Breakaway coupler and washer for electrical connectors
First Claim
1. A coupler for connecting a first element to a second element, the coupler comprising:
- a first connector piece securable to the first element;
a second connector piece for attaching to the first connector piece; and
a flexible breakaway device mounted on the second element for releasably securing the second connector piece to the second element.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A coupler for connecting a first element to a second element includes a first connector piece securable to the first element; a second connector piece for attaching to the first connector piece; and a flexible breakaway device mounted on the second element for releasably securing the second connector piece to the second element. A method of connecting and disconnecting a first element and a second element includes the steps of providing a first connector piece on the first element; attaching a breakaway device to the second element; attaching a second connector piece to the breakaway device that is attached to the second element; securing the first connector to the second connector; releasing the second connector piece from the second element by deflecting a portion of the breakaway device when a separation force is applied between the first and second elements.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A coupler for connecting a first element to a second element, the coupler comprising:
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a first connector piece securable to the first element; a second connector piece for attaching to the first connector piece; and a flexible breakaway device mounted on the second element for releasably securing the second connector piece to the second element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A coupler for connecting a first element to a second element, the coupler comprising:
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a first connector piece securable to the first element; a second connector piece for attaching to the first connector piece; and a breakaway device slidably mounted on the second element, wherein the second connector is releasably secured to the breakaway device. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A coupler for connecting a first element to a second element, the coupler comprising:
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a first connector piece securable to the first element; a second connector piece securable to the first connector piece; a breakaway device slidably secured to the second element, the breakaway device including a portion that engages the second connector and which disengages the second connector when a predetermined separation force is applied between the breakaway device and the second connector. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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17. A method of connecting and disconnecting a first element and a second element, comprising the steps of:
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providing a first connector piece on the first element; attaching a breakaway device to the second element; attaching a second connector piece to the breakaway device that is attached to the second element; securing the first connector to the second connector; releasing the second connector piece from the second element by deflecting a portion of the breakaway device when a separation force is applied between the first and second elements.
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Specification