Patent Application
20090090551
This invention relates generally to audio/visual cable assembles and, more particularly, to a modular multi-channel snake connector for providing multiple connections between a plurality of different audio/visual devices.
There are a multitude of different types of electrical devices used in the musical world. For example, bands utilize microphones, speakers, amplifiers and various types of electronic instruments. Music stores need to display amplifiers, speakers, various recording equipment and stereos and demonstrate them to potential customers. These devices must be electrically interconnected in various combinations and use a variety of different types of electrical connectors such as XLR (male and female), stereo, TRS, RCA or other type connectors.
In the day to day operation of bands and music stores, there is a need for a constant setup and breakdown of various combinations of these electrical components. Additionally, some components which are required to be electrically interconnected are spaced quite a distance from each other. Utilizing a separate connector for each type of connection results in a plurality of long cables strung throughout the location, as well as requiring keeping track of the ends of each of the long cables to determine which connector is connected to which jack.
It is known to provide a long length of cable, or snake, which has a fan-out at each end for connecting audio/video components. An example of such arrangement is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,792,986 which shows a cable management system wherein a central cable snake has fan-outs associated with a pod at one end and fan-outs associated with a pod at another end. In one embodiment shown in the patent, a plurality of individual cables is connected to the pod at one end and to their respective input or output device at the other end. While such device helps eliminate the need of a plurality of both these cables extending between the input and output devices, it still requires a plurality of individual cables for connection between the pod and its respective input/output device to accommodate different types of connectors.
Accordingly, there is a need for a simplified modular multi-channel snake which can handle different type connectors and use it in an efficient manner.
In accordance with one aspect illustrated herein there is provided a modular snake electrical connector kit comprising a central snake cable having a base connector at each end. A plurality of fan-outs each has a connector adapted to be connected to either of the base connectors of the central snake cable. The fan-outs include a plurality of cables extending therefrom with an end connector at the distal end of each cable. The kit contains at least three fan-outs, each having a different array of end connectors.
Another aspect is directed to a snake electrical connector comprising a central snake cable having a plurality of conductors terminating at a base connector at each end of the snake cable, each base connector having a respective plurality of individual electrical contacts corresponding to each conductor. A fan out is located at each end of the snake cable, each fan out having a connector conductively mated with the contacts in the base connector of the snake cable, and a plurality of cables extending therefrom with an end connector at the distal end of each cable. A latching mechanism selectively attaches and detaches the connector of a fan-out to a base connector of the snake cable.
Referring to the drawings and in particular
The fan-outs 12 and 14 that are connected to each end of the central cable snake 10 may be of various types. One such fan-out 12 shown at the right in
The fan-out 14 shown on the left side of
A latching mechanism 26 may be provided between the connectors 18 of each of the fan-outs 12 and 14 and the connectors 16 at the ends of the snake cable 10 to secure the connectors 16 and 18 together. The latching mechanism 26 may include a latch member 28 on the fan-out connector 18 that is adapted to a engage a tab 30 on the base connector 16 of the central snake cable 10 when the two connectors 16 and 18 are inserted into each other to secure the female fan-out connector 18 to the male central snake cable connector 16. If desired, the DB25 male connectors 16 on the central snake cable 10 may be provided with screws 32 which are adapted to be threaded into a threaded bore (not shown) in the female connector 18 of the fan-outs 12 and 14 and tightened to further secure the two connectors 16 and 18 together.
In order to make the modular snake connector 2 more universal, a plurality of fan-outs with different distal end connectors may be provided with a cable 10 as a kit. As the fan-outs are connected to the central snake cable by releasable connectors, the changing of the fan-outs to enable the cable 10 to be used with a different device is a relatively easy task.
In view of the fact that each of the fan-outs 12, 14, 34 and 38 has the same type of connector 18 which is adapted to mate with the base connector 16 on either end of the central snake cable, any one of the above-described fan-outs may be attached to the cable. Accordingly, with this arrangement it is possible to provide a kit comprised of a single central snake cable and a plurality of fan-outs. To provide for desired flexibility, the kit should have at least three different fan-outs, although a greater number may be included, all having a different array of distal connectors. Additionally, an individual fan-out may comprise two or more different types of connectors at the distal ends of the cable. For example, a fan-out may comprise four stereo connectors and four RCA male connectors. Ideally, the length of the cables from the female connector to the various plug connectors at the distal end of the cable should be at least 18 inches to provide flexibility.
In addition to the various types of distal connectors shown at the end of the cables in the figures, a fan-out could include four XLR male and four XLR female connectors at the end of the cables as well as eight ¼ inch TRS bantam male connectors and the use of a single ELCO connector for use with ADAT connections.
With the above arrangement, when the need arises a user can easily change the various components which are interconnected together without having to use another snake even though one of the new components requires a different type of connector. This results in the user requiring less individual cables to satisfy most needs.
While various embodiments have been shown and described, various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto. Accordingly, it is understood that the present embodiments have been described by way of illustration and not limitation.
