US3801757A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Heavy duty connector
Assignee: Hubbell Inc
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Filing: 1972-08-02
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Granted: 1974-04-02
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Expires: 1992-08-02
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for facilitating engagement and disengagement in electrical connectors, particularly where large electrical loads are transmitted therethrough. A pivotal handle is disposed on the connector plug to protect the operator from electrical hazard and to maintain a relatively compact plug profile. Cooperation between the handle and the connector outlet creates a mechanical lock to preclude inadvertent disengagement and also achieves a relatively large mechanical advantage when disengagement is intended. Furthermore, this cooperation establishes an electrical interlock which interrupts power to the connector outlet whenever the mechanical lock ceases to exist.
Inventors
- 👤 V Carissimi
- 👤 F Jaconette
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 10:58
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/62; H01R13/629; H01R13/62933; H01R13/66; H01R13/70; H01R13/713
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
117 words
In an electrical connector apparatus comprising: an outlet including female contacts and an electrical switch; a plug including male contacts, said plug and said outlet mating along a common axis with said male contacts slidably engaging said female contacts to effect the electrical connection; and a pivotal handle securing to said plug about a pivotal axis perpendicular to said common axis, said handle including a latch and an arm, said latch being pivotal about said pivotal axis to cooperate with said outlet and said electrical switch in establishing a mechanical lock and an electrical interlock between said plug and said outlet, said electrical interlock interrupting electrical power to said outlet whenever said mechanical lock ceases to exist.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
117 words
In an electrical connector apparatus comprising: an outlet including female contacts and an electrical switch; a plug including male contacts, said plug and said outlet mating along a common axis with said male contacts slidably engaging said female contacts to effect the electrical connection; and a pivotal handle securing to said plug about a pivotal axis perpendicular to said common axis, said handle including a latch and an arm, said latch being pivotal about said pivotal axis to cooperate with said outlet and said electrical switch in establishing a mechanical lock and an electrical interlock between said plug and said outlet, said electrical interlock interrupting electrical power to said outlet whenever said mechanical lock ceases to exist.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
141 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said plug has a transfer axis parallel to said common axis and forces applied along said transfer axis are distributed over said plug to result in balanced turning moments about any axis in a plane perpendicular to said common axis, said pivotal axis being perpendicular to said transfer axis; said handle includes a gripping bar extending across said plug, said gripping bar being configured to lie flat against said plug and having no significant affect on the overall profile height of said plug; a portion of said gripping bar overhangs said plug, said portion establishing a gripping lip to facilitate the use of said handle during disengagement; said arm includes a cam, said cam being rotatable about said pivotal axis to bear against said outlet in developing separating forces between said plug and said outlet.
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) | 1977-04-01 | 1977-10-01 | 1978-04-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-04-01 | 1981-10-01 | 1982-04-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-04-01 | 1985-10-01 | 1986-04-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |