Fiber optic connector

Claim 1

A connector assembly comprising: a connector having a first alignment structure and a second alignment structure, said first alignment structure comprising a plurality of recesses; a mating member adapted for mating engagement with said connector, said mating member having a plurality of internal surfaces defining a cavity therein and comprising a first cooperating alignment structure and a second cooperating alignment structure, said first cooperating alignment structure comprising a plurality of alignment tabs on said mating member, at least a portion of at least some of said plurality of alignment tabs extending into said cavity in said mating member, said alignment tabs adapted for being positionable with said recesses in said connector when said connector and mating member are in mating engagement; wherein said connector and said mating member cooperate in a first position in which said first alignment structure interfaces with said first cooperating alignment structure to effect a first alignment of said connector with said mating member, said first alignment being sufficient to position said second alignment structure within a certain distance to said second cooperating alignment structure such that said second alignment structure is able to interface with said second cooperating alignment structure; and wherein said connector and said mating member cooperate in a second position in which said second alignment structure interfaces with said second cooperating alignment structure to effect a second alignment of said connector with said mating member, said second alignment having a closer tolerance than said first alignment.