Abstract:
An electrical connector is described herein and can include a first connector end and a second connector end removably coupled to the first connector end. The first connector end can include a first collar forming a first cavity, where the first collar comprises a connector coupling feature. The first connector end can also include a first handle disposed on a first outer surface of the first collar, wherein the first handle comprises a handle coupling feature. The second connector end can include a second collar forming a second cavity, where the second collar includes a complementary connector coupling feature, where the connector coupling feature of the first connector end couples with the complementary connector coupling feature of the second connector end. The second connector end can also include a second handle disposed on a second outer surface of the second collar that includes a complementary handle coupling feature.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to electrical cable connectors and more particularly to systems, methods, and devices for indicating handles for electrical cable connectors that are coupled to each other. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electrical connectors are used in a number of applications (e.g., photovoltaic (PV) solar) and have a number of different sizes and configurations. Larger sized electrical connectors often provide termination for large cables and/or for a large number of conductors. These larger sized electrical connectors can weigh so much that they can be very difficult to lift and manage. In some cases, handles are affixed to one or both connector ends of the electrical connector to help a user lift and/or manipulate the electrical connector. 
     SUMMARY 
     In general, in one aspect, the disclosure relates to an electrical connector having a first connector end and a second connector end removably coupled to the first connector end. The first connector end of the electrical connector can include a first connector body having a connector coupling feature. The first connector end of the electrical connector can also include a first handle disposed on a first outer surface of the first connector body, where the first handle includes a handle coupling feature. The second connector end of the electrical connector can include a second connector body having a complementary connector coupling feature, where the connector coupling feature of the first connector end couples with the complementary connector coupling feature of the second connector end. The second connector end of the electrical connector can also include a second handle disposed on a second outer surface of the second connector body, where the second handle includes a complementary handle coupling feature. The handle coupling feature can align with the complementary handle coupling feature when the connector coupling feature couples to the complementary connector coupling feature. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure can generally relate to a connector end of an electrical connector. The connector end can include a connector body having a connector coupling feature. The connector end can also include a handle disposed on an outer surface of the connector body, where the handle comprises a handle coupling feature. The connector coupling feature can be configured to couple to a complementary connector coupling feature of another connector body of a complementary connector end. The handle coupling feature can be configured to align with and couple to a complementary handle coupling feature of a complementary handle of the complementary connector end. 
     These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings illustrate only example embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope, as the example embodiments may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the example embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions or positionings may be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles. In the drawings, reference numerals designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily identical, elements. 
         FIG. 1  shows an electrical connector with handles in accordance with example embodiments known in the art. 
         FIG. 2  shows an electrical connector with handles in accordance with certain example embodiments. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  show side views of an electrical connector with handles in accordance with certain example embodiments. 
         FIGS. 4A-4C  show side views of a portion of the handles of an electrical connector in accordance with certain example embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In general, example embodiments provide systems, methods, and devices for electrical connectors with indicating handles. Example electrical connectors with indicating handles provide a number of benefits. Such benefits can include, but are not limited to, indication of the status of the mechanical coupling between the connector ends of the electrical connector, more easily facilitate the decoupling of the connector ends of an electrical connector, and provide for compliance with safety protocols during maintenance operations. 
     The example embodiments discussed herein can be directed to any type of application (e.g., a PV solar system, generation control systems, branch circuit management and protection). A user may be any person that interacts with example electrical connectors with indicating handles. Examples of a user may include, but are not limited to, an engineer, an electrician, an instrumentation and controls technician, a mechanic, an operator, a consultant, a contractor, and a manufacturer&#39;s representative. 
     The electrical connectors (or components thereof, such as the handles) described herein can be made of one or more of a number of suitable materials to allow the electrical connector to meet certain standards and/or regulations while also maintaining durability in light of the one or more conditions under which the example electrical connectors can be exposed. Examples of such materials can include, but are not limited to, aluminum, stainless steel, fiberglass, glass, plastic, and rubber. 
     Any components (e.g., handle) of example electrical connectors, or portions thereof, described herein can be made from a single piece (as from a mold, injection mold, die cast, or extrusion process). In addition, or in the alternative, one or more components (or portions thereof) of an electrical connector can be made from multiple pieces that are mechanically coupled to each other. In such a case, the multiple pieces can be mechanically coupled to each other using one or more of a number of coupling methods, including but not limited to epoxy, welding, fastening devices, compression fittings, mating threads, and slotted fittings. One or more pieces that are mechanically coupled to each other can be coupled to each other in one or more of a number of ways, including but not limited to fixedly, hingedly, removeably, slidably, and threadably. 
     Further, if a component of a figure is described but not expressly shown or labeled in that figure, the label used for a corresponding component in another figure can be inferred to that component. Conversely, if a component in a figure is labeled but not described, the description for such component can be substantially the same as the description for the corresponding component in another figure. The numbering scheme for the various components in the figures herein is such that each component is a three digit number and corresponding components in other figures have the identical last two digits. 
     In the foregoing figures showing example embodiments of electrical connectors with indicating handles, one or more of the components shown may be omitted, repeated, and/or substituted. Accordingly, example embodiments of electrical connectors with indicating handles should not be considered limited to the specific arrangements of components shown in any of the figures. 
     In certain example embodiments, an electrical connector with indicating handles is subject to meeting certain standards and/or requirements. For example, the National Electric Code (NEC), the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) set standards as to electrical enclosures, wiring, and electrical connections. Use of example embodiments described herein meet (and/or allow a corresponding device to meet) such standards when required. In some (e.g., PV solar) applications, additional standards particular to that application may be met by the example electrical connectors with indicating handles described herein. 
     Example embodiments of electrical connectors with indicating handles will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of electrical connectors with indicating handles are shown. Electrical connectors with indicating handles may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of electrical connectors with indicating handles to those of ordinary skill in the art. Like, but not necessarily the same, elements (also sometimes called components) in the various figures are denoted by like reference numerals for consistency. 
     Terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “side,” “width,” “length,” “bottom,” “thickness,” “proximal”, and “distal” are used merely to distinguish one component (or part of a component or state of a component) from another. Such terms are not meant to denote a preference or a particular orientation, and are not meant to limit embodiments of electrical connectors with indicating handles. In the following detailed description of the example embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description. 
       FIG. 1  depicts an electrical connector  100  with handles (handle  120 , handle  150 ) in accordance with example embodiments known in the art. The electrical connector  100  includes two connector ends (connector end  110 , connector end  140 ) that are electrically and mechanically coupled to each other. Connector end  110  includes a connector housing  130 , handle  120  coupled to the connector housing  130 , and an electrical cable  111 . Inside of the connector housing  130  is disposed a distal end of the electrical cable  111 . The electrical cable  111  includes one or more electrical conductors, where each electrical conductor terminates with a connector body (hidden from view) disposed within the connector housing  130 . 
     The distal end of the connector body  130  (the portion of the connector body  130  opposite where the electrical cable  111  is inserted) can be configured with one or more male conductive pins or with one or more female conductor receivers. The connector body  130  can have one or more portions. In this case, the connector body  130  can include a proximal portion  131 , a middle portion  132 , and a distal portion  133 . The handle  120  can be coupled to one or more portions of the connector body  130 . In this case, the handle  120  is coupled to the proximal portion  131  and the distal portion  133 . 
     The handle  120  can have any of a number of shapes. In this case, the handle has a “U” shape, with a main section  122  that is coupled to an end section  123  at one end of the main section  122  and to another end section  121  at the other end of the main section  122 . The handle  120 , when coupled to the connector body  130 , can form an opening  124  through which a user&#39;s hand or some other object can be disposed. 
     Similarly, connector end  140  includes a connector housing  160 , handle  150  coupled to the connector housing  160 , and an electrical cable  141 . Inside of the connector housing  160  is disposed a distal end of the electrical cable  141 . The electrical cable  141  includes one or more electrical conductors, where each electrical conductor terminates with a connector body (hidden from view) disposed within the connector housing  160 . 
     The distal end of the connector body  160  (the portion of the connector body  160  opposite where the electrical cable  141  is inserted) can be configured with one or more male conductive pins or with one or more female conductor receivers. The configuration (e.g., size, shape, gender) of the distal end of the connector body  160  is complementary to the configuration of the distal end of the connector body  130 . For example, if the distal end of the connector body  160  has nine male conductive pins that form an octagon that is substantially centered on the face of the connector body  160 , then the distal end of the connector body  130  has 9 female conductor receivers that form an octagon that is substantially centered on the face of the connector body  130 . 
     The connector body  160  can have one or more portions. In this case, the connector body  160  can include a proximal portion  161 , a main portion  162 , a distal portion  163 , and a connector coupling portion  164 . The handle  150  can be coupled to one or more portions of the connector body  160 . In this case, the handle  150  is coupled to the main portion  162  and the distal portion  163 . The connector coupling portion  164  can be movable (e.g., rotatable) with respect to the rest of the connector body  160  and can include one or more coupling features (e.g., mating threads disposed along its inner surface) that couple to complementary coupling features disposed on a connector coupling portion (hidden from view) of the connector housing  130 . 
     The handle  150  can have any of a number of shapes. In this case, the handle has a “U” shape, similar to the shape of the handle  120 , with a main section  152  that is coupled to an end section  153  at one end of the main section  152  and to another end section  151  at the other end of the main section  152 . The handle  150 , when coupled to the connector body  160 , can form an opening  154  through which a user&#39;s hand or some other object can be disposed. 
     As discussed above, when the electrical connector  100  has two handles (handle  120  and handle  150 ), the handles are not anchored to each other. As a result, when a user grabs one or both handles, mechanical strain can be applied to the connector end  110  coupled to the connector end  140 . As a result, damage can result to the male conductive pins and/or the female conductor receivers of the electrical connector  100 . In addition, the connector end  110  and the connector end  140  can become dislodged from each other as a result of the mechanical stress that results from using one or both handles to maneuver the electrical connector  100 . 
     To solve these problems, and to provide added safety features to the electrical connector, example embodiments have been developed. For example,  FIG. 2  shows an electrical connector  200  with handles in accordance with certain example embodiments. The electrical cable  211 , the electrical cable  241 , the connector body  230 , and the connector body  260  of the electrical connector  200  in  FIG. 2  is substantially the same as the electrical cable  111 , the electrical cable  141 , the connector body  130 , and the connector body  160  of the electrical connector  100  in  FIG. 1 . In this case, since the connector housing  230  and the connector housing  260  of the electrical connector  200  of  FIG. 2  are shown separated from each other, the connector coupling features  235  (in this case, mating threads) disposed on a connector coupling portion  234  of the connector housing  230  that couple to the connector coupling features of the connector coupling portion  264  are visible. 
     The handle  220  and the handle  250  of the electrical connector  200  of  FIG. 2  are substantially similar to the handle  120  and the handle  150  of the electrical connector  100  of  FIG. 1 , except as described below. Specifically, handle  220  has an extension  225  that extends approximately from where the main section  222  is coupled to the end section  221 , in this case extending substantially in line with the main section  222 . Similarly, handle  250  has an extension  255  that extends approximately from where the main section  252  is coupled to the end section  251 , in this case extending substantially in line with the main section  252 . 
     Extension  225  of the handle  220  includes a handle coupling feature  226 , and extension  255  of handle  250  includes a handle coupling feature  256  that complements handle coupling feature  226 . For example, handle coupling feature  226  in this example is a shaped aperture  227  (also called a keyhole  227 ) that traverses the thickness of the extension  225 . The shape of the aperture  227  can vary, but is configured to complement the shape of the handle coupling feature  256  (described below) of the extension  255  of the handle  250 . In this case, the shape of the aperture  227  is round in the middle  228  with linear segments  229  that extend from each side of the middle  228 , where the height of the middle  228  is greater than the height of the linear segments  229 . 
     The handle coupling feature  256  disposed on the extension  255  of the handle  250  in this case is a rotatable key mounted on the extension  255  by a coupling feature  257  (e.g., a screw, a bolt, a rivet). Specifically, the handle coupling feature  256  has a shape that has a substantially round middle  258  with linear segments  259  that extend from each side of the middle  258 , where the height of the middle  258  is greater than the height of the linear segments  259 . The size of the handle coupling feature  256  is substantially the same as, but slightly smaller than, the size of the handle coupling feature  226  so that the handle coupling feature  256  can be disposed within the handle coupling feature  226 . In addition, the handle coupling feature  256  can be offset from the extension  255  to an extent that the handle coupling feature  256  can fully protrude through the handle coupling feature  226 . In this way, the handle coupling feature  256  can rotate after the handle coupling feature  256  is disposed in the handle coupling feature  226 . 
     In certain alternative embodiments, the handle coupling feature  256  of the handle  250  can be an aperture, and the handle coupling feature  226  of the handle  220  can be a rotatable key. In certain example embodiments, the handle  250  of the connector end  210  can be fixedly coupled to the connector body  260 . Alternatively, the handle  250  can be movably (e.g., rotatably, slidably) coupled to the connector body  260 . In such a case, the handle  250  and/or the connector body  260  can have one or more features that lock the handle  250  in place relative to the connector body  260  and also release the handle  250  to allow the handle  250  to move relative to the connector body  260 . Similarly, the handle  220  can be fixedly or movably coupled to the connector body  230 . Further, the handle  250  of the connector end  260  can move independently of the connector coupling portion  264 . In this way, the handle coupling feature  256  can be positioned to align with and couple to the handle coupling feature  226  after the connector coupling portion  264  couples to the connector coupling portion  234 . 
     The extension  255  can be fixedly coupled to the rest of the handle  250 . Alternatively, the extension  255  can be movable relative to the rest of the handle  250 . For example, the extension  255  can retract into (at least partially) and extend from an end of the main section  252 . As another example, the extension  255  can have a telescopic configuration so that the extension  255  remains fixedly coupled to the main section  252 , but the length of the extension  255  can be adjusted by a user. Similarly, the extension  225  can be fixedly or moveably coupled to the rest of the handle  220 , and the extension  225  can be rigid or extendable. In certain example embodiments, the connector coupling portion  235  of the connector end  210  is not fully coupled to the connector coupling portion  264  of the connector end  240  until the handle coupling feature  256  aligns with (is positioned within) the handle coupling feature  226 . 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  show side views of an electrical connector  300  with handles in accordance with certain example embodiments. Specifically,  FIG. 3A  shows a side view of the electrical connector  300  with the handle coupling feature  356  coupled to the handle coupling feature  326  (and so with the handle  320  aligned with the handle  350 ).  FIG. 3B  shows a side view of the electrical connector  300  with the handle coupling feature  356  decoupled from the handle coupling feature  326  and with the handle  320  no longer aligned with the handle  350 . The electrical connector  300  of  FIG. 3  is substantially similar to the electrical connector  200  of  FIG. 2 . 
     When the handle coupling feature  356  is coupled to the handle coupling feature  326 , a user knows that the connector end  310  is properly coupled (electrically and mechanically) to the connector end  340 . Also, when the handle coupling feature  356  is coupled to the handle coupling feature  326 , a user can use one or both handles (handle  320  and handle  350 ) to lift and/or otherwise maneuver the electrical connector  300  with a greatly reduced risk of causing mechanical damage to some or all of the electrical connector  300  and with a greatly reduced risk of breaking the electrical continuity between the connector end  310  and the connector end  340 . 
     In  FIG. 3B , the connector end  340  is rotated approximately 270° relative to the connector end  310  after the handle coupling feature  356  is decoupled from the handle coupling feature  326 . To decouple the handle coupling feature  356  from the handle coupling feature  326 , the handle coupling feature is rotated 90 (e.g., clockwise, counterclockwise) so that the shape of the handle coupling feature  356  aligns with the shape of the handle coupling feature  326 . When the handle coupling feature  356  and the handle coupling feature  326  are decoupled from each other, the connector end  340  can remain coupled to the connector end  310 . Alternatively, as the handle coupling feature  356  rotates away from the handle coupling feature  326 , the connector end  340  can become coupled from the connector end  310 . 
       FIGS. 4A-4C  show how, in accordance with certain example embodiments, the handle coupling feature  426  and the handle coupling feature  456  become coupled to each other and remain coupled to each other when a user uses one or both handles.  FIG. 4A  shows a side view of a portion  401  of handle  420  and handle  450  before the handle coupling feature  426  and the handle coupling feature  456  are aligned with each other.  FIG. 4B  shows a side view of the portion  401  of handle  420  and handle  450  when the handle coupling feature  426  and the handle coupling feature  456  are aligned with each other but before the handle coupling feature  426  and the handle coupling feature  456  become coupled to each other.  FIG. 4C  shows a side view of the portion  401  of handle  420  and handle  450  when the handle coupling feature  426  and the handle coupling feature  456  are aligned with each other and when the handle coupling feature  426  and the handle coupling feature  456  are coupled to each other. 
     In this case, the handle coupling feature  426  is an aperture that traverses the width of the extension  425 . The shape of the aperture  427  can vary, but is configured to complement the shape of the handle coupling feature  456  (described below) of the extension  455  of the handle  450 . In this case, the shape of the aperture  427  is circular section  428  with a linear segment  429  that extends from the side of the circular section  428 , where the height of the circular section  428  is greater than the height of the linear segment  429 . 
     The handle coupling feature  456  disposed on the extension  455  of the handle  450  in this case is a rotatable key mounted on the extension  455  by a coupling feature  457  (e.g., a screw, a bolt, a rivet). Specifically, the handle coupling feature  456  has a shape that has a substantially circular section  458  with a linear segment  459  that extends from a side of the circular section  458 , where the height of the circular section  458  is greater than the height of the linear segment  459 . In other words, the shape of the handle coupling feature  456 , when viewed from the front (as in  FIGS. 4A-4C ) is substantially the same as the shape of the handle coupling feature  426 . 
     The size of the handle coupling feature  456  is substantially the same as, but slightly smaller than, the size of the handle coupling feature  426  so that the handle coupling feature  456  can be disposed within (aligned with) the handle coupling feature  426 , as shown in  FIG. 4B . As shown in  FIG. 4B , the handle coupling feature  456  is in an open position with respect to the handle coupling feature  426 . Since the handle coupling feature  456  is offset from the extension  455  to an extent that the handle coupling feature  456  can fully protrude through the handle coupling feature  426 , the handle coupling feature  456  can rotate after the handle coupling feature  456  is disposed in the handle coupling feature  426 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 4C , the handle coupling feature  456  can be rotated (in this case, 90° counter-clockwise) to put the handle coupling feature  456  in a closed position relative to the handle coupling feature  426 . In this way, the handles (handle  420  and handle  450 ) can provide an indication to a user that the electrical connector is fully and correctly coupled to each other, mechanically and electrically. 
     In certain example embodiments, the handle  420  (or portions thereof) and/or the handle  450  (or portions thereof) can include one or more features that facilitate movement of the handle coupling feature  456  relative to the handle coupling feature  426 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 4A-4C , the extension  425  can have two stops (e.g., protrusions) that limit the range of motion of the handle coupling feature  456  relative to the handle coupling feature  426 . In this case, the stop  471 , located adjacent to the top side of the linear segment  429  of the handle coupling feature  426 , can be used to prevent the handle coupling feature  456  from rotating clockwise beyond the open position. In addition, the stop  472 , located adjacent to (or near) the bottom side of the circular section  428  of the handle coupling feature  426 , can be used to prevent the handle coupling feature  456  from rotating counter-clockwise beyond the closed position. 
     As another example of a feature of the handle  420  and/or the handle  450  that can facilitate movement of the handle coupling feature  456  relative to the handle coupling feature  426 , a retaining feature  473  (e.g., a protrusion (detent) that is rounded and protrudes from the extension  425  less than the stop  471  and the stop  472 ) can be disposed on the extension  425 . In this case, the retaining feature  473  is positioned proximate to the stop  472  and adjacent to (or near) the bottom side of the circular section  428  of the handle coupling feature  426 . The distance between the retaining feature  473  and the stop  472  can be substantially the height (or width) of the linear segment  459  of the handle coupling feature  456 . In this way, as the handle coupling feature  456  travels counter-clockwise approaching the stop  472 , the linear segment  459  rubs against and travels over the retaining feature  473 . 
     Once the linear segment  459  abuts the stop  472  (when the handle coupling feature  456  is in the closed position), the retaining feature  473  abuts against the side the linear segment  459  opposite where the linear segment  459  abuts the stop  472 . In such a case, the retaining feature  473  holds the handle coupling feature  456  in the closed position, which serves to make the handle  420  and the handle  450  act like a single handle for the electrical connector. As a result, holding the handle coupling feature  456  in the closed position reduces the likelihood that the handle coupling feature  456  will accidently return to the open position while the electrical connector is being maneuvered by a user. As explained above, if the handle coupling feature  456  returns to the open position while the electrical connector is being maneuvered, the handle coupling feature  456  and the handle coupling feature  426  can be decoupled from each other, which can lead to mechanical damage to and/or an interruption in electrical continuity in the electrical connector or portions thereof. 
     In certain example embodiments, the handle  420  (or portions thereof) and/or the handle  450  (or portions thereof) can include one or more features that promote safety practices according to industry or facility procedures. For example, as shown in  FIG. 4A , the extension  455  of the handle  450  can include a tag coupling feature  475 . In this case, the tag coupling feature  475  is an aperture that traverse the thickness of the extension  455 . In such a case, the tag coupling feature  475  can receive a lockout tagout tag (not shown), which is used during an outage condition to help prevent the connector end  410  from being used while the lockout tagout tag is disposed in the tag coupling feature  475 . 
     Specifically, when the tag coupling feature  475  is placed in the path of the handle coupling feature  456  (and, more specifically in this case, the linear segment  459 ), the handle coupling feature  456  cannot be moved to the closed position when a lockout tagout tag is placed in the tag coupling feature  475 . Similarly, the handle coupling feature  426 , which itself is an aperture  427 , can serve as a tag coupling feature in which a lockout tagout tag can be disposed during an outage condition. 
     Example embodiments provide for an electrical connector with indicating handles. Specifically, certain example embodiments allow for the modified handles on each connector end of an electrical connector so that the handles can become coupled to each other. By coupling the example handles of electrical connectors, the electrical connectors can be lifted and/or otherwise maneuvered by a user with significantly reduced risk of mechanical damage to the electrical connector and reduced risk of disrupting the electrical continuity within the electrical connector. The example indicating handles of electrical connectors described herein can be coupled and decoupled without the use of (or with limited use of) tools. Further, example embodiments provide a user with a visual indication that the connector ends of the electrical connector are fully and completely coupled to each other, mechanically and electrically. Example embodiments may be used with a variety of sizes, quantities, and/or shapes of electrical cable and/or electrical conductor. 
     Although embodiments described herein are made with reference to example embodiments, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications are well within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the example embodiments described herein are not limited to any specifically discussed application and that the embodiments described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. From the description of the example embodiments, equivalents of the elements shown therein will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and ways of constructing other embodiments using the present disclosure will suggest themselves to practitioners of the art. Therefore, the scope of the example embodiments is not limited herein.