Locking mechanism for connector

• US 6,171,039 B1
• Filed: 05/11/1999
• Issued: 01/09/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 05/11/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Nokia Solutions and Networks US LLC (Nokia Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Nokia Telecommunications Oy (Nokia Corporation)
• Inventors: Seurujarvi, Pekka
• Primary Examiner(s): Saether, Flemming
• Application Number:
  US09/309,337
• Time in Patent Office: 609 Days
• Field of Search: 411/104, 411/147, 411/148, 411/155, 411/156, 411/197, 411/198, 411/199, 411/200, 411/221, 411/222, 411/232, 411/234, 411/315, 411/316, 411/522, 411/523
• US Class Current: 411/148
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 33/002 Means for preventing rotation of screw-threaded elements F16B39/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 37/04 Devices for fastening nuts to surfaces, e.g. sheets, plates nuts fastened behind a wall by a toggle-mechanism F16B13/0808; threaded inserts F16B37/122; measures against loss of bolts, nuts or pins F16B41/002
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 41/002 Measures against loss of bolts, nuts or pins devices for fastening nuts to surfaces F16B37/04
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 43/003 with a special hole shape in order to allow a quick mounting or dismounting of the washer, e.g. with a keyhole slot F16B43/005 takes precedence

Abstract

A product and method for preventing a connector from rotating when a mating connector is attached to, or detached from, the connector. When a nut on the connector is tightened, a washer is compressed in a groove in a panel to which the connector is attached. Edges on the outer perimeter of the washer press against the edges of the groove, thus preventing the washer from rotating in relation to the panel having the connector. A portion of the washer'"'"'s cutout presses against flat regions on the connector and, in conjunction with the groove in the panel, prevent the connector from rotating when attaching or detaching cables.

Claims

1. A connector system, comprising:

a connector, said connector having two flat regions;

a washer, said washer further comprising a cutout for insertion of said connector, said cutout having a first portion for gripping said two flat regions on said connector;

a nut for securing said first portion of said cutout against said two flat regions;

a panel having an opening for accepting said connector;

wherein said panel restricts movement of said washer;

said panel further comprising a groove for accepting said washer, wherein edges of said groove contact an outer perimeter of said washer when said washer is secured by said nut, thereby preventing rotation of said washer.

2. A connector system, comprising:

a connector, said connector having two flat regions;

a washer, said washer further comprising a cutout for insertion of said connector, said cutout having a first portion for gripping said two flat regions on said connector;

a nut for securing said first portion of said cutout against said two flat regions;

a panel having an opening for accepting said connector;

wherein said panel restricts movement of said washer;

said panel further comprising ridges for accepting said washer, wherein said ridges contact an outer perimeter of said washer when said washer is secured by said nut, thereby preventing rotation of said washer.

3. A telecommunications base station, comprising:

a connector system, said system having

a washer, said washer further comprising a cutout for insertion of a connector, said cutout having a first portion for gripping a flat region on said connector, and

a nut, for compressing said washer; and

a base station enclosure, an outer surface of said enclosure having

a structure for restricting movement of said washer;

said structure comprising a groove in said outer surface of said base station.

4. A telecommunications base station, comprising:

a connector system, said system having

a washer, said washer further comprising a cutout for insertion of a connector, said cutout having a first portion for gripping a flat region on said connector; and

a nut, for compressing said washer, and

a base station enclosure, an outer surface of said enclosure having

a structure for restricting movement of said washer;

said structure comprising a ridge on said outer surface of said base station.

5. A method of preventing a connector from rotating, comprising the steps of:

placing a washer on a connector attached to a panel, said washer having a cutout with a portion for gripping a flat region on said connector; and

tightening a nut against said washer;

compressing said portion of said cutout against said flat region on said connector; and

compressing an outer perimeter of said washer against a feature of said panel;

thereby preventing said connector from rotating.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein said washer is concave.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein said feature is a groove.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein said feature is a ridge.

9. The method of claim 5, wherein said cutout is keyhole-shaped.