Self-sealing underground tap connector

Claim 1

A connector for joining a tap conductor to a run conductor in which said tap includes a spacer bar formed of a non-conducting material, first and second surfaces of said spacer bar, a slot formed in said spacer bar extending from said first to said second surface, a conductor bar disposed within said slot, first and second groups of piercing teeth formed on and extending from said conductor bar protruding from said slot at said first and second respective surfaces of said spacer bar, a first idler member of said tap, first non-electrical conducting idler teeth of said first idler member disposed in spaced relation with said first group of piercing teeth for receiving said cable therebetween, a second idler member of said tap, second nonelectrical conducting idler teeth of said second idler member disposed in spaced relation with said second group of piercing teeth for receiving said conductor therebetween pressure means for pressing said first group of piercing teeth and said first idler teeth and said second group of piercing teeth and said second idler teeth toward each other whereby said first and second groups of piercing teeth respectively pierce through the insulation of said run conductor and said tap conductor to produce a firm mechanical and electrical connection between said conductor bar and said run conductor and said tap conductor, and said first and second idler teeth respectively pierce through the insulation of said conductor and said line to produce a firm mechanical connection, and first, second, third and fourth insulation means respectively surrounding said first and second groups of piercing teeth and said first and second idler teeth.