Adapter module with insertion guide aspect

Abstract

An adapter module is provided with a bail latch mechanism that serves to engage and disengage the frame into which the adapter module fits. The bail latch is movable between two positions and it engages a cam member formed as part of the module that cams two opposing free ends of the bail latch inwardly into the module to thereby release it from the adapter frame.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority of U.S. provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 370,853, filed Apr. 8, 2002.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to adapter modules, and more particularly to an adapter module having a retention member that is easily operable to hold the adapter module in place or to release it from within an adapter frame. [0003] Adapter frames or modules are used in many different applications and are usually used to contain an electrical component, such as an optical transceiver or a cable to board connector. Adapter modules are used in a wide variety of applications that range from simple connecting faces between hard (copper) conductor wiring to more sophisticated applications that may involve optical fibers, flexible or printed cables, etc. In many instances, adapter modules house converters that are used to convert optical signals or electrical signals or electrical signals to optical...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] It is therefore a general object of the present invention to provide an adapter module that easily slides into a an adapter frame and which uses a moveable latch to retain it in place within the frame.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide an adapter module that utilizes a simple wire bail latch having two free ends that engage openings in the frame, and the bail latch is moveable about its free ends between two positions, wherein in one of the two positions, the free ends of the bail latch extend outwardly from the adapter module to provide interfering posts that serve to retain the adapter module in place within the adapter / frame and in the other of the two positions, the free ends of the bail latch are withdrawn inwardly into the adapter module so that they do not interferingly engage the adapter frame to thereby permit the adapter module to be easily removed from the bezel.

[0008] A further object of the present invention is to provide an adapter module with a retention bail latch that is moveable between two positions wherein the adapter module is either retained within a guiderail or removable therefrom, the bail latch preventing the cable assembly from being attached to the transceiver within the adapter module prior to installation of the adapter module into its host unit.

[0010] A still further object of the present invention is to provide an adapter module that is easily insertable into an adapter frame, the adapter module having a cast housing that has a pair of slots formed therein extending lengthwise, the slots receiving corresponding opposing guiderails of a receiving frame, the adapter module slots having flared ends at their rear portions that provide a lead-in for the guiderails, the flared ends diverging from the width of the slots to a wider slot at an daiverging angle therefrom so that the module may be tilted in its installation and / or removal.

Problems solved by technology

These thumbscrews are difficult to operate in environments with many cables, for the user has to move the cables to the side when installing, removing or reconfiguring the cables.

Thus, these adapter modules are not easily pluggable.

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