1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to connecting devices. Specifically, and not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to a connector for connecting a cable to an electrical junction box.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are connectors for connecting cables to an electrical junction box. The cables are typically non-metallic sheathed cables and must be locked into a knock-out opening in an electrical junction box.
Although there are no known prior art teachings of a solution to deficiencies in existing connectors, a prior art reference that discusses subject matter that bears some relation to matters discussed herein is U.S. Pat. No. 5,693,910 to Gretz (Gretz) Gretz discloses an electrical connector that is inserted into a hole or knock-out of an electrical junction box. As shown in
However, Gretz suffers from several disadvantages. The C-shape is difficult and expensive to manufacture. Furthermore, due to the C-shaped configuration, Gretz merely provides an uneven flexing of the connector.
It would be advantageous to have a connector which enables evenly distributed flexing of the connector and which is inexpensive to manufacture. It is an object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus.
In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a connector for connecting a cable to an electrical junction box. The connector includes a continuous flange and a wall extending from the flange. The wall has a lower end attached to the flange and an opposite upper end. A passageway runs substantially parallel to a central axis of the connector. In addition, the connector includes a horizontal tab extending substantially perpendicular from the wall within the passageway. One or more vertical tabs extend vertically from the flange and are capable of hinging inwardly. A cable is inserted within the passageway and retained by the horizontal tab within the connector.
In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a connector and electrical junction combination for connecting a cable to the electrical junction box. The combination includes an electrical junction and a connector. The connector includes a continuous flange and a wall extending from the flange. The wall has a lower end attached to the flange and an opposite upper end. A passageway runs substantially parallel to a central axis of the connector. In addition, the connector includes a horizontal tab extending substantially perpendicular from the wall within the passageway. One or more vertical tabs extend vertically from the flange and are capable of hinging inwardly. A cable is inserted within the passageway and retained by the horizontal tab within the connector.
The present invention is a connector for connecting a cable to an electrical junction box.
The wall 104 of the connector 100 has an outer diameter sized to allow insertion of the wall 104 into a standard size knock-out opening for an electrical junction box (not shown). The wall 104 includes partial gaps 130 on each side of vertical tabs 132 and 134. The vertical tabs extend upward from the flange 102 to a position flush with the upper end 112. The vertical tabs are on opposite sides of the passageway 106. Each vertical tab includes a ridge portion 140 and indention 142. The ridge portion enables the connector to securely rest within a knock-out opening of the electrical junction box. The ridge portion 140 includes a lower edge 144, an upper edge 146, and an outer edge 148. The partial gap 130 and vertical tabs 132 and 134 allow the wall 104 to hinge inwardly, and upon clearance of the wall of the electrical box, snap back so as to return to a position perpendicular to the flange 102 and parallel to the central axis 108. This motion and position after clearance of the ridge portions 140 “locks” the connector 100 in position on an electrical box. As depicted in
Referring to
With reference to
While the present invention is described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments for particular applications, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications, and embodiments within the scope thereof and additional fields in which the present invention would be of significant utility.
Thus, the present invention has been described herein with reference to a particular embodiment for a particular application. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the present teachings will recognize additional modifications, applications and embodiments within the scope thereof.
It is therefore intended by the appended claims to cover any and all such applications, modifications and embodiments within the scope of the present invention.
This utility application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/654,831 filed Jun. 2, 2012 by Jack R. Kerr which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61654831 | Jun 2012 | US |