Strap type electrical connector with frustro-conical retaining ring and improved clamping strap for either nonmetallic cables or armor or metal clad cables

Abstract

This disclosure is directed to electrical connectors that include a connector body having an inlet end opening and an outlet end portion wherein the outlet end portion is provided with an outer surface that slopes downwardly toward the outlet opening and having a complementary sloping or frustro-conical, snap fit, retaining ring with locking tangs and grounding tangs for snap locking the outlet end portion to an electric box or enclosure, and including an embodiment having a cable strap retainer hingedly connected to an associated cable support saddle to render the cable strap retainer readily detachable from the saddle in a manner that prohibits any unintentional detachment of the strap therefrom when rotated between a cable clamping and unclamping position suitable for securing thereto either a non-metallic cable or an armored or metal clad cable, wire conductor and the like.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to a further advancement in the field of electrical connector assemblies having a snap fit retaining ring circumscribing the outlet end of a connector body for effecting a snap fit connection to an electrical box of the types described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,860,758, U.S. Pat. No. 6,935,891 and application Ser. No. 11/180,085 filed Jul. 13, 2005, which is a continuation in part application of application Ser. No. 11/028,373 filed Jan. 3, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,045,714, which are incorporated herein by reference.

More specifically, this application is directed to further improvements in strap type electrical connector assemblies having a frustro-conical snap fit retaining ring and an improved hinged strap for securing either a nonmetallic cable or an armored, metal cable thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electrical connectors are commonly used for attaching electrical conductors, cables, wires, electrical metal tubing (EMT) or the like to an electric box, e.g. a junction box, outlet box, switch box, fuse box, or other similar type of electric box or panel. Such known electrical connectors are either of a type that are secured to an electric box by a threaded lock nut or by means of a circular snap fit retaining ring of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,860,758; 6,444,907; 5,189,258; 5,266,050; 5,171,164; 2,744,769 and 1,483,218 for example. Reference is also made to U.S. Pat. No. 6,768,057 which is directed to a right angle type connector formed of a pair of sheet metal stampings fitted together and secured to an electrical box with a snap fit arrangement.

Also known are connectors formed as connector caps which are adapted to be fitted over the end of a conductor, cable or wires, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,880,387. Various other known efforts to facilitate the connection of an electrical conductor to an electric box are evidenced by U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,043,432; 6,080,933; 6,114,630; 6,133,529; 6,194,661; 6,335,488; 6,352,439; 6,355,884; 6,444,907; 6,555,750; 6,604,400; 6,670,553; 6,737,584; 6,682,355; 6,780,029 and 6,849,803.

Notwithstanding the extensive background relating to electrical connectors, continuing efforts are being made to improve, simplify and/or reduce the cost and/or complexity of the known connectors in an effort to advance the electrical connector art. This disclosure is directed to such efforts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of this invention is to provide an electrical connector with a frustro-conically shaped external retaining ring having a leading edge and a trailing edge and integrally formed outwardly sprung locking tangs that can readily be connected by a snap fit to a knock-hole of an electric box, panel or enclosure wherein the trailing edge functions as the electrical ground between the electrical box and the connector assembly.

Another object of this invention is to provide for an electrical connector assembly that includes an electrical connector body having an outlet end with a frustro-conical outer surface for receiving therein a complementary frustro-conical retaining ring that is readily fitted to and retained on the outlet end portion of the connector body.

Another object is to provide a connector assembly comprising a connector body having an outlet end free of any locking ring retaining flange and an associated externally circumscribing snap fit retainer ring circumscribing the flangeless outlet end in a secured manner.

Another object is to provide a retaining ring, adapted to be fitted onto the outlet end of a connector body whereby the retainer ring is frustro-conical in shape with a first series of tangs for securing the connector body relative to an electrical box and a trailing edge or tang for affecting a positive electrical ground with an associated electrical box.

Another object is to provide an electrical connector assembly having a connector body with a frustro-conical outer retainer ring circumscribing the outer surface of the connector body outlet end and having a conductor retainer in the form of a saddle connected to the connector body with a cable retaining strap hingedly connected to one end of the saddle for securing either a nonmetallic or armor metal clad cable thereto.

Another object of this invention is to provide a strap type electrical connector having a cable retainer in the form of a saddle for supporting a conductor, wire, or cable thereon and a readily detachable strap hingedly connected to one end of the saddle in a manner that prohibits unintentional detachment of the strap from the saddle.

Another object is to provide a strap type electrical connector assembly that is relatively simple to fabricate, positive in operation, and economical to produce and sell.

The foregoing objects and other features and advantages are attained by an electrical connector assembly that includes a connector body having an outlet end adapted to be secured to a knock-out hole of an electric box or panel, and an inlet end. A generally U-shaped saddle is connected to the inlet end of the connector body for supporting thereon an electric cable, or wire conductor. A radially outwardly extending flange circumscribes the outlet end of the connector body to function as a stop to limit the insertion of the outlet end portion of the connector body through the knockout hole of an electric box or panel. The outlet end portion of the connector body is provided with an outer surface that converges or tapers inwardly toward the outlet opening thereof. Formed on the surface of the outlet end portion are one or more retaining lugs, which may be circumferentially spaced about the outlet end portion. A frustro-conically shaped, snap-fit retainer is fitted onto the outlet end portion of the connector body.

The frustro-conical retainer is initially formed from a blank of sheet material, e.g. spring steel or the like, having a cruciform shape that includes a face portion or simply a central opening wherein the radiating arms of the cruciform blank are disposed about the face portion or central opening to define a frustro-conical ring or cup shape. The retainer ring or cup so formed is provided with blanked out or die cut tangs to define outwardly bent locking tangs. The trailing edge of the frustro-conical ring provides for electrical grounding in the assembly of the electrical connector to an electric box or panel.

The frustro-conical ring so formed also has a slot adapted to receive the retaining lug when the retaining ring is fitted onto the outlet end of the connector body so that the free or trailing edges of the ring define a grounding edge or tang that engages the inner periphery of the knockout hole of an electric box or panel for effecting positive electrical continuity and grounding.

To form the retaining ring, the cruciform arms are arranged to be folded relative to the central opening or face forming portion that circumscribes the central opening, to define a unitary frustro-conically shaped cup-like member or ring to compliment or be fitted onto the outlet end portion of the connector body. The retaining ring thus formed is fitted over or onto the outlet end portion of the connector body whereby the retaining slot formed in the ring is adapted to receive the complementary retaining lug formed on the surface of the outlet end portion for retaining or securing the ring on the outlet end portion of the connector body.

With the construction described, the connector assembly can be readily inserted through the knockout hole of an electric box wherein the locking tangs will initially be flexed inwardly to pass through the knock-out hole of an electric box, and then spring outwardly to lock the connector assembly to the electric box or electric support panel with the trailing or grounding edge or tang of the retaining ring being inherently biased so as to be urged against the internal periphery of the knockout hole due to the frustro-conical configuration of the retaining ring to effect a positive electric ground as a result of the inherent resiliency of the respective grounding edge or tangs and the material from which they are formed.

This invention further contemplates providing the inlet end of the connector with a saddle having opposed ends for supporting a wire or cable thereon. Hingedly connected to one end of the saddle is a retaining strap arranged to overlie the wire or cable seated or supported in the saddle. The retaining strap is hingedly connected at the end of the saddle so as to render the strap readily detachable from the saddle in a manner that will prohibit any unintentional detachment of the strap therefrom. The other end of the strap is provided with an opening for receiving a fastener for securing the strap to the other end of the saddle to securely clamp the cable or conductor therebetween.

IN THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connector assembly.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the blank from which the outer retaining ring of the present invention is formed.

FIG. 3 is a detail front view of the outer retainer ring.

FIG. 4 is a detail top plan view of the outer retainer ring of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a detail end view of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the outer retainer ring taken along line 6-6 on FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the connector assembly illustrating the alignment thereof relative to the knockout opening of an electric box.

FIG. 8 is a section side view illustrating the connector assembly secured to an electric box, taken along line 8-8 on FIG. 10.

FIG. 9 is a sectional side view taken along line 9-9 on FIG. 10 and rotated 90°.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary front view of the connector assembly secured to an electric box as viewed from the electrical box.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a modified form of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a sectional side view of the modified form of the invention of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the blank from which the internal wire conductor retainer is formed.

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary top view of a portion of the blank forming the inner retainer sleeve or ring.

FIG. 15 is an end view of the inner wire conductor retainer ring or sleeve.

FIG. 16 is a top view of the inner retainer ring or sleeve of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a section view taken along 17-17 on FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a side view of the inner retainer ring or sleeve.

FIG. 19 is a sectional side view of still another embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 20 having parts thereof broken away.

FIG. 23 is a sectional view taken along line 23-23 on FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is the interior plan view of one section of the connector housing of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 20.

FIG. 25 is an outer end view of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is an end view of the connector housing section of FIG. 24.

FIG. 27 is a sectional view of the housing section taken along line 27-27 on FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is an inside plan view of the complementary housing section of the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 20.

FIG. 29 is an end view of FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is an inlet end view of FIG. 28.

FIG. 31 is a sectional view taken on line 31-31 on FIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is a sectional view taken on line 32-32 on FIG. 28.

FIG. 33 is a perspective exploded view of a further embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 34 is a top plan view of the blank from which the wire retainer device is formed.

FIG. 35 is a side view of the blank of FIG. 34.

FIG. 36 is a side view of the blank of FIGS. 34 and 35 as formed to define wire retainer.

FIG. 37 is a top view of a slightly modified form of a wire retainer.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the connector body embodying the invention of FIG. 33.

FIG. 39 is a side view of FIG. 38.

FIG. 40 is a top plan view of FIG. 39.

FIG. 41 is a left end view of FIG. 39.

FIG. 42 is a right end view of FIG. 39.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the assembled connector embodiment shown in FIG. 33.

FIG. 44 is a side sectional view of the connector assembly of FIG. 43.

FIG. 45 is an exploded perspective of another modified form of the invention.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 45 illustrated in the assembled position.

FIG. 47 is a side view of FIG. 46.

FIG. 48 is a side view of the connector assembly of FIG. 47 in engagement with a pulling tool of the present invention.

FIG. 49 is a bottom plan view of FIG. 48.

FIG. 50 is a side elevation view illustrating the initial insertion of the connector assembly of FIG. 45 into a knockout hole of an electric box.

FIG. 51 is a side elevation view similar to FIG. 50 illustrating the connector assembly fully seated and locked in the knockout hole of an electric box which is affected by the lever action of the operating tool.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of the operating tool embodiment for facilitating the locking of an electrical connector to an electric box.

FIG. 53 is a plan view of the tool of FIG. 52.

FIG. 54 is an edge view of FIG. 53.

FIG. 55 is a bottom plan view of FIG. 54.

FIG. 56 is a left end view of FIG. 55.

FIG. 57 is a perspective view of a slightly modified tool.

FIG. 58 is a left end view of FIG. 57.

FIG. 59 is a perspective view of still another modified operating tool.

FIG. 60 is an exploded perspective view of another modified form of the invention.

FIG. 61 is a section side view of the embodiment of FIG. 60 illustrating the manner for effecting the connection of the modified embodiment of FIG. 60 to a knock-out hole of an electric box.

FIG. 62 is a section side view similar to FIG. 61 illustrating the connector assembly of FIG. 61 in locked position relative to an electric box.

FIG. 63 is an assembled view of FIG. 1 connector FIG. 64 is a front end view of the frustro-conical retainer ring of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 60.

FIG. 65 is a fragmentary detail sectional side view of a modified auxiliary tang construction.

FIG. 66 is a plan view of a modified blank for forming a frustro-conical snap fit retaining ring.

FIG. 67 is an exploded perspective view of still another modification of the invention.

FIG. 68 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 67.

FIG. 69 is a right end view of FIG. 68.

FIG. 70 is a sectional view taken along line 70-70 on FIG. 69.

FIG. 71 is a perspective of a partially exploded view of another embodiment of the disclosed invention.

FIG. 72 is a perspective view of another modified form of the disclosed invention illustrated without the outer retainer ring.

FIG. 73 is a perspective exploded view of a further embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 74 is a side assembled view of FIG. 73.

FIG. 75 is a side sectional view taken essentially along line 75-75 of FIG. 74.

FIG. 76 is a right end view of FIG. 74.

FIG. 77 is a perspective exploded view of a modified form of the invention.

FIG. 78 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 79 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 78.

FIG. 80 is a perspective view of another modified embodiment.

FIG. 81 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 80.

FIG. 82 is a perspective view of another modified embodiment.

FIG. 83 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 82.

FIG. 84 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 85 is a partially exploded side view of the embodiment of FIG. 84 having parts shown in section.

FIG. 86 is a side sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 85 showing the connector assembly attached to a knockout hole of an electric box or panel.

FIG. 87 is a fragmentary side view similar to FIG. 86 rotated 90° to illustrate the locking position of the locking tangs relative to an electric box or panel.

FIG. 88 is a detail perspective view illustrating the assembly of hinging the clamping strap to the support saddle.

FIG. 89 is a perspective view of a modified strap type electrical connector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 an electrical connector assembly 10. The connector assembly 10 includes a connector body 11, which is usually formed as a metal casting, e.g. zinc or other suitable metallic alloy. The connector body 11 is formed with an inlet end portion 11A and an outlet end portion 11B and having a bore 12 extending therethrough. Intermediate the connector body 11 or between the inlet end portion 11A and outlet end portion 11B there is provided a radially outwardly extending flange 13 which functions as a stop to limit the amount that the connector body 11 may be inserted through the knockout hole 14 of an electric box or panel 15, as noted in FIG. 8.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, the outer surface S of the outlet end portion 11B slopes, tapers or converges toward the outlet opening 16 whereby the outer surface S of the outlet end portion 11B has a generally frustro-conical configuration. Formed on the surface S of the outlet end portion 11B is an outwardly projecting retainer lug 17. In the illustrated embodiment, two such lugs 17 are shown disposed 180° apart about the outer circumference of the outlet end portion 11B.

The connector assembly 10 also includes a snap fit retaining ring 18. In accordance with this invention, the retaining ring 18 is integrally formed from a blank 19 of spring steel material. As best seen in FIG. 2, the blank 19 is initially formed or stamped to define a generally cruciform shape. The cruciform shape is provided with a face portion 20 having central opening or hole 20A and having four generally radially extending arms defining two pairs of oppositely disposed arms AA and BB.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the opposed pair of arms AA are each provided with a retaining slot 21. The opposed pair of arms BB, as best seen in FIG. 8, are blanked or formed to define a locking tang 22 and to either side thereof the trailing edge defines an electrical grounding tang 23, 23. As shown, the locking tang 22 is slightly shorter than the adjacent grounding tangs 23, 23. The arrangement is such that the free end of the locking tangs 22 are sprung outwardly and formed so as to engage the inside surface of the electric box 15 in the assembled portion, as best seen in FIG. 9, to secure the connector assembly 10 to the electric box 15 and prohibit any unintentional withdrawal of the connector assembly 10 from the electrical box 15, whereas the free ends or trailing edges of the frustro-conical ring define the grounding tangs 23 that are biased in engagement with the internal periphery of the knockout hole 14. Also, the free edges or ends 24, 24 of arms A,A in the assembled position will also function as electrical grounding tangs, as noted in FIG. 8.

In forming the retaining ring 18 from blank 19, the respective arms A,A and B,B are subjected to a series of progressive bending dies which will gradually bend the respective arms about a foldline f, which defines the face or front portion 20, whereby arms A,A and B,B form a cup having circumscribing frustro-conical or outwardly flaring sides to define a frustro conical ring 18 which complements the conical surface S of the leading or outlet end portion 11B, as seen in FIG. 1. In doing so, the locking tangs 22 are cantileverly and outwardly bent or displaced relative to the surface of the frustro-conical ring at a slightly greater outwardly angle or slope than the adjacent grounding edge or tangs 23 and the slope of arms A,A. With the retaining ring 18 so formed, it can be readily fitted onto the outlet end portion 11B whereby the inherent resiliency of the arms A,A will cause the retainer slots 22 to snap fit onto the retaining lug 17 when slots 21 are placed in alignment with lugs 17. The arrangement is such that the retainer ring 18 will be firmly and positively secured to the outlet end portion 11B as seen in FIG. 8. Yet, due to the inherent resiliency of the material of the retaining ring 18, it can be easily detached from the outlet end portion 11B when removal is desired, without destroying the ring 18 by lifting arms A,A free of the retaining lugs 17.

It will be understood that, if desired, the opening 20A may be enlarged to the diameter of the foldline f, in which case the arms A,A and B,B may be gradually bent about the periphery of the enlarged opening, thereby eliminating the face portion 20.

With the retainer ring 18 properly secured to the outlet end 11B of the connector body 11, the connector assembly 10 can be readily secured to an electric box 10 by simply aligning the assembly 10 with a knockout hole 14, as best seen in FIG. 7, and inserting the leading or outlet end portion into the knockout hole 14 until the flange 13 engages the outer side of the electric box 15. In doing so, the tangs 22, 23 and the free ends 24 of arms A,A, respectively, will depress inwardly to permit insertion of the assembly 10. When the assembly is fully seated in the knockout hole 14, the locking tangs 22 will normally spring outwardly to secure the assembly 10 to the electric box 15, as noted in FIG. 9. The inherent resiliency of the grounding tangs 23, 23 and the free ends or edges 24 of arms A,A are normally biased in engagement with the internal periphery of the knockout hole 14 to ensure a positive electrical ground with the electric box 15. The engagement of the free ends 24 of arms A,A and grounding tangs 23, 23 against the inner periphery of the knockout hole 14, as noted in FIG. 8, further ensures the firm securing of the retaining slot 21 with the retaining lugs 17, so as to prohibit any disengagement of the outer retaining ring 18 from the connector body 11.

It will be understood that the wire conductor 25 may be secured to the connector assembly 10 either before or after the assembly 10 has been secured to the electric box 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductor wire 25 is simply inserted into the inlet end portion 11A and secured in position by a suitable securing means. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the securing means is illustrated as a set screw 26. However, it will be understood that other forms of securing means, including some of the securing wire conductor retaining means disclosed herein, may be used in lieu of a screw.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the disclosed connector assembly is quite novel and simple in construction. The snap fit retaining ring 18 can be simply formed from a cruciform shaped blank 19 of spring metal whereby the opposed radially extending arms A,A and B,B can be readily formed into a cup having a generally frustro-conically shaped sidewalls complementing the slope of the outlet end portion 11A, and whereby the outer retainer ring 18 can be readily secured to the connector body simply by the inter-engagement of slots 21 with its complementary lugs 17.

In the assembled position, the outer retainer ring 18 is positively secured to the connector body in a manner to prohibit any unintentional separation. Also the tangs 22 and 23, which are formed integral with ring 18, are shaped and formed so that the locking tangs 22 secure the assembly 10 to an electric box 15 while the grounding tangs 23 ensure a positive electrical ground of the assembly 10 with the associated electric box 15.

FIGS. 11 to 19 illustrate various views of a modified form of the invention which are described in application Ser. No. 11/100,250 filed Apr. 6, 2005 for Snap In Electrical Connector Assembly With Unidirectional Wire Conductor Ring, which is incorporated by reference herein.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the connector assembly 30 includes an internal wire retainer 39 in the form of a ring, cylinder or sleeve which is fitted to the bore 32B of the connector body 31, and which retainer 39 functions as a unidirectional retainer means arranged to permit a wire conductor to be readily inserted and secured thereinto, and which will resist any applied force imparted to the wire conductor in the opposite direction to prohibit any unintentional separation of the wire conductor from the connector body 31. Wire conductor, as used herein, means any wire, cable, helical wound metal covering or sheath (BX) wire, plastic sheath wire conductor and the like.

Referring to FIGS. 13 to 15, the internal retainer 39 is preferably formed from an elongated blank 40 of spring steel. The retainer blank 40, as best seen in FIG. 13, comprises an elongated generally rectangular blank having a longitudinal leading edge 40A, a trailing edge 40B and opposed end edges 40C and 40D. End edge 40C is provided with a pair of spaced apart notches 41, 41 and a projecting tongue 42. The other end edge 40D of blank 40 is provided with a pair of projecting tongues 43, 43 arranged to complement notches 41, 41 and a complementary notch 44 for receiving tongue 42 in the formed or rolled position of the retainer sleeve 39, as shown in FIG. 18.

Blanked, lanced, cut or stamped out of the plane of blank 40 are one or more tangs 45. In the form of the invention as shown in FIG. 13, tangs 45 are formed out of the plane of the blank. The respective tangs 45 are bifurcated to define a pair of finger tangs 45A, 45A longitudinally spaced along the longitudinal axis of the blank 40 at a distance, which, when the blank 40 is rolled to form the retainer sleeve 39, the respective pairs of finger tangs 45A are oppositely disposed, as best seen in FIG. 15.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 18, the respective finger tangs 45A, 45A are inwardly bent from the plane of the retainer sleeve 39. In the illustrated embodiment, the respective finger tangs are provided with a pair of intermediate transverse fold lines F₁ and F₂ whereby the free end of the respective finger tangs is directed toward the longitudinal axis of the sleeve 39, as shown in FIG. 18.

Referring to FIG. 15, it will be noted that the retainer sleeve is or may be provided with a flattened portion 46 on one side thereof.

The connector body of FIGS. 11 and 12 may be formed with an internal complementary flat surface along a portion of the inner circumference thereof. The arrangement is such that the retainer sleeve 39, when inserted into the inlet end 31B of the connector body, is oriented so that the flattened surface 46 of the sleeve 39 complements the internal flattened surface 47 of the connector body. The orientation is such that the opposed finger tangs 45A are oppositely disposed to firmly grip the wire conductors, e.g. an armored conductor or other covered conductor.

The outer circumference of the inner retainer sleeve or ring 39 is proportioned so that it can be press fitted or frictionally fitted into the inlet end 31B of the connector body 31 by a force sufficient to firmly secure the inner retainer ring or sleeve 39 within the inlet end so as to prohibit any separation of the retainer ring or sleeve 39 from the inlet end of the connector body. The complementary flattened surfaces 46 of the internal sleeve 39 and 47 of the inlet end of the connector body insures proper orientation of the internal sleeve 39 within the inlet end of the connector body.

FIG. 14 illustrates a fragmentary portion of the blank 40 to show an intermediate step in forming the tang fingers 45A, 45A so that when the formed blank 40 is rolled to form the internal retaining sleeve, the tang fingers will be disposed in parallel as seen in FIGS. 15 and 16. This is attained by fold line F₃ which is disposed at an angle, as noted in FIG. 14, so that when the blank is rolled to form the internal retaining sleeve 39, the tang fingers 45A, 45A will be disposed in parallel. The free ends 45B of the respective fingers 45A are angularly offset to engage the grooves of an armored conductor, as noted in FIG. 12 or other covering sheath of a wire conductor that will resist a force attempting to effect separation of the conductor from the connector assembly. The respective free ends 45B may also be laterally offset so that an armored conductor may be threadedly connected to the internal sleeve 39, as well as by simply inserting the armored covered conductor into the retainer sleeve to effect a snap fit connection.

FIGS. 20 to 32 are directed to a further modification of the disclosed invention. As best seen in FIGS. 20 and 21, the connector assembly 60 includes a housing or connector body 61 having an outlet end 61A and an inlet end 64 connected to the outlet end 61A by a transition section 68, 68A, preferably formed as casting of any suitable metal or alloy material, e.g. zinc, aluminum and the like. While the inlet end 64 of the connector body 61 is illustrated as a duplex inlet end, it will be understood that the inlet end may be formed to accommodate more than two separate wire conductors, cables or the like.

The outlet end 61A and the external frustro-conical ring 76 circumscribing the outlet end 61A are similar in structure hereinbefore described with respect to FIGS. 1 to 10. A more detailed description of the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 20 to 32 is set forth in application Ser. No. 11/100,250 filed Apr. 6, 2005 for Snap In Electrical Connector Assembly With Unidirectional Wire Conductor Retaining Ring, which is incorporated herein by reference.

With the connector body of FIG. 20 illustrated, it will be noted that the connector assembly 60 can be readily secured to an electric box or panel simply by inserting the leading or outlet end 61A through a knockout hole of a panel or electrical box so as to be readily secured thereto with a snap fit as hereinbefore described. With the arrangement described, the respective wire conductors or cables 80 can be readily attached to the trailing or inlet end of the connector assembly 60 with a simple snap fit, as described in application Ser. No. 11/100,250 filed Apr. 6, 2005, which is also incorporated by reference herein.

From the foregoing, it will be noted that the connector assemblies disclosed in FIGS. 1 to 32 utilize a frustro conically shaped outer retainer ring which is uniquely secured to the leading end of a connector body, with securing tangs and grounding tangs arranged to effect both a positive securement of the connector assembly to a knockout hole of an electric box or panel and a positive electrical ground. In association with an external frustro conical retaining ring, the disclosed embodiments include a trailing or inlet end constructed to receive an associated wire or conductor retainer in each inlet end for securing a wire conductor thereto by a snap fit inlet end of the connector body. It will be understood that the described electrical connector bodies may include one or more wire receiving chambers formed in the inlet end thereof, depending upon the number of wire conductors one may wish to connect to the inlet end of a connector body.

FIGS. 33 to 44 illustrate a further modification of the invention. In this embodiment, the connector assembly 81 includes a connector body 81A having an outer frustro conical external snap-fit retainer ring 82, a wire retainer device 83, and an optional plastic electrical insulating end ring insert 84. The outlet end 81B of the connector body 81A and the external frustro-conical retainer ring is similar in structure and function as hereinbefore described. A more detailed description of the embodiments 33 to 44 are set forth in application Ser. No. 11/151,374 filed Jun. 13, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIGS. 45 to 51 illustrate another embodiment of the invention. The embodiment of FIGS. 45 to 51 is directed to a snap-fit electrical connector assembly 100 which is particularly suitable for attaching an electric cable or conductor 101 to an electric box 102 which is disposed in a finish wall structure 103, and which is rendered the subject matter of an application Ser. No. 11/258,990 filed Oct. 26, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference.

It is frequently necessary to upgrade, repair, or add new electric conductors or circuits to existing electric boxes concealed within the wall of an existing structure. In such instances, the installer is generally unable to access a snap-fit connector so as to apply the necessary pulling or pushing force necessary to insert and lock a snap-fit connector assembly, e.g. 100, in a knockout opening of the electric box 102. Heretofore, in such situations, the installer generally utilized a connector having a threaded outlet end which could be readily passed through a knockout hole of an electric box, which could then be secured by threading thereon a lock nut from within the box opening, which is both difficult and time consuming.

The connector assembly 100, as illustrated, includes a connector body 104 having a leading end or outlet end 105 and a trailing or inlet end 106. The connector body may be formed as a metal casting of a suitable material, e.g. a zinc alloy, having a bore 107 extending therethrough. Circumscribing the connector body 104 between the outlet end 105 and the inlet end 106 is a radially outwardly extending stop flange 108. As hereinbefore described, the outer surface S of the outlet end 105 tapers or converges inwardly toward the central axis of the connector body 104 and the outlet opening 109.

Complementing the slope or taper of the outer surface S of the outlet end 105 is a frustro-conical snap-fit retainer ring 110 which is similar in structure hereinbefore described with respect to FIGS. 1 to 4, except that the width of the retaining slot 111 adapted to receive the retaining lug 112 is enlarged, as compared to the width of retaining slot 21 as hereinbefore described. As best seen in FIGS. 47 and 48, the retaining slot 111 has a width which is greater than the width of the retainer lug 112 adapted to be received in slot 111 in the assembled position, as best illustrated in FIGS. 46 and 47. In all other respects, the structure of the retainer ring 110 is similar to the construction of retainer ring 18 hereinbefore described with respect to the embodiments illustrated, for example in FIGS. 1 to 4, and which need not be repeated. A more detailed description of FIGS. 45 to 51 is set forth in application Ser. No. 11/258,990 filed Oct. 26, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIGS. 60 to 66 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention. As best seen in FIGS. 61 and 62, the connector assembly 200 comprises a connector body 201 and a modified outer frustro-conical retainer ring 202 as described in a co-pending application Ser. No. 11/364,435 filed Feb. 28, 2006, for Snap Fit Electrical Connector Assembly For Facilitating The Electric Connector Assembly To An Electric Box, which is incorporated by reference herein.

While the embodiment of the connector assembly 200 of FIGS. 60-66 is illustrated without any electrical conductor retaining means associated with the inlet end portion 201A of the connector body 201, it will be understood that the inlet end portion 201A may be fitted with any of the wire conductor retainer means as are described and illustrated herein, the descriptions of which need not be repeated.

FIGS. 67 to 70 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention. The connector assembly 300, as illustrated in FIGS. 67 and 68, includes a connector body 301 formed as a unitary casting of any suitable metal or alloy, e.g. zinc and the like. The form of the casting is somewhat similar to that shown in FIG. 20. The embodiment of FIG. 67 differs from that of FIG. 20 in that connector body 301 is formed as a unitary casting rather than as separable parts as illustrated in FIG. 20. A more detailed description of the embodiment of FIGS. 67 to 70 is set forth in application Ser. No. 11/403,009 filed Apr. 12, 2006, for Snap Fit Electrical Connector Assembly With Frustro-Conical Retainer Ring And Internal Unidirectional Snap Fit Wire Conductor Retainer, which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIGS. 71-83 illustrate further modified embodiments of the invention which is disclosed in the co-pending application Ser. No. 11/501,131 filed Aug. 8, 2006 for Electrical Connector With Outer Retainer Ring And Unidirectional Conductor Retainer, which is also incorporated by reference herein, and need not be repeated herein.

FIGS. 84 to 88 are directed to another modified embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 84 to 88 are directed to a strap-type electrical connector 500 for securing either nonmetallic cables or armor or metal clad cables thereto, as will be described herein.

As best seen in FIGS. 84-88, the illustrated strap type connector 500 includes a connector body 501 having an outlet end 502 terminating in an outlet opening 503. Opposite the outlet opening 503, the connector body 501 is provided with an inlet opening 504. Circumscribing the connector body between the outlet opening 503 and the inlet opening 504 is a radially outwardly extending flange 505 which serves as a stop to limit the distance the outlet end portion of the connector body 501 may be inserted through a knockout hole or opening 506 of an electric box or panel 507. The outer surface “S” of the outlet end 502 slopes or converges inwardly toward the outlet opening 503.

Circumferentially spaced about the outlet end 502 of the connector body 501 are one or more radially outwardly projecting retaining lugs 508. In the illustrated embodiment, two such retaining lugs 508 are provided 180° apart.

Secured to the outlet end 502 of the connector body and circumscribing the outlet end 502 is a frustro-conical snap fit retainer or retainer ring 509, similar to the frustro-conical retainer ring hereinbefore described with respect to FIGS. 1 to 5 herein. As best seen in FIG. 84, the frustro-conical, snap-fit, retainer 509 includes a front opening 510 circumscribed by rearwardly and outwardly sloping locking tangs 511 and grounding tangs 512 and 513. Grounding tangs 513 are provided with retaining slots 514 arranged to receive the retaining lugs 508 when fitted onto the outlet end 502 of the connector body 501, as hereinbefore described.

Connected to the connector body 501 adjacent the inlet opening and forming an integral part of the connector body 501 is a cable support saddle 515 which extends about a circumferential portion of the inlet opening 504, e.g. between approximately 120° to 180° about the inlet opening 504. As shown, the cable support saddle 515 is a curvilinear extension of the inlet opening 504 terminating in laterally outwardly extending ears or lobes 515A and 515B. As best seen in FIG. 84, ear or lobe 515A has a hinge slot 516 formed therein and ear or lobe 515B is provided with an internally threaded hole 517.

Hingedly connected to ear or lobe 515A is a clamping strap 518. As best seen in FIG. 84, the clamping strap 518 is provided with a readily detachable hinge structure 519 which is angularly formed relative to the plane of the strap 518 so as to be received in the hinge slot 517 when connected to the saddle 515. According to this invention, the hinge structure 519 terminates laterally outwardly extending foot portion 520.

In accordance with this invention, the foot portion 520 of the hinge structure 519 is provided with a width “W” which is slightly greater than the width “w” of the hinge slot 516. The arrangement is such that the clamping strap 518 must be skewed or angled relative to the hinge slot 516 for inserting the foot portion 520 through the hinge slot 516 for connecting the clamping strap 518 to the ear or lobe 515A. When so connected, the clamping strap 518 is free to pivot relative to the saddle 515 between a cable clamping and unclamping position without causing the clamping strap 518 to become detached from the saddle 515. To effect detachment of the clamping strap 518 from the ear or lobe 515A, one must intentionally skew or angle the clamping strap 518 relative to the hinge slot 516 to effect the removal of the clamping strap 518 from the saddle.

The other end of the clamping strap 518 is provided with a strap hole 521 for receiving a fastener, e.g. a screw 522 for securing the clamping strap 518 to the ear or lobe 515B so that the cable is firmly clamped and secured between the saddle 515 and the clamping strap 518.

To insure a positive gripping of the cable between the saddle 515 and the clamping strap 518, an intermediate portion of the clamping strap is provided with a depression 523 that will “bite” or exert a positive frictional force on the cable, when secured in the clamping position (FIG. 86) so as to prohibit the cable of being pulled free or become accidentally detached from the connector body.

As shown, the connector body 501 and connected saddle 515 is preferably formed as a metal casting, e.g. zinc or other suitable metallic alloy. The strap electric connector as illustrated in FIGS. 84 to 88 is preferably used for securing either a non-metallic cable or romex type conductor to an electric box or panel.

By slightly modifying the shape of the clamping strap, the described strap type electric connector may be readily adapted for connecting an armored, or metal clad cable, to an electric box or panel.

FIG. 89 illustrates a modified strap type electrical connector assembly 600 for use in securing an armor or metal clad cable. As shown in FIG. 89, the strap type electrical connector assembly 600 is provided with clamping strap 618 having an intermediate curvilinear portion 618A shaped to compliment the roundness of a metal clad cable, e.g. a BX cable. One end of the armored cable strap is provided with a hinge structure 619, 620 similar to the hinge structure 519, 520 hereinbefore described, whereby the armored cable strap can be hingedly connected to the hinge slot 616 of the associated saddle 615. The other end of the armored cable strap 618 is provided with a hole or opening 621 for receiving a fastening screw similar to that described with respect to FIG. 84. In all other respects, the function and structure of the strap connector 600 is similar to that described with respect to FIGS. 84 to 88, and need not be repeated.

From the foregoing description, it will be noted that the armored cable strap 618 can be readily interchanged for the non-metallic cable strap 518 depending upon the type of cable to be secured by the described connector body.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the principle components described herein, viz. the external frustro-conical retainer rings, the connector bodies and the differently described wire conductor retainers, are rendered readily interchangeable with respect to any of the complementary corresponding components of the various embodiments described herein.

It is to be further noted that the frustro-conical retainer ring, as described herein with respect to the various embodiments disclosed, achieves the further advantage of ensuring positive electrical grounding of the described connector assemblies to an electrical box or panel despite the varying allowable diameter tolerances a knockout hole may have, as permitted by allowable codes or electrical standards, due to the inherent resiliency and shape that a frustro-conical configuration allows, as described herein.

While the present invention has been described with respect to several embodiments, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A snap-fit electrical connector assembly comprising: a connector body having an outlet end portion defining an outlet opening and an inlet opening disposed in communication with said outlet opening,a radially outwardly extending flange circumscribing said connector body between said outlet opening and said inlet opening,said outlet end portion having a sloping outer surface disposed between said flange and outlet opening,a frustro-conically shaped retaining ring mating with the sloping outer surface of said outlet end portion, and having a leading edge, a trailing edge and an intermediate portion therebetween circumscribing said outer surface of said outlet end portion,means for retaining said retaining ring on said outer surface of said outlet end portion,said retaining ring having locking tangs blanked out of said intermediate portion of said retaining ring,said locking tangs having a free end angularly bent outwardly relative to said intermediate portion of said retaining ring arranged to secure said connector body to a knockout hole of an electric panel, andsaid trailing edge of said frustro-conical retaining ring engaging the inner periphery of the knockout hole for effecting an electrical ground, andmeans for securing an electrical conducting cable to said inlet opening of said connector body.

2. A strap type electrical connector assembly for attachment to a knockout hole of an electrical box or panel comprising: a connector body having an outlet end portion and an inlet opening,said outlet end portion defining an outlet opening in communication with said inlet opening,a radially outwardly extending stop flange circumscribing said connector body between said inlet opening and said outlet opening,said outlet end portion having an outer surface that diverges toward said outlet opening,a frustro-conical retainer ring circumscribing said diverging outer surface of said outlet end portion,said frustro-conical retainer ring having a leading edge, a trailing edge, and an intermediate portion therebetween, anda locking tang blanked out of said intermediate portion of said frustro-conical retainer ring,said locking tang having a free end whereby said free end is angularly displaced outwardly relative to said intermediate portion of said retainer ring,and said trailing edge of said frustro-conical retainer ring being inherently biased for engaging the interior periphery of a knockout hole of an electric box or panel,and a cable support saddle adjacent said inlet opening for supporting a cable thereon,and a clamping strap hingedly connected to one end of said saddle for clamping and unclamping a conducting cable supported on said saddle therebetween.

3. A strap type electrical connector assembly as defined in claim 2 wherein said cable support saddle circumscribes a curvilinear portion of said inlet opening,said saddle terminating in a laterally outwardly extending ear at each end thereof,a hinge slot formed in one of said ears, and a hole formed in the other ear,said clamping strap hingedly connected to said hinge slot in a manner to prohibit unintentional separation of said clamping strap in moving between a clamping and unclamping portion.

4. A strap type electrical conductor assembly as defined in claim 3 wherein said clamping strap includes a depending hinge structure at one end thereof,said depending hinge structure terminating in a lateral offset foot portion,said foot portion having a width slightly greater than the width of said hinge slot to prohibit separation of said clamping strap from said cable support saddle in pivoting between a clamping and unclamping of a cable disposed between said cable support saddle and said hinge strap, anda fastener extending through said hole in the other ear of said hinge strap for securing said hinge strap in the clamping position.

5. A strap type electric connector assembly as defined in claim 4 wherein said hinge strap includes a depression formed intermediate the opposed ends thereof for exerting a force on a cable supported in said cable saddle in the clamping portion of said clamping strap to prohibit any unintentional separation of a cable from said connector body.

6. A strap type electric connector for attachment to a knockout hole of an electric panel with a snap fit comprising: a connector body having an outlet end portion adapted to be inserted through a knockout hole of an electrical panel and having an inlet opening through which a conducting cable is inserted,said outlet end portion defining an outlet opening disposed in communication with said inlet opening,a frustro-conical retainer ring circumscribing said outlet end portion,means for securing said frustro-conical retaining ring to said outlet end portion,a cable support saddle connected adjacent said inlet opening circumscribing a peripheral portion of said inlet opening for supporting a conducting cable thereon,said cable support saddle having laterally outwardly extending ear end portions,a clamping strap hingedly connected at one end thereof to one of said ear end portions so that said clamping strap for pivoting between a cable clamping and unclamping position in a manner to prohibit unintentional separation of said clamping strap from said cable supporting saddle, andmeans for securing said clamping strap to said cable support saddle in the clamping position of said clamping strap.

7. A strap type electrical connector as defined in claim 6 wherein one of said ear end portions includes a hinge slot formed therein, and said clamping strap having a depending hinge structure sized to be extended through said hinge slot,said hinge structure terminating in a laterally formed foot portion having a width slightly greater than the width of said hinge slot to prohibit said clamping strap from being unintentionally separated from said cable support saddle in pivoting between clamping and unclamping positions.

8. A strap type electrical connector as defined in claim 7 wherein said clamping strap includes a intermediate curvilinear portion between the opposed ends of said strap complementing the periphery of a cable adapted to be supported on said cable support saddle.

9. A strap type electrical connector as defined in claim 7 wherein said frustro-conical retaining ring includes a leading edge, a trailing edge, and an intermediate surface portion that diverges from said trailing edge toward said leading edge, a locking tang blanked out of said intermediate surface portion,said locking tang having a free end laterally displaced outward of said intermediate surface portion, andsaid trailing edge having a periphery slightly greater than the periphery of said knockout hole whereby said trailing edge is inherently biased for engaging the periphery of said knockout hole to effect a positive electrical grounding therebetween.

10. A strap type electrical connector as defined in claim 9 and including a radially outwardly extending stop flange circumscribing said connector body between said inlet and outlet openings.

11. An electric connector assembly comprising: a connector body having an outlet end portion defining an inlet opening,an inlet opening,a bore connecting said inlet opening in communication with said outlet opening,a radially outwardly extending stop flange circumscribing said connector body between said inlet and outlet openings,an outer retaining ring circumscribing said outlet end portion having a retaining slot,an outwardly projecting retaining lug on said outlet end portion fitting within the retaining slot on said outer retaining ring for retaining said outer retainer ring on said outlet end portion,said retaining ring including locking tangs circumferentially spaced about the outer surface of said retaining ring,said locking tangs being blanked and cantilverely bent out of the surface of said outer retaining ring whereby the free ends of said locking tangs are directed toward said stop flange,conductor retaining means on said connector body for effecting unidirectional insertion of an electrical conductor into said inlet opening of said connector body that prohibits any unintentional separation of an electrical conductor from said inlet opening,said connector body having a body opening disposed in communication with said bore,said conductive retaining means including a resilient elongated blank having one end thereof externally connected to said connector body adjacent said inlet opening, andhaving its other end angularly bent to project through said body opening and into said bore,said angularly bent end being directed toward said outlet opening for permitting unidirectional insertion of an electrical conductor into said inlet opening.

12. An electrical connector comprising: a connector body having an inlet opening and an outlet end portion,said outlet end portion defining an outlet opening,a bore communicating said inlet opening to said outlet opening,a radially outwardly extending stop means circumscribing said connector body between said inlet opening and said outlet opening,said outlet end portion having a sloping outer surface disposed between said radially outwardly extending stop means and said outlet end portion,a frustro-conically shaped retaining ring mating with the sloping outer surface of said outlet end portion,means, associated with the sloping outer surface and said frustro-conically shaped retainer ring, for holding said frustro-conically shaped retaining ring onto said outlet end portion,retainer means, associated with said frustro-conically shaped retainer ring, for securing said connector body to a knockout hole of an electrical panel,and a wire conductor retainer means,said wire conductor retainer means comprising an elongated blank formed of a resilient spring material having opposed ends,means for securing one end of said elongated blank to said connector body adjacent said inlet opening externally thereof,and said elongated blank having the other end thereof angularly disposed so as to extend through said connector body and into said bore,said other end extending diagonally relative to the longitudinal axis of said bore for effecting a unidirectional snap fit connection of a wire conductor adapted to be inserted into said inlet opening of said connector body.