Importance

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Abstract

A patch panel which includes an array of connectors includes a panel plate (22) having an array of openings (24,24) formed therein. Each opening is capable of receiving an adapter (30) which may be made of a plastic material and which includes opposed depressible cantilevered beams. Each adapter on opposed top and bottom surfaces of the arms includes two wedge-shaped tabs which cooperate with depending portions of sidewalls of the adapter to secure the adapter to the panel plate. Opposed grooves (55,55) open to internal sidewall surfaces and terminate in bridge portions (58,58) adjacent to a rear of the adapter. Each groove is adapted to receive a resilient tab (68) formed in a sidewall of a connector (60) or detent member (97) of a collar (80) to be received in the adapter. When the connector or collar is seated fully in the adapter, the resilient tab or detent engages a forward surface of the bridging portion and collinear strips also formed on each sidewall of the connector or depending portions of the collar engage a rear surface of the bridging portion to secure the connector or the collar to the adapter. This arrangement allows any one of different types of connectors to be secured to the patch panel by securing the connector to an adapter which is secured to the panel plate. Rearrangements are made easily and may be made from the front or rear of the panel plate.

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First Claim