Patent Application
20080009156
Throughout the figures, unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals and characters are used to denote like features, elements, components, or portions of the illustrated embodiments.
A connector 1 is formed from a single strip of conducting material having a first end and a second end. The connector 1 is folded at approximately the midpoint of the strip such that the connector 1 assumes the shape of a clamp with an open end 2. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the length of the connector 1 may range from 0.75 to 1.25 inches (with a highly preferred embodiment having a length of 0.875), but may alternatively have any other length. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the width may range from 0.5 to 0.75 inches (with a highly preferred embodiment having a width of 0.532), but may alternatively have any other width. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention and without limitation, the depth of the connector 1, measured as the distance between the outer surfaces of the folded strip, may range from 0.125 to 0.5 inches, with a highly preferred embodiment having a distance between the outer surfaces of the folded strip of 0.312. The first and second ends of the connector 1 possess curved portions in proximity to the open end 2 of the connector 1, thereby forming a first circular furrow 7 which is adapted to receive a ground wire 5.
The connector 1 further includes a fold 3 opposite the open end 2, which may be shaped, for example, by straight edges, but which may alternatively have any other shape suitable for sustaining a fold. Cradled in the fold 3 is a second circular furrow 8 which is adapted to receive a ground wire 4. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ground wire 4 received by the second circular furrow 8 is larger in diameter than the ground wire 5 received by the first circular furrow 7. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the first circular furrow 7 and the second circular furrow 8 may range from 0.25 to 1.0 inches (with a highly preferred embodiment having a distance between the first circular furrow 7 and the second circular furrow 8 of 0.665), but may alternatively have any other value.
A connector 1 further includes a receiving channel 6. The receiving channel 6 is adapted to accommodate a coaxial splice through the height of the connector 1. The receiving channel 6 is situated between the open end 2 and the fold 3 of the connector 1. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention and without limitation, the diameter of the receiving channel 6 may range from 0.350 to 0.4 inches, with a highly preferred embodiment having a diameter of 0.375.
As shown in
The connector 1 is manufactured from a material suitable for bonding a ground wire 4,5 and drop cable, and should have proper mechanical and electrical properties in order to ensure connection of the ground wire and drop cable and sufficient grounding thereof, as those skilled in the art will appreciate. Furthermore, the connector 1 should be able to firmly hold in place a ground wire 4,5 and the coaxial splice. Preferably, the connector 1 is formed from silicon bronze or brass, but may be comprised of any other comparable material, such as any of the yellow metals.
The receiving channel 6 allows for receipt of a coaxial splice 10, as shown in
The connector 1 thus serves as a bonding device for a ground wire 4,5 and the coaxial cable. The coaxial cable is threaded onto a splice such that it is situated perpendicular to the single accommodated ground wire 4,5, which is secured by compression in the connector 1. The position of the coaxial drop cable against the connector 1 ensures that the open end 2 remains closed and that the ground wire 4,5 does not accidentally become dislodged from the connector 1 during use. The first circular furrow 7 and/or the second circular furrow 8 firmly hold the ground wire 4,5 in place without scoring or otherwise deforming the ground wire 4,5.
The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the invention. Various modifications and alterations to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous techniques which, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the invention and are thus within the spirit and scope of the invention.
