CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. 202010634338.8, filed on July 2, 2020, and claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. 202021290352.2, filed on July 2, 2020, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Telecommunications connectors are manufactured to various specifications and standards. For example, specifications and standards exist for connecting modular jacks within openings defined by, for example, panels and plates. One industry-wide standard exists for what is typically referred to as a “keystone jack” in which a flexible tab is provided on the top of the jack, among other structural features, that allows the jack to be snapped into a mounting plate. Manufacturers have also defined their own specifications for proprietary and non-proprietary jack types. It is typically the case that a jack made to one specification cannot be used with an opening made to a different specification. Accordingly, this lack of cross-compatibility reduces flexibility and requires manufacturers to maintain large inventories.

[0003] With reference to Figure 26, a keystone jack 10, configured as an RJ-type jack, is presented. As shown, the jack 10 includes a main body 12 and a single-sided deflectable latch member 14 located on one side of the main body 12. A single-sided fixed latch member 16 is provided on the side of the main body 12 opposite the latch member 14. In one aspect, the latch members 14, 16 are separated by a height HI which allows the jack to be inserted into an opening of the same height. In one example, the height HI is about 19.5 mm. A pair of oppositely positioned side stops 18 are also provided on the other two sides of the main body 12. When the jack 10 is inserted into an opening, the latch members 14, 16 prevent the jack 10 from being removed in a first direction Dl. The side stops 18 prevent the jack 10 from being removed from the opening in a second direction D2 opposite the first direction Dl. Accordingly, the combination of the latch members 14, 16 and the side stops 18 function to securely hold the jack 10 within an opening such that the jack 10 cannot be moved in either of the first and second directions Dl, D2. When the latch member 14 is sufficiently depressed, the jack 10 can be removed from the opening in the first direction Dl.

[0004] With reference to Figure 27, a jack module 20 referred to as an SL series jack, also configured as an RJ-type jack, and manufactured by CommScope, Inc., the assignee of the present application, is presented. As shown, the jack 20 includes a main body 22 and a double-sided deflectable latch member 24 located on one side of the main body 22. A double-sided fixed latch member 26 is provided on the side of the main body 22 opposite the latch member 24. In one aspect, the latch members 24, 26 are separated by a height H2 which allows the jack to be inserted into an opening of the same height. In one example, the height H2 is about 20.3 mm. As the latch members 24, 26 are double-sided and form a channel that abuts each side of a wall defining the opening within which the jack 20 is installed, the latch members 24, 26 prevent the jack 20 from being removed from the opening in either the first or second direction Dl, D2. Accordingly, the jack 20 differs from the jack 10 in that side stops need not be provided for the jack 20. When the latch member 24 is sufficiently depressed, the jack 10 can be removed from the opening in the first direction Dl . As the height HI associated with a keystone style jack is different than the height H2 associated with an SL style jack, each style jack must typically be used with an opening structure specifically dimensioned for that style of jack.

[0005] With reference to Figure 69, a jack module 30 referred to as an M series jack, also configured as an RJ-type jack, and manufactured by CommScope, Inc., the assignee of the present application, is presented. As shown, the jack 30 includes a main body 32 and a pair of oppositely positioned single-sided deflectable latch members 34 located on each side of the main body 32. A pair of oppositely positioned side stops 36 are also provided on the same two sides of the main body 12 on which the latch members 34 are provided. When the jack 30 is inserted into an opening structure 40 having a central passageway 42, as shown at Figures 29 and 30, the latch members 34 engage into recesses 44 having catch surfaces 46 to prevent the jack 30 from being removed in the first direction Dl. The side stops 36 abut a rear-facing surface 48 of the opening structure 40 to prevent the jack 30 from being removed from the opening in the second direction D2 opposite the second direction D2. Accordingly, the combination of the latch members 34 the side stops 36 function to securely hold the jack 30 within an opening structure 40 such that the jack 10 cannot be moved in either of the first and second directions Dl, D2. When the latch members 34 are sufficiently depressed, the jack 30 can be removed from the opening structure 40 in the first direction Dl.

[0006] As the latching approach used with an M series style jack 30 and the opening structure 40 is completely different than that used for keystone and SL type jacks, the opening structure 40 is generally incompatible and unusable for keystone and SL style jacks. Other types of jack styles with differing latch systems also exist that similarly require openings configured specifically for that style of jack.

SUMMARY

[0007] A telecommunications jack connection kit can include an opening structure defining a first central passageway, the opening structure defining a first attachment arrangement for securing a first jack type to the main body within the central passageway, and an adapter for connection to a second jack type and a third jack type, the adapter being configured for connection to the first attachment arrangement, wherein the first, second, and third jack types have different connection arrangements for facilitating connection to an opening structure.

[0008] In some examples, the first attachment arrangement includes oppositely positioned recesses and catch surfaces located on opposite sides of the first central passageway, the catch surfaces being for engaging laterally positioned latch members of the first jack type.

[0009] In some examples, the first jack type is a COMMSCOPE M-series type jack.

[0010] In some examples, the second jack type is a keystone type jack.

[0011] In some examples, the third jack type is a COMMSCOPE SL-series type jack.

[0012] In some examples, the adapter includes a main body defining a second central opening for receiving either of the first and second jack types.

[0013] In some examples, the adapter includes a pair of oppositely positioned deflectable latch members for engaging with the catch surfaces of the first attachment arrangement, the pair of latch members being located on first and second side structures on the adapter.

[0014] In some examples, the adapter includes a third side structure extending between the first and second side structures, the third side structure defining oppositely facing catch surfaces for engaging with a deflectable latch member of the first or the second jack type. [0015] In some examples, the adapter includes a fourth side structure extending between the first and second side structures, the third side structure defining oppositely facing catch surfaces for engaging with a fixed latch member of the first or the second jack type.

[0016] In some examples, the adapter includes a first stop surface for engaging with a corresponding stop surface of the opening structure.

[0017] In some examples, the adapter includes a second stop surface for engaging with a corresponding stop surface of the first jack type or the second jack type.

[0018] In some examples, the pair of deflectable latch members extend within a recess defined by the first and second side structures, and wherein the main body further includes a first spring arm straddling the first side structure recess and a second spring arm straddling the second side structure recess.

[0019] In some examples, the first and second spring arms each have a curved or arched shape.

[0020] A telecommunications jack adapter for enabling jacks of a first and second type to be inserted into an opening structure configured for a third jack type can include a main body defining first, second, third, and fourth side structures, the side structures defining a central opening for receiving a jack, a first deflectable latch member formed as part of the first side structure and a second deflectable latch member formed as part of the second side structure, the first and second deflectable latch members being configured to engage with the opening structure configured for the third jack type, a first attachment arrangement for receiving and retaining a first jack type within the central opening, the first attachment arrangement being defined by a first catch surface defined in the third side structure, a second catch surface defined in the fourth side structure, and a first stop surface, and a second attachment arrangement for receiving and retaining a second jack type within the central opening, the second attachment arrangement being defined by the first and second catch surfaces, a third catch surface defined in the third side structure, and a fourth catch surface defined in the fourth side structure, wherein the first, second, and third jack types have different connection arrangements for facilitating connection to an opening structure.

[0021] In some examples, the third jack type is a COMMSCOPE M-series type jack. [0022] In some examples, the first jack type is a keystone type jack. [0023] In some examples, the second jack type is a COMMSCOPE SL-series type jack.

[0024] In some examples, the adapter includes a second stop surface for engaging with a corresponding stop surface of the opening structure.

[0025] In some examples, the first and second deflectable latch members extend within a recess defined by the first and second side structures, and wherein the main body further includes a first spring arm straddling the first side structure recess and a second spring arm straddling the second side structure recess.

[0026] In some examples, the first and second spring arms each have a curved or arched shape.

[0027] In some examples, the first and second spring arms each define a portion of the first stop surface.

[0028] In some examples, the first and second spring arms each define a second stop surface for engaging with a corresponding stop surface of the opening structure.

[0029] A telecommunications jack adapter for receiving multiple types of jacks can include an opening structure having a main body defining a central opening for receiving a first jack type having a first dimension and a second jack type having a second dimension greater than the first dimension, wherein the main body is flexible such that the opening structure matches the first dimension in a relaxed state and matches the second dimension in an expanded state.

[0030] In some examples, the opening structure is defined by first, second, third, and fourth side structures and the main body further includes a first deflectable latch member formed as part of the first side structure and a second deflectable latch member formed as part of the second side structure, the first and second deflectable latch members being configured to engage with a second opening structure configured for receiving a third jack type.

[0031] In some examples, the main body includes a pair of flexible arms enabling the main body to move between the relaxed and expanded states.

[0032] In some examples, the adapter further includes a first attachment arrangement for receiving and retaining a first jack type within the central opening, the first attachment arrangement being defined by a first catch surface defined in the third side structure, a second catch surface defined in the fourth side structure, and a first stop surface, and a second attachment arrangement for receiving and retaining a second jack type within the central opening, the second attachment arrangement being defined by the first and second catch surfaces, a third catch surface defined in the third side structure, and a fourth catch surface defined in the fourth side structure, wherein the first, second, and third jack types have different connection arrangements for facilitating connection to an opening structure.

[0033] In some examples, the third jack type is a COMMSCOPE M-series type jack.

[0034] In some examples, the first jack type is a keystone type jack.

[0035] In some examples, the second jack type is a COMMSCOPE SL-series type jack.

[0036] In some examples, the first and second deflectable latch members extend within a recess defined by the first and second side structures, and wherein the pair of spring arms includes a first spring arm straddling the first side structure recess and a second spring arm straddling the second side structure recess.

[0037] In some examples, the first and second spring arms each have a curved or arched shape.

[0038] In some examples, the first and second spring arms each define a portion of a first stop surface.

[0039] In some examples, the first and second spring arms each define a second stop surface for engaging with a corresponding stop surface of the opening structure.

[0040] A telecommunications jack adapter for receiving multiple types of jacks can include an opening structure defining a central opening for receiving a first jack type having a first height dimension and a second jack type having a second height dimension greater than the first height dimension; a pair of flexible arms connected to the opening structure such that the central opening is located between the flexible arms; wherein when the pair of flexible arms are in a relaxed state, the central opening corresponds to the first height dimension and wherein when the pair of flexible arms are in an expanded state, the central opening corresponds to the second height dimension.

[0041] In some examples, the opening structure is defined by first, second, third, and fourth side structures and the main body further includes a first deflectable latch member formed as part of the first side structure and a second deflectable latch member formed as part of the second side structure, the first and second deflectable latch members being configured to engage with a second opening structure configured for receiving a third jack type.

[0042] In some examples, the pair of flexible arms each have a curved or arched shape.

[0043] In some examples, the pair of flexible arms each define a portion of a first stop surface.

[0044] In some examples, the pair of flexible arms each define a second stop surface for engaging with a corresponding stop surface of the opening structure.

[0045] A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individual features and combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to the following figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

[0047] Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of a telecommunications jack adapter having features in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the adapter of Figure 1.

[0049] Figure 3 is a front view of the adapter of Figure 1.

[0050] Figure 4 is a rear view of the adapter of Figure 1.

[0051] Figure 5 is a top view of the adapter of Figure 1.

[0052] Figure 6 is a bottom view of the adapter of Figure 1.

[0053] Figure 7 is a side view of the adapter of Figure 1.

[0054] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the adapter of Figure 1.

[0055] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional top view of the adapter of Figure 1.

[0056] Figure 10 is a front perspective view of an assembly including a first jack type secured to the adapter of Figure 1. [0057] Figure 11 is a rear perspective view of the assembly shown in Figure 10.

[0058] Figure 12 is a top view of the assembly shown in Figure 10.

[0059] Figure 13 is a bottom view of the assembly shown in Figure 10.

[0060] Figure 14 is a side view of the assembly shown in Figure 10.

[0061] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional side view of the assembly shown in Figure 10.

[0062] Figure 16 is a perspective front view of the assembly shown in Figure 10 installed within an opening structure.

[0063] Figure 17 is a perspective rear view of the assembly and opening structure shown in Figure 16.

[0064] Figure 18 is a front perspective view of an assembly including a second jack type secured to the adapter of Figure 1.

[0065] Figure 19 is a rear perspective view of the assembly shown in Figure 18.

[0066] Figure 20 is a top view of the assembly shown in Figure 18.

[0067] Figure 21 is a bottom view of the assembly shown in Figure 18.

[0068] Figure 22 is a side view of the assembly shown in Figure 18.

[0069] Figure 23 is a cross-sectional side view of the assembly shown in Figure 18.

[0070] Figure 24 is a perspective front view of the assembly shown in Figure 18 installed within the opening structure shown in Figures 16 and 17.

[0071] Figure 25 is a perspective rear view of the assembly and opening structure shown in Figure 24.

[0072] Figure 26 is a side view of the first jack type shown in Figure 10.

[0073] Figure 27 is a side view of the second jack type shown in Figure 18.

[0074] Figure 28 is a side view of a third jack type.

[0075] Figure 29 is a perspective front view of the third jack type shown in Figure 28 installed within the opening structure shown in Figures 16 and 17.

[0076] Figure 30 is a perspective rear view of the third jack type and opening structure shown in Figure 29. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0077] Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims. [0078] With reference to Figures 1 to 9, and adapter 100 is presented. The adapter 100 can be used with either a keystone-type jack 10 or an SL-type jack 20 such that the jacks 10, 20 can then be inserted into an opening structure 40 configured for an M-series type jack 30. [0079] As shown, the adapter 100 includes a main body 102 having side structures 104, 106, 108, 110 that define a generally rectangular central passageway 112 for receiving and supporting either of the jacks 10, 20. In one aspect, the side structures 104, 106 each include a wall portion 104a, 106a defining a recess area 104b, 106b within which a deflectable latch member 104c, 106c extends from the wall portion 104a, 106a. The deflectable latch member 104c, 106c includes a flexible or deflectable arm portion 104d, 106d extending to a free end 104e, 106e and a catch portion or surface 104f, 106f located at the free end 104e, 106e. When the adapter 100 is received within the opening structure 40, as can be seen at Figures 16-17 and 24-25, the deflectable latch members 104c, 106c are received into recesses 44 such that the catch surfaces 104f, 106f engage with the catch surfaces 46 of the opening structure 40 in a snap-fit type of arrangement. The adapter 100 can be released from the opening structure 40 by deflecting the latch members 104c, 106c inwardly such that the catch surfaces 46 and 104f, 106f are disengaged from each other. As presented, the side structures 104, 106 each further define a spring arm 104g, 106g straddling across the recess 104b, 106c. The spring arm 104g, 106g adds structural stability to the adapter main body 102 at the rear end. [0080] In one aspect, the spring arm 104g, 106g is configured as a curved or arch-shaped member with a central portion extending away from the central passageway 112. As related previously, keystone type jacks 10 and SL type jacks 20 differ in height, with the former requiring an opening structure having a height H1 and the latter requiring a height H2 which is greater than H1. In order for the adapter 100 to be able to accommodate both types of jacks 10, 20, the spring arms 104g, 106g provide a flexible feature which allows the adapter 100 to expand in height when an SL type jack 20 is inserted into the adapter 100. As constructed, the adapter 100 defines an opening structure between the side structures 108, 110 generally defining the height H1, when in a relaxed state, such that a keystone type jack 10 can be received into the adapter 100. When an SL type jack 20 is inserted into the adapter 100, the greater height of the jack forces the spring arms 104g, 106g to extend or flatten such that the height H2 for the jack 20 is achieved. In this state, slight bending of the side structures 104, 106 adjacent the recesses 104b, 106b also occurs. With such a construction, a single opening structure provided by the adapter 100 can be provided that can advantageously accommodate the two different jack types having different opening requirements. [0081] The provided shape of the spring arms 104h, 106h also enables a front side 104h, 106h of the spring arm 104g, 106g to act as a stop surface against the rear-facing surface 48 of the opening structure 40 to prevent the adapter 100 and attached jack 10, 20 from being further inserted through the central passageway 42 in the direction D1, as is illustrated at Figures 16-17 and 24-25. As shown, the main body 102 defines additional stop surfaces 112 disposed about the central opening 112 that are coplanar with the sides 104h, 106h. Accordingly, the stop surfaces 112 can also abut the surface 48 to fix the position of the adapter 100 and attached jack 10, 20 relative to the opening structure 40. In one aspect, the spring arms 104g, 106g define a define rear sides 104i, 106i that act as a stop surface against the side stops 18 of a jack 10 to limit the insertion of the jack 10 in the direction D2 relative to the adapter 100, as is shown at Figures 10 to 17. To further aid in providing a positive stop against the side stops 18, the side structures 104, 106 may be provided with stop surfaces 106j which are coplanar with the rear sides 104i, 106i. [0082] In one aspect, the side structure 110 of the main body 102 includes a wall portion 110a extending between the side structures 104, 160. As shown, the wall portion 110a defines a recess or opening 110b. The wall portion 110a can be characterized as having a front portion 110c on one side of the recess 110b and a rear portion 110d on the other side of the recess 110b. The rear portion 110d can be further characterized as defining oppositely facing catch surfaces 110e, 110f that are generally disposed perpendicular to the wall portion 110a. As shown, the catch surface 110e faces towards the opening 110b while catch surface 110f faces way from the opening 110b. When a jack 10 is inserted into the adapter 100, the single-sided latch member 16 snaps into the opening 110b and catches against the catch surface 110e to prevent the jack 10 from being removed or separated from the adapter 100 in the first direction D1, as is illustrated at Figures 10 to 17. When a jack 20 is inserted into the adapter 100, the double sided latch member 26 snaps into the opening 110b and catches against both catch surfaces 110e, 110f to prevent the jack 20 from being removed or separated from the adapter 100 in the first and second direction D1, D2, as is illustrated at Figures 18 to 25. [0083] In one aspect, the side structure 108 includes a member 108a extending between the side structures 104, 106. The member 108a can be characterized as defining oppositely facing catch surfaces 108b, 108c that are generally disposed generally parallel to the catch surfaces 110e, 110f. As shown, the catch surface 108b faces in the same direction as the catch surface 110e and towards a front end of the adapter 100. The catch surface 108c faces in the same direction as the catch surface 110e and towards a rear end of the adapter 100. When a jack 10 is inserted into the adapter 100, the single-sided latch member 16 snaps over the member 108a catches against the catch surface 108b to prevent the jack 10 from being removed or separated from the adapter 100 in the first direction D1, as is illustrated at Figures 10 to 17. When a jack 20 is inserted into the adapter 100, the double sided latch member 26 snaps over the member 108a and catches against both catch surfaces 108b, 108c to prevent the jack 20 from being removed or separated from the adapter 100 in the first and second direction D1, D2, as is illustrated at Figures 18 to 25. The side structure 108 can also be provided with a ramped surface 108d to enable a tool to be used to separate the latch member 14 or 24 from the side structure 108 when separation of a jack 10, 20 from the adapter 100 is desired. [0084] Many materials can be used for the components of the disclosed components herein. For example, the components can be formed from polymeric materials, such as injection molded plastics. [0085] The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claims attached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the disclosure.