U.S. patent number RE47,893 [Application Number 15/234,619] was granted by the patent office on 2020-03-03 for conduit connector and methods for making and using the same.
This patent grant is currently assigned to SIGMA ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING CORPORATION. The grantee listed for this patent is Sigma Electric Manufacturing Corporation. Invention is credited to Vinayak Manohar Chavan, Yuvraj Totaram Khodape, Ashok Alilughatta Sathanarayana.
![](/patent/grant/RE047893/USRE047893-20200303-D00000.png)
![](/patent/grant/RE047893/USRE047893-20200303-D00001.png)
![](/patent/grant/RE047893/USRE047893-20200303-D00002.png)
![](/patent/grant/RE047893/USRE047893-20200303-D00003.png)
![](/patent/grant/RE047893/USRE047893-20200303-D00004.png)
![](/patent/grant/RE047893/USRE047893-20200303-D00005.png)
![](/patent/grant/RE047893/USRE047893-20200303-D00006.png)
![](/patent/grant/RE047893/USRE047893-20200303-D00007.png)
United States Patent |
RE47,893 |
Chavan , et al. |
March 3, 2020 |
Conduit connector and methods for making and using the same
Abstract
In one embodiment, the conduit connector can comprise: a body
comprising a hollow center capable of receiving a conduit in a
receiving end, wherein the hollow center extends from the receiving
end to the connecting end; a spring disposed within the hollow
center and extending out of the connecting end, wherein the spring
comprises engagement tangs extending into the hollow center, toward
the connection end, and spring tangs extending past the connection
end and spaced apart a distance greater than or equal to an opening
diameter in a junction box; and an antishort bush located in the
connecting end of the body, retaining the spring in the body.
Inventors: |
Chavan; Vinayak Manohar (Pune,
IN), Khodape; Yuvraj Totaram (Pune, IN),
Sathanarayana; Ashok Alilughatta (Pune, IN) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sigma Electric Manufacturing Corporation |
Garner |
NC |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
SIGMA ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING
CORPORATION (Garner, NC)
|
Family
ID: |
1000004352109 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/234,619 |
Filed: |
August 11, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
61448872 |
Mar 3, 2011 |
|
|
|
Reissue of: |
13409409 |
Mar 1, 2012 |
8803008 |
Aug 12, 2014 |
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02G
3/0616 (20130101); H02G 3/0691 (20130101); H02G
3/0691 (20130101); H02G 3/0616 (20130101); H01R
13/74 (20130101); H02G 3/18 (20130101); H01R
13/74 (20130101); H02G 3/18 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H02G
3/04 (20060101); H02G 3/06 (20060101); H01R
13/74 (20060101); H02G 3/18 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;174/660
;439/221,207,660 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1120113 |
|
Mar 1982 |
|
CA |
|
2582792 |
|
Sep 2008 |
|
CA |
|
2728542 |
|
Aug 2011 |
|
CA |
|
2863682 |
|
Jun 2005 |
|
FR |
|
1422355 |
|
Jan 1976 |
|
GB |
|
1422355 |
|
Jan 1976 |
|
GB |
|
2177268 |
|
Jan 1987 |
|
GB |
|
Other References
French Patent No. 2863682; Date of Publication: Jun. 17, 2005;
Abstract Only, 1 page. cited by applicant .
French Patent No. 2863682 (A1); Publication Date: Jun. 17, 2005;
Abstract Only; 1 Page. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Deb; Anjan K
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Cantor Colburn LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application .Iadd.is a reissue application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/409,409, filed Mar. 1, 2012, which
.Iaddend.claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
61/448,872, filed on Mar. 3, 2011, the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
Claims
What is claims is:
1. A conduit connector, comprising: a body comprising a hollow
center capable of receiving a conduit in a receiving end, wherein
the hollow center extends from the receiving end to .[.the.].
.Iadd.a .Iaddend.connecting end; a spring disposed within the
.[.hollow center and extending out of the connecting end.].
.Iadd.body.Iaddend., wherein the spring comprises engagement tangs
extending into the hollow center.[., toward the connection end.].
.Iadd.wherein the engagement tangs are configured to physically
contact grooves along an outer surface of a conduit when the
conduit is inserted into the body.Iaddend., and spring tangs
extending past the .[.connection.]. .Iadd.connecting .Iaddend.end
and spaced apart a distance greater than or equal to an opening
diameter in a junction box; and an antishort bush located in the
connecting end of the body.[., retaining the spring in the
body.]..
2. The conduit connector of claim 1, wherein each spring tang
comprises an .[.aperature.]. .Iadd.aperture .Iaddend.that receives
a knob on the body.
3. The conduit connector of claim 1, wherein each spring tang
comprises a center lug extending outward from a spring main
portion, away from the spring and toward the receiving end.
4. The conduit connector of claim 1, wherein each spring tang
comprises side lugs angled toward the receiving end at an angle so
that, once the connector is attached to an opening, the lugs avoid
disengagement after applying a pulling load.
5. The conduit connector of claim 4, wherein the side lugs form
wings on opposite sides of each spring tang and have a shape that
diverges from near an end of the spring tang toward the receiving
end .Iadd.of the antishort bush.Iaddend..
6. The conduit connector of claim 1, wherein a spring main portion
can have three sides, with the spring tangs extending from two
opposite sides, and the engagement tangs extend into the channel
from all three sides.
7. The conduit connector of claim 6, wherein the engagement tangs
.Iadd.angle toward each other to .Iaddend.form a generally V-shaped
profile that is configured to align .[.a.]. .Iadd.the
.Iaddend.conduit in the .[.channel.]. .Iadd.center of the
connector.Iaddend..
8. The conduit connector of claim 6, wherein the engagement tangs
comprise a central receiving tang that is angled from the sides
into the channel and having a generally V-shaped end, and a first
side receiving tang having a diagonal .[.ends.]. .Iadd.end
.Iaddend.that angles toward the central receiving tang and a second
side receiving tang having a diagonal end angled toward the central
receiving tang forming a generally V-shaped profile of the
engagement tangs.
9. The conduit connector of claim 6, wherein each engagement tang
extends into the body at a different distance than another
engagement tang.
10. The conduit connector of claim 1, wherein the antishort bush
further comprises a restrictor extending toward the .[.receiving
end.]. .Iadd.connecting end of the body.Iaddend., wherein the
restrictor restricts movement of the spring.
11. The conduit connector of claim 1, wherein the antishort bush
comprises projections that extend toward the body and through an
opening such that a foot on the projection snapfits the antishort
bush onto the body.
12. The conduit connector of claim 1, wherein, near the receiving
end, the body comprises a slot such that a corner at the receiving
end of the spring passes through the slot and a window near the
corner engages a jut on the body.
13. The conduit connector of claim 1, wherein the body has a
polygonal shape.
14. A conduit connector, comprising: a body comprising a hollow
center capable of receiving a conduit in a receiving end and a
knob, wherein the hollow center extends from the receiving end to
.[.the.]. .Iadd.a .Iaddend.connecting end; a spring disposed
.[.within.]. .Iadd.into .Iaddend.the .[.hollow center and extending
out of the connecting end.]. .Iadd.body.Iaddend., wherein the
spring comprises engagement tangs extend into the hollow center,
toward the .[.connection.]. .Iadd.connecting .Iaddend.end, wherein
the engagement tangs .Iadd.angle toward each other to .Iaddend.form
a generally V-shaped profile that is configured to align a conduit
in the channel, spring tangs comprise a center lug extending
outward from a spring main portion, away from the spring and toward
the receiving end, wherein the spring tangs .[.extend past the
connection end and.]. .Iadd.are .Iaddend.spaced apart a distance
greater than or equal to an opening diameter in a junction box, and
wherein each spring tang comprises side lugs angled toward the
receiving end at an angle so that, once the connector is attached
to an opening, the lugs avoid disengagement after applying a
pulling load; and an aperture that received the knob; .Iadd.and
.Iaddend. an antishort bush located in the connecting end of the
body.[., retaining the spring in the body.]..
15. The conduit connector of claim 14, wherein the side lugs form
wings on opposite sides of each spring tang and have a shape that
diverges from near an end of the spring tang toward the receiving
end .Iadd.of the antishort bush.Iaddend..
16. The conduit connector of claim 14, wherein a spring main
portion can have three sides, with the spring tangs extending from
two opposite sides, and the engagement tangs extend into the
channel from all three sides.
17. The conduit connector of claim 16, wherein the engagement tangs
comprise a central receiving tang that is angled from the sides
into the channel and having a generally V-shaped end, and a first
side receiving tang having a diagonal ends that angles toward the
central receiving tang and a second side receiving tang having a
diagonal end angled toward the central receiving tang forming a
generally V-shaped profile of the engagement tangs.
18. The conduit connector of claim 16, wherein each engagement tang
extends into the body at a different distance than another
engagement tang.
19. The conduit connector of claim 14, wherein antishort bush
further comprises a restrictor extending toward the .[.receiving.].
.Iadd.connecting .Iaddend.end .Iadd.of the body.Iaddend., wherein
the restrictor restricts movement of the spring, and comprises
projections that extend toward the body and through an opening such
that a foot on the projection snapfits the antishort bush onto the
body.
20. The conduit connector of claim 14, wherein, near the receiving
end, the body comprises a slot such that a corner at the receiving
end of the spring passes through the slot and a window near the
corner engages a jut on the body.
.Iadd.21. A conduit connector, comprising: a hollow body capable of
receiving a conduit in a receiving end, wherein the body has a
rectangular body shape, wherein the body extends from the receiving
end to a connecting end; a spring inserted into the body, wherein
the spring comprises engagement tangs extending into the body
capable of engaging a conduit, and at least two spring tangs
capable of engaging an opening in a junction box; and wherein the
body is configured to receive the spring; and an antishort bush
located at the connecting end of the body..Iaddend.
.Iadd.22. The conduit connector of claim 21, wherein the spring has
a rectangular shape that is complementary to the rectangular body
shape..Iaddend.
.Iadd.23. The conduit connector of claim 21, wherein the antishort
bush extends into the spring, between the spring
tangs..Iaddend.
.Iadd.24. The conduit connector of claim 21, wherein the spring
tangs are capable of removably engaging the opening in the junction
box..Iaddend.
.Iadd.25. A method of securing a conduit to a junction box,
comprising: disposing a conduit into a conduit connector and
engaging the conduit with engagement tangs that extend into the
conduit connector, wherein the conduit connector comprises a hollow
body having a rectangular body shape, wherein the conduit extends
into the body; a spring disposed within the hollow body and
comprising the engagement tangs and spring tangs extending out of
the hollow body; and an antishort bush, wherein the antishort bush
extends through the opening in the junction box; inserting a
connecting end of the conduit connector into an opening in a
junction box such that the spring tangs engage the
opening..Iaddend.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The instant application relates to adapters for connecting conduits
to enclosures, e.g., conduit connectors for connecting electrical
conduit to junction boxes, outlet boxes, or other enclosures.
BACKGROUND
The most common use for electrical conduit connectors is to
facilitate the connection of a conduit or cable to a junction box.
The junction box can be a variety of electrical enclosures such as
an outlet box, transformer enclosure, circuit panel, lighting
fixture--the list is nearly endless. Similarly, the conduit can be
rigid or flexible, or could be hose, other tubing capable of
routing electrical wire, or cable. Cable can be non-metallic
sheathed cable, portable cord, or a variety of other types of
electrical conductors. The instant application is equally
successful in connecting a plurality of types of conduits, cables,
and other electrical conductors to a wide variety of boxes and
other enclosures. Therefore, as used in this specification, the
term conduit is not limited to standard rigid electrical conduit,
but shall be intended to mean any type of conduit, any type of
cable, or any other type of electrical conductor. Many commercial
and residential buildings have electrical installations with many
types of conduit-to-junction-box connections that utilize
electrical connectors.
The two most common types of electrical connectors used are a
snap-in connector, and a multipart connector which can be composed
of two or more components that utilizes a threaded male end in
conjunction with a threaded female locknut, hereinafter referred to
collectively as a two-part locknut connector. In the case of the
two-part locknut connector, the male threaded end is inserted into
the junction box through a knockout (e.g., a hole or other
opening). A rigid connection is established by threading the lock
nut onto the male end in the junction box interior. The snap-in
connector is another commonly used connector, which utilizes a snap
ring to quickly connect it to the junction box. Either type of
connector is integrated with an adapter end, which allows the
attachment of conduit, cable, or a variety of types of hollow
tubing.
The installation of electrical systems is generally expensive as an
electrician must first install the enclosures, route conduit
between each enclosure, and install connectors and then pull all
necessary electrical wiring through the conduit. In other words,
installation is expensive because it is labor intensive. The
commercially available electrical connectors are one factor
accentuating the labor intensiveness. Locknut connectors increase
the cost of installing electrical systems for a number of reasons.
The current art two-part locknut connectors are plagued with labor
intensive problems. First, the locknut connectors are shipped from
the manufacturer preassembled. That is, the electrician must first
remove the locknut from the male end before it can be installed.
Once the male end of the connector is placed through the knockout,
the electrician must rethread the locknut onto the connector from
the interior of the junction box.
Two hands are required to disassemble and then reassemble the
connectors in the knockout. Consequently, it is difficult to hold a
tool or a piece of conduit while reassembling the connector. Once
the locknut is threaded it must be tightened. In accordance with
many building codes and safety regulations, connectors must be
firmly and reliably attached to junction boxes. To properly tighten
the two-part locknut connector, the electrician must use a tool,
usually a set of pliers or a screwdriver. Occasionally, when the
proper tool is unavailable, an electrician will use any object
within reach. These situations, while rare, raise serious safety
issues. In many instances, however, to "get the job done" the
locknut is "finger" tightened. Those persons skilled in the art
know that finger tightened two-part locknut connectors can
eventually loosen, and a loose connector can cause great strain to
be put onto the electrical wires and their connections resulting in
an increase in the probability of an electrical fire or other
electrical problems, such as poor grounding.
Secondly, when the electrician disassembles the fitting by taking
the locknut off the connector, the locknut can be dropped or
misplaced. This can occur when the electrician is in an elevated
position, such as, on a scissor lift or on scaffolding because the
electrical conduit is often installed in out-of-the-way places like
in rafters and above ceilings. If the locknut cannot be found, the
connector is useless. If the electrician decides to retrieve the
dropped locknut, the installation time is prolonged.
A third common problem with the present locknut connectors is the
locknut is easily cross threaded onto the male thread. When this
occurs, the electrician must usually use a tool to remove the
locknut. On occasion, cross threading the locknut will damage the
male threads on the connector making it difficult or impossible to
reuse the connector. Again, the electrician must spend their time
either removing the defective connector or forcing the locknut
through the damaged portion of the threads.
A fourth problem with the present two-part locknut connectors is
the distance the male end protrudes into the junction box. In some
installations, the space inside the enclosure is already minimal.
The space limitation becomes an acute problem when an additional
connector is installed. The male threaded end protrudes well past
the depth of the locknut and may interfere with another connector,
the contents of the enclosure, or wiring inside the box. Therefore,
in a limited space enclosure, the excess thread must be removed.
Typically, the electrician may clip off some of the receptacle or
mounting screws, or completes a combination of space enlarging
modifications, all of which prolong installation time and threaten
the integrity of the system as designed. A fifth common problem
with the present two-part locknut connectors occurs during
disassembly of the connector from the enclosure. Electricians may
disassemble an installation for a variety of reasons. The
disassembly of the locknut connector is more time consuming than
the installation. If the locknut was installed properly, that is,
by tightening it with a tool, then the locknut must be removed with
a tool. Similar to the installation, if the threads are damaged
during disassembly, the connector is useless. Also similar to the
installation problems, if the locknut is lost, it must be replaced
if the connector is to be used again. The snap-in connector
presents similar problems. However, the most significant problem is
that these connectors, in most cases, do not create a rigid
connection. Because the snap ring is sized to accept a variety of
box wall thickness, it does not rigidly attach to many boxes. The
loose fit may cause electrical continuity problems, a highly
dangerous situation, since the box, the conduit, and the connector
are intended to be part of the electrical grounding system in some
applications.
There remains an unfulfilled need to provide a generally universal
connector that is easy to use; e.g., which can be installed quickly
and easily without tools, does not require access to the interior
of the junction box, and/or can be easily removed and reused in the
box.
BRIEF SUMMARY
Disclosed herein are conduit connectors and methods for making and
using the same.
In one embodiment, the conduit connector can comprise: a body
comprising a hollow center capable of receiving a conduit in a
receiving end, wherein the hollow center extends from the receiving
end to the connecting end; a spring disposed within the hollow
center and extending out of the connecting end, wherein the spring
comprises engagement tangs extending into the hollow center, toward
the connection end, and spring tangs extending past the connection
end and spaced apart a distance greater than or equal to an opening
diameter in a junction box; and an antishort bush located in the
connecting end of the body, retaining the spring in the body.
A method of using the conduit connector can comprise inserting a
conduit into the channel so that the engagement tangs physically
contact grooves along the outer surface of the conduit; and
inserting the spring tangs into an opening (e.g., in a junction
box), until the side lugs engage the inner surface of the box.
These and other features of the conduit connector and method will
be understood from the drawings and description below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Refer now to the figures, which are merely exemplary, not limiting,
and wherein like elements are numbered alike.
FIG. 1 is an exploded, disassembled, prospective view of an
embodiment of a conduit connector, conduit, and junction box.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the conduit connector of
FIG. 1 connecting a conduit to a junction box taken along lines 2-2
of FIG. 3.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the conduit connector of FIG. 1
connecting a conduit to a junction box.
FIG. 4 is an exploded (disassembled) perspective view of an
embodiment the conduit connector elements.
FIG. 5 is an exploded (disassembled) cross-sectional view of the
embodiment the conduit connector elements of FIG. 4 taken along
lines 5-5.
FIG. 6 is an assembled, perspective view of the embodiment of the
conduit connector elements of FIG. 4.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a spring for the
conduit connector.
FIG. 8 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the spring of FIG.
7 taken along lines 9-9.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a spring for
a conduit connector.
FIG. 10 is a partial side view of a connecting tang for the spring
of FIG. 9.
FIG. 11 is a bottom view of a spring assembled within a body.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the anti short
bush of FIG. 3.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an antishort
bush for a conduit connector.
FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the antishort bush of FIG.
13.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a conduit
connector body.
FIG. 16 is another perspective view of the conduit connector body
of FIG. 15.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the conduit connector body of FIG.
3.
FIG. 18 is another perspective view of the conduit connector body
of FIG. 3.
FIG. 19 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of a
conduit connector attached to a junction box.
FIG. 20 is a bottom perspective view of the conduit connector of
FIG. 19 connected to a junction box.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Disclosed herein are conduit connectors capable of connecting to an
enclosure, e.g., capable of connecting an electrical conduit to a
junction box. The conduit connector comprises a body, a spring, and
an antishort bush. The spring inserts into the body and can be held
in place with the antishort bush and/or due to connection(s) with
the body. During use, tangs of the spring extend into and hold the
connector to a junction box, while flanges extending from the
spring engage and retain a conduit in side the body.
The conduit connector answers a long felt need for an electrical
connector which can be installed quickly and easily without tools
and does not require access to the interior of a junction box. The
electrical connector has utility, among other uses, in the
connection of a conduit to an enclosure (e.g., to an electrical
junction box) through an opening in the side of the box commonly
referred to as a knockout. Additionally, although this connector
securely engages the enclosure and is not easily dislodged due to
bumping or otherwise, it can be easily removed if desired. The
conduit engagement region can cooperate with a variety of conduit,
cables, and other electrical conductors.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, these figures illustrate the overall
view of the conduit connector along with a conduit and a junction
box. FIG. 1 provides an expanded view showing the junction box 10
located adjacent the connecting end 24 of .[.the conduit connector
20.]. .Iadd.an antishort bush 12.Iaddend., with a conduit 18
located adjacent the receiving end 22 .Iadd.of a body 16.Iaddend..
.Iadd.The body 16 includes a connecting end 23 and the antishort
bush 12 includes a receiving end 25. .Iaddend.From the connecting
end 24 .Iadd.of the antishort bush 12 .Iaddend.to the receiving end
22 .Iadd.of the body 16.Iaddend., the conduit connector 20,
comprises the antishort bush 12, the spring 14, and the body 16.
FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the assembled connector 20 attached to the
junction box 10 and engaging the conduit 18. In these figures the
conduit 18 extends into the body 16 wherein receiving tangs 42
engage the outer convolutions of the conduit 18, inhibiting the
conduit 18 from being withdrawn from the body 20 through the
receiving end 22 .Iadd.of the body 16.Iaddend.. Connecting tangs 56
extend through the opening 26 in the side of the junction box 10,
and engage the sides thereof to prevent the inadvertent removal or
dislodging of the conduit connector 20 from the box 10. FIGS. 4-6
provide further views of the conduit connector 20 of FIG. 1.
FIGS. 7-10 illustrate embodiments of a spring that is used to
engage both the conduit 18 and the box 10. The spring 14 is so
sized and configured that a main portion 40 adjacent the
.[.receiving end 24.]. .Iadd.connecting end 23 of the body 16
.Iaddend.is disposed within the body 16, when the conduit connector
is assembled. The main portion 40 of the spring can be enclosed
with a cavity extending therethrough or have an open side with a
channel 70 extending therethrough. The overall shape is
complementary to the shape of the body so as to be inserted and
retained within the body 16. Some possible main portion 40 shapes
include various polygonal shapes (e.g., U-shaped, rectangular,
square, pentagonal, and so forth). Optionally, the .[.body.].
.Iadd.spring 14 .Iaddend.can comprise aperture(s) 72 adjacent to
the receiving end .[.22.]. .Iadd.25 of the antishort bush
12.Iaddend., e.g., can comprise a channel and an aperture 72
adjacent to each corner at the receiving end .Iadd.25 of the
antishort bush 12.Iaddend.. In some embodiments the main portion 40
comprises three sides. The opposing sides are arranged
substantially perpendicular to the connecting side. The corners
where the sides connect can be squared corners or can be
rounded.
Extending inward and toward the .[.connecting end 24.].
.Iadd.antishort bush 12 .Iaddend.is a plurality of receiving tangs
42. The receiving tangs 42 can form a shape that will align the
conduit 18 within the connector 20. For example, the tangs can form
a generally V-shaped profile that will align the conduit 18 in the
channel (e.g., can align the conduit 18 in the center of the
connector 20). Each tang 42, can, individually, have a shape for
gripping and restraining the conduit 18 and optionally for aligning
the conduit 18. For example, the spring 14 can comprise 3 receiving
tangs 42. The central receiving tang 44 can angle from the sides
down toward the middle (e.g., to form a V-shaped end), the first
side receiving tang 46 and the second side receiving tang 48 can
both have diagonal ends 50,52, respectively, that angle toward the
central receiving tang 44, to attain the generally V-shaped profile
(dotted line 54). Furthermore, the ends 50,52 can have an angle
that is commensurate with the angle of curvature of the conduit
convolutions. Optionally, each tang 44,46,48 can be oriented to
extend into the body at the same distance from the receiving end 22
or can extend at different distances. For example, tang 44 can
extend into the channel 70 at a distance d.sub.1 from receiving end
22, while tang 48 can extend at a different distance d.sub.2 from
receiving end 22 as is illustrated in FIG. 8, wherein the distance
is from the receiving end to the point of the tang that would
engage a conduit.
Extending from the main portion 40 of the spring 14 can be
connector tang(s) 56, such as at least two opposing connector tangs
56. At the base of the tang 56 can be an aperture 74 configured to
receive a knob on the body 16, e.g., enhancing alignment of the
spring within the body 16. Each connector tang 56 can have an
optional center lug 58. This lug 58 can ease insertion through the
opening in the box and can facilitate retention of the tangs 56
within the box, e.g., in case of external side forces. This tang
extends outward from a surface 66 (e.g., main body portion) of the
tang 56, while the connector lugs extend from opposite sides of the
tangs 56. The lugs can be angled outward, e.g., to further enhance
the engagement with the box (e.g., to prevent unintentional
withdrawal from the knockout), and/or to enhance electrical
grounding connection.
Each tang 56 comprises a set of side lugs 60. The side lugs 60 can
be angled toward the receiving end .Iadd.25 of the antishort bush
12.Iaddend., e.g., have a negative angle, .theta., e.g., to avoid
disengagement of connector after applying pulling load. The side
lugs can be angled such that the connecting tang 56 diverges from
near the end 68 toward the main body 40 (e.g., the side lugs 60 can
have a generally triangular shape) to allow facile insertion into
the box 10.
Engaging the outside of the box when the connector is attached to
the junction box are the outside lugs 62. In other words, the wall
28 of the junction box 10 is engaged on an inner surface by side
lugs 60 and on an outer surface by outside lugs 62; being located
in the valley 64 therebetween. The valley 64 can be sized and
shaped to receive a variety of junction box wall thicknesses. For
example, the outside lugs 62 can also optionally comprise a
negative angle .PHI. that allows different size walls to be readily
received and securely engaged within the valley 64. Angle .PHI. can
be an angle of 10 to 20 degrees, specifically, 13 to 17
degrees.
Located at the .[.receiving end.]. .Iadd.connecting end 23
.Iaddend.of the body 16 is the antishort bush 12. (See FIGS. 12-14)
The antishort bush 12 is designed to connect to the body 16 at the
connecting end .[.24.]. .Iadd.23.Iaddend., such that the connecting
tangs 56 extend along the sides of the antishort bush 12. The
antishort bush 12 comprises projections 90 for snap engagement with
the body 16. The number of snap engagements is dependent upon the
general shape of the body and of the antishort bush. For a
generally square cross-sectional body shape, two or more
projections 90 can be employed, with four or more generally used
for secure engagement. Each projection can comprise a lip 92
configured to engage an opening 140 in the body 16 (see FIG. 16).
The projection 90 can extend toward the receiving end 22 with the
lip 92 extending outward at a complementary angle from the body to
engage the opening 140, e.g., at an angle of 90.degree. to the
central axis A. (See FIG. 2) The foot 94 of the projection 90 can
be angled so as to enable facile insertion into the body 16 and so
as to facilitate flexing of the projection 90. For example, the
foot 94 can have a generally conical (e.g., truncated conical)
shape that narrows towards the receiving end 22. The angle of the
foot can be different on different sides of the foot 94. For
example a lower angle can extend from the end of the lip 92 to the
bottom of the foot 94 than on another side of the foot 94.
In all embodiments, along one or more sides of the antishort bush
12 that will extend into the body 16 over the spring 14, can
optionally be a restrictor 96. The restrictor 96 can extend toward
the .[.receiving end.]. .Iadd.connecting end 23 of the body 16
.Iaddend.at a distance that is equal to or greater than the
projections 90. When the connector 20 is assembled, the restrictor
96 can restrict movement of the spring 14 in the body 16, e.g., in
one axial direction. For example, the restrictor 96 can be
configured to restrict the side of the spring comprising the center
lug between the restrictor 96 and a side of the body 16. Extending
from the restrictor 96, in a direction away from channel 98 can
optionally be rib(s) 100, e.g., to assist in orientation of the
antishort bush 12 in body 16. The rib 100 can extend along axis A
for all or part of the length of the restrictor 96.
At the connecting end 24 of the antishort bush 12 can be a chamfer,
e.g., to allow bending of the connecting tangs 56 during insertion
of the connector 20 through the opening 26.
Along the sides of the antishort bush 12 can be cavity(ies) 108
each located and configured to receive a body lug 142 (See FIGS. 15
and 16). The cavity 108 has a distance between the walls 104 that
is greater than or equal to the width of the body lug 142. While
the connector is entering the opening in the box, the body lug 142
comes down into the channel. The lip 106 restricts the body lug
movement into the channel.
Now referring to FIGS. 15-18, the body 16 comprises a shape
configured to receive the spring main portion 40 within the body
cavity 146 and the antishort bush 12 at the connecting end .[.of.].
.Iadd.23 .Iaddend.the body 16. At the .[.receiving end.].
.Iadd.connecting end 23 .Iaddend.of the body 16 can be body lug(s)
142 that extend along the axis A from the connecting end .[.24.].
.Iadd.23 .Iaddend.of the body 16. The body lug(s) 142 can be
designed to have a rounded or chamfer outer body 148, e.g., to
facilitate insertion into the junction box. Extending from the
outer surface of the body lug 142 can be crush rib(s) 150. This rib
150 can provide a tight fit with the opening 26, crushing as
necessary to enable insertion of the connecting end 24 into the box
10. On the opposite side of one or more of the body lug(s) 142 can
be a groove 152 oriented and designed to receive the antishort bush
rib 100. In the various embodiments, two or more body lugs 142 can
be provided. The optional body lug(s) can facilitate the entry of
the connector into the hole in the box and/or can establish a good
contact with the body to decrease the contact resistance between
the box and the connector (e.g., resulting in good grounding
connection).
Also located at the connecting end .[.24.]. .Iadd.23 .Iaddend.of
the body 16 can be a stop protrusion extending outward from the
body 16 and configured to limit the insertion of the connector 20
into the opening 26. In addition to the stop protrusions 154, the
body 16 can comprise extensions 156 that angle outward from the
main body portion 158. The extensions 156 can also limit the amount
of that the connector 20 at extends into the box 10. In many
embodiments, the body comprises two extensions 156 on opposite
sides, with two body lugs 142 on the other two opposing sides. The
extensions 156 flare away from the main body portion 158 so as to
receive the tangs 56 in their relaxed state. Therefore, the
extension 156 can have a diverging area 160 that diverges at an
angle complementary to the outward flare 72 of the spring 14.
Within the extension 156 can be a knob 162 that has a size and
shape to extend into aperture 74 of the spring 14 when the
connector 20 is assembled.
The main body portion 158 can comprise grips 164 on one or more
sides thereof. The grips 164 can be any combination of elements
that facilitates gripping of the main body portion 158, e.g.,
serrations, depressions, protrusions (e.g., bumps), holes, as well
as combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing.
The shape of the main body portion 158 is complementary to the
spring shape. The main body portion can be polygonal (e.g., square,
rectangular, and so forth). For example, three sides can form a
U-shape (e.g., sides 166,168,170), with the fourth side (172)
merely covering the opening (e.g., see the cross-sectional view of
FIG. 11), e.g., forming a generally square shape. As can be seen,
the sides can meet in a rounded corner (174,176) or a squared
corner (178,180). The forth side 172 can comprise guide rib(s) 144
extending adjacent to the sides 166,170 to guide the edges 76 of
the spring 14 when inserting the spring into the body 16, and to
prevent the edges from bending inward, into body cavity 146.
At the connecting end .Iadd.23 .Iaddend.of the main body portion
158 are the openings 140 each sized and configured to receive one
of the antishort bush projections 90. At the receiving end 22 of
the body 16 can be a collar 182 that prevents the spring from being
forced out of the receiving end .[.of the body.]. .Iadd.22 body
16.Iaddend.; e.g., the collar can restrict the spring in one of the
axial directions. Also at the receiving end .Iadd.22 .Iaddend.of
the main body portion 158 can be a slot 184 in one or more sides
(e.g., in opposite sides 166, 170) sides and located to allow the
corners 78,80 of the spring 14 to extend through the slot 184 such
that the jut 186 extends into window 82, e.g., to further secure
the spring within the body.
The main body portion 158 can also optionally comprise pocket(s)
190 configured to receive lug 90/92 from the antishort bush 12,
e.g., to retain the spring in the body.
The conduit connector can be formed of various materials as
appropriate for the particular element. For example, the body can
comprise a metal or metal alloy, such as zinc, aluminum, steel, as
well as combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing
(e.g., zinc alloy, aluminum alloy, and/or steel alloy). The spring
can comprise a material such as steel, (e.g., spring steel and/or
stainless steel), as well as combinations comprising at least one
of the foregoing. The antishort bush can be formed of a plastic,
such as engineering plastics.
In use, a conduit 18 (e.g., an electrical conduit) is inserted
through the body 16 until the conduit is accessible at a connecting
end 24 of that will be inserted into the enclosure 10. As the
conduit 18 is inserted into the body 16, the coils (peaks) 30 of
the conduit 18 cause the receiving tangs 42 cantilever outward
towards the walls of the body 16 and spring inward as the valleys
32 of the conduit 18 reaches the ends of the receiving tangs 42. As
the conduit 18 is inserted into the body 16, the center lug 58
guides the conduit into the desired location within the body.
In one embodiment, the conduit connector can comprise: a body
comprising a hollow center capable of receiving a conduit in a
receiving end, wherein the hollow center extends from the receiving
end to the connecting end; a spring disposed within the hollow
center and extending out of the connecting end, wherein the spring
comprises engagement tangs extending into the hollow center, toward
the connection end, and spring tangs extending past the connection
end and spaced apart a distance greater than or equal to an opening
diameter in a junction box; and an antishort bush located in the
connecting end of the body, retaining the spring in the body.
A method of using the conduit connector can comprise inserting a
conduit into the channel so that the engagement tangs physically
contact grooves along the outer surface of the conduit; and
inserting the spring tangs into an opening (e.g., in a junction
box), until the side lugs engage the inner surface of the box.
In the various embodiments, (i) each spring tang can comprise an
aperture that receives a knob on the body; and/or (ii) each spring
tang can comprise a center lug extending outward from a spring main
portion, away from the spring and toward the receiving end; and/or
(iii) each spring tang can comprise side lugs angled toward the
receiving end at an angle so that, once the connector is attached
to an opening, the lugs avoid disengagement after applying a
pulling load; and/or (iv) the side lugs form wings on opposite
sides of each spring tang and have a shape that diverges from near
an end of the spring tang toward the receiving end; and/or (v) a
spring main portion can have three sides, with the spring tangs
extending from two opposite sides, and the engagement tangs extend
into the channel from all three sides; and/or (vi) the engagement
tangs form a generally V-shaped profile that is configured to align
a conduit in the channel; and/or (vii) the engagement tangs can
comprise a central receiving tang that is angled from the sides
into the channel and having a generally V-shaped end, and a first
side receiving tang having a diagonal ends that angles toward the
central receiving tang and a second side receiving tang having a
diagonal end angled toward the central receiving tang forming a
generally V-shaped profile of the engagement tangs; and/or (viii)
each engagement tang can extend into the body at a different
distance than another engagement tang; and/or (ix) the antishort
bush can further comprise a restrictor extending toward the
receiving end, wherein the restrictor restricts movement of the
spring; and/or (x) the antishort bush can comprise projections that
extend toward the body and through an opening such that a foot on
the projection snapfits the antishort bush onto the body; and/or
(xi) near the receiving end, the body can comprise a slot such that
a corner at the receiving end of the spring passes through the slot
and a window near the corner engages a jut on the body; and/or
(xii) the body can have a polygonal shape.
Before or after the conduit 18 is disposed within the body 16, the
conduit connector 20 can be connected to the junction box 10.
Connection to the box 10 comprises exerting force on the conduit
connector 20 in the direction of the opening 26. As the connector
tangs enter the opening 26, they pivot (cantilever), decreasing the
outer diameter of the spring 14, and enabling the side lugs 60 to
pass into the box 10. Once the lugs 60 have passed through the
opening 26, the connector tang springs outward causing the wall 28
to be located in the valley 64, the side lugs to be located within
the box 10, and the outside lugs to be located outside the box 10,
thereby grasping the box opening 26 and holding the connector 20 to
the box 10. If the center lug(s) 58 are present along the connector
tang(s) 56, they facilitate the inward flexing of the connector
tang 56 as it passes through the opening 26.
* * * * *