Cord plug with protector cap
First Claim
1. A plug assembly for use with an automobile accessory mounted to an automobile body, said plug assembly comprising:
- a plug body having a contact surface and a recess face surrounding said contact surface;
electrical contacts coupled to said plug body and projecting from said contact surface; and
a protector cap including a contact cavity extending between a closed end and an open end thereof, said protector cap having an end face located at a first plane at said open end, a cap seal surface located at a second plane surrounding said contact cavity at said open end and a recess surface extending between said end face and said cap seal surface, said protector cap coupled to said plug body for movement between a closed position and an open position, said electrical contacts and said contact surface disposed within said contact cavity, said recess surface of said protector cap surrounding said recess face of said plug body and said cap seal surface engaging said contact surface to seal said contact cavity when said protector cap is in said closed position.
19 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention includes a plug assembly and cord set for use with an automobile accessory that is mounted to an automobile body. The plug assembly includes a plug body having a contact surface, electrical contacts coupled to the plug body and projecting from the contact surface, and a protector cap that accommodates the contacts and protects the contacts from the surrounding environment when the protector cap is in its closed position. The protector cap includes a contact cavity and a cap seal surface surrounding the contact cavity at an open end thereof. The protector cap is coupled to the plug body for pivotal movement between an open position and a closed position wherein the electrical contacts are disposed within the contact cavity and the cap seal surface engages the contact surface to seal the contact cavity when the protector cap is in its closed position. The present invention further includes a mounting assembly for connecting the plug to the vehicle body wherein the mounting assembly includes a mounting bracket having an aperture to accommodate the plug body and the plug body includes a coupling tab having a first end integral with the plug body and a second end movable between an engaged position and a retractive position. When the coupling tab is in its engaged position the tab engages a mounting bracket to couple the plug body to the mounting bracket.
44 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A plug assembly for use with an automobile accessory mounted to an automobile body, said plug assembly comprising:
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a plug body having a contact surface and a recess face surrounding said contact surface;
electrical contacts coupled to said plug body and projecting from said contact surface; and
a protector cap including a contact cavity extending between a closed end and an open end thereof, said protector cap having an end face located at a first plane at said open end, a cap seal surface located at a second plane surrounding said contact cavity at said open end and a recess surface extending between said end face and said cap seal surface, said protector cap coupled to said plug body for movement between a closed position and an open position, said electrical contacts and said contact surface disposed within said contact cavity, said recess surface of said protector cap surrounding said recess face of said plug body and said cap seal surface engaging said contact surface to seal said contact cavity when said protector cap is in said closed position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A cord set for an electrically powered automobile accessory coupled to a vehicle, wherein the cord set includes a cord having a first end electrically connected to the electrically powered automobile accessory, a second end having a plug with male electrical contacts extending from a contact surface of the plug, the cord set further including a mounting mechanism for coupling the plug to the vehicle, wherein the improvement comprises:
a protector cap pivotably coupled to said plug for movement between an open position and a closed position, said protector cap defining a cavity about said male electrical contacts when the cap is in its closed position, said protector cap including an end face located at a first plane, an engagement face located at a second plane and a recess surface extending therebetween, said engagement face engaging said contact surface of said plug when said protector cap is in said closed position to define a seal between said engagement face and said contact surface. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
Specification