U.S. patent number 3,717,840 [Application Number 05/112,324] was granted by the patent office on 1973-02-20 for electrical circuit connection.
This patent grant is currently assigned to N.V. Inc.. Invention is credited to Basil Graeme-Noel, William Lee Vaughan.
United States Patent |
3,717,840 |
Vaughan , et al. |
February 20, 1973 |
ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT CONNECTION
Abstract
This disclosure is directed to an elastic circuit connector
comprising a plurality of stacked alternately spaced conducting and
non-conducting elements to define a terminal block interposed
between complementary housing members. The conducting elements of
the terminal block are formed with a flange portion having blanked
therefrom a locking tongue to form a screwless electrical
connection between a conducting wire and an electrical element. The
arrangement is such that the connecting wires of like circuits are
co-plannarily connected. The complementary housing member includes
an opening formed therein to frictionally secure the enclosing
sheath of a conducting wire or the like in the assembled position.
It is also contemplated that the housing may include an outlet in
the nature of a plug socket or toggle switch having contacts
complementing a quick connect control formed integral to the
conducting element of the terminal block.
Inventors: |
Vaughan; William Lee (Concord,
MA), Graeme-Noel; Basil (Wellesley, MA) |
Assignee: |
N.V. Inc. (Concord,
MA)
|
Family
ID: |
22343284 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/112,324 |
Filed: |
February 3, 1971 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
439/466;
439/620.25; 439/535; 439/658; 439/787; 439/438; 439/714 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R
4/4818 (20130101); H01R 9/00 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H01R
9/00 (20060101); H01R 4/48 (20060101); H01r
009/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;339/198,19,36,39,95D,207,208,210 ;174/59 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Wolfe; Robert L.
Assistant Examiner: Hafer; Robert A.
Claims
What is claimed Is:
1. A terminal block comprising:
a plurality of stacked alternately spaced layers of conducting and
non-conducting elements whereby the latter electrically insulate
the former from one another,
complementary means formed on the adjacent layers of said
conducting and non-conducting elements for receiving and
frictionally securing the ends of a conducting wire in electrical
connection with the conducting element so that wires of like
circuit are co-plannarily electrically connected, and
means for securing said elements in their respective stacked
positions,
where each conducting element includes a plate member having a
connected circumscribing flange angularly disposed relative to the
plane of said plate member,
and said complementary means including flexible locking tongue
blanked out of a portion of said flange.
2. A terminal block comprising:
a plurality of stacked alternately spaced layers of conducting and
non-conducting elements whereby the latter electrically insulate
the former from one another,
complementary means formed on the adjacent layers of said
conducting and non-conducting elements for receiving and
frictionally securing the ends of a conducting wire in electrical
connection with the conducting element so that wires of like
circuit are co-plannarily electrically connected, and
means for securing said elements in their respective stacked
positions,
each of said conducting layers includes a flange portion,
and said complementary means includes a locking tongue blanked out
of a portion of said flange whereby said tongue is hingedly
connected and adapted to flex inwardly of said block for receiving
the end of a wire conductor.
3. A terminal block as defined in claim 2 wherein said locking
tongue has its free end formed with a notched-out portion adapted
to frictionally engage the end portion of a conducting wire, and
the adjacent portion of said flange from whence said tongue
has been blanked having a complementary notched-out portion whereby
said notched end of said tongue and notched adjacent portion of
said flange cooperate to frictionally secure a wire conductor
therebetween.
4. A terminal block as described in claim 2 wherein said
non-conducting element is formed in an opening therein for
receiving the end of an electrical conducting wire,
said opening being disposed in substantial alignment with the
spacing defined between the free end of said locking tongue and
adjacent portion of said flange from whence said tongue is
blanked.
5. A terminal block as defined in claim 4 wherein the location of
the spacing defined between the locking tongue and adjacent end
portions of the respective layers of said conducting elements and
the complementary aligned opening formed in the non-conducting
elements are staggered.
6. A terminal block as defined in claim 4 wherein said
non-conducting element includes a complementary notch associated
with the locking tongue of an adjacent conducting member to limit
the insertion of a conducting wire into said block.
7. A terminal block as defined in claim 2 including at least two
spaced apart layers of conducting elements.
8. A terminal block as defined in claim 2 including three spaced
apart layers of conducting elements.
9. A terminal block as defined in claim 2 and including means for
electrically insulating a portion of one of said conducting
elements from another portion of the same element.
10. A terminal block as defined in claim 2 wherein each said
conducting element is defined an an endless member having flanged
portions.
11. A terminal block as defined in claim 2 wherein each said
conducting element includes a connector tab means blanked out of
said element, and
an outlet means having complementary connecting tab contact means
adapted to make electrical contact with said connector tab
means.
12. The invention as defined in claim 11 wherein said outlet
comprises a plug outlet.
13. The invention as defined in claim 12 wherein said outlet
comprises a switch outlet.
14. The invention as defined in claim 2 and including a housing for
encasing said terminal block,
said housing including a cover member and a complementary base
member,
said cover member and base member having complementary portions
defining an opening for receiving a sheathed cable or circuit
conducting wires,
sheath securing means operatively associated with said defined
opening to securely grip the sheath of said cable therebetween in
the assembled position,
and means for securing said housing members in the assembled
position.
15. The invention as defined in claim 14 wherein said sheath
securing means includes integrally formed grippers formed on at
least one of said housing members.
16. The invention as defined in claim 14 wherein said sheath
securing means includes:
means defining complementary aligned recessed portions formed in
said housing members adjacent the opening defined therein,
a resilient washer adapted to receive the sheathed cable deposed
between the aligned recessed portion of said housing member,
said washer having a diameter slightly greater than the width of
said recessed portion in the assembled position of said housing
member whereby the compression imparted to said washer in the
assembled position of said housing members permits a flexing of
said washer that results in frictionally securing the sheathed
cable between said housing members.
17. An electrical circuit connector comprising: a housing including
a base member and a complementary cover member,
said base member and cover member having complementary portions
defining an opening for receiving a cable comprising of a plurality
of circuit defining wires,
means operatively associated with said defined openings to lock
said cable between said members in the assembled positions
thereof,
means defining a terminal block interposed between said base member
and cover member,
said block including a plurality of conducting layers, and a
non-conducting layer interposed between adjacent conducting layers
wherein said conducting planes are disposed in spaced apart
planes,
means formed in each of said conducting layers for frictionally
locking the ends of a conducting wire in electrical contact
therewith so that wires of like circuits are co-plannarily
connected,
and means for securing said housing members together for encasing
said laminated block therebetween.
18. The invention as defined in claim 17 wherein said cover member
is provided with a cut-out opening,
and an outlet adapted to be received within said cut-out
opening,
and complementary contacts connecting conducting layers of said
terminal block to said outlet,
and said complementary contacts having quick connecting coupling
means for making electrical contact therebetween.
Description
PROBLEMS AND PRIOR ART
Heretofore junction boxes, terminal boxes and the like for making
electrical connections generally in current use comprise a metallic
box having a plurality of openings through which the end of a
connecting wire or cable is inserted. Because most wires used in
wiring house circuits and the like are encased in either a rigid or
non-rigid sheathing, a connector, ferrule or clamp was generally
employed to firmly secure the cable or wire sheathing to the
terminal box to resist any pulling force being exerted on the cable
or wire. With the cable or sheathing thus secured the stripped ends
of the individual wires were then electrically connected by
twisting the wire ends together as required to make a given circuit
and securing the ends so joined by solderless connector. Electrical
connections so made, even by experienced electricians, required
considerable time because of the various manual operations
required. For this reason the number of connections which a given
electrician can make in a given period of time is limited. As a
result of the high labor cost of electrical technicians, the cost
and expense in wiring circuits in many instances can reach
prohibitive limits.
In the event an incorrect installation is made when such metallic
terminal boxes are used which causes the conductor wire to make
contact with the box, a highly dangerous problem of shorting,
overheating and/or fire may result. Because such terminal boxes are
generally hidden in the wall of a structure, such faulty
installation can not be readily detected until the damage has been
done.
Another problem which can result with metallic boxes occurs when an
aged insulation on a conductor cracks or frays. When this occurs
the metal box can heat up causing fire and/or electrical shocks or
shorts. Also the use of metal boxes as a junction or terminal box
presents a hazard to installers and/or electricians in the event
power to the wire connected therein is not cut off.
OBJECTS
An object of this invention resides in the provision of a terminal
or junction box constructed so that the stripped ends of a
conducting wire can be simply inserted into an opening formed
therein to form an electrical connection which is frictionally
retained therein.
Another object resides in the provision of a junction box
constructed of stacked alternately spaced conducting and
non-conducting elements in which wires of like circuits are
connected in a common plane to the respective conducting
element.
Another object resides in the provision of a junction box or the
like having a plurality of spaced apart electrically insulated
conducting members constructed to frictionally secure and lock a
plurality of conducting wires in electrical circuit.
Another object is to provide the maximum safety possible from
electrical shock or fire during and after installation by
electrically isolating all conductors by the use of non-conducting
and non-burning materials.
Another object is the prevention of frayed conductor insulation or
frayed cable insulation causing conductors to short out.
Another object is to prevent the installer from receiving
electrical shock even if the power is accidentally left on at the
box.
Another object is to prevent conductors or ground circuits from
becoming loosened.
Another object is the prevention of excessive cable clamping action
to crush conductors and cause the box to become hot.
Another object is to prevent the inserting of conductors into the
ground circuit.
Another object is to provide a junction or terminal box or the like
having a housing for securely clamping the sheath of the conducting
wires in the operative position.
Another object is to provide an electrical receptacle or switch box
in which the receptacle or switch is readily connected in contact
to the connecting wires in a relatively simple and expedient
manner.
Another object is to provide a junction box, switch box or outlet
box with a terminal block in which the conducting wires and/or an
electrical receptacle switch or appliance can be readily secured or
connected in electrical circuit in a simple and expedient
manner.
Another object of this invention resides in the provision of an
electrical terminal block having improved friction locking tongues
for locking conductor wires in electrical circuit.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The foregoing objects and other features and advantages are
attained by a junction box or terminal box comprising of a
plurality of alternately spaced conducting and non-conducting
elements in the form of plates stacked one on the other to form a
terminal block. Spaced about the sides of the block thus formed are
openings for receiving the stripped ends of a conducting wire.
Disposed in alignment with the openings are flange portions of the
conducting elements in which a locking tongue is blanked out of the
plane thereof and which cooperate with an adjacent edge portion to
frictionally grip and lock the stripped wire conductors in
electrical circuit with any other conductor similarly connected to
a common conducting element. Thus electrical coupling of a
plurality of electrical conductors is attained simply by inserting
the stripped ends of a wire through an opening formed in the block.
The opening for receiving and locking the respective wires of a
particular cable are spaced so that wires of like circuits are
connected to a co-plannar conducting element.
The terminal box is arranged to be disposed within a housing
comprising a base member and a complementary cover member which are
formed so as to define an opening for receiving the sheath in which
conducting wires are encased. The arrangement is such that in the
operative position the housing members co-act to frictionally
secure the sheath of a wire cable therebetween in a manner to
resist any force or pull thereon. The housing members are
constructed so as to frictionally lock or secure either a rigid
and/or non-rigid sheath.
In the event the terminal block described is to be used as a
junction for receiving a receptacle, e.g., an outlet socket, switch
and the like, the conducting elements and the complementary
contacts of the receptacle are formed with complementary
interlocking contacts whereby the electric connection is made
simply by a snap type connection between the corresponding
contacts.
FEATURES
A feature of this invention resides in the provision of a terminal
block or junction comprising of a plurality of alternating
conducting and non-conducting elements alternately stacked one on
the other with openings formed therein for frictionally securing
the ends of a stripped conducting wire in electrical contact.
Another feature resides in the construction of a terminal block
disposed within complementary housing sections constructed to
frictionally secure the encasing sheath of a wire conductor with
the respective stripped ends of the individual wire conductors
frictionally secured and locked in a screwless connection in an
electrical circuit.
Another feature resides in the provision of a terminal block formed
of stacked electrically insulated conducting elements in which the
respective wires of like circuits are electrically connected in a
common plane to one of the stacked conducting members.
Another feature resides in a terminal block of insulated stacked
conducting elements having contacts arranged to be frictionally
coupled to complementary contacts of an electrical appliance, e.g.,
a switch or outlet receptacle.
Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent
when considered in view of the drawings and the detail description
thereof in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of an electrical terminal
block and housing therefor embodying the present invention.
FIG. 1A is an assembled perspective view of a terminal block
embodying the invention.
FIG. 2 is an assembled cross-sectional view of the terminal block
and housing construction of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an elevation view of a detail of construction of the
locking tongue formed on the internal conducting elements of the
block construction of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the locking tongue construction of FIG.
3.
FIG. 5 illustrates a detail of construction illustrating the manner
in which a wire conductor is frictionally secured to the conducting
element of the terminal block.
FIG. 6 is a view similar to that of FIG. 5 illustrating the manner
in which a pull on the wire conductor is resisted by the locking
tongue.
FIG. 7 is a detailed sectional view illustrating the manner in
which the sheath of a wire cable or the like is disposed between
the housing sections of a terminal block of the present
invention.
FIG. 8 is a detailed view similar to that of FIG. 7 illustrating
the manner in which the sheathing of a wire conductor is secured
between the complementary housing sections as the housing sections
are assembled.
FIG. 9 illustrates a modified form of the invention in which the
housing sections of the terminal block construction are constructed
to accommodate a rigid sheath conductor showing the parts in the
inoperative position.
FIG. 10 is a view similar to that of FIG. 9 but illustrating the
housing sections in the operative locking position on a rigid
sheath conductor.
FIG. 10A is a detail of a rigid sheath locking washer as employed
in the construction of FIGS. 9 and 10.
FIG. 11 illustrates a modified embodiment of the invention
illustrating the manner in which an electrical receptacle is
disposed in electrical connection with a terminal block embodying
the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration illustrating how a switch
member may be connected to a terminal block embodying the present
invention.
FIG. 13 is a perspective detail of construction of a conducting
element of the terminal block of FIGS. 11 or 12.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a detail of construction of the
non-conducting element of the terminal block of FIGS. 11 or 12.
DETAILED SPECIFICATION
Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 1A
an electrical distribution center or terminal block construction 20
and housing 21 therefor embodying the present invention. As best
seen in FIG. 1, the terminal block assembly comprises a base
housing section 22 and a complementary cover section 29 which, in
the assembled position, are adapted to mate with one on the other,
for securing therebetween the terminal block 20. As best seen in
FIGS. 1 and 2 the base housing member 22 has a bottom wall 22A
which has formed along the circumferential marginal portion thereof
at spaced intervals a means 23 for locating or receiving the sheath
portion 24 of a conducting cable 25. The means 23 for receiving or
locating the sheath portion 24 of a conducting cable 25, as viewed
in FIG. 1 comprises an arcuate formed seat 23A in which a gripping
means in the form of gripping teeth 26 are formed integral with the
bottom portion of the seat. The corner portions of the base section
or member 22 are provided with bosses 27 having an opening 28
formed therein for receiving a fastener by which it can be
supported on a wall or stand for vertical or horizontal mounting.
Intermediate the respective side walls the base 22 is provided with
openings 31A for receiving fasteners 32. In the illustrated form of
the invention the base member 22 is provided with six seats 23A by
which six conducting cables 25 may be connected in circuit with one
another as will be hereinafter described. However, it will be
understood that a housing and terminal block embodying the
invention may be found with more or less than six cable seats 23A
for receiving cables which may be connected in circuit, if
desired.
The cover member 29 of the housing 21 comprises a substantially
rectangular member having a top wall 29A and a depending
circumscribing flange portion 29B. The respective flange portions
29B are provided with a complementary cut-out or notch 30 to
define, in the assembled position thereof, a complementary cable
seat which co-acts with cable seats 23A of the bottom member 22 to
secure therebetween a cable sheath as will be hereinafter
described.
The cover member 29 is also provided with holes 31 adapted to be
disposed in alignment with the tapped openings 31A formed in the
bottom member 22 for receiving therein a fastener, as for example a
screw or bolt 32, by which the housing members 22 and 29 may be
secured in assembled position as seen in FIG. 2.
In the assembled position of the housing 21, as seen in FIGS. 7 and
8, the sheath portion 24 enclosing the wire conductors 24A is
frictionally secured between the complementary housing members 22
and 29 whereby the clamping force effected by the complementary
cable seats 23, 26 and 30 formed in the sides of the housing
members 22, 29 cooperate to clamp and frictionally secure the
sheath 24 of a wire cable 25 therebetween so as to resist any
pulling force applied to the cable.
As best seen in FIGS. 1, 1A and 2, the terminal block construction
20 enclosed between the complementary housing sections 22 and 29
comprises a plurality of alternately stacked electrical conducting
elements 33, 34 and 35 and non-conducting elements 36, 37 and 38.
In the illustrated form of the invention, the three electric
conducting elements 33, 34 and 35, which are substantially similar
are alternately stacked between the non-conducting members 36, 37
and 38. The respective conducting members 33, 34 and 35 comprise a
metallic plate formed of suitable electrical conducting material,
as for example, copper. The conducting elements 33, 34 and 35 are
substantially rectangular formed with a circumscribing depending
flange 33A, 34A and 35A. In the illustrated form of the invention
the central portion of each conducting member 33, 34, 35 may be
blanked out to conserve material. The depending flange portions
have blanked out of the plane thereof, one or more locking tongues
39. As best seen in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the locking tongue 39 of each
element 33, 34, 35 is arranged to be hingedly connected along a
hinge line 39A so as to be integrally formed as part of the
depending flange with the free end 39B of the tongue 39 being
slightly tapered so as to terminate in an arcuate or notched edged
portion 40. The complementary adjacent edge 40A of the flange is
also provided with a notched out arcuate cut-out, as indicated at
40A, whereby the notched-out portion of the tongue and flange are
arranged to accommodate and frictionally grip therebetween the
stripped end 24A of a conducting wire 24.
In the illustrated form of the invention it is to be noted that two
such locking tongues 39 are blanked out of one pair of opposed side
portions of the conducting member, and one locking tongue 39 is
blanked out of the other opposed pair of sides.
The first or lowermost conducting member 33 of the series of
conducting members is arranged so as to be seated over a raised
portion or table surface 42 located centrally on the bottom wall
22A of the base housing member 22. AS shown, the raised portion or
table surface 42 of the base housing member 22 is integral with the
base member and is formed of a suitable dielectric material, as for
example, a non-conducting plastic, rubber, Bakelite and the like.
The raised or table portion 42 is dimensioned so that the lowermost
conducting member 33 may be snuggly fitted thereover. As best seen
in FIG. 1 the raised or table portion 42 of the base member 22 is
provided with a series of notched-out portions 42A which are
arranged in alignment with an associated locking tongue 39 of the
resistor or conducting member 33. As noted, the notched-out
portions 42A are defined as an angle having one vertical wall 42B
and its other wall inclined thereto to define an apex of an acute
angle of 30 to 45 degrees. The arrangement is such that the
vertical wall 42B of the angled notch 42 is disposed substantially
normal to the adjacent edge 40A defined opposite the free end 39B
of the associated locking tongue. Thus the edge 42C of the raised
portion 42 parallel to the flange 33A of the resistor element
seated thereon provides a stop or abuttment which prohibits the
flexing of the vertical edge portion 40A which defines with the
free end of the locking tongue 39, a wire receiving opening. As
will be hereinafter described, the arrangement is such that the
edge 40A and the free end 39 of the tongue 39 cooperate to
frictionally lock and secure therebetween the stripped end of a
wire in electrical connection with the associated conducting
element.
Superimposed over the lowermost conducting element 33 is
non-conducting member 36. Member 36 is in the form of a rectangular
member having a depending flange 36A which, in the assembled
position, is adapted to snuggly overly or embrace the depending
flanges 33A of conducting member 33. The non-conducting member 36
is formed so that its depending flanges 36A are provided with one
or more cut-outs or notches 44 to define an opening. In the
assembled position the openings 44 are arranged to be disposed in
alignment with the wire opening defined between the free end 39B of
the locking tongue 39 and adjacent edge 40A opposite thereto.
The upper surface 36B of non-conducting element 36 is provided with
a raised portion having circumferentially spaced thereabout angled
notches 45 similar to those formed on the raised portion 42 of the
base 22. Preferably the notches 45 formed in non-conducting element
36 are positioned so as to be slightly staggered with respect to
the notches 42A formed on the bottom wall 22A of the base member
22. However, if desired the respective notches formed in the raised
portions of the non-conducting members may be disposed in vertical
alignment.
Superimposed on non-conducting element 36 is a second conducting
element 34. Element 34 is substantially similar to element 33,
except that the locking tongues 39 of element 34 are blanked so as
to be slightly staggered relative to the locking tongues 39 of the
lowermost member 33.
For a three wire junction box connector, another non-conducting
element 37, similar to that of element 36, is fitted onto the
second conducting member 34. Element 37 is also provided with
raised portions 37A adapted to receive a third conducting member
35.
In a three wire circuit junction box or terminal 20 the middle
conducting member 34 can be made the ground, with the upper and
lower conducting members 33 and 35 being available to connect to
current carrying conductors to one another electrically.
In the assembled position, the terminal block 20 is contained
between the base and cover housing members 22, 29 as seen in FIG.
2. Also the cover members 22 and 29 frictionally maintain the
sheath 25 of a wire conductor clamped therebetween. The respective
stripped ends of the individual wires 24A of the cable 25 are
frictionally connected or coupled in an electrical circuit simply
by inserting the stripped end 24A of an individual wire into an
appropriate wire opening 44, 37C or 38A formed in the terminal
block.
As best seen in FIGS. 3-5 the co-action between the free end 39B of
the locking tongue 39 and the adjacent edge 40A of the associated
conducting member function to frictionally secure the wire
conductor in electrical contact with he associated conducting
member. Thus when a pull is applied on the individual wire
conductors 24A, as evidenced in FIG. 6, the tongue 39 tends to
reverse upon itself to frictionally wedge or secure the wire in
position between the free end of tongue 39 and the adjacent edge
portion 40A of the element to resist any tendency of the wire being
pulled free.
With the junction box thus described it will be apparent that all
wires of like circuit are electrically connected to a common
co-plannar conducting member. Thus every wire connected to the
bottom element 33 of the stacked conductor elements will be
electrically connected or coupled together. Likewise all conductors
connected to the middle element 34 will be grounded, if this
element is made ground, to all other wires connecting thereto.
Those conductors or wires connecting to the top member 35 will
likewise be connected to like circuits.
If separate circuits are desired, it will be understood that the
respective stacked conducting members may be modified, as seen in
FIG. 15, with electrical insulating segments or portions 47 to
electrically insulate one section 48A of an element 48 from another
portion 48B so that connecting wires connected to portions 48A, 48B
of element 48 may be in different circuits. With the element
constructed as viewed in FIG. 15, wires connected to portion 48A
are electrically connected in like circuits whereas wires connected
to the other portion 48B of the conducting member 48 are connected
into a different circuit. Thus with the construction described it
will be understood that various circuit combinations may be
afforded by varying the arrangement and construction of the
respective conducting members such as 33, 34, 35 in a manner herein
described. It will be understood that the insulating portion 47 of
the modified element 48 may be air, e.g., by merely effecting an
air space or gap between portions 48A, 48B, or any other dielectric
material integrally mated with portion 48A, 48B, or any other
dielectric material integrally mated with portion 48A, 48B.
With the terminal box described it will be noted that wires 24A can
be readily joined into electrical circuit with one another simply
by inserting stripped ends of the wires in the appropriate wire
openings 44, 37C, or 38A formed in the juncture box whereby like
wires of like circuits are co-plannarly connected to a given common
conducting element. Also the construction of the housing 21
encasing the terminal block 20 is such that the sheath 24 of a
cable 25 is firmly secured in position.
FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a modified housing construction 50 which
is particularly adapted for securing or clamping therebetween cable
or wire 51 having a rigid sheath 52, as for example, a BX cable or
metallic encased wires, as in a pipe. In this form of the invention
the complementary flange portions 53A, 54A of the base and cover
housing members 53 and 54 respectively, adjacent the opening 55
defined thereby for receiving the cable sheath 52 are provided with
an arcuate groove or notch 56 for receiving or seating a washer 57
through which a cable sheath 55 is inserted. The washer may be
slightly bowed or flexed, as seen in FIG. 9, and the outer diameter
of the washer 57, as best seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, is such that it
is slightly greater than the diameter D of the notch 56 in the
assembled position as seen in FIG. 10. The washer 57 is also made
of a resilient or readily flexing material which is free to flex
when the respective housing sections 53, 54 are drawn together to
assembled position as viewed in FIG. 10. The arrangement is such
that when the respective housing sections 53, 54 of the modified
embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, are drawn together, the
washer 57 will be flexed causing the inner circumference thereof to
grip or bind the rigid sheath 52, of the cable between opposed
portions of the inner circumference to impart a clamping or
securing force to the end of the rigid sheath cable. Thus the
arrangement, as seen in FIG. 10, is such that the flexed washer 57,
when compressed between the respective complementary housing member
53, 54 is such that it will tend to resist a pull on the sheath
tending to separate it from the housing 50. The terminal block
construction (not shown) disposed within the housing 50 of the
modified embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10 is similar to that described
with respect to FIGS. 1 and 1A, and therefore need not be further
described.
FIG. 11 illustrates another modified embodiment 60 of the invention
wherein the terminal block 61 is constructed and arranged so that
an electrical appliance, as for example, a receptacle outlet 62, or
switch means 63, may be quickly and easily attached to the contacts
of the junction block 61 by a screwless connection. As shown in
FIG. 11 the housing 64 for the terminal block 60 comprises a bottom
member 64A which is similar to the bottom member hereinbefore
described with respect to FIG. 1. The cover member 64B of the
housing 64 is similar to that described with respect to FIG. 1,
with the exception that the central portion of the housing is
provided with a cut-out 65 sized to receive a receptacle or switch
housing 62A or 63A.
The terminal block construction 60 of FIG. 11 is similar to that
described with respect to FIG. 1 with the exception that those
conducting members, e.g., 67 and 68 or 67A, which are utilized to
conduct the circuit to the contacts 69, 70 of the connected
receptacle outlet 62 or switch 63 are provided with integrally
formed spring leaf contacts 71 or 71A which are bent out of the
respective planes of members 67 or 68 as seen in FIGS. 11 and 13.
The respective leaf contacts 71, 71A are each provided with a
reversely bent or hook-shaped end portion 72 on the free end
thereof.
The electrical contacts 69 and 70 of the receptacle 62 or switch 63
are likewise provided with a depending spring finger having a
reversely bent complementary hook end portion 69A, 70A adapted to
mate or hook up with the hook ends 72, 72 of the conducting plate
leaf contacts 71, 71A. As best seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, electrical
contact between the contacts 69 and 70 of the receptacle 62 or
switch 63, and the leaf contacts 71, 71A of the respective
conducting member is effected simply by interhooking the hook ends
thereof. With this construction it will be noted that a screwless
connection is thus formed between the contacts 69, 70 of the outlet
62 or switch 63 and the leaf contact 71, 71A of the appropriate
conducting members carrying the circuit thereto.
FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective detail of a conducting element 67
adapted for use as a terminal block adapted for use for connection
with a receptacle outlet 62 or switch 63. The respective contacting
members may be provided with the appropriate appliance, as for
example a plug or switch to complete the required circuit. With the
construction of FIGS. 11 and 12, the non-conducting member of the
terminal block 60, e.g., member 73, is provided with a central
cut-out portion 73A to provide an opening through which the leaf
contacts 71, or 71A of the subjacent conducting element may
extend.
In all other respects the construction of the modified junction
assembly of FIGS. 11 and 12 is similar to that described with
respect to FIGS. 1 and 1A.
FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic view similar to that of FIG. 11 but
modified to illustrate a switch means 63 connected in circuit
instead of an outlet receptacle 62. Otherwise the construction of
the embodiment of FIG. 12 is similar to that of FIG. 11.
From the foregoing it will be noted that the terminal block
construction comprises a readily simple and inexpensive device in
which one or more wires may be connected in circuit in a simple and
expedient manner simply by inserting the stripped ends of a
connected wire through the appropriate opening formed therein,
whereby the wires of the like circuit are connected to a common
conducting member with a screwless connection. With the
construction described, all wires connected into a particular
layer, or conducting member are connected in circuit with one
another, unless the particular conducting member, e.g., member 48
is electrically segmented as described with respect to FIG. 15. The
terminal blocks, as described, greatly facilitate and reduce the
amount of time otherwise required to make electrical connections
utilizing conventionally known junction boxes. Also it will be
apparent that the various circuits which can be wired by
conventional means can be attained by the terminal blocks of the
present invention by appropriate selection of the appropriate block
necessary for a given installation as herein described. The
construction is such that when a terminal block, as described, is
utilized within a housing construction as described, the
arrangement is such that the cable enclosing the conducting wires
is securely clamped between the complementary sections of the
housing to resist any pulling force applied thereto. In addition,
the individual wires connected in electrical circuit are likewise
frictionally secured within the terminal box to further resist any
force or pull exerted on the respective wires. In this manner a
very positive holding force is attained to resist any pull imparted
on the wires connected in circuit.
The invention described is directed to a junction and/or outlet
construction or a combination thereof having a conductor pate
and/or ground plate internally of the unit. The described
construction is applicable for use with electrical-mechanical
switches, electrical-mechanical panels, sub-panels, fuse boxes,
switchboards, connectors, coils, plugs, control boxes, brakes,
clutches, junction boxes, terminal boxes, and in general to any
wiring application of electrical conductors.
While the present invention has been described with respect to
particular embodiments thereof it will be readily understood that
variations and modifications may be made without departing from the
spirit or scope of the invention.
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