Integrally formed whip assembly for electrically interconnecting electrical appliances to a power source
US5915736A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 18, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jun 29, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 18, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S285/903
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A one piece integrally formed liquid tight connection or "whip" assembly for electrically interconnecting electrical appliances, such as air conditioning units, hot tubs, swimming pools and outdoor lighting fixtures, to one another and/or to a power source junction box or control box. The connection assembly includes a flexible tubular conduit, preferably constructed from a composite of full rigid PVC and flexible plasticized PVC, having first and second end portions and an outer surface with a plurality of surface irregularities. A pair of end fittings are integrally attached to the first and second end portions of the tubular conduit, respectively, using either a solvent welding or temperature welding technique. When using the solvent technique, the plurality of surface irregularities operate to hold additional localized amounts of solvent which further reacts with the plastic in the end fittings and conduit to yield a superior weld. Each of end fitting also includes an external annular seal ring for engaging the electrical devices. A plurality of conductors extend through the tubular conduit and end fittings which provide electrical communication between the electrical devices.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.