Electrical connector

Claim 2

An electricl connector assembly adapted to be electrically conductively connected to a conductor comprising: conductor-engaging means including at least two portions having spaced facing surfaces forming a conductor-receiving channel between which a conductor is to be electrically connected, and flexible means for holding said portions in spaced position but permitting relative movement of said portions toward and away from each other; a first member receiving and surrounding said conductor-engaging portions on at least two sides thereof opposite said facing surfaces; a second member having receiving means receiving said first member and said portions; conductor-positioning means in said second member for guiding a conductor into position to be received between said facing surfaces of said conductor-engaging portion when said first member is inserted in said receiving means of said second member; said first member being constructured of a resilient material and said second member being constructed of a comparatively rigid material with its receiving means being of a size and shape to receive said resilient first member so as to provide a press fit engagement at least along said pressure portions whereby when said first member is inserted and pressfitted within the receiving means of said second member only said first member of the said first and second members is deformed at its sides located along said two sides whereby the deformity of said first member backed up by the rigidity of said second member provides a biasing force against said pressure portions to urge said pressure portions of said conductor-engaging means into engagement with a coNductor as said first member is inserted in said receiving means of said second member.

Claim 3

The electrical connector assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said conductor positioning means includes a slot formed in said second member, said slot intersecting said receiving means and adapted to hold a conductor in alignment for engagement between said conductor-engaging portions.

Claim 4

The electrical connector assembly of claim 2 and further including abutment means in said receiving means, said abutment means being positioned adjacent said conductor positioning means extending at least a portion of its length and positioned in alignment with said conductor-engaging means when said first member is positioned in said receiving means.

Claim 5

The electrical connector as defined in claim 1 wherein said conductor-engaging portions include a pair of legs connected by an integral, generally U-shaped junction portion, said legs extending downwardly from said U-shaped junction portion, the inner facing surfaces of said legs forming conductor-receiving channel.

Claim 6

An electrical connector assembly adapted to be electrically conductively connected to a conductor comprising: conductor-engaging means including at least two portions having spaced facing surfaces forming a conductor-receiving channel between which a conductor is to be electrically connected, and flexible means for holding said portions in spaced position but permitting relative movement of said portions toward and away from each other; a first member receiving and surrounding said conductor-engaging portions on at least two sides thereof opposite said facing surfaces; a second member having receiving means receiving said first member and said portions; conductor-positioning means in said second member for guiding a conductor into position to be received between said facing surfaces of said conductor-engaging portion when said first member is inserted in said receiving means of said second member; said first and second members having in combination means for providing a biasing force against said portions when said first member is received into said second member to urge said portions of said conductor-engaging means into engagement with a conductor as said first member is inserted in said receiving means of said second member; said conductor-engaging portions include a pair of legs connected by an integral, generally U-shaped junction portion, said legs extending downwardly from said U-shaped junction portion, the inner facing surfaces of said legs forming said conductor-receiving channel, said conductor-engaging means being formed from an integral piece of wire-like stock; and said first member having means therein adapted to abut said sides opposite said facing surfaces to restrict the opening of said conductor-receiving channel whereby when a conductor is positioned in said channel, said legs are forced into electrically conductive engagement with the conductor.

Claim 7

An electrical connector assembly adapted to be electrically conductively connected to a conductor comprising: conductor-engaging means including at least two portions having spaced facing surfaces forming a conductor-receiving channel between which a conductor is to be electrically connected, and flexible means for holding said portions in spaced position but permitting relative movement of said portions toward and away from each other; a first member receiving and surrounding said conductor-engaging portions on at least two sides thereof opposite said facing surfaces; a second member having receiving means receiving said first member and said portions; conductor-positioning means in said second member for guiding a conductor into position to be received between said facing surfaces of said conductor-engaging portion when said first member is inserted in said receiving means of said second member; said first and second members having in combination means for providing a biasing force against said portions when said first member is received into said second member to urge said portions of said conductor-engaging means into engagement with a conductor as said first member is inserted in said receiving means of said second member; said conductor-engaging portions include a pair of legs connected by an integral, generally U-shaped junction portion, said legs extending downwardly from said U-shaped junction portion, the inner facing surfaces of said legs forming said conductor-receiving channel, said conductor-engaging means being formed from an integral piece of wire-like stock; and said first member having means therein adapted to abut said sides opposite said facing surfaces to restrict the opening of said conductor-receiving channel whereby when a conductor is positioned in said channel, said legs are forced into electrically conductive engagement with the conductor.

Claim 8

The connector as defined in claim 5 wherein one of said first and said second members is formed of rigid material and the other of said members is formed of comparatively resilient material.

Claim 9

An electrical connector adapted to conductively engage an insulated conductor, said connector comprising: a first member constructed of a resilient material; a pair of conductor-engaging means in said first member, each said conductor-engaging means including a shank portion and a pressure portion connected by a generally U-shaped junction portion, said pressure portion extending from said junction portion so as to be adjacent with said shank portion, and a conductive linking member connecting the shank portion of each of said pair of said engaging means; a second member constructed of a comparatively rigid material, said second member having receiving means formed therein of a size and shape to receive said first member and said pair of conductor-engaging means so as to provide a press fit engagement at least Along said pressure portions whereby when said first member is inserted and press-fitted within the receiving means of said second member only said first member of the said first and second members is deformed at its sides located along said two sides whereby the deformity of said first member backed up by the rigidity of said second member provides a biasing force against said pressure portions to urge said pressure portions of said conductor-engaging means into engagement with a conductor as said first member is inserted in said receiving means of said second member; and wire-positioning means in said second member for positioning conductors adjacent said receiving means whereby when said first member is inserted in said receiving means, conductors in said positioning means are guided into each said conductor-engaging means between said pressure portion and said shank portion for electrical connection therebetween.

Claim 10

An electrical connector adapted to conductively engage an insulated conductor, said connector comprising: a first member constructed of a resilient material; a pair of conductor-engaging means in said first member, each said conductor-engaging means including a shank portion and a pressure portion connected by a generally U-shaped junction portion, said pressure portion extending from said junction portion so as to be adjacent with said shank portion, and a conductive linking member connecting the shank portion of each of said pair of said engaging means; a second member constructed of a comparatively rigid material, said second member having receiving means formed therein of a size and shape to receive said first member and said pair of conductor-engaging means so as to provide a press fit engagement at least Along said pressure portions whereby when said first member is inserted and press-fitted within the receiving means of said second member only said first member of the said first and second members is deformed at its sides located along said two sides whereby the deformity of said first member backed up by the rigidity of said second member provides a biasing force against said pressure portions to urge said pressure portions of said conductor-engaging means into engagement with a conductor as said first member is inserted in said receiving means of said second member; and wire-positioning means in said second member for positioning conductors adjacent said receiving means whereby when said first member is inserted in said receiving means, conductors in said positioning means are guided into each said conductor-engaging means between said pressure portion and said shank portion for electrical connection therebetween.

Claim 11

The electrical connector as described in claim 7 wherein said wire-positioning means inlcudes said second member having a pair of slots formed therein transverse to said receiving means.

Claim 12

The electrical connector as described in claim 8 and further including wire-receiving means formed in said second member, said wire-receiving means being positioned adjacent said slots formed in said second member parallel to said receiving means where in a conductor having an end terminating at said connector positioned in said wire-receiving means is held therein and positioned in said wire-positioning means for electrical contact with said conductor-engaging means when said conductor-engaging means is positioned in said receiving means.

Claim 13

The connector as defined in claim 7 wherein said second member is molded of rigid, plastic-like material.

Claim 14

The connector as defined in claim 10 wherein said rigid, plastic-like material is polypropylene.

Claim 15

The electrical connector as defined in claim 7 wherein said first member is formed of resilient plastic-like material.

Claim 16

The electrical connector as defined in claim 12 wherein said first member is molded polyethylene.

Claim 17

The electrical connector as defined in claim 7 and further including said first member having a central body portion; a pair of legs adjacent the sides of said central portion; said pair of conductor-engaging means being positioned in said first member with said shank, pressure and junction portions being embraced between said central body portion and said leg with said shank portions abutting said body portion; said conductive linking member extending along said central body portion; and means in said first member for retaining said conductor-engaging means in said first member.

Claim 18

The electrical connector as defined in claim 14 and further including abutment means in said receiving means, said abutment means being positioned adjacent said wire-positioning means and extending along at least a portion of its length, said abutment means being positioned in alignment with said conductor engaging means when said first member is positioned in said receiving means to thereby guide a conductor positioned therein into electrically conductive engagement with said conductor-engaging means.

Claim 19

In a solderless electrical connector having a base portion adapted to position wire conductors and a plug portion having a conductive element therein for electrical connection with the wire conductors, the improvement comprising: said plug portion being molded from a resilient plastic-like material and having means therein for holding said conductive element; said conductive element having at least a pair of legs connected by an integral, generally U-shaped junction portion, said legs extending downwardly from said U-shaped junction portion, at least one of said legs being relatively movable with respect to the other of said legs to form a pressure applying means againt said other leg, said legs having portions cooperatively forming a wire-receiving channel; said base portioN being molded from a comparatively rigid plastic-like material, and having means formed therein for positioning wire conductors; and means formed in said base portion for receiving said plug portion and said conductive element, said means being of a size and shape to receive said resilient plug so as to provide a press fit engagement at least along the portions of said legs forming said wire-receiving channel whereby when said plug is inserted and press-fitted within the base only said plug is deformed at its sides located at said legs whereby the deformity of said plug backed up by the rigidity of said base causes said plug portion to cooperably operate with said base portion for restricting the movement of said legs forming said channel when a wire conductor is forced therein to remove the insulation therefrom and to conductively engage the wire positioned therebetween.

Claim 20

In a solderless electrical connector having a base portion adapted to position wire conductors and a plug portion having a conductive element therein for electrical connection with the wire conductors, the improvement comprising: said plug portion being molded from a resilient plastic-like material and having means therein for holding said conductive element; said conductive element having at least a pair of legs connected by an integral, generally U-shaped junction portion, said legs extending downwardly from said U-shaped junction portion, at least one of said legs being relatively movable with respect to the other of said legs to form a pressure applying means againt said other leg, said legs having portions cooperatively forming a wire-receiving channel; said base portioN being molded from a comparatively rigid plastic-like material, and having means formed therein for positioning wire conductors; and means formed in said base portion for receiving said plug portion and said conductive element, said means being of a size and shape to receive said resilient plug so as to provide a press fit engagement at least along the portions of said legs forming said wire-receiving channel whereby when said plug is inserted and press-fitted within the base only said plug is deformed at its sides located at said legs whereby the deformity of said plug backed up by the rigidity of said base causes said plug portion to cooperably operate with said base portion for restricting the movement of said legs forming said channel when a wire conductor is forced therein to remove the insulation therefrom and to conductively engage the wire positioned therebetween.

Claim 21

The connector as defined in claim 16 wherein said conductive element includes said junction portion and said legs being formed from an integral piece of wire-like stock having a constant cross section, said legs converging toward one another as they extend from the said junction portion and forming said channel therebetween, the normal spacing between said legs being less than the nominal cross-sectional measurement of a wire conductor whereby when conductors are forced in said channel said legs are forced into conductor-deforming relationship therewith.

Claim 22

A solderless electrical terminal block connector comprising: an elongated cover member; a plurality of plug members arranged on said cover member, each said plug member having a conductive element fixed therein, said conductive elements each having a pair of legs connected by an integral, generally-U-shaped juncture portion, said legs being resilient and relatively movable with respect to each other, the inner facing portions of said legs forming a wire-receiving channel; said conductive element being in the form of an integral piece of wire-like stock mounted on said plug with said plug abutting the sides of said legs opposite said facing surfaces to restrict the opening of said wire-receiving channel whereby when a wire is positioned in said channel, said legs are forced into electrically conductive engagement with the wire; an elongated terminal block, said block having a plurality of rigid sockets formed therein, said sockets arranged for cooperative engagement with a corresponding plug member on said cover; wire-receiving means formed in each of said sockets for receiving and guiding pairs of wire conductors into engagement with said wire-receiving channels in said conductive elements in said plugs; cut-off means separate and apart from said conductive element; and said cut-off means being mounted on said plugs adjacent said conductive element to cut the terminal ends of said wire conductors when said conductors are engaged by said conductive elements.

Claim 23

A solderless electrical terminal block connector comprising: an elongated cover member; a plurality of plug members arranged on said cover member, each said plug member having a conductive element fixed therein, said conductive elements each having a pair of legs connected by an integral, generally-U-shaped juncture portion, said legs being resilient and relatively movable with respect to each other, the inner facing portions of said legs forming a wire-receiving channel; said conductive element being in the form of an integral piece of wire-like stock mounted on said plug with said plug abutting the sides of said legs opposite said facing surfaces to restrict the opening of said wire-receiving channel whereby when a wire is positioned in said channel, said legs are forced into electrically conductive engagement with the wire; an elongated terminal block, said block having a plurality of rigid sockets formed therein, said sockets arranged for cooperative engagement with a corresponding plug member on said cover; wire-receiving means formed in each of said sockets for receiving and guiding pairs of wire conductors into engagement with said wire-receiving channels in said conductive elements in said plugs; cut-off means separate and apart from said conductive element; and said cut-off means being mounted on said plugs adjacent said conductive element to cut the terminal ends of said wire conductors when said conductors are engaged by said conductive elements.

Claim 24

The terminal block connector as defined in claim 18 wherein each said rigid socket further includes abutment means positioned adjacent said receiving means, said abutment means being positioned in alignment with said conductive element when said plug is positioned in said socket to thereby guide said wire conductor into said wire-receiving channel, said blade member being cooperatively engageable with said abutment means to cut said wire conductor.

Claim 25

A solderless electrical connector for an electrical outlet comprising: a conductive element adapted to be connected to said outlet and having a pair of generally U-shaped wire-receiving channels formed thereon, said channels including a shank portion and a pressure portion, said shank portions being integrally connected by a link, said pressure and shank portions having facing surfaces forming said wire-receiving channels, said link being electrically connected to said outlet; a non-conductive first member receiving and surrounding said pressure and said shank portions of each of said channels on at least two sides thereof opposite said facing surfaces; a rigid second member having an opening formed therein for engagement with said first member, said second member having receiving means therein to receive and guide a wire conductor into said wire-receiving channel; and said first member being constructed of a resilient material and said second member being constructed of a comparatively rigid material with its receiving means being of a size and shape to receive said resilient first member so as to provide a press fit engagement at least along said pressure portions whereby when said first member is inserted and press-fitted within the receiving means of said second member only said first member of the said first and second members is deformed at its sides located along said two whereby the deformity of said first member backed up by the rigidity of said second member provides a biasing force against said pressure portions to urge said pressure portions of said conductor-engaging means into engagement with a conductor as said first member is inserted in said receiving means of said second member.

Claim 26

A solderless electrical connector for an electrical outlet comprising: a conductive element adapted to be connected to said outlet and having a pair of generally U-shaped wire-receiving channels formed thereon, said channels including a shank portion and a pressure portion, said shank portions being integrally connected by a link, said pressure and shank portions having facing surfaces forming said wire-receiving channels, said link being electrically connected to said outlet; a non-conductive first member receiving and surrounding said pressure and said shank portions of each of said channels on at least two sides thereof opposite said facing surfaces; a rigid second member having an opening formed therein for engagement with said first member, said second member having receiving means therein to receive and guide a wire conductor into said wire-receiving channel; and said first member being constructed of a resilient material and said second member being constructed of a comparatively rigid material with its receiving means being of a size and shape to receive said resilient first member so as to provide a press fit engagement at least along said pressure portions whereby when said first member is inserted and press-fitted within the receiving means of said second member only said first member of the said first and second members is deformed at its sides located along said two whereby the deformity of said first member backed up by the rigidity of said second member provides a biasing force against said pressure portions to urge said pressure portions of said conductor-engaging means into engagement with a conductor as said first member is inserted in said receiving means of said second member.

Claim 27

An electrical connector adapted to conductively engage an insulated conductor, said connector comprising: a first member; conductor-engaging means in said first member, said conductor-engaging means being in the form of an integral piece of wire-like stock including a shank portion and a pressure portion, said pressure portion extending from said junction portion so as to be adjacent with said shank portion, said pressure and shank portions having facing surfaces forming a conductor receiving channel; a second member, said second member having receiving means formed therein to receive said first member and said conductor-engaging means; said first member having means therein adapted to abut said portions opposite said facing surfaces to restrict the opening of said conductor-receiving channel whereby when a conductor is positioned in said channel, said portions are forced into electrically conductive engagement with the conductor, and wire-positioning means in said second member for positioning a conducor adjacent said receiving means, whereby when said first member is inserted into said receiving means, a conductor in said positioning means is guided into said conductor-engaging means between said pressure portion and said shank portion for electrical connection therewith.

Claim 28

An electrical connector adapted to conductively engage an insulated conductor, said connector comprising: a first member; conductor-engaging means in said first member, said conductor-engaging means being in the form of an integral piece of wire-like stock including a shank portion and a pressure portion, said pressure portion extending from said junction portion so as to be adjacent with said shank portion, said pressure and shank portions having facing surfaces forming a conductor receiving channel; a second member, said second member having receiving means formed therein to receive said first member and said conductor-engaging means; said first member having means therein adapted to abut said portions opposite said facing surfaces to restrict the opening of said conductor-receiving channel whereby when a conductor is positioned in said channel, said portions are forced into electrically conductive engagement with the conductor, and wire-positioning means in said second member for positioning a conducor adjacent said receiving means, whereby when said first member is inserted into said receiving means, a conductor in said positioning means is guided into said conductor-engaging means between said pressure portion and said shank portion for electrical connection therewith.