Physical cable seating confirmation for network cables
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A system comprising:
- an appliance comprising a computer server or a network hardware component, the appliance comprising a socket;
a plug configured to be releasably received in the socket into a seated configuration;
a locking mechanism comprising a first locking feature attached to the socket and a second locking feature attached to the plug, the first and second locking features configured to engage one another to secure the plug in the socket in the seated configuration;
a handle coupled with the locking mechanism and operable, in response to a disengagement force exerted on the handle, to disengage the first and second locking features from one another so as to facilitate removal of the plug from the socket; and
a tab detachably coupled with the handle, the tab configured to not detach from the handle in response to the plug being received in the socket, the tab configured to detach from the handle in response to a detachment force exerted on the tab, the detachment force being less than the disengagement force, whereby exertion of the detachment force on the tab while the locking features are engaged will cause the tab to detach from the handle so as to provide a visible indication that the locking features are engaged and securing the plug in the socket in the seated configuration.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Cabling arrangements or associated components can be provided that use plugs and sockets for connection. A locking mechanism can secure a plug in a seated configuration in a socket. A handle may be operable to disengage the locking mechanism, for example, to facilitate removal of the plug from the socket. A tab can be provided that is configured for detachably coupling with the handle. The tab can be configured to detach from the handle in response to a detachment force exerted on the tab that is less than a disengagement force that is sufficient when exerted on the handle to disengage the locking mechanism.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system comprising:
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an appliance comprising a computer server or a network hardware component, the appliance comprising a socket; a plug configured to be releasably received in the socket into a seated configuration; a locking mechanism comprising a first locking feature attached to the socket and a second locking feature attached to the plug, the first and second locking features configured to engage one another to secure the plug in the socket in the seated configuration; a handle coupled with the locking mechanism and operable, in response to a disengagement force exerted on the handle, to disengage the first and second locking features from one another so as to facilitate removal of the plug from the socket; and a tab detachably coupled with the handle, the tab configured to not detach from the handle in response to the plug being received in the socket, the tab configured to detach from the handle in response to a detachment force exerted on the tab, the detachment force being less than the disengagement force, whereby exertion of the detachment force on the tab while the locking features are engaged will cause the tab to detach from the handle so as to provide a visible indication that the locking features are engaged and securing the plug in the socket in the seated configuration. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A cabling product comprising:
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a cable; a plug coupled with an end of the cable; a locking feature configured to releasably secure the plug in a socket in a seated configuration; and an indicator detachably coupled with the plug, the indicator configured to detach from the plug in response to a detachment force exerted on the handle via the indicator, the detachment force being less than an extrication force that is sufficient to at least partially extract the plug from the socket when the locking feature is engaged. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A system comprising:
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a handle operable to disengage a locking mechanism from releasably securing a plug in a seated configuration in a socket, the handle extending backwardly and outwardly from a back face of the plug that is exposed when the plug is received in the socket; and a flap detachably coupled with the handle, the flap configured to detach from the handle in response to a detachment force exerted on the flap that is less than a disengagement force that is sufficient when exerted on the handle to disengage the locking mechanism. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification