Swiveling electrical connector

Details Swiveling electrical connector Swiveling electrical connector

1999-05-20

2001-02-20

Abrams, Neil (Department: 2839)

Electrical connectors

Interrelated connectors relatively movable during use

Movement about axis

C439S700000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06190180

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present application relates to a swiveling electrical connector. More specifically, the present application describes an electrical connector having two assemblies which freely rotate relative to each other and which may be quickly connected and disconnected.
The use of electrical power tools on building construction sites necessitates the reliable distribution of high-current electrical power throughout the often chaotic and obstacle-laden environment which such sites represent. Typically, power is distributed on such sites through the use of conventional electrical extension cords which are terminated with fixed, three-prong plugs and receptacles. As is well known to construction workers, such fixed connectors present a variety of practical problems. For example, the nature of construction work is such that the worker often must move over a considerable area and maneuver himself in close quarters while using the same power tool. Under such conditions, fixed connectors tend to twist and knot creating hazardous conditions as well as causing considerable wear and tear on the respective power cords. Moreover, as fixed connectors are dragged through the construction site, they tend to snag on comers and other obstacles resulting in disconnection due to the tension on the power cord which, in turn, results in a reduction in the efficiency of the worker as he scrambles to reconnect the line or free up a snag. To prevent such disconnections, workers typically knot the cords together near the connection. However, this merely tends to exacerbate the problems related to cord wear and snagging.
Other problems relate to the fact that construction workers typically use a variety of different power tools in a single work area. In general, power tools have power cords built into their handles which are several feet long and which are terminated with fixed three-prong plugs. When switching power tools, the worker must reach the connection, disconnect the current power tool, connect the new power tool, and store the disconnected power tool. If the worker is in a precarious position such an operation is difficult at best. That is, the connection may be several feet away and out of reach unless the worker extricates himself from his working position. In addition, the built in cords of the power tools present handling and storage problems which are often difficult to deal with under practical conditions.
Attempts have been made to address some of the problems discussed above with swiveling electrical connectors. However, none of these connectors provides features which address all of these problems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,174,379, No. 2,176,137, No. 2,181,145, No. 2,465,022, No. 2,474,070, No. 3,387,250, and No. 4,894,014 all describe various electrical connectors each of which has two assemblies which rotate relative to each other. However, none of these designs is appropriate for use in the construction environment in that they provide for connection between electrical cords having only two conductors. Because of the additional complexity represented by a third conductor, none of the designs described in these patent could be readily converted to provide a rotatable connection for three conductors. Moreover, all of these connectors maintain permanent connections between the two assemblies. While this may prevent disconnection problems, it fails to address the problems discussed above with regard to the interchangeability of power tools.
The rotatable connector described by U.S. Pat. No. 3,321,729 has two permanently connected assemblies
12
and
50
which rotate relative to each other. While this design allows connection and disconnection from separate power cords via prongs
38
,
40
and receptacles
64
,
66
, it does not address the problem of cord disconnection due to tension. In addition, the power cords connected by this device have only two conductors.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,629,784 describes a three-conductor swivel connection which is permanently fixed in the handle of a power tool. While this design may alleviate some of the problems related to the twisting and knotting of power tool power cords, it does not address the problems associated with the need to quickly and efficiently switch between power tools. Moreover, because a connection must still be made between the other end of the tool's power cord and an extension cord (presumably using the conventional three-prong plug and receptacle), all of the hazards associated with such a connection are still present.
From the foregoing, it is apparent that there is a need for a swiveling electrical connector which provides a connection between power cords having three conductors, maintains the connection even under considerable tension, and is quickly and easily connected and disconnected.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a swiveling electrical connector which addresses each of the problems discussed above. Specifically, the present invention provides a connector for triple-conductor power cords comprising male and female coupling assemblies which rotate relative to each other when connected. The connector of the present invention is a plunger-type connector in which an elongated male assembly is inserted into an open female assembly. Each of the assemblies has three concentrically arranged conductors separated by concentrically arranged insulating layers. Each conductor is in electrical contact with its corresponding conductor in the other assembly when the assemblies are connected.
The connection between the assemblies is secured by a locking mechanism similar to the type employed for pneumatic hose connections. That is, a spring-loaded, slidable collar on the female assembly is employed in a first position to secure a ring of ball bearings in an annular groove around a portion of the male assembly, thereby locking the assemblies together; and in a second position to allow the ball bearings to retract from the groove, thereby allowing the assemblies to be disconnected. This “quick-release” locking mechanism allows the assemblies to be readily connected and disconnected.
According to specific embodiments of the invention, each of the male and female assemblies are at least partially enclosed in a non-conductive sleeve which, when the assemblies are connected, combine with the collar mechanism to form a sleek, streamlined profile resistive to snagging on edges and corners by which the power cord and connector may be dragged. According to more specific embodiments, the non-conductive sleeves are threaded on their inner surfaces and engage corresponding threads on the exteriors of the male and female assemblies. In this way, the sleeves may be retracted from the assemblies if desired.
According to other specific embodiments, a male assembly designed according to the invention is the terminus of a short power cord which is permanently affixed to a power tool handle. The male assembly is for connection to an extension cord having a corresponding female assembly. Such embodiments are particularly useful in environments where power tools are frequently interchanged. Not only does the present invention facilitate easy connection and disconnection, the power tools are more easily stored without a cumbersome power cord. In a mass production environment, a single power cord terminated with a female assembly is provided for each work station on a retracting roller system. A number of power tools having the male assembly termination is also provided at each of the work stations. In a home environment, the fastidious do-it-yourself enthusiast can add one more level of organization to his workshop.
According to still other embodiments, one or both of the male and female assemblies are terminated with a conventional three-prong plug or receptacle to provide a variety of connection options for conventional extension cords, plugs and sockets.
The various embodiments of the invention provide several obvious advantages over conventional extension cords and connectors, as well as previous swivelin

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