US 12,218,465 B2
Coaxial connector with quick locking mechanism with visual assurance of locking
David J. Smentek, Lockport, IL (US); and Amit Kaistha, Coppell, TX (US)
Assigned to Outdoor Wireless Networks LLC, Claremont, NC (US)
Filed by Outdoor Wireless Networks LLC, Claremont, NC (US)
Filed on Aug. 23, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/821,563.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/249,694, filed on Sep. 29, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2023/0100627 A1, Mar. 30, 2023
Int. Cl. H01R 24/40 (2011.01); H01R 13/629 (2006.01); H01R 13/639 (2006.01); H01R 13/622 (2006.01); H01R 103/00 (2006.01)
CPC H01R 24/40 (2013.01) [H01R 13/629 (2013.01); H01R 13/639 (2013.01); H01R 13/622 (2013.01); H01R 2103/00 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A connector assembly, comprising:
a first connector having a first outer body, the first outer body including visual indicia on an outer surface thereof, the first outer body including first locking features;
a second connector having a second outer body and a coupling sleeve that is slidable axially relative to the outer body, the second connector including second locking features;
the first connector being configured for mating with the second connector;
wherein, when the first and second connectors are mated, the coupling sleeve is movable between an unlocked position, in which the first and second locking features are not engaged and the first and second connectors can be unmated, and a locked position, in which the coupling sleeve causes engagement of the first and second locking features, thereby preventing unmating of the first and second connectors; and
wherein in the unlocked position, the coupling sleeve does not overlie the visual indicia, such that the visual indicia is visible, and in the locked position, the coupling sleeve overlies the visual indicia, such that the visual indicia is obscured from view.