Terminal with strain relief
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A wiring device terminal for receiving a conductor, the terminal comprising:
- a. a contact comprising;
i. a substantially planar surface having an aperture formed therethrough; and
ii. at least one tab extending from an exposed side of the contact, the at least one tab arranged and configured to engage the conductor; and
b. a fastener adapted and configured to pass through the aperture and selectively and securingly engage the conductor;
wherein when the conductor is inserted into the terminal it is secured directly between the contact and the fastener and is engaged by the at least one tab providing strain relief for the conductor.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A wiring device terminal may include a contact having an aperture formed therethrough for receiving a fastener. One or more conductors may be engaged in the terminal directly between the fastener and the contact without requiring a pressure plate. When the fastener is tightened, the one or more conductors may be securingly held between the contact and the fastener.
66 Citations
33 Claims
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1. A wiring device terminal for receiving a conductor, the terminal comprising:
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a. a contact comprising; i. a substantially planar surface having an aperture formed therethrough; and ii. at least one tab extending from an exposed side of the contact, the at least one tab arranged and configured to engage the conductor; and b. a fastener adapted and configured to pass through the aperture and selectively and securingly engage the conductor; wherein when the conductor is inserted into the terminal it is secured directly between the contact and the fastener and is engaged by the at least one tab providing strain relief for the conductor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A wiring device terminal for receiving a conductor, the terminal comprising:
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a. a contact comprising; i. a substantially planar surface having an aperture formed therethrough; and ii. at least one protrusion extending from the substantially planar surface, the at least one protrusion arranged and configured to engage the conductor; and b. a fastener adapted and configured to pass through the aperture and selectively and securingly engage the conductor; wherein when the conductor is inserted into the terminal it is secured directly between the contact and the fastener and is engaged by the at least one protrusion providing strain relief for the conductor. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A wiring device terminal for receiving a conductor, the terminal comprising:
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a. a contact comprising; i. a substantially planar surface having an aperture formed therethrough; and ii. a plurality of indents, the plurality of indents arranged and configured around the aperture so that a first set of the plurality of indents is positioned on one side of the aperture and a second set of the plurality of indents is positioned on an opposite side of the aperture; and b. a fastener adapted and configured to pass through the aperture and selectively and securingly engage the conductor; wherein the conductor may be engaged in the terminal directly between the contact and the fastener, and wherein the plurality of indents provide friction between the contact and the conductor. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29)
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30. A wiring device terminal for receiving a conductor, the terminal comprising:
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a. a contact comprising; i. a substantially planar surface having an aperture formed therethrough; and ii. at least one protrusion extending from the substantially planar surface, the at least one protrusion arranged and configured to engage the conductor; and b. a fastener adapted and configured to pass through the aperture and selectively and securingly engage the conductor; wherein the conductor may be engaged in the terminal directly between the contact and the fastener, and wherein the at least one protrusion provides strain relief for the conductor, and wherein the at least one protrusion comprises first and second L-shaped protrusions, the first and second protrusions each having a first end that is flush with an exposed side of the contact and a second end having a living hinge arranged and configured on an inner portion of the contact, wherein the first protrusion is arranged and configured on one side of the aperture and the second protrusion is a mirror image of the first protrusion and arranged and configured on an opposite side of the aperture.
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31. A wiring device terminal for receiving a conductor, the terminal comprising:
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a. a contact comprising; i. a substantially planar surface having an aperture formed therethrough; and ii. a plurality of ridges, the plurality of ridges arranged and configured around the aperture so that a first set of the plurality of ridges is positioned on one side of the aperture and a second set of the plurality of ridges is positioned on an opposite side of the aperture; and b. a fastener adapted and configured to pass through the aperture and selectively and securingly engage the conductor; wherein the conductor may be engaged in the terminal directly between the contact and the fastener, and wherein the plurality of ridges provide friction between the contact and the conductor. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33)
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Specification