US5336102A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Connector interface seal
Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
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Filing: 1993-06-07
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Granted: 1994-08-09
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Expires: 2013-06-07
Abstract
Abstract An interface seal for an electrical connector includes a base portion extending longitudinally and annularly, at least one rib portion extending radially from the base portion and annularly therealong, and a structure for allowing the base portion to move longitudinally as a result of a displacive force applied to the rib portion and to return to its original position when the displacive force is removed.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas M. Cairns
- 👤 William N. Moroney
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 07:29
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/46; H01R13/52; H01R13/5219
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
81 words
An interface seal for an electrical connector comprising: a base portion extending longitudinally and annularly; at least one rib portion being generally bell-shaped extending radially from said base portion and annularly therealong; and said base portion including means opposite said at least one rib portion for allowing said base portion to move longitudinally as a result of a displacive force applied to said at least one rib portion and to return to its original position when the displacive force is removed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
81 words
An interface seal for an electrical connector comprising: a base portion extending longitudinally and annularly; at least one rib portion being generally bell-shaped extending radially from said base portion and annularly therealong; and said base portion including means opposite said at least one rib portion for allowing said base portion to move longitudinally as a result of a displacive force applied to said at least one rib portion and to return to its original position when the displacive force is removed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
An interface seal as set forth in claim 1 wherein said base portion has an inner periphery less than an outer periphery of a contact surface of the electrical connector.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
An interface seal as set forth in claim 1 wherein said at least one rib portion has an apex arcuate in shape.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
An interface seal as set forth in claim 3 wherein said at least one rib portion has sides inclined outwardly and extending from said apex.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
41 words
An interface seal as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means comprises a lower surface on said base portion to contact a surface of the electrical connector and having a cavity extending into said base portion from said lower surface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
An interface seal as set forth in claim 5 wherein said cavity extends longitudinally and annularly along said base portion.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
An interface seal as set forth in claim 6 wherein said cavity is generally trapezoidal in shape.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
An interface seal as set forth in claim 1 wherein said interface seal is made of an elastomer material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
An interface seal as set forth in claim 8 wherein said elastomer material is a lubricated silicone.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
An interface seal as set forth in claim 8 wherein said elastomer material has a durometer of fifteen to thirty-five Shore A.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
81 words
An interface seal for sealing a joint between connector members of an electrical connector comprising: a base portion extending longitudinally and annularly; at least one rib portion being generally bell shaped extending radially from said base portion and annularly therealong; said base portion having a generally planar lower surface to contact a surface of one of the connector members and at least one cavity extending radially into said base portion from said lower surface opposite said at least one rib portion.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
81 words
An interface seal for sealing a joint between connector members of an electrical connector comprising: a base portion extending longitudinally and annularly; at least one rib portion being generally bell shaped extending radially from said base portion and annularly therealong; said base portion having a generally planar lower surface to contact a surface of one of the connector members and at least one cavity extending radially into said base portion from said lower surface opposite said at least one rib portion.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
An interface seal as set forth in claim 11 wherein said at least one cavity extends longitudinally and annularly along said base portion.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
An interface seal as set forth in claim 11 wherein said at least one cavity is generally trapazodial in shape.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
An interface seal as set forth in claim 11 wherein said at least one rib portion has an apex arcuate in shape.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
An interface seal as set forth in claim 14 wherein said at least one rib portion has sides inclined outwardly and extending from said apex.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
An interface seal as set forth in claim 12 wherein said interface seal is made of an elastomer material.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
An interface seal as set forth in claim 16 wherein said elastomer material is a lubricated silicone.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
131 words
An interface seal for sealing a joint between connector members of an electrical connector comprising: a base portion extending longitudinally and annularly; at least one rib portion extending radially from said base portion and annularly therealong; said base portion and said at least one rib portion being made of a lubricated silicone material; and said base portion having a generally planar lower surface to contact a surface of one of the connector members and at least one cavity extending radially into said base portion from said lower surface opposite said at least one rib portion to allow said base portion to move longitudinally as a result of a displacive force applied to said at least one rib portion and to return to its original position when the displacive force is removed.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
131 words
An interface seal for sealing a joint between connector members of an electrical connector comprising: a base portion extending longitudinally and annularly; at least one rib portion extending radially from said base portion and annularly therealong; said base portion and said at least one rib portion being made of a lubricated silicone material; and said base portion having a generally planar lower surface to contact a surface of one of the connector members and at least one cavity extending radially into said base portion from said lower surface opposite said at least one rib portion to allow said base portion to move longitudinally as a result of a displacive force applied to said at least one rib portion and to return to its original position when the displacive force is removed.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
22 words
An interface seal as set forth in claim 18 wherein said silicone material has a durometer of fifteen to thirty-five Shore A.
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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) | 1997-08-08 | 1998-02-07 | 1998-08-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-08-08 | 2002-02-07 | 2002-08-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-08-08 | 2006-02-07 | 2006-08-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |