CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is being filed on July 21, 2020 as a PCT International Patent Application and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 62/877,004, filed on July 22, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Electrical connectors are useful for providing a connection point for

telecommunications systems. For example, RJ-type connectors can be provided as wall sockets wherein electronic data cables are terminated and mating electrical plugs can be inserted into the sockets. Frequently, this termination process occurs in the field and at the actual location where the cables to be attached to the connectors are being installed. In such instances, it is often necessary to provide a grounding connection between the cable and its attached connector. In some installations, the cable direction must change at a 90 degree angle after exiting the connector.

SUMMARY

[0003] A cap assembly is disclosed for protecting a cable extending from a

telecommunications connector, wherein the cable extends generally orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the connector as it exits an end of the connector. In one aspect, the connector has a jack cavity and an oppositely disposed grounding part. In one aspect, the main body defines a first internal cable passageway portion within a first shroud portion, adapted to abut a rear face of the connector, and defines a second internal cable passageway defined by a second shroud portion, adapted to be received into the cable grounding part. In one aspect, the first and second internal cable passageways are disposed at a non-zero angle to each other. The cap assembly can further include a strap for securing the cable to the first shroud portion.

[0004] A telecommunications connector assembly is disclosed including a connector having a jack cavity and an oppositely disposed cable grounding part, a cable connected to the telecommunications connector and extending through the cable grounding part, and a cap assembly connected to the telecommunications connector. The cap assembly can include a main body defining an first internal cable passageway portion within a first shroud portion abutting a rear face of the connector, and defining a second internal cable passageway defined by a second shroud portion received into the cable grounding part, wherein the first and second internal cable passageways are disposed at a non-zero angle to each other. The cap assembly can further include a strap for securing the cable to the first shroud portion. In some examples, the strap has a symmetrical shape.

[0005] A telecommunications connector assembly can include a connector having a jack cavity and an oppositely disposed cable grounding part, the connector being configured to terminate multiple wires of a cable, and a cap assembly connectable to the

telecommunications connector. The cap assembly can include a main body defining an first internal cable passageway portion within a first shroud portion abutting a rear face of the connector, and defining a second internal cable passageway defined by a second shroud portion received into the cable grounding part, wherein the first and second internal cable passageways are configured to receive the wires of the cable and are disposed at a non-zero angle to each other.

[0006] In some examples, the main body defines a pair of apertures for receiving the strap.

[0007] In some examples, the second shroud portion includes one or more recesses for receiving flange members of the grounding part.

[0008] In some examples, the second shroud portion includes a pair of arms.

[0009] In some examples, each of the pair of arms includes recesses for receiving flange members of the grounding part.

[0010] In some examples, the main body is formed from a metal material.

[0011] In some examples, the main body further defines a disconnect mount for receiving an electrical quick disconnect terminal.

[0012] In some examples, the main body further defines an end member adjacent the second shroud portion on an opposite side from the first shroud portion, the end member defining end faces that are aligned along a common plane with end faces of the first shroud member.

[0013] In some examples, the cap assembly is mountable to the connector in multiple rotational positions. [0014] In some examples, the cap assembly is removable from the connector without requiring removal or disconnection of the cable from the connector.

[0015] In some examples, the cap assembly is installable onto the connector after the cable has been connected to the connector.

[0016] A method is disclosed to protect wires terminated to and exiting a

telecommunications connector through a grounding part. The method can include providing a cap assembly formed as an elbow-shaped shroud defining a first and second internal cable passageways disposed at a non-zero angle to each other, selecting a rotational orientation of the cap assembly, and mounting the cap assembly onto the telecommunications connector over the wires exiting the telecommunications connector in the selected rotational orientation.

[0017] In some examples, the method can further include removing the cap assembly from the telecommunications connector without disconnecting the wires from the

telecommunications connector.

[0018] In some examples, the method can further include stripping a length of a cable jacket protecting the wires to expose a length of the wires extending beyond the grounding part, wherein the step of mounting the cap assembly includes covering at least a portion of the exposed wires with the cap assembly.

[0019] In some examples, the method can include covering the exposed length of wires with heat shrink tubing.

[0020] In some examples, the method can include attaching a clip member to the stripped length of cable to ensure that an end of the jacket is sufficiently spaced from a portion of the connector during assembly of the connector.

[0021] In some examples, the clip member defines a first width equal to a first distance between the end of the jacket and the connector, the first width being associated with a first orientation of the cap assembly.

[0022] In some examples, the clip member defines a second width equal to a second distance between the end of the jacket and the connector, the second width being associated with a second orientation of the cap assembly.

[0023] In some examples, the first width is greater than the second width. [0024] In some examples, the first orientation is associated with a vertical orientation of the cap assembly and the second orientation is associated with a left or right orientation of the cap assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to the following figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

[0026] Figure l is a front perspective view of a prior art telecommunications connector.

[0027] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the prior art telecommunications connector shown in Figure 1.

[0028] Figure 3 is a rear view of the prior art telecommunications connector shown in Figure 1.

[0029] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a telecommunications cable usable with the telecommunications connector shown in Figure 1.

[0030] Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the telecommunications connector shown in Figure 1 with a cap assembly installed onto the connector in a first orientation.

[0031] Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of the telecommunications connector and cap shown in Figure 5 with the cap assembly being installed onto the connector in a second orientation.

[0032] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the telecommunications connector and cap assembly shown in Figure 5.

[0033] Figure 8 is a rear view of the telecommunications connector and cap assembly shown in Figure 5.

[0034] Figure 9 is a side view of the telecommunications connector and cap assembly shown in Figure 5.

[0035] Figure 10 is a bottom view of the telecommunications connector and cap assembly shown in Figure 5.

[0036] Figure 11 is a top view of the telecommunications connector and cap assembly shown in Figure 5. [0037] Figure 12 is a front perspective view of the cap shown in Figure 5.

[0038] Figure 13 is a rear perspective view of the cap shown in Figure 12.

[0039] Figure 14 is a front view of the cap shown in Figure 12.

[0040] Figure 15 is a rear view of the cap shown in Figure 12.

[0041] Figure 16 is a first side view of the cap shown in Figure 12.

[0042] Figure 17 is a second side view of the cap shown in Figure 12.

[0043] Figure 18 is a top view of the cap shown in Figure 12.

[0044] Figure 19 is a bottom view of the cap shown in Figure 12.

[0045] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional side view of the cap shown in Figure 12.

[0046] Figure 21 is a first perspective view of a strap of the cap assembly shown in Figure 5.

[0047] Figure 22 is a second perspective view of the strap shown in Figure 21.

[0048] Figure 23 is a side view of the strap shown in Figure 21.

[0049] Figure 24 is a front view of the strap shown in Figure 21.

[0050] Figure 25 is a rear view of the strap shown in Figure 21.

[0051] Figure 26 is a perspective view of a clip usable during an assembly process involving the telecommunications connector and cap assembly shown in Figure 5.

[0052] Figure 27 is a front view of the clip shown in Figure 26.

[0053] Figure 28 is a side view of the clip shown in Figure 26.

[0054] Figure 29 is a perspective view of the telecommunications connector and cap assembly shown in Figure 5 with a cable installed.

[0055] Figure 30 is a side view of the telecommunications connector, cap assembly, and cable shown in Figure 29.

[0056] Figure 31 is a perspective view of the telecommunications connector shown in Figure 1 with a secured cable, with the clip shown in Figure 26 being mounted to the cable in an unclipped state.

[0057] Figure 32 is a perspective view of the telecommunications connector and clip shown in Figure 31, with the clip in a clipped state. [0058] Figure 33 is a side view of the telecommunications connector and clip shown in Figure 31, with the clip in a clipped state.

[0059] Figure 34 is a perspective view of a cap usable with the telecommunications connector shown in Figure 1.

[0060] Figure 35 is a side view of the cap of Figure 34.

[0061] Figure 36 is a perspective view of a strap usable with the cap shown in Figures 12 and 34.

[0062] Figure 37 is a side view of the strap shown in Figure 36.

[0063] Figure 38 is a perspective view of a clip usable during an assembly process involving the telecommunications connector and cap assembly shown in Figure 5, and with the cap and strap of Figures 34 and 36, respectively.

[0064] Figure 39 is a front view of the clip shown in Figure 38.

[0065] Figure 40 is a side view of the clip shown in Figure 38.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims.

Connector 10 and Cable 4

[0067] A telecommunications connector 10 for grounded connection with a cable 4 having a conductive element 5 and a plurality of wires 6 protected by a jacket 7 is shown. One example of a suitable cable 4 is shown at Figure 4. As used herein, term“conductive element” is defined as including any type of conductive element, shield, or sheath disposed over the cable jacket, including metal braids, meshes, foils, drain wires, and combinations thereof. In one example, the cable 4 includes a plurality of insulated copper wires 6, for example, four sets of twisted wire pairs, while the connectors 10 are modular or RJ-type connectors. [0068] As shown, the telecommunications connector 10 has a connector part 12 that mates to a cable manager part 20, each of which includes further subassemblies. As shown, the connector part 12 includes a jack cavity 14 for receiving a corresponding plug (not shown). The connector part 12 can include a plurality of electrical contact members or conductors 16 for which electrical connection to the wires 6 will be made through a termination and connection process. As shown, the connector part 12 is configured with a front housing 18 having conductive sidewalls which are formed from a conductive material, such as a metal material that receive and connect to portions of the connector part 20, such that conductive contact is established between the cable manager part 20 and the sidewalls of the connector part front housing 18. Accordingly, the connector 10 is grounded to the cable conductive element 5 via the cable manager part 20 and the sidewalls of the connector part 12.

[0069] In one aspect, the cable manager part 20 can be further provided with a rear housing 40, and a grounding part 50 disposed within the rear housing 40. In one aspect, the rear housing 40 includes a rear face 40a defining a central aperture 40b and

passageway 40c for receiving an end of the cable 4. As most easily seen at Figures 2 and 3, the grounding part 50 includes a plurality of deflectable flange members 50a extending across the central passageway 40c such that the flange members 50a will contact and deflect against the cable conductive element 5 when the cable is inserted into the central aperture 40b and into the central passageway 40c. As shown, the grounding part 50 has four deflectable flange members 50a rotationally spaced 90 degrees from each other.

Cap Assembly 100

[0070] In some applications, where clearance or other cable management concerns exist, the cable 4 must be bent or turned at an angle, such as a 90 degree angle, after exiting the central aperture 40b of the rear housing 40. However, the thickness of the cable 4, which can be up to 12 millimeters (mm), can sometimes exceed the clearance limitations of the installation. For example, in some applications, 6 mm or less of clearance exists beyond the rear face 40a of the rear housing 40 and a cable 4 having a diameter exceeding 6 mm is secured by the connector 10. Figures 5 to 32 present a cap assembly 100 which enables for a relatively large diameter cable 4 to be secured to the connector 10 in a shallow or low clearance installation.

[0071] Referring to Figure 12 to 19, a main body 102 of the cap assembly 100 is shown in isolation. As shown, the main body 102 extends from a first end 102a to a second end 102b and includes a first shroud portion 104 defining a first portion 102d of a channel or internal passageway 102c within which the cable 4 can be routed. The channel or internal passageway 102c is shown schematically at Figure 20. In one aspect, the first shroud portion 104 has an exterior surface 104a and an interior surface 104b defining the channel or passageway first portion 102d that extend to end faces 104c. As can be seen at Figure 7, the end faces 104c abut the rear face 40a of the connector rear housing 40 and thus function as an end stop during installation. Thus, the overall combined length of the connector 10 and cap assembly 100 is increased by the distance between the end faces 104c and the outer surface 104a, which are separated by a width wl. In the example shown, the width wl is about 5.2 mm.

[0072] The main body 102 further includes a second shroud portion 106, configured in this example as a pair of arms 106 extending generally orthogonally from the first shroud portion 104, proximate the second end 102b of the main body 102. The second shroud portion 106 can also include an outside surface 106a with external recesses or channels 106b for receiving of the flange members 50a of the grounding part 50. In one aspect, the recesses or channels 106c have a shape that is complementary to that of the flange members 50a and a catch surface 106d such that a snap-fit type of connection can be formed between the flange members 50a and the recesses or channels 106c. The second shroud portion 106 also includes an interior surface 106b which defines a second portion 102e of the channel or internal passageway 102c. Each arm of the second shroud portion 106 is also shown as including a tapered or angled bottom surface 106e such that the arms have a smaller dimension at a distal end as compared to the end proximate the first shroud portion 104. In the example shown at Figures 12-20, the surface 106e is presented as a straight tapered line. However, as can be seen in an alternative example, the surface 106e can be presented with a compound shape with a tapered section 106f and a straight section 106g which enables for a smaller initial shape to be inserted into the connector opening 40b and then a larger full-sized portion to be engaged within the opening 40b after full insertion of the main body 102. Although the second shroud portion 106 is shown as being formed by a pair of curved or arc-shaped arms, other configurations are possible.

For example, the second shroud portion 106 could be formed with four spaced apart arms or could be formed as a generally cylindrical member.

[0073] With reference to Figure 20, the second portion 102e of the channel or internal passageway 102c is disposed at a non-zero first angle al to the second portion 102d of the channel or internal passageway 102c. In the particular example shown, the first portion 102d is disposed at about a 90 degree or right angle to the second portion 102e. In one aspect the channel or internal passageway first portion 102d extends from a first open end 102f of the channel or internal passageway 102c to the second portion 102e. In one aspect, the channel or internal passageway second portion 102e extends from the first portion 102d to a second open end 102g of the channel or internal passageway 102c.

[0074] Referring back to Figures 12 to 20, the main body 102 can be further provided with an end member 108 extending from one or both of the first and second shroud members 104, 106. As shown, the end member 108 defines an exterior surface 108a and an interior surface 108b that extend to end faces 108c. As can be seen at Figure 7, the end faces 108c abut the rear face 40a of the connector rear housing 40 and thus function as an end stop during installation in conjunction with the end faces 104c of the first shroud member 104. Additionally, the end faces 108c also function as a stop to prevent undesirable or inadvertent tilting or the main body 102 with respect to the rear housing. The end member interior surface 108b is further shown as defining an interior cavity or space 108d extending to an open end 108e of the end member 108. This feature enables for a tool, such as screwdriver, to be inserted into the open end 108e and leveraged between the rear housing end face 40a and the end member interior surface 108b to allow an operator to remove the cap assembly 100 from the connector 10.

[0075] In one aspect, the main body 102 can be provided with a t-shaped disconnect mount 110 for interconnecting with an electrical connector, such as a female quick- disconnect terminal, such that grounding contact can be established between the cap assembly 100 and the enclosure in which the connectors 10 are installed via a grounding cable. As shown, the disconnect mount 110 includes a first wall 110a extending from the outer surface 104a of the first shroud member 104 and a second wall 110b forming a t- shape with the first wall 110b. A stop wall 110c can also be provided to provide an end stop for the installed disconnect.

[0076] In one aspect, the main body 102 can be provided with a pair of apertures 112 extending through the outer and interior surfaces 104a, 104b of the first shroud portion 104. The apertures 112 are for receiving a strap 120, shown in isolation at Figures 21 to 25. Once the cable 4 is secured to the connector 100 and the cap assembly 100 is installed, the strap 120 can be wrapped around the cable 4 such that the cable 4 and cap assembly 100 can be secured together and such that grounding contact is established between the cable conductive element 5 and the cap assembly main body 102. Figures 29 and 30 show such an installation including the connector 10, the cap assembly 100 including the main body 102 and the strap 120, and the cable 4. An alternatively shaped strap 120 is shown at Figures 36 and 37 that is usable with the cap 102 shown at Figures 12-20 and 34-35. In the example shown at Figures 36 and 37, the strap 120 is

symmetrically formed with arm extensions having the same length as each other.

Installation

[0077] To install the cable 4 and cap assembly 100 onto a connector 10, the cable is first stripped such that a portion of the jacket 7 is removed and the wires 6 of the cable 10 are individually stripped and initially laced onto the connector 10. Prior to fully seating the rear housing 40 onto the connector part 12, the jacket 7 is either further removed or verified as being removed to a predefined length LI of the jacket 7 beyond the rear face 40a of the rear housing 40. This predefined length can be established by using a clip member 130, shown in isolation at Figures 26-28, such that the end of the jacket 7 is held sufficiently back and spaced away from the rear housing 40 during the installation process. As shown, the clip member 130 has a main body 132 defining a pair of recesses 134 for receiving and clamping the cable 4 and a latch structure 136 such that the clip member 130 can be selectively moved between a latched condition, as shown at Figures 32 and 33, in which the clip member 130 is secured to the cable and an unlatched condition, as shown at Figure 31, in which the latch member 130 can be removed from the cable 4. In one aspect, the main body has a width equal to the predetermined length LI. Accordingly, the clip member 130 can be used as a guide to verify that the jacket 7 has been sufficiently stripped back to expose the wires 6 over the predetermined length LI from the rear face 40a of the rear housing 40. In one aspect, the clip member 130 is provided with a notch 135 for further defining the length of the cable to be stripped. For a top/bottom cable exit orientation from the connector 10, the clip member 130 can be oriented such that the notch is adjacent the connector and the defined stripped cable length is defined by the length LI defined by the maximum width of the clip member 130. For a right/left cable exit orientation from the connector 10, which requires less distance to complete, the clip member 130 can be oriented such that the notch is opposite the connector and the defined stripped cable length is defined by the length LI minus the depth of the notch 135.

Accordingly, the clip member 130 can be used to define two different lengths for stripping the jacket 7, depending upon application. [0078] Once the jacket has been sufficiently removed, the clip member 130 can be removed from the cable 4. By removing the jacket 7 over the length LI, the wires 6 can be bent at a 90 degree angle such that they are adjacent to and generally parallel with to the rear face 40a while at the same time removing the thickness of the jacket 7 at this location. In one aspect, heat shrink tubing can be used to protect the exposed wires 6, if desired. Accordingly, the interior passageway 102 of the cap assembly 100 need only to be deep enough to accommodate the thickness of the wires 6 instead of the thickness of the wires 6 and jacket 7. Once the wires 6 are positioned in the desired orientation, the cap assembly 100 can be installed onto the connector 10, as shown at Figures 5 to 11, 29, and 30 such that the flange members 50a are received into the second shroud member recesses 106c. It is noted that Figure 7 shows the flange members 50a in both the relaxed position, denoted as 50a, and in the deflected position, denoted as 50a’, after insertion of the cap assembly 100. Once the cap assembly 100 is installed, the strap 120 can be pulled and tightened about the cable 4 through the apertures 112 such that the strap 120 makes grounding contact with the cable conductive element 5. Additionally, a grounding cable extending from the enclosure can be connected to the disconnect mount 110. Once these steps are complete, a grounding pathway is fully established between the connector 10 and the enclosure through the above-described components.

[0079] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, it can be seen that the cap assembly 100 can be installed in multiple orientations with respect to the connector 10. For example, Figure 5 shows a first position in which the cap assembly 100 and internal passageway 102 has a bottom exit while Figure 6 shows a second position in which the cap assembly 100 and internal passageway have a left side exit. Although not shown, the cap assembly 100 can also be oriented to have a right side exit and a top exit since there are four radially spaced flange members 50a which can receive the recesses or channels 106c.

[0080] With the disclosed design, many benefits are realized. For example, due to the elbow-shape of the cap 100, the cap 100 protects the cable 4 over a 90 degree turn. Also, the cap 100 provides for flexibility in that the cap 100 is installable in multiple rotational orientations onto the connector 10. Additionally, because the cap 100 defines an open channel or passageway 102c, the cap 100 is removable from the connector 10 without disturbing the terminated wires 6 of the cables 4 and thus does not require the wires 6 to be disconnected from the connector 10. In some applications, for example where more clearance is available and the desirability of having an elbow-shaped cap 100 still exists, the cable jacket 5 can remain installed on the portion of the cable 4 residing within the internal passageway 102. Although the depth or width wl of the cap 100 will be increased, at least the other aforementioned advantages would still be achieved through the use of such a cap 100.

[0081] Referring to Figures 38-40, a second example of a clip member 130 is shown in the unlatched condition which can be used in the same manner as the clip member presented at Figures 26-28. The clip member 130 shown at Figures 38-40 is different in that a handle portion 138 is provided to enable an installer to better grip the clip member 130. The handle portion 138, in this example, is shown as being integrally formed with the main body 132 and is formed as a loop. The clip member 130 shown at Figures 38-40 is also provided with a catch portion 139 that is disposed at an oblique angle with respect to the adjoining portion of the main body 132 and opposite the latch structure 136. With such a configuration, an improved connection is achieved in the latched position, via connection between the latch structure 136 and the angled catch portion 139.

[0082] Many materials can be used for the components of the disclosed cap assembly 100. For example, the main body 102 and the strap 120 of the cap assembly 100 can be formed from a metal material, such as a ferromagnetic steel material, a plated copper alloy, and/or a stainless steel material. In one example, the main body 102 is formed from zinc die casting. In one example, the clip member 130 is formed from a plastic material.

[0083] The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claims attached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the disclosure.