Abstract The device comprises a conventional multiple service extension cord in which the multiple service tap is reduced to a minimum size of a small rectangular block. Further savings are accomplished by providing a single pair of contact elements for receiving a pair of male contact plug elements from opposite directions. The contact elements are designed so that they can be stamped from a single piece of stock requiring no assembly operations. The transverse passageways for receiving the male contact elements are offset so that one pair of contact elements enter a passageway which leads below the service contacts and the opposite pair of male contacts enter a passageway which is offset to swing above the contacts. This results in a reduction in size. Since the plastic dielectric material from which the service tap is molded is fairly expensive, the reduction in weight results in a considerable saving in costs. Furthermore, the contact elements also are reduced to an irreducible minimum of contact areas. This is also an expensive metal and any reduction here also results in a cost reduction. The rectangular block construction permits safety in that the block can be stepped on without injuring the parts.
A multiple service extension cord comprising a length of two conductor electrical cord, a male connector at one end of said cord, a multiple service connector at the other end, said multiple service connector comprising an oblong block of dielectric material, said block having a pair of spaced parallel openings extending inwardly from opposite sides of said block, said pairs of openings being contiguously offset from each other, and means in said block at each pair of contiguous openings for electrically contacting a male contact element inserted in either opening, each of said means being electrically connected to one of said electrical cords, said means comprising a flat rectangular conductive metal member having a T-shaped portion stamped therefrom and extending in spaced parallel relation thereto to receive a male contact element therebetween, said member having a second T-shaped portion on the opposite side from said T-shaped portions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
147 words
A multiple service extension cord comprising a length of two conductor electrical cord, a male connector at one end of said cord, a multiple service connector at the other end, said multiple service connector comprising an oblong block of dielectric material, said block having a pair of spaced parallel openings extending inwardly from opposite sides of said block, said pairs of openings being contiguously offset from each other, and means in said block at each pair of contiguous openings for electrically contacting a male contact element inserted in either opening, each of said means being electrically connected to one of said electrical cords, said means comprising a flat rectangular conductive metal member having a T-shaped portion stamped therefrom and extending in spaced parallel relation thereto to receive a male contact element therebetween, said member having a second T-shaped portion on the opposite side from said T-shaped portions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A multiple service connector as in claim 1, wherein each of said means comprises an integral one-piece member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
A multiple service connector as in claim 1, wherein each of said means is provided with an integral U-shaped portion for electrically connecting to one of said cords.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
A multiple service connector as in claim 2, wherein each of said means is provided with an integral U-shaped portion for electrically connecting to one of said cords.