Behind the wall optical connector with reduced components

Abstract

A behind-the-wall optical connector an outer housing configured to be inserted into an adapter with a corresponding inner surface, a ferrule included in an annular collar to mate with a corresponding projection at an adapter opening, and a latch attached to one side of housing configured to lock the connecter into an adapter opening. The latch is further configured with a locking channel and guide to accept a pull tab with a catch at one end, the pull tab releases the connector from the adapter opening when the tab is pulled rearward or away from the adapter.

1 . An adapter-connector system for making a fiber optic connection comprising:
 a housing having portals at first and second opposite ends and a passage extending between the first and second portals, the portals being sized and shaped for receiving fiber optic connectors having cylindrical ferrules, the housing further including an alignment sleeve holder located in the passage;   an alignment sleeve mounted by the alignment sleeve holder in the passage in an orientation in which the cylindrical ferrule of one of the fiber optic connectors when plugged into one of said portals is received in the alignment sleeve, the alignment sleeve being configured to resiliently expand in diameter upon receiving the cylindrical ferrule of one of the fiber optic connectors;   the fiber optic connectors include at least one ferrule, and   
       wherein the at least one ferrule is secured by a latch within the fiber optic connectors. 
     
     
         2 . The adapter-connector system of  claim 1  wherein the alignment sleeve has openings at opposite longitudinal ends of the alignment sleeve, the openings being sized smaller than a diameter of the cylindrical ferrule of said one of the fiber optic connectors that can be plugged into the adapter. 
     
     
         3 . The adapter-connector system of  claim 2  wherein the alignment sleeve has at least one longitudinal slit therein extending lengthwise of the alignment sleeve and configured to facilitate expansion of the alignment sleeve. 
     
     
         4 . The adapter-connector system of  claim 3  wherein there are two longitudinal slits in the alignment sleeve extending lengthwise of the alignment sleeve and configured to facilitate expansion of the alignment sleeve. 
     
     
         5 . The adapter-connector system of  claim 3  wherein the alignment sleeve is made of zirconia. 
     
     
         6 . The adapter-connector system of  claim 3  wherein the alignment sleeve is made of a polymer. 
     
     
         7 . The adapter-connector system of  claim 2  wherein the openings are sized smaller than a collar of the cylindrical ferrule so that the collar cannot enter the alignment sleeve and alignment sleeve limits the insertion of the cylindrical ferrule into the alignment sleeve by engagement of the alignment sleeve with the collar.