The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 04, 2010
Filed:
Feb. 28, 2008
Thomas Rascon, Temecula, CA (US);
Christopher P. Schaffer, Fallbrook, CA (US);
Gary L. Hurd, San Diego, CA (US);
Thomas Rascon, Temecula, CA (US);
Christopher P. Schaffer, Fallbrook, CA (US);
Gary L. Hurd, San Diego, CA (US);
Pulse Engineering, Inc., San Diego, CA (US);
Abstract
Connector apparatus and methods providing for 'keep-out' functionality against improperly sized plugs or inserts are disclosed. In one embodiment the invention discloses a connector assembly incorporating an integrated keep-out feature associated with the housing. In one variant, the connector assembly comprises a modular jack connector, and the keep-out feature(s) is/are formed substantially within one or more the sidewall(s) of the housing, thereby simplifying its assembly and reducing its cost, as well as conserving on connector interior space. In another embodiment, the keep-out feature comprises an element disposed substantially within a plane parallel to the front face of the connector. Methods for manufacturing and using connectors with integrated keep-out features are also disclosed.