Positive retention sleeve for modular connector
US6080001A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 9, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 27, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 9, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01R24/62
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Inadvertent disconnection between a receptacle and a modular connector is achieved by fitting the connector with a new type of protective sleeve. The sleeve interior defines a first cavity sized to accept the connector and further defines a smaller cavity sized to admit the projecting connector tail. With the connector mated to the receptacle, the sleeve is slid forward. The exposed portion of the connector fits within the first sleeve cavity, and the connector tail fits within and is captured by the smaller cavity. The smaller cavity defines a connector tail capture region that constrains movement of the connector tail. More particularly, the capture region prevents unintended movement of the connector tail in a direction that would release the connector from the receptacle. This arrest feature prevents interruption of the connector-receptacle mechanical and electrical connection. To remove and unmate the connector from the receptacle, the sleeve is slid rearward until the connector tail is no longer constrained within the connector tail capture region. The connector tail may then be moved downward or in another connector freeing direction, permitting unmating of the connector-rec…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.