Interchangeable electrical connector

Details Interchangeable electrical connector Interchangeable electrical connector

1999-09-24

2001-01-23

Donovan, Lincoln (Department: 2839)

Electrical connectors

Convertible by internal change to selectively cooperate with...

C439S891000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06176716

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an electrical connector which permits the user of an electrical cable to interchange a number of conventional cable connector ends in a modular fashion, depending on the particular requirements of the terminal to which the cable is to be connected.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Manufacturers and retailers of electrical cables are presented with the problem that electrical equipment is manufactured with a variety of different terminals to which the electrical cables are to be connected. To ensure that an end user's needs will be met, the cable manufacturer either has to make a wide range of products differing only in the connectors used, or the retailer or end user has to fit the particular connector required by the electrical equipment. This places additional burdens on the manufacturer and the retailer, and is often inconvenient for the end user.
This is particularly true in the professional and home audiovisual arts, where cabling and interconnects are sophisticated and expensive.
Existing modular connectors have been found to provide unsatisfactory signal transmission and unreliable physical connection.
Accordingly, there is a need for an electrical connector which permits the rapid interchange of conventional connector ends, while providing a secure and reliable electrical connection.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention there is provided an interchangeable electrical connector comprising a connector body and an adapter body.
The connector body includes a conical portion, and a threaded portion which is coaxial with the conical portion. The connector body also includes electrical contact means located at an end thereof, for engaging an electrical terminal.
The adapter body includes a conical portion which is shaped for co-operative engagement with the conical portion of the connector body, and a threaded portion which is coaxial to the conical portion of the adapter body. The threaded portion of the adapter body is for cooperative engagement with the threaded portion of the connector body in use, whereby cooperative rotation of the connector body relative to the adapter body draws the conical portion of the connector body into engagement with the conical portion of the adapter body.
A wedging action results when the two conical portions are drawn into contact by the screw threads. This wedging action frictionally engages the connector body to the adapter body, and ensures a reliable electrical and physical connection.
The connector body may be provided with any one of a number of electrical contact means such as a banana plug tip, or a spade type electrical contact.
Other features of the invention are disclosed or apparent in the section entitled “BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION”


REFERENCES:
patent: 4367001 (1983-01-01), Munakata
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patent: 4944686 (1990-07-01), Gertz
patent: 5087209 (1992-02-01), Faucher
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patent: 5662489 (1997-09-01), Stirling
patent: 5791919 (1998-08-01), Brisson et al.
patent: 5833490 (1998-11-01), Bouldin
patent: 5984696 (1999-11-01), Lee

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