Electrical connectors – With supporting means for coupling part – Coupling part or mating part extending into panel opening
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-18
2001-02-06
Bradley, Paula (Department: 2833)
Electrical connectors
With supporting means for coupling part
Coupling part or mating part extending into panel opening
C439S312000, C439S321000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06183293
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is common to provide an electrical connector that mounts in an opening of a wall which may be in an appliance. The connector has a connector element with a threaded shaft that is projected through the opening in the wall, and a clamping member that is threaded onto the shaft. If threads with a small helical angle are used, then friction between the tightened threaded parts resists unscrewing. Locking washers are sometimes used, which add friction when the threaded elements are tightened.
In many applications, it is desirable to use bayonet threads, which are threads having a large helical angle, to permit rapid attachment. Most bayonet threads extend by less than a complete turn around the axis. Bayonet threads have the advantage that they allow elements to be rapidly fastened by turning one element by less than a complete turn, or only slightly greater than a complete turn, until the threads are completely tightened. However, with the large helical angle of a bayonet thread, they are subject to rapid loosening, especially if subjected to vibrations. Ordinary lock washers are generally not sufficient to prevent loosening. An electrical connector with parts that could be threadably connected using a large helical angle thread such as a bayonet thread, and which resisted accidental loosening, would be of value.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an electrical connector for mounting in an opening in a wall is provided, where the connector includes connector and clamp elements that can be threaded together with a large helical angle thread such as a bayonet thread, for resisting loosening. The connector element has a holder ring and at least one latch member mounted on the holder ring. The clamp element has a latch ring which surrounds the holder ring and that has a plurality of radial projections. The latch member has a fixed proximal end, and has a distal end biased to a position in the path of the projections as an element turns. The latch member can be a resilient beam whose distal end has a radially outer surface that is easily deflected inwardly during turning in a direction to tighten the threads. However, the distal end has a tip with a surface that greatly resists turning of the elements in a direction to loosen the threaded connection. The latch member is preferably an elastomerically deflectable beam.
The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention will be best understood from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4472013 (1984-09-01), Frear
patent: 4478473 (1984-10-01), Frear
patent: 4478474 (1984-10-01), Gallusser et al.
patent: 4484790 (1984-11-01), Schildkraut et al.
patent: 4487470 (1984-12-01), Knapp et al.
patent: 4508407 (1985-04-01), Ball
patent: 4519661 (1985-05-01), Brush, Sr. et al.
patent: 4536048 (1985-08-01), Schildkraut et al.
patent: 4588245 (1986-05-01), Schwartz et al.
patent: 4793821 (1988-12-01), Fowler, et al.
patent: 4820184 (1989-04-01), Brandes
patent: 5399096 (1995-03-01), Quillet et al.
patent: 5605475 (1997-02-01), Ogawa
patent: 5618204 (1997-04-01), Nix et al.
patent: 5653605 (1997-08-01), Woehl et al.
patent: 5931695 (1999-08-01), Scully et al.
patent: 3507525 C1 (1985-03-01), None
patent: 9003016 U (1991-07-01), None
patent: 2 294 816 (1994-11-01), None
Bradley Paula
Davis Katrina
ITT Manufacturing Enterprises Inc.
Peterson Thomas L.
LandOfFree
Electrical connector latching mechanism does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Electrical connector latching mechanism, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Electrical connector latching mechanism will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2575020