Coax cable port locking terminator device

• US 7,452,239 B2
• Filed: 10/26/2006
• Issued: 11/18/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 10/26/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: PPC Broadband Incorporated (Belden Inc.)
• Original Assignee: John Mezzalingua Associates Incorporated
• Inventors: Montena, Noah
• Primary Examiner(s): Paumen; Gary F.
• Application Number:
  US11/553,173
• Publication Number:
  US 20080102704A1
• Time in Patent Office: 754 Days
• Field of Search: 439/620.03, 439/133, 439/307, 439/578
• US Class Current: 439/620.03
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/44 Means for preventing access to live contacts making use of a switch actuated by engagement of counterpart H01R13/7036
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6397 with means for preventing unauthorised use
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2103/00 Two poles
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/40 specially adapted for high frequency
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 43/26 for engaging or disengaging the two parts of a coupling device structural association with two-part coupling device H01R13/629

Abstract

A locking terminator device for a coax cable port is used for preventing ingress of electrical signals into the port and also to prevent theft of cable signals by non-subscribers. The device of the present invention includes an outer terminator housing, an inner connector housing having two slots for receiving the tabbed tool feet of a specialized tool, and a terminator having a resistor post, a cylindrical body, and a conical end. The device provides for a tamper-resistant terminator by having a specialized tool with two tabbed feet that are spread outwardly when pressed against the conical end of the terminator to engage the slots of the inner connector body. Once the slots are engaged the tool can be used to lock or unlock the locking terminator device to a cable port of a tap assembly.

Claims

1. A locking terminator for a coax cable port comprising:

an outer terminator housing;

an inner connector body having at least one slot for receiving tool feet of a specialized tool; and

a terminator having a cylindrical body, a conical end, and a resistor;

wherein the conical end directly engages a locking means.

2. The locking terminator device of claim 1 wherein the locking means comprises a tool comprising a tubular housing and pivotly attached tool feet having at least one tabbed end housed within the tubular body.

3. The locking terminator device of claim 2 wherein the tool foot moves laterally when in contact with the conical end of the terminator such that the tabbed end engage the slot of the inner connector body.

4. The locking terminator device of claim 2 wherein the tool foot is used to lock and unlock the device by engaging the tabbed end of the tool foot with the slot of the inner connector body.

5. The locking terminator of claim 1:

wherein the inner connector body comprises a first end and a second end;

wherein the inner connector body is threaded on the inside of the first end; and

wherein the inner connector body has varying inner and outer geometries decreasing from the first end to the second end of the inner connector body.

6. The locking terminator of claim 1:

wherein the outer terminator housing has a first end and a second end;

wherein the outer terminator housing is threaded on the outside of the second end; and

wherein the outer terminator housing has varying inner and outer geometries decreasing from the first end to the second end of the outer terminator housing.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the conical end of the terminator is made from a hardened steel material.

8. A device for mounting on a coax cable port for locking the port comprising:

an outer terminator housing;

an inner connector body having at least one slot; and

means for tamper-proof locking the device to a coax cable port;

wherein the means for tamper-proof locking comprises a terminator comprising a resistor, a cylindrical body, and a conical end, and a tool with at least one tabbed end for engagement of the slot of the inner connector body wherein the conical end directly engages the tool.

9. A method of making a locking terminator device comprising:

providing a outer terminator housing having a first end and a second end, an inner connector body having a first end and a second end wherein the second end has two opposing slots, an external connector body, and a terminator comprising a resistor, a cylindrical body, and a conical end wherein the conical end must directly engage a locking means for the terminator device;

inserting the terminator to the inner connector body such that the conical end of the terminator is directed towards the second end of the inner connector body;

attaching the external connector body with the first end of the inner connector body; and

inserting the inner connector body with the terminator to the outer terminator housing such That the second end of the inner connector body is directed towards the second end of the outer terminator housing.

10. The locking terminator of claim 9:

wherein the inner connector body is threaded on the inside of the first end;

wherein the inner connector body has varying inner and outer geometries decreasing from the first end to the second end.

11. The locking terminator of claim 9:

wherein the outer terminator housing has a first end and a second end;

wherein the outer terminator housing is threaded on the outside of the second end; and

wherein the outer terminator housing has varying inner and outer geometries decreasing from the first end to the second end.

12. A locking terminator for mounting on a coax cable port comprising:

an outer terminator housing comprising a first end and a second end;

wherein the outer terminator housing is threaded on the outside of the second end;

wherein the outer terminator housing has varying inner and outer geometries decreasing from the first end to the second end;

an inner connector body comprising a first and second end;

wherein the second end of the inner connector body comprises two slots;

wherein the inner connector body is threaded on the inside of the first end;

wherein the inner connector body has varying inner and outer geometries decreasing from the first end to the second end; and

a terminator having a cylindrical body, a cortical end, and a resistor,

wherein the conical end directly engages a locking means for the terminator device.