Power connector ground polarization insert and connector used therewith

• US 6,458,000 B2
• Filed: 12/22/2000
• Issued: 10/01/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/30/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Loren Greenberg
• Original Assignee: Thomas & Betts International Incorporated (ABB Limited)
• Inventors: Shappell, David John
• Primary Examiner(s): PATEL, TULSIDAS C
• Application Number:
  US09/745,375
• Publication Number:
  US 20010053635A1
• Time in Patent Office: 648 Days
• Field of Search: 439/677, 439/680, 439/685, 439/686, 439/681, 439/170, 439/171, 439/172, 439/173, 439/518, 439/956, 439/957
• US Class Current: 439/677
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/64 Means for preventing incorrect coupling

Abstract

The present invention provides a removable, “snap-in” ground polarization insert for a power connector that accommodates insertion of a corresponding ground polarization pin therein. The insert is molded from the same insulative material as the surrounding housing. The insert remains separate from the connector until assembly of the final product, enabling the user to determine the requisite combination of a proper insert configuration and a corresponding plug or receptacle that is currently available in the inventory. The ability to delay assembly of the connector and insert thereby allows use of the connector with pre-existing plugs and receptacles in view of available inventory and current customer demands.

Claims

1. A kit of parts comprising:

a connector having an electrical contact supported within a housing in a contact accommodating recess;

a plurality of inserts, each being adapted for attachment to said connector, each said insert having a surface adapted for overlying said recess and further having one of a plurality of differently configured plug accepting orifices therethrough;

wherein each said insert uniquely permits insertion of only a plug of mating configuration and further includes a midsection having a substantially planar top surface, a bottom surface parallel thereto and a perimetrical wall extending therebetween wherein said perimetrical wall circumscribes said plug accepting orifice.

2. The kit of claim 1 wherein a pair of elongate members protrude downwardly in normal relation to said bottom surface, each of said members having a shoulder at an extremity thereof that protrudes perpendicularly from a longitudinal direction of said member.

3. The kit of claim 2 wherein each said elongate member includes a securement tab protruding normally from a longitudinal extension thereof for frictional engagement with said accommodating recess.

4. The kit of claim 1 wherein said insert is welded or chemically coupled with said housing.