Systems, apparatus, and related methods for weather-proofed wire splicings

• US 9,559,435 B2
• Filed: 08/14/2013
• Issued: 01/31/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 08/09/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Auroralight, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Michael Joye
• Inventors: Joye, Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): Thompson, Timothy
• Assistant Examiner(s): EGOAVIL, GUILLERMO J
• Application Number:
  US13/966,742
• Publication Number:
  US 20150047871A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,266 Days
• Field of Search: 298/68, 298/69, 298/72, 298/74, 174/87, 403/396, 439/147, 439/271, 439/449, 439/447, 439/456, 439/824, 439/840
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/5216 characterised by the sealing material, e.g. gels or resins
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/622 Screw-ring or screw-casing H01R13/623 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/641 by indicating incorrect coupling; by indicating correct or full engagement
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 4/00 Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 4/20 using a crimping sleeve H01R4/01 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 4/22 End caps, i.e. of insulating or conductive material for covering or maintaining connections between wires entering the cap from the same end
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 4/36 Conductive members located under tip of screw
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 43/005 for making dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof connection, coupling, or casing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49194 Assembling elongated conductors, e.g., splicing, etc.
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49195 with end-to-end orienting

Abstract

Disclosed are systems, apparatus and related methods for making weather, fire, or water-proofed wire-to-wire electrical connections.

Claims

1. A system for coupling wires comprising:

a conductive connector for splicing two or more wires featuring;

a head; and

a cap comprising;

a hollow body;

a first socket, located on the inside of the hollow body;

a second socket, located on the outside of the hollow body;

wherein the head is configured for removable input to the second socket so that the connector is releasably secured to the outside of the hollow body of the cap whenever the head is input into the second socket;

wherein the head is configured for removable input to the first socket so that the connector is securable to the inside of the hollow body of the cap whenever the head is input into the first socket; and

wherein said sockets are configured to receive and releasably retain the head of the connector.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said connector features at least one wire receptacle.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein said connector features a means for anchoring a wire within said wire receptacle(s).

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the hollow body is filled with sealant.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein the body further comprises a probe-port.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein the hollow body features an open end.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein the open end of the hollow body features a closure.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein the wire receptacle recevies the stripped core of at least one wire.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein the cap has one side tapering to a point occupied by an external socket.

10. The system of claim 9 that is defined by a cap closure.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein the cap closure is defined by a plurality of triangular segments.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein the triangular segments converge and flex away from the convergence.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein the connector side receives the set screw into compressive contact with the stripped wire cores.

14. The system of claim 12 wherein the connector side receives the set screw into clamping contact with the stripped wire cores.

15. The system of claim 12 wherein the connector is constructed of electrically conductive and malleable material,

wherein the connector is crimped around the installed wire cores.

16. The system of claim 12 wherein the stripped wire cores are electrically coupled within each wire-receptacle.

17. The system of claim 12 wherein multiple wires are electrically coupled via the connector.

18. The system of claim 12 wherein the cap is cylindrical in shape.

19. The system of claim 12 wherein the cap is further defined by a probe-port.

20. A method for placing sealant around a wire connection comprising the steps of:

obtaining a conductive connector for splicing two or more wires featuring a head;

obtaining a cap comprising;

a hollow body;

a first socket, located on the inside of the hollow body;

a second socket, located on the outside of the hollow body;

wherein the head is configured for removable input to the second socket so that the connector is releasably secured to the outside of the hollow body of the cap whenever the head is input into the second socket;

wherein the head is configured for removable input to the first socket so that the connector is securable to the inside of the hollow body of the cap whenever the head is input into the first socket; and

wherein said sockets are configured to receive and releasably retain the head of the connector;

filling the cap with a sealant;

securing the head of the connector to the second socket of the sealant filled cap;

anchoring the wires to said connector;

unsecuring the connector and wires from the second socket of the cap; and

depositing the connector plus wires into the cap.