Patent · US Expired

Means for locking cables and connector ports

US5169332A · kind A · utility

19Cited by
17References
14Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 19, 1991
Grant dateDec 8, 1992
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 19, 2011

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S439/911
  • WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A cable connector, terminator, or shield is fastened in place over a port connector in a unit having a lockable cover, by fastening means which can only be accessed when the cover is unlocked and opened or removed. In a first version, the cable connector, terminator, or shield includes a pair of tabs extending into the unit through a slot at each end of the port connector, with each tab having a notch which forms a latching surface. A rotatable bracket, engaging these latching surfaces, prevents the removal of the connector, terminator, or shield. With the cover opened or removed, this bracket can be rotated into a position in which the latching surfaces are released. In a second version, a locking bracket is provided to extend around an outer portion of the cable connector, terminator, or shield. This locking bracket includes a shaft extending through a hole into the unit, to be fastened in place by a nut engaging a threaded portion of the shaft. The nut can be accessed to release the shaft from within the unit only when the lockable cover is opened or removed. In a third version, the connector, terminator, or shield includes a pair of slidably mounted shafts, which extend through…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.