Patent Application
20130081265
The present invention relates to a tool for facilitating the installation and removal of a connector. More specifically, the tool is designed to grasp a connector while maintaining a low profile, thereby allowing use of the tool in high density applications.
Electrical connectors, particularly radio frequency (RF) connectors, provide couplings between electrical elements and/or devices. Many different types of electrical connectors exist and have been used to provide removable electrical connections between electronic elements and devices.
Conventional BNC coupling connector components facilitate attachment of coaxial electrical cables to electronic elements or devices. Typical BNC coupling connector components include a jack mounted to an electronic device or element and a plug connected to a cable. BNC connector components allow a reliable electrical connection to be made without the danger of the jack and plug connectors gradually becoming loose or becoming inadvertently unplugged. A bayonet mechanism of BNC coupling of connector pairs provides a positive engagement between the jack and plug connectors.
Often, multiple coupling connector components are positioned in close proximity to one another on electronic elements or devices, both vertically and horizontally, to provide a high density of connectors. However, there is often insufficient space for manual manipulation of the connectors to install and remove them. Therefore, a need exists for a connector tool that can be used in high density applications to both install and remove connector components.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a tool for a connector that comprises a shaft and a clasp that has a substantially semi-cylindrical cross-sectional shape. The clasp includes a main body and opposite first and second ends. The first end is adapted to couple to the shaft and the second end is adapted to grasp a connector. The first end has a transverse diameter that is larger than a transverse diameter of the second end such that a step is disposed between the first and second ends that defines a recessed longitudinal portion along the main body configured to provide a low profile for clearance between adjacent connectors.
The present invention may also provide a tool for a connector that comprises a shaft and a clasp that has a substantially semi-cylindrical cross-sectional shape. The clasp includes a main body and opposite first and second ends. The first end is adapted to couple to the shaft and the second end is adapted to grasp a connector. The first end has a transverse diameter that is larger than a transverse diameter of the second end such that a step is disposed between the first and second ends that defines a recessed longitudinal portion along the main body configured to provide a low profile for clearance between adjacent connectors. An enlarged opening is disposed in the recessed longitudinal portion of the main body that is configured to receive at least a portion of the connector.
The present invention may also provide a tool for a connector that comprises a shaft and a clasp that has a substantially semi-cylindrical cross-sectional shape. The clasp includes a main body and opposite first and second ends. The first end is adapted to couple to the shaft and the second end is adapted to grasp a connector. The first end has a transverse diameter that is larger than a transverse diameter of the second end such that a step is disposed between the first and second ends that defines a recessed longitudinal portion along the main body configured to provide a low profile for clearance between adjacent connectors. The second end of the clasp includes at least first and second engagement members configured to engage the connector. The first and second engagement members are located about 180 degrees apart from one another.
Other objects, advantages and salient features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Referring to
In an exemplary embodiment, the clasp 106 is configured to partially or fully encircle an exterior surface of the connector C. The clasp 106 could also be shaped for use with connectors that do not have a circular cross-section. Also, in an exemplary embodiment, the clasp 106 is made of the same material as the shaft 102, that is high strength tool steel with a clear corrosion-resistant zinc coating. However, the clasp may be constructed from any suitable material.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3A-3D, the clasp 106 generally includes a main body 200 with opposite first and second ends 210 and 220. The main body 200 may be generally semi-circular in cross-sectional shape, as seen in
As best seen in
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3A-3C, the second end 220 of the clasp 106 may include one or more engagement members for detachably engaging the connector C such that when the tool is rotated, the connector C also rotates. In an exemplary embodiment, the engagement members are preferably first and second teeth 340 and 342 that extend from the second end 220. The teeth 340 and 342 are preferably located opposite each other, that is about 180° apart, as seen in
To detachably engage the tool 100 with the connector C, the operator aligns the teeth 340 and 342 with the corresponding grooves on the connector. The operator then slides the tool 100 longitudinally over the connector until that the teeth 340 and 342 are received in the grooves of the connector C. The operator then applies torque to the handle 104 and the torque is transmitted from the handle 104 through the shaft 102 to the clasp 106 that is at least partially encircling the connector. That torque rotates the tool 100 and the connector C together to either install or remove the connector. To disengage the tool 100 from the connector, the operator longitudinally slides the tool away from the connector C until the teeth 340 and 342 clear the grooves of the connector.
While a particular embodiment has been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
