With Connector Retaining Means In Addition To Contact Of Connector Patents (Class 439/144)
  • Patent number: 5571023
    Abstract: An electrical connector housing with a lid for covering electrical contacts of an electrical connector mounted therein. Electrical connector housing has a tubular body portion for supporting an electrical connector therein, a mounting flange portion for mounting the electrical connector housing to a wiring enclosure, and a lid for covering an open end of the tubular body portion and the electrical connector. The lid is pivotally coupled at one end to the mounting flange and releasably latched to the mounting flange at its other end. A torsion spring is used to normally bias the lid to a closed position in which the open end of the tubular body portion and the electrical connector are covered. The latch is integrally molded with the lid to provide a snap-fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: John C. Anthony
  • Patent number: 5548479
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for protecting a memory or microcircuit unit, such as a PCMCIA card. The device comprises a mounting place receiving the memory or microcircuit unit and a protective lid. The lid pivotably attached to a locking mechanism of the protective device, operated by a removable key, is turned to protect the memory or microcircuit unit positioned in its place, when the key is turned to an ON position in the protective device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: ICL Personal Systems OY
    Inventor: Jukka Hyvarinen
  • Patent number: 5545046
    Abstract: A DC power receiving portion and a DC power receiving portion, which are separated from each other, are provided within a power receiving connector of a unitary structure, and a first cap is provided for closing an entire open end of the power receiving connector, and a second cap is provided on the first cap for closing a through hole which can be brought into registry with the AC power receiving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignees: Yazaki Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoki Masuda, Toshiaki Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 5464351
    Abstract: A branch joint box in which after a female connector connected to a wiring harness has been fitted into a male connector provided on the branch joint box, a lock cover provided on the branch joint box is closed and the female connector is locked to the male connector at a fitting position of the female connector by a locking portion of the lock cover, comprising: a temporary retention member for temporarily retaining the lock cover to the branch joint box at a closed position of the lock cover prior to fitting of the female connector into the male connector; a temporary retention cancelling member for cancelling temporary retention of the lock cover in response to fitting action of the female connector into the male connector so as to set the lock cover to an open position of the lock cover; and a fixed retention member which, after the female connector has been fitted into the male connector, not only locks the female connector to the male connector but locks the lock cover to the branch joint box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Oka
  • Patent number: 5385479
    Abstract: A modular jack applicable to a flat assembly. A hole is pierced in a flat member and a cover that can be opened and closed is disposed so as to cover an opening of the hole. When a modular plug is inserted into the hole, the cover is opened; when not, the cover is closed. When the cover is closed, it is housed in the opening, and the modular jack equals the flat member substantially in thickness. When the modular plug is inserted into the hole through the opening with the cover open, the insertion direction of the modular plug is regulated by inner walls of the hole. When the tip of the modular plug abuts against a bottom portion of the hole, the modular plug cannot be inserted any more. In the state, an electrode section located in the hole is electrically connected to electrodes of the modular plug. A hook portion disposed in the cover locks the modular plug so as to prevent the modular plug from easily dropping out of the modular jack even if the modular plug is pulled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Murata Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanobu Okada
  • Patent number: 5299099
    Abstract: A safety retainer for retaining an electrical device connected to an electrical receptacle against inadvertent disconnection includes a cover plate having opposed raised bars secured to the cover plate adjacent the electrical connector of the receptacle and a retainer strap looped beneath the raised bars and across the electrical device to secure the electrical device in place when connected to the receptacle, the cover plate being unbroken between the electrical connector and the peripheral edge of the cover plate so as to provide a completely integrated cover plate over the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Inventor: Larry J. Archambault
  • Patent number: 5174773
    Abstract: A child-proof plug cover includes a covering device designed to overlie an existing double electrical receptacle as commonly found mounted on a wall. The device is sized to allow receipt of two electrical plugs as plugged within the receptacles with their cords extending outwardly from the covering device. The covering device includes two door mechanisms each of which allows insertion of a plug with subsequent closing of a door mechanism to prevent a child from tampering with the device. The covering device may also be sized to preclude a child from pulling an electrical plug out of the wall receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Inventor: Steven J. Jones
  • Patent number: 5049086
    Abstract: An apparatus including a plug mounting a lock plate thereon, wherein the lock plate includes a plurality of downwardly appending locking links spaced apart a predetermined diameter. The mounting plate of the apparatus includes at least one rotatable outlet plate mounted within an associated annular opening captured therewithin. The outlet plate includes a plurality of spaced locking slots spaced apart at a predetermined diameter to receive the locking legs therewithin when the outlet plate is rotated from a horizontal first position to a vertical second position to align the locking legs with the locking slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Inventor: Donald E. Slaven
  • Patent number: 5030120
    Abstract: A dust cover and locking assembly (10) is mounted ajdacent to a fixed electrical or fiber optic receptacle connector (18) without modification thereto. A spring loaded cover member (46) has a sealing surface (54) which is moved into engagement with an exposed end (28) of the fixed connector (18) when a mating plug connector (34) is disconnected therefrom. The sealing surface (54) sealingly engages with a side wall (38) of the mating connector (34) when it is connected to the fixed connector (18), thereby preventing contamination of the sealing surface (54) by air or dust. Frictional engagement, latching, or cam action between the cover member (46) and mating connector (34) prevents the latter from being unintentionally loosened from the fixed connector (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventor: James T. Hartley
  • Patent number: 5017147
    Abstract: The electric junction box of this invention has a plurality of connector receiving sockets mounted on its insulating box. Selected one of the connector receiving sockets, or the first connector receiving socket, is attached with a locking cover, which is urged by a spring to lie flat over the adjacent or second connector receiving socket. A first connector can be assembled onto the first socket but a second connector cannot be connected to the second socket unless the locking cover is erected and locked onto the first connector. To rule out the slightest possibility of erroneous connection sequence, a connection sequence check member is provided to the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Sugiyama, Naoki Manabe
  • Patent number: 4979209
    Abstract: Individual security subscriber line module including a generally rectangular, hollow box-like structure including a top, bottom, opposed sides and opposed first and second ends, such structure providing an internal space for receiving an individual circuit; a pair of subscriber wiring terminals mounted on the top for connection to a subscriber line, a plug connected to the pair of subscriber wiring terminals by first electrical conductors; a jack mounted on the top and provided with second electrical conductors for connecting the jack to the incoming telephone company line, the jack for having the plug plugged therein to interconnect the pair of subscriber wiring terminals and thereby the subscriber line to the incoming telephone company line and the plug for being unplugged from the jack to provide a demarcation point between the subscriber line and incoming telephone company line, and upon the plug being unplugged from the jack the jack for receiving the plug of an operating telephone to facilitate determin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Keptel, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Collins, Pina Schneider, Anthony L. Nieves, Thomas G. Graham
  • Patent number: 4944698
    Abstract: A dual modular jack adapter for insertion directly on a telephone terminal block of the type having a plurality of connectors extending therefrom (i.e., type 66 terminals) is presented. The dual modular jack adapter is comprised of a compact insulative housing having a plurality of apertures therethrough, each aperture leading to a cavity having a plurality of connector clips therein. The connector clips accessible on the front surface are preferably quick connect type connector clips held in place by a snap on connector clip carrier. The connector clips are connected via wire conductors, which enter through slots in the base of the snap on connector clip carrier, to dual standard modular jacks for access of test phones or other auxilliary equipment. The present invention may be configured for any size modular jack including 2, 4, 6 or 8 wire jacks. The whole unit can be assembled by snapping the separate pieces together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: The Siemon Company
    Inventors: John A. Siemon, Richard Early
  • Patent number: 4922069
    Abstract: Electrical control switch mechanisms of the so-called "dead-man" type which may be used to actuate the operation of small electrically powered tools such as mowers, trimmers and the like. These switch mechanisms provide for immediate deactivation of the tool upon release by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Aircap Industries Corporation
    Inventor: Michael K. Huizenga
  • Patent number: 4911646
    Abstract: A jack security device, especially suitable for standard telephone jacks mounted at a panel of an access cabinet, can either prevent unauthorized access to a secured empty jack or prevent removal of a plug from a jack in use. An end portion of the device partially covers the plug receiving jack opening. The main body of the device carries a key-actuated tumbler and slides into an access cabinet housing recess adjacent to the jack. A locking tab carried by an inner end of the tumbler engages a surface provided in the housing to place the device in a locked condition with the flanged end portion partially covering the secure jack. Additionally, arrangements within the access cabinet are provided for overriding a locked condition of the device without the need for a lock actuating key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Michigan Bell Telephone Company
    Inventors: Albert U. Marson, Joseph A. Marson
  • Patent number: 4878853
    Abstract: A locking device for a connector assembly wherein a completely fitted or locked condition of connectors thereof can be confirmed clearly at a glance by way of an electric circuit. One of the connectors to be fitted with each other by the above locking device is provided with a locking plate for movement between a locking position and a releasing position, a holding element for holding the locking plate at the locking position, and also a means for confirming the connector fitted condition comprising a short-circuiting element and a pair of short-circuiting terminals so as to be connected with each other for assembling electric connection between the short-circuiting terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Yamade, Sukeyoshi Nakashima, Shigemitsu Inaba, Kazuto Ohtaka
  • Patent number: 4806112
    Abstract: A safety adaptor for a male electrical connector housing having at least one male terminal is provided. A body member having a space therein of a configuration to receive the electrical connector housing while operatively supporting a cantilevering of the male terminal from the body member is utilized. A cover member can be flexibly linked to the body member for locking the safety adaptor to the electrical connector housing. A pair of parallel prongs can extend from the body member and can be positioned for limiting the size of a complementary female connector capable of operatively receiving the male terminal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: Tronomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard R. Roberts, Robert J. Frank, Philip H. Booker, III, Rodney A. Hemner
  • Patent number: 4784610
    Abstract: A plug and socket type electrical connector is provided with a cover assembly for protecting connector structure from the elements and structure for facilitating the selective electrical engagement and disengagement of the connector elements, preferably by providing cooperating locking elements on the cover assembly and the electrical plug as well as a rotary lever assembly which is operable to effect plug disengagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Inventor: Clifton F. Stuart
  • Patent number: 4780089
    Abstract: A plug and socket combination, in which a plug includes blade contacts positioned in a circle and projecting in an axial direction can be inserted into corresponding U-shaped contacts of the socket by turning the plug. Upon turning, the plug is coupled to the socket by a bayonet connection. A disc is positioned on a neutral contact bushing in the socket and the disc has slot apertures curved in a circular arc which correspond to the width and curvature of the blade contacts to permit insertion of the blade contacts into the slot apertures and turning of the blade contacts and disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Assignee: Brufield Investments Limited
    Inventor: Rolf K. Wernick
  • Patent number: 4762502
    Abstract: A cover for a portion of a control panel module is disclosed. The cover is pivotally attached to an edge of the control panel module and encloses a configuration plug for reprogramming purposes and other switches on the control panel module. The top surface of the cover can be utilized to support the cord which interconnects a reprogramming device to the configuration plug on the control panel module during the programming process. A projection is provided on the top surface of the cover to prevent the cord from slipping off of the cover when the reprogramming device is so interconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventor: George R. Hall, II
  • Patent number: 4749359
    Abstract: A telephone network interface device having differing means for access for the public utility, building owner or apartment manager, and those living in individual housing units; differing means of access provided in part by a latchpiece inserted between a first gate leading to a subscriber compartment and a second gate leading to the utility compartment. Also described is a container using the latchpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: Siecor Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen D. White
  • Patent number: 4740168
    Abstract: A device for providing security and environmental protection to an individual telephone subscribed pair having an appearance at a building entrance terminal. The device prevents unauthorized removal of an R.J. 11 plug, and selectively closes the opening leading to a corresponding R.J. 11 jack. In one embodiment, a sliding door is fixed upon a mounting plate and is secured in position by a simple tumbler type lock. In another embodiment, the lock itself includes integrally formed flanges that perform the same function as the sliding plate. In still another embodiment, the plate is substituted by a small padlock hasp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Assignee: Porta Systems Corp.
    Inventors: William V. Carney, Robert Leary, Paul V. DeLuca
  • Patent number: 4702709
    Abstract: An electrical plug retainer for a cover plate includes a bracket pivotally mounted with respect to the cover plate mounted over an electrical socket housing. The retaining bracket includes a retaining bar, a pair of parallel legs extending from the ends of the retaining bar, and inwardly extending projections on the free ends of the legs adapted to engage a recess formed in the peripheral edge of the cover plate. Preferably, the retaining bracket conforms with the peripheral shape of the cover plate so that it can be pivoted to lie flush against the wall adjacent the peripheral edge of the cover plate. The retaining bracket can also be pivoted outwardly from the wall for engagement with the electrical cord attached to a plug inserted within the wall socket. In one form of the present invention, the retaining bar includes a cord engagement member. Another embodiment includes a safety device which prevents access to the outlet in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Inventor: Michael A. Santilli