US5141448A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Apparatus for retaining a coupling ring in non-self locking electrical connectors
Assignee: MATRIX SCIENCE CORP
•
Filing: 1991-12-02
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Granted: 1992-08-25
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Expires: 2011-12-02
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for retaining a coupling ring such as a canted washer or spring for use in non-self locking electrical connectors is disclosed. The canted washer or spring having uniform frustoconical surface is positioned between the plug and coupling ring providing a known spring force response between the coupling ring and plug shell shoulder. In one embodiment, the canted washer is used in a non-bayonet electrical connector with a swaged coupling ring. An alternative embodiment is described as a double turn canted spring used in conjunction with a non-swaged, grooved coupling ring. The apparatus is used in both metal and composite non-bayonet electrical connectors. Configuration to a particular cant for either the canted washer or spring is calculable using known factors such as; size, material thickness, and the modulus of the material. A canted washer or wave spring for use in electrical connectors subjected to high and low temperature environments is also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 William R. Mattingly
- 👤 Roy E. Kroger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 01:48
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16F; F16F1/00; F16F1/02; F16F1/32; H; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/62; H01R13/622
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 32
Claim 1
Independent Claim
86 words
An apparatus for locking a non-self locking electrical connector, comprising: a plug having a plug shoulder; a receptacle, said receptacle matingly engaging said plug; a coupling ring cooperatively associated with said matingly engaged plug and receptacle; a means for engaging disposed within said coupling ring; and a frustoconical means for deflecting disposed between said plug shoulder and said means for engaging, said frustoconical means for deflecting having a predetermined; thickness, external diameter, internal diameter, inside height and material modulus providing a known spring response to deflection.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
86 words
An apparatus for locking a non-self locking electrical connector, comprising: a plug having a plug shoulder; a receptacle, said receptacle matingly engaging said plug; a coupling ring cooperatively associated with said matingly engaged plug and receptacle; a means for engaging disposed within said coupling ring; and a frustoconical means for deflecting disposed between said plug shoulder and said means for engaging, said frustoconical means for deflecting having a predetermined; thickness, external diameter, internal diameter, inside height and material modulus providing a known spring response to deflection.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said non-self locking electrical connector is formed from metal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said non-self locking electrical connector is formed from composite material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for engaging is formed by the shoulder of a swaged coupling ring.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for engaging is formed by a non-swaged coupling ring having a portion defining a groove.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said frustoconical means for deflecting is a canted washer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said frustoconical means for deflecting is a canted spring.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said frustoconical means for deflecting is formed from beryllium copper.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said frustoconical means for deflecting is formed from 17-7 ph stainless steel.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
23 words
The apparatus as defined in Clam 1 wherein said frustoconical means for deflecting deflects in the range of from 0.000 to 0.025 inches.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
23 words
The apparatus as defined in Clam 1 wherein said frustoconical means for deflecting deflects in the range of from 0.000 to 0.025 inches.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
100 words
A method of providing an apparatus for locking a non-self locking electrical connector, and said method comprising the steps of: providing a plug having a plug shoulder; providing a receptacle, said receptacle matingly engaging said plug; providing a coupling ring cooperatively associated with said matingly engaged plug and receptacle; providing a means for engaging disposed within said coupling; and providing a frustoconical means for deflecting disposed between said plug shoulder and said means for engaging said frustoconical means for deflecting have a predetermined; thickness, external diameter, internal diameter inside height and material modulus providing a known spring response to deflection.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
100 words
A method of providing an apparatus for locking a non-self locking electrical connector, and said method comprising the steps of: providing a plug having a plug shoulder; providing a receptacle, said receptacle matingly engaging said plug; providing a coupling ring cooperatively associated with said matingly engaged plug and receptacle; providing a means for engaging disposed within said coupling; and providing a frustoconical means for deflecting disposed between said plug shoulder and said means for engaging said frustoconical means for deflecting have a predetermined; thickness, external diameter, internal diameter inside height and material modulus providing a known spring response to deflection.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
114 words
A coupling ring retainer for a non-self locking electrical connector, comprising: a receptacle, said receptacle matingly engaging said plug; a coupling ring having a shoulder, said coupling ring cooperatively associated with said matingly engaged plug and receptacle; a friction washer positioned proximate said plug shoulder and said shoulder of said coupling ring; and a frustoconical washer disposed between said plug shoulder and said friction washer, said frustoconical washer having a uniform surface and a predetermined; thickness, external diameter, internal diameter, inside height and material modulus, said frustoconical washer providing a known spring response to deflection. a coupling ring retainer as defined in claim 12 wherein said non-self locking electrical connector is formed from metal.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
The coupling ring retainer as defined in claim 12 wherein said non-self locking electrical connector is formed from composite material.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
A coupling ring retainer as defined in claim 12 wherein said friction washer is a planer washer.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
The coupling ring retainer as defined in claim 12 wherein said friction washer is an L-shaped washer.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
The coupling ring retainer as defined in claim 12 wherein said frustoconical washer is formed from 17-7 pH stainless steel.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
18 words
The coupling ring retainer as defined in claim 12 wherein said frustoconical washer is formed from beryllium copper.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
23 words
The coupling ring retainer as defined in claim 12 wherein said frustoconical washer deflects in the range of from 0.000 to 0.025 inches.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
115 words
A method of providing a coupling ring retainer for a non-self locking electrical connector, said method comprising the steps of: providing a plug having a plug shoulder; providing a receptacle, said receptacle matingly engaging said plug; providing a coupling ring having a swage, said coupling ring cooperatively associated with said matingly engaged plug and receptacle, providing a friction washer positioned proximate said plug shoulder and said swage of said coupling ring; and providing a frustoconical washer disposed between said plug shoulder and said friction washer, said frustoconical washer having a uniform surface and a predetermined; thickness, external diameter, internal diameter, inside height and material modulus, said canted washer providing a known spring response to deflection.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
115 words
A method of providing a coupling ring retainer for a non-self locking electrical connector, said method comprising the steps of: providing a plug having a plug shoulder; providing a receptacle, said receptacle matingly engaging said plug; providing a coupling ring having a swage, said coupling ring cooperatively associated with said matingly engaged plug and receptacle, providing a friction washer positioned proximate said plug shoulder and said swage of said coupling ring; and providing a frustoconical washer disposed between said plug shoulder and said friction washer, said frustoconical washer having a uniform surface and a predetermined; thickness, external diameter, internal diameter, inside height and material modulus, said canted washer providing a known spring response to deflection.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
98 words
A coupling ring retainer for a non-self locking electrical connector, comprising: a plug having a plug shoulder; a receptacle, said receptacle matingly engaging said plug; a non swaged coupling ring having an interior portion defining a groove, said non swaged coupling ring cooperatively associated with said matingly engaged plug and receptacle; and a frustoconical spring disposed between said plug shoulder and said groove of said non-swaged coupling frustoconical ring, said spring having a uniform surface, and a predetermined; thickness, external diameter, internal diameter, inside height and material modulus, said frustoconical spring providing a known spring response to deflection.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
98 words
A coupling ring retainer for a non-self locking electrical connector, comprising: a plug having a plug shoulder; a receptacle, said receptacle matingly engaging said plug; a non swaged coupling ring having an interior portion defining a groove, said non swaged coupling ring cooperatively associated with said matingly engaged plug and receptacle; and a frustoconical spring disposed between said plug shoulder and said groove of said non-swaged coupling frustoconical ring, said spring having a uniform surface, and a predetermined; thickness, external diameter, internal diameter, inside height and material modulus, said frustoconical spring providing a known spring response to deflection.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
19 words
A coupling ring retainer as defined in claim 20 wherein said non-self locking electrical connector is formed from metal.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
20 words
A coupling ring retainer as defined in claim 20 wherein said non-self locking electrical connector is formed from composite material.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
20 words
The coupling ring retainer as defined in claim 20 wherein said frustoconical spring is formed from 17-7 pH stainless steel.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
18 words
The coupling ring retainer as defined in claim 20 wherein said frustoconical spring is formed from beryllium copper.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
23 words
The coupling ring retainer as defined in claim 20 wherein said frustoconical spring deflects in the range of from 0.000 to 0.0025 inches.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
112 words
A method of providing a coupling ring retainer for a non-self locking electrical connector, said method comprising the steps of providing a plug having a plug shoulder; providing a receptacle said receptacle matingly engaging said plug; providing a non swaged coupling ring having a internal portion defining a groove, said non swaged coupling ring cooperatively associated with said matingly engaged plug and receptacle; and providing a frustoconical spring disposed between 12 said plug shoulder and said groove of said non-swaged coupling ring, said frustoconical spring having a uniform surface, and a predetermined; thickness, external diameter, internal diameter, inside height and material modulus, said frustoconical spring providing a known spring response to deflection.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
112 words
A method of providing a coupling ring retainer for a non-self locking electrical connector, said method comprising the steps of providing a plug having a plug shoulder; providing a receptacle said receptacle matingly engaging said plug; providing a non swaged coupling ring having a internal portion defining a groove, said non swaged coupling ring cooperatively associated with said matingly engaged plug and receptacle; and providing a frustoconical spring disposed between 12 said plug shoulder and said groove of said non-swaged coupling ring, said frustoconical spring having a uniform surface, and a predetermined; thickness, external diameter, internal diameter, inside height and material modulus, said frustoconical spring providing a known spring response to deflection.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-08-25 | 1996-02-24 | 1996-08-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-08-25 | 2000-02-24 | 2000-08-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-08-25 | 2004-02-24 | 2004-08-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |