Universal strain relief device for connectors

• US 5,567,172 A
• Filed: 09/26/1994
• Issued: 10/22/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 09/26/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Gillette Company (The Procter & Gamble Company)
• Original Assignee: AER Energy Resources, Inc.
• Inventors: Thibault, William C., Tinker, Lawrence A.
• Primary Examiner(s): NGUYEN, KHIEM M
• Application Number:
  US08/312,566
• Time in Patent Office: 757 Days
• Field of Search: 439/369, 439/370, 439/371, 439/502, 439/449, 439/451, 439/668
• US Class Current: 439/371
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6392 for extension cord

Abstract

A protective system for multi-part connections that prevents unintended disconnection, is inexpensive, and can be used regardless of the shape of the connectors which form the connection. The protective system allows interchanging of component connectors without compromising the protective function. The secured connection includes a first connector, a second connector shaped to engage the first connector and including a catch positioned to be accessible when the connectors are engaged, and a securing line shaped at a first end thereof to engage the first connector and at a second end thereof to be secured in the catch.

Claims

1. A secured electrical connection, comprising:

a first male connector;

a second female connector shaped to receive said first connector within a sleeve defined by said second connector;

one of said first and second connectors defining a projection including a catch positioned to be accessible when said connectors are engaged; and

an elastic, beaded securing line defining an opening at a first end thereof to enable formation of a loop in said securing line;

a bead of said securing line being trapped in said catch of said one connector, and said loop engaging said other connector, such that said elastic securing line is held in tension.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second catch positioned on said one connector, another bead of said securing line being trapped in said second catch.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said projection comprises an outwardly extending flange and wherein said catch comprises an open slot defined in said flange.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said first connector comprises a cigarette lighter style plug and said second connector comprises a cylindrical socket.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said opening in said first end of said securing line is a keyhole-shaped opening sized to selectively pass or trap said beads of said securing line.

5. A secured electrical connection, comprising:

a first male connector;

a second female connector shaped to receive said first connector within a sleeve defined by said second connector;

one of said first and second connectors defining a projection including a catch positioned to be accessible when said connectors are engaged; and

an elastic, beaded securing line including a wrap member at a first end thereof, said wrap member including a releasable fastener;

a bead of said securing line being trapped in said catch of said one connector, and said releasable fastener holding said wrap member in position around said other connector, such that said elastic securing line is held in tension.