WO2024137176A1

WO2024137176A1 - Adapters for a connection interface and related connection interface assemblies

Info

Publication number: WO2024137176A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/082274
Authority: WO
Inventors: Oscar F. BRAN DE LEON; Thomas Marcouiller; Marcus Jonathan Ash
Original assignee: Commscope Technologies Llc
Priority date: 2022-12-21
Filing date: 2023-12-04
Publication date: 2024-06-27

Abstract

The present application is directed to an adapter for a connection interface. The adapter includes a primary member and a securing member. The primary member includes two mating sections. The two mating sections together form a main body of the primary member and define an interior cavity sized and configured to receive a female connection component of the connection interface. The main body of the primary member also includes a securing feature. The securing member has a main body and a bore extending therethrough. The securing member is configured to engage the securing feature of the primary member to secure the adapter to the female connection component. Alternative adapters and connection interface assemblies are also described herein.

Description

ADAPTERS FOR A CONNECTION INTERFACE AND RELATED CONNECTION INTERFACE ASSEMBLIES

Related Application(s)

[0001] The present application claims priority from and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/476,407, filed December 21, 2022, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety.

Field

[0002] The present invention relates to telecommunications equipment, and in particular, adapters for a connection interface and related assemblies.

Background

[0003] Antenna towers are increasingly used in communications network to provide cellular or other wireless services. Remote radio heads (RRH) coupled to or integrated with the antennas at the top of the towers transmit signals through the antennas. Typically, a feeder cable is routed up the tower to the RRH from a network base station at the bottom of the tower. The feeder cable carries transmission signals and optionally power between the base station and the RRH.

[0004] Increasingly, the antenna towers are part of a Fiber to the Antenna (FTTA) network — the feeder cable is an optical cable including optical fibers carrying optical signals to the RRH. In some cases, each RRH receives a separate feeder cable (e.g., a hybrid cable). In certain cases, each RRH receives a separate signal feeder cable (e.g., an optical cable) and a separate power cable (e.g., a coaxial cable). In other cases, a common cable (e.g., a hybrid cable) can be routed up the tower and separated near the top of the tower into pigtails or additional cables routed to the respective RRH. FIG. 1 illustrates an example antenna tower site 10 in a communications network, such as a FTTA network. The site 10 includes an antenna tower 20 at which one or more antennas and one or more (RRHs 25 can be mounted. Each RRH 25 is adapted to transmit and receive signals to and from devices (e.g., mobile phone, smartphones, devices with wireless internet connectivity, etc.) of subscribers to the communications network. In certain examples, the RRH 25 may be integrated into the antennas. [0005] There are known connection interface assemblies suitable for use in managing cables on an antenna tower in a FTTA network. Some exemplary connection interface assemblies are shown and described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2021/0218233 to Bran de Leon et al., the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some instances, these connection interface assemblies include a plurality of cable connection components that are mounted on a cable connection module or bulkhead. These cable connection components may include fiber optic adapters which each include a first end for mating with a first fiber optic connector and a second end for mating with a second fiber optic connector. However, some fiber optic connectors may not be suitable for mounting on certain cable connection modules or bulkheads, such as hardened multifiber optical connector (HMFOC) assemblies which do not have an in-line application. An example HMFOC assembly is shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 7,137,742 to Corning Cable Systems, LLC, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. See also, e.g., PCT Publication No. WO2014/197894; U.S. Patent No. 8,649,649; U.S. Patent No. 7,428,366; and U.S. Patent No. 7,686,519, the disclosures of which are also incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. Improvements to connection interface assemblies for use in a FTTA network may be desired.

Summary

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention is directed to an adapter for a connection interface. The adapter includes a primary member and a securing member. The primary member includes two mating sections. The two mating sections together form a main body of the primary member and define an interior cavity sized and configured to receive a female connection component of the connection interface. The main body of the primary member also includes a securing feature. The securing member has a main body and a bore extending therethrough. The securing member is configured to engage the securing feature of the primary member to secure the adapter to the female connection component.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a connection interface assembly. The assembly includes a cable connection module having a bulkhead having at least one aperture, a connection interface including a male connection component and a female connection component, and an adapter. The adapter includes a primary member and a securing member. The primary member includes two mating sections. The two mating sections together form a main body of the primary member and define an interior cavity sized that receives the female connection component of the connection interface. The main body of the primary member includes a securing feature. The securing member has a main body and a bore extending therethrough. The securing member is engaged with the securing feature of the primary member to secure the adapter to the female connection component. The adapter is engaged with the female connection component and secured within the at least one aperture of the cable connection module.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an adapter for a connection interface. The adapter includes a primary member, a front cap, and a securing member. The primary member includes two mating sections. The two mating sections together form a main body of the primary member and define an interior cavity sized and configured to receive the female connection component of the connection interface. The main body of the primary member includes a securing feature and two open-ended recesses that extend axially from an end of the main body. The front cap has a main body and bore extending therethrough. The main body includes a threaded section, and an inner surface of the main body has a pair of protrusions extending radially inwardly into the bore. Each protrusion is configured to be received by a respective open-ended recess of the primary member. The securing member has a main body and a bore extending therethrough. The securing member has a threaded section configured to engage the threaded section of the front cap. The front cap and securing member are configured to secure the primary member therebetween and secure the adapter to the female connection component.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a connection interface assembly. The assembly includes a cable connection module having a bulkhead having at least one aperture, a connection interface including a male connection component and a female connection component, and an adapter. The adapter includes a primary member, a front cap, and a securing member. The primary member includes two mating sections. The two mating sections together form a main body of the primary member and define an interior cavity sized and configured to receive the female connection component of the connection interface. The main body of the primary member includes a securing feature and two open-ended recesses that extend axially from an end of the main body. The front cap has a main body and bore extending therethrough. The main body includes a threaded section and an inner surface of the main body has a pair of protrusions extending radially inwardly into the bore. Each protrusion is received by a respective open-ended recess of the primary member. The securing member has a main body and a bore extending therethrough. The securing member has a threaded section engaged with the threaded section of the front cap to secure the primary member therebetween. The adapter is engaged with the female connection component and secured within the at least one aperture of the cable connection module.

[0010] It is noted that aspects of the invention described with respect to one embodiment, may be incorporated in a different embodiment although not specifically described relative thereto. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination. Applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim and/or file any new claim, accordingly, including the right to be able to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim or claims although not originally claimed in that manner. These and other objects and/or aspects of the present invention are explained in detail in the specification set forth below. Further features, advantages and details of the present invention will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art from a reading of the figures and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments that follow, such description being merely illustrative of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an antenna tower site in a communications network in which connection interface assemblies according to embodiments of the present invention may be utilized.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a cable connection module according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 3A is a side view of a connection interface according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 3B is an exploded view of the connection interface of FIG. 3A.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a partial exploded view of an adapter for the connection interface of FIG. 3A according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 5A is a bottom perspective view of a section of the primary member of the adapter of FIG. 4 according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 5B is a top perspective view of the section of the primary member of FIG. 5A. [0018] FIG. 5C is a side view of the section of the primary member of FIG. 5A. [0019] FIG. 5D is a bottom view of the section of the primary member of FIG. 5A.

[0020] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a primary member of the adapter of FIG. 4 according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 6B is an exploded front view of the primary member of FIG. 6A.

[0022] FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of a securing member of the adapter of FIG. 4 according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 7B is a rear perspective view of the securing member of FIG. 7A.

[0024] FIG. 7C is a front view of the securing member of FIG. 7A.

[0025] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a cable connection module utilizing the connection interface of FIG. 3A according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 9A is an enlarged partial front view of the connection interface secured to the cable connection module of FIG. 8.

[0027] FIG. 9B is an enlarged partial rear view of the connection interface of FIG. 9A.

[0028] FIG. 10 is a side cross-section view of the cable connection module of FIG. 8.

[0029] FIG. 11 is a top partial cross-section view of the cable connection module of FIG. 8.

[0030] FIG. 12A is a side view of another connection interface according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 12B is a partial side cross-section view of the connection interface of FIG. 12A.

[0032] FIG. 12C is a partial exploded view of the connection interface of FIG. 12A.

[0033] FIG. 13 is a partial exploded view of an adapter for the connection interface of FIG. 12A according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 14A is a bottom perspective view of a section of the primary member of the adapter of FIG. 13 according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 14B is a top perspective view of the section of the primary member of FIG. 14A.

[0036] FIG. 14C is a side view of the section of the primary member of FIG. 14A.

[0037] FIG. 14D is a bottom view of the section of the primary member of FIG. 14A.

[0038] FIG. 15A is a front perspective view of the primary member of the adapter of FIG. 13 according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 15B is an exploded front view of the primary member of the adapter of FIG. 15A. [0040] FIG. 16A is a front perspective view of a front cap of the adapter of FIG. 13 according to embodiments of the present invention. [0041] FTG. 16B is a rear perspective view of the front cap of FIG. 16A.

[0042] FIG. 16C is a front view of the front cap of FIG. 16A.

[0043] FIG. 17A is a front perspective view of a securing member of the adapter of FIG. 13 according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 17B is a rear perspective view of the securing member of FIG. 17A.

[0045] FIG. 17C is a rear view of the securing member of FIG. 17A.

[0046] FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of a cable connection module utilizing the connection interface of FIG. 12A according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 19A is an enlarged partial front view of the connection interface secured to the cable connection module of FIG. 18.

[0048] FIG. 19B is an enlarged partial rear view of the connection interface of FIG. 19A.

[0049] FIG. 20 is a side cross-section view of the cable connection module of FIG. 18.

Detailed Description

[0050] The present invention now is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0051] In the figures, certain layers, components, or features may be exaggerated for clarity, and broken lines illustrate optional features or operations unless specified otherwise. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0052] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention. The sequence of operations (or steps) is not limited to the order presented in the claims or figures unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0053] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

[0054] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising", when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0055] As used herein, phrases such as "between X and Y" and "between about X and Y" should be interpreted to include X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as "between about X and Y" mean "between about X and about Y." As used herein, phrases such as "from about X to Y" mean "from about X to about Y. "

[0056] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on", "attached" to, "connected" to, "coupled" with, "contacting", etc., another element, it can be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled with or contacting the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being, for example, "directly on", "directly attached" to, "directly connected" to, "directly coupled" with or "directly contacting" another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed "adjacent" another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature. [0057] Spatially relative terms, such as "under", "below", "lower", "over", "upper", "lateral", "left", "right" and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature’s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, elements described as "under" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "over" the other elements or features. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the descriptors of relative spatial relationships used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0058] The connection interfaces and interface assemblies according to embodiments of the present invention and described herein are suitable for use in managing cables on an antenna tower in a FTTA network. As noted above, FIG. 1 illustrates an example antenna tower site 10 in a communications network, such as a FTTA network. The site 10 includes an antenna tower 20 at which one or more antennas and one or more remote radio heads (RRH) 25 can be mounted. Each RRH 25 is adapted to transmit and receive signals to and from devices (e.g., mobile phone, smartphones, devices with wireless internet connectivity, etc.) of subscribers to the communications network. In certain examples, the RRH 25 may be integrated into the antennas. [0059] In certain examples, the connection interface assembly (or connection interface) 60 shown and described herein are mounted to the antenna tower 20. One or more feeder cables 50 (e.g., fiber optic cables, electrical cables, hybrid cables) extend between the connection interface assembly 60 and the network base station. One end of the one or more cables 50 engages inner/rear ports of the cable connection components 110, 120 of the connection interface assembly 60. Additional cables 55 connect each RRH 25 to outer/front ports of the cable connection components 110, 120 of the connection interface(s) 60.

[0060] According to some embodiments, the additional cables 55 can be routed from the RRH 25 to the connection interface 60 during an initial installation of the RRH 25, even if a feeder cable 50 has not yet been routed to the antenna tower 20. Subsequently, one or more feeder cables 50 can be routed to the antenna tower 20 to the connection interface 60 to connect to the additional cables 55. Accordingly, such a design reduces the amount of cable routing performed on the antenna tower 20 during subsequent installation of a feeder cable 50. The connection interface 60 can also be used at other positions in a communications network. [0061] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to adapters for a connection interface such as a hardened multifiber optical connector (HMFOC) assembly to be integrated into a known connection interface assembly. As discussed above, HMFOC assemblies currently do not have an in-line application. According to embodiments of the present invention, the adapters described herein provide a way for the HMFOC connectivity to be utilized in a different manner than originally designed. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail below with reference to FIGS. 2-20.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 2, a cable connection module 100 according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The cable connection module 100 is a component of a connection interface assembly 60 according to embodiments of the present invention (e.g., FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 2, the cable connection module 100 includes a main body (or bulkhead) 102 coupled to or integral with one or more side walls 104. The bulkhead 102 includes one or more openings or apertures 106 (see, e.g., FIGS. 8, 9A, 18, and 19A-19B) for receiving one or more of the cable connection components 110, 120. As mentioned above and discussed in further detail below, the one or more openings or apertures 106 of the bulkhead 102 are further configured to receive a connection interface 200, 400 for securing a HMFOC assembly (e.g., connection components 110, 120) to the cable connection module 100 according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3B, a connection interface 200 according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, the connection interface 200 includes a male connection component 110 and a female connection component 120. The connection components 110, 120 shown in FIGS. 3A-3B are for a HMFOC assembly. The connection interface 200 further includes an adapter 300 according to embodiments of the present invention. The adapter 300 is configured to mount the female connection component 120 to the bulkhead 102 of the cable connection module 100 (see, e.g., FIG. 11). As discussed in further detail below, the adapter 300 of the present invention includes a primary member 310 and a securing member 330, see also, e.g., FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 3B, in some embodiments, the primary member 310 of the adapter 300 comprises two mating sections 310a, 310b. The adapter 300 of the present invention allows the connection components 110, 120 (which are not designed for in-line application) to be integrated into the cable connection module 100 (and the cable connection assembly 60). [0064] Referring now to FIGS. 4-7C, components of the adapter 300 of the present invention will now be described in further detail. FIG. 4 is a partial exploded view of the adapter 300. When mated together, the two sections 310a, 310b form a main body 311 of the primary member 310 and define an interior cavity 312. The interior cavity 312 is sized and configured to receive the female connection component 120 of the HMFOC assembly. In some embodiments, the primary member 310 further comprises a securing feature 314. As discussed in further detail below, the securing feature 314 resides at an end of the primary member 310 and is configured to engage with the securing member 330 to secure the adapter 300 to the female connection component 120.

[0065] FIGS. 5A-5D are different views of one of the sections 310a, 310b of the primary member 310 of the adapter 300. In some embodiments, the sections 310a, 310b of the primary member 310 of the adapter 300 are identical and thus, features of only one of the sections 310a, 310b may be described here, but the described features are applicable to both sections 310a, 310b of the primary member 310 of the adapter 300. Each section 310a, 310b has a length (LI) and an inner diameter (DI) (see, e.g., FIG. 5D). In some embodiments, the length (LI) of each section 310a, 310b (and length of the primary member 310) is in a range of between about 45 mm and about 55 mm. In some embodiments, the inner diameter (DI) of each section 310a, 310b (and inner diameter of the primary member 310) is in a range of between about 15 mm and about 20 mm.

[0066] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the primary member 310 of the adapter 300 when the two sections 310a, 310b of the primary member 310 are mated together. FIG. 6B is a front exploded view of the primary member 310 of the adapter 300 illustrating when the two sections 310a, 310b of the primary member 310 are not mated together

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, at one end of each section 310a, 310b of the primary member 310 resides the securing feature 314 (or at least part of the securing feature 314). As shown in FIGS. 5B-5D, a recess 31 Ir resides between the main body 311 of the section 310a, 310b and the securing feature 314. In some embodiments, the securing feature 314 comprises a plurality of flexible fingers 315 which are each separated by an axially-extending recess 315r. As discussed in further detail below, the flexibility of the fingers 315 allow the fingers 315 to deflect radially inwardly to allow the securing member 330 to engage with the primary member 310 (i.e., recess 31 Ir) and secure the adapter 300 to the female connection component 120. [0068] At the opposing end of each section 310a, 310b resides a module locking mechanism 316 and one or more flanges 313 extending radially outwardly from the main body 311. As shown in FIGS. 5B-5C, a second recess 316r resides between the one or more flanges 313 and the module locking mechanism 316. In some embodiments, the module locking mechanism 316 comprises a snap-fit feature. As discussed in further detail below, the module locking mechanism 316 has a certain degree of flexibility which allows the module locking mechanism 316 to deflect radially inwardly to allow the primary member 310 of the adapter 300 to be received within a respective opening or aperture 106 of the cable connection module 100 to secure the adapter 300 and corresponding female connection component 120 to the cable connection module 100.

[0069] In addition, each section 310a, 310b of the primary member 310 includes a mating interface 320. The mating interface 320 is configured to engage with a corresponding interface 320 of the other section 310a, 310b to secure the two sections 310a, 310b together. As shown in FIG. 5A, in some embodiments, the mating interface 320 may comprise a cantilever snap-fit feature that includes a lever or latch 321 and aperture 319. The latch 321 has a certain degree of flexibility which allows the latch 321 of the mating interface 320 of one section 310a, 310b to deflect radially inwardly and be received through the corresponding aperture 319 of the mating interface 320 of the other section 310a, 310b to secure the two sections 310a, 310b together (see, e.g., FIGS. 6A-6B)

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5D, in some embodiments, the main body 311 of each section 310a, 310b of the primary member 310 of the adapter 300 may further comprise a protrusion 322 and a recess 322a. When the two sections 310a, 310b are mated together, the protrusion 322 of one section 310a, 310b may be received by the corresponding recess 322a of the other section 310a, 310b to further secure the two sections 310a, 310b of the primary member 310 together (see, e.g., FIG. 6B).

[0071] Still referring to FIGS. 5A-5D, in some embodiments, each section 310a, 310b of the primary member 310 includes one or more anti-rotation features 317. In some embodiments, when the two sections 310a, 310b are mated together, the anti-rotation feature(s) 317 may be configured to be received by a notch or recess 107 in the aperture(s) 106 of the bulkhead 102 of the cable connection module 100 (see, e.g., FIG. 9A). The anti-rotation feature(s) 317 may help to prevent the adapter 300 and corresponding connection interface 200 from rotating within the aperture 106 in the bulkhead 102 of the cable connection module 100. [0072] In some embodiments, each section 310a, 310b of the primary member 310 may also include one or more support members 318. In some embodiments, the one or more support members 318 reside between the module locking mechanism 316 and the anti-rotation feature(s) 317. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5C and FIGS. 6A-6B, in some embodiments, the support members 318 have an arcuate edge 318e which correspond to the inner surface of the apertures 106 in the bulkhead 102 of the cable connection module 100 (see, e.g., FIG. 9A). The support members 318 contact the inner surface of the aperture 106 to help further secure the adapter 300 and mitigate or eliminate movement of the adapter 300 while within a respective aperture 106 of the cable connection module 100.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 5A and FIGS. 6A-6B, in some embodiments, an inner surface of the main body 311 of the primary member 310 comprises a plurality of gripping members 323, 324. The gripping members 323, 324 are configured to engage the female connection component 120, for example, when the two sections 310a, 310b are mated together, to help further secure the female connection component 120 within the interior cavity 312 of the primary member 310.

[0074] Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7C, the securing member 330 of the adapter 300 according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The securing member 330 has a main body 332 having a bore 334 extending therethrough. One end of the securing member 330 is sized and configured to engage the securing feature 314 of the primary member 310. The opposing end of the securing member 330 is sized and configured to engage a portion of the female connection component 120 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3A and 9B).

[0075] In some embodiments, the main body 332 of the securing member 330 comprises a plurality of flexible fingers 336 which are each separated by an axially-extending recess 338. In some embodiments, each of the flexible fingers 336 have a lip or flange 336f that extends radially inward into the bore 334. The flexible fingers 336 are configured to engage with the securing feature 314 of the primary member 310. As the securing member 330 is slid onto (engaged with) the primary member 310, the flexibility of the fingers 336 allows the fingers 336 to deflect radially outwardly until the flanges 336f of each finger 336 are received within the recess 31 Ir in the main body 311 of the primary member 310. The resilient nature of polymeric material that forms the securing member 330 allows the fingers 336 return to their original position, thereby locking the securing member 330 with the primary member 310. [0076] FIGS. 8-11 illustrate the connection interface 200 described herein secured to the cable connection module 100 according to embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 8-11, the adapter 300 of the present invention allows for a HMFOC assembly (z.c., male and female connection components 110, 120) to be integrated into the cable connection module 100 of the known connection interface assembly 60. As noted above, HMFOC assemblies are typically not designed for in-line applications, such as those required for use with connection interface assembly 60.

[0077] Installation of the adapter 300 and HMFOC assembly (110, 120) to the cable connection module 100 of the connection interface assembly 60 will now be described. First, the securing member 330 is mounted onto the female connection component 120. The flexibility of the polymeric material that forms the securing member 330 allows the bore 334 of the securing member 330 to be stretched such that the securing member 330 can be mounted onto the female connection component 120. Next, to mount the primary member 310 of the adapter 300 on the female connection component 120, the two sections 310a, 310b of the primary member 310 are aligned (with the female connection component 120 therebetween) and secured together via the mating interface 320. The securing member 330 is then slid to engage the primary member 310 as described above, thereby locking the adapter 300 to the female connection component 120.

[0078] The adapter 300 and female connection component 120 can then be mounted to the bulkhead 102 of the cable connection module 100. As shown in FIG. 9A, the anti-rotation feature(s) 317 on the primary member 310 of the adapter 300 is aligned with the notch or recess 107 in the corresponding aperture 106 of the bulkhead 102 of the cable connection module 100. The primary member 310 of the adapter 300 is inserted into the aperture 106 which deflects the module locking mechanism 316 radially inwardly. As shown in FIGS. 9A-9B, the adapter 300 is further inserted through the aperture 106 until the flanges 313 of the primary member 310 contact an inner surface of the bulkhead 102 and the module locking mechanism 316 deflects outwardly (i.e., returns to its original position) . At least a portion of the bulkhead 102 is received within the recess 316r between the module locking mechanism 316 and the flanges 313, thereby securing the adapter 300 and female connection component 120 to the cable connection module 100 (see, e.g., FIGS. 10 and 11). A male connection component 110 can then be mated with the female connection component 120, when needed. [0079] Referring now to FIGS. 12A-17C, another connection interface 400 utilizing an alternative adapter 500 according to embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail. Properties and/or features of the connection interface 400 and adapter 500 may be as described above in reference to the connection interface 200 and adapter 300 shown in FIGS. 2-11 and duplicate discussion thereof may be omitted herein for the purposes of discussing FIGS. 12A-17A (and FIGS. 18-20). Similar to the adapter 300 described herein, the adapter 500 of the present invention allows the connection components 110, 120 of a HMFOC assembly (which are not designed for in-line application) to be integrated into the cable connection module 100 (and cable connection assembly 60).

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 12A-12C, the connection interface 400 according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. As shown in FIGS. 12A-12C, similar to the connection interface 200 described herein, the connection interface 400 includes a male connection component 110 and a female connection component 120. In some embodiments, the connection components 110, 120 shown in FIGS. 12A-12C are for a HMFOC assembly. The connection interface 400 further includes the adapter 500 according to embodiments of the present invention. Similar to adapter 300, the adapter 300 is configured to mount the female connection component 120 to the bulkhead 102 of the cable connection module 100 (see, e.g., FIGS. 18-20). As discussed in further detail below, the adapter 500 of the present invention includes a primary member 510, a front cap 520, and a securing member 530, see also, e.g., FIG. 13. As shown in FIG. 12C, in some embodiments, the primary member 510 of the adapter 500 comprises two mating sections 510a, 510b. The adapter 500 of the present invention allows the connection components 110, 120 (which are not designed for in-line application) to be integrated into the cable connection module 100 (and the cable connection assembly 60).

[0081] Referring now to FIGS. 13-17C, components of the adapter 500 of the present invention will now be described in further detail. FIG. 13 is a partial exploded view of the adapter 500. When mated together, the two sections 510a, 510b form a main body 511 of the primary member 510 and define an interior cavity 512. The interior cavity 512 is sized and configured to receive the female connection component 120 of the HMFOC assembly. The front cap 520 comprises a threaded section 522 that is configured to engage with a corresponding threaded section 532 of the securing member 530. As discussed in further detail below, the corresponding threaded portions 522, 532 of the front cap 520 and securing member 530 are configured to engage and secure the primary member 510 therebetween, thereby securing the adapter 500 to the female connection component 120.

[0082] FIGS. 14A-14D are different views of one of the sections 510a, 510b of the primary member 510 of the adapter 500. In some embodiments, the sections 510a, 510b of the primary member 510 of the adapter 500 are identical and thus, features of only one of the sections 510a, 510b may be described here, but the described features are applicable to both sections 510a, 510b of the primary member 510 of the adapter 500. Each section 510a, 510b has a length (L2) and an inner diameter (D2) (see, e.g., FIGS. 14C-14D). In some embodiments, the length (L2) of each section 510a, 510b (and length of the primary member 510) is in a range of between about 55 mm and about 65 mm. In some embodiments, the inner diameter (D2) of each section 510a, 510b (and inner diameter of the primary member 510) is in a range of between about 10 mm and about 20 mm. In some embodiments, opposing ends of the primary member 510 may have different diameters (D3, D4) For example, in some embodiments, at one end 515 of the primary member 510 (i.e., the end proximate to the front cap 520 has an inner diameter (D3) in a range of between about 15 mm and about 20 mm. In some embodiments, at the opposing end 512 of the primary member 510 (i.e., the end of the primary member 510 proximate to the securing member 530) has an inner diameter (D4) in a range of between about 15 mm and about 20 mm. As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14C, in some embodiments, inner surfaces 517, 518 of each section 510a, 510b may taper radially outwardly along the length (L2) of the primary member 510 (i.e., between the transitions from the inner diameter (D2) to the inner diameter (D3) of one end 515 and the inner diameter (D4) of the other end 512, respectively).

[0083] FIG. 15A is a perspective view of the primary member 510 of the adapter 500 when the two sections 510a, 510b of the primary member 510 are together. FIG. 15B is a front exploded view of the primary member 510 of the adapter 500 illustrating when the two sections 510a, 510b of the primary member 510 are not together.

[0084] As shown in FIGS. 14A-14D, in some embodiments, each of the sections 510a, 510b comprises two flanges 516 that extend radially outwardly from the main body 511 of the primary member 510. At the end of each section 510a, 510b proximate to the front cap 520 (i.e., end 515) resides an open-ended recess 513 that extends axially from the end 515 along the length (L2) of the section 510a, 510b to between the two flanges 516. As discussed in further detail below, the recesses 513 are sized and configured to engage with the front cap 520 of the adapter 500. While not shown in the figures, similar to the adapter 300 described herein, in some embodiments, an inner surface of the main body 511 of the primary member 510 may comprise a plurality of gripping members 323, 324 that are configured to engage the female connection component 120, for example, when the two sections 510a, 510b are mated together, to help further secure the female connection component 120 within the interior cavity 512 of the primary member 510.

[0085] Referring now to FIGS. 16A-16C, the front cap 520 of the adapter 500 according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The front cap 520 has a main body 528 having a bore 524 extending therethrough. An inner surface of the main body 528 comprises two protrusions 521 that extend radially inwardly into the bore 524. The protrusions 521 are sized and configured to be received by respective recesses 513 in the primary member 510. When the protrusions are received by the recesses 513 in the primary member 510, the front cap 520 is prevent from rotating about the primary member 510. The main body 528 comprises a threaded section 522. The threaded section 522 of front cap 520 is sized and configured to engage a threaded section 532 of the securing member 530 (see, e.g., FIG. 12B). As shown in FIGS. 16A-16C, the front cap 520 further comprises an annular flange 526 extending radially outwardly from the main body 522. In some embodiments, the main body 528 may comprise a flat outer edge 527. In some embodiments, the flat outer edge 527 helps prevent the front cap 520 from rotating when secured in the cable connection module 100 (see, e.g., FIG. 19A).

[0086] Referring now to FIGS. 17A-17C, the securing member 530 of the adapter 500 according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The securing member 530 has a main body 531 having a bore 534 extending therethrough. The main body 531 comprises a nut 533 and threaded section 532 at one end. As noted above, the threaded section 532 of the securing member 530 is sized and configured to engage the threaded section 522 of the front cap 520 (see, e.g., FIG. 12B). The opposing end of the securing member 530 is sized and configured to engage a portion of the female connection component 120 (see, e.g., FIGS. 19B and 20).

[0087] FIGS. 18-20 illustrates the connection interface 400 described herein secured to the cable connection module 100 according to embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 18-20, the adapter 500 of the present invention allows for a HMFOC assembly (i.e., male and female connection components 110, 120) to be integrated into the cable connection module 100 of the known connection interface assembly 60. As noted above, HMFOC assemblies are typically not designed for in-line applications, such as those required for use with connection interface assembly 60.

[0088] Installation of the adapter 500 and HMFOC assembly (110, 120) to the cable connection module 100 of the connection interface assembly 60 will now be described. First, the securing member 530 is mounted onto the female connection component 120. The flexibility of the polymeric material that forms the securing member 530 allows the bore 534 of the securing member 530 to be stretched such that the securing member 530 can be mounted onto the female connection component 120. Next, the two sections 510a, 510b of the primary member 510 are aligned with the female connection component 120 therebetween and positioned within an aperture 106 of the bulkhead 102 of the cable connection module 100. The front cap 520 is then positioned with the protrusions 521 of the front cap 520 aligned with the corresponding recesses 513 in the primary member 510. The front cap 520 is inserted into the aperture 106 of the bulkhead 102 and slid onto the primary member 510 which secures the two section 510a, 510b of the primary member 510 together. The annular flange 526 of the front cap 520 contacts the bulkhead 102 and the threaded section 522 of the front cap 520 extends through the aperture 106 of the bulkhead 102. The threaded section 532 of the securing member 530 is then secured to the threaded section 522 of the front cap 520 with the primary member 510 therebetween, thereby locking the adapter 500 to the female connection component 120 and securing the adapter 500 and female connection component 120 to the cable connection module 100. As shown in FIG. 20, the securing member 530 is threaded onto the front cap 520 until the securing member 530 contacts the flange 516 of the primary member 510. A male connection component 110 can then be mated with the female connection component 120, when needed.

[0089] The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.

Claims

That which is claimed is:

1. An adapter for a connection interface, the adapter comprising: a primary member comprising two mating sections, the two mating sections together forming a main body of the primary member and defining an interior cavity sized and configured to receive a female connection component of the connection interface, the main body of the primary member comprising a securing feature; and a securing member having a main body and a bore extending therethrough, the securing member configured to engage the securing feature of the primary member to secure the adapter to the female connection component.

2. The adapter according to Claim 1, wherein the securing feature of the primary member comprises a plurality of flexible fingers, each finger separated by an axially extending recess.

3. The adapter according to any one of Claims 1 or 2, wherein the primary member further comprises an annular recess residing between the main body and the securing feature, the recess configured to receive one or more flanged edges of the securing member.

4. The adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary member further comprises a module locking mechanism and one or more flanges extending radially outwardly from the main body, wherein a second recess resides between the one or more flanges and the module locking mechanism, the module locking mechanism configured to secure the adapter to a cable connection module.

5. The adapter according to Claim 4, wherein the module locking mechanism comprises a snap-fit feature.

6. The adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each mating section comprises a mating interface configured to engage with the mating interface of the other mating section to secure the two mating sections together.

7. The adapter according to Claim 6, wherein the mating interface comprises a cantilever snap-fit feature that includes a lever and aperture, wherein the lever of the mating interface of one mating section is configured to be received through the corresponding aperture of the mating interface of the other mating section to secure the two mating sections together.

8. The adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each mating section further comprises a protrusion and a recess, wherein, when the two mating sections are mated together, the protrusion of one mating section is received by the corresponding recess of the other mating section to further secure the two mating sections of the primary member together.

9. The adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary member further comprises one or more anti-rotation features.

10. The adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary member further comprises one or more support members having an arcuate edge that corresponds to an inner surface of an aperture in a cable connection module.

11. The adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an inner surface of the main body of the primary member comprises a plurality of gripping members configured to engage the female connection component.

12. The adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body of the securing member comprises a plurality of flexible fingers which are each separated by an axially extending recess, each of the flexible fingers have a lip or flange that extends radially inward into the bore.

13. A connection interface assembly, the assembly comprising: a cable connection module having a bulkhead including at least one aperture; a connection interface, the connection interface comprising a male connection component and a female connection component; and an adapter, the adapter comprising: a primary member comprising two mating sections, the two mating sections together forming a main body of the primary member and defining an interior cavity that receives the female connection component of the connection interface, the main body of the primary member comprising a securing feature; and a securing member having a main body and a bore extending therethrough, the securing member is engaged with the securing feature of the primary member to secure the adapter to the female connection component, wherein the adapter is secured within the at least one aperture of the cable connection module.

14. The connection interface assembly of Claim 13, wherein the connection interface is a hardened multifiber optical connector (HMFOC) assembly.

15. The connection interface assembly according to any one of Claims 13 or 14, wherein the securing feature of the primary member comprises a plurality of flexible fingers, each finger separated by an axially extending recess.

16. The connection interface assembly according to any one of Claims 13-15, wherein the primary member further comprises an annular recess residing between the main body and the securing feature, the recess configured to receive one or more flanged edges of the securing member.

17. The connection interface assembly according to any one of Claims 13-16, wherein the primary member further comprises a module locking mechanism and one or more flanges extending radially outwardly from the main body, wherein a second recess resides between the one or more flanges and the module locking mechanism, wherein the module locking mechanism secures the adapter to the bulkhead of the cable connection module.

18. The connection interface assembly according to Claim 17, wherein the module locking mechanism comprises a snap-fit feature.

19. The connection interface assembly according to any one of Claims 13-18, wherein each mating section comprises a mating interface configured to engage with the mating interface of the other mating section to secure the two mating sections together.

20. The connection interface assembly according to Claim 19, wherein the mating interface comprises a cantilever snap-fit feature that includes a lever and aperture, wherein the lever of the mating interface of one mating section is configured to be received through the corresponding aperture of the mating interface of the other mating section to secure the two mating sections together.

21. The connection interface assembly according to any one of Claims 13-20, wherein each mating section further comprises a protrusion and a recess, wherein, when the two mating sections are mated together, the protrusion of one mating section is received by the corresponding recess of the other mating section to further secure the two mating sections of the primary member together.

22. The connection interface assembly according to any one of Claims 13-21, wherein the primary member further comprises one or more anti-rotation features, the one or more antirotation features configured to engage with a notch in the at least one aperture of the cable connection module.

23. The connection interface assembly according to any one of Claims 13-22, wherein the primary member further comprises one or more support members having an arcuate edge that corresponds to an inner surface of the at least one aperture in the cable connection module.

24. The a connection interface assembly according to any one of Claims 13-23, wherein an inner surface of the main body of the primary member comprises a plurality of gripping members configured to engage the female connection component.

25. The connection interface assembly according to any one of Claims 13-24, wherein the main body of the securing member comprises a plurality of flexible fingers which are each separated by an axially extending recess, each of the flexible fingers have a lip or flange that extends radially inward into the bore.

26. An adapter for a connection interface, the adapter comprising: a primary member comprising two mating sections, the two mating sections together forming a main body of the primary member and defining an interior cavity sized and configured to receive the female connection component of the connection interface, the main body of the primary member comprising a securing feature and two open-ended recesses that extend axially from an end of the main body; a front cap having a main body and bore extending therethrough, the main body comprising a threaded section and an inner surface of the main body having a pair of protrusions extending radially inwardly into the bore, each protrusion configured to be received by a respective open-ended recess of the primary member; and a securing member having a main body and a bore extending therethrough, the securing member having a threaded section configured to engage the threaded section of the front cap, wherein the front cap and securing member are configured to secure the primary member therebetween and secure the adapter to the female connection component.

27. The adapter according to Claim 26, wherein one or more segments of the inner surface of the primary member section taper radially outwardly along a length of the primary member.

28. The adapter according to any one of Claims 26 or 27, wherein the front cap further comprises an annular flange extending radially outwardly from the main body of the front cap.

29. The adapter according to any one of Claims 26-28, wherein the securing member has a main body and a bore extending therethrough, the main body of the securing member comprises a nut and threaded section at one end, and the opposing end of the securing member is sized and configured to engage a portion of the female connection component.

30. The adapter according to any one of Claims 26-29, wherein an inner surface of the main body of the primary member comprises a plurality of gripping members configured to engage the female connection component.

31. The adapter according to any one of Claims 26-30, wherein the front cap further comprises one or more anti-rotation features.

32. A connection interface assembly, the assembly comprising: a cable connection module having a bulkhead including at least one aperture; a connection interface, the connection interface comprising a male connection component and a female connection component; and an adapter, the adapter comprising: a primary member comprising two mating sections, the two mating sections together forming a main body of the primary member and defining an interior cavity that receives the female connection component of the connection interface, the main body of the primary member comprising a securing feature and two open-ended recesses that extend axially from an end of the main body; a front cap having a main body and bore extending therethrough, the main body comprising a threaded section and an inner surface of the main body having a pair of protrusions extending radially inwardly into the bore, each protrusion received by a respective open-ended recess of the primary member; and a securing member having a main body and a bore extending therethrough, the securing member having a threaded section engaged with the threaded section of the front cap to secure the primary member therebetween, wherein the adapter is secured within the at least one aperture of the cable connection module.

33. The connection interface assembly of Claim 32, wherein the connection interface is a hardened multifiber optical connector (HMFOC) assembly.

34. The connection interface assembly according to any one of Claims 32 or 33, wherein one or more segments of the inner surface of the primary member section taper radially outwardly along a length of the primary member.

35. The connection interface assembly according to any one of Claims 32-34, wherein the front cap further comprises an annular flange extending radially outwardly from the main body of the front cap.

36. The connection interface assembly according to any one of Claims 32-35, wherein the securing member has a main body and a bore extending therethrough, the main body of the securing member comprises a nut and threaded section at one end, and the opposing end of the securing member engages a portion of the female connection component.

37. The connection interface assembly according to any one of Claims 32-36, wherein an inner surface of the main body of the primary member comprises a plurality of gripping members configured to engage the female connection component.

38. The connection interface assembly according to any one of Claims 32-37, wherein the front cap further comprises one or more anti-rotation features.