Patent US2556926A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3894781A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Connector plug for power distribution track
Assignee: Genlyte Group Inc
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Filing: 1974-06-26
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Granted: 1975-07-15
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Expires: 1994-06-26
Abstract
Abstract The present invention relates to a connector plug attachment for use with a power distribution track of the type having an open channel housing insulated conductive conduits. The connector is characterized by the ability to be electrically and mechanically coupled to the track by a single operation, notably a rotation of elements of the connector plug relative to the track. The plug includes a pair of wings or flanges for rotation into mechanically locked engagement with portions of the track and a pair of contact portions rotatable into electrically coupled relation with the conduits of the track, a lost motion coupling being interposed between the flanges and contacts whereby, upon rotation of a single drive or locking element on the plug, the contacts and flanges are appropriately positioned to secure the desired mechanical and electrical coupling.
Inventors
- 👤 Anthony C Donato
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 13:37
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R25/00; H01R25/14; H01R25/142
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
255 words
As an article of manufacture, a connector plug adapted in a single operation to be mechanically and electrically attached to a power distribution track of the type including spaced parallel conduits disposed within a downwardly open channel having parallel side walls and opposed flanges, comprising a housing including a stop portion adapted to engage the outer face of said flange, key means on said housing for locking said housing against rotation relative to said track, a plug member rotatably mounted in said housing including projecting contact portions adapted to enter into said channel and engage the conduits of said track responsive to rotation of said plug member, a sleeve surrounding said plug member and rotatable relative to said housing and said plug member, lock flange means on said sleeve for engaging behind and locking said housing to said flanges responsive to rotation of said sleeve relative to said housing, torque drive means rotatably mounted on said housing in driving connection with said plug for rotating said plug through an angle corresponding with the angle of rotation of said drive means, and lost motion coupling means on said sleeve adapted to engage said drive means for coupling the sleeve and drive means for conjoint rotation following predetermined relative rotation between said plug and sleeve, whereby rotation of said drive means rotates said locking flanges through a first arc into mechanically coupled relation with said flanges of said track, and said plug through a second and greater arc electrically to connect said contact portions and said conduits.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
255 words
As an article of manufacture, a connector plug adapted in a single operation to be mechanically and electrically attached to a power distribution track of the type including spaced parallel conduits disposed within a downwardly open channel having parallel side walls and opposed flanges, comprising a housing including a stop portion adapted to engage the outer face of said flange, key means on said housing for locking said housing against rotation relative to said track, a plug member rotatably mounted in said housing including projecting contact portions adapted to enter into said channel and engage the conduits of said track responsive to rotation of said plug member, a sleeve surrounding said plug member and rotatable relative to said housing and said plug member, lock flange means on said sleeve for engaging behind and locking said housing to said flanges responsive to rotation of said sleeve relative to said housing, torque drive means rotatably mounted on said housing in driving connection with said plug for rotating said plug through an angle corresponding with the angle of rotation of said drive means, and lost motion coupling means on said sleeve adapted to engage said drive means for coupling the sleeve and drive means for conjoint rotation following predetermined relative rotation between said plug and sleeve, whereby rotation of said drive means rotates said locking flanges through a first arc into mechanically coupled relation with said flanges of said track, and said plug through a second and greater arc electrically to connect said contact portions and said conduits.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said lost motion coupling means comprises an arcuate slot in said sleeve, and said drive means includes a finger keyed to said plug and extending outwardly through said slot.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 2 wherein said drive means includes a barrel rotatably mounted on said housing and surrounding said sleeve and said plug, said finger being fixed to said barrel and said plug.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
66 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said lock flange means includes inner end portions fixed to said sleeve and distal portions spaced radially from said sleeve, the spacing between said distal portions exceeding the distance between said side walls of said channel, whereby the engagement of said ends against said channel walls limits the permitted extent of rotation of said sleeve relative to said housing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
84 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein said lost motion coupling means comprises an arcuate slot in said sleeve, said drive means includes a finger keyed to said plug and extending through said slot, the spacing of said distal portions of said lock flanges being coordinated with the angular extent of said slot and the distance between said side walls of said channel to permit said plug member to rotate a maximum of about 90* when said lock flanges are disposed within said channel.
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) | 1978-07-14 | 1979-01-13 | 1979-07-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-07-14 | 1983-01-13 | 1983-07-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-07-14 | 1987-01-13 | 1987-07-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |