Connector for track network
First Claim
1. A connector for a track network comprising:
- an insulative body having a channel extending between a first end of the body and a second end of the body;
an electrically conductive contact block positioned within the channel in the insulative body and having a first end, a second end, an opening extending from the first end to the second end, and screw holes extending from an, outer surface of the conductive contact block into the opening of the contact block;
at least one contact screw configured to be inserted into respective ones of the screw holes; and
a unitary conductor retainer wrapping around an edge of the first end of the conductive contact block, the unitary conductor retainer having a first segment connected to a second segment the first segment having an opening wherein the opening in the first segment is aligned with one of the screw holes, a respective contact screw is configured to pass through the opening in the first segment, and the second segment extends into the opening in the conductive contact block to at least partially block the opening through the conductive contact block, wherein the opening in the conductive contact block is configured to receive at least one electrical conductor of a track network, and the respective contact screw is configured to be tightened into a respective screw hole to cause the at least one electrical conductor to make electrical contact with the contact block.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A connector for a track network includes an insulative body, an electrically conductive contact block, at least one contact screw, and a conductor retainer. The insulative body includes a channel extending between a first end of the body and a second end of the body. The electrically conductive contact block is positioned within the channel in the insulative body and has a first end, a second end, an opening extending from the first end to the second end, and at least two threaded contact screw holes extending from an outer surface of the conductive contact block into the opening of the contact block. The contact screws are configured to be inserted into the threaded contact screw holes. The conductor retainer is mated with the conductive contact block and includes a first segment having an opening and a second segment. The opening in the first segment is aligned with one of the threaded contact screw holes, the contact screw passes through the opening in the first segment, and the second segment extends into the opening in the conductive contact block to at least partially block the opening through the conductive contact block. The opening in the conductive contact block receives electrical conductors and the contact screw is tightened into the contact screw hole to cause the electrical conductor to make electrical contact with the contact block.
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Citations
28 Claims
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1. A connector for a track network comprising:
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an insulative body having a channel extending between a first end of the body and a second end of the body;
an electrically conductive contact block positioned within the channel in the insulative body and having a first end, a second end, an opening extending from the first end to the second end, and screw holes extending from an, outer surface of the conductive contact block into the opening of the contact block;
at least one contact screw configured to be inserted into respective ones of the screw holes; and
a unitary conductor retainer wrapping around an edge of the first end of the conductive contact block, the unitary conductor retainer having a first segment connected to a second segment the first segment having an opening wherein the opening in the first segment is aligned with one of the screw holes, a respective contact screw is configured to pass through the opening in the first segment, and the second segment extends into the opening in the conductive contact block to at least partially block the opening through the conductive contact block, wherein the opening in the conductive contact block is configured to receive at least one electrical conductor of a track network, and the respective contact screw is configured to be tightened into a respective screw hole to cause the at least one electrical conductor to make electrical contact with the contact block. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 28)
inserting an electrical conductor of the track network into the opening of the contact block; and
inserting the contact screw into the threaded contact screw hole to provide an electrical and mechanical connection between the contact block and the conductor.
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16. A method of connecting a connector to a track network, the method comprising:
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providing a connector comprising;
an insulative body having a channel extending between a first end of the body and a second end of the body, an electrically conductive contact block positioned within the channel in the insulative body and having a first end, a second end, an opening extending from the first end to the second end, screw holes extending from an outer surface of the conductive contact block into the opening of the contact block, at least one contact screw configured to be inserted into respective ones of the screw holes, and a unitary conductor retainer wrapping around an edge of the first end of the conductive contact block the unitary conductor retainer having a first segment connected to a second segment the first segment having an opening, wherein the opening in the first segment is aligned with one of the screw holes, a respective contact screw is configured to pass through the opening in the first segment, and the second segment extends into the opening in the conductive contact block to at least partially block the opening through the conductive contact block, wherein the opening in the conductive contact block is configured to receive at least one electrical conductor, and the respective contact screw is configured to be tightened into a respective screw hole to cause the at least one electrical conductor to make electrical contact with the contact block;
inserting an electrical conductor of a track network into the opening of the contact block; and
inserting the contact screw into the threaded contact screw hole to provide an electrical and mechanical connection between the contact block and the conductor. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification