Multi-wire locking system
First Claim
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1. A unitary one-piece ground contact for use as a component within an electrical connector, comprising, in combination:
- a) a body formed from a single block, said body comprising;
b) a mounting tab portion formed with an opening therethrough;
c) a neck portion integral with said mounting tab portion;
d) a tube grip portion integral with said mounting tab portion via said neck portion;
e) a slot in said tube grip portion extending from a first, free end of said tube grip portion towards said neck portion providing a first gap;
f) said tube grip portion comprising;
g) two spring members formed in an arcuate configuration with their respective concave inner surfaces facing one another, said spring members being disposed so as to define a second gap between confronting, outer edges of said tube grip portion, and a receiving end flared to receive a ground pin of an electrical plug; and
h) self-centering means for aligning said contact within a bore in which said contact is disposed when in a functioning mode, said self-centering means comprising a plurality of protuberances formed as an integral part of said spring members for contacting the inner surfaces defining said bore.
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Abstract
The present invention teaches a multi-wire locking system incorporating a novel and unique ground contact which is formed in a unitary manner in a single piece or element from a single piece of metal stock, without the need for machining or assembly. The subject ground contact is utilized within and the present invention contemplates a receptacle or connector assembly which performs in a superior manner when compared to the prior art.
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Citations
4 Claims
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1. A unitary one-piece ground contact for use as a component within an electrical connector, comprising, in combination:
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a) a body formed from a single block, said body comprising; b) a mounting tab portion formed with an opening therethrough; c) a neck portion integral with said mounting tab portion; d) a tube grip portion integral with said mounting tab portion via said neck portion; e) a slot in said tube grip portion extending from a first, free end of said tube grip portion towards said neck portion providing a first gap; f) said tube grip portion comprising; g) two spring members formed in an arcuate configuration with their respective concave inner surfaces facing one another, said spring members being disposed so as to define a second gap between confronting, outer edges of said tube grip portion, and a receiving end flared to receive a ground pin of an electrical plug; and h) self-centering means for aligning said contact within a bore in which said contact is disposed when in a functioning mode, said self-centering means comprising a plurality of protuberances formed as an integral part of said spring members for contacting the inner surfaces defining said bore. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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Specification