Durable RJ-45 data connector assembly

Abstract

A system for protecting a cable connector, and especially an RJ-45 cable connector, from damage or abuse during use with a chassis receptacle. A cylindrical carrier housing for the connector contains a transverse septum having a shaped opening for receiving and positioning the connector within the housing. A radially-compressible chuck on the cable compresses to grip the cable. A boot on the cable and protrudes from the housing through an overriding bushing threadedly connected to the housing. The boot isolates the cable from flexural stresses. When the bushing is tightened onto the housing, the boot is urged toward the housing, radially compressing the chuck onto the cable. Longitudinal stresses on the cable are therefore isolated from the connector and are transferred instead to the housing. A mating chassis receptacle is receivable of the connector and has an annular groove on an axial face thereof for receiving and rotationally positioning the housing for insertion into the receptacle. A releasable spring catch on the receptacle arrests the housing after electrical contacts between the connector and the receptacle have been established.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.