Patent ID: 6902414
Filing Date: 2005-06-07
Classification: E21B,H01R

Abstract:
1. Plug and socket means adapted for mating engagement, for establishing electrical communication therebetween in a hazardous environment; said plug means comprising: a) an elongate male member, having a plurality of electrical contacts about an outer periphery thereof; b) a resiliently-biased sheath member, slidably biased over said male member so as to substantially cover said electrical contacts on said male member, which upon application of force thereto is slidably moveable so as to uncover said electrical contacts; and c) biasing means for biasing said slidable sheath member over said male member; said socket means comprising: a) elongate receptacle means having disposed about an inner periphery thereof a plurality of electrical contacts, said electrical contacts adapted to contact said electrical contacts respectively on said male member when said male member is inserted in said receptacle means; b) resiliently-biased protective means displaceable from said receptacle means so as to permit insertion of said male member within said receptacle means; and c) biasing means, biasing said protective means so as to prevent ingress of any foreign material into said receptacle means when said male member is not yet inserted in said receptacle means; wherein said male member is adapted for insertion in said receptacle means upon mating engagement of said plug means with said socket means; and wherein said plug and socket means are each rotatable relative to each other.