U.S. patent application number 12/418353 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-07 for connector security cover.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ohaus Corporation. Invention is credited to Douglas Gardner, Robert Hansen.
Application Number | 20100255704 12/418353 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42733861 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100255704 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gardner; Douglas ; et
al. |
October 7, 2010 |
CONNECTOR SECURITY COVER
Abstract
A connector security cover for enclosing and sealing a
connection between a signal line cable connector and a weighing
terminal of a platform scale. An exemplary embodiment of the cover
generally includes a body with first and second ends. The first end
may have an opening with a first aperture defined surface adapted
to engage a cable connector. The second end may have an opening
with an aperture defined surface adapted to engage a corresponding
element on the weighing terminal. The body may comprise hinged or
non-hinged body halves that are secured closed by a fastening
device. A tamper indicating device may be associated with the body
and adapted to indicate if the body is opened after engagement. The
cover may be placed around the cable connector and a corresponding
element on the weighing terminal to restrict movement of the cable
connector with respect to the weighing terminal.
Inventors: |
Gardner; Douglas; (Dumont,
NJ) ; Hansen; Robert; (Succasunna, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STANDLEY LAW GROUP LLP
6300 Riverside Drive
Dublin
OH
43017
US
|
Assignee: |
Ohaus Corporation
Pine Brook
NJ
|
Family ID: |
42733861 |
Appl. No.: |
12/418353 |
Filed: |
April 3, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
439/301 ;
439/488 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01G 23/017 20130101;
H01R 2201/20 20130101; H01R 13/6397 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
439/301 ;
439/488 |
International
Class: |
H01R 13/639 20060101
H01R013/639 |
Claims
1. A connector security cover for enclosing and sealing a
connection between a cable connector and a weighing terminal
comprising: a substantially hollow body formed from two body
halves, the body having first and second ends, the first end having
an opening including a first aperture defined surface that extends
inward to engage a cable connector, the second end having a second
opening including a second aperture defined surface that extends
inward to engage a corresponding element on the weighing terminal,
such that detachment of the cable connector from the weighing
terminal is prevented when the body is installed thereto; a
fastening device that secures the body in a closed position; and a
tamper indicating device associated with the body and adapted to
indicate if the body has been opened after being closed and
fastened.
2. The cover of claim 1, wherein the body is a tubular member
having an inner and outer diameter extending from the first end to
the second end.
3. The cover of claim 1, wherein the body halves are hingedly
joined along one side thereof.
4. The cover of claim 3, wherein the hinge(s) is an integral
hinge(s).
5. The cover of claim 3, wherein the body halves are identical.
6. The cover of claim 1, wherein the fastening device includes a
snap-fit connection to restrict relative movement of each body half
with respect to the other when engaged.
7. The cover of claim 6, wherein the fastening device comprises: a
tab with a protrusion projecting from a surface thereof, the tab
associated with a first half of the body; and a complementary slot
associated with a second half of the body, wherein the tab and said
complementary slot are in substantially parallel facing
relationship on each portion, each tab is biased for insertion
within its complementary slot and, when fully inserted, the
protrusions of each tab engage each complementary slot, thereby
restricting the relative movement of each body half with respect to
the other.
8. The cover of claim 7, wherein the protrusion of the tab is
located on an outside surface of the tab, and each tab is biased
inwardly for insertion within its complementary slot.
9. The cover of claim 1, wherein an interior face of the body
includes at least one inwardly projecting member adapted to engage
a raised portion of the cable connector.
10. The cover of claim 1, wherein the tamper indicating device is
selected from the group consisting of a lock wire and a
destructible paper seal label.
11. A connector security cover for enclosing and sealing a
connection between a cable connector and a weighing terminal
comprising: a substantially hollow body formed from two
hingedly-connected body halves, the body having first and second
ends; an opening in the first end of the body, the opening
including a first aperture defined surface that extends inward to
engage a cable connector; an opening in the second end of the body,
the opening including a second aperture defined surface that
extends inward to engage a corresponding element on the weighing
terminal, such that detachment of the cable connector from the
weighing terminal is prevented when the body is installed thereto;
a fastening device that secures the body in a closed position; and
a tamper indicating device associated with the body and adapted to
indicate if the body has been opened after being closed and
fastened.
12. The cover of claim 11, wherein the body is a tubular member
having an inner and outer diameter extending from the first end to
the second end.
13. The cover of claim 11, wherein the hinge(s) is an integral
hinge(s).
14. The cover of claim 11, wherein the body halves are
identical.
15. The cover of claim 11, wherein the fastening device includes a
snap-fit connection to restrict relative movement of each body half
with respect to the other when engaged.
16. The cover of claim 15, wherein the fastening device comprises:
a tab with a protrusion projecting from a surface thereof, the tab
associated with a first half of the body; and a complementary slot
associated with a second half of the body, wherein the tab and said
complementary slot are in substantially parallel facing
relationship on each portion, each tab is biased for insertion
within its complementary slot and, when fully inserted, the
protrusions of each tab engage each complementary slot, thereby
restricting the relative movement of each body half with respect to
the other.
17. The cover of claim 16, wherein the protrusion of the tab is
located on an outside surface of the tab, and each tab is biased
inwardly for insertion within its complementary slot.
18. The cover of claim 11, wherein an interior face of the body
includes at least one inwardly projecting member adapted to engage
a raised portion of the cable connector.
19. The cover of claim 1, wherein the tamper indicating device is
selected from the group consisting of a lock wire and a
destructible paper seal label.
20. A connector security cover for enclosing and sealing a
connection between a cable connector and a weighing terminal
comprising: a substantially hollow and tubular body formed from two
substantially identical body halves connected by at least one
integral hinge, the body having first and second ends and an
interior diameter dimensioned to receive a cable connector; an
opening in the first end of the body, the opening including a first
aperture defined surface that extends inward to engage the cable
connector; an opening in the second end of the body, the opening
including a second aperture defined surface that extends inward to
engage a corresponding element on the weighing terminal, such that
detachment of the cable connector from the weighing terminal is
prevented when the body is installed thereto; a fastening device
that secures the body in a closed position; and a tamper indicating
device associated with the body and adapted to indicate if the body
has been opened after being closed and fastened.
21. The cover of claim 20, wherein the fastening device includes a
snap-fit connection comprising: a tab with a protrusion projecting
from a surface thereof, the tab associated with a first half of the
body; and a complementary slot associated with a second half of the
body; wherein the tab and said complementary slot are in
substantially parallel facing relationship on each portion, each
tab is biased for insertion within its complementary slot and, when
fully inserted, the protrusions of each tab engage each
complementary slot, thereby restricting the relative movement of
each body half with respect to the other.
22. The cover of claim 1, wherein the tamper indicating device is
selected from the group consisting of a lock wire and a
destructible paper seal label.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIVE FIELD
[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed
to a security cover. More specifically, exemplary embodiments of
the present invention are directed to a connector security cover
for enclosing and sealing a connection between a cable connector
and a weighing terminal of a weighing scale.
[0002] Typically, a platform scale is composed of three main
components: a scale platform, an indicator attachment, and a
weighing indicator terminal. The indicator terminal and the
platform are generally connected by a signal line that transmits
the weighing signal of the platform to the indicator. Usually the
signal line is secured to the weighing terminal via a permanent,
hard-wired connection due to the regulatory and legal requirements
for weighing devices used in commerce.
[0003] A weighing device such as a platform scale is typically
comprised of a weighing terminal and a scale platform.
Additionally, a weighing sensor is typically associated with the
scale platform. A signal from the weighing sensor is typically
supplied to the weighing terminal using a signal line. The signal
from the weighing sensor is used to establish the calibration
parameters of the platform scale.
[0004] National and international calibration regulations typically
mandate that a weighing device used in commerce be officially
calibrated and sealed, and that the seal be maintained as long as
the device is used in commerce. Therefore, in order to prevent
tampering with the calibration of a platform scale, it may be
required that the signal line connection to the weighing terminal
be secured or locked so that a user cannot tamper with or
disconnect the signal line connection. Usually, the securing or
locking of the signal line connector to the weighing terminal is
accomplished by hard-wiring the signal line connector to the
weighing terminal, thereby creating a permanent connection between
the components. In other cases, where a removable cable connector
is used, a sealing material may be applied between the connector
and the weighing terminal to prevent or indicate tampering or
removal.
[0005] It can be understood that the permanent, hard-wiring of the
signal line connector to the weighing terminal can be a time
consuming process. Additionally, the permanent hard-wiring of the
signal line connector to the weighing terminal makes any repair or
replacement of the signal line more difficult, and may also hinder
repair or modification of a platform scale by complicating the
disassembly of a terminal from a scale platform. Further, with
respect to those platform scales that employ a removable cable
connector, initial application of a sealing material between the
connector and a weighing terminal, and subsequent reapplication
after repairs, etc., offers similar problems to those just
described.
[0006] Accordingly, what is needed is a non-permanent device for
ensuring a secure connection between a platform scale weighing
terminal and a platform scale platform. Preferably, such a device
allows for easy installation (set-up) and/or repair of a platform
scale, while maintaining a properly secured connection between its
signal line and weighing terminal without the use of a hard-wired
or other substantially permanent signal line connection. Such a
device may conform to national and international regulations
regarding platform scale security.
SUMMARY OF THE GENERAL INVENTIVE CONCEPT
[0007] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed
to a connector security cover for enclosing a signal line (cable)
connector and sealing the connector to a weighing terminal of a
platform scale. Certain embodiments of the cover may be used to
securely lock cable connectors of different sizes and/or
geometries. An exemplary embodiment of the cover generally includes
a substantially hollow body with open first and second ends. In one
exemplary embodiment, the body comprises separate halves that form
a closed body when joined. In another exemplary embodiment, the
body comprises separate but hingedly-connected halves that form a
closed body when rotated together.
[0008] Typically, each half of the body may have a first opening,
wherein a first aperture defined surface is adapted to engage a
cable connector. A second opening is provided in each body half and
preferably includes a second aperture defined surface adapted to
engage a connector or other protruding feature of the weighing
terminal. The second body half may have a construction that is
similar or identical to the first body half.
[0009] Exemplary embodiments of the cover may include a fastening
device that joins the body halves. A tamper indicating device may
be associated with the cover and be adapted to indicate if the body
halves have been separated after engagement. The cover may be
placed around a cable connector and a corresponding connector or
feature on a weighing terminal and fastened to retain the cable
connector to that of the weighing terminal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] In addition to the features mentioned above, other aspects
of the present invention will be readily apparent from the
following descriptions of the drawings and exemplary embodiments,
wherein like reference numerals across the several views refer to
identical or equivalent features, and wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a connector
security cover comprised of separate hinged halves, the cover shown
in an open condition;
[0012] FIG. 2 depicts the connector security cover of FIG. 1 in a
closed condition;
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a cable connector connected
to a connecting port of a weighing terminal prior to installation
of a connector security cover of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 4 shows the connector security cover of FIGS. 1-2
installed to the cable connector and weighing terminal of FIG. 3;
and
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary platform scale
of which the secured weighing terminal of FIG. 3 forms one
part.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)
[0016] FIG. 1 depicts one exemplary embodiment of a connector
security cover for enclosing and sealing a connection between a
cable connector and a weighing terminal. As shown, this particular
connector security cover 10 (hereinafter "security cover" or
"cover") includes a body 100 with a first and second end 100a,
100b.
[0017] In this embodiment, the body 100 is substantially tubular in
shape. However, it should be realized that the body 100 may have
any number of cross-sectional geometries that permit proper
engagement of the cover 10 during use. The body 100 of this
particular cover 10 is also comprised of separate, hingedly
connected halves 120a, 120b.
[0018] In this particular embodiment, the two halves 120a, 120b are
hinged together as a unitary molding along a common edge. The hinge
122 may be a living or integral hinge so that the hinge 122 and
body portions 120a, 120b may be formed from a single piece, as
shown. In other embodiments, the hinge 122 may be affixed to
separate body halves 120a, 120b in any manner that minimizes
tampering by an individual. In still other embodiments (not shown),
a cover body may be comprised of separate and non-hinged body
halves.
[0019] The first end 100a of this exemplary body 100 has a first
opening 102 with a first aperture defined surface 104 that is
adapted to engage a cable connector. Examples of cable connectors
that may be engaged by the first aperture 104 may be adapted to
engage, include, but are not limited to, quick disconnects and
connectors of pin-type or header design. In this particular
example, the first aperture defined surface creates a substantially
circular opening 102 to facilitate engagement with a substantially
circular cable connector.
[0020] Similarly, the second end 100b has a second opening 106 with
a second aperture defined surface 108 that is adapted to engage a
corresponding connector or other protruding feature associated with
the weighing terminal. In this particular embodiment, the second
aperture defined surface 108 is adapted to engage a substantially
circular corresponding connector associated with the weighing
terminal. However, the corresponding connector associated with the
weighing terminal may be any number of shapes or geometries, and
the second aperture defined surface 108 may be adapted to engage
such varying shapes or geometries.
[0021] It can be understood that exemplary embodiments of the body
100 have a longitudinal seam 110 when the cover is closed.
Typically, but not necessarily, the longitudinal seam 110 has
corresponding longitudinal edges 112 and 114 to facilitate proper
engagement of the cover 10. Although the longitudinal edges 112 and
114 are substantially straight in this embodiment, other
embodiments may have edges of any number of corresponding shapes or
geometries to facilitate proper engagement of the cover 10. In
whatever form, the hinged nature of the cover 10 allows an
individual to position and engage the cover around the cable
connector and weighing terminal, after the cable connector has been
engaged with the weighing terminal.
[0022] In exemplary embodiments, such as the embodiment shown, a
fastening device 130 may secure the body halves 120a, 120b in a
closed position. The fastening device may include a snap-fit
connection that when engaged, restricts the movement of the
longitudinal edges 112 and 114 relative to one another. In the
exemplary embodiment shown, the snap-fit connection may reside on
one body half 120a and may include a tab 132 with a protrusion 134
projecting from the surface thereof. A complementary slot 136 may
be associated with the second body half 120b. Although this
embodiment uses a snap-fit connection to secure together the body
halves 120a, 120b, other embodiments of the cover 10 may use any
number of fastening devices that minimize tampering of the cover
10.
[0023] With the cover 10 substantially closed and each tab 132 and
complementary slot 136 in a substantially parallel facing
relationship, each tab 132 may be biased for easier insertion
within its complementary slot. In this particular embodiment, the
protrusion 134 is located on an outside surface of the tab 132,
therefore, each tab is biased inwardly for insertion within its
complementary slot 136. When the tabs 132 are fully inserted with
their complementary slots 136, the protrusion 134 of each tab
engages its complementary slot, thereby restricting the relative
movement of body half.
[0024] The interior face of the body 100 may include at least one
inwardly projecting member 140 that is adapted to engage a raised
portion of the cable connector. In this particular embodiment, the
inwardly projecting member 140 is an inner ridge that
circumnavigates the interior surface of the body 100. While the
inwardly projecting member 140 of this particular body 100 is of a
ridge design, it is to be understood that such inwardly projecting
members may be of virtually any shape or size necessary to engage
and retain cable connections of varying size and geometry, or may
be designed to retain only one particular type of cable
connection.
[0025] At least one outer ridge or other structure may be included
in certain embodiments of the body 100 to increase the strength and
therefore, the tamper-resistance of the cover 10. In this
particular embodiment, an outer ridge 150 circumnavigates the outer
face of the body 100 for this purpose. Depending upon design and
other considerations, the outer ridge 150 may have any number of
shapes and/or geometries.
[0026] The body 100 may be made of any number of materials, such
as, for example, fiberglass, plastics, composites, or metals.
Preferably, the body 100 is of sufficient strength and rigidity to
prevent or minimize the possibility of tampering with the cover 10.
As such, certain components of the body 100, such as, for example,
the longitudinal edges 112 and 114 or the apertures 104 and 108 may
be fabricated from high strength materials to inhibit
tampering.
[0027] In some exemplary embodiments, the body 100 may be provided
with one or more grip assisting features. For example, the body may
be provided with a knurled texture to assist an individual with
closing or opening the cover 10 during use. A variety of other
textures and/or treatments for improving grip may also be
applied.
[0028] A tamper indicating device 160 may be associated with the
cover 10 to indicate if the body halves 120a, 120b have been
separated, if the fastening device 130 has been released, etc.
Whatever the type of tamper indicating device used, it is preferred
that the tamper indicating device 160 complies with either national
or international regulations. Non-limiting examples of tamper
indicating devices 160 that may be used include a lock wire (lead
seal), and a destructible paper seal label. In operation, the
tamper indicating device 160 is typically secured to the body 100
after the fastening device 130 is engaged.
[0029] As seen in FIGS. 2-4, exemplary embodiments of the cover 10
may be used in conjunction with a platform scale that includes a
scale platform, an indicator attachment, a weighing terminal, and
an indicator signal line cable that runs from the scale platform to
the weighing terminal. In this example, the indicator signal line
cable includes a cable connector that releasably connects the
indicator signal line cable with the weighing terminal. Exemplary
embodiments of the cover 10 used in conjunction with the platform
scale may allow for set-up and installation of the scale in a much
easier and efficient fashion, without having to make the necessary
individual wire connections required by connector hard-wiring.
[0030] Although the exemplary embodiments of connector security
covers described above enclose and seal a connection between a
cable connector and a weighing terminal, other exemplary
embodiments of a security cover of the present invention may be
placed along the indicator signal line cable that runs between the
weighing terminal and the scale platform. In one example, the
indicator signal line cable may be divided into two different
portions, where one end of a first portion of the cable is
hard-wired to the weighing terminal, and one end of a second
portion of the cable is hard-wired to the scale platform. In this
example, an exemplary embodiment of the cover may secure and
enclose the connection between the two free ends of the cable,
effectuating an alternative secured connection between the weighing
terminal and the scale platform.
[0031] While certain embodiments of the present invention are
described in detail above, the scope of the invention is not to be
considered limited by such disclosure, and modifications are
possible without departing from the spirit of the invention as
evidenced by the following claims:
* * * * *