U.S. patent application number 11/221126 was filed with the patent office on 2006-01-12 for electronics housings and associated connectors for cable/wiring distribution system.
Invention is credited to William H. Cowles, Jean-Jacques L'Henaff, Peter Jay Schwartz.
Application Number | 20060005985 11/221126 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32512302 |
Filed Date | 2006-01-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060005985 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
L'Henaff; Jean-Jacques ; et
al. |
January 12, 2006 |
Electronics housings and associated connectors for cable/wiring
distribution system
Abstract
An optional surface fastening system for an electronics housing
facilitates its attachment to pre-manufactured fixed panel systems,
enclosures and the like. The electronics housing has primary holes
or slot features that interface standard screw hardware in order to
fasten to varied surfaces or accepts specially designed connector
pieces to mechanically attach to the aforementioned fixed
enclosures. Connector pieces, designed to interface with any panel
system, may be replaced interchangeably and are temporarily fixed
by a snap detail located on the primary slots. Method of attaching
the electronics housing to a fixed panel system requires integrated
pin features on the connector pieces, employed to locate to
corresponding holes on the fixed panel, in conjunction with
operatives rotation of a specialized pin feature to temporarily
lock the electronics housing to the panel system. Conversely while
attached, operative rotation of the specialized pin feature
disengages the electronics housing from the fixed panel system.
Inventors: |
L'Henaff; Jean-Jacques; (New
York, NY) ; Cowles; William H.; (New York, NY)
; Schwartz; Peter Jay; (Fullerton, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Gerald T. Bodner, Esq.;BODNER & O'ROURKE, LLP
Suite 108
425 Broadhollow Road
Melville
NY
11791
US
|
Family ID: |
32512302 |
Appl. No.: |
11/221126 |
Filed: |
September 7, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10669895 |
Sep 24, 2003 |
6953895 |
|
|
11221126 |
Sep 7, 2005 |
|
|
|
60413708 |
Sep 26, 2002 |
|
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60438276 |
Jan 6, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
174/50 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 5/0204
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
174/050 |
International
Class: |
H02G 3/08 20060101
H02G003/08 |
Claims
1. A signal management (SM) electronics housing, which comprises: a
front wall; a rear wall opposite the front wall; a top wall; a
bottom wall opposite the top wall; a first side wall; and a second
side wall opposite the first side wall, the front wall, rear wall,
top wall, bottom wall, first side wall and second side wall of the
housing forming an enclosure for electronic circuitry contained
therein, the electronics housing being mountable on a supporting
member, each of the first and second side walls having lateral wall
sections which extend beyond the rear wall of the housing to define
a flat planar surface for lying flush against the supporting member
when the electronics housing is mounted thereon, the rear wall of
the housing and extending lateral wall sections of the first and
second side walls defining therebetween and with the supporting
member, when the electronics housing is mounted thereon, a channel
for routing electrical wires therein and for securing the
electrical wires in place.
2. A signal management (SM) electronics housing, which comprises: a
housing structure which defines an enclosure for containing therein
electronic circuitry, the housing structure being mountable on a
supporting structure, the housing structure having at least two
opposite walls, each of the at least two opposite walls having
formed therein at least one open slot; and a plurality of
connectors, each connector of the plurality of connectors being
receivable in a corresponding one of the open slots, the connectors
being attachable to the supporting structure to selectively secure
the electronics housing thereto.
3. A signal management (SM) electronics housing as defined by claim
2, wherein at least one of the connectors of the plurality of
connectors is a locking connector, the locking connector being
selectively configurable in a first configuration, wherein the
locking connector allows the electronics housing to be selectively
mounted to and unmounted from the supporting structure, and a
second configuration, wherein the locking connector secures the
electronics housing to the supporting structure.
4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. A signal management (SM) electronics housing, which comprises:
a front wall; a rear wall opposite the front wall; a top wall; a
bottom wall opposite the top wall; a first side wall; and a second
side wall opposite the first side wall, the front wall, rear wall,
top wall, bottom wall, first side wall and second side wall of the
housing forming an enclosure for electronic circuitry contained
therein, the electronics housing being mountable on a supporting
member, wherein the front wall of the electronics housing includes
a first front surface portion and a second front surface portion
residing at an angle to the first front surface portion; and
wherein the electronics housing further includes at least one
coaxial connector mounted on the angled second front surface
portion.
15. A signal management (SM) electronics housing as defined by
claim 14, wherein the second front surface portion is angled with
respect to the first front surface portion at about a 45 degree
angle.
16. A signal management (SM) electronics housing as defined by
claim 14, wherein the electronics housing further includes at least
one arm extending outwardly from the front wall thereof to define
with the front wall at least one channel through which electrical
wires may be routed.
17. A signal management (SM) system, which comprises: an enclosure
for receiving a plurality of electronics housings, the enclosure
having at least one planar panel, the planar panel having a
plurality of spaced-apart openings formed through the thickness
thereof; and at least one electronics housing for mounting in the
enclosure on the planar panel thereof, the at least one electronics
housing including a housing structure defining an interior space
for containing therein electronic circuitry, the housing structure
being mountable on the planar panel of the enclosure, the housing
structure having at least two opposite walls, each of the at least
two opposite walls having formed therein at least one open slot;
and a plurality of connectors, each connector of the plurality of
connectors being interchangeably receivable in a corresponding one
of the open slots, each of the connectors having a main connector
body and a pin mounted on and extending therefrom, the pins being
received in corresponding openings of the plurality of spaced-apart
openings formed in the planar panel of the enclosure to selectively
secure the at least one electronics housing to the planar panel.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to Provisional Patent
Application Ser. Nos. 60/413,708 and 60/438,276, filed Sep. 26,
2002 and Jan. 6, 2003, respectively, each having the title
"Electronics Housings and Associated Connectors for Cable/Wiring
Distribution System," the disclosures of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates generally to the field of mounting
systems for electronics housings (modules). In particular,
embodiments of the present invention relate to an optional mounting
system to facilitate mounting the electronics housing to
pre-manufactured enclosures with varied hole pattern designs. More
specifically, the process of attaching the housing using a camming
feature allows the electronics housing to be securely attached and
removed with the same methodology. Furthermore, the connector
system distinguishes the system from current products within its
product category as it can be easily removed from the electronics
package so that the unit can mount to a variety of surfaces using
conventional hardware.
[0004] 2. The Relevant Technology
[0005] Signal management technology generally resides within a
building and is typically installed on a wall, ceiling, or other
similar surface. Signal management (SM) refers to the sending,
receiving and manipulation of transmittable frequencies through
wire-based systems. Specialized signal manipulation equipment such
as splitters, diplexers, amplifiers and modulators requires a hub
or organized panel to facilitate installation, serviceability and
access. As with professional stereophonic equipment, signal
management has specialized fixturing cabinets or sheet metal
enclosures called "cans." Modified slightly from manufacturer to
manufacturer, they interface and organize products designed
specifically to fit that enclosure design.
[0006] Typical enclosures are sheet metal fabrications of a
singular punched and bent sheet of metal forming a rectangular,
five-sided box. When formed, there is a back panel (also referred
to as a "back plate") perforated with a series of uniform punched
holes, a top, bottom and two sides. A return flange completes the
enclosure front, leaving an opening slightly smaller than the
dimensions of the back panel. The enclosure width is determined by
a standard set by the linear space roughly equal to the distance
between two wall studs in a typical stud and sheetrock constructed
wall. The depth of the enclosure relates specifically to the stud
depth plus the thickness of the sheetrock. When installed, the
sheet metal enclosure is mechanically fastened with screws to
adjoining studs on both sides of the enclosure and the front return
flange surface should lie just below flush from the drywall outer
surface. The "can" defines a fixed, accessible space protected on
five sides within the wall structure of a building. A door or
access panel, flush with the exterior wall surface, completes the
installation of the can.
[0007] Cable routing occurs through the building's wall and floor
system. The "can" acts as the distribution hub or manifold from
which raw electronic signals passing through wires from satellite
dishes, exterior cable signal, TV antenna, and signal producing
devices are manipulated and distributed throughout the building to
signal output devices (i.e., stereo equipment, video displays, etc
. . . ).
[0008] The hole pattern located on the back panel of the enclosure
provides the means for quick and secure attachment of SM
electronics housings. The enclosure hole pattern is standardized
with four vertical rows of evenly spaced holes divided into two
columns. The lateral (i.e., horizontal) distance between the
centers of the typical 0.25'' diameter holes per column is
standardized at 6.0''. The vertical distance between the hole
centers is standardized at 0.50'' although one manufacturer offers
a hole pattern at 1'' spacing on the left side, staggered 0.50''
from the 1'' vertically spaced holes on the right side of the
column.
[0009] Most often, the general shape of the holes varies between
manufacturers with features like slots punched additionally with
each hole, or rectangular shapes taking the place of circular
holes. Conventional SM electronics housings are designed
specifically to fit a single hole pattern design, and more often
than not, it is difficult to mount electronics housings of one
manufacturer into an enclosure of another. For example, one
electronics housing platform is constructed of sheet metal fitted
with hooks along the top with an additional hook on the lower left
side and with a snap feature at the lower right. To fit this
housing into a competitor's can, the installer must use a pair of
pliers to bend one of the metal hooks that interferes with a
missing hole in the metal enclosure, a process that is not only
time consuming but also reduces the intended strength of the mount.
In another instance, an electronics housing that does not have
features to fit a non-circular hole pattern design is a very loose
fit when mounted to an enclosure with square holes. Moreover,
attaching an electronics housing upside down (in some cases, this
is preferred for better cable management) cannot be accomplished
with the rectangular hole arrangement because fixed features on the
housing are designed to interface with the enclosures only in an
upright position.
[0010] Fixed hooks in conjunction with fixed push-button snaps are
the primary means of attaching SM electronics packages to SM
electronics enclosures. Horizontal and/or vertical hooks are
employed to align with corresponding holes in the enclosure, pushed
through to hang the package on horizontal surfaces provided by the
hole features. The third or fourth point of contact (depending on
the size, shape, and design of the existing housing) is the
push-button snap. The push-button snap is a two-part, plastic
assembly that is cylindrical in shape with a lead-in alignment
feature to mate with its corresponding hole. Once the snap passes
through the hole, the user presses operatively to wedge the outer
portion, creating excess interference with the diameter of the hole
on the sheet metal enclosure. The mounted housing can also be
removed with some difficulty due to the size and subsequent forces
needed to overcome the pre-tensioned wedge without plier tools
using the grip of two fingers.
[0011] An additional problem with current electronics housings is
that the fixed hook features found on existing SM electronics
housings are often over-toleranced to compensate for the
manufacturing methods used and therefore are loose and rely on a
single cylindrical plastic snap to take up the tolerances and
provide rigidity to the installed unit. Finally, many if not all of
the existing enclosure-mountable electronics housings do not have
readily apparent features to install the units outside of the can.
Two conventional enclosures and their associated electronics
housings are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,266,250 to Richard T.
Faye, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,132,242 to Lawrence Alton Hall and
William John Schnoor, the disclosures of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
[0012] Therefore, there is a need for an electronics housing to
give the installer the option to fasten the housing with equal ease
to a generic surface or to a pre-manufactured enclosure. It would
be beneficial if the locking portion of the enclosure mount system
could be installer defined. In other words, by allowing the housing
securing means to be moved from one side of the electronics housing
to the other, the SM housing can either be placed right-side up or
upside-down and keep the locking connector part on the optimum side
for installation. Conversely, when a left hand installation on the
right column of the can is necessary, a left-handed installer can
complete the task easily and without discomfort by preferencing the
lock feature on the left side of the housing. More importantly, if
the connector pieces could interface with all existing SM enclosure
systems with equal ease during installation and retain a consistent
mechanical fit once installed, this would be ideal. By default, if
individual connector pieces could be attached and removed from the
electronics housing, newly designed connector pieces could be
created for future, not yet realized panel hole designs without
expensive tooling and mold changes to the SM electronics
housings.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] It is an object of the invention to provide an electronics
housing for a signal management (SM) system which is universally
adaptable to be installed in enclosures of conventional SM
systems.
[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
modular signal management (SM) electronics housing which gives the
installer the option to fasten the housing with equal ease to a
generic surface or to a pre-manufactured enclosure.
[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
signal management (SM) electronics housing having securing means
which may be moved from one side of the electronics housing to
another side.
[0016] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an electronics housing for a signal management (SM) system which
may be mounted in a pre-manufactured enclosure either right-side up
or upside-down.
[0017] It is a still further object of the present invention to
provide an electronics housing for a signal management (SM) system
which facilitates the connection of individual electrical wires to
the housing.
[0018] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a signal management (SM) electronics housing which defines
channels for the management of electrical wires connected thereto
and to other electronics housings.
[0019] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a signal management (SM) system which includes an
electronics housing and an enclosure for receiving the housing
which overcomes the inherent disadvantages of conventional SM
systems.
[0020] In one form of the present invention, an electronics housing
for a signal management (SM) system includes a housing structure
which defines an enclosure for containing therein electronic
circuitry. The housing structure is mountable on a supporting
structure, which is preferably a cable or wire distribution
enclosure, which includes at least a back plate or panel having a
plurality of spaced apart holes arranged in columns and rows. The
housing structure further has at least two opposite walls, such as
left and right side walls of the structure. Each of the two
opposite walls has formed therein an open slot.
[0021] The electronics housing also includes a plurality of
connectors. Each connector of the plurality of connectors is
receivable in a corresponding one of the open slots. The connectors
are used to attach the electronics housing to the supporting
structure.
[0022] Each of the connectors may be either a passive connector or
an active locking connector. The passive connector includes a main
connector body and a non-rotatable pin which is mounted on and
extends from the main connector body. The non-rotatable pin
includes a camming surface formed thereon.
[0023] The active locking connector also includes a main connector
body, and a rotatable pin which is rotatably mounted on and extends
from the main connector body. The rotatable pin of the active
locking connector also includes a canning surface formed
thereon.
[0024] The active locking connector and the passive connector are
interchangeable in either of the open slots formed in the opposite
walls of the housing structure. The pins of the connectors are
received in holes formed in the supporting structure. By rotating
the pin on the active locking connector, the camming surface
thereon engages the edge of the respective hole in which it is
received, and causes the camming surface of the non-rotating pin of
the passive connector to engage the edge of the hole by which it is
received. This camming action selectively secures the electronics
housing to the supporting structure until it is desired by the
installer to remove the electronics housing from the supporting
structure.
[0025] These and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be
read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of an electronics housing
and associated connectors for the housing formed in accordance with
the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 1A is a rear isometric view of the electronics housing
and associated connectors shown in FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a front isometric view of one form of a connector
for use with the electronics housing and formed in accordance with
the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 2A is rear isometric view of the connector of the
present invention shown in FIG. 2.
[0030] FIG. 2B is a front isometric view of an alternative
embodiment of a connector formed in accordance with the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2C-2C of
the connector of the present invention shown in FIG. 2.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a front isometric view of a locking connector for
use with the electronics housing and formed in accordance with the
present invention.
[0033] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3A-3A of
the locking connector shown in FIG. 3.
[0034] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3B-3B of
the locking connector of the present invention shown in FIG. 3.
[0035] FIG. 4 is a rear isometric view of a portion of the locking
connector of the present invention shown in FIG. 3.
[0036] FIG. 4A is a front isometric view of the connector portion
shown in FIG. 4.
[0037] FIG. 5 is a rear isometric view of another portion of the
connector of the present invention shown in FIG. 3.
[0038] FIG. 5A is a front isometric view of the connector portion
shown in FIG. 5.
[0039] FIG. 6 is a front isometric view of an electronics enclosure
and showing the electronics housing of the present invention
attached thereto.
[0040] FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C are detailed, partial isometric views of
the back plate of the enclosure shown in FIG. 6 with different
openings formed in the back plate than those shown in the enclosure
depicted in FIG. 6 and demonstrating the attachment of the
electronics housing of the present invention to the back plate of
the enclosure.
[0041] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an electronics housing formed
in accordance with the present invention and demonstrating the
various tools which may be used to lock the housing in place in the
enclosure.
[0042] FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 are sequential top views of an electronics
housing formed in accordance with the present invention shown in
relation to the back plate of an enclosure and demonstrating the
method for attaching the electronics housing to the back plate.
[0043] FIG. 11 is a front isometric view of an electronics housing
formed in accordance with the present invention, demonstrating its
adaptability for connecting the same to the enclosure back plate or
other flat surface using standard screws.
[0044] FIG. 12 is a front isometric view of another embodiment of
an electronics housing formed in accordance with the present
invention and associated connectors for attaching the electronics
housing to an enclosure.
[0045] FIG. 13 is a front isometric view of another embodiment of
an electronics housing formed in accordance with the present
invention and showing the connection of a plurality of coaxial
cables thereto and the routing of the same.
[0046] FIGS. 14A and 14B are front views of the electronics housing
shown in FIG. 13, in partially fabricated form and in two different
sizes.
[0047] FIG. 15 is a front isometric view of the electronics housing
of the present invention shown in FIG. 13, viewed from a different
angle and with fewer electrical coaxial cables attached thereto so
as not to obscure the front face thereof.
[0048] FIG. 16 is a front isometric view of another embodiment of
an electronics housing formed in accordance with the present
invention and similar in many respects to that shown in FIGS. 13
and 15.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0049] Two very significant features of the electronics housing 1
and associated connectors of the present invention relate to their
interchangeability and adaptability. As will be described in
greater detail, and as shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings, the passive
connector 2, shown on the left side of the electronics housing 1,
may be interchanged with the active locking connector 3 shown on
the right side of the housing. This may be important to the
installer, as sometimes access to either the left or right side of
the enclosure may be difficult or hindered for one reason or
another, or the installer may be right-handed or left-handed and
desires to place the active locking connector on one side or the
other. Such interchangeability is not possible with the electronics
housings shown in either U.S. Pat. No. 6,266,250 or U.S. Pat. No.
6,132,242.
[0050] Second, the electronics housings 1 of the present invention
and associated connectors are quite adaptable in that different
connectors for mounting the housings to various conventional
enclosures may be removeably mounted to the electronics housings to
provide the necessary alignment with the holes formed in the back
plate of the enclosures. As will be described in greater detail,
many of these enclosures have holes formed in their back plates
that may or may not be offset from one another. The removeability
and adaptability of the various connectors formed in accordance
with the present invention allow the electronics housings of the
present invention to be mounted to many, if not all, conventional
enclosures presently on the market. Again, such structural features
and advantages are not found in the electronics housings disclosed
in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,266,250 and 6,132,242.
[0051] FIGS. 1 and 1A show the front and rear, respectively, of an
electronics housing 1 formed in accordance with the present
invention. This particular electronics housing contains the
electronic circuit for a four-way splitter. Five coaxial cable
connectors 52 are shown residing on and extending from the top
surface of the housing, where one coaxial cable connector 52
receives a satellite or cable signal, which is connected to the
electronic circuit (not shown) contained in the housing. The
electronic circuit divides the input signal into four output
signals, which are provided to the four remaining coaxial cable
connectors 52 for distribution to various rooms or apartments in
the dwelling in which the signal distribution system (of which the
electronics housing 1 forms a part) is located.
[0052] The housing 1 has a preferably concave front wall 54, side
walls 56, top and bottom walls 58, 60 and a rear wall 62 to form an
enclosure for the electronic circuitry and which protects the
electronic circuitry from dust dirt, moisture and other
environmental elements which may affect the performance of the
electronic circuitry housed therein. Lateral (left and right) wall
sections 64 extend beyond the rear surface 62 of the housing and
define a flat, planar edge 66 of each extended lateral portion
which is adapted to lie flush against the back plate of the
enclosure when the electronics housing is mounted thereon. It
should also be noted that the lateral extended portions 64 are
larger in height than the middle portion of the housing so as to
provide a firm footing for mounting the housing against the back
plate of the enclosure in order to provide stability and prevent
the housing from rocking on the back plate when attached
thereto.
[0053] Also, since the lateral sides 64 of the housing extend
backward beyond the rear surface 62 of the housing, providing the
housing with an overall protruding "handle" shape, the rear wall or
surface 62 of the housing is spaced from the back plate of the
enclosure when the housing is mounted thereon, and defines with the
housing side walls 56 and enclosure back plate a channel 68 for
routing coaxial cables or other wiring between the rear wall of the
housing and the back plate and thus securing the cables in place in
the enclosure.
[0054] As can be seen in FIG. 1A, and partially shown in FIG. 11, a
flange or tab 9 extends outwardly from the housing and includes a
threaded hole 72 into which a machine screw 74 is rotatably held
captive. The screw 74 is provided as a ground connection for the
housing, that is, to connect the housing to a separate ground wire.
The housing itself is preferably made of metal, which helps
minimize any leakage fields or electromagnetic interference (EFI)
caused by the electronic circuitry contained within the
housing.
[0055] As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 1A, the lateral extended
portions 64 are split to define an open pocket 76 on each side of
the housing (between upper and lower portions of the lateral
extensions 64). As will be seen, the open pocket 76 serves to
provide access to the connectors of the present invention which are
used for mounting the electronics housing 1 to the back plate of
the enclosure.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 1A, the rear surface of each lateral
extension 64 is formed with a key hole 78 which is aligned with the
open pocket 76. The key hole 78 is provided to receive and
removeably secure therein the connectors 2, 3 used for mounting the
electronics housing to the enclosure. More specifically, the key
hole 78 is shaped with an enlarged leading opening 8 which extends
to a narrower, elongated slot 80. The enlarged opening 8 is
circular or arcuate in shape so that it may closely receive and
removeably secure therein the connectors 2, 3 for mounting the
electronics housing to the enclosure. Each key hole 78 is also
preferably defined by angled sidewalls 7 at its entranceway which
lead to the enlarged diameter portion 8 of the key hole, which
facilitates the user inserting the selected connector into the key
hole.
[0057] As can be seen from FIG. 1 and FIG. 1A, and as previously
described, connectors 2, 3 are provided to removeably mount the
electronics housing 1 to the enclosure, and each connector is
received by a corresponding key hole 78 and is removable therefrom
so that other connectors may be substituted therefor, as needed.
One connector 2 (i.e., a "passive" connector) is shown with two
extending pins 10, and the other connector 4 is shown as an active
locking connector formed of a connector body 6 and an insertable
pin 5.
[0058] With reference to FIGS. 2, 2A and 2C, one type of connector
2 (i.e., a passive connector) formed in accordance with the present
invention is shown. It includes a main body 82 and two flanges 84
extending outwardly in opposite directions from the main body. The
main body 82 is generally T-shaped in the sense that it has a
outward portion 86 which overhangs each flange 84 to define a slot
88 therebetween. The slot 88 is defined with a width such that it
may closely receive the walls defining the key hole 78 on either
lateral side of the electronics housing and to facilitate the
alignment and placement of the connector 2, 3 into the key hole. As
shown in FIG. 2C, the main body portion 82 of the connector within
the slots 88 is shaped with three distinct portions, the first
being an enlarged portion 90, the middle being a further enlarged,
partially circular or bulbous portion 13, and the third portion
being a narrower end portion 92. The narrower and circular portions
92, 13 closely match the dimensions of the end and middle portions
80, 8 of the key holes so that the connector may be closely
received by the key holes, thereby preventing rocking or
instability, or the inadvertent release of the connector from the
key hole.
[0059] Extending from the free ends of the flanges 84 on a side
opposite to that on which the T-shaped main portion 82 of the
connector is located are mounting pins 10. The pins 10 are spaced
apart from each other a particular distance which matches the
spacing between adjacent holes formed in the back plate of the
enclosure (see FIGS. 6, 6A, 6B and 6C). More particularly, each pin
10 of the connector is tapered at its free end 94 (i.e., with a
truncated conical shape) to guide the pin into a respective hole in
the back plate of the enclosure. Between the tapered free end 94 of
the pin and the flange surfaces of the connector is an arcuate slot
96 formed over a portion of the circumference of the pin. More
specifically, the slot 96 is defined by an offset camming surface
11, the back surface of each flange 84 and a radially extending
shoulder 12 defined by the tapered free end 94 of the pin and the
slot 96. The width of the slot 96 is dimensioned so that it may
receive therein the portion of the back plate which defines the
respective hole in which the pin is inserted when the electronics
housing is mounted on the enclosure.
[0060] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2, 2A and 2C, the passive
connectors 2 are provided with two pins 10 separated a
predetermined distance apart, each pin being received by a
corresponding hole in the back plate of the enclosure. In an
alternative embodiment of the passive connector 2a shown in FIG.
2B, a single pin 10 is provided and is centrally located opposite
the main T-shaped portion 82 of the connector. It should be noted,
however, that flanges 84 are still preferably provided, as in the
embodiment shown in FIG. 2, which will reside flush again the
surface of the back plate of the enclosure. These flanges 84, as
with the flanges shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, provide
stability to the housing when it is mounted on the back plate of
the enclosure.
[0061] FIGS. 3, 3A and 3B, and FIGS. 4, 4A, 5 and 5A show the
preferred form of the active locking connector 3 of the present
invention. It should be understood that the active locking
connector 3 shown in FIGS. 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 4A, 5 and 5A and the
passive connector 2, 2a shown in FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B both lock the
electronics housing 1 to the back plate of the enclosure by
engaging the edge portions of the back plate which define the holes
in which the pins of the connectors are inserted. However, the
active locking connector 3 is used by the installer to releasably
lock the electronics housing in place by causing the pins of both
type of connectors to cam against the edges of the back plate which
define the holes in which the pins are inserted, as will be
described in greater detail.
[0062] The active locking connector 3 basically includes two parts:
a pin 100 and a main connector body 102. The pin 100 is inserted
into the main connector body 102 and is held in place thereby.
[0063] More specifically, the pin 100 includes a tapered (i.e.,
truncated conical) free end 17 which is used for facilitating the
insertion of the pin into the hole in the back plate of the
enclosure, and a cylindrical portion 16 which supports the tapered
free end. The cylindrical portion 16 is mounted off center (i.e.,
eccentrically) on an axial side of a larger diameter cylindrical
portion 104 of the pin to define an exposed shoulder 18. The larger
diameter, middle cylindrical portion 104 leads to an opposite free
end cylindrical portion 106 having formed therein diametrically
opposed slots 20 in the side walls of the cylindrical portion for
receiving a slotted screwdriver, and a hexagonally sided bore 21
formed axially in the opposite free end 106 for receiving an Allen
key. Accordingly, the installer may insert either an Allen key or a
slotted screwdriver respectively into the bore 21 and slots 20 to
turn the pin within the main connector body.
[0064] The pin further includes an axially disposed ridge 22
protruding from the surface of the cylindrical free end 106, which
ridge acts as an indicating strip for the installer and which
indicates whether the pin is turned in an open (unlocked) or locked
position.
[0065] The pin 100 also includes a beveled surface 108 (preferably
at a 30 degree angle), which leads to a narrow, flat, radially
protruding and circumferentially extending section 110, which then
falls off in a radial flat side 28 that leads to a recessed portion
defining a groove 112 formed about the circumference of the pin
which, in turn, leads to another angled wall portion 114
(preferably at a 45 degree angle) formed in the surface of the pin.
Positioned in the groove 112 and formed on the recessed portion are
a pair of diametrically opposed, radially protruding tabs 116
which, as will be described in greater detail, are used to provide
resistance to the pin as it turns in the main connector body and
further provide a "feel" to the installer of whether the pin is in
the fully locked or fully unlocked position.
[0066] The eccentrically mounted, small cylindrical portion 16
includes an arcuate camming surface 19 defining a slot 118 which,
as will be described in greater detail, engages the edge of a
respective back plate hole in which the pin is received when the
pin is turned.
[0067] The main connector body 102 of the active locking connector
has formed in its lateral side walls a recess or slot 24
dimensioned in width in the same manner as the slot 88 formed in
the previously described passive connector 2 (FIG. 2) to closely
receive the key hole 78 of the electronics housing in which the
connector is inserted. In a perpendicular direction to the slot 24
and transversely through the main connector body 102 is formed a
bore 120 for captively and rotatably receiving the pin 100. The
depth of the slot 24 formed in the top, bottom and curved front
side walls of the main connector body is such that that the slot
communicates with the bore over portions 27 thereof so that
portions 13, 14 of the pin when mounted in the main connector body,
will be exposed. The exposed rounded portions 13, 14 of the pin
will engage the enlarged curved portions 8 of the key hole to
removeably hold the active locking connector in place on the
electronics housing.
[0068] As shown in FIGS. 3, 3A, 3B, 5 and 5A, the pin 100 is
inserted into the bore 120 of the main connector body 102 and held
in place therein. A ridge 25 is formed inside the bore 120 on the
interior surface defining the same, and extends radially inwardly
in the bore and partially circumferentially about the interior bore
surface. The ridge 25 is broken in two diametrically opposed
locations 26, and the ridge at such locations has champhered edges,
preferably at 45 degree angles, which connect to the interior bore
surface. One lateral side of the inner ridge 25 is cut to form a
90.degree. wall or shoulder 122 with respect to the interior bore
surface, and the other lateral side of the ridge is formed with a
sloping (preferably at 45 degrees) beveled surface 124. As may be
seen from FIG. 3B, the pin 100 is inserted into the main connector
body 102 so that the inner ridge 25 of the main connector body
rides up and passes over the beveled side 108 of the pin ridge
until the inner ridge 25 of the main connector body is seated in
the groove 112 formed on the pin surface. The 90.degree. shoulder
122 of the inner ridge of the connector body engages the flat side
28 of the pin ridge, while the beveled surfaces 114, 124 of the pin
and inner ridge engage each other. The pin is thereby held in place
within the bore of the main connector portion, but is free to turn.
The projections 116 formed in the recessed portion of the pin ride
up over the champhered edges of the inner ridge 25 and engage the
exposed ridge surface when the pin is rotated within the main
connector body. The projections 116 provide additional resistance
between the pin and the main connector body so that the pin does
not rotate inadvertently within the main connector portion, and
also the installer may feel when the pin is rotated within the main
connector body to a locked or unlocked position when the
projections 116 are aligned with the openings 26 formed in the
inner ridge.
[0069] As can be seen from FIG. 3A, portions of the pin 13, 14 are
exposed within the slot 24 formed within the main connector body,
which exposed portions are resiliently and closely received by the
enlarged portion 8 of the key hole 4 formed in the electronics
housing to hold the connector in place on the electronics housing
until it is forcibly removed by the installer.
[0070] FIGS. 6, 6A, 6B and 6C show the adaptability of the
electronics housing 1 of the present invention, with its associated
connectors, and how such may be mounted in various conventional
enclosures 29 having different hole configurations in their back
plates 130. In FIG. 6, the electronics housing is mounted to an
enclosure 29 which has central parallel columns of holes 30 which
are not offset from each other. Either a dual pin connector 2, such
as shown in FIG. 2A, or a single pin connector 2a, such as shown in
FIG. 2B, may be used in such an enclosure.
[0071] FIG. 6A shows a portion of the back plate 130 of another
type of conventional enclosure in which the holes 132, 134 in
parallel columns are offset from one another. Note also that in
this type of conventional enclosure, the holes 130 of one column
are circular, and the holes 132 of the other column are square. In
this arrangement, the two pin connector 2, which provides such an
offset, may be used for properly aligning the electronics housing
within the enclosure 29 so that it may be mounted therein
horizontally to the enclosure. Also, the structure of the pins 9 of
the connector, as previously described, allows the pins to be
received by both circular and square holes in the back plate 130 of
the enclosure and, with the camming action which they provide,
allows the pins to securely engage the edges of the back plate
which define the holes in which the pins are inserted.
[0072] FIGS. 6B and 6C show other arrangements of holes in
conventional enclosure back plates, where the spacing may be
different but which provide no offset or staggering in the parallel
columns of holes (the back plate holes 136 shown in FIG. 6B are
slightly elongated with upper and lower notches, while the holes
138 in FIG. 6C are spaced apart a greater distance but are
perfectly circular). A two pin connector 2, such as shown in FIG.
2, may be used for the holes shown in FIG. 6B, and a single pin,
non-offset connector 2a, such as shown in FIG. 2B, may be used for
back plate holes shown in FIG. 6C.
[0073] FIG. 7 illustrates the ease with which an installer may
attach the electronics housing 1 of the present invention to a
cable distribution enclosure. The installer may use a slotted
screwdriver 33 or Allen key 34 to secure the electronics housing in
the enclosure. The end of the Allen key or screwdriver is passed
through the open pocket 76 on either side of the electronics
housing and is fitted either into the hexagonal opening 21 or the
diametrically opposed slots 20 formed in the head of the pin of the
active locking connector 3. The pin is then turned so that the
camming surface 19 on the pin engages the edge of the back plate
which defines the particular hole into which the pin is inserted,
thereby locking the electronics housing in place on the back plate
130. The indicating strip ridge 22 formed axially on the surface of
the head of the pin is viewable by the installer through the open
pocket 76, and indicates the rotational position of the pin and,
accordingly, whether the electronics housing is locked in place in
the enclosure, or is in an unlocked state for easy removal
therefrom. In FIG. 7, the ground screw connection 9 is also visible
which, as mentioned previously, is provided for connection to an
independent grounding wire.
[0074] FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 show the sequence and methodology of
installing the electronics housing 1 of the present invention onto
the back plate 130 of an enclosure.
[0075] The electronics housing of the present invention is
positioned so that its general longitudinal axis 140 is parallel
with the plane in which the back plate resides, and with the pins
10, 100 of the connectors mounted on each lateral side of the
electronics housing aligned with the holes in the back plate and
perpendicular to the back plate plane. The active locking connector
3 is shown on the right side of the electronics housing when
viewing FIGS. 8-10, and it should be noted that the pin 100, and in
particular, the camming surface 19 thereof, is positioned inwardly
of the electronics housing.
[0076] The installer moves the electronics housing towards the back
plate 130, keeping the electronics housing parallel to the back
plate and with the pins 10, 100 in alignment with the holes 30 in
the back plate, until the pins of the connectors pass through their
respective holes. The tapered free ends 17, 94 of the pins of each
connector facilitates their insertion into the holes of the back
plate. Note that the camming surface 11 of the non-moving pin 10 of
the left connector (when viewing FIGS. 8-10) is facing outwardly
from the center of the electronics housing as it passes through an
aligned back plate hole of the enclosure. The installer then
inserts an Allen key 34, as shown in FIG. 9, or a slotted
screwdriver 33, into the head of the pin 100 of the active locking
connector 3, and turns the pin 180.degree. so that the camming
surface 19 of the pin engages the edge of the back plate which
defines the respective hole in which the pin is inserted.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 10, the camming surface 19 of the pin of
the active locking connector 3 is now in a 180.degree. rotated
position from where it was in FIGS. 8 and 9, so that the camming
surface engages the edge of the back plate defining the respective
hole in which the pin is inserted. This camming action further
causes the electronics housing 1 to move slightly laterally on the
back plate 130 and forces the camming surface 11 of the
non-rotatable pin 10 of the left connector against the back plate
edge defining the hole in which the left connector pin is inserted.
Accordingly, both pins 10, 100 engage the edges of the holes and
secure the electronics housing in place on the back plate of the
enclosure.
[0078] To remove the electronics housing 1 from the back plate 130,
the installer simply rotates the pin 100 of the active locking
connector 3 in the opposite direction (the indicating strip 22
which may be viewed through the open pocket 76 of the housing will
indicate to the installer whether the pin is in the locked or
unlocked position). This will free each pin of the left and right
connectors from its engagement with its respective hole edge, and
allows the electronics housing to be removed from the back plate
130 by the installer pulling on the electronics housing outwardly
and perpendicularly from the enclosure back plate.
[0079] FIG. 11 further illustrates the adaptability of the
electronics housing of the present invention. As mentioned
previously, various types of connectors (passive single pin, double
pin or active locking connectors) may be used by the installer,
depending upon the type of enclosure in which the electronics
housing is to be mounted. However, the electronics housing of the
present invention may be mounted on any flat surface, and need not
be mounted in a pre-drilled conventional, cable distribution
enclosure. The narrow, elongated slots 80 of the key holes 78 in
the electronics housing are provided to accept a standard screw 32
which may be inserted through the open pocket 76 in the lateral
sides of the housing and into the key hole 78, and screwed into the
support surface on which the electronics housing is to be mounted
so as to hold the electronics housing in place. If screws 32 are
desired to be used, the connectors 2, 3 are not inserted into the
key hole slots. Accordingly, the electronics housing of the present
invention is adaptable for not only use with conventional cable
distribution enclosures 29, but also may be mounted on any surface
with screws or other types of fasteners.
[0080] FIG. 12 illustrates another form of the electronics housing
150 of the present invention. The electronics housing 150 in the
illustrated drawing is for an eight-way splitter, and includes 9
coaxial connectors 52 extending from the upper surface 152 of the
housing. One connector 52 is used for providing an electronic
signal to the splitter enclosed in the housing, and the other eight
connectors 52 are output connectors for distributing the split
electronic signal to various rooms or apartments in the dwelling in
which the electronics housing is mounted.
[0081] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the housing 150 may
include more than one key hole or slot 78 formed on each side of
the housing. In this particular embodiment, there are four key
holes 78 provided. As illustrated, non-rotating pin (passive)
connectors 2, such as shown in FIGS. 2 and 2B, and one or more
rotating pin (active locking) connectors 3, such as shown in FIG.
3, may be employed on either side of the electronics housing.
Rotating pin and non-rotating pin connectors may be positioned on
the same side of the housing or, if desired, the housing may be
secured to the enclosure using all rotating pin, active locking
connectors. Again, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the key
holes 78 are formed with elongated slots 80 to accept screws or
other conventional fastening devices to mount the electronics
housing 150 directly to a flat surface, and not necessarily
requiring the electronics housing to be mounted in a conventional
cable distribution enclosure 29. It should be further noted in the
embodiment shown in FIG. 12 that the key holes are formed in
oppositely disposed flanges 154 extending outwardly from each
lateral side of the housing, and such key holes are easily
accessible by the installer and his using either a screwdriver or
Allen key to mount the electronics housing to a desired mounting
surface. It should be further noted that the lateral sides 156 of
the housing extend beyond the rear surface 158 of the main housing
body 160 to form a channel 162 through which the coaxial cables and
other wires may be passed and held captive in place between the
electronics housing and the mounting surface or back plate of the
enclosure when the electronics housing is mounted on such.
[0082] FIGS. 13, 14A, 14B and 15 illustrate another form of the
electronics housing 200 of the present invention. The electronics
housing 200 in the illustrated drawings is for a 5.times.16 way
splitter. Preferably at a top beveled or angled (preferably at 45
degrees) surface 202 of the front portion of the housing are
situated 5 coaxial input connectors 204 for receiving a set of two
input signals (A and B), controlled at the conventional 13 volts
and 18 volts, from one satellite receiver, a second set of two
input signals (A and B), also controlled by 13 volts and 18 volts,
from a second satellite receiver, and an "off air" antenna input
signals. The signals are split and distributed among 16 output
coaxial connectors 206.
[0083] Preferably, and as shown in FIGS. 13, 14A, 14B and 15, the
16 output coaxial connectors 206 are arranged in 4 descending rows,
parallel to one another, with 4 connectors 206 on each row.
Preferably, the front portion of the housing is formed with a
recessed stepped, or serpentine, series of sequential ledges 208
and supporting walls 210. Preferably, the ledges 208 are angled at
a 45 degrees from the front surface of the electronics housing 200,
with all the ledges 208 and supporting walls 210 being recessed
from the front surface so they do not extend beyond the front
surface of the electronics housing. The preferred angle of 45
degrees for the ledges allows the 16 output coaxial connectors 206
to be mounted at a corresponding angle on the ledges 208. This
facilitates the connection of individual coaxial cables 212 onto
the output coaxial connectors 206 and the input coaxial connectors
204, and further facilitates the routing of the coaxial cables 212
from the signal distribution enclosure to various rooms or
apartments in the dwelling in which the electronics housing is
mounted.
[0084] The electronics housing 200 further preferably includes a
pair of arms 214 extending outwardly from the front surface of the
housing 200 to define with the front surface of the housing a pair
of channels through which the coaxial cables 212 may be routed. The
arms hold the coaxial cables 212 in place when the cables 212 are
coupled to respective output coaxial connectors 206.
[0085] FIG. 14A shows an extended (i.e., longer) version of the
electronics housing shown in FIG. 13, which is also shown in FIG.
14B. The preferred length of the housing is either 13 inches, as
shown in FIGS. 13 and 14B, or 16 inches, as shown in FIG. 14A. FIG.
14B shows holes 216 formed through the thickness of the front
portion of the housing to receive the output coaxial connectors
206. Holes 218 are also formed in the beveled (preferably at a 45
degree angle also) top surface 202 of the electronics housing to
receive the input coaxial connectors 204. FIG. 14A shows the
extended version of the electronics housing 200 prior to the
formation of the holes 216. It should be noted that in the extended
version shown in FIG. 14a, the supporting walls 210 are
sufficiently long enough to allow labels 220 to be added to the
supporting walls just below and adjacent to the corresponding
ledges 208 so that each output coaxial connector 206 may include a
designation printed on the label 220 which will facilitate the
connection of the proper coaxial cable 212 to its corresponding
connector 206.
[0086] Although a 5.times.16 splitter has been described, it is
envisioned to form electronics housing 200 with similar structure
for functioning as a 3.times.16, 3.times.8 or 5.times.8
splitter.
[0087] The width of the electronics housing 200 shown in FIGS. 13,
14A, 14B and 15 is preferably 61/4 inches so that the electronics
housing, like the previously described electronics housings, may be
received in corresponding holes 30 of the distribution enclosure
29, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 15. The 45 degree angle of the ledges
208, and having the ledges 208 recessed on the front surface of the
electronics housing 200, and the inclusion of arms 214, facilitate
the routing of the cables 212 and connection of the cables to the
corresponding coaxial connectors 204, 206, and further allows the
cables 212 to be connected to the housing at an angle such that the
cables would not extend so significantly in front of the housing as
to interfere with the cover of the enclosure 29 being closed.
[0088] It should be further noted that the electronics housing
shown in FIGS. 13, 14A, 14B and 15 have slots and open pockets 76
formed in the lateral sides thereof, such as those formed in the
housings described previously herein, to receive connectors 2, 3
for mounting the electronics housing to the enclosure 29 in the
same manner as the previously described housings are mounted. It
should be further noted that the electronics housing 200 may be
mounted as shown in FIGS. 13 and 15, with the coaxial cables 212
being routed towards the top of the figure, or may be mounted in
the enclosure 29 upside-down, so that the coaxial cables 212 may be
routed downwardly when viewing FIGS. 13 and 15.
[0089] FIG. 16 illustrates a 5.times.8 splitter, as mentioned
previously, using the electronics housing 200 of the present
invention. The structure of this splitter and the electronics
housing therefor is similar in many respects to the 5.times.16
splitter and electronics housing therefor described previously and
shown in FIGS. 13, 14A, 14B and 15. Parts, components and structure
used in the 5.times.8 splitter and housing shown in FIG. 16 which
are similar to those used in the 5.times.16 splitter and housing
shown in FIGS. 13, 14A, 14B and 15 are referred to by the same
reference numbers and the structure and functionality of these
components described previously in relation to the 5.times.16
splitter are incorporated herein by reference with respect to the
5.times.8 splitter.
[0090] Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention
have been described herein with reference to the accompanying
drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited
to those precise embodiments and that various other changes may be
effected herein by one skilled in the art without departing from
the scope or spirit of the invention.
* * * * *