Patent ID: 6932639
Filing Date: 2005-08-23
Classification: H01R,Y10S

Abstract:
1. An electroluminescent cable connector for mechanically and electrically interconnecting a pair of electroluminescent cables, each electroluminescent cable having concentric layers, a center conductor, a coating of electroluminescent phosphor disposed around the center conductor, two very thin outer wires wrapped around the phosphor, and at least one insulating jacket covering the outer wires and phosphor, the electroluminescent cable connector comprising: a base defining a centrally located cavity, the cavity having orifices disposed at opposite ends of the base, each of the orifices being adapted for receiving an end portion of the center conductor of one of the electroluminescent cables stripped of the insulating jacket; a first electrically conductive jumper element encased within said base, the conductive jumper element having a pair of spaced annular sleeves and a central bridging element electrically and mechanically connecting the sleeves, the sleeves being axially aligned with the orifices, each of the annular sleeves being adapted for receiving an electroluminescent cable with the thin outer wires of the cables being folded back over the insulating jacket, whereby the annular sleeve is in electrical contact with the thin outer wires of the electroluminescent cable; a second electrically conductive jumper element having means for electrically and mechanically gripping and connecting the center conductors of both of the electroluminescent cables; and a cap formed of insulating material disposed in and covering the cavity defined by the base, the cap having a recess defined therein, the second electrically conductive jumper element being disposed in the recess.