I lllll llllllll Ill lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll 111111111111111111111111111111111
`US007086876B 1
`
`c12) United States Patent
`Montena
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,086,876 Bl
`Aug. 8, 2006
`
`(54) COAXIAL CABLE PORT SECURITY DEVICE
`AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor: Noah P. Montena, Syracuse, NY (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: John Mezzalingua Associates, Inc., E.
`Syracuse, NY (US)
`
`( *) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 111120,409
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`May 3, 2005
`
`3/1986
`12/1988
`5/1989
`7/1991
`4/1992
`9/1992
`8/1997
`7/1998
`2/2001
`12/2002
`512004
`
`Hayward ....................... 403/2
`Fowler et al.
`.............. 439/321
`Fowler et al.
`Peterson ...................... 385/56
`Yeh ............................ 439/133
`Hager
`............... 439/321
`Woehl et al.
`Holt ........................... 439/352
`Kiening er
`Perry ......................... 439/620
`Hsia ........................... 439/578
`
`4,575,274 A *
`4,793,821 A *
`4,834,667 A
`5,031,981 A *
`5,106,312 A *
`5,145,394 A
`5,653,605 A *
`5,785,545 A *
`6,183,293 Bl
`6,491,546 Bl*
`6,733,338 Bl *
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner-Tulsidas C. Patel
`Assistant Examiner-Vladimir Imas
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Schmeiser, Olsen & Watts
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`HOJR 13144
`(2006.01)
`(52) U.S. Cl. ....................................... 439/133; 439/304
`(58) Field of Classification Search ................ 439/133,
`439/304, 321, 394, 623
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`3,953,097 A * 4/1976 Graham ...................... 439/307
`4,469,386 A * 9/1984 Ackerman .................. 439/133
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A coaxial cable port security device is provided, wherein the
`port security device comprises a one-way clutch mechanism
`positioned between a first body and a second body and
`utilized to prevent unauthorized access to a coaxial cable
`port unless a specific tool is used to negate the operation of
`the clutch mechanism and remove the port security device,
`thereby enabling authorized access to the port.
`
`20 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets
`
`\
`
`110
`
`122
`
`124 120
`
`140
`
`CORNING EXHIBIT 1027
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 8, 2006
`
`Sheet 1 of 6
`
`US 7,086,876 Bl
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 8, 2006
`
`Sheet 2 of 6
`
`US 7,086,876 Bl
`
`~~~-~-~
`
`~
`cS
`~
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 8, 2006
`
`Sheet 3 of 6
`
`US 7,086,876 Bl
`
`

`
`e •
`
`00
`•
`~
`~
`~
`
`~ = ~
`
`\
`
`210
`
`~
`~
`"'CIO
`N
`0
`0
`O'I
`
`1J1 =(cid:173)
`.....
`
`('D
`('D
`
`.i;...
`
`0 .....
`O'I
`
`d
`rJl
`
`"'--...l = 00
`0--,
`Oo
`--...l
`
`0--, = "'""
`
`\26
`
`224 220
`
`FIG. 4
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 8, 2006
`
`Sheet 5 of 6
`
`US 7,086,876 Bl
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 8, 2006
`
`Sheet 6 of 6
`
`US 7,086,876 Bl
`
`

`
`US 7,086,876 Bl
`
`1
`COAXIAL CABLE PORT SECURITY DEVICE
`AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF
`
`BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
`
`2
`A second general aspect of the invention provides a
`coaxial cable port security device, said device comprising a
`first body, a second body axially positioned with respect to
`the first body, and a resilient member radially positioned
`between the first body and the second body, wherein the
`resilient member is freely rotationally movable in only one
`axial direction with respect to both the first body and the
`second body, and further wherein the resilient member is
`freely rotationally movable only with respect to the first
`10 body in the opposite axial direction because of physical
`interference between the resilient member and the second
`body.
`A third general aspect of the invention provides a coaxial
`cable port security device, said device comprising a first
`body axially positioned with respect to a second body, the
`second body receivable within at least a portion of the first
`body, and means for facilitating uni-directional free rotation
`of the first body with respect to the second body unless a
`20 unique instrunient is utilized to manipulate rotation.
`A fourth general aspect of the invention provides a
`method of securing a coaxial cable port, said method com(cid:173)
`prising providing a coaxial cable port security device, the
`device including a first body, a second body axially posi-
`25 tioned with respect to the first body, and a resilient member
`radially positioned between the first body and the second
`body, wherein the resilient member is freely rotationally
`movable in only one axial direction with respect to both the
`first body and the second body, and further wherein the
`30 resilient member is freely rotationally movable only with
`respect to the first body in the opposite axial direction
`because of physical interference between the resilient mem(cid:173)
`ber and the second body. The method further comprises
`preventing unauthorized connection of a coaxial cable con-
`35 nectar to the coaxial cable port through operation of the
`coaxial cable port security device.
`The foregoing and other features of the invention will be
`apparent from the following more particular description of
`various embodiments of the invention.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`1. Technical Field
`This invention relates generally to the field of coaxial
`cable port security devices. More particularly, this invention
`provides for a port security device employing a one-way
`clutch mechanism and method of use thereof.
`2. Related Art
`Electromagnetic transmissions are a prevalent mode of
`information exchange and coaxial cables are commonly
`utilized as a medium for electromagnetic communications.
`Coaxial cable interface ports are typically implemented to 15
`facilitate the connection of coaxial cables with various
`electromagnetic communication devices thereby allowing
`information to be transmitted via the coaxial cables. Often it
`is desirable to prevent unauthorized reception or transmis(cid:173)
`sion of electromagnetic communications by thwarting con(cid:173)
`nection of a coaxial cable to a coaxial cable interface port.
`The prevention of unauthorized coaxial cable connections is
`typically effected by the use of coaxial cable port security
`devices.
`Common coaxial cable port security devices require tight(cid:173)
`ening to the port in order to properly block port access and
`ordinarily the devices employ freely rotating inner/outer
`component configurations to secure the port against unau(cid:173)
`thorized device removal. Due to their freely rotating con(cid:173)
`figurations, a special tool is typically required to properly
`apply tightening forces when installing the port security
`devices. A common security device installation practice is to
`finger tighten the security device onto the port simply by
`applying slight bending or binding loads between the inner
`and outer components, thus effecting a limited amount of
`torsional coupling between the components allowing the
`device to be tightened onto the port a distance of several
`threads. A conscientious installer would then use the specific
`tool to proceed with fully and securely tightening the device,
`making it impossible for simple methods such as binding 40
`pressure allow removal. However, many installers do not
`make the effort to utilize the tool to securely tighten the
`device, thus leaving the security device vulnerable to unau(cid:173)
`thorized removal by the same binding means in which is was
`applied.
`Accordingly, there is a need in the field of coaxial cable
`port security devices for an improved port security device
`that more effectively prevents unauthorized access to the
`coaxial cable interface port.
`
`SUMMARY OF INVENTION
`
`50
`
`The present invention provides an apparatus for use with
`coaxial cable communications systems that offers improved
`reliability.
`A first general aspect of the invention provides a coaxial
`cable port security device, said device comprising an outer
`body, an inner body receivable within at least a portion of the
`outer body, and a clutch member operable between the outer
`body and inner body such that axial rotation in a first 60
`direction of the clutch member with respect to the inner body
`is prevented by contact forces resultant in the clutch member
`due to its operation with the inner body, and wherein the
`clutch member is freely movable in the opposite second
`direction of axial rotation with respect to the inner body
`unless a specific tool is implemented to negate the operation
`of the clutch member.
`
`Some of the embodiments of this invention will be
`45 described in detail, with reference to the following figures,
`wherein like designations denote like members, wherein:
`FIG. 1 depicts an exploded perspective view of a first
`embodiment of a coaxial cable port security device, in
`accordance with the present invention;
`FIG. 2 depicts a cut-away perspective view of a first
`embodiment of a coaxial cable port security device, in
`accordance with the present invention;
`FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a first embodiment of
`a coaxial cable port security device, in accordance with the
`55 present invention;
`FIG. 4 depicts an exploded perspective view of a second
`embodiment of a coaxial cable port security device, in
`accordance with the present invention;
`FIG. 5 depicts a cut-away perspective view of a second
`embodiment of a coaxial cable port security device being
`initially engaged by an embodiment of a specific tool, in
`accordance with the present invention;
`FIG. 6 depicts a cut-away perspective view of a second
`65 embodiment of a coaxial cable port security device being
`fully engaged by an embodiment of a specific tool, in
`accordance with the present invention.
`
`

`
`US 7,086,876 Bl
`
`3
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`Although certain embodiments of the present invention
`will be shown and described in detail, it should be under(cid:173)
`stood that various changes and modifications may be made
`without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
`The scope of the present invention will in no way be limited
`to the number of constituting components, the materials
`thereof, the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement thereof, 10
`etc., and are disclosed simply as an example of an embodi(cid:173)
`ment. The features and advantages of the present invention
`are illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings,
`wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements
`throughout the drawings.
`As a preface to the detailed description, it should be noted
`that, as used in this specification and the appended claims,
`the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural refer(cid:173)
`ents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
`Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts an exploded 20
`perspective view of a first embodiment of a coaxial cable
`port security device 100, in accordance with the present
`invention. The coaxial cable port security device 100 may
`include a one-piece first body 110 such as an outer body
`forming a shell or outer casing. The first body 110 may 25
`additionally include a threaded end 112. Moreover, the first
`body or outer body 110 may include an external grip feature
`116 that may assist a user in grasping and maneuvering the
`coaxial cable port security device 100 during installation
`onto and/or removal from a coaxial cable port. The external 30
`grip feature 116 may be variously dimensioned to efficiently
`accommodate physical grip on the coaxial cable port secu(cid:173)
`rity device 100. Multiple external grip features 116 may be
`included on the first embodiment of the coaxial cable port
`security device 100. Furthermore, the first body 110 such as 35
`an outer body may include an internal retaining feature 114
`such as an arnmlar recess, inner circumferential slot, or other
`like feature fitted to achieve retention of a second body 120
`such as an inner body received within an insert opening 118
`of the first body or outer body 110. Accordingly, when the 40
`second body or inner body 120 is received within a portion
`of the first body 110 an external retaining feature 124 of the
`second body 120 may be in communication with the internal
`retaining feature 114 of the first body 110 such as an outer
`body. Contact between the first body 110 and the second 45
`body 120 should not substantially impede axial rotation of
`the two bodies with respect to each other.
`The second body 120, as shown further in FIG. 1, may be
`axially positioned with respect to the first body 110. More(cid:173)
`over, the second body 120 such as an inner body may also 50
`include a threaded opening 122 configured to attach to a
`coaxial cable interface port. Additionally, the second body
`120 may include a clutch engagement feature 126. The
`clutch engagement feature 126 may be a slot, cutout, detent,
`ridge, recess, protrusion or other like feature that slidingly 55
`contacts a resilient clutch member 130 when the member
`130 is rotated about the second body 122 such as an inner
`body in one first axial direction and, wherein the clutch
`engagement feature 126 helps prohibit movement of the
`resilient clutch member 130 when the member 130 is moved 60
`in the second opposite axial direction because of physical
`interference between the resilient clutch member 130 and
`the clutch engagement feature 126 of the second body 120.
`Those in the art will appreciate that more than one clutch
`engagement feature 126 may be incorporated in the design
`of the second body 120. For example, multiple clutch
`engagement features 126 may be spaced at intervals around
`
`4
`the arnmlar exterior of the second body 120 such as an inner
`body thereby allowing a resilient clutch member 130 to
`more frequently contact and/or engage a clutch engagement
`feature 126 as the resilient clutch member 130 rotates about
`the second body or inner body 120. Furthermore, the second
`body 120 may include a tool engagement feature 128. The
`tool engagement feature 128 may be variously configured to
`physically and dimensionally correspond with an engage-
`ment element and/or elements 308 of a special tool or
`instrument 300 (shown in FIGS. 5-6) to assist the specific
`tool or instrument 300 in engaging the second body 120.
`Referring further to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a coaxial
`cable port security device 100 may include a positioning
`ring 132 acting with a resilient clutch member 130. An
`15 embodiment of the positioning ring 132 may include a
`clutch seat 134, such as a notch, slot, cutout, recess or other
`like feature physically corresponding in size and dimension
`to the size and dimension of the resilient clutch member 130
`for positioning the resilient clutch member 130 radially
`between the first body 110 such as an outer body and second
`body 120 such as an inner body. The positioning ring 132
`may be freely rotatable with respect to the first body 110 and
`second body 120. Hence the resilient clutch member's 130
`active position with the ring 132 provides for substantially
`consistent axial and radial positioning when rotatably oper(cid:173)
`ating with the first body 110 such as an outer body and/or
`second body 120 such as an inner body. It is appreciable
`within the art that various embodiments of a coaxial cable
`port security device 100 may include multiple resilient
`clutch members 130 radially positioned between the first
`body 110 and second body 120, thereby allowing the mul-
`tiple resilient clutch members 130 to more frequently con(cid:173)
`tact and/or engage a clutch engagement feature 126 as the
`resilient clutch members 130 rotate about the second body
`120 such as an inner body.
`Operation of a resilient clutch member 130 may include
`slidable physical contact by the resilient clutch member 130
`with an interior surface of the first body 110 such as an outer
`body when the resilient clutch member is axially rotated in
`either axial direction. Moreover, operation of the resilient
`clutch member 130 may also include slidable physical
`contact by the resilient clutch member 130 with an exterior
`surface of the second body 120 such as an inner body when
`the resilient clutch member 130 is rotated in a first axial
`direction because the shape and function of the resilient
`clutch member 130 does not prevent rotation. However,
`when rotated in the second opposite axial direction, the
`resilient clutch member 130 is only freely rotationally
`movable with respect to the first body or outer body 110
`because of contact forces resultant in the resilient clutch
`member 130 due to its operation with the second body or
`inner body 120, wherein physical interference between the
`resilient clutch member 130 and the clutch engagement
`feature 126 of the second body 120 prevents free rotation in
`the second opposite axial direction.
`Referring further still to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a
`coaxial cable port security device 100 may include a center
`bushing 140, axially alignable with the first body 110,
`second body 120 and/or positioning ring 132. The variously
`embodied components of the first embodiment of a coaxial
`cable port security device 100 may be fabricated from
`metals, metal alloys, composites or semi-rigid plastics by
`turning, milling, tapping, boring, stamping, bending, cutting,
`injection molding, casting, and/or other like part shaping
`65 techniques. Furthermore, those in the art should recognize
`that various features of components of the coaxial cable port
`security device 100 may be reciprocally oriented in various
`
`

`
`US 7,086,876 Bl
`
`15
`
`5
`ways without destroying the inventive nature of the device
`100. For example, the first body 110 such as an outer body
`may include protruding internal retaining features 114 as
`opposed to recessed internal retaining features and the
`second body 120 such as an inner body may include recessed
`external retaining features 124 as opposed to protruding
`external retaining features and the reciprocal feature designs
`of first body 110 and second body 120 would effectively
`accomplish coaxial cable port protection.
`Central to the performance of the coaxial cable port
`security device 100 is the prevention of unauthorized port
`access by means of employing the resilient clutch member
`130 to help facilitate uni-directional rotation of the first body
`110 such as an outer body with respect to the second body
`120 such as an inner body. Because the resilient clutch
`member 130 is positioned between the first body 110 and the
`second body 130, the resilient clutch member 130 alleviates
`common vulnerabilities caused by binding forces between
`the two bodies. Where binding forces between the first body
`110 and the second body 120 permitted previous security 20
`devices to be unthreaded from a port leaving the port
`unprotected and available for unauthorized cable connec(cid:173)
`tion, embodiments of the present invention use the resilient
`clutch member 130 as means to facilitate free rotation of the
`first body 110 such as an outer body with respect to the 25
`second body 120 such as an inner body unless a unique
`instrument or tool 300 (shown in FIGS. 5-6) is utilized to
`manipulate rotation. Once installed, the coaxial cable port
`security device spins freely in a first loosening direction of
`rotation. The resilient clutch member 130 engages the sec- 30
`ond body or inner body 120 in only a second tightening
`direction of rotation when binding forces are applied and/or
`when torque is applied to the outer component in a tight(cid:173)
`ening direction. Hence, an unauthorized user cannot remove
`the coaxial cable port security device 100 by applying 35
`binding forces between the components. However, an
`installer can still attach the coaxial cable port security device
`100 to a coaxial cable port by applying binding torque to the
`first body or outer body 110 in the tightening direction, thus
`engaging the resilient clutch member 130 with the second 40
`body or inner body 120 and allowing the installer to twist the
`device onto the port a distance of several threads. A con(cid:173)
`scientious installer would then utilize the special tool 300
`(shown in FIGS. 5-6) to proceed with fully and securely
`tightening the security device 100 to the port. However, if 45
`the device 100 is left merely finger installed and not fully
`tightened through utilization of the tool 300, the device 100
`still may provide port security because the operation of the
`resilient clutch member 130 prevents rotational engagement
`of the second body 120 when rotated in the loosening 50
`direction.
`With further reference to the drawings, FIG. 2 depicts a
`cut-away perspective view of a first embodiment of a coaxial
`cable port security device 100, in accordance with the
`present invention. When fully assembled, the second body 55
`or inner body 120 may be received within a portion of the
`first body or outer body 110 such that the edge of the
`threaded opening 122 of the second body 120 such as an
`inner body is flush with the edge of the insert opening 118
`of the first body 110 such as an outer body. Moreover, when 60
`fully assembled the first body 110 is axial retained in
`substantially fixed position with respect to the second body
`120 due to communication between the parts. For example,
`when fully inserted, the external retaining feature 124, such
`as an annular lip, of the second body 120 such as an inner 65
`body may snap-fit into place with the internal retaining
`feature 114, such as an annular rim, of the first body 110 such
`
`6
`as an outer body, thereby maintaining axial position of the
`two parts with respect to each other. However, the two parts
`may remain rotationally free with respect to each other in
`that the resilient clutch member 130 and/or the positioning
`ring located between the parts may operate to help facilitate
`slidable axial rotational movement of the first body 110 with
`respect to the second body 120. The resilient clutch member
`130 may be retained in position within the first embodiment
`of the coaxial cable port security device 100 by the presence
`10 of the first body or outer body 110 encasing the radial
`exterior portion of the resilient member 130 as located in the
`clutch seat 134 of the retaining ring 132 when assembled
`with the second body or inner body 120 physically enclosing
`the radial interior portion of the resilient member 130.
`With continued reference to FIG. 2, an embodiment of the
`coaxial cable port security system 100 may include a center
`bushing 140 located within a hollowed portion of the second
`body 120 and positioned centrally along the axis of the
`coaxial cable port security device 100. Moreover, the first
`body 110 of the coaxial cable port security device 100 may
`include a threaded end 112 configured to receive additional
`complimentary threaded components such as end caps or
`other threaded parts and/or configured to facilitate attach(cid:173)
`ment of the coaxial cable port device to additional parts
`having complimentary threaded interior openings.
`Referring still further to the drawings, FIG. 3 depicts a
`perspective view of a first embodiment of a coaxial cable
`port security device 100, in accordance with the present
`invention. Shown, on the exterior of the first body or outer
`body 110, is an external grip feature 116 that may be utilized
`by a user installing the security device 110 to assist in
`rotating the device 100 by providing an effective gripping
`surface to enable greater application of torque. Furthermore,
`where the edge of the threaded opening 122 of the second
`body 120 such as an inner body is flush with the edge of the
`insert opening 118 of the first body 110 such as an outer
`body, greater port protection may be afforded because the
`second or inner body 120 cannot be efficiently accessed
`separately from the first or outer body 110 to manipulate
`unauthorized removal of the security device 100.
`With additional reference to the drawings, FIG. 4 depicts
`an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of a
`coaxial cable port security device, in accordance with the
`present invention. The coaxial cable port security device 200
`may include a first body 210 such as an outer body forming
`an external rigid sleeve or covering. The first body 210 may
`also include a threaded end 212. Moreover, the first body or
`outer body 210 may include multiple external grip features
`216 that may assist a user in grasping and maneuvering the
`coaxial cable port security device 200 during installation
`onto and/or removal from a coaxial cable port. The external
`grip features 216 may be variously dimensioned to effi(cid:173)
`ciently accommodate physical grip on the coaxial cable port
`security device 200. Furthermore, the first body 210 such as
`an outer body may include an internal retaining feature 214
`such as an annular recess, inner circumferential slot, or other
`like feature fitted to achieve retention of a second body 220
`such as an inner body received within an insert opening 218
`of the first body or outer body 210. Accordingly, when the
`second body or inner body 220 is received within a portion
`of the first body 210 such as an outer body an external
`retaining feature 224 of the second body 220 may be in
`communication with the internal retaining feature 214 of the
`first body 210. Contact between the first body 210 and the
`second body 220 should not substantially impede axial
`rotation of the two bodies with respect to each other.
`
`

`
`US 7,086,876 Bl
`
`7
`The second body 220 may also have a threaded opening
`222 configured to attach to a coaxial cable interface port.
`Moreover, the second body 220 may be axially positioned
`with respect to the first body 210. Additionally, the second
`body 220 may include a clutch engagement feature 226 such
`as a slot, cutout, detent, ridge, recess, protrusion or other like
`feature that slidingly contacts a resilient clutch member 230
`when the member 230 is rotated about the second body 220
`such as an inner body in one first axial direction and,
`wherein the clutch engagement feature 226 helps prohibit 10
`movement of the resilient clutch member 230 when the
`member 230 is moved in the second opposite axial direction
`because of physical interference between the resilient clutch
`member 230 and the clutch engagement feature 226 of the
`second body 220. Those in the art will appreciate that more
`than one clutch engagement feature 226 may be incorpo(cid:173)
`rated in the design of the second body 220. Furthermore, the
`second body 220 may include a tool engagement feature
`228. The tool engagement feature 228 may be variously
`configured to physically and dimensionally correspond with
`an engagement element and/or elements 308 of a specific
`tool or instrument 300 (shown in FIGS. 5-6) to assist the
`specific tool or instrument 300 in engaging the second body
`220. It may be recognizable by those skilled in the relevant
`art that embodiments of the coaxial cable port security
`device 200 may include multiple tool engagement features
`228 to facilitate further interaction and greater engagement
`with a specific tool or instrument 300 to fully tighten the
`device 200 to a coaxial cable interface port.
`Referring further to FIG. 4, an embodiment of a coaxial
`cable port security device 200 may include a positioning
`ring 232 acting with an integral resilient clutch member 230.
`The integral resilient clutch member 230 may be a flexible
`portion or segment bent radially inward from the body of the
`positioning ring 232. Because the resilient clutch member
`230 may be integral with the positioning ring 232, the
`manufacture of the components can be integrated and the
`parts consolidated while maintaining the individual func(cid:173)
`tionality of each component element. For example, the
`resilient clutch member 230 can be fashioned from the ring
`232 by an automated stamping, punching or cutting process
`or other like method of fabrication. Moreover, where the
`resilient clutch member 230 is integrally attached to the
`positioning ring 232, assembly is made more efficient
`because the components can be placed in an assembled
`position in the coaxial cable port security device 200 simul(cid:173)
`taneously without the need to separately accommodate the
`resilient clutch member 230 with the positioning ring 232,
`such as by locating the clutch member 230 within a clutch
`seat 134 (as depicted in FIG. 1, showing a first embodiment
`of a coaxial cable port security device 100). The resilient
`clutch member's 230 integral and active residence with the
`ring 232 provides for substantially consistent axial and
`radial positioning when rotatably operating with the first
`body 210 such as an outer body and/or second body 220
`such as an inner body. As shown, the second embodiment of
`the coaxial cable port security device 200 may have multiple
`resilient clutch members 230 integrated with the positioning
`ring 232 and radially positioned between the first body 210
`and second body 220, thereby allowing the multiple resilient
`clutch members 230 to more frequently contact and/or
`engage a clutch engagement feature 226 as the resilient
`clutch members 230 rotate about the second body 220 such
`as an inner body.
`Operation of an integral resilient clutch member 230 may
`include slidable physical contact by the integral resilient
`clutch member 230 with an exterior surface of the second
`
`8
`body 220 such as an inner body when the integral resilient
`clutch member 230 is rotated in a first axial direction
`because the shape and function of the integral resilient
`clutch member 230 does not frustrate rotation. However,
`when rotated in the second opposite axial direction, the
`integral resilient clutch member 230 is not freely rotationally
`movable with respect to the second body 210 because of
`contact forces resultant in the integral resilient clutch mem-
`ber 230 due to its operation with the second body 220, and
`wherein physical interference between the integral resilient
`clutch member 230 and a clutch engagement feature 226 of
`the second body 220 prevents free rotation in the second
`opposite axial direction.
`With further reference to FIG. 4, an embodiment of a
`15 coaxial cable port security device 200 may include a center
`bushing 240, axially alignable with the first body 210,
`second body 220 and/or positioning ring 232. Furthermore,
`the coaxial cable port security device 200 may include a
`center pin 242 adaptable for insertion within a portion of the
`20 center bushing 240. The center pin 242 may also be insert(cid:173)
`able into a central axial opening commonly located in
`typical coaxial cable interface ports. In addition, the second
`embodiment of the coaxial cable port security device 200
`may include an environmental cap 250. The environmental
`25 cap 250 may be configured to fit between the internal edge
`of the insert opening 218 of the first body 110 such as an
`outer body and the external edge of the threaded opening
`222 of the second body 220 such as an inner body to prevent
`moisture or other unwanted contaminants from entering the
`30 port security device 200, or even act to prevent entry of
`unwanted electromagnetic noise into the port security device
`200. The fit of the environmental cap 250 may be a snap-fit,
`press-on type design, or other similar configuration wherein
`various surface features may be employed to physically
`35 restrain and help hold the cap 250 in place once it is
`positioned with the coaxial cable port security device 200.
`Those in the art should recognize that various features of
`components of the second embodiment of the coaxial cable
`port security device 200 may be reciprocally oriented in
`40 various complimentary ways without destroying the inven(cid:173)
`tive nature of the device 200. For example, the environmen(cid:173)
`tal cap 250 may be configured to extend over the external
`edge insert opening 218 of the first body or outer body 210
`rather than being fitted between the internal edge of the
`45 insert opening 218 of the first body and the external edge of
`the threaded opening 222 of the second body 220. Moreover,
`the first body 210 such as an outer body may include
`protruding internal retaining features 214 as opposed to
`recessed internal retaining features and the second body 220
`50 such as an inner body may include recessed external retain(cid:173)
`ing features 224 as opposed to protruding external retaining
`features and the reciprocal feature designs of first or outer
`body 210 and second or inner body 220 would effectively
`accomplish coaxial cable port protection. Additionally, the
`55 various components of the second embodiment of a coaxial
`cable port security device 200 may be