Abstract:
Disclosed herein is an electrical connector for use with an underwater electrical device. The underwater electrical device is connected to a source, such as a power source, by electrical wiring. The connector is adapted for connecting the source and the underwater electrical device without compromising the integrity of the electrical connection despite expected movement and considerable torsional forces being exerted upon the connection so made. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical device includes internal screw threads. The connector includes an insertion member for retaining the electrical wiring. The insertion member is elastic and deformable. The connector further includes a clamping member having an external screw for compatible engagement of the electrical device internal screw threads. Finally, the connector includes a sealing member for creating a leak proof seal between the connector and the electrical device. The insertion, sealing and clamping members are sized and shaped for compression upon the full engagement of the screw threads of the respective elements, thereby providing a leak proof seal.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention generally relates to the field of connectors for electrical devices and particularly those devices suitable for use in an aquatic environment. And, more particularly, this invention relates to hermetically sealed connectors, which are used for electrical devices designed to move and encounter various torsional forces, while performing its intended function. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     An electrical device or an electro-mechanical device that is used for underwater work, such as a pool cleaner, typically includes an electrical motor which needs to receive power from a source through an electrical cable such as an electrical power cord. Of course, other electrical cords or wiring are necessary for various function. Electrical cords are needed for underwater sonar, scrubber diver&#39;s electrical appliances, including flash light attachments and underwater cameras 
     Thus, electrical wiring will connect the electrical device with a source outside the aquatic environment. Such electrical wiring may be of small or large diameter cable. These, cables, especially the larger cables, exert torque and torsional forces on the points of connection between the electrical wiring and the electrical device. 
     In the case of a pool cleaner, the electrical device, the pool cleaner, is continuously in motion. Additionally, an electrical device, such as a pool cleaner, in addition to constant motion is also twisting, turning, and even becoming upside down at time. 
     Each twist and turn of the electrical device places an added stress burden upon the mechanical connection between the electrical wiring and the electrical device. In a normal atmospheric environment, such twist and turns might not be critically important. However, in a submersible or underwater environment, the integrity of the connection between the electrical wiring and the electrical device is critical. If such a connection is disrupted while the electrical device is submerged, water can leak into the connector and destroy the electrical connection as well as both the device and the electrical wiring. In fact, such destruction may well include shorting out the connection between the source and the electrical device and potentially resulting in damage and even destruction of the source. 
     Clearly, the longevity of all of the elements of the circuit are affected by the electrical connection. The electrical device and the source and the electrical wiring all rely upon a stable flow of electrical current in order to operate at their maximum efficiency as well as to maximize their life&#39;s cycle. As can be imagined, it is critically important to prevent the even the slightest break in the integrity of the connection in such a hostile environment. 
     Conventional connectors rely upon the mating of a nut and the screw thread of the electrical device. Improved such conventional devices occasionally include an elastic component, such as a sleeve. Such sleeves have a habit of shrinking during use or depending upon the temperature of the environment. For example, in cooler weather, certain elastic material will have a tendency to shrink substantially. This could affect the integrity of the leak proof seal for which the sleeve is used. 
     In other cases, the repeated expansion and contraction of the sleeve as a result of being exposed to very warm air and cool water temperatures can have an effect on the elasticity of the sleeve. During repeated contractions, especially at extreme temperatures, the sleeve will lose, at least some of its elastic qualities. Once sufficient loss of elasticity is present, leak paths are more likely to develop causing the damage as recited above. 
     It will be appreciated that such connectors are not limited to an aquatic environment. A connector providing leak proof or hermetic seal is useful in a variety of environments, including for example, outer space, ultra clean room environment and in pressurized sub-micron size particle processing. 
     What is needed is a leak proof connector which provides extended longevity and maximum integrity for each connection. ed from the pool without an undue burden on its user. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The structure, in accordance with the present invention, is a leak proof connector having an outer clamping member, which engages the electrical device, typically by screw threads on each of the clamping member and the electrical device. The connector includes at least one internal member defining a sleeve capable of retaining the electrical wiring. Another internal member, a sealing member is either integral with the sleeve or a separate member altogether. Electrical wiring for connecting the source and the electrical device is threaded through the sleeve and clamping members. Upon complete engagement of the clamping member onto the electrical device, the sleeve compress unto the electrical wiring and the sealing member compresses between the connector and electrical device providing a leak proof seal from the source to the electrical device. 
     In accordance with the objects set forth above and as will be described more fully below, the leak proof connector in accordance with this invention, comprises: 
     an insertion member for retaining the electrical wiring, the insert member being elastic and deformable; 
     a clamping member for compressing the insert member; and 
     a sealing member for sealing the connector to the electrical device, 
     whereby upon the electrical wiring being inserted and retained by the insertion member, the clamping member squeezes the member minimizing the amount of air between the insertion member and the electrical wiring and upon squeezing the insertion member, the sealing member forms a leak proof connection between the electrical device and the connector. 
     In another embodiment of the leak proof connector in accordance with this invention is used to electrically connect an underwater electrical device with a source through electrical wiring. The connector in accordance with this invention is adapted for connecting the source and the underwater electrical device without compromising the integrity of the electrical connection despite movement of the electrical device and the electrical device having an internal screw thread, the connector comprising 
     an insertion member for retaining the electrical wiring, the insert member being elastic and deformable; 
     a clamping member having an external screw for compatible engagement of the electrical device external screw compatible with the electrical device external screw, 
     a sealing member for sealing the connector to the electrical device; and 
     the insertion, sealing member and clamping member sized and shaped for compression upon the full engagement of the external screw threads of the clamping member and the electrical device, providing a leak proof connection between the source and the electrical device for the electrical wiring. 
     In still another exemplary embodiment of the leak proof connector in accordance with this invention, the leak proof seal comprises a hermetic seal. 
     Thus, it is an object of this invention is to provide a leak proof connector which continues to provide such a leak proof seal despite the electrical device moving about and encountering various twists and turns of the electrical device, which exert various torsional forces on the connector and connections. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide such a leak proof connector which functions using mechanical structure and without the aide of adhesive. 
     It is an additional object of this invention to provide such a leak proof connector which can be adapted for bare wire electrical wiring or for insulated cable. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
       For a further understanding of the objects and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which like parts are given like reference numerals and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the leak proof connector in accordance with this invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded plan view of the leak proof connector in accordance with this invention of  FIG. 1   
         FIG. 3  is an assembled view the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1  of the leak proof connector in accordance with this invention. 
         FIGS. 4 &amp; 5  are exploded and assembled views, respectively, of another exemplary embodiment of the leak proof connector in accordance with this invention. 
         FIGS. 6-8  are perspective, exploded and assembled views, respectively, of another exemplary embodiment of the leak proof connector in accordance with this invention. 
         FIGS. 9-11  are perspective, exploded and assembled views, respectively, of another exemplary embodiment of the leak proof connector in accordance with this invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In order to appreciate the invention herein, one must appreciate the need in the art as set forth in the Background. Most importantly, the structure herein for creating the connector provides a mechanical device, which creates a leak proof seal between the source and the electrical device, which is connected to the source through electrical wiring. This leak proof seal&#39;s integrity is maintained while the electrical device performs its work. For example, in the case where the electrical device comprises a pool cleaning vehicle. As the vehicle cleans the pool, the vehicle must go through various twists and turns. These movements create torsion force and torque upon the connector and the connections described above. Regardless of these forces, the integrity of the seal must be maintained as well as the electrical connections. 
     An exemplary embodiment of the electrical connector in accordance with this invention, generally designated by the numeral  10 , includes an insertion member  12 , a clamping member  14  and sealing member  16 . An electrical cord or wiring  18  is threaded through elements  14 ,  12  and  16 , respectively and connects an electrical device  20  with a source (not shown), such as a power source. In such a case, where the source is a power source, the electrical wiring defines a power cord. 
     In the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 , the insertion member  12  includes a cylindrical sleeve  30  and a plurality of fingers  32  extending from the sleeve  30 . The insertion member is elastic and compressible. Additionally, as the fingers compress they define a claw-like structure, which grabs and compresses the sealing member  16 , thereby compressing the electrical wiring  18  and holding the wiring in place. 
     The electrical wiring  18  is inserted into the sealing member  16 . The sealing member  16  comprises an elongated sleeve  40  having an O-ring portion  42  centrally located on the sleeve. As with the insertion member  12 , the sealing member is also elastic and compressible. As the insertion member  12  compresses, the elongated sleeve  40  is likewise compressed. And, as described above, as the sleeve  40  compresses, the electrical wire  18  is grabbed and held in place. 
     The O-ring portion  42  will be described below. But as can be appreciated as the sleeve is compressed, the O-ring portion  42  fits into place as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  below. 
     The clamping member  14  defines a collar and fits over the insertion member  12  and sealing member  16 . As noted above the electrical wire  18  is thread through the clamping member  14 . The clamping member  14  includes internal threads  50  and a nut-like external surface  52 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the electrical device  20  includes external threads  60 . The internal threads  50  of the clamping member  14  mate compatibly with the external threads  60  of the electrical device  20 . 
     As the clamping member  14  is threaded unto the electrical device  20  through threads  50  and  60 , the elastic members  12  and  16  are compressed. The claw of the insertion member  12  press against the elongated sleeve  40 , which in turn press against the electrical wiring  18 . As the clamping member  14  completes its threading against the electrical device  20 , additional compression occurs. Finally, upon completion of the threading of the clamping member  14  against the electrical device  20 , the fit of the electrical wiring  18  within the connector  10  becomes secure. 
     It will be seen especially in  FIGS. 2 &amp; 3  that the O-ring portion  42  is squeezed between the insertion member  12  and the electrical device  20  and bounded by the elongated sleeve  40 . This provides a leak proof connection without the aide of glue or adhesives of any kind. 
     In the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 , the electrical device is provided with a groove  62  and the O-ring portion has an overlapping tongue  44 . The tongue  44  and groove  62  are designed for compatible mating engagement. As the elements of the connector are compressed, a hermetic seal is created as the tongue  44  and groove  62  compress against each other. 
     Each of the elastic elements of the connector  10  are made from a polymeric material. The polymeric material is not only elastic, but also compressible and forms a water tight seal with sufficient compression. 
     With respect to  FIGS. 4 &amp; 5 , there is shown another embodiment of the connector in accordance with the invention generally designated by the numeral  100 . As with the earlier described embodiment with respect to  FIGS. 1-3 , the instant embodiment includes a clamping member  114 , an insertion member  112  and a sealing member  116 . 
     In this embodiment, the insertion member  112  has a notch  122  which seats matingly on the inside of the clamping member  114 , as shown. This further aides in the gripping and holding of the electrical wiring and consequently, providing a hermetic seal for the connector. 
     With respect to  FIGS. 6-8  there is shown another exemplary embodiment of the connector in accordance with the invention generally designated by the numeral  200 . As with the earlier described embodiment with respect to  FIGS. 1-3 , the instant embodiment includes a clamping member  214 , an insertion member  212  and a sealing member  216 . 
     In this embodiment, the clamping member  214  has external threads  250  which mate compatibly with the internal threads of the electrical device  64 . A nut-like outer surface  252  is provided on the clamping member, similar to the outer surface  52  shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . 
     The sealing member  216  in this embodiment comprises an O-ring. The O-ring is made a from a deformable, elastic material and functions in a way similar to such articles. 
     The Insertion member  212  defines a plug. The plug comprises an elongated sleeve  240  with a center  246  adapted for receiving the electrical wiring  18 . In this embodiment, the electrical wiring  18  is a plurality of wires broken from the wiring harness or bundle. The single wires  247  are inserted through openings  248 . The openings  248  are sized and shaped for snug, but slidable engagement with the wires  247 . 
     The insertion member  212  has a blunt end  249 . The blunt end  249  abuts into the electrical device  20  as shown in  FIGS. 6-8 . Also as described earlier with respect to  FIGS. 1-3 , the blunt end has a tongue  244  which mates compatibly with the electrical device groove  62 . Also, similar to the insertion member of  FIGS. 1-3 , the insertion member  212  is elastic and deformable and made from a polymeric material. 
     The wires  247  are thread through the clamping member  214  and inside the O-ring  216  and inserted and slide through the plug openings  248 . The wires  247  are stripped bare and the electrical connection to the electrical device  20  is then made in the conventional manner. 
     As the clamping member  214  is screwed tight against the internal threads  64  of the electrical device, the clamping member sends a compressive force through the insertion member  212  compressing the insertion member  212  and as described above, gripping and holding the electrical wiring  18  in place. Additionally the openings  248  are compressed causing a tight mating fit of the wires  247  with the plug. The tight mating fit of the wires  247  with the plug provides a blockage against any leak path that could develop during a catastrophic event. 
     Additionally, as the clamping member  214  reaches its limit against the electrical device  20 , the O-ring is compressed within the space formed by the elements of the connector  10  and as clearly illustrated in  FIG. 8 . Such compression along with the proper fit of the threads of the electrical device  20  and the clamping member  214  provide a hermetic seal. 
     Such a seal is not compromised as the electrical device moves or as various torsional forces and torques are applied to the connection and the connector  10 . Thus, the connector  10  provides a simple and efficient means for creating a durable leak proof seal. 
     With respect to  FIGS. 9-11 , there is shown another exemplary embodiment, there is shown another exemplary embodiment of the connector in accordance with the invention generally designated by the numeral  300 . As with the earlier described embodiment with respect to  FIGS. 1-3 , the instant embodiment includes a clamping member  314 , an insertion member  312  and a sealing member  316 . 
     In this embodiment, the electrical wire  18  has a flexible jacket  19 . The clamping member  314  includes a series of external notches  350  which mate with internal notches on the electrical device  20 . In order to lock the connector  300  against the electrical device, the connector  300  is inserted into the electrical device  20  as shown particularly in  FIGS. 10 and 11  and the notches of each of the electrical device  20  and the clamping member  314  align and then are twisted and locked into place. As a result of this twisting and locking force, a compressive force is sent through the clamping member  314  onto the insertion and sealing members,  312  and  316 , respectively. The clamping member  314  surrounds the electrical wiring  18  and the insertion and sealing members,  312  and  316 , respectively. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the sealing members  312  and  316  having a higher durometer than the flexible covering  19 . This provides a greater amount of friction and resists slippage and torsional forces. This is especially useful where such flexible outer coverings over the electrical wire  18  are used. 
     Similar to the embodiment described above with respect to  FIGS. 6-8 , the insertion member has a blunt end  349 . In this case, the blunt end  349  pins the sealing member  316  in place and creates a leak proof seal upon the locking of the clamping member  314  to the electrical device  20 . The sealing member is compressed between the notches of each of the clamping member  314  and the electrical device  20 . This creates a leak proof seal, which in combination with the other aspects of the connector  300  provides a hermetic seal between the source and the electrical device  20 . 
     The sealing member  316  is a solid circle of polymeric material having a series of openings  368  to match the diameter size and even shape of the wires  247 . It will be appreciated that the wires  247  may be stripped or unstripped and even may still be part of the electrical wiring bundle within the spirit and scope of this embodiment. The sealing member is readily adaptable to be customized in this embodiment for various wire types, various wire numbers and even a wire harness or bundle. Once assembled, the elements are potted to retain the flexible electrical wire  18 . 
     While the foregoing detailed description has described several embodiments of the leak proof electrical connector in accordance with this invention, it is to be understood that the above description is illustrative only and not limiting of the disclosed invention. While it is antithetical to the concept of the connector in accordance with this invention to use adhesive or glue to either create or seal the connection, it is within the spirit and scope to use such means as an additional means to create a leak proof or hermetic seal. For example in the embodiment where there are narrow openings in the sealing member, that member may be filled with such adhesive prior to full connection of the connector. Thus, prior to a full screw connection in those embodiments having a threaded means for complete assembly and in the latching embodiment, prior to finally twisting, adhesive may be added to the connector and the final connection made prior to the setting the glue or adhesive. It is to be emphasized that while this may give the user added confidence in the connection, the mechanical connection alone is sufficient to create the leak proof connection of the instant invention. Consequently, merely, adding adhesive to the already existing elements does not render a device outside the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the invention is to be limited only by the claims as set forth below.