Retention enclosure for in-line electrical plugs
US5755588A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 1, 1996 |
| Grant date | May 26, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 1, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01R13/6392
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An enclosure for retaining an electrical connection between a receptacle from a first electrical cord and a plug from a second electrical cord comprises a lower shell hingedly attached to the upper shell and a latch for securing the upper and lower shells into a closed position. In a first embodiment, an inside surface of one or both of the shells may include an elongated protrusion extending into the enclosure interior space for deformably engaging lateral surfaces of the receptacle and plug, thereby creating a frictional force to resist connection separation. The enclosure may also include protrusions or sectional annuli for engaging the first and second cords for resisting cord movement during the application of tensile loads on the electrical connection. Finally, the enclosure may also include a sheath fixed to the receptacle or plug. The sheath includes a retractable protrusion for releasably engaging a crenelated portion on an side surface of the enclosure to secure on portion of the connection, and at least one gripping protrusion engages one of the electrical cords to secure the entire connection within the enclosure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.