Electricity: conductors and insulators – Insulators – Through wall or plate
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-07
2001-11-27
Reichard, Dean A. (Department: 2831)
Electricity: conductors and insulators
Insulators
Through wall or plate
C174S068300, C174S151000, C174S167000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06323433
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to mechanical interconnect structures, and more particularly, to a grommet for engaging any of a plurality of wire or cable diameters to provide a substantially sealed interface between the wire or cable and an interconnected structure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Wire and cable often require connection to other electrical components including connectors and plugs. A connection to the wire or cable may require a water tight seal. That is, the migration of water or debris along the length of the wire into the electrical device may jeopardize functioning of the electrical device.
Prior systems have employed seals or grommets sized to a particular wire or cable diameter. Similarly, various grips and strain relief mechanisms for cords, particularly, electrical cords employ a grommet that is compressed about an adjacent section of the cord. In a preferred construction, these grips are able to provide a sealing engagement with respect to the cord.
However, in each of these constructions, the grommet is sized to a particular cord size, Thus, where the specific grommet size is not available, assembly delays are encountered. Further, if the applied grommet is mis-sized, the necessary sealing functions may not be performed.
Therefore, a need exists for a mechanical interconnect structure for wire or cable systems that can provide a weather resistant seal. A need exists for such structure to be satisfied by a grommet. The need also exists for a grommet that can accommodate any of a variety of wire sizes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a grommet for a weather resistant interface in a mechanical interconnect structure. The present grommet inhibits the travel of moisture and debris from a length of wire. Preferably, the grommet is selected to provide a water tight seal to the wire.
The grommet of the present invention includes an outer seating annulus sized to contact an inner diameter of a connector; an inner sealing annulus sized to contact an outer diameter of a wire passing through the grommet and a neck extending between the outer annulus and the inner annulus to locate the inner annulus substantially within the outer annulus.
In a preferred construction, the inner annulus has a reduced thickness compared to the outer annulus so as to accommodate a variety of wire outer diameters. Further, the neck may include, or be formed, with a lubricant to assist passage of the wire through the inner annulus. In an additional configuration, the outer annulus, the inner annulus and the neck are of an integral one piece construction.
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Helms Michael A.
Mahaney John T.
Radosavljevic Dejan
Nino Adolfo
Pass & Seymour, Inc.
Reichard Dean A.
Wall Marjama & Bilinski LLP
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