Patent ID: 6381839
Filing Date: 2002-05-07
Classification: H01R,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of securing a wire to an IDC contact that may be electrically engaged with a protective block comprising the steps of, irrespective of sequence:a. providing a metal IDC contact having (i) a first end having a portion to engage an electrical connection on set protector block to retain said IDC contact relative to said block, (ii) a bifurcated end having spaced longitudinally extending arms with inwardly facing opposed surfaces spaced a distance to retain a wire located between said opposed surfaces, and (iii) a pair of cams on said bifurcated end extending laterally away from each of said longitudinally extending arms; b. providing an open ended box-shaped strain relief cap that is configured to encircle said bifurcated end and enclose said bifurcated end on one end, said relief cap having (i) a pair of generally opposed cam slots extending along the circumference of said box-shaped member and each configured for engagement with one of said laterally extending cams, (ii) a wire slot extending along the circumference of said box-shaped member; and (iii) a plurality of longitudinally extending slots opening at one end into the open end of said box-shaped strain relief cap and terminating at the other end into one of said circumferentially extending cam and wire slots to form with said slot a generally â€œLâ€  shaped slot, each of said generally â€œLâ€  shaped slots being aligned in the same â€œLâ€  shaped position relative to one another; c. providing a wire to be attached to said IDC contact; d. providing a tool to grip the exterior surface of said open ended box-shaped strain relief cap; e. inserting said wire between said inwardly facing opposed surfaces of said IDC contact; then, f. locating said relief cap over said bifurcated end with said longitudinal cam slots aligned with said cams and said longitudinal wire slot aligned with said wire; and then irrespective of sequence; g. moving said relief cap longitudinally relative to said bifurcated end to force said cams into said longitudinally extending cam slots; and h. gripping said relief cap with said tool; and then, i. twisting said relief cap relative to said bifurcated end with said tool to move said cams and said wire into said respective circumferential cam and wire slots.