the outer housing and a cable. One possible terminal enclosure includes at least a first port in a first wall and a second port in a second wall. Each port has a cable adapter assembly configured to linearly engage with a corresponding connector assembly.

Description

HARDENED NETWORK COMPONENTS AND METHODS

[0001] This application is being filed as a PCT International Patent application on December 8, 2016, in the name of Communications Systems, Inc., a U.S. national corporation, applicant for the designation of all countries and George I. Wakileh, a U.S. Citizen, Federico Zamora, a Citizen of Costa Rica, Joselyn Gabriela Gamboa, a Citizen of Costa Rica, and Nicholas B. Larsson, a U.S. Citizen, inventors for the designation of all countries, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/268,372, filed December 16, 2015, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to terminals and connectors for wired communications networks. This disclosure more particularly relates to communications network terminals and connectors that are hardened against, for example, weather and tampering.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Telecommunications networks generally include several components that enable the sophisticated transmission and distribution of communications signals between locations connected to a particular network. The structural components of a wireline communications network include, among other things, terminals at various locations in the network, communications cables, and connectivity components that operatively join the various cables together.

[0004] As a basic example, a communications network may include a central office building operated by a communications service provider, as well as several customer premises. One or more communications cables (or possibly an interconnected network of several cables) connect each of the customer premises to the central office building. In the case of a single customer premise, a communications cable from the central office is connected to a terminal located at the customer premise. The terminal provides a housing or enclosure in which the communications cable is connected to a variety of electrical and/or optical transmission components, such as signal conditioners, filters, amplifiers, splitters, and/or other

components. Additional communications cables coupled to the same components can then carry the communications signals to various locations within the customer premises. Accordingly, one or more cable connecting assemblies may be used to operatively couple communications cables from the central office with one or more cables and/or components within the terminal.

[0005] In addition to connections at or within a customer premises or other building, it is not unusual for a communications network to include cable connections outside of a building or other structure that provides a protected environment. In some cases these types of connections may be referred to as being outside the plant (i.e., OSP). As examples, a network terminal may be mounted on an outside wall of a building, may be located within a pedestal or under ground, or may be suspended in the air from a power line pole or other transmission support structure. In addition, inline cable connecting assemblies are used to connect or splice together communications cables in a wide variety of environmental conditions without an additional housing provided by, e.g., a terminal.

[0006] With this is mind, some communications network cables, terminals, connecting assemblies and other equipment have been hardened against weather in order to function under various environmental conditions. Possible operating environments include exterior environments in which the communications network components may be exposed to extreme weather conditions, including high and low temperatures, varying amounts of humidity, precipitation, wind, and/or other phenomenon. In some cases, components designed to operate in these types of weather conditions may be considered to be weather-resistant or weathertight. As just one possible example, the jacket of a communications cable may be thickened, stiffened, and/or made from specific types of material to improve the functionality of the cable at very cold and/or very hot temperatures.

[0007] Another concern for communications network components exposed to an exterior environment relates to accidental and/or intentional tampering with the network components by unauthorized persons. To address these types of concerns, communications network components have been designed to resist unauthorized access. Components incorporating these types of design features have been described as being hardened against unauthorized access.

SUMMARY

[0008] The teachings herein are directed to, among other things, communications network components, including, but not limited to, terminals, enclosures, connectors, adapters and methods related to terminating communications cables and coupling cable adapters, cable connectors, terminals, and enclosures.

[0009] According to one aspect, a communications cable connecting assembly is provided. In one implementation, the assembly includes, among other thigs, a cable adapter assembly, a cable connector assembly, a sealing member, and a linearly engageable latch mechanism. The cable adapter assembly has a base member and a cable adapter supported by the base member. The cable adapter has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The sealing member is configured to engage with and provide a seal between the cable adapter assembly and an outer housing of the cable connector assembly. The linearly engageable latch mechanism includes a first latch portion provided by the cable adapter assembly and a second latch portion provided by the cable connector assembly. The first latch portion is engageable with the second latch portion as the cable connector assembly is moved along a connection axis toward the cable adapter assembly. Engagement of the first and the second latch portions fastens the cable connector assembly to the cable adapter assembly.

[0010] In some cases, the cable connector assembly includes an inner housing and an outer housing. The inner housing is configured to mount about an end of a communications cable and includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the inner housing is configured to couple with the first end of the cable adapter along the connection axis. The outer housing is coupled to the second end of the inner housing. The outer housing includes a wall member that extends around the inner housing. The wall member is configured to couple with the cable adapter assembly to form an enclosure about the inner housing and the first end of the cable adapter.

[0011] Another aspect provides a communications cable connector assembly. The cable connector assembly, also referred to herein simply as a connector assembly, has an inner housing, an outer housing, a cable sealing member, and a connector latch portion. The inner housing has a first end configured to couple with a cable adapter that is part of a

corresponding cable adapter assembly. The inner housing also has a second end. The inner housing is configured to mount about an end of a communications cable and position the end of the communications cable within the cable adapter along a connection axis. The outer housing is coupled to the second end of the inner housing. The outer housing has a wall member extending around the inner housing that is configured to couple with the cable adapter assembly and an adapter sealing member, thereby forming a seal between the outer housing and the cable adapter assembly.

[0012] The cable sealing member of the cable connector assembly provides a passage through which the communications cable extends when it is mounted within the inner housing and the outer housing. The connector latch portion is part of a linearly engaging latch mechanism that has a corresponding adapter latch portion provided by the cable adapter assembly. The connector latch portion is engageable with the adapter latch portion as the cable connector assembly moves along the connection axis toward the cable adapter assembly. The coupling of the outer housing to the second end of the inner housing compresses the cable sealing member. This compression of the cable sealing member provides a seal between the outer housing and the communications cable when mounted within the inner housing and the outer housing.

[0013] Another aspect of embodiments of the invention provides a communications cable adapter assembly. The cable adapter assembly, also referred to herein as an adapter assembly, includes a base member defining a first side and a second side opposite from the first side, a cable adapter supported by the base member, a wall member attached to the base member, and an adapter latch portion of a linearly engaging latch mechanism. The cable adapter has a first end and a second end opposite the first end that define a connection axis. The first end of the cable adapter is configured to couple with an inner housing that is part of a corresponding cable connector assembly. Coupling the first end of the cable adapter with the inner housing positions an end of a communications cable mounted to the inner housing within the first end of the cable adapter along the connection axis.

[0014] The wall member is attached to the base member about the first end of the cable adapter. The wall member is configured to engage an outer housing of the cable connector assembly to locate the outer housing relative to the cable adapter and the adapter latch portion. The linearly engaging latch mechanism includes the adapter latch portion, and also has a corresponding connector latch portion provided by the cable connector assembly. The adapter latch portion is engageable with the connector latch portion as the cable connector assembly moves along the connection axis toward the cable adapter assembly. Engagement of the adapter latch portion and the connector latch portion fastens the cable connector assembly to the cable adapter assembly. [0015] Another aspect of the invention provides a communications terminal enclosure. The terminal enclosure includes an enclosure body having a first end wall, a second end wall and a side wall extending between and connecting the first end wall and the second end wall. The terminal enclosure also includes a first cable port mounted in the first end wall and a second cable port mounted in the second end wall. Additional, optional ports may also be provided on one or both of the end walls. The first and the second cable ports each have a cable adapter assembly. Each cable adapter assembly includes a base member, a cable adapter, an adapter latch portion, and a wall member attached to the base member about the cable adapter on the outside of the enclosure body. The wall member is configured to engage an outer housing of a cable connector assembly to locate the outer housing relative to the cable adapter and the adapter latch portion.

[0016] In some cases the base member is part of one of the first end wall and the second end wall. The cable adapter defines a connection axis and extends through the base member from outside the enclosure body to inside the enclosure body. The cable adapter is configured to couple with an inner housing that is part of the corresponding cable connector assembly to thereby position an end of a communications cable mounted to the inner housing within the cable adapter along the connection axis. The latch mechanism has a corresponding connector latch portion provided by the corresponding cable connector assembly. The adapter latch portion is engageable with the connector latch portion as the cable connector assembly moves along the connection axis toward the cable adapter assembly. Engagement of the adapter latch portion and the connector latch portion fastens the cable connector assembly to the cable adapter assembly.

[0017] According to another aspect, a method for terminating a communications cable is provided. The method includes moving an end of a communications cable mounted within a cable connector assembly along a connection axis toward a cable adapter assembly. The cable connector assembly has an inner housing mounted about the end of the communications cable. The cable adapter assembly includes a cable adapter supported by a base member. The method further includes coupling a first end of the inner housing of the cable connector assembly with a first end of the cable adapter, thereby positioning the end of the

communications cable within the first end of the cable adapter. The method also includes coupling an outer housing of the cable connector assembly with the cable adapter assembly, thereby enclosing the inner housing and the first end of the cable adapter. The outer housing is coupled to a second end of the inner housing. The outer housing includes a wall member that extends around the inner housing. The method also includes fastening the outer housing of the cable connector assembly to the cable adapter assembly with a linearly engageable latch mechanism. The linearly engageable latch mechanism includes a connector latch portion and an adapter latch portion.

[0018] These and various other features and advantages will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The following drawings illustrate some particular embodiments of the present invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are not to scale (unless so stated) and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Some embodiments will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cable connecting assembly including a cable connector assembly and a cable adapter assembly.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the cable connecting assembly of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cable connector assembly of FIG. 1 coupled to the cable adapter assembly of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the cable connecting assembly as depicted in FIG. 3.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cable connecting assembly coupling two cables.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cable connector assembly.

[0026] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the cable connector assembly of FIG. 6.

[0027] FIG. 8 is an end view of the cable connector assembly of FIG. 6.

[0028] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the cable connector assembly of FIG. 6 including a cable and connector sub-assembly. [0029] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another cable connector assembly.

[0030] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of an outer housing of the cable connector assembly of FIG. 6.

[0031] FIG. 12 is an end perspective view of the outer housing of FIG. 11.

[0032] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an inner housing of the cable connector assembly of FIG. 6.

[0033] FIG. 14 is an end view of the inner housing of FIG. 13.

[0034] FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view of the outer housing of FIG. 11 including a connector latch portion.

[0035] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a cable adapter assembly.

[0036] FIG. 17 is a side cross-sectional view of the cable adapter assembly of FIG. 16.

[0037] FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the cable adapter assembly of FIG. 16.

[0038] FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of another example of a cable adapter assembly.

[0039] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a base member of the cable adapter assembly of FIG. 16.

[0040] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an adapter latch portion of the cable adapter assembly of FIG. 16.

[0041] FIG. 22 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of the adapter latch portion of FIG. 21 engaged with the connector latch portion of FIG. 15.

[0042] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a cable connecting assembly including a disconnect tool.

[0043] FIG. 24 is another perspective view of the cable connecting assembly and disconnect tool of FIG. 23.

[0044] FIG. 25 is a bottom view of the disconnect tool of FIG. 23. [0045] FIG. 26 is a top view of the outer housing of FIG. 9.

[0046] FIG. 27 is a top, cross-sectional view of the cable connecting assembly and disconnect tool as depicted in FIG. 24.

[0047] FIG. 28 is a top, cross-sectional view of the cable connecting assembly with the disconnect tool of FIG. 24 rotated to deflect the adapter latch portion.

[0048] FIG. 29 is a side, cross-sectional view illustrating the state of the cable connecting assembly and the disconnect tool shown in FIG. 28.

[0049] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a communications terminal enclosure including multiple cable adapter assemblies.

[0050] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the terminal enclosure of FIG. 30, including multiple cable connector assemblies coupled to corresponding cable adapter assemblies.

[0051] FIG. 32 is a partial, perspective view of the terminal enclosure of FIG. 30 without a cover and providing an exploded view of a cable connecting assembly.

[0052] FIG. 33 is a partial perspective view of an inline cable connecting assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides some practical illustrations for implementing some embodiments of the present invention. Examples of constructions, materials, dimensions, and manufacturing processes are provided for selected elements, and all other elements employ that which is known to those of ordinary skill in the field of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the noted examples have a variety of suitable alternatives.

[0054] Communications network components, systems, and methods are described herein that can be used to, among other things, terminate one or more communications cables, transition between communications cables, and serve as network distribution points. Among several possibilities, examples of network terminals, cable connecting assemblies, cable connectors, cable adapters, and methods for terminating and coupling network cables will be described. Those skilled in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the examples described herein are just some of the possible ways to implement the present invention and that other implementations can also be practiced based on the teachings herein.

[0055] In one example, a sealed terminal is provided with at least two cable ports. The terminal can be pre-configured during manufacture to include one or more communications components such as, e.g., hardware components, which may be suited for different types of network signal conductors, such as copper wires and optical fibers. One example of a potential network hardware component for a copper cable is a signal filter. One example of a potential network hardware component for an optical fiber is a slack storage compartment. Of course many other types of network components, both active and passive, are known in the art and could be located within a sealed terminal or other terminal according to the teachings herein.

[0056] Implementation of a sealed terminal can involve a terminal with at least one port on each side of the terminal. A cable adapter can be mounted to each port in order to terminate a circuit, optical device, or other network component located within the terminal. The ports can be configured for single or multi-conductor (e.g., multi-fiber) connections. The terminal can optionally have integrated internal and/or external cable management. In some cases a terminal can be installed in one or more locations, including, for example, on a wall, on a pole, in a pedestal or below grade.

[0057] As used herein, "terminal" and "enclosure" are used interchangeably to mean a housing for network components. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that references to communications cables are generic references to all kinds of elongated, continuous signal transmission media, including, for example, optical fibers and metal wires, that are configured to carry signals conveying information, including communications information and other data, in analog or digital formats. Communication cables with optical fibers may have one or more fibers, while cables with metal wires may be formed from copper and/or have a single wire, twisted pair, coaxial, or other configuration. In addition, the term "communications cable connecting assembly" is used herein to refer to the usual coupling mechanism for a communications cable that includes at least one element affixed to the end of a cable and a second element either affixed to the end of another cable or mounted to a wall of an enclosure. [0058] In many cases the element attached to the end of one cable is referred to as, for example, a plug, a connector, a connector assembly, a cable connector assembly, and/or a communications cable connector assembly. This element of the connecting assembly is inserted into the second element, which can be referred to as an adapter assembly. Further, the connector assembly is often thought of as an integral assembly of components that includes a specifically configured "connector" mounted about the end of the cable with additional elements, such as an outer housing, a crimp sleeve, and/or a ferrule in the case of optical fiber cables. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the element often referred to herein as an adapter assembly, a cable adapter assembly, or a communications cable adapter assembly also includes an "adapter" or receptacle that is specifically configured to couple with a corresponding connector mounted to the end of a communications cable. Other parts of an adapter assembly may optionally include mounting elements and/or fastening elements that facilitate attaching the adapter to another cable, to an enclosure wall, or to another type of support.

[0059] In some cases the terminal and/or the cable adapter assembly is configured to hold a cable connector assembly (terminating an inbound or outbound network cable) in place. For example, components of the cable connector assembly and the terminal and/or cable adapter assembly can form a latch mechanism that fastens together. As a result, the cable adapter assembly and the cable connector assembly may freely engage while being connected, possibly with some resistance that can be manually or mechanically overcome by a technician. In some cases the components engage along a linear path, which may be along a connection axis.

[0060] Once engaged, the terminal and/or cable adapter assembly and the cable connector assembly may resist disengagement. In some cases a disconnect tool can be used to disengage the cable adapter assembly from the cable connector assembly. In some cases it may be measurably more difficult to disengage the cable adapter assembly from the cable connector assembly without a tool. One example of a latch mechanism includes tamper resistant locking tabs. These and/or other fastening features described herein can provide a cable connection that is resistant to tampering by unauthorized people.

[0061] According to some implementations of connecting assemblies, cable connectors, and/or cable adapters, a sealing member provides a seal between the cable adapter assembly and the cable connecter assembly. The sealing member may be formed from a resilient material, for example. In some cases a sealing member is a gasket. The sealing member provides a seal between the environment of the exterior of the connecting network

components and the environment inside the components. In some cases the seal may be a substantially weathertight seal. As used herein, a substantially weathertight seal is a seal that restricts the entrance of water during falling rain, wind driven rain, and salt fog test procedures common in the industry, within limits, tolerances, and/or deviations acceptable, practiced, and known in the art.

[0062] In some cases network components, including a cable adapter assembly and a cable connector assembly, alone or together as a cable connecting assembly, are hardened or ruggedized to improve performance and tolerance to exterior placements subject to various uncontrollable environmental factors. For example, in some cases a cable adapter assembly and cable connector assembly may be considered "hardened" or "ruggedized" when the components are weathertight and/or tamper-resistant. In some cases a field-installable connector housing can be configured with one or more features described herein in order to provide a weathertight and tamper-resistant component.

[0063] According to some implementations related to the present invention, a cable connecting assembly includes multiple housings that are connected together with a sealed, threaded connection. As an example, in one case an inner housing has a first end configured to couple with a specific cable adapter, while the second end is configured to threadably couple with the an outer housing at the rear of the cable connector assembly. A cable sealing member can be used to provide a seal between the inner housing, the outer housing, and the cable. In some implementations the threaded coupling also provides a seal, such as a weathertight seal. In some cases, the outer housing of the connector assembly can be configured with a generic configuration, or a configuration that can be used with multiple different configurations of the inner housing. In this way, network components can potentially be designed and manufactured with a single outer housing, while varying the inner housing to accommodate multiple types and specifications of cable connectors and adapters.

[0064] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this disclosure also describes embodiments that provide a locking alignment key for ensuring that a cable connector assembly and a cable adapter assembly are appropriately aligned as they engage each other. For example, in some cases the inner and/or outer housing of the connector assembly may be configured to only mate with a portion of the adapter assembly when the two components have a specific rotational alignment.

[0065] Some implementations described herein relate to a communications cable connecting assembly. The connecting assembly has a connector assembly attached to the end of a communications cable and an adapter assembly attached to an enclosure or the end of another communications cable. The connector assembly and the adapter assembly are configured to fasten together. Some implementations described herein relate to one or more components of a cable connecting assembly. Examples include, but are not limited to, a cable connector assembly, a cable adapter assembly, or a combination of both. Some implementations described herein relate to methods for terminating a communications cable with a connector assembly and/or an adapter assembly described herein.

[0066] Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-4 provide multiple views of a communications cable connecting assembly 10 according to one possible embodiment of the invention. As shown in the figures, the communications cable connecting assembly 10 generally includes a cable adapter assembly 12, a cable connector assembly 14, and a sealing member 16. In this depicted example, the adapter assembly 12 and the connector assembly 14 are configured to couple together with a linear pushing motion along a connection axis 18. The adapter and connector assemblies are also configured to uncouple by moving apart along the same connection axis 18. When coupled, the sealing member 16 engages with the adapter assembly 12 and with the connector assembly 14 to provide a seal between an interior of the connecting assembly 10 and the exterior environment.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the cable connecting assembly 10 also has a latch mechanism 20. The latch mechanism 20 is configured to fasten the cable connector assembly 14 to the cable adapter assembly 12 when the connector and adapter assemblies are coupled together. In this case the latch mechanism 20 includes a first latch portion 22 provided by the cable adapter assembly 12, as well as a second latch portion 24 provided by the cable connector assembly 14. Engagement of the latch portions 22, 24 fastens the cable connector assembly 14 to the cable adapter assembly 12.

[0068] As will be appreciated from the drawings, the first and second latch portions 22, 24 engage as the cable connector assembly 14 and the cable adapter assembly 12 come together and couple along the connection axis 18. As the cable adapter assembly 12 and/or the cable connector assembly 14 move along the connection axis 18, the corresponding latch portions 22, 24 also move along a parallel, linear path. Accordingly, in the depicted example, the latch mechanism 20 is configured as a linearly engageable latch mechanism.

[0069] The cable adapter assembly 12 in this example includes a base member 26 that supports a cable adapter 28. In FIGS. 1-4, the base member 26 is depicted as having a planar member 30 extending about a central region. In this implementation of the cable adapter assembly 12, the base member 26 defines an aperture 32 shown in the cross-sections in FIGS. 2 and 4. The cable adapter 28 is mounted within the aperture 32, extending above and below the planar member 30.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 2, the cable adapter 28 has a first end 34 positioned above the planar member 30 (according to the orientation in FIG. 2) and a second end 36 located below the planar member 30. The first end 34 of the cable adapter 28 is configured to receive at least part of the cable connector assembly 14 within the first end 34. In some cases, the second end 36 of the cable adapter 28 is configured to couple with an end of another communications cable, as those skilled in the art will appreciate.

[0071] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an implementation in which the second end 36 of the cable adapter 28 is open and ready to couple or connect with a connector-terminated cable end. When not in use, a plug can be inserted into the open second end 36 of the adapter 28 to close off the adapter to debris, dirt, dust, and other contaminants. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an example of one possible plug 38 inserted into the second end 36 of the cable adapter 28. A similar plug can be inserted into the first end 34 of the cable adapter 28 when not in use.

[0072] FIG. 5 illustrates one example in which the second end 36 of the cable adapter 28 is coupled with a connector-terminated cable. In this case, a cable 40 is coupled with a connector 42. The connector 42 is coupled with the second end 36 of the cable adapter 28. The cable 40 is configured as an interior cable and connector combination. In some cases the cable 40 could, for example, connect to a network component, such as a splitter, located within a network terminal or other enclosure. In addition, the base member 26 of the cable adapter assembly 12 could be attached to or part of the terminal or enclosure. For example, the base member 26 could be attached to or part of an exterior wall of the terminal or enclosure. [0073] The cable connector assembly 14 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 is coupled to the end of a communications cable 44. The cable connector assembly 14 can also be described as terminating the communications cable 44. The communications cable 44 in this example is configured for deployment in external environments, in contrast to the cable 40 shown in FIG. 5, which is configured for an internal environment. The connector assembly 14 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 includes an outer housing 46 that has a wall member 48 forming a perimeter of the outer housing 46. The wall member 48 is configured to couple with the cable adapter assembly 12. The outer housing 46 also includes a bend limiting portion 50 that limits bending of the cable 44 as it joins with the cable connector assembly 14.

[0074] The cable connector assembly 14 also includes an inner housing 52 that is configured to mount about the end of the communications cable 44. The inner housing 52 has a first end 54 that is configured to couple with the first end 34 of the cable adapter along the connection axis 18. In some cases the first end 54 of the cable connector assembly's inner housing 52 can be configured as a cable connector that is paired or matched to couple with the first end 34 of the cable adapter 28. The inner housing 52 also has a second end 56 that is configured to couple with the outer housing 46 of the connector assembly 14. The coupling between the inner and outer housings of the connector assembly 14 can optionally be a removable coupling. For example, FIG. 2 depicts a configuration in which the second end 56 of the inner housing is threadably and removably coupled with a portion of the connector assembly's outer housing 46.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 2, in this example the inner housing 52 is positioned within a centrally-located void 58 that is generally defined by the outer housing's wall member 48, the bend limiting portion 50 of the outer housing 46, and another portion of the housing 46 extending between the wall member 48 and the bend limiting portion 50. The second end 56 of the inner housing 52 is threadably received within a portion of the void 58 in the outer housing 46.

[0076] The communications cable 44 extends into the cable connector assembly 14 through the bend limiting portion 50 and the second end 56 of the inner housing 52. In this example, the cable 44 also extends through a cable sealing member 60 located within the void 58 of the outer housing 46, as well as within a portion of the second end 56 of the inner housing 52. The cable sealing member 60 has a centrally-extending passage 62 through which the cable 44 extends. In some cases the cable sealing member 60 can be formed from a resilient or compressible material. The cable sealing member 60 provides a seal between the outer housing 46 and the cable 44.

[0077] FIG. 2 shows that the wall member 48 of the outer housing 46 extends around the inner housing 52. Turning to FIG. 4, it can be seen that the wall member 48 couples with the cable adapter assembly 12 to enclose the inner housing 52 and the first end 34 of the cable adapter 28. In the depicted embodiment, the wall member 48 couples with the cable adapter assembly 12 in part by fitting over and around an optional wall member 66 of the cable adapter assembly 12. As the outer housing 46 and the wall member 48 couple with the cable adapter assembly 12 and the wall member 66, the sealing member 16 provides a seal between the outer housing 46 of the cable connector assembly 14 and the cable adapter assembly 12. The enclosure provided by the outer housing 46 of the cable connector assembly 14 (e.g., by wall member 48), the sealing member 16, and the cable adapter assembly 12 provides a sealed chamber 64 for the coupling of the cable adapter 28 and the mounted communications cable 44.

[0078] The implementation in FIGS. 1-4 illustrates an example of the linearly engageable latch mechanism 20 that includes a deflection and catch mechanism. In this example, FIGS. 2 and 4 show that the first latch portion 22 includes a deflection member 68 and the second latch portion 24 includes a strike member 70 that defines a notch 72. Moving the cable connector assembly 14 along the connection axis 18 toward the cable adapter assembly 12 causes the deflection member 68 to deflect and slide across the strike member 70 toward the notch 72. As the cable connector assembly 14 couples with the cable adapter assembly 12, a resiliency of the deflection member 68 urges the deflection member 68 into the notch 72. FIG. 2 provides a cross-section of the deflection member 68 and the strike member 70 and notch 72 before engagement of the latch mechanism 20, while FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of the deflection member 68 and the strike member 70 and notch 72 after engagement of the latch mechanism 20.

[0079] As will be discussed in further detail, the deflection member 68 is configured to easily engage the strike member 70 and the notch 72 so that the latch mechanism 20 engages in a push on manner as the cable connector assembly 14 is pushed along the connection axis 18 into engagement with the cable adapter assembly 12. Once engaged, a protrusion 74 at one end of the deflection member 68 fits within the notch 72. The protrusion 74 has an engagement surface that prevents the edge of the notch 72 and the entire cable connector assembly 14 from moving away from the cable adapter assembly 12. In some cases a disconnect tool can be provided to deflect the protrusion 74 out of the notch, thus disengaging the latch mechanism 20 and allowing the cable connector assembly 14 and the cable adapter assembly 12 to uncouple. One example of a disconnect tool will be described in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 23-29.

[0080] Configurations of the latch mechanism 20, the deflection member 68, the strike member 70, and the notch 72 may vary depending on the particular design objectives present for any particular implementation. FIGS. 1-4 have been referenced to describe a deflection member 68 with respect to a strike member 70 and notch 72. It will be readily ascertainable from the figures, though, that multiple deflection members, strike members, and notches are provided in the depicted embodiment. For example, the perspective view of FIG. 1 illustrates that in this embodiment, the first latch portion 22 includes multiple resilient deflection members. Similarly, the second latch portion 24 includes multiple strike members, with each strike member defining a corresponding notch. In the depicted embodiment, the multiple deflection members are spaced 90° apart about the perimeter of the cable adapter assembly 12. In a corresponding fashion, the multiple strike members and notches are spaced 90° apart about the perimeter of the outer housing 46 of the cable connector assembly 14. Moving the cable connector assembly 14 along the connection axis 18 toward the cable adapter assembly 12 causes each of the deflection members to deflect and slide across a corresponding strike member toward one of the notches. The resiliency of the deflection members urges the protrusion at the end of each deflection member into a corresponding notch as the cable connector assembly 14 couples with the cable adapter assembly 12.

[0081] Accordingly, a linearly engageable latch mechanism can optionally include two or more pairs of deflection members and corresponding strike members as shown in the illustrated example. Providing additional pairs of deflection and strike members can increase the strength of the fastening between the coupled adapter and connector assemblies. In addition, using multiple deflection and strike members (e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4) can maintain a relatively simple engagement mechanism while also making a latch mechanism more difficult to disengage by hand or with simple tools such as a screwdriver. With the example shown in FIGS. 1-4, the latch mechanism 20 has four pairs of deflection and strike members that can simultaneously engage as the connector and adapter assemblies couple along the connection axis 18. After engaged, each separate deflection member must be simultaneously deflected out of its corresponding notch in order to disengage the entire latch mechanism 20. This manipulation is optionally made more difficult in this example because the notches and the protrusions are similar in size. In addition, the notches face four different directions, thus making it difficult for a single person with two hands to simultaneously disengage all four deflection member and strike member pairs.

[0082] In addition, while the example shown in FIGS. 1-4 illustrates a linearly engageable latch mechanism 20 that incorporates multiple pairs of deflection members and strike members, it should be appreciated that the number of deflection members and corresponding strike members and/or notches can vary. Some implementations may include only a single matching pair. As an example, it is contemplated that some implementations of a cable connecting assembly may include a latch mechanism that has a single deflection member that engages a single strike member and notch. Further, while the implementations described thus far include a first latch portion having deflection members as part of the cable adapter assembly 12, it is also possible that the deflection members may instead be part of a cable connector assembly. In such a case, the cable adapter assembly could include a latch portion that provides the strike member(s) and notch(es).

[0083] Turning to FIGS. 6-9, several views of a communications cable connector assembly 100 are shown. The cable connector assembly 100 is similar in some respects to the cable connector assembly 14 shown in FIGS. 1-5. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cable connector assembly, while FIGS. 7 and 8 are a cross-sectional view and an end view, respectively. FIG. 9 is a perspective, exploded view of the cable connector assembly 100 along with a terminated communications cable 108. A dashed arrow illustrates how the cable 108 can be mounted within the inner housing 52 of the connector assembly 100.

[0084] As shown in FIGS. 6-9, the cable connector assembly 100 generally includes an outer housing 46 that is coupled to an inner housing 52. The inner housing 52 is configured to mount about the end of the communications cable 108. The inner and outer housings 52, 46 are also configured to couple with a cable adapter assembly such as, for example, the cable adapter assembly 12 depicted in FIGS. 1-5.

[0085] The cable connector assembly 100 also includes a cable sealing member 60. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the cable sealing member 60 includes a passage 62 through which the communications cable 108 extends when it is fully mounted within the cable connector assembly 100. The cross-section in FIG. 7 illustrates how the aperture 62 extends through the cable sealing member 60 along a longitudinal axis of the sealing member 60.

[0086] According to the depicted implementation, the cable connector assembly 100 also has a connector latch portion 106. The connector latch portion 106 is part of a linearly engaging latch mechanism that also includes an adapter latch portion provided by a corresponding cable adapter assembly. The connector latch portion 106 is engageable with the

corresponding adapter latch portion as the cable connector assembly 100 moves along a connection axis toward the cable adapter assembly. A similar arrangement is depicted in and described with respect to FIGS. 1-5.

[0087] Turning back to FIGS. 6-9, the inner housing 52 of the cable connector assembly 104 has a first end 54 and a second end 56. The first end 54 is configured to mount about an end of the communications cable 108 depicted in FIG. 9. The first end 54 of the inner housing is also configured to couple with a cable adapter that is part of a corresponding cable adapter assembly and to position the end of the communications cable 108 within the cable adapter along a connection axis.

[0088] As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 7, the second end 56 of the inner housing 52 is coupled to the outer housing 46. The cable sealing member 60 is positioned at least partly between the inner and outer housings 52, 46. In some cases the coupling of the outer housing 46 to the second end 56 of the inner housing 52 compresses the cable sealing member 60. The compression of the sealing member provides a seal between the outer housing 46 and the communications cable 108 when it is mounted within the connector assembly and extends through the aperture 62 of the sealing member 60.

[0089] According to the depicted example, the outer housing 46 of the connector assembly 100 has a wall member 48 that extends around the inner housing 52. The wall member 48 has an external portion 110 and an internal portion 112 that define a cavity 102. In this implementation, the wall member 48 extends around the inner housing 52 and the cavity 102 extends around the inner housing 52 between the external and internal portions 110, 112 of the wall member 48. As with the example shown in FIGS. 1-4, in the depicted embodiment the cavity 102 is configured to receive one end of a sealing member 16, which is also referred to herein as an adapter sealing member. The wall member 48 is thus configured to couple with the adapter sealing member and the cable adapter assembly. [0090] The coupling between the wall member 48, the sealing member, and the adapter assembly forms a seal between the outer housing 46 of the connector assembly 100 and the cable adapter assembly. For example, in some cases the seal created by the wall member, the adapter assembly and the sealing member may be a weathertight seal.

[0091] In the example shown in FIGS. 6-9, the adapter sealing member (not shown) is provided separately from the connector assembly 100, either individually or as part of the cable adapter assembly. As shown by the example in FIGS. 1-2, the adapter sealing member 16 can be preassembled as part of the cable adapter assembly 12. In other cases, the adapter sealing member can be provided separately at the time of coupling the cable connector and adapter assemblies. As shown in FIG. 10, in some cases the adapter sealing member 16 can be provided as part of a cable connector assembly 104. For example, one end of the sealing member 16 may be preinstalled within the cavity 102 of the connector assembly 104. In some cases the adapter sealing member 16 may be press fit within the cavity 102. In some cases a fastener such as an adhesive may retain the adapter sealing member 16 within the cavity 102.

[0092] Turning to FIGS. 11 and 12, additional views of the outer housing 46 of the cable connector assembly 100 are shown. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the outer housing 46 taken along a longitudinal axis of the housing 46. As shown in the example depicted in FIGS. 1-5, the longitudinal axis of the housing 46 is also the connection axis 18 of the cable connecting assembly 10. FIG. 12 is a perspective end view of the outer housing 46 depicting the void 58 formed by and within the walls of the outer housing 46.

[0093] In some cases the outer housing 46 of the cable connector assembly 100 is coupled to the second end 56 of the inner housing 52, as shown in FIG. 7. Returning to FIGS. 11 and 12, in this example the outer housing 46 includes a coupling portion 114 that is configured to removably couple with the second end 56 of the inner housing. In this case, the coupling portion 114 is a part of the outer housing 46 that extends away from the wall member 48.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 11, the coupling portion 114 is located between the wall member 48 and the bend limiting portion 50. In this particular embodiment, the coupling portion 114 extends between the wall member 48 and the bend limiting portion, but does not directly connect to the wall member 48. Instead, the outer housing 46 includes an end wall 116 that extends transverse to the longitudinal axis of the outer housing 46, connecting the wall member 48 with the coupling portion 114. Of course a wide variety of implementations are possible and it should be appreciated that a variety of geometrical, structural and functional configurations of the outer housing 46 are also possible in addition to the depicted examples of the coupling portion 114, the bend limiting portion 50, the end wall 116, and the wall member 48.

[0095] FIG. 7 shows the coupling portion 114 of the outer housing 46 removably coupled to the second end of the inner housing 52. In this example, an interior surface of the coupling portion provides a thread 118 that corresponds to and engages with a corresponding thread 120 of the inner housing 52. It should be appreciated, though, that the inner and outer housings 52, 46 can be connected in other ways and with other types of coupling

mechanisms. As one example, the outer housing 46 could be configured with an externally threaded portion that couples with an internally threaded portion of the inner housing 52. In addition, in some cases the coupling between the housings may be removable (as in the depicted example). In some cases the coupling may be a permanent attachment or fixing together of the two components.

[0096] FIGS. 13 and 14 provide an additional perspective view and an end view of the cable connector assembly's inner housing 52 according to some embodiments. FIGS. 6-9 and FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, among others, also provide views of some or all of the inner housing 52. In the illustrated implementations, the inner housing 52 is configured to mount about a connector subassembly that terminates a communications cable. In this case, the inner housing 52 defines a cavity 122 that is configured to receive and secure the connector subassembly. The inner housing 52 is thus configured to mount to a communications cable via an intervening, separate connector subassembly that already terminates the

communications cable. Such an approach is just one possible option for mounting the inner housing 52 to a communications cable.

[0097] In some cases, mounting the communications cable via the intervening connector subassembly may provide a number of advantages, such as being able to connect the outer housing 46 with a wide variety of existing pre-terminated cables. In addition, in some cases the configuration of the inner housing 52 and its cavity 122 can be adapted to produce a distinct configuration that is compatible with a specific type of corresponding cable connector subassembly. In this way, multiple configurations of the inner housing 52 can be made, so that the cable connector assembly 100, including the outer housing 46, can be easily mounted to different types of cable connector subassemblies and cables.

[0098] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the depicted example of the inner housing 52 is configured to mount about a particular optical fiber connector subassembly 130, which is depicted in FIG. 9, as well as in the cross-sections provided in FIGS. 2 and 4. According to this example, the first end 54 of the inner housing 52 is configured like a standard SC (e.g., Subscriber Connector) connector for terminating optical fibers. The SC connector configuration includes openings 132 that allow the connector to snap into a corresponding adapter with a pushing motion.

[0099] The connector subassembly 130 shown in FIG. 9 includes a fiber ferrule 134 that is mounted to the end of the communications cable 108. The ferrule 134 is mounted within a connector housing 136 that surrounds the fiber ferrule as well as the end of the cable 108. The connector housing 136 can be mounted within the inner housing 52 of the connector assembly 104.

[00100] According to some implementations, the inner housing 52 is configured as an

SC fiber optic connector, and the connector subassembly 130 is configured as a

corresponding, mating subassembly known in the art. One example of this type of coupling of a communications cable is taught in US Pat. No. 8,439, 577, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[00101] Implementations of the inner housing 52 configuration and type of coupling are not limited to SC connectors, though. Implementations are also not limited to fiber optic connectors. Instead, implementations of the inner housing 52 can relate to various types of optical fiber connectors, copper wire connectors (e.g., telephone and cable wires), and to other types of communications cable connectors. As just one example, some

implementations of the inner housing 52 may be configured for single fiber cables and other implementations for multi-fiber cables. In some cases the inner housing 52 may be configured for a copper wire connector, such as RJ45, RJ11, RJ21, and RJ14 connectors. In cases adapted for copper connections, the inner and/or outer housings may have one or more external metal tabs for electrically grounding the connector assembly 100.

[00102] Returning to FIGS. 13 and 14, the second end 56 of the inner housing 52 is configured to couple with the connector assembly's outer housing 46. In this case, the second end 56 of the inner housing includes a coupling portion 138. The coupling portion 138 has an external thread 120 that corresponds to the thread 118 on the inner surface of the outer housing's coupling portion 114. The coupling portion 138 has a generally cylindrical wall that defines a void. At least part of the cable sealing member 60 is within the void of the couple portion 138 when the inner housing 52 is coupled with the outer housing 46.

[00103] In some implementations of a cable connecting assembly, the coupling portion

138 of the inner housing is formed from a number of curved wall members 140. As shown in FIG. 11, in some cases the corresponding coupling portion 114 of the outer housing 46 has a diameter that decreases away from the end wall 116 of the outer housing. Turning back to the inner housing 52 in FIG. 13, optional gaps 141 between adjacent curved wall members 140 allow the curved wall members 140 to bend inward toward the longitudinal axis of the inner housing 52 as the coupling portion 138 is advanced into the narrowing coupling portion 114 of the outer housing.

[00104] As shown in the figures, in some cases the second end 56 of the inner housing

52 includes a flange 142 that extends out from the inner housing 52. In this case, the flange 142 extends around at least part of the inner housing, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the inner housing 52. Although not required, the flange 142 shown in, e.g., FIGS. 13 and 14, has a generally spiral shape of increasing width that ends at a flat edge 144 that is radially aligned with respect to the curved wall members 140.

[00105] As shown in FIG. 7, in some cases the end wall 116 of the outer housing 46 is a longitudinal stop member with respect to the inner housing's flange 142. As the coupling portion 138 of the inner housing is threadably advanced into the coupling portion 114 of the outer housing, the longitudinal stop member engages the flange 142 to limit insertion of the second end 56 of the inner housing 52 into the coupling portion 114 of the outer housing 46.

[00106] In some cases a portion of the inner housing and/or the outer housing is used to roughly orient and align the inner housing 52 with respect to the outer housing 46, so that both housings are positioned correctly for coupling with a cable adapter assembly. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 12-14, in the depicted embodiment the outer housing 46 includes a tab or protrusion 146 that functions as a rotational stop member. In this embodiment, the protrusion 146 is formed on the inner surface of the end wall 116. [00107] As the coupling portion 138 of the inner housing 46 is threadably advanced into the coupling portion 114 of the outer housing, the flat edge 144 of the flange 142 revolves about the longitudinal axis of the inner housing until it contacts the protrusion 146. The protrusion 146 prevents further movement of the flat edge 144 and thus rotationally aligns the inner housing 52 with respect to the outer housing 46. Accordingly, in some cases the flat edge 144 of the flange 142 is also referred to herein as a rotational alignment feature.

[00108] Referring to FIGS. 7, 8, and 13, the cable sealing member 60 is positioned at least partly between the inner and outer housings 52, 46. In the depicted example, a first end 147 of the cable sealing member 60 fits within the coupling portion 138 of the inner housing 52. A second end 148 of the cable sealing member 60 includes an angled surface 150 that engages a similarly- shaped inner surface of the outer housing's coupling portion 114. In some cases the angled surface 150 has a frusto-conical configuration.

[00109] In embodiments such as that depicted in FIG. 7, the coupling between the inner housing 52, the cable sealing member 60, and the outer housing 46 provides a weathertight seal about a communications cable extending through the aperture 62 of the sealing member 60. In some cases, for example, advancing the inner housing into the coupling portion 114 of the outer housing urges the cable sealing member 60 against the inner surface of the coupling portion 114. Once fully inserted and mounted, the coupling portions 114, 138 of the outer and inner housings compress the cable sealing member 60, which creates a tight seal between the inner housing and the cable sealing member and between the outer housing and the cable sealing member.

[00110] As noted above, in some cases the outer housing coupling portion 114 and the second end 148 of the sealing member have an optional angled geometry that may have a frusto-conical configuration. Turning back to FIGS. 2 and 4, the angled surfaces generate a radially compressive force in the sealing member 60 as the inner housing 52 pushes the cable sealing member 60 into the coupling portion 114 of the outer housing. The radially compressive force acts on the outer housing and the communications cable 44 extending through the sealing member's aperture 62. Thus, the coupling between the inner housing, the cable sealing member, and the outer housing can also provide a weathertight seal about a communications cable. In addition, in some cases the radially compressive force and the cable sealing member 60 provide strain relief for the communications cable 44 by holding the cable 44 within the cable connector assembly against tension on the cable 44. [00111] FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view of the outer housing 46 of the cable connector assembly 100, showing an enlarged view of part of the connector latch portion 106. As with the example shown in FIGS. 1-5, the connector latch portion 106 includes multiple strike members 70, spaced about the perimeter of the outer housing 46. Each strike member 70 defines a notch 72 that catches a deflection member on a corresponding adapter latch portion provided by a cable adapter assembly. In this embodiment, the connector latch portion 106 includes four strike members 70 and notches 72, though it should be appreciated that more or less than four strike members (and corresponding deflection members on a matching connector adapter assembly) can also be used. In some cases a connector latch portion may only include a single strike member 70 and notch 72.

[00112] As shown in FIG. 15, a strike member 70 in this implementation includes an exterior surface 160 of the outer housing's wall member 48. The exterior surface 160 is adjacent to, and also at least partially defines, the notch 72 in the exterior of the wall member 48. As discussed above, in some cases moving the connector latch portion 106 and a corresponding adapter latch portion together in a linear motion causes a deflection member of the adapter latch portion to deflect and slide across the strike member 70 toward the notch 72. As the cable connector assembly 14 couples with the cable adapter assembly 12 in FIG. 4, a resiliency of the deflection member 68 urges the deflection member 68 into the notch 72.

[00113] According to some implementations, a strike member may be formed in the exterior of the outer housing 46 so that the strike member is recessed from another area of the outer housing. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the exterior surface 160 of the strike member 70 is part of a groove 162 in the outer housing's wall member 48. As shown in FIG. 15, an adjacent outermost surface 164 of the wall member 48 extends along each side of the groove 162 so that the exterior surface 160 of the strike member 70 is recessed with respect to the outermost surface 164. In some optional configurations, the outermost surface 164 may fully extend along each side of the strike member 70, from an end 166 of the wall member 48 to at least the notch 72. As shown in FIG. 15, though, in some cases the outermost surface 164 may extend only partially along one or both sides of the strike member 70. As will be discussed further herein, in some cases part of an adapter latch portion can also extend along a portion of the strike member 70 as the connector and adapter latch portions are fastened together. [00114] The optional recession of the strike member 70 formed by adjacent portions 164 of the outer housing's wall member 48 can provide additional hardening of the connecting assembly in some embodiments. As an example, this optional feature can make it more difficult to disengage a deflection member from the notch 72 in an undesired or unauthorized manner. As with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, in some cases a deflection member may be designed so that the exterior surface of the deflection member is flush with the adjacent portions 164 of the wall member 48 shown in FIG. 15. The resulting configuration can thus limit access to the sides of the deflection member, making it more difficult to disengage the latch mechanism by prying at the sides of the deflection member.

[00115] Continuing with reference to FIG. 15, the depicted example of the cable connector housing 46 includes an end wall 116. The end wall 116 in this example extends transverse to the longitudinal axis of the outer housing 46, connecting the wall member 48 with the coupling portion 114. As described with respect to FIGS. 11 and 12, in the depicted embodiment the end wall 116 of the outer housing 46 is a longitudinal stop member with respect to the inner housing's flange 142.

[00116] FIGS. 16-21 provide various views of an example of a cable adapter assembly 200 and various components and features. FIG. 16 is a perspective view, FIG. 17 is a side cross- sectional view, and FIG. 18 is an exploded side view, all of the cable adapter assembly 200. FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of another example of a cable adapter assembly 202 without the adapter sealing member 16 shown in FIGS. 16-18. FIGS. 20 and 21 are perspective views of a base member 226 and an adapter latch portion 270, respectively.

[00117] Turning back to FIGS. 16-18, the cable adapter assembly 200 is similar to the cable adapter assembly 12 shown in FIGS. 1-5. The adapter assembly 200 includes a base member 226 that has a first side 250 and an opposing second side 252. The base member 226 supports an installed cable adapter 228. In the depicted embodiment, the base member 226 includes a cable adapter mounting hole 227 for mounting the cable adapter 228. The cable adapter 228 has first and second opposing ends 234, 236. The cable adapter 228 defines a connection axis 218 that extends through the first and second ends 234, 236.

[00118] In some implementations, the cable adapter 228 is an industry- standard component, or has an industry-standard configuration that allows it to mate with and connect the ends of two communications cables. For example, the first end 234 of the cable adapter 228 may be configured to couple (e.g., formed as a receptacle) with a corresponding cable connector or plug that terminates a communications cable. As discussed above, in some cases a cable connector may be implemented as part of an inner housing within a cable connector assembly. Coupling with the corresponding cable connector positions the end of the communications cable within the first end 234 of the cable adapter 228 along the connection axis 218.

[00119] Many different types of cable adapters can be used for the cable adapter 228 supported by the base member 226 shown in FIGS. 16-18. In the example depicted in the figures, the cable adapter 228 is configured as a standard SC (e.g., Subscriber Connector) adapter for coupling together SC connector-terminated optical fibers described with respect to FIGS. 6-14. Implementations of the cable adapter 228 configuration and type of coupling are not limited to an SC connection, though. Implementations are also not limited to fiber optic configurations. Instead, implementations of the cable adapter 228 (and corresponding cable connectors) can relate to various types of optical fiber connections, copper wire connections (e.g., telephone and cable wires), and to other types of communications cable connections. As just one example, some implementations of cooperating cable adapters and cable connectors may be configured for single fiber cables and other implementations for multi-fiber cables. In some cases the cable adapter 228 may be configured for a copper wire connector or a multiple copper wire connector. Some potential examples include, but are not limited to, RJ45, RJ11, RJ21, and RJ14 connectors.

[00120] Continuing with reference to FIGS. 16-18, in the depicted embodiment, the cable adapter assembly 200 includes a wall member 260 that is attached to the base member 226. The wall member 260 is an optional feature that can be included in some cases. In the depicted embodiment, the wall member 260 is formed integrally with the base member 226 as a one-piece component. Alternatively, the optional wall member 260 could be provided separately and then mechanically fastened to a separate base member with, e.g., an adhesive or other fastener. FIG. 20 provides a top perspective view of just the base member 226 and integral wall member 260 in this embodiment.

[00121] As shown in the figures, in the depicted embodiment, the adapter wall member 260 extends upward from the base member 226 and around the first end 234 of the cable adapter 228. The wall member 260 also forms a chamber 264 about the first end 234 of the cable adapter 228. In this embodiment, the wall member 260 has a lateral cross-section in the general shape of a rectangle, and more particularly a rounded square.

[00122] The wall member 260 of the adapter assembly 200 is configured to engage the outer housing of a cable connector assembly, such as the outer housing 46 of the cable connector assembly 100 shown in FIG. 6-9. As shown in those figures, the wall member 48 of the outer housing 46 also has a generally square cross-section that fits over and around the adapter wall member 260 as the two components are brought together along the connection axis. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the internal portion 112 of the outer housing's wall member 48 has an inside surface 124. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16-18, the adapter wall member 260 has a complementary outside surface 262. The inside surface 124 of the outer housing wall member 48 couples with the outside surface 262 of the adapter wall member 260 as the cable connector assembly 100 couples with the cable adapter assembly 200.

[00123] Accordingly, the outer housing 46 of the connector assembly 100 can engage with the adapter wall member 260, and in the process locate the outer housing 46 relative to the cable adapter 228. As shown in FIGS. 17, 18, and 20, in some embodiments, the adapter wall member 260 includes a groove or seat 266. An optional sealing member or grommet 268 is placed on the seat 266 around the perimeter of the adapter wall member 260. This optional additional sealing member 268 can thus provide additional sealing between the adapter wall member 260 and the outer housing 46 of a connector assembly to increase the seal between the chamber 264 surrounding the adapter 228 and the exterior environment.

[00124] The examples in FIGS. 6-9 and FIGS. 16-18 have wall members 48, 260 with a generally square cross-section, but it should be appreciated that a wide variety of geometries are possible for the connector assembly wall member 48 and the adapter assembly wall member 260. In some cases the geometries of the wall members may be generally the same. In some cases one wall member will be smaller in lateral cross section than the other to enable a nesting action of the wall members. In some cases it is contemplated that the cross- sectional shapes of the connector and adapter wall members 48, 260, could be different as long as one wall member fits within the other wall member as a connector assembly is coupled with an adapter assembly along the connection axis.

[00125] Turning back to FIGS. 16-18, in some cases the cable adapter assembly 200 includes an adapter sealing member 216. The sealing member 216 provides a seal between the cable adapter assembly 200 and a corresponding cable connecter assembly. In some cases, the sealing member may 216 may be formed from a resilient material. The sealing member provides a seal between the environment of the exterior of the connecting network components and the environment inside the components. In some cases the seal may be a substantially weathertight seal. As discussed herein, a substantially weathertight seal can facilitate placement of the cable adapter assembly and cable connector assembly in an exterior environment that is possibly subject to rain, wind, fog and other weather.

[00126] In the example shown in FIG. 19, the adapter sealing member (not shown) is provided separately from the cable adapter assembly 200, either individually or as part of a cable connector assembly (see, e.g., FIG. 10). As shown by the example in FIGS. 16-18, the adapter sealing member 216 can be preassembled as part of the cable adapter assembly 200. In the depicted example, one end of the sealing member 216 is preinstalled, in contact with the adapter assembly 200.

[00127] In some cases the adapter sealing member 16 may be press fit against the adapter assembly 200, or simply placed in contact with the adapter assembly 200. In some cases a fastener such as an adhesive may retain the adapter sealing member 216 against the adapter assembly 200. As shown in the figures, in this embodiment the adapter sealing member 216 has a generally thicker base section 204 that tapers up into a generally thinner wall section 206. The thinner wall section 206 is configured to fit within the cavity 102 between the internal and external portions 110, 112 of the connector assembly external wall member 48. The thicker base section 204 is configured as a transverse flange in this instance.

Accordingly, it is configured to fit between the adapter wall member 260 and an adapter latch portion 270. Also, as shown in the cross-section of FIG. 4, the transverse flange design provides areas of the sealing member on each side of the thinner wall section 206 that seal against the ends of the internal and external wall portions 110, 112 when the connector assembly is coupled with the adapter assembly.

[00128] At least one adapter sealing member 260 has been described with reference to the figures and configuration of the detailed embodiment. It should be appreciated, though, that an adapter sealing member may be provided in a wide variety of configurations. The configuration of an adapter sealing member may vary, for example, depending upon the corresponding shapes and structural configurations of a cable connector assembly and a cable adapter assembly. [00129] As shown in FIGS. 16-19, the cable adapter assembly 200 also includes an adapter latch portion 270. The adapter latch portion 270 is part of a linearly engaging latch mechanism that also includes a connector latch portion, such as the connector latch portion 106 described with reference to the cable connector assembly 100 shown in FIG. 15. The adapter latch portion 270 is engageable with the corresponding connector latch portion 106 as the cable connector assembly 100 moves along a connection axis toward the cable adapter assembly 200. A similar arrangement is depicted in and described with respect to FIGS. 1-5. Linear engagement of the adapter latch portion 270 and the connector latch portion fastens the cable connector assembly to the cable adapter assembly.

[00130] FIG. 21 provides a perspective view of the adapter latch portion 270 apart from other components of the cable adapter assembly 200. As with the example shown in FIGS. 1- 5, the adapter latch portion 270 includes four deflection members 68. In some

implementations, though, more or fewer than four deflection members may be used. In some cases a linearly engageable latch mechanism may only include a single deflection member.

[00131] Continuing with reference to FIG. 21, each deflection member 68 in this

implementation is formed as an elongate member having a first end 272 and an opposite second end 274. In this example with multiple deflection members, the first end 272 of each deflection member 68 is provided by a retaining structure 276. The depicted retaining structure 276 is formed as a ring connecting all of the deflection members 68. The retaining structure 276 also has an open middle to allow the first end of the cable adapter to pass through. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the open middle also allows the retaining structure 276 to be positioned about the optional adapter wall member 260. In some cases the retaining structure 276 and the base member 226 can include fastening components 278 (e.g., bolt holes or any other suitable fastener or component) so that the retaining structure 276 can be attached to the base member 226. The retaining structure 276 thus enables the first end 272 of each deflection member to be attached to the base member 226 shown in FIG. 20. In some implementations some or all of the retaining structure 276, the deflection member(s), and/or the entire adapter latch portion may be formed integrally with the base member 226.

[00132] One possible implementation for each deflection member 68 includes forming the deflection member as an elongate, resilient member defining a longitudinal axis. The material used to form the deflection member in this example exhibits some degree of resiliency (e.g., the ability to bend away from the longitudinal axis and then generally return to the original position). In some cases the deflection members 68, retaining structure 276, and/or the entire adapter latch portion 270 may be formed from a suitable plastic or polymer. Other components may also be formed from one or more similar or different plastics, or other materials as needed. For example, the cable connector assembly and cable adapter assembly may each be formed from one or more types of polymers. In some cases the cable sealing member 60 and the adapter sealing member 260 may be formed from a suitably resilient material, including, for example rubber or a rubber-like material. In some cases the cable sealing member 60 and/or the adapter sealing member 260 are formed from a polymer, such as a thermoplastic for example. In some cases a thermoplastic elastomer may be used, such as thermoplastic vulcanizates. One example of a suitable thermoplastic vulcanizate is sold under the tradename SANTOPRENE TM by ExxonMobil Chemical Company.

[00133] Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that various suitable materials are already available in the field, such as materials used to make other types of networking components. Accordingly, the materials discussed herein are provided by way of example only, and are not meant to be an exhaustive list of possible materials. It should be appreciated that components of a cable connecting assembly, cable connector assembly, and/or a cable adapter assembly can be made from a number of different types of material known to be suitable for weathertight and hardened applications.

[00134] Returning to FIG. 21, and also referring to FIG. 18, in some cases each elongate, resilient deflection member extends generally parallel to the connection axis 218 of the adapter assembly 200 when assembled. The second end 274 of each deflection member 68 provides a protrusion 74 that in this case extends inward toward the connection axis 218. As discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-4, the protrusion 74 engages with a corresponding notch 72 belonging to the connector latch portion 106. For example, the protrusion can be configured to fit within the notch 72.

[00135] When assembled, each deflection member 68 is located near the optional wall member 260, the adapter sealing member 216, and the cable adapter 228. FIG. 16 illustrates the relative positioning of the components in this embodiment. As with the example shown in FIG. 2, a linearly engageable latch mechanism includes the connector latch portion 106 in FIG. 15 and the adapter latch portion 270 in FIG. 21. The two portions engage as the corresponding cable connector assembly 100 and the cable adapter assembly 200 move together and apart along the connection axis to couple and uncouple. For example, as the cable connector assembly and the cable adapter assembly move closer together, the protrusion 74 on the second end 274 of the deflection member 68 contacts the strike member 70 of the connector latch portion 106, thereby deflecting the deflection member 68 away from the strike member 70. Upon further coupling of the cable adapter assembly and the connector adapter assembly, the protrusion 74 engages with and fits within a corresponding notch 72 in the outer housing 46 of the cable connector assembly 100.

[00136] In some cases the protrusion 74 extending from the second end 274 of each deflection member 68 can also be referred to a tab or a locking tab, alone or in combination with the rest of the adapter latch portion 270. The deflection member 68 may also or instead be referred to as a resilient locking tab. In the depicted embodiments, as a cable adapter assembly begins coupling with a cable connector assembly along a connection axis, contact with the striker deflects the locking tab outward from the striker and away from connection axis. The locking tab then slides across the surface of the strike member toward the notch. The resilience of the locking tab urges the locking tab into the notch, thus fastening together the now-coupled cable connector and adapter assemblies.

[00137] FIGS. 22-29 provide various views of one possible implementation of the linearly engaging latch mechanism described elsewhere herein. FIG. 22 is a perspective, cross- sectional view of the adapter latch portion 270 engaged with the connector latch portion 106 shown in FIG. 15. The top portion of the outer housing 46 of the cable connector assembly is cut away in this view to more clearly show the interaction between the notches 72 and the deflection members 68 (e.g., locking tabs). As discussed in reference to FIG. 4, and also shown in FIG. 18, the protrusion 74 located at the second end 274 of each deflection member 68 includes an engagement surface 290 that engages an edge 292 of a corresponding notch 72 (see, e.g., FIGS. 15 and 22). Upon sliding the connector latch portion 106 and the adapter latch portion 270 together, the resilience of the deflection members 68 urges the protrusions 74 into corresponding notches 72. The engagement surface 290 of each deflection member 68 obstructs linear movement of each notch edge 292, thus preventing each notch 72 and the entire cable connector assembly from moving away from corresponding deflection members 68 and the cable adapter assembly along the connection axis 218.

[00138] Returning to FIG. 15, in this example, the strike member 70 is formed so that it is recessed from the outermost surface 164 of the wall member 48, thereby forming a groove 162 in the outer housing's wall member 48. The groove 162 is defined by the outer surface 164 extending different lengths along each side of the strike member 70. In this example, part of the retaining structure 276 extends along a portion of the strike member 70, as shown in FIG. 5. This type of optional asymmetrical configuration of the retaining structure 276 can also provide an alignment guide to ensure that the cable adapter assembly 12 and the cable connector assembly 14 are coupled together with a correct rotational alignment.

[00139] Returning to FIG. 22, it can be seen that in this embodiment the exterior surface 294 of each deflection member 68 is approximately flush with the adjacent surfaces 164 of the wall member 48. Accordingly, at least the first end of the deflection members 68 have a thickness that is about the same as the depth of the groove/recessed portion 162 shown in FIG. 15. For example, some or all of the deflection member 68 can have a thickness that is exactly the same as, less than, slightly more than, or slightly less than the depth of the recessed portion, as determined desirable for particular implementations. In some cases the thickness of the deflection member 68 is set based on a determination of how much of the deflection member thickness should protrude out from the adjacent wall areas 164.

[00140] In general, it can be desirable in some cases to minimize the protruding thickness to the extent practical or possible, to reduce the chance that the deflection member can be deflected outward by grabbing, prying, or otherwise engaging the sides of the deflection member. This optional configuration can provide additional hardening of a connecting assembly in some embodiments. As an example, this optional feature can make it more difficult to disengage a deflection member from the notch 72 in an undesired or unauthorized manner. In some cases the resulting configuration can thus limit access to the sides of the deflection member 68, making it more difficult to disengage the linearly engaging latch mechanism by prying at the sides of the deflection member 68.

[00141] As shown in FIG. 22, and also in FIG. 15, each notch 72 in this embodiment has a protrusion engagement section or tab engagement section 280. The tab engagement section 280 includes the edge 292 that engages with the protrusion or tab 74 of a corresponding deflection member 68. Accordingly, the tab engagement section 280 in this example is configured to engage the locking tab 74 to fasten the part of the linearly engaging latch mechanism.

[00142] In some cases a cable connecting assembly has an associated disconnect tool. Such a disconnect tool can be used to, for example, disengage an adapter latch portion latched with a connector latch portion, thus allowing the uncoupling of a cable adapter assembly and a cable connector assembly. FIGS. 23-29 illustrate views of a cable connecting assembly 300 and just one possible example of a disconnect tool 400 provided according to an aspect of the invention. The disconnect tool 400 generally includes a handle 402 and a number of tool heads 404 that are connected to the handle 402. The tool handle and heads can be formed from any suitable material, such as a plastic, a metal, or a combination of materials.

[00143] Returning to FIG. 15, and also referring to FIGS. 22-24 and 26, in some cases the end wall 116 of the cable connector outer housing 46 includes one or more optional tool openings 170. As shown, the end wall 116 provides multiple tool openings 170. Each tool opening is in communication with a corresponding notch 72 of the connector latch portion 106. As will appreciated from the figures, each tool opening 170 allows insertion of a corresponding tool head 404 on the disconnect tool 400 through the tool opening 170 into a corresponding notch 72. Once inserted, the tool head 404 can be used to deflect the locking tab 74 out of the notch 72 to disengage at least part of the adapter latch portion 270 from at least part of the connector latch portion 106.

[00144] Continuing with reference to FIG. 23, and also referring to FIG. 15, each tool opening 170 in this implementation includes a tool loading section 302 and a tool

engagement section 304. The two sections 302, 304 are connected together, and in this case the tool engagement section 304 is narrower than the tool loading section 302. This optional configuration allows a tool head 404 to enter a notch 72 through the larger tool loading section 302, but not through the narrower tool engagement section 304. For example, in this implementation the each tool head 404 includes a face 406 that extends radially outward from the tool head 404. The size of the tool loading section 302 is large enough to accept the added thickness from the face 406 of each head 404. The narrower size of the tool engagement section 304, however, interferes with the added thickness from each tool head face 406, thus preventing removal of the tool head 404 while in the engagement section 304. The cross-sectional view in FIG. 29 illustrates the interference between the end wall 116 of the connector housing and the face 406 of the tool head 404. The narrower configuration and subsequent interference can thus enable a pulling force on the tool head 404 (e.g., via the tool handle 402) to pull the end wall 116 and the cable connector assembly away from the cable adapter assembly. [00145] As each tool head 404 extends through a corresponding tool loading section 302 of the opening 170, the tool head 404 is initially located within a tool loading section 306 of each notch 72. The tool loading section 306 of the notch is configured to initially receive the tool head 404 and is also adjacent to and in communication with the tab engagement section 280 of the corresponding notch 72.

[00146] According to some implementations, the disconnect tool 400 can be actuated (e.g., via the handle 402) to move each tool head 404 from a tool loading section 306 of each notch into the tab engagement section 280 of the notch. As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, as each tool head 404 moves from a tool loading section 306 to a tab engagement section 280, the tool head 404 displaces the deflection member protrusion or locking tab 74. As the protrusion/tab 74 is displaced by the tool head 404, the tab 74 and corresponding deflection member 68 deflect outward, away from the connection axis 218. As shown in FIG. 29, the outward deflection disengages the locking tab 74 and its engagement surface 294 from the tab engagement section of the notch 72 and the notch edge 292. Once disengaged, the cable connector assembly is unfastened from the cable adapter assembly, allowing the two network components to uncouple by moving them away from each other along the connection axis 218.

[00147] As shown in the figures, in some cases the tool heads and/or faces of a disconnect tool, as well as the protrusions or tabs on the deflection members, can have one or more angled configurations that facilitate engagement between the disconnect tool and the adapter latch mechanism while also preserving the latching functionality between the adapter latch mechanism and the connector latch mechanism. As one example, the deflection member protrusions 74 are illustrated in this particular embodiment (see, e.g., FIG. 21) as having a flat engagement surface 290 for engaging the edge 292 of a corresponding notch 72. In addition, the protrusions 74 each include optional angled side faces 320 and an optionally angled top face 322. Turning to FIGS. 23, 25, 27, and 28, it can be seen that each tool head 404 in this example includes an angled leading surface 408 as part of the tool head face 406. The angle of the leading surface 408 provides a smooth engagement with a locking tab 74 as the tool head 404 is turned into the tab 74, thus providing a smooth and reliable deflection of the locking tab 74 and unfastening of the adapter latch portion from the connector latch portion.

[00148] According to some embodiments, a disconnect tool can be provided to facilitate disengagement of a fastened cable connecting assembly. As discussed above, the disconnect tool 400 has a handle 402 and multiple tool heads 404 that are connected to the handle 402. Actuation of the handle 402 engages the tool heads 404 with the locking tabs 74 of the adapter latch portion. In the depicted embodiment, the disconnect tool is actuated by rotating the handle 402 and heads 404 about the connection axis 218 of the cable connecting assembly. To position the tool 400 for engaging the latch mechanism, the handle 402 includes a slot 410 that extends the length of the handle 402. The slot 410 allows the handle to be slipped around a communications cable that is terminated by a cable connector assembly. For example, imagining that the disconnect tool 400 was to be used with the fastened cable connecting assembly 10 shown in FIG. 5, the communications cable 44 could be placed in the slot 410 of the handle 402, thus allowing the handle 402 to be concentric with the connection axis 218 of the connecting assembly 10.

[00149] Accordingly, in the general sense, use of a cable connecting assembly according to the teachings provided herein can in some cases generally involve terminating a

communications cable, such as the cable 44 shown in FIGS. 1-5. Assuming that an end of the communications cable is already mounted within a cable connector assembly (e.g., as described herein), a technician can move the cable end and cable connector assembly along a connection axis toward a cable adapter assembly. Coupling the cable connector assembly with the cable adapter assembly involves coupling a first end of the inner housing of the cable connector assembly with a first end of the cable adapter. This positions the end of the communications cable within the first end of the cable adapter. Coupling the assemblies also involves coupling the outer housing of the cable connector assembly with the cable adapter assembly. Coupling the outer housing encloses the inner housing and the first end of the cable adapter. In this configuration, the outer housing is coupled to a second end of the inner housing and has a wall member extending around the inner housing.

[00150] In addition to merely coupling the cable connector assembly and the cable adapter assembly to, e.g., provide a functional connection (e.g., such as an operative electrical or optical connection), some implementations of the cable connector assembly and cable adapter assembly further provide the ability to fasten the components together in a hardened and/or weathertight coupling. Accordingly, in some cases a cable connector assembly is both coupled with a cable adapter assembly and also fastened to the cable adapter assembly. As one example, the fastening may in some cases include using a linearly engageable latch mechanism to fasten the outer housing of the cable connector assembly to the cable adapter assembly. More particularly, the fastening can include engaging a connector latch portion with an adapter latch portion.

[00151] As discussed elsewhere herein, in some cases the coupling and the latching or fastening of the cable connector assembly and the cable adapter assembly occur in a single motion and/or along a single axis or parallel axes of movement. For example, coupling the cable connecting assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 1-4 involves linearly pushing the adapter assembly 12 and the connector assembly 14 along a connection axis 18 to couple them together. The first and second latch portions 22, 24 of the latch mechanism 20 in FIGS. 1-4 also engages as the cable connector assembly 14 and the cable adapter assembly 12 come together and couple along the connection axis 18. Accordingly, the latch mechanism 20 engages as part of the same motion that also couples the adapter assembly 12 and the connector assembly 14 together. In addition, the cable adapter assembly 12 and/or the cable connector assembly 14 move along the connection axis 18, while the corresponding latch portions 22, 24 move along a parallel, linear path (or possibly along the same connection axis 18 depending on the configuration and definition of the latch portions).

[00152] Accordingly, some embodiments described herein involve the use of adapter and connector assemblies that are linearly coupled, as well as the use of adapter and connector latch portions that are also linearly engaged.

[00153] In addition to coupling and latching/fastening network components, some embodiments involve disengaging a connector latch portion and an adapter latch portion to unfasten and then uncouple the cable connector assembly from the cable adapter assembly. Accordingly, in these types of implementations, a latch mechanism (e.g., a linearly engageable latch mechanism) must be disengaged before the cable connector assembly can be uncoupled from the adapter assembly. In some cases a tool (e.g., the disconnect tool 400 described with reference to FIGS. 23-29) is used to disengage connector and adapter latch portions, which can be advantageous in that it can sometimes discourage manual

disengagement and uncoupling of the network components.

[00154] As discussed further above, latching or fastening the cable adapter assembly and the cable connector assembly can in some cases involve moving a locking tab and a strike member together along a path until the locking tab engages the strike member's notch. The path is in some cases at least parallel (and optionally concentric) with a connection axis. [00155] Further uses of the cable connector and adapter assemblies described herein involve the use of a tool to help disengage two parts of a latch mechanism. According to some cases the latch mechanism includes an adapter latch portion and a connector latch portion that can be engaged and latched with a straightforward pushing motion (e.g., without a tool), while disengaging the latch portions involves using a tool to unfasten the outer housing of the cable connector assembly from the cable adapter assembly. In some cases a tool must be used to unfasten the assemblies. As one possible example, using a disconnect tool involves actuating moving the tool handle and the connected tool heads parallel to the connection axis, inserting the tool heads into corresponding notches in the connector housing in one motion, and rotating the handle and connected tool heads to deflect multiple locking tabs out of respective notches at the same time.

[00156] As described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4, a cable adapter assembly can be incorporated into different types of network components and support structures. For example, the base member 26 of the cable adapter assembly 12 could potentially be attached to or part of a network terminal or enclosure. In this type of implementation, the base member 26 and/or the planar member 30 could be attached to an exterior wall of the terminal or enclosure. The base member 26 could also be formed integrally as part of the exterior wall of a terminal or enclosure.

[00157] Two possible implementations of a cable adapter assembly will now be discussed with reference to FIGS. 30-33. First, FIGS. 30-32 illustrate one possible example in which the base of a cable adapter assembly is integrated into an exterior wall of a communications terminal enclosure 500 (also simply referred to herein as a terminal or enclosure). FIG. 33 illustrates a second possible embodiment in which the base of a cable adapter assembly is part of the frame for an inline cable connector 600. Accordingly, these are two possible implementations of the teachings about cable adapter and cable connector assemblies discussed elsewhere herein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these are just two possible examples and that many other embodiments are possible according to the teachings herein.

[00158] Turning now to the first example, FIG. 30 provides a perspective view of the network terminal 500 that includes several cable adapter assemblies 502 that are similar in many respects to other cable adapter assemblies discussed herein. FIG. 31 provides a second perspective view that shows the network terminal 500 with a cable connector assembly 504 (e.g., shown without the cable for simplicity) coupled and fastened to each of the cable adapter assemblies 502. FIG. 32 provides another perspective view of the network terminal 500, this time with a cover 506 removed to reveal the interior chamber 508 of the terminal.

[00159] Referring now to FIGS. 30-32, the communications terminal enclosure 500 in this embodiment includes an enclosure body 510 that has, among other things, a first end wall 512, a second end wall 514 and a side wall 515 extending between and connecting the first end wall 512 and the second end wall 514. The enclosure 500 also includes multiple cable ports 518, in this case in opposing end walls 512, 514. As shown in the figures, several cable port 518 are mounted in each end wall. In some cases a greater or lesser number of cable ports may be included. For example, in some cases a network terminal may only have one cable port 518 mounted in each opposing end wall.

[00160] Each of the cable ports includes a cable adapter assembly 502 similar to other adapter assemblies described elsewhere herein. In this example, the base member of each cable adapter assembly 502 is part of one of the end walls 512, 514. A cable adapter 516 is included with each adapter assembly 502. The adapter 516 is shown in part on the inside of the wall 514 in FIG. 32. Each of the cable adapters define a connection axis and extend through the base member/end wall from outside the enclosure body 510 to inside the enclosure body 510. As with other embodiments described herein, the cable adapter is configured to couple with an inner housing that is part of the corresponding cable connector assembly 504 shown in FIGS. 31-32. Engagement of an adapter latch portion with a connector latch portion fastens the cable connector assembly to the cable adapter assembly.

[00161] While a variety of configurations are possible, in some cases, at least one cable port 520 is an input port for terminating an end of an incoming communications cable (not shown). A second cable port 522 is an output port for terminating a beginning of an outgoing communications cable (not shown).

[00162] As shown in FIG. 32, cable connector assemblies 504 having similar features as those described elsewhere here are coupled to the cable adapter assemblies 502 with the aid of an adapter sealing member 530. FIG. 32 also shows, in an exploded view, the assembly order for the outer housing of the cable connector assembly 504, the adapter sealing member 530, the adapter latch portion 532, and the adapter base portion that is integral to and/or attached to the end wall 512. [00163] FIG. 33 illustrates an example of a potential inline cable connector 600. In this embodiment, the inline connector includes a first cable adapter assembly 602 attached to the back of a second cable adapter assembly 604, with a cable adapter (not shown) mounted within and between the two cable adapter assemblies 602, 604. A first cable connector assembly 606 is shown coupled to and fastened to the first cable adapter assembly 602. A second cable connector assembly 608 is coupled to and fastened to the second cable adapter assembly 604.

[00164] It should be appreciated that a number of structural configurations are possible for connecting back-to-back cable adapter assemblies, and that the example in FIG. 33 provides just one potential implementation. One potential advantage for the connector 600 is that it employs adapter and connector assembly features, similar to other embodiments discussed herein, that provide a hardened and weathertight connector assembly 600. Of course it should be appreciated that this is just one possible example of a sealed, inline cable connector, and that the teachings provided herein can be applied to a wide variety of additional and/or alternate embodiments.

[00165] Some examples of various and/or optional aspects, implementations, and features will now be described. One general aspect includes a communications cable connecting assembly, including: a cable adapter assembly including a base member and a cable adapter supported by the base member, the cable adapter including a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a cable connector assembly including an inner housing configured to mount about an end of a communications cable, the inner housing including a first end and a second end, the first end configured to couple with the first end of the cable adapter along a connection axis, and an outer housing coupled to the second end of the inner housing, the outer housing including a wall member extending around the inner housing, the wall member configured to couple with the cable adapter assembly to form an enclosure about the inner housing and the first end of the cable adapter; a sealing member configured to engage with and provide a seal between the cable adapter assembly and the outer housing of the cable connector assembly; and a linearly engageable latch mechanism including a first latch portion provided by the cable adapter assembly and a second latch portion provided by the cable connector assembly, the first latch portion engageable with the second latch portion as the cable connector assembly moves along the connection axis toward the cable adapter assembly; where engagement of the first and the second latch portions fastens the cable connector assembly to the cable adapter assembly.

[00166] Implementations of the communications cable connecting assembly may include one or more of the following features. The cable connecting assembly where the first latch portion includes a resilient deflection member and the second latch portion includes a strike member defining a notch. The cable connecting assembly may also include where moving the cable connector assembly along the connection axis toward the cable adapter assembly causes the deflection member to deflect and slide across the strike member toward the notch. The cable connecting assembly may also include where the resiliency of the deflection member urges the deflection member into the notch as the cable connector assembly couples with the cable adapter assembly. The cable connecting assembly where the strike member includes an exterior surface of the outer housing wall member adjacent to the notch. The cable connecting assembly where the strike member includes a recessed portion of the exterior surface of the wall member. The cable connecting assembly where the first end of the deflection member has a thickness that is the same as or less than a depth of the recessed portion. The cable connecting assembly further including a disconnect tool including a handle and a tool head connected to the handle, where actuation of the handle engages the tool head with the first latch portion to deflect the deflection member out of the notch thereby unfastening the cable connector assembly from the cable adapter assembly. The cable connecting assembly where the outer housing of the cable connector assembly provides a tool opening in communication with the notch enabling the tool head of the disconnect tool to extend through the tool opening to engage the first latch portion. The cable connecting assembly where the first latch portion includes a plurality of resilient deflection members and the second latch portion includes a plurality of strike members, each strike member defining a notch. The cable connecting assembly may also include where moving the cable connector assembly along the connection axis toward the cable adapter assembly causes each of the plurality of deflection members to deflect and slide across a corresponding strike member toward one of the notches. The cable connecting assembly may also include where the resiliency of the deflection members urges the deflection members into the notches as the cable connector assembly couples with the cable adapter assembly. The cable connecting assembly further including a disconnect tool including a handle and a plurality of tool heads connected to the handle, each of the tool heads configured to deflect one of the plurality of deflection members out of the notch of the corresponding strike member upon actuation of the handle. The cable connector assembly where the connector latch portion includes a strike member defining a notch in the wall member of the outer housing, and where the adapter latch portion includes a resilient locking tab. The cable connector assembly may also include where moving the cable connector assembly along the connection axis toward the cable adapter assembly causes the locking tab to deflect and slide across the strike member toward the notch. The cable connector assembly may also include where the resiliency of the locking tab urges the locking tab into the notch as the cable connector assembly couples with the cable adapter assembly. The cable connector assembly where the strike member includes a groove in the wall member. The cable connector assembly where the outer housing includes an end wall extending transverse to the connection axis, and where the end wall defines a tool opening in communication with the notch to allow insertion of a tool head into the notch for deflecting the locking tab out of the notch thereby disengaging the connector latch portion and the adapter latch portion. The cable connector assembly where the notch defines a tool loading section and a tab engagement section, where the tab engagement section is configured to engage the locking tab, and where the tool loading section is configured to initially receive the tool head and is adjacent to the tab engagement section. The cable connector assembly where the tool opening includes a loading section in communication with the tool loading section of the notch and an engagement section in communication with the tab engagement section of the notch, and where the engagement section of the tool opening is narrower than the loading section of the tool opening, and where the engagement section of the tool opening retains the tool head within the notch thereby enabling a pulling force on the tool head to pull the end wall and the cable connector assembly away from the cable adapter assembly. The cable connector assembly where the outer housing includes a coupling portion that is removably coupled to the second end of the inner housing, the coupling portion of the outer housing extending away from the wall member of the outer housing. The cable connector assembly where the second end of the inner housing includes a threaded coupling portion removably coupled with a corresponding thread of the coupling portion of the outer housing, and where the cable sealing member is at least partially received inside the coupling portion of the inner housing. The cable connector assembly where the second end of the inner housing includes a flange and where the outer housing includes a longitudinal stop member that engages the flange to limit insertion of the second end of the inner housing into the coupling portion of the outer housing. The cable connector assembly where the outer housing includes a rotational stop member and where the flange includes a rotation alignment feature that engages the rotational stop member to align rotation of the inner housing relative to the outer housing. The cable connector assembly where the inner housing is configured to mount about an optical fiber connector subassembly, the optical fiber connector subassembly including a fiber ferrule mounted to the end of the communications cable and a connector housing surrounding the fiber ferrule and the end of the communications cable. The cable adapter assembly where the wall member extends around the first end of the cable adapter and is configured to couple with an inside surface of the wall member of the outer housing of the cable connector assembly. The cable adapter assembly where the wall member forms a chamber about the first end of the cable adapter, and where the wall member is integral with the base member. The cable adapter assembly where the adapter latch portion includes an elongate, resilient deflection member extending parallel to the connection axis, and where the deflection member includes a first end attached to the base member and a second end including a protrusion configured to fit within a notch in the outer housing of the cable connector assembly. The cable adapter assembly where the deflection member is located relative to the cable adapter and wall member so that the protrusion on the second end of the deflection member contacts a strike member of the connector latch portion, thereby deflecting the deflection member away from the strike member as the cable connector assembly moves along the connection axis toward the cable adapter assembly. The cable adapter assembly where the adapter latch portion includes a plurality of elongate, resilient deflection members extending parallel to the connection axis, and where each of the deflection members includes a first end attached to the base member and a second end including a protrusion configured to fit within a corresponding notch in the outer housing of the cable connector assembly. The cable adapter assembly where the base member includes a portion of a terminal enclosure wall. The cable adapter assembly where the base member includes a portion of an inline cable connecting assembly. The cable adapter assembly where the base member includes a cable adapter mounting hole for mounting the cable adapter with the first end of the cable adapter on the first side of the base member and the second end of the cable adapter on the second side of the base member. The terminal enclosure where the first cable port is an input port for terminating an end of an incoming communications cable and where the second cable port is an output port for terminating a beginning of an outgoing communications cable. The terminal enclosure where engagement of the adapter latch portion and the connector latch portion provides part of a hardened connection between the cable connector assembly and the cable adapter assembly. The terminal enclosure further including a cable connector assembly fastened to the cable adapter assembly and an adapter sealing member positioned between the cable connector assembly and the cable adapter assembly. The terminal enclosure may also include where the cable connector assembly includes the inner housing, the end of the communications cable, the connector latch portion, and the outer housing corresponding to the cable adapter assembly. The terminal enclosure may also include where the inner housing includes a first end and a second end, the first end coupled with the cable adapter. The terminal enclosure may also include where the inner housing is mounted about the end of the communications cable which is positioned within the cable adapter along the connection axis. The terminal enclosure may also include where the outer housing is coupled to the second end of the inner housing. The terminal enclosure may also include where the outer housing includes a wall member extending around the inner housing, the wall member coupled with the cable adapter assembly and the adapter sealing member thereby forming a seal between the outer housing and the cable adapter assembly. The terminal enclosure may also include where the cable connector assembly further includes a cable sealing member providing a passage through which the communications cable extends. The terminal enclosure may also include where the cable sealing member is compressed by the coupling of the outer housing to the second end of the inner housing, thereby providing a seal between the outer housing and the communications cable. The method further including disengaging the connector latch portion and the adapter latch portion to unfasten and then uncouple the cable connector assembly from the cable adapter assembly. The method further including using a tool to disengage the connector latch portion from the adapter latch portion. The method where the adapter latch portion includes a locking tab and the connector latch portion includes a strike member defining a notch in the outer housing of the cable connector assembly, and further including moving the locking tab and the strike member toward each other along a path parallel to the connection axis until the locking tab engages the notch. The method further including inserting a tool head into the notch and actuating the tool head to deflect the locking tab out of the notch to unfasten the cable connector assembly from the cable adapter assembly. The method where the adapter latch portion includes a plurality of locking tabs and the connector latch portion includes a plurality of strike members, each strike member defining a notch, and further including moving the adapter latch portion and the connector latch portion toward each other along a path parallel to the connection axis until each of the locking tabs engages one of the notches. The method further including using a tool to unfasten the outer housing from the cable adapter assembly, where the tool includes a handle and a plurality of tool heads connected to the handle, and where using the tool includes inserting each of the tool heads into one of the notches and actuating the tool heads to deflect each of the locking tabs out of a corresponding one of the notches to unfasten the cable connector assembly from the cable adapter assembly. The method where actuating the tool heads includes moving the handle and the connected tool heads parallel to the connection axis, inserting the tool heads into corresponding notches in one motion, and rotating the handle and connected tool heads to deflect the plurality of locking tabs out of respective notches.

[00167] Another general aspect includes a communications cable connector assembly, including: an inner housing including a first end and a second end, the first end configured to couple with a cable adapter that is part of a corresponding cable adapter assembly, the inner housing configured to mount about an end of a communications cable and position the end of the communications cable within the cable adapter along a connection axis; an outer housing coupled to the second end of the inner housing, the outer housing including a wall member extending around the inner housing, the wall member configured to couple with the cable adapter assembly and an adapter sealing member thereby forming a seal between the outer housing and the cable adapter assembly; a cable sealing member providing a passage through which the communications cable extends when mounted within the inner housing and the outer housing; and a connector latch portion of a linearly engaging latch mechanism, the latch mechanism having a corresponding adapter latch portion provided by the cable adapter assembly, the connector latch portion engageable with the adapter latch portion as the cable connector assembly moves along the connection axis toward the cable adapter assembly; where the cable sealing member is compressed by the coupling of the outer housing to the second end of the inner housing, thereby providing a seal between the outer housing and the communications cable when mounted within the inner housing and the outer housing.

[00168] Implementations of the communications cable connector assembly may include one or more of the following features. The cable connector assembly where the connector latch portion includes a strike member defining a notch in the wall member of the outer housing, and where the adapter latch portion includes a resilient locking tab. The cable connector assembly may also include where moving the cable connector assembly along the connection axis toward the cable adapter assembly causes the locking tab to deflect and slide across the strike member toward the notch. The cable connector assembly may also include where the resiliency of the locking tab urges the locking tab into the notch as the cable connector assembly couples with the cable adapter assembly. The cable connector assembly where the strike member includes a groove in the wall member. The cable connector assembly where the outer housing includes an end wall extending transverse to the connection axis, and where the end wall defines a tool opening in communication with the notch to allow insertion of a tool head into the notch for deflecting the locking tab out of the notch thereby disengaging the connector latch portion and the adapter latch portion. The cable connector assembly where the notch defines a tool loading section and a tab engagement section, where the tab engagement section is configured to engage the locking tab, and where the tool loading section is configured to initially receive the tool head and is adjacent to the tab engagement section. The cable connector assembly where the tool opening includes a loading section in communication with the tool loading section of the notch and an engagement section in communication with the tab engagement section of the notch, and where the engagement section of the tool opening is narrower than the loading section of the tool opening, and where the engagement section of the tool opening retains the tool head within the notch thereby enabling a pulling force on the tool head to pull the end wall and the cable connector assembly away from the cable adapter assembly. The cable connector assembly where the outer housing includes a coupling portion that is removably coupled to the second end of the inner housing, the coupling portion of the outer housing extending away from the wall member of the outer housing. The cable connector assembly where the second end of the inner housing includes a threaded coupling portion removably coupled with a corresponding thread of the coupling portion of the outer housing, and where the cable sealing member is at least partially received inside the coupling portion of the inner housing. The cable connector assembly where the second end of the inner housing includes a flange and where the outer housing includes a longitudinal stop member that engages the flange to limit insertion of the second end of the inner housing into the coupling portion of the outer housing. The cable connector assembly where the outer housing includes a rotational stop member and where the flange includes a rotation alignment feature that engages the rotational stop member to align rotation of the inner housing relative to the outer housing. The cable connector assembly where the inner housing is configured to mount about an optical fiber connector subassembly, the optical fiber connector subassembly including a fiber ferrule mounted to the end of the communications cable and a connector housing surrounding the fiber ferrule and the end of the communications cable. The cable adapter assembly where the wall member extends around the first end of the cable adapter and is configured to couple with an inside surface of the wall member of the outer housing of the cable connector assembly. The cable adapter assembly where the wall member forms a chamber about the first end of the cable adapter, and where the wall member is integral with the base member. The cable adapter assembly where the adapter latch portion includes an elongate, resilient deflection member extending parallel to the connection axis, and where the deflection member includes a first end attached to the base member and a second end including a protrusion configured to fit within a notch in the outer housing of the cable connector assembly. The cable adapter assembly where the deflection member is located relative to the cable adapter and wall member so that the protrusion on the second end of the deflection member contacts a strike member of the connector latch portion, thereby deflecting the deflection member away from the strike member as the cable connector assembly moves along the connection axis toward the cable adapter assembly. The cable adapter assembly where the adapter latch portion includes a plurality of elongate, resilient deflection members extending parallel to the connection axis, and where each of the deflection members includes a first end attached to the base member and a second end including a protrusion configured to fit within a corresponding notch in the outer housing of the cable connector assembly. The cable adapter assembly where the base member includes a portion of a terminal enclosure wall. The cable adapter assembly where the base member includes a portion of an inline cable connecting assembly. The cable adapter assembly where the base member includes a cable adapter mounting hole for mounting the cable adapter with the first end of the cable adapter on the first side of the base member and the second end of the cable adapter on the second side of the base member. The terminal enclosure where the first cable port is an input port for terminating an end of an incoming communications cable and where the second cable port is an output port for terminating a beginning of an outgoing communications cable. The terminal enclosure where engagement of the adapter latch portion and the connector latch portion provides part of a hardened connection between the cable connector assembly and the cable adapter assembly. The terminal enclosure further including a cable connector assembly fastened to the cable adapter assembly and an adapter sealing member positioned between the cable connector assembly and the cable adapter assembly. The terminal enclosure may also include where the cable connector assembly includes the inner housing, the end of the communications cable, the connector latch portion, and the outer housing corresponding to the cable adapter assembly. The terminal enclosure may also include where the inner housing includes a first end and a second end, the first end coupled with the cable adapter. The terminal enclosure may also include where the inner housing is mounted about the end of the communications cable which is positioned within the cable adapter along the connection axis. The terminal enclosure may also include where the outer housing is coupled to the second end of the inner housing. The terminal enclosure may also include where the outer housing includes a wall member extending around the inner housing, the wall member coupled with the cable adapter assembly and the adapter sealing member thereby forming a seal between the outer housing and the cable adapter assembly. The terminal enclosure may also include where the cable connector assembly further includes a cable sealing member providing a passage through which the communications cable extends. The terminal enclosure may also include where the cable sealing member is compressed by the coupling of the outer housing to the second end of the inner housing, thereby providing a seal between the outer housing and the

communications cable. The method further including disengaging the connector latch portion and the adapter latch portion to unfasten and then uncouple the cable connector assembly from the cable adapter assembly. The method further including using a tool to disengage the connector latch portion from the adapter latch portion. The method where the adapter latch portion includes a locking tab and the connector latch portion includes a strike member defining a notch in the outer housing of the cable connector assembly, and further including moving the locking tab and the strike member toward each other along a path parallel to the connection axis until the locking tab engages the notch. The method further including inserting a tool head into the notch and actuating the tool head to deflect the locking tab out of the notch to unfasten the cable connector assembly from the cable adapter assembly. The method where the adapter latch portion includes a plurality of locking tabs and the connector latch portion includes a plurality of strike members, each strike member defining a notch, and further including moving the adapter latch portion and the connector latch portion toward each other along a path parallel to the connection axis until each of the locking tabs engages one of the notches. The method further including using a tool to unfasten the outer housing from the cable adapter assembly, where the tool includes a handle and a plurality of tool heads connected to the handle, and where using the tool includes inserting each of the tool heads into one of the notches and actuating the tool heads to deflect each of the locking tabs out of a corresponding one of the notches to unfasten the cable connector assembly from the cable adapter assembly. The method where actuating the tool heads includes moving the handle and the connected tool heads parallel to the connection axis, inserting the tool heads into corresponding notches in one motion, and rotating the handle and connected tool heads to deflect the plurality of locking tabs out of respective notches.

[00169] Another general aspect includes a communications cable adapter assembly, including: a base member defining a first side and a second side opposite from the first side; a cable adapter supported by the base member and including a first end and a second end opposite the first end defining a connection axis, the first end configured to couple with an inner housing that is part of a corresponding cable connector assembly to thereby position an end of a communications cable mounted to the inner housing within the first end of the cable adapter along the connection axis; an adapter latch portion of a linearly engaging latch mechanism, the latch mechanism having a corresponding connector latch portion provided by the cable connector assembly, the adapter latch portion engageable with the connector latch portion as the cable connector assembly moves along the connection axis toward the cable adapter assembly; and a wall member attached to the base member about the first end of the cable adapter, the wall member configured to engage an outer housing of the cable connector assembly to locate the outer housing relative to the cable adapter and the adapter latch portion; where engagement of the adapter latch portion and the connector latch portion fastens the cable connector assembly to the cable adapter assembly.

[00170] Implementations of the communications cable adapter assembly may include one or more of the following features. The cable adapter assembly where the wall member extends around the first end of the cable adapter and is configured to couple with an inside surface of the wall member of the outer housing of the cable connector assembly. The cable adapter assembly where the wall member forms a chamber about the first end of the cable adapter, and where the wall member is integral with the base member. The cable adapter assembly where the adapter latch portion includes an elongate, resilient deflection member extending parallel to the connection axis, and where the deflection member includes a first end attached to the base member and a second end including a protrusion configured to fit within a notch in the outer housing of the cable connector assembly. The cable adapter assembly where the deflection member is located relative to the cable adapter and wall member so that the protrusion on the second end of the deflection member contacts a strike member of the connector latch portion, thereby deflecting the deflection member away from the strike member as the cable connector assembly moves along the connection axis toward the cable adapter assembly. The cable adapter assembly where the adapter latch portion includes a plurality of elongate, resilient deflection members extending parallel to the connection axis, and where each of the deflection members includes a first end attached to the base member and a second end including a protrusion configured to fit within a corresponding notch in the outer housing of the cable connector assembly. The cable adapter assembly where the base member includes a portion of a terminal enclosure wall. The cable adapter assembly where the base member includes a portion of an inline cable connecting assembly. The cable adapter assembly where the base member includes a cable adapter mounting hole for mounting the cable adapter with the first end of the cable adapter on the first side of the base member and the second end of the cable adapter on the second side of the base member. The terminal enclosure where the first cable port is an input port for terminating an end of an incoming communications cable and where the second cable port is an output port for terminating a beginning of an outgoing communications cable. The terminal enclosure where engagement of the adapter latch portion and the connector latch portion provides part of a hardened connection between the cable connector assembly and the cable adapter assembly. The terminal enclosure further including a cable connector assembly fastened to the cable adapter assembly and an adapter sealing member positioned between the cable connector assembly and the cable adapter assembly. The terminal enclosure may also include where the cable connector assembly includes the inner housing, the end of the communications cable, the connector latch portion, and the outer housing corresponding to the cable adapter assembly. The terminal enclosure may also include where the inner housing includes a first end and a second end, the first end coupled with the cable adapter. The terminal enclosure may also include where the inner housing is mounted about the end of the communications cable which is positioned within the cable adapter along the connection axis. The terminal enclosure may also include where the outer housing is coupled to the second end of the inner housing. The terminal enclosure may also include where the outer housing includes a wall member extending around the inner housing, the wall member coupled with the cable adapter assembly and the adapter sealing member thereby forming a seal between the outer housing and the cable adapter assembly. The terminal enclosure may also include where the cable connector assembly further includes a cable sealing member providing a passage through which the communications cable extends. The terminal enclosure may also include where the cable sealing member is compressed by the coupling of the outer housing to the second end of the inner housing, thereby providing a seal between the outer housing and the

[00171] Another general aspect includes a communications terminal enclosure, including: an enclosure body including a first end wall, a second end wall and a side wall extending between and connecting the first end wall and the second end wall; a first cable port mounted in the first end wall; and a second cable port mounted in the second end wall; where the first and the second cable ports each include a cable adapter assembly, each cable adapter assembly including: a base member including part of one of the first end wall and the second end wall; a cable adapter defining a connection axis and extending through the base member from outside the enclosure body to inside the enclosure body, the cable adapter configured to couple with an inner housing that is part of a corresponding cable connector assembly to thereby position an end of a communications cable mounted to the inner housing within the cable adapter along the connection axis; an adapter latch portion of a linearly engaging latch mechanism, the latch mechanism having a corresponding connector latch portion provided by the corresponding cable connector assembly, the adapter latch portion engageable with the connector latch portion as the cable connector assembly moves along the connection axis toward the cable adapter assembly; and a wall member attached to the base member about the cable adapter on the outside of the enclosure body, the wall member configured to engage an outer housing of the cable connector assembly to locate the outer housing relative to the cable adapter and the adapter latch portion; where engagement of the adapter latch portion and the connector latch portion fastens the cable connector assembly to the cable adapter assembly.

[00172] Implementations of the communications terminal enclosure may include one or more of the following features. The terminal enclosure where the first cable port is an input port for terminating an end of an incoming communications cable and where the second cable port is an output port for terminating a beginning of an outgoing communications cable. The terminal enclosure where engagement of the adapter latch portion and the connector latch portion provides part of a hardened connection between the cable connector assembly and the cable adapter assembly. The terminal enclosure further including a cable connector assembly fastened to the cable adapter assembly and an adapter sealing member positioned between the cable connector assembly and the cable adapter assembly. The terminal enclosure may also include where the cable connector assembly includes the inner housing, the end of the communications cable, the connector latch portion, and the outer housing corresponding to the cable adapter assembly. The terminal enclosure may also include where the inner housing includes a first end and a second end, the first end coupled with the cable adapter. The terminal enclosure may also include where the inner housing is mounted about the end of the communications cable which is positioned within the cable adapter along the connection axis. The terminal enclosure may also include where the outer housing is coupled to the second end of the inner housing. The terminal enclosure may also include where the outer housing includes a wall member extending around the inner housing, the wall member coupled with the cable adapter assembly and the adapter sealing member thereby forming a seal between the outer housing and the cable adapter assembly. The terminal enclosure may also include where the cable connector assembly further includes a cable sealing member providing a passage through which the communications cable extends. The terminal enclosure may also include where the cable sealing member is compressed by the coupling of the outer housing to the second end of the inner housing, thereby providing a seal between the outer housing and the communications cable. The method further including disengaging the connector latch portion and the adapter latch portion to unfasten and then uncouple the cable connector assembly from the cable adapter assembly. The method further including using a tool to disengage the connector latch portion from the adapter latch portion. The method where the adapter latch portion includes a locking tab and the connector latch portion includes a strike member defining a notch in the outer housing of the cable connector assembly, and further including moving the locking tab and the strike member toward each other along a path parallel to the connection axis until the locking tab engages the notch. The method further including inserting a tool head into the notch and actuating the tool head to deflect the locking tab out of the notch to unfasten the cable connector assembly from the cable adapter assembly. The method where the adapter latch portion includes a plurality of locking tabs and the connector latch portion includes a plurality of strike members, each strike member defining a notch, and further including moving the adapter latch portion and the connector latch portion toward each other along a path parallel to the connection axis until each of the locking tabs engages one of the notches. The method further including using a tool to unfasten the outer housing from the cable adapter assembly, where the tool includes a handle and a plurality of tool heads connected to the handle, and where using the tool includes inserting each of the tool heads into one of the notches and actuating the tool heads to deflect each of the locking tabs out of a corresponding one of the notches to unfasten the cable connector assembly from the cable adapter assembly. The method where actuating the tool heads includes moving the handle and the connected tool heads parallel to the connection axis, inserting the tool heads into corresponding notches in one motion, and rotating the handle and connected tool heads to deflect the plurality of locking tabs out of respective notches.

[00173] Another general aspect includes a method for terminating a communications cable, including: moving an end of a communications cable mounted within a cable connector assembly along a connection axis toward a cable adapter assembly, the cable connector assembly including an inner housing mounted about the end of the communications cable, and the cable adapter assembly including a cable adapter supported by a base member;

coupling a first end of the inner housing of the cable connector assembly with a first end of the cable adapter, thereby positioning the end of the communications cable within the first end of the cable adapter; coupling an outer housing of the cable connector assembly with the cable adapter assembly, thereby enclosing the inner housing and the first end of the cable adapter, the outer housing being coupled to a second end of the inner housing and including a wall member extending around the inner housing; and fastening the outer housing of the cable connector assembly to the cable adapter assembly with a linearly engageable latch mechanism including a connector latch portion and an adapter latch portion.

[00174] Implementations of the method for terminating the communications cable may include one or more of the following features. The method further including disengaging the connector latch portion and the adapter latch portion to unfasten and then uncouple the cable connector assembly from the cable adapter assembly. The method further including using a tool to disengage the connector latch portion from the adapter latch portion. The method where the adapter latch portion includes a locking tab and the connector latch portion includes a strike member defining a notch in the outer housing of the cable connector assembly, and further including moving the locking tab and the strike member toward each other along a path parallel to the connection axis until the locking tab engages the notch. The method further including inserting a tool head into the notch and actuating the tool head to deflect the locking tab out of the notch to unfasten the cable connector assembly from the cable adapter assembly. The method where the adapter latch portion includes a plurality of locking tabs and the connector latch portion includes a plurality of strike members, each strike member defining a notch, and further including moving the adapter latch portion and the connector latch portion toward each other along a path parallel to the connection axis until each of the locking tabs engages one of the notches. The method further including using a tool to unfasten the outer housing from the cable adapter assembly, where the tool includes a handle and a plurality of tool heads connected to the handle, and where using the tool includes inserting each of the tool heads into one of the notches and actuating the tool heads to deflect each of the locking tabs out of a corresponding one of the notches to unfasten the cable connector assembly from the cable adapter assembly. The method where actuating the tool heads includes moving the handle and the connected tool heads parallel to the connection axis, inserting the tool heads into corresponding notches in one motion, and rotating the handle and connected tool heads to deflect the plurality of locking tabs out of respective notches.

[00175] Thus, embodiments of the invention are disclosed. Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain disclosed embodiments, the disclosed embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation and other embodiments of the invention are possible. One skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes, adaptations, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A communications cable connecting assembly, comprising:

a cable adapter assembly comprising a base member and a cable adapter supported by the base member, the cable adapter comprising a first end and a second end opposite the first end;

a cable connector assembly comprising

an inner housing configured to mount about an end of a communications cable, the inner housing comprising a first end and a second end, the first end configured to couple with the first end of the cable adapter along a connection axis, and

an outer housing coupled to the second end of the inner housing, the outer housing comprising a wall member extending around the inner housing, the wall member configured to couple with the cable adapter assembly to form an enclosure about the inner housing and the first end of the cable adapter;

a sealing member configured to engage with and provide a seal between the cable adapter assembly and the outer housing of the cable connector assembly; and

a linearly engageable latch mechanism comprising a first latch portion provided by the cable adapter assembly and a second latch portion provided by the cable connector assembly, the first latch portion engageable with the second latch portion as the cable connector assembly moves along the connection axis toward the cable adapter assembly;

wherein engagement of the first and the second latch portions fastens the cable connector assembly to the cable adapter assembly.

2. The cable connecting assembly of any of claims 1 and 3-9, wherein the first latch portion comprises a resilient deflection member and the second latch portion comprises a strike member defining a notch,

wherein moving the cable connector assembly along the connection axis toward the cable adapter assembly causes the deflection member to deflect and slide across the strike member toward the notch, and

wherein the resiliency of the deflection member urges the deflection member into the notch as the cable connector assembly couples with the cable adapter assembly.

3. The cable connecting assembly of any of claims 1-2 and 4-9, wherein the strike member comprises an exterior surface of the outer housing wall member adjacent to the notch.

4. The cable connecting assembly of any of claims 1-3 and 5-9, wherein the strike member comprises a recessed portion of the exterior surface of the wall member.

5. The cable connecting assembly of any of claims 1-4 and 6-9, wherein the first end of the deflection member has a thickness that is the same as or less than a depth of the recessed portion.

6. The cable connecting assembly of any of claims 1-5 and 7-9, further comprising a disconnect tool comprising a handle and a tool head connected to the handle, wherein actuation of the handle engages the tool head with the first latch portion to deflect the deflection member out of the notch thereby unfastening the cable connector assembly from the cable adapter assembly.

7. The cable connecting assembly of any of claims 1-6 and 8-9, wherein the outer housing of the cable connector assembly provides a tool opening in communication with the notch enabling the tool head of the disconnect tool to extend through the tool opening to engage the first latch portion.

8. The cable connecting assembly of any of claims 1-7 and 9, wherein the first latch portion comprises a plurality of resilient deflection members and the second latch portion comprises a plurality of strike members, each strike member defining a notch,

wherein moving the cable connector assembly along the connection axis toward the cable adapter assembly causes each of the plurality of deflection members to deflect and slide across a corresponding strike member toward one of the notches, and

wherein the resiliency of the deflection members urges the deflection members into the notches as the cable connector assembly couples with the cable adapter assembly.

9. The cable connecting assembly of any of claims 1-8, further comprising a disconnect tool comprising a handle and a plurality of tool heads connected to the handle, each of the tool heads configured to deflect one of the plurality of deflection members out of the notch of the corresponding strike member upon actuation of the handle.

10. A communications cable connector assembly, comprising:

an inner housing comprising a first end and a second end, the first end configured to couple with a cable adapter that is part of a corresponding cable adapter assembly, the inner housing configured to mount about an end of a communications cable and position the end of the communications cable within the cable adapter along a connection axis;

an outer housing coupled to the second end of the inner housing, the outer housing comprising a wall member extending around the inner housing, the wall member configured to couple with the cable adapter assembly and an adapter sealing member thereby forming a seal between the outer housing and the cable adapter assembly;

a cable sealing member providing a passage through which the communications cable extends when mounted within the inner housing and the outer housing; and

a connector latch portion of a linearly engaging latch mechanism, the latch mechanism having a corresponding adapter latch portion provided by the cable adapter assembly, the connector latch portion engageable with the adapter latch portion as the cable connector assembly moves along the connection axis toward the cable adapter assembly;

wherein the cable sealing member is compressed by the coupling of the outer housing to the second end of the inner housing, thereby providing a seal between the outer housing and the communications cable when mounted within the inner housing and the outer housing.

11. The cable connector assembly of any of claims 10 and 12-20, wherein the connector latch portion comprises a strike member defining a notch in the wall member of the outer housing, and wherein the adapter latch portion comprises a resilient locking tab,

wherein moving the cable connector assembly along the connection axis toward the cable adapter assembly causes the locking tab to deflect and slide across the strike member toward the notch, and

wherein the resiliency of the locking tab urges the locking tab into the notch as the cable connector assembly couples with the cable adapter assembly.

12. The cable connector assembly of any of claims 10-11 and 13-20, wherein the strike member comprises a groove in the wall member.

13. The cable connector assembly of any of claims 10-12 and 14-20, wherein the outer housing comprises an end wall extending transverse to the connection axis, and wherein the end wall defines a tool opening in communication with the notch to allow insertion of a tool head into the notch for deflecting the locking tab out of the notch thereby disengaging the connector latch portion and the adapter latch portion.

14. The cable connector assembly of any of claims 10-13 and 15-20, wherein the notch defines a tool loading section and a tab engagement section, wherein the tab engagement section is configured to engage the locking tab, and wherein the tool loading section is configured to initially receive the tool head and is adjacent to the tab engagement section.

15. The cable connector assembly of any of claims 10-14 and 16-20, wherein the tool opening comprises a loading section in communication with the tool loading section of the notch and an engagement section in communication with the tab engagement section of the notch, and wherein the engagement section of the tool opening is narrower than the loading section of the tool opening, and wherein the engagement section of the tool opening retains the tool head within the notch thereby enabling a pulling force on the tool head to pull the end wall and the cable connector assembly away from the cable adapter assembly.

16. The cable connector assembly of any of claims 10-15 and 17-20, wherein the outer housing comprises a coupling portion that is removably coupled to the second end of the inner housing, the coupling portion of the outer housing extending away from the wall member of the outer housing.

17. The cable connector assembly of any of claims 10-16 and 18-20, wherein the second end of the inner housing comprises a threaded coupling portion removably coupled with a corresponding thread of the coupling portion of the outer housing, and wherein the cable sealing member is at least partially received inside the coupling portion of the inner housing.

18. The cable connector assembly of any of claims 10-17 and 19-20, wherein the second end of the inner housing comprises a flange and wherein the outer housing comprises a longitudinal stop member that engages the flange to limit insertion of the second end of the inner housing into the coupling portion of the outer housing.

19. The cable connector assembly of any of claims 10-18 and 20, wherein the outer housing comprises a rotational stop member and wherein the flange comprises a rotation alignment feature that engages the rotational stop member to align rotation of the inner housing relative to the outer housing.

20. The cable connector assembly of any of claims 10-19, wherein the inner housing is configured to mount about an optical fiber connector subassembly, the optical fiber connector subassembly comprising a fiber ferrule mounted to the end of the communications cable and a connector housing surrounding the fiber ferrule and the end of the communications cable.

21. A communications cable adapter assembly, comprising:

a base member defining a first side and a second side opposite from the first side;

a cable adapter supported by the base member and comprising a first end and a second end opposite the first end defining a connection axis, the first end configured to couple with an inner housing that is part of a corresponding cable connector assembly to thereby position an end of a communications cable mounted to the inner housing within the first end of the cable adapter along the connection axis;

an adapter latch portion of a linearly engaging latch mechanism, the latch mechanism having a corresponding connector latch portion provided by the cable connector assembly, the adapter latch portion engageable with the connector latch portion as the cable connector assembly moves along the connection axis toward the cable adapter assembly; and

a wall member attached to the base member about the first end of the cable adapter, the wall member configured to engage an outer housing of the cable connector assembly to locate the outer housing relative to the cable adapter and the adapter latch portion;

wherein engagement of the adapter latch portion and the connector latch portion fastens the cable connector assembly to the cable adapter assembly.

22. The cable adapter assembly of any of claims 21 and 23-29, wherein the wall member extends around the first end of the cable adapter and is configured to couple with an inside surface of the wall member of the outer housing of the cable connector assembly.

23. The cable adapter assembly of any of claims 21-22 and 24-29, wherein the wall member forms a chamber about the first end of the cable adapter, and wherein the wall member is integral with the base member.

24. The cable adapter assembly of any of claims 21-23 and 25-29, wherein the adapter latch portion comprises an elongate, resilient deflection member extending parallel to the connection axis, and wherein the deflection member comprises a first end attached to the base member and a second end comprising a protrusion configured to fit within a notch in the outer housing of the cable connector assembly.

25. The cable adapter assembly of any of claims 21-24 and 26-29, wherein the deflection member is located relative to the cable adapter and wall member so that the protrusion on the second end of the deflection member contacts a strike member of the connector latch portion, thereby deflecting the deflection member away from the strike member as the cable connector assembly moves along the connection axis toward the cable adapter assembly.

26. The cable adapter assembly of any of claims 21-25 and 27-29, wherein the adapter latch portion comprises a plurality of elongate, resilient deflection members extending parallel to the connection axis, and wherein each of the deflection members comprises a first end attached to the base member and a second end comprising a protrusion configured to fit within a corresponding notch in the outer housing of the cable connector assembly.

27. The cable adapter assembly of any of claims 21-26 and 28-29, wherein the base member comprises a portion of a terminal enclosure wall.

28. The cable adapter assembly of any of claims 21-27 and 29, wherein the base member comprises a portion of an inline cable connecting assembly.

29. The cable adapter assembly of any of claims 21-28, wherein the base member includes a cable adapter mounting hole for mounting the cable adapter with the first end of the cable adapter on the first side of the base member and the second end of the cable adapter on the second side of the base member.

30. A communications terminal enclosure, comprising:

an enclosure body comprising a first end wall, a second end wall and a side wall extending between and connecting the first end wall and the second end wall;

a first cable port mounted in the first end wall; and a second cable port mounted in the second end wall;

wherein the first and the second cable ports each comprise a cable adapter assembly, each cable adapter assembly comprising:

a base member comprising part of one of the first end wall and the second end wall; a cable adapter defining a connection axis and extending through the base member from outside the enclosure body to inside the enclosure body, the cable adapter configured to couple with an inner housing that is part of a corresponding cable connector assembly to thereby position an end of a communications cable mounted to the inner housing within the cable adapter along the connection axis;

an adapter latch portion of a linearly engaging latch mechanism, the latch mechanism having a corresponding connector latch portion provided by the corresponding cable connector assembly, the adapter latch portion engageable with the connector latch portion as the cable connector assembly moves along the connection axis toward the cable adapter assembly; and

a wall member attached to the base member about the cable adapter on the outside of the enclosure body, the wall member configured to engage an outer housing of the cable connector assembly to locate the outer housing relative to the cable adapter and the adapter latch portion;

31. The terminal enclosure of any of claims 30 and 32-33, wherein the first cable port is an input port for terminating an end of an incoming communications cable and wherein the second cable port is an output port for terminating a beginning of an outgoing

communications cable.

32. The terminal enclosure of any of claims 30-31 and 33, wherein engagement of the adapter latch portion and the connector latch portion provides part of a hardened connection between the cable connector assembly and the cable adapter assembly.

33. The terminal enclosure of any of claims 30-32, further comprising a cable connector assembly fastened to the cable adapter assembly and an adapter sealing member positioned between the cable connector assembly and the cable adapter assembly; wherein the cable connector assembly comprises the inner housing, the end of the communications cable, the connector latch portion, and the outer housing corresponding to the cable adapter assembly;

wherein the inner housing comprises a first end and a second end, the first end coupled with the cable adapter;

wherein the inner housing is mounted about the end of the communications cable which is positioned within the cable adapter along the connection axis;

wherein the outer housing is coupled to the second end of the inner housing;

wherein the outer housing comprises a wall member extending around the inner housing, the wall member coupled with the cable adapter assembly and the adapter sealing member thereby forming a seal between the outer housing and the cable adapter assembly;

wherein the cable connector assembly further comprises a cable sealing member providing a passage through which the communications cable extends; and

wherein the cable sealing member is compressed by the coupling of the outer housing to the second end of the inner housing, thereby providing a seal between the outer housing and the communications cable.

34. A method for terminating a communications cable, comprising:

moving an end of a communications cable mounted within a cable connector assembly along a connection axis toward a cable adapter assembly, the cable connector assembly comprising an inner housing mounted about the end of the communications cable, and the cable adapter assembly comprising a cable adapter supported by a base member;

coupling a first end of the inner housing of the cable connector assembly with a first end of the cable adapter, thereby positioning the end of the communications cable within the first end of the cable adapter;

coupling an outer housing of the cable connector assembly with the cable adapter assembly, thereby enclosing the inner housing and the first end of the cable adapter, the outer housing being coupled to a second end of the inner housing and comprising a wall member extending around the inner housing; and

fastening the outer housing of the cable connector assembly to the cable adapter assembly with a linearly engageable latch mechanism comprising a connector latch portion and an adapter latch portion.

35. The method of any of claims 34 and 36-41, further comprising disengaging the connector latch portion and the adapter latch portion to unfasten and then uncouple the cable connector assembly from the cable adapter assembly.

36. The method of any of claims 34-35 and 37-41, further comprising using a tool to disengage the connector latch portion from the adapter latch portion.

37. The method of any of claims 34-36 and 38-41, wherein the adapter latch portion comprises a locking tab and the connector latch portion comprises a strike member defining a notch in the outer housing of the cable connector assembly, and further comprising moving the locking tab and the strike member toward each other along a path parallel to the connection axis until the locking tab engages the notch.

38. The method of any of claims 34-37 and 39-41, further comprising inserting a tool head into the notch and actuating the tool head to deflect the locking tab out of the notch to unfasten the cable connector assembly from the cable adapter assembly.

39. The method of any of claims 34-38 and 40-41, wherein the adapter latch portion comprises a plurality of locking tabs and the connector latch portion comprises a plurality of strike members, each strike member defining a notch, and further comprising moving the adapter latch portion and the connector latch portion toward each other along a path parallel to the connection axis until each of the locking tabs engages one of the notches.

40. The method of any of claims 34-39 and 41, further comprising using a tool to unfasten the outer housing from the cable adapter assembly, wherein the tool comprises a handle and a plurality of tool heads connected to the handle, and wherein using the tool comprises inserting each of the tool heads into one of the notches and actuating the tool heads to deflect each of the locking tabs out of a corresponding one of the notches to unfasten the cable connector assembly from the cable adapter assembly.

41. The method of any of claims 34-40, wherein actuating the tool heads comprises moving the handle and the connected tool heads parallel to the connection axis, inserting the tool heads into corresponding notches in one motion, and rotating the handle and connected tool heads to deflect the plurality of locking tabs out of respective notches.