US7578690B2
Active / In Force
US
⏱️ 1.9 years remaining
Plug locking assembly
Assignee: Panduit Corp
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Filing: 2008-09-11
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Granted: 2009-08-25
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Expires: 2028-09-11
Abstract
Abstract A plug locking assembly comprises a housing comprising a top surface, a bottom surface and opposing sidewalls defining an open space therebetween, the open space for receiving and carrying a plug comprising a spring member. The plug locking assembly is adapted to prevent unwanted access to modular plugs engaged in associated jacks. In one embodiment, the plug locking assembly comprises a plug protection member comprising a surface spaced apart from the open space and positioned to overlie at least a portion of the spring member with the plug engaged within the housing. The plug locking assembly may further comprise a locking clip releasably securable within the housing.
Inventors
- 👤 Jack E Caveney
- 👤 Shaun P Brouwer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 17:16
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/62; H01R13/639; H01R13/6397; H01R24/00; H01R24/60; H01R24/62; H01R24/64
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
109 words
A plug locking assembly comprising: a housing comprising a top portion, a bottom portion and opposing sidewalls defining an open space therebetween, the open space for receiving and carrying a plug comprising a spring, the open space being dimensioned such that at least a portion of the spring extends beyond the open space with the plug engaged within the housing; and a spring depression member formed integrally on the housing for riding over and depressing the spring when the plug is inserted and/or removed from the housing, further comprising a locking clip engageable within the open space, said locking clip for securing said plug into position within the housing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
109 words
A plug locking assembly comprising: a housing comprising a top portion, a bottom portion and opposing sidewalls defining an open space therebetween, the open space for receiving and carrying a plug comprising a spring, the open space being dimensioned such that at least a portion of the spring extends beyond the open space with the plug engaged within the housing; and a spring depression member formed integrally on the housing for riding over and depressing the spring when the plug is inserted and/or removed from the housing, further comprising a locking clip engageable within the open space, said locking clip for securing said plug into position within the housing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The plug locking assembly of claim 1 , wherein the spring depression member comprises at least one of a spring retaining member and a tab.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The plug locking assembly of claim 2 , wherein the spring retention member comprises an angled surface to overlie and retain the spring.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The plug locking assembly of claim 2 , wherein the spring retention member exhibits a triangular cross section and comprises a top surface and a ramp.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The plug locking assembly of claim 1 , wherein the spring depression member receives and holds a portion of said plug with the plug engaged within said housing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
115 words
A plug locking assembly comprising: a housing comprising a top portion, a bottom portion and opposing sidewalls defining an open space therebetween, the open space for receiving and carrying a plug comprising a spring, the open space being dimensioned such that at least a portion of the spring extends beyond the open space with the plug engaged within the housing; and a locking clip engageable within said open space, the locking clip for securing said plug into position within said housing; a spring depression member formed on one of said housing and locking clip, said spring depression member for riding over and depressing the spring when the plug is inserted and/or removed from the housing.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
115 words
A plug locking assembly comprising: a housing comprising a top portion, a bottom portion and opposing sidewalls defining an open space therebetween, the open space for receiving and carrying a plug comprising a spring, the open space being dimensioned such that at least a portion of the spring extends beyond the open space with the plug engaged within the housing; and a locking clip engageable within said open space, the locking clip for securing said plug into position within said housing; a spring depression member formed on one of said housing and locking clip, said spring depression member for riding over and depressing the spring when the plug is inserted and/or removed from the housing.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The plug locking assembly of claim 6 wherein the spring depression member receives and holds a portion of said plug with the plug engaged within said housing.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2012-08-24 | 2013-02-23 | 2013-08-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2016-08-24 | 2017-02-23 | 2017-08-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2020-08-24 | 2021-02-23 | 2021-08-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |