WO2016073494A1

WO2016073494A1 - Connection trays with managed connectivity

Info

Publication number: WO2016073494A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/058853
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ryan Kostecka; Joseph C. Coffey
Original assignee: Commscope Technologies Llc
Priority date: 2014-11-05
Filing date: 2015-11-03
Publication date: 2016-05-12

Abstract

A connection tray system has managed connectivity functionality provided by memory storage units associated with optical connectors and memory readers disposed on a connection tray. Two plug connectors can be optically coupled together at an optical adapter disposed at a connection tray. The memory storage units can be retro-fit to the optical connectors (or the optical adapter). An optical adapter can be transferred from a non-managed connection tray, which does not have memory readers, to a managed connection tray, which has memory readers, without decoupling the optical connectors received thereat.

Description

CONNECTION TRAYS WITH MANAGED CONNECTIVITY

Cross-Reference to Related Application

This application is being filed on November 3, 2015 as a PCT International Patent Application and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No.

62/075,537, filed on November 5, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Background

In communications infrastructure installations, a variety of communications devices can be used for switching, cross-connecting, and interconnecting communications signal transmission paths in a communications network. Some such communications devices are installed in one or more equipment racks to permit organized, high-density installations to be achieved in a limited space.

Network management systems (NMS) are typically aware of logical communication links that exist in a communications network, but typically do not have information about the specific physical layer media (e.g., the communications devices, cables, couplers, etc.) that are used to implement the logical communication links. Indeed, NMS systems typically do not have the ability to display or otherwise provide information about how logical communication links are implemented at the physical layer level.

Improvements are desired.

Summary

In accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, a clip arrangement includes a clip body including a base configured to carry an information storage arrangement. The information storage arrangement includes an electronic memory unit disposed on a board. The information storage arrangement also includes contact pads and a plurality of deflectable contact members disposed at the board. Each of the deflectable contact members extends from a first end to a second end. The first ends of the deflectable contact members are fixedly mounted to the board. The second ends of the deflectable contact members are spaced from the board and aligned with the contact pads in an undeflected state. The base defines an aperture. The deflectable contact members are accessible through the aperture from an exterior of the clip body.

In certain implementations, the board includes a printed circuit board. In certain implementations, the clip body is configured to attach to a plug connector.

In certain examples, the clip body includes latching arms configured to snap around the plug connector.

In certain examples, the clip body includes a first member defining the aperture and a second member separate from the first member. The first member defines the aperture. The second member is configured to cooperate with the first member to define a passage sized to receive the plug connector.

In certain examples, the clip body is movable between an open position and a closed position. The clip body defines a passage that extends between opposite first and second ends of the clip body when the clip body is in the closed position. The passage is sized to receive the plug connector. The aperture leads to the passage at an intermediate location between and first and second ends. The clip body is configured to radially receive the plug connector into the passage when the clip body is in the open position.

In an example, the clip body includes a first portion that is hinged relative to a remainder of the clip body to enable the clip body to move between the open position and the closed position. A distal end of the first portion is configured to attach to the remainder of the clip body. In another example, the clip body includes a first portion and a second portion that are each hinged relative to a remainder of the clip body to enable the clip body to move between the open position and the closed position. Distal ends of the first and second portions are configured to attach to each other.

In certain examples, the clip body includes a base that defines the aperture and an elongated flexible section that extends from a first side of the base. The base includes a securement member at an opposite second side of the base. The securement member is configured to receive and secure a portion of the elongated flexible section.

In certain implementations, the clip body is configured to attach to an adapter. The clip body positions the information storage arrangement at a location exterior of a port defined by the adapter. In an example, a second information storage arrangement carried by the clip body. The clip body positions the second information storage arrangement at a location exterior of a second port defined by the adapter.

In certain implementations, the base defines at a periphery of the aperture a recessed shelf on which the information storage arrangement seats.

In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, a connection tray includes a tray body including a base that defines a plurality of apertures; a plurality of sets of latching arms extending upwardly from a top of the base, and a circuit board coupled to a bottom of the base. Each set of latching arms is configured to hold an optical adapter to the tray body. Each set of latching arms is disposed between a respective pair of the apertures. The circuit board includes elongated contact pads accessible through each of the apertures. The circuit board also defines alignment holes accessible through each of the apertures. At least one of the alignment holes is elongated.

In certain implementations, each aperture provides access to three elongated contact pads. In certain implementations, adjacent ones of the sets of latching arms are laterally offset from each other.

In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, a connection

arrangement includes a connection tray defining a plurality of mounting sections and an optical adapter configured to be mounted to the connection tray at one of the mounting sections. Each mounting section includes an adapter latching arrangement. A first management arrangement is disposed at a first side of the adapter latching arrangement, and a second management arrangement is disposed at an opposite second side of the adapter latching arrangement. The first and second management arrangements of each mounting section are laterally aligned along an insertion axis. Each of the first and second management arrangements includes a contact pad elongated parallel with the insertion axis. The optical adapter defines a first port and a second port. The optical adapter is configured to be selectively mounted in one of a first orientation and a second orientation. The first port faces towards the first management arrangement and the second port faces towards the second management arrangement when the optical adapter is mounted in the first orientation. The first port faces towards the second management arrangement and the second port faces towards the first management arrangement when the optical adapter is mounted in the second orientation. The optical adapter is laterally shifted along the insertion axis when disposed in the second orientation compared to the first orientation.

In certain implementations, a plug connector configured to be received at the first port of the optical adapter. The plug connector carries an information storage arrangement including electronic memory electrically coupled to a contact member. The contact member of the plug connector aligns with the elongated contact pad of the respective management arrangement when the plug connector is received at the first port regardless of the orientation of the optical adapter.

In certain implementations, the plug connector includes alignment pegs and wherein the first and second management arrangements each define alignment holes. In an example, the alignment holes of the respective management section are positioned and sized to receive the alignment pegs of the plug connector regardless of the orientation of the optical adapter. In another example, the optical adapter is one of a plurality of optical adapters disposed at the mounting sections of the connection tray. Adjacent mounting sections are laterally spaced from each other so that adjacent ones of the optical adapters do not overlap.

In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, a clip includes a base; a first sidewall extending upwardly from a first side of the base; a second sidewall extending upwardly from a second side of the base; and ramped shoulders disposed on internal surfaces of the first and second sidewalls. The base defines an aperture extending between the first and second surfaces. The base also defines a recessed shelf at a periphery of the aperture. The first sidewall is coupled to the base by a first living hinge. The first sidewall has a first distal end that is movable relative to the base. The first distal end defines a latching lug. The second side of the base is opposite the first side. The second sidewall is coupled to the second side of the base by a second living hinge. The second sidewall has a second distal end that is movable relative to the base. The second distal end defines a latching aperture sized to receive the latching lug so that the first and second sidewalls cooperate with the base to define a through passage. The ramped shoulders face towards the recessed shelf.

In certain implementations, alignment pegs extending downwardly from the base. In certain examples, the alignment pegs include three pegs.

In certain implementations, ribs extending inwardly from the first and second sidewalls. In certain examples, the ribs are axially spaced along the through passage.

In certain implementations, the distal ends of the first and second sidewalls have a slim profile when the latching lug is received by the latching aperture.

In certain implementations, an information storage arrangement including an electronic memory unit disposed on a board.

A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoing 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

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the description, illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an example connection system including managed connection units disposed on a tray;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an example managed connection unit;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the managed connection unit of FIG.

2;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the managed connection unit of FIG. 2 with the clips exploded away from the connectors and opened;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of an example clip arrangement, including an information storage arrangement and a clip, suitable for use in the managed connection units of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the clip arrangement of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an axial cross-sectional view of the clip arrangement of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the clip arrangement of claim 5 with the information storage arrangement removed from the clip;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the tray of FIG. 1 with the managed connection units removed from mounting locations;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view of one of the mounting locations of FIG.

9;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 1 showing an optical adapter mounted at the tray in a first orientation;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 1 showing an optical adapter mounted at the tray in a second orientation;

FIG. 13 illustrates a first alternative clip arrangement exploded away from an example managed connection unit;

FIG. 14 illustrates the first alternative clip arrangement of FIG. 13 disposed at a fiber optic connector body;

FIG. 15 illustrates the first alternative clip arrangement of FIG. 14 secured around the connector body;

FIG. 16 illustrates a second alternative clip arrangement exploded away from an example managed connection unit; FIG. 17 illustrates the second alternative clip arrangement of FIG. 16 secured around the connector body;

FIG. 18 illustrates a third alternative clip arrangement exploded away from an example managed connection unit;

FIG. 19 illustrates the third alternative clip arrangement of FIG. 18 secured around the connector body;

FIG. 20 illustrates a fourth alternative clip arrangement exploded away from an example managed connection unit;

FIG. 21 illustrates the fourth alternative clip arrangement of FIG. 20 disposed at a fiber optic connector body;

FIG. 22 illustrates a fifth alternative clip arrangement exploded away from an example managed connection unit;

FIG. 23 illustrates the fifth alternative clip arrangement of FIG. 22 secured to the adapter; and

FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of the fifth alternative clip arrangement and managed connection unit of FIG. 22.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

The present disclosure relates generally to a connection tray system having managed connectivity functionality. The managed connectivity functionality is provided by memory storage units associated with optical connectors and memory readers disposed on a connection tray. Two plug connectors can be optically coupled together at an optical adapter disposed at a connection tray. In accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, the memory storage units can be retro-fit to the optical connectors (or the optical adapter). In accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure, an optical adapter can be transferred from a non-managed connection tray, which does not have memory readers, to a managed connection tray, which has memory readers, without decoupling the optical connectors received thereat.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example connection system 100 including a tray 110 holding one or more managed connection units 101. Each connection unit 101 includes an optical adapter 120 optically coupling together a first optical connector 103 and a second optical connector 104. A clip arrangement 105 associates at least one of the optical adapter 120, the first optical connector 103, and the second optical connector 104 with an information storage arrangement 150, which includes an electronic memory unit 151 storing information relating to the optical adapter 120, the first optical connector 103, and/or the second optical connector 103. Each information storage arrangement 150 also includes contact members 154 electrically connected to the electronic memory unit 151. The tray 110 includes one or more readers 172 positioned to align with the contact members 154 of the information storage arrangements 150.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate one example managed connection unit 101 including an optical adapter 120 optically coupling together a first optical connector 103 and a second optical connector 104. The optical adapter 120 includes a body 121 defining a first port 122 and a second port 123 that axially align along a connector insertion axis. The optical adapter body 121 includes a flange 124 extending radially outwardly from the body 121. The flange 124 defines a stop 125. A spring arrangement 126 also is attached to the adapter body 121 at the flange 124. The spring arrangement 126 has a deflectable distal end that faces towards the stop 125.

Each optical connector 130 includes a body 131 that provides access to a tip of an optical fiber. For example, the body 131 may carry a ferrule that holds the optical fiber. The body 131 includes a grip region 133 that a user would grasp to insert and/or remove the optical connector 130 from the optical adapter 120. In certain examples, the grip region 133 has a textured surface 135 (e.g., ribs). In certain examples, the body 131 defines a region of reduced cross-sectional profile 137 at an intermediate location along a length of the body 131. A strain-relief boot 139 is coupled to the body 131 to transition the fiber (and corresponding jacket) out of the connector body 131.

A clip arrangement 105 carries the information storage arrangement 150 and attaches to the first optical connector 103 (see FIG. 4). In certain examples, a second clip arrangement 106 carries another information storage arrangement 150 and attaches to the second optical connector 104. In an example, the second clip arrangement 106 is identical to the first clip arrangement 105. As shown in FIGS. 5-8, each clip arrangement 105, 106 includes a clip 140 having a base 141 that defines an aperture 143. One or more alignment pegs 145 extend from a first surface of the base 141. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the clip 140 also includes one or more alignment pegs 145. In the example shown, the clip 140 includes three alignment pegs 145. In other examples, however, the clip 140 can include a greater or lesser number of alignment pegs 145. A retention section 147 extends from an opposite second surface of the base 141. As will be discussed in more detail herein, the retention section 147 is configured to hold the clip arrangement 105, 106 to the optical connector 103, 104.

The information storage arrangement 150 includes an electronic memory unit 151 coupled to a board 152. One or more contact pads 153 are disposed on the board 152 (e.g., a circuit board). One or more contact members 154 also are disposed on the board. In certain examples, the contact members 154 are elongated between first ends 155 and second ends 156. The first ends of the contact members 154 are fixedly mounted to the board 152. The second ends 156 of the contact members 154 are movable between an undeflected position and a deflected position. The second ends 156 align with and are spaced from the contact pads 153 when in the undeflected position. The second ends 156 of the contact members 154 (e.g., swipe against) the contact pads 153 when in the deflected position.

The board 152 of the information storage arrangement 150 is mounted to the base 141 of the clip 140 at the aperture 143. For example, the base 141 can define a recessed shelf 149 that extends radially into the aperture 143 (see FIG. 8). The board 152 can seat on the recessed shelf 149 (see FIG. 7). In such examples, the board 152 can be recessed within or coplanar with an inner surface of the base 141. In certain examples, the recessed shelf is positioned so that components (e.g., the electronic memory unit 151) disposed on the board 152 are located within a volume of the clip 140 (see FIG. 3) to protect the components. In certain examples, the deflectable contact members 154 extend beyond the volume of the clip 140.

In some implementations, the retention section 147 of one example type 160 of clip 140 is movable between an open position (e.g., see FIG. 4) and a closed position (e.g., see FIG. 5). The retention section 147 defines a passage 165 that extends between opposite first and second ends of the clip 140 when the retention section 147 is in the closed position. The passage 165 is sized to receive the plug connector body 131. The aperture 143 defined in the clip base 141 leads to the passage 165 at an intermediate location between and first and second ends. The clip 160 is configured to radially receive the plug connector body 131 into the passage 165 when the retention section 147 is in the open position.

In some implementations, the retention section 147 includes first and second sidewalls 161, 163 extending upwardly from the base 141. The first and second sidewalls 161, 163 cooperate with the base 141 to define the passage 165 when the retention section 147 is closed. The first and second sidewalls 161, 163 are coupled to the base 141 at first and second hinge locations (e.g., a living hinges) 162, 164, respectively. Each first sidewall 161, 163 has a distal end that is movable relative to the base 141. The distal end of the first sidewall 161 includes a latching lug 168 and the distal end of the second sidewall 163 defines a hole 169 sized to receive the latching lug 168.

In certain examples, the latching lug 168 defines a ramped surface 168a that aids in inserting the latching lug 168 into the hole 169 (see FIG. 8). For example, the distal end of the second sidewall 163 may ride over the ramped surface 168a and snap over the latching lug 168. In certain examples, the distal end of the second sidewall 163 defines a tapered surface 163 a that provides a slim-profile at the latching region of the clip 160 (see FIG. 8). The tapered surface 163a inhibits unlatching the sidewalls 161, 163 from each other after assembly.

In certain examples, the first and second sidewalls 161, 163 include one or more retention members 167 that aid in maintaining the information storage arrangement 150 at the clip aperture 143. For example, each retention member 167 may define an inwardly- facing ramped surface and a shoulder facing towards the recessed shelf 149. The board 152 of the information storage arrangement 150 is coupled to the clip 160 when the retention section 147 is open. In certain examples, the board may ride over the ramped surfaces of the retention members 167. When the board 152 is seated on the shelf 149, the sidewalls 161, 163 are moved (e.g., pivoted) towards each other so that the shoulders of the retention members 167 face towards the board 152 to aid in retaining the board 152 at the aperture 143.

In some examples, the first and second sidewalls 161, 163 include one or more ribs 166 (see FIG. 4) extending radially inwardly from the sidewalls 161, 163 to aid in holding the clip 160 to the body 131 of the corresponding connector 130. In certain examples, the ribs 166 are disposed at an end of the passage 165 so that the ribs 166 extend partially across a rear end of the connector body 131 (see FIG. 2). In certain examples, the ribs 166 can be disposed at the opposite end of the passage 165 to press against the connector body 131. In certain examples, the ribs 166 can extend inwardly from the sidewalls 161, 163 at one or more intermediate locations along the passage 165. For example, each sidewall 161, 163 can include a rib 166 extending inwardly to fit with the region of reduced cross-sectional profile 137 of the connector body 131.

In certain implementations, the clip arrangements 105, 106 are disposed external of the optical adapter 120 when secured to the connectors 130 even when the connectors 130 are received at the adapter ports 122, 123. The clip arrangements 105, 106 are positioned to align with readers 172 on a connection tray 110 when the managed connection unit 101 is received at a mounting location 113 on the tray 110. In certain examples, each clip arrangements 105, 106 is configured to secure to the tray 110 in a fixed position as will be described in more detail herein.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate an example connection tray 110 including a base 111 having a sidewall 112 (e.g., an interrupted sidewall). The tray 110 defines one or more mounting locations 113 at which managed connection unit 101 can be secured. As shown in FIG. 10, each mounting location 113 includes a retention arrangement 114 configured to hold the optical adapter 120 to the tray 110. The retention arrangement 114 includes a plurality of latching arms 115 and at least one lateral stop member 116. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the latching arms 115 latch over the adapter body 121 and the lateral stop member 116 is held between one of the stops 125 and one of the springs 126 of the adapter flange 124 when the optical adapter 120 is secured at the mounting location 113.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, the mounting locations 113 on the tray 110 can be disposed in a staggered configuration. For example, the mounting locations 113 can be arranged into a plurality of overlapping columns. In the example shown, the mounting locations 113 are arranged into two overlapping columns. Staggering the mounting locations 113 allows the managed connection units 101 to be mounted in a more dense configuration, thereby allowing more connections within a given area than if the mounting locations 113 aligns.

The connection tray 110 includes a circuit board 170 coupled to the base 111. The circuit board 170 includes at least a first reader 172 at each mounting location 113. In certain implementations, the circuit board 170 also includes a second reader 172 at each mounting location 113. Each reader 172 includes one or more contact pads 173 that are accessible through an aperture 117, 118 in the tray base 111. As shown in FIG. 10, the base 111 defines a first aperture 117 at a first side of the retention arrangement 114 and a second aperture 118 at a second side of the retention arrangement 114 at each mounting location 113. In the example shown, each reader 172 includes three contact pads 173. In other examples, however, each reader 172 can include a greater or lesser number of contact pads 173.

In use, the managed connection unit 101 is positioned at a mounting location 113. The adapter 120 is latched or otherwise held at the retention arrangement 114 while the connectors 130 are received at the adapter 120. Positioning the adapter 120 at the retention arrangement 114 causes the information storage arrangements 150 to align with the readers 172. In particular, the contact members 154 of the information storage arrangements 150 align with the contact pads 173 of the readers 172. When the adapter 120 is secured at the retention arrangement 114, the clip arrangements 105, 106 are held at the tray base 111 so that the contact members 154 are pressed against the tray contact pads 173.

An electronic processor (e.g., a microcontroller) disposed on or electrically connected to the circuit board 170 of the tray 110 can access the electronic memory unit 151 via the contact members 154 and contact pads 173. Accordingly, the electronic processor can read, write, and/or edit information stored on the electronic memory unit 151. In certain examples, pressing the contact members 154 against the tray contact pads 173 deflects the second ends 156 of the contact members 154 against the contact pads 153 of the board 152. In an example, deflecting the second ends 156 against the pads 153 completes a circuit, which the electronic processor can recognize as indicating the presence of a connector 130 at the reader 172. In another example, deflecting the second ends 156 against the pads 153 shorts a circuit, which the electronic processor can recognize as indicating the presence of a connector 130 at the reader 172.

In some implementations, the circuit board 170 and/or electronic processor are communicatively coupled to a data management network at which information obtained from the information storage units 150 can be aggregated, analyzed, or otherwise processed. Examples of data management networks can be found in U.S. Publication No. 2011/0262077, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In some implementations, the adapter 120 can be mounted at the retention arrangement 114 in either of two orientations. FIG. 11 shows the adapter 120 in a first orientation with the adapter stop 125 at a left of the lateral stop 116 and the adapter spring 126 at a right of the lateral stop 116. FIG. 12 shows the adapter 120 in a second orientation with the adapter stop 125 at the right of the lateral stop 116 and the adapter spring 126 at the left of the lateral stop 116. In certain implementations, the positioning of the clip arrangements 105, 106 relative to the tray 110 changes based on the orientation of the adapter 120 (e.g., compare FIGS. 11 and 12). For example, the clip arrangements 105, 106 may be laterally shifted relative to the tray apertures 117, 118 and to the readers 172 based on the orientation of the adapter 120. In some implementations, the readers 172 are elongated along the connector insertion axis I to accommodate this position shift. For example, the contact pads 173 can be elongated along the connector insertion axis I. In certain examples, the contact pads 173 are disposed parallel to each other and parallel to the connector insertion axis I. In certain examples, the contact pads 173 are sufficiently long to receive the deflectable contact members 154 regardless of the orientation of the managed connection unit 101.

As shown in FIG. 10, the tray 110 defines one or more alignment holes 175 that are sized and shaped to receive the alignment pegs 145 of the clip arrangements 105, 106. In certain examples, the alignment holes 175 are defined by the circuit board 170 and are accessible through the first and second apertures 117, 118. In certain implementations, the tray defines more alignment holes 175 than the clip arrangement 105, 106 defines alignment pegs 145. In the example shown, each aperture 117, 118 provides access to five alignment holes 175. In other examples, however, a greater or lesser number of alignment holes 175 can be provided.

The alignment holes 175 are positioned to receive the alignment pegs 145 regardless of the orientation of the managed connection unit 101. In the example shown, the alignment pegs 145 are received in three of the alignment holes 175 when the managed connection unit lOlis disposed at the tray 110. In certain examples, at least some holes 176 of the alignment hole 175 are sized and shaped to receive a single alignment peg 145. In certain examples, at least some holes 177 of the alignment holes 175 are elongated along the connector insertion axis I. The elongated hole 177 can receive one of the alignment pegs 145 when the managed connection unit 101 is mounted in the first orientation and can receive another of the alignment pegs 145 when the managed connection unit 101 is mounted in the second orientation.

FIGS. 13-24 illustrate alternative embodiments for the clips 140 that carry the information storage arrangements 150. FIGS. 13-15 illustrate a first alternative embodiment 200 of the clip 140. The clip 200 also includes a base 141 defining an aperture in which the information storage arrangement 150 is carried. In the example shown, the aperture leads to a shallow well in which the information storage arrangement 150 seats. In other examples, the aperture extends fully through the base 141.

The clip 200 also includes sidewalls 203 extending upwardly from the base 141. A deflectable member 201 is coupled to one of the sidewalls 203 by a hinge (e.g., a living hinge) 202. The deflectable member 201 moves relative to the base 141 between a closed and open position. When closed, the deflectable member 201 cooperates with the base 141 and the sidewalls 203 to define a passage 205 through which the connector body 131 extends when the clip 200 is mounted to the connector 130. One of the sidewalls 203 includes a latching lug 208. A distal end of the deflectable member 201 includes a retention flange 207 that defines a hole 209. When the closed, the latching lug 208 is received in the hole 209 of the retention flange 207. The retention flange 207 is sufficiently flexible to ride over the latching lug 208 to close the deflectable member 201.

FIGS. 16-17 illustrate a second alternative embodiment 210 of the clip 140. The clip 210 also includes a base 141 defining an aperture 143 in which the information storage arrangement 150 is carried. The base 141 also includes one or more ramped tabs 213 that aid in retaining the information storage arrangement 150 at the base 141. The clip 210 includes retention arms 211 that extend upwardly from the base 141. Distal ends of the retention arms 211 include outwardly extending lugs 212. In an example, the ramped tabs 213 are disposed on the retention arms 211.

The clip 210 also includes a retention member 215 that connects to the base

141 to secure the clip 210 to the connector body 131. The retention member 215 includes opposite ends 216 that define holes 217 sized to receive the outwardly extending lugs 212 of the retention arms 211. The retention member 215 is sufficiently flexible to allow deflection of the distal ends 216 so that the distal ends 216 can snap over the lugs 212. In the example shown, the retention member 215 has a C-shape. In other examples, the retention member 215 can have a U-shape, an M-shape, a V-shape, or any other desired shape. In certain examples, an inner surface 218 of the retention member 215 may be texturized (e.g., ribbed) to improve the grip on the connector body 131.

FIGS. 18-19 illustrate a third alternative embodiment 220 of the clip 140. The clip 220 also includes a base 141 defining an aperture 143 in which the information storage arrangement 150 is carried. The clip 220 includes a plurality of latching arms 221 extending upwardly from the base 141. Each latching arm 221 defines a latching hook 222 at a distal end thereof. Each latching hook 222 defines a ramped surface 223 that faces away from the base 141 and a catch surface 224 that faces towards the base 141. In use, the information storage arrangement 150 is disposed at the base 141 (e.g., on a recessed shelf 149) and the connector body 131 is passed between the latching arms 221. The ramped surfaces 223 of the latching hooks 222 cam over the connector body 131, thereby deflecting the latching arms 221 outwardly. When the latching hooks 222 clear the connector body 131, the catch surfaces 224 snap over the connector body 131 to hold the clip 220 to the connector body 131.

FIGS. 20-21 illustrate a fourth alternative embodiment 230 of the clip 140. The clip 230 also includes a base 141 defining an aperture 143 in which the information storage arrangement 150 is carried. An elongate flexible section 231 extends upwardly from one side of the base 141. The elongate flexible section 231 defines a grip surface 232 and an opposite retention surface 233 that are separated by an edge. The elongate flexible section 231 has a tapered distal end 234 opposite the base 141.

The clip 230 also includes a securement member 235 disposed at an opposite side of the base 141 from the elongate flexible section 231. The securement member 235 defines a hole 236 through which the distal end 234 of the elongate flexible section 231 can pass. To secure the clip 230 to the connector body 131, the elongate flexible section 231 is wrapped around the connector body 131 and threaded through the hole 236 in the securement member 235. The securement member 235 includes an internal tooth or other stop that interacts with the retention surface 233 of the elongated flexible member 231 to inhibit removal of the elongated flexible member 231 from the securement member 235.

FIGS. 22-24 illustrate a fifth alternative embodiment 240 of the clip 140. The clip 240 also includes a base 141 defining an aperture 143 in which the information storage arrangement 150 is carried. However, this clip 240 attaches to the adapter body 121 instead of to the connector body 131. In certain implementations, the clip 240 includes latch arms 247 that are similar to the latch arms 221 of FIGS. 18 and 19. The latch arms 247 define latching hooks 248 that enable the clip 240 to latch around the adapter body 121.

The clip 240 includes a first section 241 that extends from the latch arms

247 towards the first port 122 of the adapter 120 and a second section 244 that extends from the latch arms 247 towards the second port 123 of the adapter 120. Each section 241, 244 includes a deflectable tab 242, 245 that is configured to flex or otherwise deflect along a path D (FIG. 24). A distal end of each deflectable tab 242, 245 defines an upwardly facing ramped surface 243, 246, respectively. A bottom of each deflectable tab 242, 245 defines an aperture 143 in which a separate information storage arrangement 150 is carried. Accordingly, the information storage arrangement 150 is associated with the adapter ports 122,123 rather than with the connectors 103, 104. In use, the deflectable tabs 242, 245 extend generally planar with the optical adapter 120 when no optical connector 130 is received at a port 122, 123. When an optical connector 130 is received at a port 122, 123, the body 131 of the optical connector 130 cams against the ramped surface 243, 246 to deflect the tab 242, 245 away from the connector 130. Deflecting the tab 242, 245 moves the corresponding information storage arrangement 150 away from the connector 130. When the managed connection unit 101 is mounted to the tray 110 at one of the mounting locations 113, the deflected tab 242, 245 presses the information storage arrangement 150 against the reader 172 on the tray 110.

The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A clip arrangement comprising:

an information storage arrangement including an electronic memory unit disposed on a board, the information storage arrangement also including contact pads and a plurality of deflectable contact members disposed at the board, each of the deflectable contact members extending from a first end to a second end, the first ends of the deflectable contact members being fixedly mounted to the board, the second ends of the deflectable contact members being spaced from the board and aligned with the contact pads in an undeflected state; and

a clip body including a base that defines an aperture, the base being configured to carry the information storage arrangement so that the deflectable contact members are accessible through the aperture from an exterior of the clip body.

2. The clip arrangement of claim 1, wherein the board includes a printed circuit board.

3. The clip arrangement of claim 1, wherein the clip body is configured to attach to a plug connector.

4. The clip arrangement of claim 3, wherein the clip body includes a plurality of latching arms configured to snap around the plug connector.

5. The clip arrangement of claim 3, wherein the clip body includes a first member defining the aperture and a second member separate from the first member, the first member defining the aperture, and the second member being configured to cooperate with the first member to define a passage sized to receive the plug connector.

6. The clip arrangement of claim 3, wherein the clip body is movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the clip body defines a passage that extends between opposite first and second ends of the clip body when the clip body is in the closed position, the passage being sized to receive the plug connector, the aperture leading to the passage at an intermediate location between and first and second ends, and wherein the clip body is configured to radially receive the plug connector into the passage when the clip body is in the open position.

7. The clip arrangement of claim 6, wherein the clip body includes a first portion that is hinged relative to a remainder of the clip body to enable the clip body to move between the open position and the closed position, wherein a distal end of the first portion is configured to attach to the remainder of the clip body.

8. The clip arrangement of claim 6, wherein the clip body includes a first portion and a second portion that are each hinged relative to a remainder of the clip body to enable the clip body to move between the open position and the closed position, wherein distal ends of the first and second portions are configured to attach to each other.

9. The clip arrangement of claim 3, wherein the clip body includes a base that defines the aperture and an elongated flexible section that extends from a first side of the base, wherein the base includes a securement member at an opposite second side of the base, the securement member being configured to receive and secure a portion of the elongated flexible section.

10. The clip arrangement of claim 1, wherein the clip body is configured to attach to an adapter, the clip body positioning the information storage arrangement at a location exterior of a port defined by the adapter.

11. The clip arrangement of claim 10, further comprising a second information storage arrangement carried by the clip body, the clip body positioning the second information storage arrangement at a location exterior of a second port defined by the adapter.

12. The clip arrangement of claim 1, wherein the base defines at a periphery of the aperture a recessed shelf on which the information storage arrangement seats.

13. A connection tray comprising :

a tray body including a base that defines a plurality of apertures; a plurality of sets of latching arms extending upwardly from a top of the base, each set of latching arms being configured to hold an optical adapter to the tray body, each set of latching arms being disposed between a respective pair of the apertures;

a circuit board coupled to a bottom of the base, the circuit board including a plurality of elongated contact pads accessible through each of the apertures, the circuit board also defining alignment holes accessible through each of the apertures, wherein at least one of the alignment holes is elongated.

14. The connection tray of claim 13, wherein each aperture provides access to three elongated contact pads.

15. The connection tray of claim 13, wherein adjacent ones of the sets of latching arms are laterally offset from each other.

16. A connection arrangement comprising:

a connection tray defining a plurality of mounting sections, each mounting section including an adapter latching arrangement, a first management arrangement disposed at a first side of the adapter latching arrangement, and a second management arrangement disposed at an opposite second side of the adapter latching arrangement, the first and second management arrangements of each mounting section being laterally aligned along an insertion axis, each of the first and second management arrangements including a contact pad elongated parallel with the insertion axis; and

an optical adapter configured to be mounted to the connection tray at one of the mounting sections, the optical adapter defining a first port and a second port, the optical adapter being configured to be selectively mounted in one of a first orientation and a second orientation, wherein the first port faces towards the first management arrangement and the second port faces towards the second management arrangement when the optical adapter is mounted in the first orientation, wherein the first port faces towards the second management arrangement and the second port faces towards the first management arrangement when the optical adapter is mounted in the second orientation; and wherein the optical adapter is laterally shifted along the insertion axis when disposed in the second orientation compared to the first orientation.

17. The connection arrangement of claim 16, further comprising a plug connector configured to be received at the first port of the optical adapter, the plug connector carrying an information storage arrangement including electronic memory electrically coupled to a contact member, wherein the contact member of the plug connector aligns with the elongated contact pad of the respective management arrangement when the plug connector is received at the first port regardless of the orientation of the optical adapter.

18. The connection arrangement of claim 17, wherein the plug connector includes alignment pegs and wherein the first and second management arrangements each define alignment holes.

19. The connection arrangement of claim 18, wherein the alignment holes of the respective management section are positioned and sized to receive the alignment pegs of the plug connector regardless of the orientation of the optical adapter.

20. The connection arrangement of claim 18, wherein the optical adapter is one of a plurality of optical adapters disposed at the mounting sections of the connection tray, and wherein adjacent mounting sections are laterally spaced from each other so that adjacent ones of the optical adapters do not overlap.

21. A clip comprising:

a base having a first surface and an opposite second surface, the base defining an aperture extending between the first and second surfaces, the base also defining a recessed shelf at a periphery of the aperture;

a first sidewall extending upwardly from a first side of the base, the first sidewall being coupled to the base by a first living hinge, the first sidewall having a first distal end that is movable relative to the base, the first distal end defining a latching lug;

a second sidewall extending upwardly from a second side of the base, the second side of the base being opposite the first side, the second sidewall being coupled to the second side of the base by a second living hinge, the second sidewall having a second distal end that is movable relative to the base, the second distal end defining a latching aperture sized to receive the latching lug so that the first and second sidewalls cooperate with the base to define a through passage; and ramped shoulders disposed on internal surfaces of the first and second sidewalls, the ramped shoulders facing towards the recessed shelf.

22. The clip of claim 21, further comprising alignment pegs extending downwardly from the base.

23. The clip of claim 22, wherein the alignment pegs include three pegs.

24. The clip of claim 21, further comprising a plurality of ribs extending inwardly from the first and second sidewalls.

25. The clip of claim 24, wherein the ribs are axially spaced along the through passage.

26. The clip of claim 21, wherein the distal ends of the first and second sidewalls have a slim profile when the latching lug is received by the latching aperture.

27. The clip of claim 21 , further comprising an information storage arrangement including an electronic memory unit disposed on a board.