Modular extension cord system
First Claim
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1. A component for a modular extension cord system adapted to receive an end of a piece of electrical zip cord, said end having at least a pair of exposed conductors, said component comprising:
- (a) at least one inner component being adapted to receive and retain a piece of zip cord, said inner component including first means for receiving an end of a piece of zip cord through an opening formed in one end thereof, said first means including a ratcheting ridged portion extending along an inner wall thereof, said ratcheting ridged portion having ratcheting ridge means for contacting and retaining the outer insulator of a piece of zip cord inserted into said opening; and
(b) an outer component separate from said inner component, said outer component being adapted to receive and retain said inner component;
(c) electrical contact means comprising at least a pair of elongated contact pins which are aligned to axially extend into said exposed conductors at the end of said zip cord, thereby making electrical contact therewith, said contact pins being a part of said outer component, said inner component having an opening for admitting said zip cord and at least one opposed opening for admitting said contact pins therethrough when said inner component is inserted into said outer component.
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Abstract
The present invention uses molded components to receive the ends of electrical zip cord. Elongated contact pins which are molded into the components are inserted axially into the ends of the stranded conductors at the end of the zip cord making positive electrical contact to the conductors. Ridged portions within the molded components receive, grip, and retain the insulator on the outer portion of the zip cord, thereby separating the functions of electrical gripping and mechanical contact in the present invention.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A component for a modular extension cord system adapted to receive an end of a piece of electrical zip cord, said end having at least a pair of exposed conductors, said component comprising:
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(a) at least one inner component being adapted to receive and retain a piece of zip cord, said inner component including first means for receiving an end of a piece of zip cord through an opening formed in one end thereof, said first means including a ratcheting ridged portion extending along an inner wall thereof, said ratcheting ridged portion having ratcheting ridge means for contacting and retaining the outer insulator of a piece of zip cord inserted into said opening; and (b) an outer component separate from said inner component, said outer component being adapted to receive and retain said inner component; (c) electrical contact means comprising at least a pair of elongated contact pins which are aligned to axially extend into said exposed conductors at the end of said zip cord, thereby making electrical contact therewith, said contact pins being a part of said outer component, said inner component having an opening for admitting said zip cord and at least one opposed opening for admitting said contact pins therethrough when said inner component is inserted into said outer component. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification