An in-line splice connector comprises a connector body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end and having a generally elongated cavity region formed between the first and second ends to house at least a first insulation displacement connector (IDC) element. The in-line splice connector also includes a first cap and a second cap, each cap including a wire guide to receive and guide a wire to the IDC element. The first cap is pivotally mounted at the first end of the connector body to receive a first wire and the second cap is pivotally mounted at the second end of the connector body to receive a second wire. A closing of the first and second caps actuates a splice of the first and second wires.

BACKGROUND

The present invention is directed to an in-line splice connector.

2. Related Art

An insulation displacement connector (“IDC” or “IDC element”) can be used to make the electrical connection or splice between two wires or electrical conductors. The IDC element displaces the insulation from a portion of the electrical conductor when the electrical conductor is inserted into a slot within the IDC element such that the IDC element makes an electrical connection to the electrical conductor. Once the electrical conductor is inserted into the slot, and the wire insulation is displaced, electrical contact is made between the conductive surface of the IDC element and the conductive core of the electrical conductors that contact the IDC element.

In-line connectors for splicing insulated wires are known, such as is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,684,195.

However, some conventional in-line splice connectors are not compatible with certain categories of electrical wire. Also, conventional in-line splice connectors do not firmly grip wires prior to full connector closure and do not meet minimum tensile pull-out requirements.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present invention, an in-line splice connector comprises a connector body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end and having a generally elongated cavity region formed between the first and second ends to house at least a first insulation displacement connector (IDC) element. The in-line splice connector also includes a first cap and a second cap, each cap including a wire guide to receive and guide a wire to the IDC element. The first cap is pivotally mounted at the first end of the connector body to receive a first wire and the second cap is pivotally mounted at the second end of the connector body to receive a second wire. Closing the first and second caps actuates a splice of the first and second wires.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an in-line splice connector comprises a connector body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end and having a generally elongated cavity region formed between the first and second ends to house at least a first insulation displacement connector (IDC) element. The in-line splice connector also includes a first cap and a second cap, each cap including a wire guide to receive and guide a wire to the IDC element. The IDC elements each comprise an elongated U-shape that includes a main base portion that connects first and second end portions, wherein each of the first and second end portions include a V-shaped and coined entrance slot to receive a wire, the V-shaped and coined entrance slot being configured to urge the wire towards the main base portion upon an axial pull of the wire away from the in-line splice connector.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an in-line splice connector comprises a connector body that includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end and a generally elongated cavity region formed between the first and second ends to house at least a first insulation displacement connector (IDC) element. The in-line splice connector also includes a first cap and a second cap, each cap including a wire guide to receive and guide a wire to the IDC element, where the IDC element comprises an elongated U-shape that includes a main base portion that connects first and second end portions. The first cap is pivotally mounted to the connector body at a position between the first end of the connector body and the first end portion of the IDC element.

The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. The figures and the detailed description that follows more particularly exemplify these embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to an in-line splice connector for creating a splice of one or more wires of varying sizes. The in-line splice connector includes a structure and retention feature that anchors wires to be spliced to an IDC element in the splice connector prior to full actuation. This structure and retention feature reduces the risk of wire disengagement during the splicing sequence, which can occur when wires under tension are spliced. An audible click-type sound indicates full actuation of the in-line splice connector.

FIG. 1shows an isometric view of an exemplary in-line splice connector100according to a first aspect of the present invention. In-line splice connector100includes a connector body110that houses one or more insulation displacement connector elements (IDC elements131,132, seeFIG. 2). First and second caps121,122actuate the splicing of one or more wires151,152,153, and154in an in-line manner. As shown inFIG. 1, in-line splice connector100splices wire151to wire153and it splices wire152to wire154. In particular, the in-line splice connector100structure includes two pivoting caps121,122that each pivot from a position at an end portion of the connector body110, as opposed to a center pivot structure that is used in conventional in-line splice connectors. For purposes of this description, a position “at an end portion” also includes a position near the end of the connector body.

FIG. 2shows an exploded view of in-line splice connector100. The connector body110includes a generally elongated cavity region116formed in the central part of the body. IDC elements131and132are securely housed in the cavity region116. In addition, the connector body110also includes receptacles114at (or near) each end and on opposite inside facing walls of the connector body. These receptacles114are configured to receive protrusions or trunnions126formed on caps121,122. In one exemplary aspect, the receptacles114are formed as through-holes.

The trunnion/receptacles interact to provide a pivot axis for each cap to move from an open position (where wires are inserted into the connector) to a closed position (where the wires are spliced). In this configuration, the caps pivot at (or near) the ends of the connector body so that each of the caps closes towards the center of the connector, thereby pushing the wires downward into the IDC elements during the actuation process. In a preferred aspect, the receptacles are located on the connector body at a position between the first end of the connector body and the first end portion of the IDC element. In this manner, the pivot point of the cap will be located between the first end of the connector body and the first end portion of the IDC element. As such, the interaction of the wires and the V-shaped and coined reception slots of the IDC elements can reduce or eliminate the risk of disengagement during the actuation process. Moreover, with the caps pivoted at (or near) each end of the connector, the inadvertent upward pulling of a spliced wire will not result in wire/cap disengagement. An exemplary splicing sequence is described below with respect toFIGS. 9A-9E.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, connector body110and caps121and122are formed or molded from a polymer material. In one exemplary aspect, connector body110and caps121and122are formed from a polycarbonate material. The caps and/or the connector body can also be formed from a transparent material, which provides for visual inspection of the wires prior to and after splicing.

Wires151-154can be standard size electrical conductors, such as copper or steel wires, having a diameter of from about 0.4 mm (26 gauge) to about 0.8 mm (20 gauge). Each wire has a jacket formed of an insulation material, such as polyvinylchloride (PVC). Also, wires151-154are not required to each be of the same size. For example, wire151can comprise a 24 gauge wire and wire153can comprise a 26 gauge wire, or vice versa. In one exemplary aspect, wires151and152are a conventional twisted wire pair for telecommunications applications, and can have either a solid or a stranded core. In an alternative aspect, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art given the present description, the in-line splice connector can be scaled in size to accommodate larger diameter wire.

In more detail,FIG. 3Ashows a close-up view of exemplary IDC elements131,132receiving wires151,152(with the remaining connector structure omitted for simplicity). Each IDC element131,132has an elongated U-shape that includes a main base portion135that connects first and second end portions134aand134b. First end134aand second end134beach have a funnel or V-shaped slot wire reception136formed therein that are configured to engage the wires to be spliced. The V-shaped wire reception slots136have a structure that can displace the insulation layers of the wires inserted in them to allow contact with the conductor(s) in the wires.

In an exemplary aspect, the upper or open ends of wire reception slots136are coined. This coining provides a sharper edge for the inner displacement channel and allows the wire insulation to be cut and engaged by the element with less downward force applied to the wire. Close-up views of a coined wire reception slot are shown inFIGS. 3B and 3C. In this example, wire reception slots136include a thinned upper coined region136athat tapers to a lower coined region136b. In this example, the thickness of the metal at lower coined region136bmatches the thickness of the remainder of the IDC element (except for the coined portion at the opposite end).

The IDC elements131,132can both comprise a conductive metal material. In one exemplary embodiment, the IDC elements131,132may be constructed of phosphor bronze alloy C521000 per ASTM B103/103M-98e2 with reflowed matte tin plating of 0.000150-0.000300 inches thick, per ASTM B545-97(2004)e2 and electrodeposited nickel underplating, 0.000050 inches thick minimum, per SAE-AMS-QQ-N-290 (July 2000).

FIG. 4shows the elements131and132secured in the cavity region116of the connector body110. In this exemplary aspect, connector body110includes a first cavity portion116aand a second cavity portion116bseparated by a central wall112. The central wall112and the inner surface of the connector body walls can include conforming guiding structures to help secure the IDC elements131,132in place within the cavity region. For example, alignment guides119can be provided within cavities116aand116bto guide the IDC elements into the cavities at their proper location. In this exemplary aspect, IDC elements131and132can include interference tabs (not shown) so that the elements can be secured in cavity portions116aand116busing an interference fit, such that the IDC elements are held and will not shake, rotate, or be axially displaced in the connector body. The central wall can further include one or more rib structures117that are disposed thereon near the first and second ends of the IDC elements131and132. These ribs117create a longer electrical arc path length between the ends of adjacent IDC elements to reduce potential electrical short problems.

Connector body110further includes protrusions or catches118formed on outer surfaces of connector body110that are configured to engage latches124that extend downward from the top portion of caps121,122. Preferably, each of the catches118has a tapered or outwardly slanting shape to force an outward bending of the latch upon engagement. As shown inFIG. 1, each latch124has a cantilevered arm124athat is relatively short, and a retention piece124b, each with sufficient stiffness to close onto the connector body with sufficient force. Thus, upon full actuation, the restorative force of the arm causes the latch124to make an audible “snap” or “click” sound when engaged with catches118. In a preferred aspect, two latches124(one on each side) are included on each cap121,122. In this aspect, latches124each have a short arm124acoupled to a wider retention piece124b. This structure provides for more resistance during the latching process, strong retention once the cap is fully closed, and an audible snap or click sound upon closing.

An alternative cap121′ having an alternative latch124′ with a “T-shape” (with a longer post124a′ coupled to a narrower retention piece124b′) is shown inFIG. 7C.

The cavity regions116a,116bof the connector body can be filled with a sealant (not shown), such as a conventional gel, to help prevent moisture from entering the terminal compartment and corroding the terminal. Sealant materials useful in the exemplary embodiments include greases and gels, such as, but not limited to, RTV® 6186 mixed in an A to B ratio of 1.00 to 0.95, available from GE Silicones of Waterford, N.Y.

Gels, which are useful herein, may include formulations which contain one or more of the following: (1) plasticized thermoplastic elastomers such as oil-swollen Kraton triblock polymers; (2) crosslinked silicones including silicone oil-diluted polymers formed by crosslinking reactions such as vinyl silanes, and possibly other modified siloxane polymers such as silanes, or nitrogen, halogen, or sulfur derivatives; (3) oil-swollen crosslinked polyurethanes or ureas, typically made from isocyanates and alcohols or amines; (4) oil swollen polyesters, typically made from acid anhydrides and alcohols. Other gels are also possible.

As mentioned above, the exemplary in-line splice connector includes a structure and retention feature that anchors the wires in the splice connector prior to full actuation and reduces the risk of wire disengagement. As shown inFIG. 5, during the wire insertion process, a wire, such as wire151, is received in the connector at the IDC slot entrance136at a non-90° angle α. In this example, angle α is about 30° with respect to a plane parallel to the plane of IDC base135. A preferred insertion angle may be from about 20° to about 45°, depending on the application.

In order to accommodate this preferred insertion angle, the connector body110and the connector cap(s)121,122can be configured to automatically set the preferred wire insertion angle.FIG. 6shows cap121at an open position101in connector body110corresponding to the preferred insertion angle α. Cap122is shown in a closed position105.

In the open position101, the cap121is detented at the preferred insertion angle α. The cap is held in this position by the detent structure described herein until acted on by a downward pressing force onto cap body portion125.

In particular, in a preferred aspect, the cap121(and122) includes a first (or upper) detent127formed on an outer edge of the cap body at the pivoting end of the cap (see e.g.,FIGS. 7A and 7B). The opposite side of the cap can also include such a detent and is not shown inFIG. 6for convenience purposes. In addition, cap121can include a second (or lower) detent128(see e.g.,FIGS. 7A and 7B) formed on a lower rear edge of the cap at the pivoting end of the cap. The connector body110includes a detent113at a corresponding outer end location that engages the cap detent127and a detent pocket111to engage second detent128. Moreover, in the open position101, the retention piece124bof the latch can rest on top of the catch118. This structure provides additional and sufficient resistance against the cap being placed in a closed position105. These detents can position the cap121at the preferred insertion angle, thus controlling the alignment of the wires during the initial splicing process.

In addition, as shown inFIG. 7A, cap121(and122) includes wire guiding holes123aand123b. Each guiding hole is configured to receive and guide a standard wire, such as wire151or152, towards the IDC element disposed in the connector body. In conjunction with the wire guiding holes123aand123b, the connector body110includes recessed portions119(seeFIG. 7A) that are formed at the entrance edge of the connector body. These recessed portions119further accommodate passage of the wires as they are inserted in the cap121at the appropriate insertion angle. In a preferred aspect, the entrance portion of wire guiding holes123aand123bis at least partially chamfered to provide a wider acceptance angle for insertion of the wires.

As shown in the exemplary aspect ofFIG. 7D, a cross-section view of an alternative cap121″, the cap121″ can include a wire guiding hole123a″ that guides an inserted wire into a guide channel129″. In this aspect, the guide channel129″ can be slightly angled, e.g. inclined (with respect to a plane197″ parallel to the base of the connector body), at an angle γ of about 2° to about 8°, preferably about 5°, for assisting with insertion of a wire into the IDC element (not shown) at the appropriate insertion angle. Alternatively, the guide channel129″ can be oriented parallel to the base of the connector when in the closed position.

With reference toFIG. 7B, a view of the underside of cap121, the wires are pushed into the cap121until the wire ends reach wire stops143. The wire stops are utilized by the installer to ensure that the inserted wires are of sufficient length to be fully connected to the IDC elements of the connector body. The stops143can be disposed at the end of wire channels142, which provide side walls to help maintain the side-to-side alignment of the inserted wires.

The underside of cap121further includes wire drivers141disposed between the exit ends of the wire guiding holes and the wire stops. These wire drivers141are configured to be co-located with the U-shaped slots of the IDC elements (when the cap is fully mounted and actuated). In addition, the wire drivers are configured to push the inserted wires into the U-shaped slots of the IDC elements and provide a resistance surface against the wires as the cap is closed. The wire drivers141have a width sufficiently small enough to fit into the U-shaped slot of the IDC element when the cap is closed.

If necessary, the cap121and/or122can be re-opened after splicing by disengaging the latch124from the catch118, using a small wedge tool or the like.

In this exemplary aspect, the cap body can include a textured surface portion for better gripping during the splicing operation, for example, see surface portion125shown inFIG. 7C.

Further, the front face of the caps121and122can include a wedged-shaped entrance (not shown) between the wire guiding holes123aand123bto help split and further guide individual wires from a wire pair.

FIG. 8shows a connector100having cap122placed in an open position101and cap121being placed in an intermediate position103. As stated above, the preferred initial insertion angle α can be about 30° from the plane of the connector body/IDC element base. The cap122can rest at this open position based on the detent structure of the cap and connector body described above.

In addition, through the application of a modest downward force (the amount of force will depend on overcoming the described detent structure and the wire gauge), the cap can be pivoted to an intermediate position103as the wire is partially driven (here wire151) into the V-shaped and coined entrance slot of the IDC element secured in connector body110. This retention feature can be utilized to maintain a proper splice even when the splicing wires are under slight axial tension or no slack is available. In one aspect, this intermediate (or “pre-crimp”) angle β can be about 15° from the plane of the connector body/IDC element. In another aspect, this pre-crimp angle β can be from about 10° to about 20° from the plane of the connector body/IDC element.

In this pre-crimp position, the detents described above have been over-ridden or passed. This pre-crimp retention feature sets the wire in the IDC element at an angle such that for any axial pull made on wire151during the splicing process (e.g., along the direction of arrow188, see alsoFIG. 5), the wire151will be further urged downward (e.g., along the direction of arrow189, see alsoFIG. 5) and secured more tightly into the IDC element, thus reducing the risk of wire disengagement. From the pre-crimp position103, the cap can be fully closed with the application of an additional downward force on the cap body portion125.

An exemplary splicing sequence is shown with respect to exemplary in-line splice connector200shown inFIGS. 9A-9E. In-line splice connector200includes a connector body210that houses two IDC elements. First and second caps221,222are pivotally mounted on connector body210in a manner similar to that described above. These caps are similarly used to actuate the splicing of wires251,252,253, and254in an in-line manner. As shown inFIGS. 9A-9E, in-line splice connector200splices wire251to wire253and it splices wire252to wire254.

InFIG. 9A, both splicing caps221,222are placed at an open position201. The installer prepares the wires to be spliced (e.g., by collecting, unspooling, cutting, etc. wires251-254) and places the wires in position. InFIG. 9B, a first wire pair251,252is inserted in the first cap221. As stated above, this open position201allows the cap to guide the wires251,252over the entrance slots of the IDC elements (not shown) at a desired insertion angle. The wires251,252are inserted until the wire ends reach respective wire stops, such as wire stops143described above.

InFIG. 9C, the first cap221is pivoted (by application of a modest downward force on cap body portion225) to a pre-crimp position203, such as described above, to initially secure the wires251,252in their respective IDC elements.FIG. 9Calso shows wires253,254that are inserted in the second cap222at the open position201. Because the first cap221is in the pre-crimp position, the wires251,252are secured in their respective IDC element during the insertion of wires253,254, thereby reducing the likelihood of wire disengagement prior to completion of the splice. The wires253,254are inserted until the wire ends reach respective wire stops. InFIG. 9D, the second cap222is also pivoted (by application of a modest downward force on cap body portion225) to a pre-crimp position203to secure the wires253,254in their respective IDC elements.FIG. 9Dshows both cap221and cap222at the pre-crimp position. In an alternative aspect, cap221or cap222can be fully actuated (i.e., placed directly in the closed positioned) prior to insertion of the wires in the other cap.

To fully actuate the splice, another modest force can be placed onto both cap body portions225either by hand force or a force applied by a conventional tool (e.g., an E-9 series BM, Model E-9 series J, or an E-9Y crimp tool, all available from 3M Company, St. Paul, Minn.) until the latches are fully engaged (as verified by visual inspection and/or a “snap” or “click” sound is heard), indicating a completed splice. This required force can be greater or lower, depending on the wire gauge of the spliced wires.FIG. 9Eshows caps221,222both in the fully closed position205, where cap latches224are fully engaged by the connector body catches218. For smaller gauge wires, a simple thumb press can be sufficient to fully close both caps to complete the splice. For example, for a 24 gauge wire, a modest force of about 12 lbs. to about 15 lbs. can be utilized to completely close the cap(s). With the caps fully engaged, an inadvertent/modest pull at an upward angle on any of the wires does not cause wire or cap disengagement.

In an alternative aspect,FIG. 10Ashows an alternative in-line splice connector300with a bridging or half-tap feature. Here, in-line splice connector300includes a connector body310that houses two IDC elements (not shown), similar to the IDC elements described above. First and second caps321,322can be pivotally mounted on connector body310. In this configuration, an incoming pair of wires (here wire pair351,352) is passed completely through cap321. The incoming pair of wires is coupled to a set of tap wires353,354that are disposed in cap322. In this alternative aspect, cap321includes entrance guide slots323aand323band exit guide slots323cand323d(cap321would not include wire stops for this application). Cap321can then be attached to the connector body after the wires351,352are placed in entrance guide slots323aand323band exit guide slots323cand323d.

FIG. 10Bshows a view of the underside of cap321. In this aspect, wires351and352are inserted onto the cap through open retention slots formed on the underside of cap321between entrance guide slots323aand323band exit guide slots323cand323dthat allow insertion of the wires without having to cut the wires (thereby avoiding a disruption of service). The cap can then be coupled to the connector body310using a trunnion/receptacle mechanism such as described above with respect to connector100. The connector body310can be similar to the connector bodies described above and include a pair of IDC elements (not shown). In this aspect, cap322can be configured the same as caps122and222described above. In operation, tap wires are353and354are inserted in cap322in a manner similar to that described above. Once cap322is fully actuated, the wires353,354can transmit the signals tapped from wires351,352.

In a further alternative aspect,FIGS. 11A-11Cshow an alternative in-line splice connector400. In-line splice connector400includes a connector body410that houses one or more insulation displacement connector elements (IDC elements431,432, seeFIG. 11B). First and second caps421,422actuate the splicing of one or more wires (not shown) in an in-line manner. Similar to the in-line splice connectors100,200described above, connector400includes two pivoting caps421,422that each pivot from a position at an end portion of the connector body410.

The connector body410includes a generally elongated cavity region416formed in the central part of the body. IDC elements431and432are securely housed in the cavity region416. The cavity regions of the connector body can be filled with a sealant (not shown), such as a conventional gel, to help prevent moisture from entering the terminal compartment and corroding the terminal.

In addition, the connector body410also includes receptacles414at (or near) each end and on opposite inside facing walls of the connector body. These receptacles414are configured to receive protrusions or trunnions426formed on caps421,422. In this aspect, the receptacles414are formed as slots.

Similar to the in-line splice connectors100,200described above, the trunnion/receptacles for connector400interact to provide a pivot axis for each cap to move from an open position (see cap422inFIG. 11A, where wires are inserted into the connector) to a closed position (see cap421inFIG. 11A, where the wires are spliced).

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, connector body410and caps421and422are formed or molded from a polymer material. In one exemplary aspect, connector body410and caps421and422are formed from a polycarbonate material. The caps and/or the connector body can also be formed from a transparent material, which provides for visual inspection of the wires prior to and after splicing.

Connector400can be utilized to splice standard size electrical conductors, such as copper or steel wires, having a diameter of from about 0.4 mm (26 gauge) to about 0.8 mm (20 gauge). Each wire has a jacket formed of an insulation material, such as polyvinylchloride (PVC). Also, the wires are not required to each be of the same size.

Each IDC element431,432can have an elongated U-shape that includes a main base portion that connects first and second end portions that each have a funnel or V-shaped slot wire reception formed therein that are configured to engage the wires to be spliced, as is described above. The V-shaped wire reception slots have a structure that can displace the insulation layers of the wires inserted in them to allow contact with the conductor(s) in the wires. In an exemplary aspect, the upper or open ends of wire reception slots are coined as is described above. This coining provides a sharper edge for the inner displacement channel and allows the wire insulation to be cut and engaged by the element with less downward force applied to the wire. The IDC elements431,432can both comprise a conductive metal material, such as those described above.

FIG. 11Bshows the elements431and432secured in the cavity region416of the connector body410, where the elements are separated by a central wall412. The central wall and the inner surface of the connector body walls can include conforming guiding structures to help secure the IDC elements, in a similar manner as is described above.

Connector body410further includes protrusions or catches418formed on outer surfaces of connector body410that are configured to engage latches424that extend downward from the top portion of caps421,422. The catch and latch structure can be similar to that described above for caps121,121′,122.

As mentioned above, the exemplary in-line splice connector includes a structure and retention feature that anchors the wires in the splice connector prior to full actuation and reduces the risk of wire disengagement. A preferred insertion angle may be from about 20° to about 45°, depending on the application.

In order to accommodate this preferred insertion angle, the connector body410and the connector cap(s)421,422can be configured to automatically set the preferred wire insertion angle.FIG. 11Ashows cap422at an open position in connector body410and cap421is shown in a closed position. In the open position, the cap422is temporarily held at a preferred insertion angle. In this aspect, either cap can be held in this position by a cap detent428(see FIG.11B—both caps421and422can have a similar cap detent) cooperating with a detent pocket411formed in the connector body. In this aspect, the cap detent428and detent pocket411can span a substantial portion of the width of the connector. An additional cooperating detent structure formed on the outer surfaces of the caps and connector body above the protrusions or trunnions426is not required. The caps can be moved from this temporary position by the application of a downward pressing force.

In addition, as shown inFIG. 11A, cap421(and422) includes wire guiding holes423aand423bconfigured to receive and guide a standard wire towards the IDC element disposed in the connector body

The underside of caps421,422(not shown) can include wire stops, similar to those described above, to ensure that the inserted wires are of sufficient length to be fully connected to the IDC elements of the connector body. The stops can be disposed at the end of wire channels, which provide side walls to help maintain the side-to-side alignment of the inserted wires. Caps421,422can further include wire drivers (similar to those described above) disposed between the exit ends of the wire guiding holes and the wire stops, and which are configured to be co-located with the U-shaped slots of the IDC elements (when the cap is fully mounted and actuated). The wire drivers are configured to push the inserted wires into the U-shaped slots of the IDC elements and provide a resistance surface against the wires as the cap is closed.

In this exemplary aspect, the cap body421can include a textured surface portion for better gripping during the splicing operation, for example, see surface portion425shown inFIG. 11B.

As shown inFIG. 11C, connector body410includes a bottom surface415that can incorporate an integral spacer structure415ato further separate the connector body from an adjacent connector disposed underneath/above the surface415. This separation can reduce interference effects. The spacer415acan be formed as a rectangular shape, such as shown inFIG. 11C, or it may have an alternative shape.

Overall, the embodiments of the in-line splice connector each include a structure and retention feature that anchors wires to be spliced in the splice connector prior to full actuation. This structure and retention feature also reduces the risk of wire disengagement during the splicing sequence. In particular, with the caps pivoted at (or near) each end of the connector, the inadvertent upward pulling of a spliced wire will not result in wire/cap disengagement.

Various modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerous structures to which the present invention may be applicable will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art to which the present invention is directed upon review of the present specification.