Electrical connectors – Contact comprising cutter – Insulation cutter
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-17
2001-10-09
Paumen, Gary (Department: 2833)
Electrical connectors
Contact comprising cutter
Insulation cutter
C439S395000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06299474
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to connectors for making electrical connection between insulated wires and other wires. In particular, the present invention relates to connectors with front facing insertion holes which are adapted to perform electrical connections on multiple wires of different gauge sizes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Connectors are available in the art for connecting insulated wires with other wires (insulated or uninsulated). A method of making electrical connections between insulated wires with others is to remove the insulation jacket, using pliers, with strippers or other tools, and expose the electrical conductors for direct electrical contact with another wire. Such a method is inefficient for making a large number of electrical connections because it is time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Connectors have been developed in the art for making electrical connections without using tools. These connectors are designed with internal structures that have the ability to remove the insulation jacket of an insulated wire without utilizing tools such as pliers. One such connector is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,240,432, entitled “Insulation Displacement Connectors” and having the same inventorship as the present invention. An electrical connector is provided therein which has a terminal for an insulated wire. The insulated wire has an insulation jacket, where electrical conductors are disposed at least partly in such jacket. The electrical conductor has a portion that is connectable to a wire and a cap that is initially seatable in an up position on the insulation jacket. The electrical connector is designed to allow the insertion of the insulated wire into a space enclosed by the cap and the insulation jacket. The cap is adapted to be forcibly pushed down from the up position onto the insulation jacket so as to effect an electrical connection with the insulated wire in the space enclosed by the cap.
A particular disadvantage of connectors in the art (such as the connector disclosed herein above) is that multiple wires cannot be simultaneously accommodated, since each wire needs to be inserted into a connector one-by-one. A further disadvantage is that multiple wires of different gauge sizes cannot be accommodated in the prior connector. A general need therefore exists in the art for a connector that can accommodate multiple wires in making electrical connections. Furthermore, a connector is needed to provide electrical connections for multiple wires of different gauge sizes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a high-density connector for making electrical connections between insulated wires and other wires. The connector according to the present invention has terminals, which are made of electro-conductive materials, for a plurality of insulated wires and a corresponding connector cap which has a round shape. The connector also has a base on which the terminals and cap are positioned. Each insulated wire has an insulation jacket. The connector includes front facing holes through which the insulated wires can be inserted. The terminals of the connector include a plurality of keyholes, each keyhole having a tail and a round portion that serves as the clearance hole for an insulated wire as it passes therethrough along with its insulation jacket. As the connector cap is rotated, it pushes an insulated wire placed in the round portion of a keyhole to the tail of the keyhole, which cuts into and removes the insulation jacket of the wire, thereby effecting an electrical connection between the electrical conductors of the wire and the terminals of the connector. The keyholes are adapted with particular tail widths to accommodate insulated wires of various gauge sizes. The connector ofthe present invention can also effect electrical connection for a plurality of insulated wires.
The present invention is advantageous because it can effect electrical connections for multiple insulated wires. A further advantage is that the connector of the present invention can accommodate a plurality of insulated wires of various gauge sizes. Another advantage is that the connector of the present invention, by virtue of its “L” shape tails, allows multiple wire wrap connections to its base. Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the round design of the connector and the cap minimizes the materials needed for, and cost of, fabrication.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4157208 (1979-06-01), Roberts et al.
patent: 4913659 (1990-04-01), Doyle
patent: 5240432 (1993-08-01), Daoud
patent: 5470250 (1995-11-01), Hawk et al.
patent: 5871378 (1999-02-01), Poiraud et al.
Avaya Technology Corp.
Darby & Darby
Gushi Ross
Paumen Gary
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