Patent Publication Number: US-7708581-B2

Title: Replacement clip and method for repairing a modular cable connector having a broken locking clip

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to computer systems and software, and more specifically to a replacement clip or latch and a method for repairing or restoring a broken molded flexible latch coupled to a male modular plug or connector. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   In today&#39;s business environment, computers are usually connected to some type of network in order to share resources. Examples of such networks include the Internet, Wide Area Networks (WANs) and Local Area Networks (LANs). In order to tap into a network such as a LAN, a client computer must be coupled to the LAN either wirelessly (e.g., via an 802.11x router) or through hard wiring. A popular hard wiring system utilizes modular connectors, such as, the RJ45 connectors. 
   Reference is now made to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , which depict a prior art modular plug or connector  100 A and  100 B, respectively. Further,  FIGS. 2A and 2B , reference numerals  200 A and  200 B, respectively, illustrate a profile of a prior art modular plug or connector plugged into a female connector. Turning to  FIG. 1A , reference numeral  100 A, a cable  106  terminates in a male connector, such as, a male RJ45 (Registered Jack-45) plug  104 . The male RJ45 plug  104  has a molded flexible latch  102 . Referring to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , reference numeral  200 A of  FIG. 2A  illustrates the exterior perimeter profile of a male plug or connector  104  corresponding with the respective interior perimeter profile of a female receptacle housing  1164 . In  FIGS. 2A and 2B , a male plug or connector  104  is plugged into a female receptacle or port  1160  (shown in  FIG. 2B ) within a receptacle housing  1164 , such that, the flexible latch mechanism (referenced as numeral  102  in  FIG. 2A ) is located proximate to a top surface of the receptacle housing  1164 . The details of the male connector as plugged into the receptacle housing is further shown in  FIG. 2B . As shown in reference numeral  200 B of  FIG. 2B , the male plug or connector  104  that is mounted onto a cable  106  is pushed or plugged into the female receptacle  1160  and is held within the receptacle housing  1164  by a catch mechanism or lip  1166  (shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ), which is located proximate to a top surface within the receptacle housing  1164 . The catch mechanism  1166  of the receptacle housing  1164  engages the protrusion portion  101  of the molded flexible latch  102  of the male connector to securely hold the male plug or connector within the receptacle housing  1164 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 1B , reference numeral  100 B, the molded flexible latch  102  (shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ) of the male connector or plug  104  breaks, as shown by the broken latch  202  in  FIG. 1B . As such, the wires within the male plug  104  may not establish mechanical and electrical connections when the male plug  104  is plugged into a female receptacle or port  1160  (shown in  FIG. 2B ), thus, needing to be replaced. Replacing the male plug  104  is extremely difficult, given that it entails replacing the fine gauge of wires leading from cable  106  to pins  108  (shown in  FIG. 1A ) within the male plug  104 . Due to the difficulty in repairing a cable  104  with a broken molded flexible latch  202 , typically, the entire cable  104  is discarded and replaced with a new cable, which can be costly. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In one aspect, the invention provides a method for repairing or restoring a cable having a modular plug with a broken locking clip. The method includes providing a replacement clip having an anchor section configured to anchor the replacement clip onto a body of the modular plug having a broken locking clip, the modular plug being affixed to a cable, a surface of the anchor section having a bridge section extending therefrom, the bridge section having a locking tab spaced by the bridge section and being located at an end opposite from the anchor section, the locking tab being configured to securely hold the modular plug having the broken locking clip within a socket, when the modular plug with the replacement clip is plugged into the socket, mounting the anchor section of the replacement clip onto a cable-end of the modular plug having the cable affixed thereon, wherein the anchor section anchors the replacement clip to the cable-end of the modular plug and wherein the locking tab is proximate to a respective surface of the broken locking clip of the modular plug and plugging the modular plug with the replacement clip mounted thereon into the socket, wherein the modular plug with the replacement clip securely attaches the modular plug within the socket and wherein mechanical and electrical connections between the modular plug and the socket are maintained. In an embodiment, the providing step includes providing the replacement clip having the bridge section extending from the anchor section, the anchor section having a bottom surface that is configured to contact a bottom surface of the modular plug when the anchor section is mounted onto the modular plug, the bottom surface of the modular plug being opposite from a top surface of the modular plug having the broken locking clip and wherein the bottom surface of the anchor section includes a slit configured to mount onto the cable-end of the modular plug having the cable affixed thereto. In an embodiment, the mounting step includes aligning the slit of the replacement clip with the top surface of the modular plug having the broken locking clip, wherein the slit is aligned substantially parallel to the cable affixed to the modular plug and wherein pushing the slit around the cable-end of the modular plug mounts the replacement clip onto the cable-end of the modular plug. In an embodiment, the anchor section of the replacement clip includes a shape and a size that is configured to accommodate and to securely hold the cable-end of the modular plug having the cable affixed thereto and wherein the locking tab of the replacement clip is configured to engage an interior lip of the socket for securely holding the modular plug into the socket. In an embodiment, a bottom side of the top surface of the anchor section further includes an adhesive secured to the bottom side of the top surface of the anchor section and includes a removable covering for securing the anchor section to the top side of the modular connector having the broken locking clip. Further, in an embodiment, the modular plug includes at least one of: an RJ-45 (Registered Jack-45) connector, an RJ-11 (Registered Jack-11) or an 8P8C (8 positions, 8 conductors) connector. In an embodiment, the replacement clip includes at least one of: a single piece constructed from an injection molding process or a single piece stamped out of plastic. 
   In another aspect, the invention provides a replacement clip or replacement cable connector clip for repairing a modular connector having a broken locking clip. The replacement clip includes a housing having a substantially u-shape configuration and being configured to mount onto a cable-end of a modular connector that is secured to a cable, the housing having a top surface that is connected to two opposite side surfaces, the two opposite side surfaces being spaced apart from each other by the top surface and being substantially parallel to each other and being configured to mount onto the cable-end of the modular connector, the top surface of the housing includes an arm extending from the top surface, the arm having a locking tab spaced by the arm and located at an end opposite from the cable-end of the modular connector, the locking tab being configured to securely hold the modular connector within a socket and, such that, mechanical and electrical connections between the modular connector and the socket are maintained. In an embodiment, the housing further includes a bottom surface opposite from the top surface and having a slit therein, the slit running parallel to the cable secured to the modular connector and wherein the slit around the cable-end of the modular connector is configured to mount the replacement clip onto the cable-end of the modular connector. In an embodiment, the two opposite side surfaces of the housing contact respective opposite sides of the modular connector when the replacement clip is mounted onto the modular connector and wherein the top surface of the housing presses securely against a top side of the modular connector having the broken locking clip. In an embodiment, the modular connector having the replacement clip mounted thereon is plugged into the socket, such that, the locking tab is securely held against an interior lip of the socket, securely locking the modular connector into the socket. In an embodiment, the modular connector plugged into the socket engages the locking tab into an interior lip of the socket and wherein electrical terminals in the modular connector establish electrical connections with electrical terminals in the socket. In an embodiment, the housing includes a shape and a size that is configured to accommodate and to securely hold the cable-end of the modular connector having the cable secured thereto. In an embodiment, a bottom side of the top surface of the housing further includes an adhesive secured to the bottom side of the top surface of the housing and includes a removable covering for securing the housing to the top side of the modular connector having the broken locking clip. In an embodiment, the modular connector includes at least one of: an RJ-45 (Registered Jack-45) connector, an RJ-11 (Registered Jack-11) or an 8P8C (8 positions, 8 conductors) connector. In an embodiment, the replacement clip includes at least one of: a single piece constructed from an injection molding process or a single piece stamped out of plastic. 
   In yet another aspect, the invention provides a Local Area Network (LAN) coupled to a plurality of computers via modular sockets and modular plugs, wherein at least one modular plug has a broken locking clip and wherein the modular plug is repaired with a replacement clip that includes a housing being configured to mount onto a cable-end of a modular plug having a cable secured thereto, the modular plug having a broken locking clip, the housing having an anchor section configured to anchor the replacement clip onto the cable-end of the modular plug, the anchor section having a bridge section extending therefrom and having a locking tab spaced by the bridge section and being located at an end opposite from the anchor section, the locking tab being configured to securely hold the modular connector within a socket and where mechanical and electrical connections between the modular connector and the modular socket are maintained. In an embodiment, the housing includes a substantially u-shape configuration, the housing having an opening on a bottom surface that is configured to mount onto the cable-end of the modular plug having the cable secured thereto, the opening being parallel to the cable secured to the modular plug and wherein the opening around the cable-end of the modular plug mounts the replacement clip onto the cable-end of the modular plug. In an embodiment, the housing further includes two opposite side surfaces that are configured to contact respective opposite sides of the modular plug when the replacement clip is mounted onto the modular plug and wherein a top surface of the housing is proximate to a top side of the modular plug having the broken locking clip located on the top side of the modular plug. In an embodiment, the modular plug having the replacement clip mounted thereon when plugged into the socket engages the locking tab into an interior lip of the socket, securely locking the modular plug into the socket and wherein electrical terminals in the modular plug establish electrical connections with electrical terminals in the socket. In an embodiment, the housing of the replacement clip includes a shape and a size that is configured to accommodate and to securely hold the cable-end of the modular plug affixed to the cable. In an embodiment, the top surface of the anchor section of the housing further includes an adhesive secured to a bottom side of the top surface of the anchor section and wherein the adhesive further includes a removable covering for securing the anchor section to the top side of the modular plug having the broken locking clip. In an embodiment, the modular plug includes at least one of: an RJ-45 (Registered Jack-45) connector, an RJ-11 (Registered Jack-11) connector or an 8P8C (8 positions, 8 conductors) connector. In an embodiment, the replacement clip includes at least one of: a single piece constructed from an injection molding process or a single piece stamped out of plastic. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention: 
       FIG. 1A  depicts a prior art male modular plug or connector with a molded flexible latch. 
       FIG. 1B  depicts a prior art male modular plug or connector with a broken molded flexible latch. 
       FIG. 2A  depicts an exterior perimeter profile of a prior art male modular plug or connector with a molded flexible latch plugged into a female connector within a receptacle housing. 
       FIG. 2B  depicts a side view of a prior art male modular plug or connector with a molded flexible latch plugged into a female connector within a receptacle housing. 
       FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an inventive replacement clip or latch, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  depicts a side view of an embodiment of an inventive replacement clip or latch, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  depicts a front view of an embodiment of an inventive replacement clip or latch, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  depicts a front view of an alternate embodiment of an inventive replacement clip or latch, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 7  depicts a front view of an embodiment of an inventive replacement clip or latch having an adhesive material attached to an inside top surface of the inventive replacement clip or latch, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 8  depicts a front view of an alternate embodiment of an inventive replacement clip or latch having an adhesive material attached to an inside top surface of the inventive replacement clip or latch, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 9  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an inventive replacement clip or latch coupled to a male modular plug or connector with a broken molded flexible latch, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 10  depicts a side view of an embodiment of an inventive replacement clip or latch coupled to a male modular plug or connector with a broken molded flexible latch, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 11A  depicts a side view embodiment of an inventive replacement clip or latch coupled to a male modular plug or connector with a broken molded flexible latch that is coupled to a female modular plug or connector within a receptacle housing, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 11B  illustrates an exterior perimeter profile of an inventive replacement clip or latch coupled to a male modular plug or connector with a broken molded flexible latch that is coupled to a female modular plug or connector within a receptacle housing, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 11C  illustrates a side view embodiment of an inventive replacement clip or latch coupled to a male modular plug or connector with a broken molded flexible latch that is coupled to a female modular plug or connector within a receptacle housing, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 12  depicts a side view of an embodiment of a Local Area Network (LAN) that uses the inventive replacement clip or latch coupled to a male modular plug or connector with a broken molded flexible latch that is coupled to a female modular plug or connector, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
   Moreover, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention. 
   In one embodiment, the invention provides a replacement clip for repairing or restoring a modular connector having a broken locking clip. The replacement clip includes a housing having a substantially u-shape configuration and being configured to mount onto a cable-end of a modular connector that is secured to a cable, the housing having a top surface that is connected to two opposite side surfaces, the two opposite side surfaces being spaced apart from each other by the top surface and being substantially parallel to each other and being configured to mount onto the cable-end of the modular connector, the top surface of the housing includes an arm extending from the top surface, the arm having a locking tab spaced by the arm and located at an end opposite from the cable-end of the modular connector, the locking tab being configured to securely hold the modular connector within a socket and, such that, mechanical and electrical connections between the modular connector and the socket are maintained. In an embodiment, the housing further includes a bottom surface opposite from the top surface and having a slit therein, the slit running parallel to the cable secured to the modular connector and wherein the slit around the cable-end of the modular connector is configured to mount the replacement clip onto the cable-end of the modular connector. In an embodiment, the two opposite side surfaces of the housing contact respective opposite sides of the modular connector when the replacement clip is mounted onto the modular connector and wherein the top surface of the housing presses securely against a top side of the modular connector having the broken locking clip. In an embodiment, the modular connector having the replacement clip mounted thereon is plugged into the socket, such that, the locking tab is securely held against an interior lip of the socket, securely locking the modular connector into the socket. In an embodiment, the modular connector plugged into the socket engages the locking tab into an interior lip of the socket and wherein electrical terminals in the modular connector establish electrical connections with electrical terminals in the socket. In an embodiment, the housing includes a shape and a size that is configured to accommodate and to securely hold the cable-end of the modular connector having the cable secured thereto. In an embodiment, a bottom side of the top surface of the housing further includes an adhesive secured to the bottom side of the top surface of the housing and includes a removable covering for securing the housing to the top side of the modular connector having the broken locking clip. In an embodiment, the modular connector includes at least one of: an RJ-45 (Registered Jack-45) connector, an RJ-11 (Registered Jack-11) or an 8P8C (8 positions, 8 conductors) connector. In an embodiment, the replacement clip includes at least one of: a single piece constructed from an injection molding process or a single piece stamped out of plastic. 
   Reference is now made to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , which together depict an embodiment of a replacement clip or latch or replacement cable connector clip  300  and  400 , respectively, for repairing or restoring a modular plug or connector (reference numeral  104  in  FIG. 1 ) mounted on a cable (reference numeral  106  in  FIG. 1 ), where the modular plug or connector has a broken locking clip or latch (reference numeral  202  in  FIG. 1B ), in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In particular, reference numeral  300  in  FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view diagram of a replacement clip or latch  300  for repairing or restoring a modular plug mounted onto a cable and which has a broken locking clip, whereas, reference numeral  400  of  FIG. 4  depicts a side view diagram of a replacement clip or latch  400  for repairing or restoring a modular plug or connector having a broken locking clip, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Turning to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the replacement clip  300  comprises of an anchor section  320  (reference numeral  420  in  FIG. 4 ) that is mounted onto a cable-end of the modular plug having a broken locking clip, that is, the replacement clip  300  is mounted on to the end of the modular plug that is proximate to the cable, as discussed further herein below with respect to  FIGS. 9 and 10 . In an embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a top surface  330  (in  FIG. 3) and 430  (in  FIG. 4 ) of the anchor section  320  and  420 , respectively, of the replacement clip has a bridge or arm section (reference numerals  322  and  323  in  FIG. 3  and reference numerals  422  and  423  in  FIG. 4 ) that extends from the anchor section. Further, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the bridge section  323  (in  FIG. 3) and 423  in  FIG. 4 ) culminates in a locking tab  326  and  426 , respectively, where the locking tab is spaced from the anchor section  320  ( 420  in  FIG. 4 ) by the bridge section  322  and  323  in  FIG. 3 and 422  and  423  in  FIG. 4 . In particular, a first part of the bridge section (reference numeral  322  in  FIG. 3  and reference numeral  422  in  FIG. 4 ) is shown as being bent upward at an angle from a top surface  330  and  430 , respectively, of the anchor section  320  and  420 , respectively, whereas, the bridge section  323  in  FIG. 3 and 423  in  FIG. 4  is shown constructed on the same plane as the locking tab  326  and  426 , respectively. It is understood by one skilled in the art that although, the bridge section is shown as being constructed of two distinct sections  322  and  323  in  FIG. 3  ( 422  and  423  in  FIG. 4 ), it is understood that the bridge section may be constructed of a single flexible material that can be flexed or bent for securing the bridge section of the replacement clip against a broken locking clip of a modular plug when the replacement clip is mounted on the modular plug and is plugged into a receptacle or socket in order to establish mechanical and electrical connections between the modular plug and the socket or receptacle that the modular plug is plugged into. Further, referring to  FIG. 3 , the anchor section  320  has a bottom surface that has a slit that results in two bottom sections or pieces, namely, reference numerals  332  and  334 , which in an embodiment, overlap each other. The bottom surfaces  332  and  334  of the replacement clip are located opposite to and substantially parallel to the top surface  320 , with the bottom surface being configured to contact a bottom surface of the modular plug when the anchor section of the replacement clip is mounted onto the modular plug, as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . 
   Reference is now made to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , which show a tab end cross-sectional view of different embodiments of a replacement clip, in accordance with the invention. In particular, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , each of the replacement clips  500  and  600 , respectively, has a substantially u-shaped configuration that is configured to mount or snap onto a modular connector that is secured to a cable, the modular connector having a broken locking clip. Each of the replacement clips  500  and  600 , respectively, has a locking tab  526  and  626  that extends from the arm or bridge section  522  and  622 , where each of the respective bridge sections  522  and  622  extends from a respective top surface  530  and  630  of the replacement clip. Further, in an embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the replacement clip has two opposing side sections (reference numerals  535  and  537  in  FIG. 5  and reference numerals  635  and  637  in  FIG. 6 ) that extend from the top surfaces  530  and  630 , respectively. The side sections further extend into a bottom surface, opposite from the top surface of the anchor section. The anchor section of the replacement clip is substantially rectangular in shape and is configured to correspond to the shape of a modular plug, so that the replacement clip can be secured onto the modular plug having a broken locking clip. In an embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the bottom section has a slit that divides the bottom surface into sections  532  and  534 , but has a configuration where the bottom sections  532  and  534  overlap each other in the middle, as shown by reference numeral  536 . In another embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the replacement clip  600  has a bottom surface that has a slit  636  that divides the bottom surface into sections  632  and  634 , but has a configuration where the bottom sections  632  and  634  do not overlap each other as shown in  FIG. 5 . It is understood by one skilled in the art that other configurations can be used for the replacement clip for the purpose of facilitating mounting or attaching of the replacement clip onto a modular plug affixed to a cable. 
   Reference is now made to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , which show different embodiments of a replacement clip, in accordance with the invention. In particular, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the replacement clip  700  and  800 , respectively, has a substantially u-shaped configuration that is configured to mount onto a body of the modular connector that is secured to a cable. Each of the respective replacement clips  700  and  800  has a respective locking tab  726  and  826  that extends from the respective bridge section  722  and  822 , where each of the respective bridge sections  722  and  822  extends from a respective top surface  730  and  830  of the replacement clip. Further, in an embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the replacement clip has two opposing side sections (reference numerals  735  and  737  in  FIG. 7  and reference numerals  835  and  837  in  FIG. 8 ) that extend from the top surface  730  and  830 , respectively. The side sections further extend into a bottom surface opposite to and substantially parallel to the top surface of the anchor section. The anchor section of the replacement clip is substantially rectangular in shape and is configured to correspond to the shape of a modular plug, so that the replacement clip can be secured onto the modular plug or connector that is secured to a cable. In an embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the bottom section has a slit that divides the bottom surface into sections  732  and  734 , but where the configuration is such that the bottom sections  732  and  734  overlap each other in the middle, as shown by reference numeral  736 . In another embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the replacement clip  800  has a bottom surface that has a slit  836  that divides the bottom surface into sections  832  and  834 , but has a configuration where the bottom sections  832  and  834  do not overlap each other as shown in  FIG. 7 . In an embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a respective top surface  730  and  830  of each of the different embodiments has an adhesive layer  740  and  840 , respectively, secured to a bottom side of the top surface of the replacement clip  700  and  800 , respectively. The adhesive layer, in an embodiment, has a removable covering such that the anchor section of the replacement clip secures the replacement clip to a top surface of the modular plug or connector secured to a cable. It is understood by one skilled in the art that other configurations can be used for the replacement clip for the purpose of facilitating mounting or attaching of the replacement clip onto a modular plug. 
   In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for repairing or restoring a cable having a modular plug with a broken locking clip. The method includes providing a replacement clip having an anchor section configured to anchor the replacement clip onto a body of the modular plug having a broken locking clip, the modular plug being affixed to a cable, a surface of the anchor section having a bridge section extending therefrom, the bridge section having a locking tab spaced by the bridge section and being located at an end opposite from the anchor section, the locking tab being configured to securely hold the modular plug having the broken locking clip within a socket, when the modular plug with the replacement clip is plugged into the socket, mounting the anchor section of the replacement clip onto a cable-end of the modular plug having the cable affixed thereon, wherein the anchor section anchors the replacement clip to the cable-end of the modular plug and wherein the locking tab is proximate to a respective surface of the broken locking clip of the modular plug and plugging the modular plug with the replacement clip mounted thereon into the socket, wherein the modular plug with the replacement clip securely attaches the modular plug within the socket and wherein mechanical and electrical connections between the modular plug and the socket are maintained. In an embodiment, the providing step includes providing the replacement clip having the bridge section extending from the anchor section, the anchor section having a bottom surface that is configured to contact a bottom surface of the modular plug when the anchor section is mounted onto the modular plug, the bottom surface of the modular plug being opposite from a top surface of the modular plug having the broken locking clip and wherein the bottom surface of the anchor section includes a slit configured to mount onto the cable-end of the modular plug having the cable affixed thereto. In an embodiment, the mounting step includes aligning the slit of the replacement clip with the top surface of the modular plug having the broken locking clip, wherein the slit is aligned substantially parallel to the cable affixed to the modular plug and wherein pushing the slit around the cable-end of the modular plug mounts the replacement clip onto the cable-end of the modular plug. In an embodiment, the anchor section of the replacement clip includes a shape and a size that is configured to accommodate and to securely hold the cable-end of the modular plug having the cable affixed thereto and wherein the locking tab of the replacement clip is configured to engage an interior lip of the socket for securely holding the modular plug into the socket. In an embodiment, a bottom side of the top surface of the anchor section further includes an adhesive secured to the bottom side of the top surface of the anchor section and includes a removable covering for securing the anchor section to the top side of the modular connector having the broken locking clip. Further, in an embodiment, the modular plug includes at least one of: an RJ-45 (Registered Jack-45) connector, an RJ-11 (Registered Jack-11) or an 8P8C (8 positions, 8 conductors) connector. In an embodiment, the replacement clip includes at least one of: a single piece constructed from an injection molding process or a single piece stamped out of plastic. 
   Reference is now made to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , which show a replacement clip (as described herein above with respect to  FIGS. 1 through 6 ) that is mounted onto a body of a respective male modular plug or connector  904  and  1004 , for instance, an RJ45 plug or connector  904  and  1004 , whose respective original molded flexible latch  902  and  1002  has been broken off. In particular, reference numeral  900  in  FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of a replacement clip mounted onto a modular plug having a broken locking clip or latch, whereas, reference numeral  1000  in  FIG. 10  shows a side view of a replacement clip mounted onto a modular plug having a broken locking clip or latch. As depicted in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the anchor section  920  of the replacement clip (reference numeral  1020  in  FIG. 10 ) is secured towards the cable end (reference numeral  906  in  FIG. 9  and reference numeral  1006  in  FIG. 10 ) of the modular plug  904  (reference numeral  1004  in  FIG. 10 ). As shown, the bridge portion ( 922  and  923  in  FIG. 9 and 1022  and  1023  in  FIG. 10 ) which extends from a top surface of the anchor section culminates in the tab section  926  (in  FIG. 9) and 1026  (in  FIG. 10 ). In particular, the respective tab section  926  (in  FIG. 9) and 1026  (in  FIG. 10 ) abut against or presses against a top surface of the broken clip or latch  902  (in  FIG. 9) and 1002  (in  FIG. 10 ) of the respective modular plug  904  and  1004 , such that, when the modular plug or connector with the replacement clip mounted thereon is plugged into a receptacle or socket, the replacement clip securely attaches the modular plug within the socket and the locking tab of the replacement clip establishes mechanical and electrical connections between the modular plug and the socket, as explained further herein below with respect to  FIGS. 11A-11C . 
   Reference is now made to  FIG. 11A , where reference numeral  1100 A shows an anchor section  1120  of a replacement clip (as described herein above with respect to  FIGS. 9 and 10 ) that is mounted onto a body of a male modular plug or connector  1104  that is secured to a cable  1106 . Further,  FIG. 11A  shows that the original molded flexible latch  1102  of the modular plug  1104  is broken off and that the modular plug or connector  1104  now has the replacement clip mounted thereon and that the modular plug with the replacement clip is plugged into a female socket or receptacle  1160  enclosed within a receptacle housing  1164 . The female socket or receptacle  1160  is a corresponding counterpart to the male modular plug or connector and includes mechanical connections within the socket  1160  itself and includes electrical connections terminating in an electrical cable  1162 , such that, when the male modular plug  1104  is plugged into the female socket  1160 , mechanical and electrical connections can be established. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the locking tab  1126  of the replacement clip is spaced apart from the anchor section  1120  of the replacement clip by an arm or bridge section  1122 . In particular, the locking tab  1126  of the replacement clip presses against the molded flexible latch or broken locking clip  1102 , such that, when the modular plug with the replacement clip is plugged into the socket, the locking tab  1126  of the replacement clip engages an interior lip  1166  of the receptacle housing  1164 , thus, securely holding the modular plug  1104  within the socket  1164 . Referring to  FIG. 11B , reference numeral  1100 B illustrates an exterior perimeter profile of a male modular plug  1104  having a replacement clip and that is mounted within a female receptacle housing  1166 . In particular, as shown in  FIG. 11B , a locking tab  1126  of the replacement clip attached to the modular plug  1104  that is plugged into the receptacle housing is located proximate to a top surface of the female receptacle housing  1166 . Further, referring to  FIG. 11C , reference numeral  1100 C shows a side view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11B , where a male modular plug  1104  having a replacement clip  400  (as discussed with respect to  FIG. 4 ) mounted thereon is plugged into a female receptacle housing  1166 . As shown in  FIGS. 11B and 11C , the locking tab  1126  engages an interior lip or catch mechanism  1166  located on a top surface of the housing  1164 , thus, securely holding the modular plug  1104  having a replacement clip  40  within the socket  1164  and ensuring that proper electrical and mechanical connections between the male plug and the female plug  1160  are established. 
   In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a Local Area Network (LAN) coupled to a plurality of computers via modular sockets and modular plugs, wherein at least one modular plug has a broken locking clip and wherein the modular plug is repaired with a replacement clip that comprises a housing being configured to mount onto a cable-end of a modular plug having a cable secured thereto, the modular plug having a broken locking clip, the housing having an anchor section configured to anchor the replacement clip onto the cable-end of the modular plug, the anchor section having a bridge section extending therefrom and having a locking tab spaced by the bridge section and being located at an end opposite from the anchor section, the locking tab being configured to securely hold the modular connector within a socket and where mechanical and electrical connections between the modular connector and the modular socket are maintained. In an embodiment, the housing includes a substantially u-shape configuration, the housing having an opening on a bottom surface that is configured to mount onto the cable-end of the modular plug having the cable secured thereto, the opening being parallel to the cable secured to the modular plug and wherein the opening around the cable-end of the modular plug mounts the replacement clip onto the cable-end of the modular plug. In an embodiment, the housing further includes two opposite side surfaces that are configured to contact respective opposite sides of the modular plug when the replacement clip is mounted onto the modular plug and wherein a top surface of the housing is proximate to a top side of the modular plug having the broken locking clip located on the top side of the modular plug. In an embodiment, the modular plug having the replacement clip mounted thereon when plugged into the socket engages the locking tab into an interior lip of the socket, securely locking the modular plug into the socket and wherein electrical terminals in the modular plug establish electrical connections with electrical terminals in the socket. In an embodiment, the housing of the replacement clip includes a shape and a size that is configured to accommodate and to securely hold the cable-end of the modular plug affixed to the cable. In an embodiment, the top surface of the anchor section of the housing further includes an adhesive secured to a bottom side of the top surface of the anchor section and wherein the adhesive further includes a removable covering for securing the anchor section to the top side of the modular plug having the broken locking clip. In an embodiment, the modular plug includes at least one of: an RJ-45 (Registered Jack-45) connector, an RJ-11 (Registered Jack-11) connector or an 8P8C (8 positions, 8 conductors) connector. In an embodiment, the replacement clip includes at least one of: a single piece constructed from an injection molding process or a single piece stamped out of plastic. 
   Reference is now made to  FIG. 12 , where reference numeral  1200  depicts a client computer or system or computer system  1280  coupled to a cable  1206  that terminates at a male modular plug or connector  1204 . As used herein, the term “computer” or “system” or “computer system” or “computing device” includes any data processing system including, but not limited to, personal computers, servers, workstations, network computers, main frame computers, routers, switches, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), telephones and any other system capable of processing, transmitting, receiving, capturing and/or storing data. As shown in  FIG. 12 , an anchor section  1220  of a replacement clip is mounted onto the body of the male modular plug or connector  1204 , where the original molded flexible latch  1202  of the modular plug  1204  has been broken off. Further,  FIG. 12  shows that the modular plug having the replacement clip attached thereto is plugged into or coupled to a modular female connector or socket or receptacle  1260  enclosed within a receptacle housing  1264 . The female socket or receptacle  1260  is a corresponding counterpart to the male modular plug or connector  1204  and includes mechanical connections within the socket  1260  itself and includes electrical connections terminating in an electrical cable  1262 , such that, when the male modular plug  1204  is plugged into the female socket  1260 , mechanical and electrical connections can be established. As shown in  FIG. 12 , the locking tab  1226  of the replacement clip is spaced apart from the anchor section  1220  of the replacement clip by an arm or bridge section  1222 . In one embodiment, the locking tab  1226  of the replacement clip presses against the molded flexible latch or broken locking clip  1202 , such that, when the modular plug  1204  with the replacement clip is plugged into the socket  1260 , the locking tab  1226  of the replacement clip engages an interior lip  1266  of the receptacle housing  1264 , thus, securely holding the modular plug  1204  within the socket. Further,  FIG. 12  shows that the female connector or socket  1260  is coupled via cable  1262  to a LAN (Local Area Network)  1290 . As shown in  FIG. 11C , it is understood that the locking tab  1226  of the replacement clip does not have to contact the broken locking clip  101  in order to hold the male connector securely within the receptacle housing  1164 , but in an embodiment, the locking tab  1126  is proximate to the broken locking clip  101  and engages the catch mechanism or lip  1166 , thus, securely holding the male connector  1104  within the receptacle housing  1164  in order to establish electrical connections between the male connector  1104  and the female connector  1160 . 
   In addition, while the present invention has been discussed in the context of repairing or restoring a broken clip or latch on a male modular plug or connector, such as, the RJ45 (Registered Jack-45) connector, it is equally useful with an RJ11 (Registered Jack-11) male connector or an 8P8C (8 positions, 8 conductors) connector. In an embodiment, the replacement clip is a single piece that is constructed from an injection molding process. Alternatively, the replacement clip may be constructed from a single piece stamped out of plastic. It is understood by one skilled in the art that the replacement clip can be constructed of any material that is sufficiently flexible to mount onto the modular plug. Further, it is understood by one skilled in the art that the anchor section of the replacement clip can be configured in many different ways, depending on the modular plug or connector being repaired, so as to be easily mountable onto a modular plug and for securely holding the modular plug into the female receptacle. For instance, the anchor section of the replacement clip may be designed with just three sides, a top surface and two opposite side surfaces and without a bottom surface, where an inside surface of the top surface of the anchor section has an adhesive for securing the replacement clip to the modular plug. Alternatively, the anchor section of the replacement clip may have a bottom surface with a bigger slit for facilitating mounting of the replacement clip onto the modular plug. Furthermore, it is understood by one skilled in the art that the bridge or arm section extending from the anchor section of the replacement clip can be configured in many different ways, depending on the modular connector or plug being repaired, so as to be easily mountable onto the modular plug or connector and so as to securely hold the modular plug into the female receptacle. 
   The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.