Optical fiber adapter

Abstract

An adapter for mating optical fiber connectors may include an internal configuration that essentially holds the ferrules of the connectors in alignment when a force is applied to the connector in a sideways direction. An internal plate may be provided to essentially prevent displacement of the mating ends of the ferrules with respect to the adapter housing and one another.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An optical fiber adapter for optically coupling two optical fiber connectors, each optical fiber connector having an optical ferrule with a mating end for mating with the mating end of the optical ferrule of the other connector, and the adapter comprising:
 a housing having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and defining an axial cavity extending from the first end to the second end, each of the first end and the second end being configured for receiving and selectively retaining one of the optical fiber connectors therein for mating of the mating ends of the optical ferrules at a mating location within the housing, and the housing comprising:
 a wall portion disposed at the mating location and orthogonal to the axial cavity, the wall portion comprising an opening therein for the axial cavity and a perimetrical surface defining the opening, the opening having a cross-sectional configuration for unhindered passage of the mating ends of the optical ferrules therethrough, and the wall portion, at least adjacent the opening, having a wall thickness sufficient for engagement of the mating ends of the optical ferrules with the perimetrical opening upon displacement of the mating ends in any direction orthogonal to the axial direction to limit lateral movement of the mating ends and substantially maintain an optical coupling between the mating ends.