US3676574A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Deformable fin spring connector
Assignee: 3M Co
•
Filing: 1970-12-18
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Granted: 1972-07-11
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Expires: 1990-12-18
Abstract
Abstract A tapered coiled spring wire secured within an insulating shell containing interior deformable fins for engagement with the spring wire to form retaining threads in the fins and avoid any substantial tensioning or deformation of the shell.
Inventors
- 👤 Ronald C Johansson
- 👤 Wayne Donald Weeklund
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 23:33
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R4/00; H01R4/26; H01R4/22
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
158 words
A wire connector comprising a coil spring wire fastening element which is convergingly tapered from a foremost end toward a rearmost longitudinally spaced end, said rearmost end having a terminous tip to which a force may be applied to threadably rotate the fastening element over a plurality of electrical wire ends, and an elongated insulating shell having a cavity in which said fastening element is positioned, said cavity extending from an open front end to a longitudinally spaced closed rear end which rear end has means in engagement with the terminous tip of the fastening element for transferring rotational forces thereto, and said shell having a multiplicity of circumferentially spaced longitudinally extending deformable fins projecting from the interior surface of said shell into said cavity, said deformable fins being deformed by and in engagement with the exterior surface of said fastening element adjacent said foremost end of said fastening element and retaining said fastening element within said shell.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
158 words
A wire connector comprising a coil spring wire fastening element which is convergingly tapered from a foremost end toward a rearmost longitudinally spaced end, said rearmost end having a terminous tip to which a force may be applied to threadably rotate the fastening element over a plurality of electrical wire ends, and an elongated insulating shell having a cavity in which said fastening element is positioned, said cavity extending from an open front end to a longitudinally spaced closed rear end which rear end has means in engagement with the terminous tip of the fastening element for transferring rotational forces thereto, and said shell having a multiplicity of circumferentially spaced longitudinally extending deformable fins projecting from the interior surface of said shell into said cavity, said deformable fins being deformed by and in engagement with the exterior surface of said fastening element adjacent said foremost end of said fastening element and retaining said fastening element within said shell.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A wire connector according to claim 1 wherein said fins extend along said interior surface approximately the length of said element.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A wire connector according to claim 2 wherein said fins increase in height from said interior surface as they extend toward said front end.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
A wire connector according to claim 1 wherein said shell is formed with a skirt portion spacing said fastening element from said open end of said shell and having a radially inward projecting circumferential rim about said open end.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
56 words
A wire connector according to claim 1 wherein said fastening element is convergingly tapered from said foremost end to a section of minimum diameter intermediate its ends and is divergingly tapered from said section of minimum diameter to said terminous tip affording spacing between said fastening element and said fins adjacent said section of minimum diameter.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-07-11 | 1976-01-10 | 1976-07-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-07-11 | 1980-01-10 | 1980-07-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-07-11 | 1984-01-10 | 1984-07-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |