Not applicable to this application.
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to an electrical junction and more specifically it relates to a water impermeable electrical junction system for effectively preventing water and debris from contacting electrical connections.
Description of the Related Art
Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.
It is important when working in water related environments (e.g. septic tanks) that electrical connections are completely sealed from water and other debris (e.g. toilet paper in the fluid). Electronic devices such as floats and sensors need to be electrically connected to a control panel which is typically done through a junction box positioned above the water line in the septic tank. While conventional junction boxes are positioned above the fluid level in the tank in an attempt to prevent the electrical connections from being contaminated with water, they are still prone to splashing or accidental rising of fluid level in the tank thereby exposing the electrical connections to water. Over time, even sealed electrical connections will degrade and become increasingly susceptible to random contact with contaminants such as liquids and debris in the tank thereby resulting in an electrical short or corrosion.
Because of the inherent problems with the related art, there is a need for a new and improved water impermeable electrical junction system for effectively preventing water and debris from contacting electrical connections.
The invention generally relates to an electrical junction that includes a base, a first seal member connected to the base, a first connector positioned within the first seal member, a second seal member that physically connects to the first seal member, and a second connector positioned within the second seal member. The first connector and the second connector electrically connect to one another with the first seal member and the second seal member covering the first connector and the second connector to prevent the entry of contaminants such as liquids and debris inside of the seal members or to make contact with the connectors.
It is recognized that at least one seal assembly comprising mating first and second seal members and at least one connector assembly comprising mating first and second connectors could be used.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.
Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:
Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, generally
More specifically,
The base 20 has a channel or recessed portion within the upper portion to receive the connector wires 15 that connect the primary first connector 14a to the secondary first connectors 14b. The channel or recessed portion is preferably filled with a resin 28 or other sealing material to protect the connector wires 15 and the first connectors that are attached to the base 20 and/or first seal members as illustrated in
The base 20 preferably has a rectangular cross sectional shape for a significant length of the base 20 with an end portion wider in the shape of the first connector as illustrated in
The base 20 preferably includes at least one mounting aperture 22 adapted to receive a corresponding fastener 12 to secure the base 20 to an interior or exterior wall of a liquid tank 11 such as a septic tank 11 as illustrated in
Connectors 14, 16 may be comprised of any type of electrical connector including but not limited to female/male electrical connectors, soldered wires connected to one another or to electrical contacts, wires directly connected to one another and the like. The connectors 14, 16 may be comprised of any device or system capable of electrically connecting the connector wires 15 within the base 20 to the respective cables 17, 18. The connectors 14, 16 may allow for the electrical connection of 2, 3, 4, 5 or more wires as needed for the type of application, the number of electronic devices 13 and the type of control panel 19. The connectors 14, 16 may be male connectors or female connectors or a mixture of the same. The connectors 14, 16 are preferably comprised of a structure that prevents the entry of contaminants such as liquids and debris into the electrical contacts of the connectors 14, 16 when the connectors 14, 16 are connected to one another including connectors 14, 16 with seals around their respective perimeters.
The plurality of first connectors 14 each are respectively positioned within the first seal members 30 and extend downwardly from the base 20 as illustrated in
The plurality of first connectors 14 are comprised of a primary first connector 14a and at least one secondary first connector 14b. As shown in
The plurality of second connectors 16 are positioned within the second seal members 40 as illustrated in
The secondary first connectors 14b are each electrically connected to an electronic device 13 by a corresponding plurality of secondary cables 18 such as but not limited to a float switch, temperature sensor and other types of devices used in tanks 11. The primary second connector 16a is electrically connected to a control panel 19 thereby providing the electrical data communications from the electronic devices 13 electrically connected to the secondary second connectors 16b as illustrated in
As illustrated in
The first seal members 30 are preferably comprised of a tubular structure that surrounds the first connectors 14. The first seal members 30 preferably have a circular cross sectional shape as illustrated in
The plurality of second seal members 40 physically connect to the first seal members 30 to prevent the entry of contaminants such as liquids and debris to the plurality of first connectors 14 and second connectors 16 when the connectors 14, 16 are connected to one another. The second seal members 40 are formed into a shape that mates with the first seal members 30 to prevent the entry of contaminants such as liquids and debris from making contact with the connectors 14, 16 when positioned within a wet environment such as within a septic tank 11. The first seal members 30 and the second seal members 40 each cover and/or seal a respective pair of connectors 14, 16 to protect the connectors 14, 16 from contaminants such as liquids and debris.
The first seal members 30 and the plurality of second seal members 40 preferably overlap one another to form a protective seal that prevents contaminants such as liquids and debris from entering the connectors 14, 16. It is preferably that the plurality of second seal members 40 overlap the plurality of first seal members 30 as illustrated in
The second seal members 40 are each comprised of a tubular structure having a first opening 44 in a first end that fits over the plurality of first seal members 30. Alternatively, the first seal members 30 can be sized larger than the second seal members 40 to fit over the second seal members 40. The second seal members 40 also each have a second opening 49 in a second end that receives a cable 17, 18. The second end of the second seal members 40 is opposite of the first end, with the first opening 44 preferably concentrically aligned with the second opening 49 of the second seal members 40.
The second seal members 40 are preferably comprised of a resilient and flexible material that allows for a snug fit over the first seal members 30. The second seal members are preferably comprised of a first portion 42 encompassing the first opening 44 and a second portion 48 encompassing the second opening 49, wherein the second portion 48 is narrower than the first portion 42. The first portion 42 has a first interior portion 41 that is large enough to receive the outer surface of the first seal members 30 as illustrated in
The second seal members 40 are preferably comprised of a primary second seal member 40a that connects to the primary first seal member 30a and at least one secondary second seal member 40b that connects to the secondary second seal members 40b as shown in
In use, the user mounts the control panel 19 externally of the tank 11 in a desired location and then secures the base 20 to the wall of the tank 11 above the highest possible liquid level within the tank 11. The user then electrically connects the primary cable 17 from the control panel 19 by connecting the primary second connector 16a with the primary first connector 14a. The user then slides the primary second seal member 40a upwardly along the primary cable 17 and then onto the primary first seal member 30a until snugly and frictionally retained upon the primary first seal member 30a as illustrated in
More specifically,
Connectors 114, 116 may be comprised of any type of electrical connector including but not limited to female/male electrical connectors, soldered wires connected to one another or to electrical contacts, wires directly connected to one another and the like. The connectors 114, 116 may be comprised of any device or system capable of electrically connecting the base 120 and cable 118 to the respective cable 117. The connectors 114, 116 may be configured and arranged to allow for the electrical connection of 2 or more wires as needed for the type of application, the number of electronic devices and the type of control panel. The connectors 114, 116 may be male connectors or female connectors or a mixture of the same. The connectors 114, 116 are preferably comprised of a structure that prevents the entry of contaminants such as liquids and debris into the electrical contacts of the connectors 114, 116 when the connectors 114, 116 are connected to one another including seals around their respective perimeters.
In the orientation shown in the drawings, the first connector 114 is respectively positioned within a first seal member 130 and extends upwardly from the base 120 as illustrated in
In the orientation shown in the drawings, the second connector 116 is positioned within a second seal member 140 as illustrated in
The first connector 114 is electrically connected to an electronic device by a corresponding plurality of cables 118a, 118 such as but not limited to a float switch, temperature sensor and other types of devices used in tanks. The second connector 116 is electrically connected to a control panel thereby providing the electrical data communications from the electronic devices electrically connected to the second connector 116. The control panel may also transmit data, instructions and commands to the electronic devices via the corresponding cable 117, 117a and the cables 118. The control panel is positioned externally of the tank.
As illustrated in
The first seal member 130 is preferably comprised of a tubular structure that surrounds the first connector 114. The first seal member 130 preferably has a circular cross sectional shape as illustrated in
The second seal member 140 physically connects to the first seal member 130 to prevent the entry of contaminants such as liquids and debris and prevent contact with the first connector 114 and second connector 116 when the connectors 114, 116 are connected to one another. The second seal member 140 is formed into a shape that mates with the first seal member 130 to prevent the entry of contaminants such as liquids and debris from making contact with the connectors 114, 116 when positioned within a wet environment such as within a septic tank. The first seal member 130 and the second seal member 140 each cover and/or seal a respective pair of connectors 114, 116 to protect the connectors 114, 116 from contaminants such as liquids and debris.
The first seal member 130 and the second seal member 140 preferably overlap one another to form a protective seal that prevents contaminants such as liquids and debris from contacting the connectors 114, 116. It is preferable that the second seal member 140 overlaps the first seal member 130 as illustrated in
The second seal member 140 is comprised of a tubular structure having a first opening 144 in a first end that fits over the first seal member 130. Alternatively, the first seal member 130 can be sized larger than the second seal member 140 to fit over the second seal member 140. The second seal member 140 also has a second opening 149 in a second end that receives a cable 117. The second end of the second seal member 140 is opposite of the first end, with the first opening 144 preferably concentrically aligned with the second opening 149 of the second seal member 140.
The second seal member 140 is preferably comprised of a resilient and flexible material that allows for a snug fit over the first seal member 130. The second seal member 140 is preferably comprised of a first portion 142 encompassing the first opening 144 and a second portion 148 encompassing the second opening 149, wherein the second portion 148 is narrower than the first portion 142. The first portion 142 has a first interior portion 141 that is large enough to receive the outer surface of the first seal member 130 as illustrated in
The cables 118 are electrically connected to the cable 117 within the second seal member 140 via the connectors 114, 116. The second seal member 140 could optionally include a gripping surface (not shown) on the exterior of the first portion 142 to assist in manipulation by the user such as but not limited to a plurality of raised rings.
In use, the user mounts the control panel externally of the tank in a desired location and then secures the base 120 to the wall of the tank above the highest possible liquid level within the tank. The user then electrically connects the cable 117 from the control panel by connecting the second connector 116 with the first connector 114. The user then slides the primary second seal member 140 downwardly along the cable 117 and then onto the first seal member 130 until snugly and frictionally retained upon the first seal member 130. Once the connectors 114, 116 are connected and their corresponding seal members 130, 140 are connected together in a liquid sealed or semi-sealed manner, the user may then operate the tank by allowing liquid such as water to enter the tank. The electronic device(s) provide data to the control panel via the cables 118 and then to the control panel by the primary cable 117. Contaminants such as water, other liquids, and debris that may engage the second seal member 140 are deflected and allowed to freely fall off. Any contaminants that should enter between the seal members 130, 140 is allowed to flow downwardly without contacting the connectors 114, 116. The second seal member 140 in particular deflects debris such as toilet paper to prevent the same from attaching to the connectors 114, 116 which can over time reduce the water tight seal the connectors 114, 116 have created with respect to one another after connection thereby extending the useful life of the connectors 114, 116.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described above. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.
This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/277,937 filed May 15, 2014.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
4772231 | Hayes | Sep 1988 | A |
5580266 | Shelly | Dec 1996 | A |
6429373 | Scrimpshire | Aug 2002 | B1 |
6462666 | Einck | Oct 2002 | B1 |
7578657 | Kowalak et al. | Aug 2009 | B2 |
8002565 | Bogart | Aug 2011 | B2 |
8480428 | Sper | Jul 2013 | B1 |
Entry |
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20150333438 A1 | Nov 2015 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 14277937 | May 2014 | US |
Child | 14712686 | US |