Patent ID: 7883381
Filing Date: 2011-02-08
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
1. A wedge connector comprising: a C-shaped body member having sides converging toward a first body member end from a second body member end and having edges formed to define a pair of inwardly facing channels along respective sides connected by a web extending between the channels, the C-shaped body member's inwardly facing channels including extensions that extend rearwardly away from the body member web; and a wedge having sides converging toward a first wedge end from a second wedge end to be conformably received in the C-shaped body member, the wedge having concave, outwardly facing surfaces on each side connected by a web extending between the sides, the wedge further having a spring rib formed in the wedge web, the spring rib extending continuously from the first wedge end toward the second wedge end opposite the first wedge end, wherein the spring rib has a width that decreases as the distance from the first wedge end increases, the spring rib converging in a direction opposite that of the converging sides of the wedge and wherein the spring rib extends continuously from the first wedge end toward the second wedge end a distance greater than one half the length of the wedge, wherein the wedge, when conformably received in the C-shaped body member, is positioned to mechanically secure a cable between the inwardly facing channel of the C-shaped body member and the concave outerwardly facing surface of the wedge.