Patent ID: 7637185
Filing Date: 2009-12-29
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
1. In combination, a clam shell type electrical connector and a pliers tool for closing the clam shell type electrical connector onto electrical wires comprising: said clam shell type electrical connector having a base portion and a pivotally mounted lid portion wherein closing the lid onto the base makes an effective and reliable electrical connection with conductors in an electrical cable; and said pliers tool comprising: a pair of handles; an upper jaw; a lower jaw, said upper jaw and said lower jaw movable between an open position and a closed position and being movable relatively closer together during a closing operation upon squeezing together of said handles; an upper die member, said upper die member having a pivotal connection point and being pivotally attached to said upper jaw for pivotal movement during said closing operation, said upper die member also having a generally planar upper contact surface, said upper contact surface adapted to continuously contact and slide upon said lid portion of the clam shell type electrical connector during said closing operation; a lower die member, said lower die member rigidly attached to said lower jaw and having a lower contact surface, said lower contact surface having a cavity therein sized to receive and retain said base portion of the clam shell type electrical connector during said closing operation, wherein said lower contact surface has an outer stop ledge and an inner ledge to prevent outward and inward longitudinal motion of said base portion, respectively, and said lower contact surface also having a pair of side ledges to prevent transverse motion of said base portion and further includes outer and inner key portions adapted to receive particular portions of said base portion and to allow insertion of the clam shell type electrical connector in only a proper position and orientation; and wherein, during said closing operation the lid portion slides on said upper die member while the base portion is rigidly secured within said bottom die.