Weatherproof connector

• US 8,288,651 B2
• Filed: 11/14/2008
• Issued: 10/16/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 09/28/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kenneth Smith
• Original Assignee: Kenneth Smith
• Inventors: Smith, Kenneth
• Primary Examiner(s): Estrada, Angel R
• Application Number:
  US12/271,560
• Publication Number:
  US 20090088010A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,432 Days
• Field of Search: 174/66, 174/67, 174/53, 174/57, 174/54, 174/135, 439/137, 439/142, 439/135, 439/358, 439/357, 439/490, 439/489, 439/910, 439/136, 439/271, 220/296, 220/241, 220/242
• US Class Current: 174/53
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/447 Shutter or cover plate
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/5205 Sealing means between cable and housing, e.g. grommet H01R13/5221 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/5221 having cable sealing means
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/639 Additional means for holding or locking coupling parts together, after engagement, e.g. separate keylock, retainer strap
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/652 with earth pin, blade or socket
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/66 Structural association with built-in electrical component coupling devices having concentrically or coaxially-arranged contacts H01R24/38
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/748 using one or more screws H01R13/746 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2103/00 Two poles
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2201/26 for vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/30 with additional earth or shield contacts
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/78 with additional earth or shield contacts

Abstract

A weatherproof power inlet box and mating plug wherein the inlet box and mating plug are asymmetrical, positively latched and include more robust elements and a visual indicator of the status of the interconnect. Also included is a thermostat that trips to prevent overheating.

Claims

1. A weatherproof electrical interconnect comprising noncylindrical, congruous male and female members, wherein the female member is fixedly secured to a relatively stationary object and includes outwardly projecting electrical prongs located internally of the member, and the transportable male member, including receiving slots to accommodate the prongs, multiple sealing means preventing ingress of weather when the male and female are engaged and dual locking means preventing unintentional disengagement.

2. An electrical interconnect as in claim 1, wherein the female member includes a weatherproof cap which also serves to lock the male member in place when engaged.

3. An electrical interconnect as in claim 2, wherein the cap is hinged and is stable at more than one position of openness.

4. An electrical interconnect as in claim 1, wherein a thermostat is located online to prevent overheating.

5. A weatherproof electrical plug comprising:

a first element fixedly secured to a relatively fixed body and a second mating element selectively removable from the first element;

the first element comprising an irregularly configured outwardly facing opening having outwardly extending electrical prongs protruding from the bottom thereof, an outwardly facing peripheral lip from the bottom thereof supporting a seal, and a hinged cover member;

the second element comprising a nose portion configured to mate with the first element and including slots to accept the prongs, an after portion including an interconnecting power line and a forwardly facing peripheral slot including a seal to mate with the first element lip.