Title: Electrical connector with metal coupling sleeve
Abstract: An electrical assembly is constructed for mounting to an electrical box or other support surface. The electrical assembly includes a non-metallic body that supports an electrical device such as an electrical receptacle that is surrounded by a non-metallic collar. A metal sleeve surrounds the collar such that the sleeve is electrically insulated from the electrical device by the collar. The sleeve includes a coupling member such as external threads for mating with complementing threads of a mating electrical device to provide a secure coupling to obtain a watertight rating.
Patent Number: 6,863,552 Issued on 03/08/2005 to Katwala, et al.
| Inventors:
|
Katwala; Rajiv D. (Milford, CT);
Tiberio; Patrick J. (Huntington, CT)
|
| Assignee:
|
Hubbell Incorporated (Orange, CT)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
738982 |
| Filed:
|
December 19, 2003 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
439/320 |
| Intern'l Class: |
H01R 004//38 |
| Field of Search: |
439/320,321,322,323,313
|
References Cited [Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
| 1195433 | Aug., 1916 | Bailey.
| |
| 3039072 | Jun., 1962 | Robinson et al.
| |
| 3049690 | Aug., 1962 | Sparber.
| |
| 3393927 | Jul., 1968 | Kelly et al.
| |
| 3576517 | Apr., 1971 | Johnson et al. | 439/274.
|
| 3596936 | Aug., 1971 | Dieckmann et al.
| |
| 3601764 | Aug., 1971 | Cameron.
| |
| 3808580 | Apr., 1974 | Johnson.
| |
| 3971614 | Jul., 1976 | Paoli et al.
| |
| 4531801 | Jul., 1985 | Baur | 439/313.
|
| 4550966 | Nov., 1985 | Riley.
| |
| 4647127 | Mar., 1987 | Weingartner.
| |
| 4708370 | Nov., 1987 | Todd.
| |
| 4938718 | Jul., 1990 | Guendel | 439/680.
|
| 5021001 | Jun., 1991 | Ramirez.
| |
| 5035640 | Jul., 1991 | Drogo | 439/321.
|
| 5188399 | Feb., 1993 | Durina.
| |
| 5192219 | Mar., 1993 | Fowler et al.
| |
| 5641310 | Jun., 1997 | Tiberio, Jr.
| |
| 6102444 | Aug., 2000 | Kozey.
| |
| 2003/0193193 | Oct., 2003 | Harrington et al.
| |
| Foreign Patent Documents |
| 606163 | Jun., 1926 | FR.
| |
Primary Examiner: Le; Thanh-Tam
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Bicks; Mark S., Davis; Garrett V., Goodman; Alfred N.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An electrical connector assembly comprising:
a body having an internal cavity with a dimension for receiving a first
electrical device, and an opening for allowing access to said first
electrical device positioned in said internal cavity, and where said body
is made from an electrically insulating material; and
a metal sleeve coupled to said body to resist rotation of said metal sleeve
with respect to said body and surrounding at least a portion of said body
whereby said metal sleeve is electrically insulated from said first
electrical device by said body and surrounds said opening in said body,
said metal sleeve having a coupling member for removably coupling to a
second mating electrical connector.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said body includes a housing and a
collar extending from said housing where said collar surrounds said first
electrical device and where said sleeve has a substantially cylindrical
shape with open axial ends and an inner dimension complementing an outer
dimension of said collar.
3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein said collar has a substantially
cylindrical outer surface, and said sleeve has a substantially cylindrical
inner surface.
4. The assembly of claim 2, wherein said sleeve has a base portion with at
least one leg extending axially therefrom and coupled to said body.
5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein said body includes at least one opening
for mating with said at least one leg on said sleeve.
6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein said at least one leg has an outer end
with a lug having a dimension complementing said at least one opening in
said body for mating with said opening.
7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein said body has a flange extending
radially outward and where said at least one opening is formed in said
flange and has a substantially keyhole shape.
8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said body has a base with an access
opening into said housing, said base having a coupling member for coupling
said base to a support structure.
9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein said coupling member in said base
comprises a plurality of screw-receiving holes.
10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said sleeve includes a plurality of
legs extending from a base of said sleeve, each of said legs having a lug
extending therefrom, and where said body includes a plurality of openings
complementing said legs, said sleeve being coupled to said body by
inserting said legs through a respective opening and rotating said sleeve
with respect to said body.
11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein said body includes at least one
fastener engaging at least one leg on said sleeve for coupling said sleeve
to said body.
12. An electrical connector assembly comprising:
a hollow body having an open outer end, said body being made from an
electrically insulting material and having an internal cavity supporting
an electrical wiring device, said electrical wiring device having a
coupling end positioned at an outer distal end of said body; and
a metal sleeve surrounding at least a portion of said body and coupled to
said body, said sleeve having a substantially cylindrical outer surface
with coupling threads on said outer surface for mating with a threaded
coupling of another electrical wiring device, and said sleeve being
electrically insulated from said electrical wiring device by said body.
13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein said body has a collar defining said
open outer end of said body and where said sleeve has a substantially
cylindrical shape with an inner dimension complementing an outer dimension
of said collar and where an outer end of said sleeve is aligned with an
outer end of said collar.
14. The assembly of claim 12, wherein said body includes a coupling
assembly for coupling with said sleeve and where said sleeve is coupled to
said body by axial and rotational movement of said sleeve with respect to
said body.
15. The assembly of claim 12, wherein said electrical wiring device is an
electrical receptacle.
16. The assembly of claim 12, wherein said body includes a housing and
where said housing has a base for coupling with a support surface.
17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein said base includes a plurality of
holes having a dimension for receiving screws for coupling said body to
said support surface.
18. An electrical connector assembly comprising:
a hollow body having an open outer end, said body being made from an
electrically insulting material and having an internal cavity supporting
an electrical wiring device, said electrical wiring device having a
coupling end positioned at an outer distal end of a collar; and
a metal sleeve surrounding at least a portion of said body and coupled to
said body, said sleeve having a substantially cylindrical outer surface
with coupling threads for mating with a threaded coupling, and said sleeve
being electrically insulated from said electrical wiring device by said
body, wherein said sleeve has a base with a plurality of legs extending
from said base and coupled to said body.
19. The assembly of claim 18, wherein said body has a radially extending
flange with a plurality of openings, each of said openings being
positioned to receive a respective leg of said sleeve in a coupling
engagement.
20. The assembly of claim 19, wherein each of said legs have a lug and
where said openings have a dimension to receive said lug in a coupling
engagement.
21. The assembly of claim 20, wherein said lugs extend radially outward
with respect to an axis of said sleeve and where said openings in said
body have an elongated slot shape with a first portion dimensioned to
receive said lug and a second portion dimensioned to receive said leg and
retain said lug in coupling engagement.
22. The assembly of claim 21, wherein said assembly includes a plurality of
screws engaging said legs and securing said legs to said body.
23. An electrical assembly comprising:
a body made from an electrically insulating material, said body having a
housing and a substantially cylindrical collar extending from said
housing, said body having an internal cavity;
a first electrical wiring device mounted in said body and having a coupling
end aligned with said collar where said coupling end is accessible through
said collar, a metal sleeve having an inner dimension complementing an
outer dimension of said collar, said sleeve having an outer surface with a
coupling member, and where said sleeve is mounted on and coupled to said
body and surrounding said collar, said metal sleeve being mounted on said
body to resist rotation of said metal sleeve on said collar and being
electrically insulated from said first electrical wiring device by said
collar; and
a second mating electrical wiring device separably coupled to said first
electrical wiring device through said collar and having a coupling member
separably coupled to said coupling member of said sleeve.
24. The assembly of claim 23, wherein said coupling member on said sleeve
comprises external threads and where said coupling member on said second
electrical device comprises a collar having internal threads complementing
said threads on said sleeve.
25. The assembly of claim 23, wherein said sleeve has a plurality of legs
extending from a proximal end for coupling said sleeve to said body.
26. The assembly of claim 25, wherein said housing includes a plurality of
openings for receiving a respective leg of said sleeve.
27. The assembly of claim 26, wherein said openings are slots facing an
axial direction with respect to a longitudinal axis of said housing.
28. The assembly of claim 26 wherein said housing includes a radially
extending flange and where said openings define slots in said flange.
29. The assembly of claim 27, wherein each of said legs have a lug with a
perimeter greater than a perimeter of said legs, and where said slots have
a first portion dimensioned to allow said lug to pass through and a second
portion dimensioned to receive a respective leg to capture said lug.
30. The assembly of claim 29, wherein said sleeve is coupled to said
housing by axial and rotational movement of said sleeve with respect to
said housing.
31. The assembly of claim 23, wherein said housing includes a base for
coupling with a support surface.
32. The assembly of claim 23, wherein said first electrical wiring device
is an electrical receptacle and where said second electrical wiring device
is an electrical plug.
33. An electrical connector assembly comprising:
a body having an internal cavity supporting a first electrical device, an
annular collar having a distal end and an opening in said distal end of
said annular collar for allowing access to said first electrical device,
and where said body is made from a non-metallic, electrically insulating
material; and
an annular metal sleeve having a distal end and a proximal end and being
coupled to said body and surrounding at least a portion of said annular
collar whereby said metal sleeve is electrically insulated from said first
electrical device by said annular collar and surrounds said opening in
said body, said metal sleeve having an outer surface with a coupling
member for removably coupling to a second mating electrical connector.
34. The assembly of claim 33, wherein said metal sleeve has at least one
leg extending axially from said proximal end of said sleeve, said at least
one leg being coupled to said body.
35. The assembly of claim 33, wherein said outer surface of said annular
metal sleeve has external threads defining said coupling member for
coupling said first electrical device to a second electrical device.
36. The assembly of claim 33, wherein said sleeve is coupled to said body
to resist rotation of said sleeve with respect to said body.
37. The assembly of claim 34, wherein said body includes at least one hole
positioned to receive said at least one leg and where said at least one
leg is received in said hole to couple said sleeve to said body.
38. The assembly of claim 37, wherein said at least one hole is axially
aligned with said opening in said body.
39. The assembly of claim 33, wherein said sleeve includes a plurality of
legs extending axially from said proximal end of said sleeve, and wherein
said body includes a plurality of holes to receive a respective leg of
said sleeve to couple said sleeve to said body.
40. The assembly of claim 33, further comprising a fastener to fasten said
annular metal sleeve to said body.
41. The assembly of claim 40, wherein said fastener is a screw.
42. An electrical connector assembly comprising:
a body supporting a first electrical writing device therein, said body
having an annular collar with an open end defining an access opening to
said electrical wiring device, said body being made of a plastic
electrically insulating material; and
an annular metal sleeve encircling said collar of said body and mounted on
said collar to resist rotation of said sleeve on said collar, said sleeve
having a coupling member for connecting said first electrical wiring
device to a second electrical wiring device.
43. The assembly of claim 42, wherein said coupling member is external
threads formed on an outer surface of said sleeve.
44. The assembly of claim 42, further comprising a fastener to fasten said
sleeve to said body.
45. The assembly of claim 42, wherein said sleeve includes at least one leg
extending axially from a proximal end of said sleeve, and where said body
includes at least one hole receiving said at least one leg to couple said
sleeve to said body.
46. The assembly of claim 42, wherein said sleeve includes a plurality of
legs extending axially from said sleeve, and where said body includes a
plurality of holes receiving a respective leg of said sleeve to couple
said sleeve to said body.
47. The assembly of claim 45, wherein each of said legs have a lug
extending outwardly in a direction substantially perpendicular to a
longitudinal axis of said leg, and where each of said holes have a
substantially key-hole shape to receive a respective leg and couple said
sleeve to said body.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to an electrical assembly and
particularly an electrical connector having a coupling device for
connecting the assembly to another electrical assembly or device. The
invention is particularly directed to an electrical assembly having a
non-metallic body and a metallic coupling member for coupling the assembly
to another electrical assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Electrical connectors having a locking or coupling member for coupling the
electrical connector to a complementary electrical connector are known in
the art. The electrical connectors generally have a housing supporting
electrical wires and having suitable electrical contacts. The body of the
electrical connector is designed to mate with another electrical connector
such that the electrical contacts of the respective electrical connector
provide a continuous electrical connection. The coupling members on the
electrical connectors couple the electrical connectors together to prevent
separation during use. A number of connector assemblies using male and
female connectors have been developed to prevent accidental separation of
the connectors. In one type of assembly includes a female connector has
two or more arcuate circularly arranged or cylindrical openings, while the
male connector has an equal number of pins or blades that can be inserted
into the slots.
One example of an electrical connector having a locking member is disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 3,808,580 to Johnson. The electrical connector disclosed
in this patent includes a cylindrical housing supporting an electrical
connector and having a sleeve rotatably mounted on the housing. The sleeve
includes internal threads and encircles the housing. A second electrical
connector includes a housing with an electrical contact for mating with
the electrical contact of the first connector. The second connector
includes a collar surrounding the electrical contact and having external
threads for mating with the internal threads of the rotatable sleeve of
the first connector. The electrical connectors are joined together and the
threaded sleeves are coupled to form a secure connection.
Another example of an electrical connector is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
3,971,614 to Paoli et al. The electrical connector includes a first
housing with a cylindrical sleeve having external threads. A second
connector includes a sleeve with internal threads for mating with the
external threads of the first connector. The sleeve of the second
connector is rotatably mounted thereon for coupling the electrical
connectors together.
Other electrical devices having a threaded end for connecting with threads
of a complementing electrical device are known. One such electrical device
is an electrical receptacle having a housing that can be mounted to an
electrical box or other support. The electrical device can have a threaded
end for mating with the threaded end of another electrical device to be
connected thereto. These devices are often made of metal to provide
sufficient strength to the electrical device for industrial use. A
disadvantage of metal devices is the potential failure of the electrical
insulation of the wiring contained therein and the resulting risk of
injury to the user. Other devices are made of a plastic material which
reduce the risk of electrical shock or injury to the user.
Accordingly, there is a continuing need in the industry for improved
electrical devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to an electrical connector assembly and
to a locking arrangement for locking together a pair of mating electrical
connectors. The invention is particularly directed to an electrical
connector assembly having a threaded coupling member for coupling the
assembly to another mating electrical assembly.
Accordingly, a primary aspect of the invention is to provide an electrical
assembly having a removable and replaceable coupling member for coupling
the assembly to an adjacent electrical assembly.
Another aspect of the invention is to provide an electrical assembly having
a body portion made of an electrically insulating material and a metallic
coupling member for coupling with an adjacent electrical assembly. The
metallic coupling member is preferably electrically insulated from an
inner cavity of the body portion.
A further aspect of the invention is to provide an electrical assembly
having a body portion that can be mounted to an electrical box or other
support. The body portion is made of a plastic material and includes a
metallic coupling member for connecting the assembly to an adjacent
electrical assembly.
Still another aspect of the invention is to provide an electrical assembly
that can be easily connected and disconnected from a mating electrical
assembly.
A further aspect of the invention is to provide an electrical assembly
having a coupling member that is sufficiently strong to prevent
inadvertent disconnection from a mating electrical assembly and to prevent
accidental damage when not in use.
Another aspect of the invention is to provide an electrical assembly having
a body made from an electrically insulating material and a metallic
coupling member where the metallic coupling member is electrically
insulated from electrical wiring or electrical components contained within
the body. The metallic coupling member surrounds an access opening in the
body. In one embodiment, the metallic coupling member is secured to the
body but can be removed and replaced in the event the coupled member is
damaged or otherwise rendered inoperable.
A further aspect of the invention is to provide an electrical assembly such
as an electrical receptacle having a body made from an electrically
insulating material and having a collar extending from the body allowing
access to the electrical device supported within the body. In one
embodiment, the collar surrounds the electrical device to support and
electrically insulate the electrical device from the environment. A
metallic sleeve is coupled to the body surrounding the collar such that
the metallic sleeve is electrically insulated from the electrical device
and electrical wires contained within the body. The metallic sleeve
includes a coupling member for coupling with another electrical assembly.
In one embodiment, the metallic sleeve includes external threads for
mating with a threaded collar on a mating electrical assembly.
The various aspects and advantages of the invention are basically attained
by providing an electrical connector assembly which comprises a body
having an internal cavity for receiving a first electrical device, and an
opening for allowing access to the first electrical device. The body is
made from an electrically insulating material. A metallic sleeve is
coupled to the body and surrounds at least a portion of the body so that
the metallic sleeve is electrically insulated from the first electrical
device and surrounds the opening in the body. The metallic sleeve has a
coupling member for removably coupling to a second electrical connector.
The advantages of the invention are further attained by providing an
electrical connector assembly which comprises a hollow body having an open
outer end. The body has an internal cavity supporting an electrical wiring
device. The electrical wiring device has a coupling end positioned at an
outer distal end of a collar. The body is made of an electrically
insulating material. A metallic sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the
body and is coupled to the body. The sleeve has a cylindrical outer
surface with coupling threads for mating with a threaded coupling. The
sleeve is electrically insulated from the electrical wiring device by the
collar.
The advantages and aspects of the invention are also attained by providing
an electrical assembly which comprises a body made from an electrically
insulating material. The body has a housing and a substantially
cylindrical collar extending from the housing. The body also has an
internal cavity. A first electrical wiring device is mounted in the body
and has a coupling end aligned with the collar where the coupling end is
accessible through the collar. A metallic sleeve has an inner dimension
complementing an outer dimension of the collar. The collar has an outer
surface with a coupling member. The sleeve is coupled to the body and
surrounds the collar. A second electrical wiring device is separably
coupled to the first electrical wiring device through the collar and has a
coupling member separably coupled to the coupling member of the sleeve.
The various aspects, advantages and salient features of the invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description which, in
conjunction with the annexed drawings, disclose preferred embodiments of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following is a brief description of the invention, in which:
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the invention showing the housing
and sleeve of the electrical connector assembly in one embodiment of the
invention;
FIG. 2 is a front view of the housing of the assembly of FIG. 1 without the
sleeve and with the cover for the assembly removed;
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the sleeve in the embodiment of FIG.
1;
FIG. 4 is an end view of the sleeve of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a side view in cross section of the electrical connector assembly
taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the electrical assembly showing the
electrical connector assembly connecting with a mating electrical
assembly;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the electrical connector assembly of FIG. 1
showing the housing mounted to an electrical box and connected to a mating
electrical assembly; and
FIG. 8 is a top view of the electrical assembly of FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to an electrical assembly 10 and
particularly to an electrical connector where the assembly includes a body
12 and a sleeve 14. In the illustrated embodiments, assembly 10 is
constructed to contain electrical wiring and one or more electrical
devices.
Referring to FIG. 1, assembly 10 includes a housing 16 having an internal
cavity 18. In one embodiment, cavity 18 defines an axial through passage
to allow electrical wiring to pass through housing 16. In other
embodiments, housing 16 can have a closed bottom wall with knock-out plugs
which can be removed to allow access to cavity 18. As shown in FIG. 1,
housing 16 has a proximal end 20 connected to a base 22. Preferably,
housing 16 is integrally formed with base 22 to form a unitary structure.
Base 22 defines a substantially flat surface for mounting to an electrical
box 24 as shown or other support structure. Base 22 preferably includes an
arrangement so that the base can be securely mounted to a support
structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the base has a plurality of
apertures 26 to receive screws 28 for coupling base 22 to electrical box
24.
As shown in FIG. 1, housing 16 has a longitudinal axis that is oriented at
an incline with respect to the plane of base 22 such that housing 16
extends from base 22 at an incline. In alternative embodiments, housing 16
can extend from base 22 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the
plane of base 22.
Referring to FIG. 5, housing 16 includes a distal end portion 30 that
defines an end portion that receives and supports sleeve 14. In one
preferred embodiment, the end portion is in the form of a collar 32. In
the illustrated embodiment, collar 32 is essentially an extension of and
continuous with housing 16. Collar 32 has an axial passage that is
continuous with cavity 18 of housing 16. Collar 32 has an inner dimension
that is sufficient to receive and support an electrical device 34,
electrical wiring and the like. In the embodiment illustrated, collar 32
has a substantially cylindrical inner face 36 for receiving electrical
device 34 where electrical device 34 has a complementary outer shape and
dimension. A longitudinal rib 38 is provided to mate with a corresponding
groove in electrical device 34 to orient electrical device 34 in a
selected angular orientation within collar 32. In other embodiments,
collar 32 can have a square, rectangular or other shaped passage depending
on the shape of the electrical device being positioned within the passage
of collar 32.
In preferred embodiments of the invention, collar 32 is integrally formed
with housing 16 to define body 12 as a single unitary structure.
Preferably, body 12 is made from an electrically insulating material, such
as a plastic resin as commonly used in the construction of electrical
devices. Body 12 is typically formed by standard injection molding
techniques as known in the art.
Collar 32 is constructed to be connected to sleeve 14 in a secure manner
and where sleeve 14 can be removed if necessary. Collar 32 in a preferred
embodiment has a cylindrical outer surface 40 and an axial face 42. In
preferred embodiments, electrical device 34 is fitted within collar 32 so
that electrical device 34 is accessible through the passage of collar 32.
Electrical device 34 in the embodiment illustrated is an electrical
receptacle having a body 44 with a coupling end at an outer face 46. In
the illustrated embodiment, outer face 46 includes a plurality of
apertures 48 which can be circular openings or slots providing access to
electrical contacts supported within body 44. Electrical wires 50 extend
from one end of body 44 which are connected to a suitable power source
(not shown). It is to be understood that the structure of electrical
device 34 as shown is intended to be exemplary of a suitable connector.
The connector can have other suitable structures as known in the art. For
example, the connector can have annular shaped contacts and various
numbers of contacts depending on the intended use of the connector. In one
preferred embodiment, collar 32 has an open end receiving electrical
device 34 such that the outer face 46 of electrical device 34 is aligned
with axial face 42 of collar 32 as shown in FIG. 5. Electrical device 34
includes an outer surface with a recessed portion 47. In alternative
embodiments, collar 32 can include an end wall to close the outer end of
collar 32 where the end wall is provided with appropriate apertures or
other openings to allow access to electrical device 34.
Housing 16 is provided with a flange 52 positioned at the base of collar 32
and at distal end 30 of the housing 16. As shown in FIG. 1, flange 52
extends radially outward and lies in a plane substantially perpendicular
to a longitudinal axis of collar 32 and housing 16. Flange 52 has a
substantially annular shape encircling collar 32 and includes a
substantially planar axial surface 54 that faces away from base 22. Flange
52 includes a plurality of openings in the form of slots 56 uniformly
spaced around the perimeter of flange 52. In the embodiment illustrated,
slots 56 have an arcuate shape and are positioned adjacent collar 32 and
extend circumferentially around collar 32. Each of slots 56 have a
generally keyhole-like shape with a narrow arcuate section 58 and a larger
second section 60.
Sleeve 14 has a cylindrical shape with an axial length corresponding
substantially to the axial length of collar 32. Preferably, sleeve 14 has
a cylindrical inner surface 62 with an inner dimension corresponding to an
outer dimension of collar 32 so that sleeve 14 can slide over collar 32.
Sleeve 14 is constructed with a coupling member so that sleeve 14 can be
used to connect a mating electrical assembly in a locking relation. In the
embodiment illustrated, sleeve 14 is provided with external threads 64
that form a coupling member as discussed hereinafter in greater detail.
Sleeve 14 has a base 66 and a plurality of legs 68 extending axially from
base 66 as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. Legs 68 are uniformly spaced around
the perimeter of sleeve 14 to complement the spacing of slots 56 in flange
52.
Preferably, the number of legs 68 on sleeve 14 correspond to the number of
slots 56 in flange although the number of legs can be less than the number
of slots. Typically, at least four legs are provided to provide sufficient
strength and resist rotation of sleeve 14 during use. In the illustrated
embodiment, six legs are provided to stabilize the sleeve. Legs 68 have an
axial end 70 with a lug portion 72 so that the legs have a substantially
L-shape. In one embodiment, lug portion 72 extends radially outward from
legs 68 with respect to the axis of sleeve 14. Legs 68 have a width and
thickness corresponding substantially to the dimensions of narrow section
58 of slot 56. Lug portion 72 has a dimension corresponding substantially
to the larger section 60 of slot 66 whereby the lug portions 72 can pass
through larger section 60 of slot 56 and engage the rear face of flange 52
when legs 68 are rotated to position legs 68 in narrow section 58 of slot
56. Sleeve 14 is assembled onto collar 32 by sliding sleeve 14 axially to
insert legs 68 through a respective slot 56 and rotating sleeve 14 to lock
sleeve 14 in place.
In other embodiments, slots 56 can have a slightly arcuate shape with a
uniform width. In this embodiment, legs 68 have a tab extending in the
plane of the leg to form a substantially L-shape. The legs can then be
inserted through the slots and the sleeve rotated to lock the sleeve in
place.
Sleeve 14 has an axial length corresponding to the length of collar 32 so
that when base 60 seats against flange 52, the axial end 74 of sleeve 14
is aligned with the axial face 42 of collar 32. In preferred embodiments
of the invention, sleeve 14 is made from a metal such as aluminum,
although other rigid materials can be used. Sleeve 14 is preferably made
of metal so that threads 64 have sufficient strength for coupling with a
connector and can resist damage by impact. Preferably, sleeve 14 is
assembled onto collar 32 in a manner so that sleeve 14 is electrically
insulated by collar 32 from the inner cavity 18 of housing 14 and
electrical device 34 supported therein.
In one embodiment of the invention, body 12 includes a cover 76 for
covering the open end of electrical device 34. As shown in FIG. 1, cover
76 has a substantially cylindrical side wall 78 and an end wall 80. Arms
82 having apertures 84 extend from side wall 76 for forming hinge members.
Housing 16 of body 12 has two spaced apart flanges 86 extending parallel
to the longitudinal axis of housing 16. Flanges 86 include apertures 88
for receiving a pin 90 or other coupling member. Flanges 86 are spaced
apart a distance corresponding to arms 82 whereby cover 76 can be coupled
to flanges 86 to enable cover 76 to pivot from a closed position covering
the axial end of electrical device 34 to an open position shown in FIGS. 7
and 8 allowing access to electrical device 34.
Sleeve 14 is coupled to body 12 by sliding sleeve 14 axially over collar 32
and inserting leg 68 of sleeve 14 through the larger section 60 of slots
56. Sleeve 14 is then rotated to position leg 68 in the narrow section 58
of slots 56, whereby sleeve 14 is locked to prevent separation in an axial
direction. Preferably, a suitable locking member is provided to fix the
position of sleeve 14 with respect to collar 34. In one embodiment, flange
52 includes one or more apertures 92 extending radially through flange 52
through an outer radial face 54. Apertures 92 are aligned with a narrow
section 58 of a respective slot 56 to receive a suitable locking member.
In one preferred embodiment, at least two legs 68 are provided with a
tapped, threaded aperture 96 for receiving a screw 98. Sleeve 14 is
assembled onto collar 32 and screw 98 is passed through aperture 92 and
screwed into aperture 96 in leg 68 to secure sleeve 14 in place and
prevent rotation of sleeve 14 and movement of legs 68 within the
respective slot 56. In another embodiment, apertures 92 can include
internal threads for receiving a screw. The screw is threaded into the
aperture to engage the respective leg 68 of sleeve 14 to clamp leg 68 in
place and prevent rotation and disassembly of sleeve 14 from collar 32.
Typically, sleeve 14 is positioned on collar 32 and secured in place by
screw 98 although other securing devices can be used. In the event any
portion of sleeve 14 is damaged, screw 98 can be loosened and/or removed,
thereby allowing sleeve 14 to be rotated to release lug portion 72 from
flange 52 whereby sleeve 14 can be removed. In this manner, sleeve 14 can
be replaced when the sleeve is damaged or otherwise interferes with the
desired operation of assembly 10.
In the embodiment illustrated, electrical assembly 10 is used in
conjunction with electrical box 24 to supply appropriate electrical wiring
to electrical device 34. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7,
electrical box 24 includes a primary switch handle 100 and a door 102
coupled to electrical box 24 by hinges 104.
In the illustrated embodiment, electrical device 34 of electrical assembly
10 is an electrical receptacle for coupling with a complementing plug 106
or other mating electrical device. Plug 106 includes a body 108 having a
clamp assembly 110 for securing an electrical cord 112. The outer end 114
of body 108 includes electrical prongs 116 that are positioned to mate
with the apertures 48 of electrical device 34 and a sleeve 117. A collar
118 is coupled to outer end 114 of body 108 and is rotatably mounted
thereon. Collar 118 includes internal threads 120 and has an inner
diameter corresponding to an outer diameter of sleeve 14. In use, prongs
116 of plug 106 are inserted into apertures 48 of electrical device 34 and
collar 118 is threaded onto sleeve 14 to couple plug 106 to electrical
assembly 110 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Preferably, electrical assembly 10
is able to form a weather tight seal when coupled to a mating electrical
device. Electrical assembly 10 or plug 106 can form a seal between the
mating components or include a suitable gasket material to prevent water
or moisture from entering the space between the mating connectors.
In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical connector assembly includes a
body that is mounted or secured to a stable surface. In other embodiments
the electrical connector assembly can be electrical connectors that are
coupled to a respective electrical cord. Preferably, the assembly includes
a male and female connector such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,641,310 to Tibero which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entity. In the present invention, one of the connectors has a non-metallic
body with a metal coupling sleeve that is electrically insulated from the
wiring and electrical device contained in the connector body. The mating
connector preferably includes a collar or other coupling member that is
able to be coupled to the metal sleeve.
While various embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and
described herein, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the
appended claims.
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