Electrical adapter

Details Electrical adapter Electrical adapter

2001-12-10

2002-08-27

Bradley, P. Austin (Department: 2833)

Electrical connectors

With coupling movement-actuating means or retaining means in...

Retaining means

C439S638000, C439S654000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06439916

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electrical adapter, and particularly to a digital visual interface (DVI) adapter which is used for interconnecting two different types of electrical connectors.
2. Description of the Prior Art
An electrical DVI adapter is widely used for interconnecting a monitor to a host computer in computer industry. The DVI adapter generally comprises a DVI connector which is adapted for mating with a complementary connector of a cable assembly connected with a monitor, and a D-sub connector which is adapted for mating with a mating connector mounted in a host computer, thereby electrically connecting the monitor to the host computer.
Referring to
FIGS. 5 and 6
, a conventional DVI adapter
5
includes a main housing
50
, a shielded DVI connector
60
and a shielded D-sub connector
70
both integrally attached at opposite ends of the main housing
50
. The main housing
50
has an elongate body portion
52
, first and second lateral ends
54
,
56
vertically extending from opposite ends of the elongate body portion
52
, respectively, and the first and second lateral ends
54
,
56
are connected with the DVI connector
60
and the D-sub connector
70
, respectively. A pair of screw members
80
are adapted for insertion into corresponding threaded holes
58
defined in the second lateral end
56
to interlock with corresponding nuts of the mating connector. The screw member
80
is horizontally inserted into the space
55
defined by the elongate body
50
, the first and second lateral ends
54
,
56
beside the main housing
50
. Then, the screw member
80
is screwed into a corresponding screw hole
58
until it extends beyond rear face
562
of the second lateral end
56
for engaging with a corresponding nut of the mating connector.
However, due to the rigid structure and size of the screw member
80
, the space
55
must be large enough for insertion of the screw member such that the whole size of the adapter
5
is enlarged, which is disadvantageous for the miniature trend in computers.
Hence, an improved electrical adapter is required to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A first object of the present invention is to provide an improved electrical adapter having a compact structure.
A second object of the present invention is to provide an improved method of assembling a screw member with an electrical adapter device.
To fulfill the above-mentioned objects, an electrical adapter in accordance with the present invention comprises an insulative housing, a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector oppositely connected with the housing. The housing has an elongate body, first and second poles vertically extending from opposite ends of the elongate body. The second pole defines a slot opened in a top face and an inside face thereof and a through hole below and communicating with the slot. The first electrical connector is fastened on the first pole for mating with a complementary connector of a cable assembly connected with a monitor. The second electrical connector is connected with the second pole for engaging with a mating connector mounted in a host computer. A screw member is inserted into the slot from above of the second pole. Then, the screw member is pushed toward the first pole to lie down between the first and second poles. Finally, the screw member is rotated forward so that it extends beyond the second pole to interlock a corresponding nut of the mating connector.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present embodiment when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.


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