Abstract:
A cover/boot and a system of covers/boots for placement in sealed relation over a connector or pair of connectors that is or are adapted to terminate a cable or splice together a pair of cables, preferably cables that carry signals received by a receiving apparatus on a cell tower. The covers include a cable end that sealingly receives a cable therein, an elongated body that provides secure cover to a cable connector, and an end that abuts a bulkhead or sealingly engages with a second cover when used in a splicing application.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a divisional of and claims priority from U.S. application Ser. No. 12/945,525, filed Nov. 12, 2010, entitled, “Cover for Cable Connectors,” which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/414,255 filed Mar. 30, 2009, and entitled Cover for Cable Connectors, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,838,775 issued Nov. 23, 2010. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to covers for cable connectors, and more particularly to covers that protect cable connectors used on cell towers from environmental degradation. 
         [0003]    Cell towers contain antennas, transceivers and other wireless signal receiving apparatus mounted thereon from which a cable accepts and distributes the signal to a predetermined destination. Cell towers may be free-standing or mounted to a roof, pole, or other structure. Regardless, the cell towers and components mounted thereon are open to the environment and thus susceptible to degradation from weather related corrosive effects (e.g., moisture infiltration), pollution, debris and other elements. Degradation of the components potentially leads to degradation of the signal quality being transmitted through the cables that carry the wirelessly received signals at the cell tower. 
         [0004]    To protect the components from environmental effects, layers of tape have been used to cover and seal the components, creating what have conventionally been referred to as tape-wrap seals. The tape layers typically consist of a first layer of electrical tape, followed by a layer of butyl tape, and then followed by another layer of electrical tape. While the layering of tape does in certain instances provide for a secure seal, it is not without its drawbacks. 
         [0005]    First, the taping requires significant time in its initial installation, and needs to be removed in order to gain access to the component when servicing the components (and then reapplied after servicing is complete). The time associated with the taping and removal thereof when servicing the components is costly. In addition, the quality of the seal is dependant on the skill of the worker that is applying the tape. As such, inconsistent application of the tape may lead to instances of ineffective sealing of components. 
         [0006]    Second, the properties inherent in the material composition of the tape subjects the tape to size fluctuation and inconsistent adherence. If the tape contracts in colder temperatures and loses adherence strength in warmer temperatures, for example, the quality of the seal created through the tape becomes compromised in regions that experience wide temperature fluctuation. In addition, the same pollutants and other environmental factors that affect the components when unsealed may also affect the sealing quality of the tape. 
         [0007]    In addition to taping as a sealing provision, plastic clamshell or valise type covers have been used to envelop the components. These style covers are exemplified by the plastic material composition and the closure mechanisms used to open and close them around the components. While the opening and closing of the clamshell style cover facilitates quicker installation and removal in repair situations, it too is not without its drawbacks. For instance, the plastic material becomes brittle in colder temperatures, and this reduction in ductility increases over time. As the material becomes more brittle, the closure mechanisms lose their effectiveness often breaking or otherwise not reliably performing the closure function for which they were designed. Furthermore, the clamshell style closures include seams that extend essentially the entire periphery of the cover, making the sealing function much more difficult when compared to covers that do not include such long seams between parts. As such, the clamshell style covers lose their sealing effectiveness over time and in climates that routinely experience cold temperatures. 
         [0008]    It is a principal object and advantage of the present invention to provide a cell tower component cover that may be quickly installed and/or removed in sealing relation to components mounted on cell towers. 
         [0009]    It is a further object and advantage of the present invention to provide a cell tower component cover that maintains its sealing properties regardless of temperature fluctuations. 
         [0010]    It is an additional object and advantage of the present invention to provide a cell tower component cover that may be used as a redundant seal in addition to pre-existing internal seals existent in connectors. 
         [0011]    Other objects and advantages of the present invention will in part be obvious, and in part appear hereinafter. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    In accordance with the foregoing objects and advantages, a first aspect of the present invention provides a cover for a connector adapted to terminate a cable, wherein the connector includes a body portion and a coupler element. The cover essentially comprises an elongated body member extending along a longitudinal axis and having cable and bulkhead ends, and interior and exterior surfaces; a plurality of spaced apart grooves formed in a predetermined region of the interior surface of the body member, proximate the cable end; wherein the interior surface of the body member is adapted to sealingly envelop the connector. 
         [0013]    A second aspect of the present invention provides a cover for a connector adapted to terminate a signal carrying cable, wherein the connector includes a body portion and a coupling element and is adapted to terminate in a bulkhead with a shank portion extending outwardly therefrom. The cover comprises an elongated body member having proximal and distal ends, interior and exterior surfaces, and extends along a longitudinal axis. The interior surface of the cover includes a first region adapted to cover at least a portion of the signal carrying cable and extending from the proximal end to a first shoulder, the first region being of a minimum, first cross-sectional diameter, a medial region adapted to cover at least the connector body portion and nut and that extends from the first shoulder to a second shoulder, the second region being of a minimum, second cross-sectional diameter that is greater than the minimum, first cross-sectional diameter, and a third region adapted to cover the shank portion and that extends from the second shoulder to the distal end, the third region being of a minimum, third cross-sectional diameter that is greater than the minimum, second cross-sectional diameter. The cover is composed of a rubber material, preferably a silicone rubber. The first region of the cover&#39;s interior surface includes a plurality of grooves formed therein, wherein each of the grooves extends in spaced parallel relation to the others, the grooves serving primarily as reservoirs for any moisture that may migrate into the cover. The exterior surface of the cover includes at least one wing formed on the exterior surface that serves as a gripping surface for a tool or manual engagement (e.g., fingers) used to remove the cover from a connector by axial sliding of the cover. 
         [0014]    A third aspect of the present invention provides a cover for a connector adapted to terminate a cable, wherein the connector includes a body portion and a coupling element (e.g., a nut), and is adapted to terminate in a bulkhead that includes a shank portion extending outwardly therefrom. The cover essentially comprises an elongated body member that extends along a longitudinal axis and includes cable and bulkhead ends, and interior and exterior surfaces. The interior surface includes a first region adapted to cover at least a portion of the signal carrying cable and extends from the cable end to a first shoulder, with the first region being of a minimum, first cross-sectional diameter; a second region adapted to cover at least the connector body portion and extend from the first shoulder to a second shoulder, with the second region being of an minimum, second cross-sectional diameter that is greater than the minimum, first cross-sectional diameter; a third region adapted to cover at least the nut and extend from the second shoulder to a third shoulder, with the third region being of a minimum, third cross-sectional diameter that is larger than the second cross-sectional diameter; and a fourth region adapted to cover the shank portion and that extend from the third shoulder to the bulkhead end, with the fourth region being of a minimum, fourth cross-sectional diameter that is greater than said minimum, third cross-sectional diameter. The cover further comprises a ring formed on the exterior surface that extends in a plane that is transverse to the longitudinal axis. 
         [0015]    A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a system for covering a first connector adapted to terminate a first cable, and further covering a second connector adapted to terminate a second cable. The system of covers essentially comprises a first elongated body member extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising cable and splice ends, interior and exterior surfaces, and adapted to envelop at least a portion of the first connector; a second elongated body adapted to telescopically engage the first elongated body member in enveloping relation to the second connector. The second elongated body member adapted to envelop the second connector comprises cable and splice ends, interior and exterior surfaces, and extends co-axially from the first body member when engaged therewith, and further comprises an annular flange that extends about said exterior surface thereof, an upper segment that extends upwardly from said annular flange and a lower segment that extends downwardly from said annular flange. A portion of the upper segment of the first elongated body is adapted to be positioned between the interior surface of the first elongated body member and the first connector. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The present invention will be more fully appreciated and understood by reading the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a partially cut-away perspective view of a first embodiment of a cover for a first cable connector; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a partially exploded perspective view thereof; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a fully exploded perspective view thereof; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a partially cut-away perspective view of a second embodiment of a cover for a second cable connector; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 5 and 6  are partially exploded perspective views thereof; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a fully exploded perspective view thereof; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a partially cut-away perspective view of a third embodiment of a system of covers for providing cover to first and second cable connectors used to splice two differently sized cables; 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a partially exploded perspective view thereof; 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a fully exploded perspective view thereof; 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a partially cut-away perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a system of covers for providing cover to first and second cable connectors used to splice two differently sized cables; 
           [0027]      FIGS. 12 and 13  are partially exploded perspective views thereof; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 14  is a fully exploded perspective view thereof. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]    Referring now to the drawing figures in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, there is seen in  FIG. 1  a cover, designated generally by reference numeral  10 , adapted to be placed in secure and sealing relation over a connector  12 , such as (a 5-series connector manufactured by John Mezzalingua Associates, Inc. of East Syracuse, N.Y. that is adapted to terminate a ⅞″ cable). Connector  12  terminates on a bulkhead  13 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , cover  10  comprises an elongated body  55  composed of a rubber material that exhibits a low modulus of elasticity over an extended temperature range, preferably a silicone rubber, that extends along a longitudinal axis X-X, a cable end  14 , bulkhead end  16 , exterior surface  18 , interior surface  20 , and wedge shaped wings  22  extending from opposing sides of exterior surface  18  that provide a gripping surface for a tool or manual engagement, such as pliers or a user&#39;s fingers, used to remove cover from covering relation to connector  12 . The rubber composition of the cover permit it to elastically deform to the connector and other elements that it covers (e.g., the bulkhead), as will be described in greater detail hereinafter, when being installed or removed. 
         [0030]    A series of longitudinally and sequentially spaced grooves  24  are formed in interior surface  20 , proximate cable end  14 , and extend over a predetermined distance. Notably, grooves  24  are not threads as they are not a continuous helix, but rather spaced apart, parallel grooves that function as small reservoirs for any moisture that may infiltrate the open cable end  14  of cover  10 , as will be described in greater detail hereinafter. In the field, scratches or other material removal occurs in the jacket of a cable, and moisture may sometimes infiltrate through those scratches and into the seal. Grooves  24  (and the grooves in the other disclosed embodiments) are intended to minimize the effects of any such moisture migration. 
         [0031]    With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , connector  12  extends outwardly from bulkhead  13  along axis X-X. Bulkhead  13  includes a shank portion  28  that is either integral therewith or comprised of a separate element preferably composed of rubber. If shank portion  28  is integral with bulkhead  13 , a rubber gasket  26  is preferably placed in sealing relation at the interface of shank portion  28  and the neck  29  of bulkhead  13 . Shank portion  28  is of a diameter having a dimension at least as large as, and preferably larger than the maximum width of coupling element/nut  30  (which is the next widest part of the connector), thus creating the connector&#39;s maximum width dimension at the interface of connector  12  and bulkhead  13 . 
         [0032]    The interior surface  20  of cover  10  includes a first region  32  that is of an essentially constant cross-sectional diameter and extends from cable end  14  to a first shoulder  34  from which it then tapers uniformly (although a stepped shoulder could apply equally) increasing the interior diameter to a second (medial) region  36  of interior surface  20  where it again remains essentially constant for a predetermined length. Second region  36  tapers outwardly (although it could be stepped instead of tapered) at a second shoulder  38  to a third region  40  that extends at a uniform cross-sectional diameter for the remainder of the cover&#39;s length until terminating at bulkhead end  16 . These distinct regions of respective cross-sectional diameters securely envelop connector  12  and form seals at multiple points along the connector as will be described hereinafter. 
         [0033]    To use cover  10 , the cover would first be fully slid (cable end  14  first) over a cable  41  that is to be terminated in connector  12 , leaving the terminal end of cable  41  exposed. As the cover is designed to have an interference fit with cable  41 , it may be useful to apply a small amount of grease to the outside of the cable jacket to assist in pulling the cover over the cable. Cable  41  may then be terminated and attached to connector  12  in a conventional manner. Cover  10  would then be manually slid over connector  12  until its bulkhead end  16  preferably abuts, but at least overlapping with bulkhead  13 . When cover  10  is fully positioned over connector  12 , first region  32  tightly enwraps cable  41  with shoulder  34  positioned adjacent the terminating end of connector  12 , thereby forming a seal between cable  41  and cover  10 . If moisture does infiltrate the seal formed between cable  41  and cover  10  (due, for instance, to scratches or other removal of material that often occurs with the cable&#39;s jacket), the grooves  24  in first region  32  function as small reservoirs. Medial region  36  extends in tightly covering relation to the majority of connector  12 , including its coupling element/nut  42  (although illustrated as a nut, various types of coupling elements are conventionally used on cable connectors of the type herein described) and the interface ring  44  that interfaces connector  12  with bulkhead  13 , with a seal being formed at the junction of the interface ring  44  and medial region  36 . Shoulder  38  tapers outwardly (Although it could be stepped instead of tapered) to accommodate shank portion  28  with third region  40  adapted to cover the shank portion  28  until the corner terminates in abutting relation to bulkhead  13 , with seals being formed between shank portion  28  and cover  10  and between bulkhead  13  and cover  10 . 
         [0034]    With reference to  FIGS. 4-7 , an embodiment of a second cover  100  is provided. Cover  100 , like cover  10 , is adapted for placement in secure and sealed covering relation over a connector  102 , such as a series 4 connector, manufactured and sold by John Mezzalingua, Associates, Inc. that is for use with a smaller cable (e.g., ½″) than is connector  12 . However, cover  100 , like cover  10 , is adapted to envelop a connector that terminates in a bulkhead  104 . Connector  102  comprises a connector portion  106 , a coupling element/nut  108  (although illustrated as a nut, various types of coupling elements are conventionally used on cable connectors of the type herein described), and interface ring  109  and an enlarged shank portion  110  (that, like shank portion  26 , may be integral with or a separate, preferably rubber, element; if integral, a rubber gasket would preferably be placed at the interface of the shank portion and connector), and bulkhead  104 . 
         [0035]    Connector  100  comprises cable and bulkhead ends  103 ,  105 , respectively, exterior and interior surfaces  107 ,  112 , respectively, and a series of grooves  114  formed in longitudinally spaced relation to one another in interior surface  112  proximate, cable end  106 . Grooves  114  serve as reservoirs in the event of moisture migration through cable end  106  to assist in preventing the moisture from leaching into connector  102 . 
         [0036]    The interior surface  112  of cover  100  includes a first region  116  of an essentially constant diameter that extends from cable end  106  to a first shoulder  115  from which it steps outwardly to an increased cross-sectional diameter that extends essentially uniformly in a second or medial region  118 . Notably, the portion of connector  102  that second region  118  is adapted to cover comprises different diameter rings  120   a  and  120   b  with  120   a  being of slightly smaller diameter than  120   b.  The diameter of second region  118  approximates that of rings  120   a  and the pliable nature of cover  100  permits the material to deform to accommodate the relevant portion of connector  102  and consequently securely envelop the larger diameter rings  120   b,  creating tight seals at the transitions between rings  120   a  and  120   b.  Medial region  118  next steps outwardly at a shoulder  122  to a third (also medial) region  124  that is adapted to be positioned in covering relation over nut  108  and interface ring  109 . Third region  124  then steps outwardly at shoulder  126   126 ′ to a fourth region  128  that is adapted to envelop shank portion  110  and terminate at bulkhead  104 . 
         [0037]    Unlike the wings  22 ′ of cover  10 ′, cover  100  includes a ring  130  that extends around exterior surface  107  in a plane that is essentially transverse to the longitudinal axis Y-Y of cover  100  and is positioned at about the midpoint along the length of cover  100 . Ring  130  serves principally as a drip edge to direct any rain water or other moisture away from the interfaces between the cover and the connector/cable. Ring  130  could also serve to provide a gripping surface for a tool used to remove cover  100  from connector  102 . 
         [0038]    The manner of using cover  100  is the same as that for cover  10 ; namely sliding cover  100  (cable end first) entirely over a cable  132 , and then terminating the cable in connector  102  in a conventional manner. Cover  100  is then slid downwardly in enveloping relation to connector  102  until its distal end  108  preferably abuts, but at least overlaps with bulkhead  104 . When cover  100  is fully positioned over connector  102 , first region  116  tightly enwraps cable  132  with shoulder  115  positioned adjacent the terminating end of connector  102 , thereby forming a seal between cable  132  and cover  100 . If moisture does infiltrate the seal formed between cable  132  and cover  100 , the grooves  114  function as small reservoirs. Second region  118  extends in tightly covering relation to the majority of connector  102  that extend outwardly from nut  108 , with shoulder  120  positioned in sealed relation to nut  108 . Third region  124  then extends in sealed relation to nut  108  and interface ring  109 , and shoulder  126 ′ tapers (or steps) outwardly such that fourth region  128  can accommodate and extend in sealed relation to shank portion  110  until it terminates in abutting relation to bulkhead  104 , with seals being formed between shank portion  110  and cover  100  and between bulkhead  104  and cover  100 . 
         [0039]    While covers  10  and  100  are both adapted to be placed in covering relation to connectors that terminate in a bulkhead, with reference to  FIGS. 8 to 14  there is seen a system for covering a pair of connectors that are used to splice together two differently sized cables.  FIGS. 8-10  illustrate a system  200  of using covers  10  and  100  (that will be designated  10 ′ and  100 ′ for purposes of differentiating the bulkhead embodiments from the splice embodiment) to splice cables that terminate in connectors  12 ′ and  102 ′ (again, the connectors  12 ′ and  102 ′ are structurally the same as connectors  12  and  102  with the difference being the lack of a bulkhead for terminating the connectors since the connectors are joined together). The structures of covers  10 ′ and  100 ′ are the same as described above for covers  10  and  100 , but with a different method of use and resultant arrangement. For instance, the system  200  of covers  10 ′,  100 ′ essentially comprises a first elongated body member  55  extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising cable and splice ends, interior and exterior surfaces, and adapted to envelop at least a portion of the first connector  12 ′; a second elongated body member  155  adapted to telescopically engage the first elongated body member  55  in enveloping relation to the second connector  102 ′. The second elongated body member  155  adapted to envelop the second connector  102 ′ comprises cable and splice ends, interior and exterior surfaces, and extends co-axially from the first elongated body member  55  when engaged therewith. 
         [0040]    System  200  comprises cover  10 ′ adapted to cover connector  12 ′ and cover  100 ′ that is adapted to cover connector  102 ′. In use, cover  10 ′ is first slide entirely over cable  41 ′ which may then be terminated to connector  12 ′ in a conventional manner, and likewise, cover  100 ′ may be slid over cable  132 ′ which may then be terminated to connector  102 ′. Next, connectors  12 ′ and  102 ′ are interconnected by applying an appropriate amount of torque to secure the interconnection, with a gasket  202  optionally being positioned between the two to enhance the sealing at the interface of the connectors. Cover  100 ′ may then be slid downwardly into enveloping relation to connector  102 ′. Finally, cover  10 ′ may be slide over connector  12 ′ with fourth region  128 ′ and at lest least a portion of third region  124 ′ of cover  100 ′ being telescopically engaged within third region  40 ′. In addition to the seals created by covers  10 ′ and  100 ′ as previously described, an additional seal is created at the interface of end  105 ′ and cover  100 ′. 
         [0041]    System  300 , illustrated in  FIGS. 11-14 , comprises a cover  400  that is adapted to cover a connector  402  (such as a series 7 connector manufactured by John Mezzalingua Associates, Inc.) in which a cable  404  (e.g., a 1⅝″ cable) may be terminated, and cover  100 ′ that provides, as previously described, cover for connector  102 ′ that in this embodiment is adapted to be spliced to connector  402 . With regard to cover  400 , it comprises an elongated body member  455 , cable and splice ends  405 ,  406 , respectively, and interior and exterior surfaces  408 ,  410 , respectively. A series of grooves  412  are formed in interior surface  408  in parallel spaced relation to one another in the first region  413  of cover  400  that extends from cable end  408  to a first shoulder  414 . Grooves  412 , like the other grooves described herein, serve as reservoirs for any moisture that migrate into cover  400  at its interface with cable  404 . 
         [0042]    While cover  10  includes axial symmetric wings  22 , cover  400  includes two sets of axially symmetric positioned wings  416  and  418  that provide gripping surfaces for a tool to assist in pulling cover  400  off connector  402  or pull it into covering relation to connector  402 . The extra set of wings is provided due to the larger size cable  404  and connector  402  that cover  400  is adapted to seal as compared to those associated with cover  10 , but also permits this cover to be installed in either orientation (as it is symmetrical about its transverse mid-plane). Interior surface  408  of cover  400  comprises three distinct regions: first region  413 , (second) region  420  that extends from shoulder  414  to a second shoulder  422 , and a third region  424  that extends between shoulder  422  and splice end  406 . Shoulder  414  tapers outwardly from first region  413  to second region  420  which then extends with an essentially constant cross-sectional diameter, and shoulder  422  then tapers back inwardly where third region  424  then continues with an essentially constant cross-sectional diameter. The tapering of shoulders assists in the removal and installation of cover  400  (by providing a draft), but it is conceivable that the shoulders be stepped instead of tapered. 
         [0043]    In use, cover  400  is slid fully over cable  404 , while cover  100 ′ is slid over cable  132 ′. Cover  100 ′ may then be slid over connector  102  in the manner previously described, and cover  400  may be slid over connector  402  such that first region  413  envelops cable  404 , second region  420  is positioned in covering relation to connector  420  and third region  424  engulfs (or telescopically engages with) the exterior surface of the lower portion of cover  100 ′ with splice end  406  abutting or nearly abutting ring  130 ′. 
         [0044]    Although several embodiments of the present invention have been specifically described herein, the full scope and spirit of the present invention is not to be limited thereby, but instead extends to the metes and bounds as defined by the appended claims.