Electrical connectors – With coupling movement-actuating means or retaining means in... – Retaining means
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-14
2001-08-14
Nguyen, Khiem (Department: 2839)
Electrical connectors
With coupling movement-actuating means or retaining means in...
Retaining means
C439S916000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06273741
ABSTRACT:
This invention relates generally to antenna cables and more particularly to a locking connector for an antenna cable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Coaxial cables are used to transmit signals from an antenna to a radio. Typically, in the case of a car radio, the cable has two parts, one included in an instrument panel harness and the other included in a body harness. Connectors are provided to join the two cable parts together and also to connect one cable part to the antenna. These connectors often include a male member and a socket member secured together with a press fit. However, the two members frequently pull apart, breaking the connection.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a locking connector for an antenna cable is provided which includes a male member that is axially insertable into a socket member. A flexible latching finger is secured to one of the members and has a hook on the free end which is adapted to engage a catch on the other member to releasably lock the members together. The hook cams over and lockingly engages the catch when the male member is inserted axially into the socket member. The finger can be flexed away from the catch to retract the hook and release the members. A finger stop is provided to limit the distance the finger can be retracted, thereby preventing overflexing and damaging the finger.
Preferably the catch is formed on a radially outwardly extending collar of the socket member and the finger is secured to the male member.
The finger stop preferably includes a blocker positioned radially outwardly of the finger. The finger stop is connected to the male member by a pair of laterally spaced apart legs straddling the finger.
The finger stop permits sufficient flexing of the finger to release the hook from the catch, but prevents further flexing movement.
One object of this invention is to provide a locking connector for an antenna cable having the foregoing features and capabilities.
Another object is to provide a locking connector for an antenna cable which is composed of a relatively few simple parts, is rugged and durable in use, and is capable of being inexpensively manufactured and easily manipulated.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent as the following description proceeds, especially when considered with the accompanying drawings.
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Berra Charles J
Boring Kyle A
Boring P. Jan
Flemming Tom W.
Hayash Makoto
Calcaterra Mark P.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Nguyen Khiem
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