Electrical connector with outer retainer ring and internal unidirectional conductor retainer

This disclosure is directed to various embodiments of an electrical connector assembly that includes a connector body having an inlet end portion and an outlet end portion. The outlet end portion has an associated locking member whereby it can be readily attached to a knock out hole of an electric box and the inlet end portion is provided with a wire conductor retainer in the form of a flat spring configured to be readily connected to an external portion of a connector body for ease of manufacture and assembly, and which is configured to extend through an opening formed in the inlet end portion whereby an electric conductor can be unidirectionally inserted in the inlet end portion and secured thereto so as to prohibit any unintentional separation from the connector body, all without the need of any extraneous tools.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to a further advancement in the field of electrical connector assemblies having a snap fit retaining ring circumscribing the outlet end of a connector body for effecting a snap fit connection to an electrical box of the types described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,860,758, U.S. Pat. No. 6,935,891 and application Ser. No. 11/180,085 filed Jul. 13, 2005, which is a continuation in part application of application Ser. No. 11/028,373 filed Jan. 3, 2005, which are incorporated herein by reference.

More specifically, this application relates to further improvements in electrical connector assembly having a construction for facilitating the connection of an electrical connector assembly to an electric box and having one or more inlets provided with a simplified unidirectional wire retainer to which one or more associated cables, wire conductors or the like are secured by simply inserting the wire conductor into the inlet end of the connector body. The respective inlet or inlets of the connector body include a simplified externally mounted wire or conductor retainer that allows an associated wire, cable or conductor to be positively secured within the associated inlet by a snap fit in a manner that prohibits any unintentional separation or withdrawal of the conductors from the connector assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electrical connectors are commonly used for attaching electrical conductors, cables, wires, electrical metal tubing (EMT) or the like to an electric box, e.g. a junction box, outlet box, switch box, fuse box, or other similar type of electric box or panel. Such known electrical connectors are either of a type that are secured to an electric box by a threaded lock nut or by means of a circular snap fit retaining ring of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,860,758; 6,444,907; 5,189,258; 5,266,050; 5,171,164; 2,744,769 and 1,483,218 for example. Reference is also made to U.S. Pat. No. 6,768,057 which is directed to a right angle type connector formed of a pair of sheet metal stampings fitted together and secured to an electrical box with a snap fit arrangement.

Also known are connectors formed as connector caps which are adapted to be fitted over the end of a conductor, cable or wires, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,880,387. Various other known efforts to facilitate the connection of an electrical conductor to an electric box are evidenced by U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,043,432; 6,080,933; 6,114,630; 6,133,529; 6,194,661; 6,335,488; 6,352,439; 6,355,884; 6,444,907; 6,555,750; 6,604,400; 6,670,553; 6,737,584; 6,682,355; 6,780,029 and 6,849,803. Notwithstanding the extensive background relating to electrical connectors, continuing efforts are being made to improve, simplify and/or reduce the cost and/or complexity of the known connectors in an effort to advance the electrical connector art. The disclosures herein are directed to such efforts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of this invention is to provide an electrical connector with a frustro-conically shaped external retaining ring having integrally formed outwardly sprung locking tangs and an electrical grounding trailing edge arranged to be snap fitted to a knock-hole of an electric box or panel.

Another object of this invention is to provide for an electrical connector assembly that includes an electrical connector body having an outlet end with a frustro-conical outer surface having a complementary frustro-conical retaining ring that is readily fitted to and retained on the outlet end portion of the connector body.

Another object is to provide a connector assembly comprising a connector body having an outlet portion free of any locking ring retaining flange, and an associated snap fit retainer ring circumscribing the outlet end portion.

Another object is to provide a retaining ring having outwardly flaring circumscribing arms or sides provided with outwardly sprung locking tangs and a grounding trailing edge.

Another object is to provide a retaining ring, adapted to be fitted onto the outlet end of a connector body, and having a frustro-conical shape with a first series of tangs for securing the connector body relative to an electrical box and a trailing edge for affecting a positive electrical ground with an associated electrical box.

Another object is to provide a frustro-conically shaped retaining ring that can be readily formed from a blank of spring steel.

Another object is to provide an electrical connector assembly having a connector body with a frustro-conical outer retainer ring circumscribing the outer surface of the connector body outlet end and a unidirectional wire conductor retainer associated with the inlet end of the connector for securing an electrical wire or conductor thereto.

Another object is to provide an electrical connector assembly that includes an externally connected unidirectional wire or conductor retainer extending internally of the inlet end for frictionally retaining a wire conductor to the connector assembly so as to prevent any unintentional separation of a wire conductor therefrom.

Another object is to provide an electrical connector assembly provided with a snap fitting retainer ring on the outlet end of the connector assembly for attaching the connector assembly to an electrical box with a snap fit and including an inner unidirectional wire conductor retainer extending into the inlet end of the connector assembly for securing a wire conductor thereto in a manner to prohibit any unintentional separation of the wire conductor from the connector assembly.

Another object is to provide an electrical connector with an improved wire retainer whereby a wire retainer is externally secured to the connector body and is arranged to extend into the inlet end of the connector body through an opening formed in the connector body to secure the wire conductor therein so as to prohibit any unintentional separation of the wire conductor from the connector body.

Another object of this invention is to provide an electrical connector with a wire retainer whereby a helical wound wire conductor can be secured thereto by merely inserting the armored conductor wire into the inlet end of the electrical connector to secure the wire conductor thereto, so as to prohibit any unintentional separation of the wire conductor from the electrical connector.

Another object is to provide or an electrical connector assembly that is relatively simple to fabricate, positive in operation, and economical to produce and sell.

Another object of this invention is to provide an electrical connector assembly having an outer frustro conical retainer ring for positively connecting the connector assembly to an electrical box and having multiple inlet ends, each inlet end being fitted with an externally connected wire retainer for unidirectional locking a wire conductor in each of the respective multiple inlets.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved multiple connector assembly that is relatively simple in structure, easy to assemble and having a minimum of component parts.

Another object is to provide a connector assembly having multiple inlet ends, each inlet end being fitted with an externally mounted wire or conductor retainer that extends internally of the associated inlet end for effecting unidirectional locking of a wire conductor therein.

Another object is to provide an electrical connector having an outer retainer ring circumscribing the outer end of a connector body for effecting a snap fit attachment to an electric box or panel and having an improved unidirectional wire conductor retainer in the form of a retaining finger projecting through an opening in the connector body and into the inlet end of a connector body so as to provide a snap fit wire retention device which prohibits any unintentional separation of the wire conductor from the connector body.

Another object is to provide a relatively simple and positive acting snap fit wire conductor retaining device externally mounted on a connector body and having an end portion extending through an opening or window into the interior of the connector body for retaining a wire conductor connected to the electrical connector body in a manner to prohibit any unintentional separation of a wire conductor from the connector.

Another object is to provide a snap fit wire retainer that extends inwardly of an electrical connector body through an opening formed therein whereby the wire retainer can be readily secured on the exterior of the connector body to facilitate and simplify the assembly of the connector and associated wire retainer.

Another object is to provide an electrical connector having a wire retainer arranged to be externally secured to the connector in a fixed relationship relative to the connector so that the free end of the wire conductive retainer extends through an opening formed in the connector body and into the inlet end portion of the connector so as to permit a wire conductor be unidirectionally snap fitted thereto.

The foregoing objects and other features and advantages are attained by an electrical connector assembly that includes a connector body having one or more inlet end portions for receiving an electrical conductor and an outlet portion arranged to be inserted through a knockout hole of an electrical panel or electric box, e.g. an electric box or the like. A radially outwardly extending flange circumscribes an intermediate portion of the connector body to function as a stop to limit the insertion of the outlet end portion of the connector body through the knockout hole of an electric box. The outlet end portion of the connector body is provided with an outer surface that converges or tapers inwardly toward the outlet opening thereof. Formed on the surface of the outlet end portion are one or more retaining lugs, which may be circumferentially spaced about the outlet end portion. A frustro-conically shaped snap ring is fitted onto the outlet end portion.

The outer retaining ring is initially formed from a blank of sheet material, e.g. spring steel or the like, having a cruciform shape that includes a face portion or simply a central opening wherein the radiating arms of the cruciform blank are disposed about the face portion or central opening to define a frustro-conical ring or cup. The ring so formed is provided with blanked out or die cut tangs to define outwardly bent locking tangs. The trailing edge of the frustro-conical ring provides for electrical grounding. The frustro-conical ring so formed also has a slot adapted to receive the retaining lug when the retaining ring is fitted onto the outlet end portion of the connector body so that the free or trailing ends of the ring define a ground or edge that engages the inner periphery of the knockout hole of an electric box for effecting positive electrical continuity and grounding.

To form the retaining ring, the cruciform arms are arranged to be folded relative to the central opening or face forming portion that circumscribes the central opening, to define a unitary frustro-conically shaped cup-like member or ring to compliment or be fitted onto the outlet end portion of the connector body. The retaining ring thus formed is fitted over or onto the outlet end portion whereby the retaining slot formed in the ring is adapted to receive the complementary retaining lug formed on the surface of the outlet end portion for retaining the ring on the outlet end portion of the connector body.

With the construction described, the connector assembly can be readily inserted through the knockout hole of an electric box wherein the locking tangs will initially be flexed inwardly to pass through the knock-out hole of an electric box, and then spring outwardly to lock the connector assembly to the electric box with the trailing or grounding edge of the retaining ring or arms being inherently biased so as to be urged against the internal periphery of the knockout hole due to the conical configuration of the retaining ring to effect a positive electric ground as a result of the inherent resiliency of the respective grounding edges and the material from which they are formed.

This invention further contemplates providing the inlet end of the connector with an improved wire or conductor retainer which is uniquely formed for positively securing thereto a wire conductor by merely inserting the wire conductor into the inlet end of a conector. The arrangement is such that the wire conductor is prohibited from being unintentionally separated therefrom. The inner wire conductor retainer is preferably formed of a blank of spring metal material to define a spring finger having one end thereof fixedly secured to an external portion of the inlet end of a connector body, and having the other end of the spring finger extending through an opening formed in the connector body so as to be disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the inlet end portion whereby a wire conductor is retained within the inlet end of a connector in a manner to prohibit any unintentional separation.

A further embodiment of the disclosed invention may utilize an external circular shaped snap fit locking ring for circumscribing the outlet end of the connector body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, there is shown inFIG. 1an electrical connector assembly10. The connector assembly10includes a connector body11, which is usually formed of metal casting, e.g. zinc or other suitable metallic alloy. The connector body11is formed with an inlet end portion11A and an outlet end portion11B and having a bore12extending therethrough. Intermediate the connector body11or between the inlet end portion11A and outlet end portion11B there is provided a radially outwardly extending flange13which functions as a stop to limit the amount that the connector body11may be inserted through the knockout hole14of an electric box15, as noted inFIG. 8.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 8, the outer surface S of the outlet end portion11B slopes, tapers or converges toward the outlet opening16whereby the outer surface S of the outlet end portion11B has a generally frustro-conical configuration. Formed on the surface S of the outlet end portion11B is an outwardly projecting retainer lug17. In the illustrated embodiment, two such lugs17are shown disposed 180° apart about the outer circumference of the outlet end portion11B.

The connector assembly10also includes a snap fit retaining ring18. In accordance with this invention, the retaining ring18is integrally formed from a blank19of spring steel material. As best seen inFIG. 2, the blank19is initially formed or stamped to define a generally cruciform shape. The cruciform shape is provided with a face portion20having central opening or hole20A and having four generally radially extending arms defining two pairs of oppositely disposed arms AA and BB.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the opposed pair of arms AA are each provided with a retaining slot21. The opposed pair of arms BB, as best seen inFIG. 8, are blanked or formed to define a locking tang22and to either side thereof the trailing edge defines an electrical grounding tang23,23. As shown, the locking tang22is slightly shorter than the adjacent grounding tangs23,23. The arrangement is such that the free end of the locking tangs22are sprung outwardly and formed so as to engage the inside surface of the electric box15in the assembled portion, as best seen inFIG. 9, to secure the connector assembly10to the electric box15and prohibit any unintentional withdrawal of the connector assembly10from the electrical box15, whereas the free ends or trailing edges of the frustro-conical ring define the grounding tangs23that are biased in engagement with the internal periphery of the knockout hole14. Also, the free edges or ends24,24of arms A,A in the assembled position will also function as electrical grounding tangs, as noted inFIG. 8.

In forming the retaining ring18from blank19, the respective arms A,A and B,B are subjected to a series of progressive bending dies which will gradually bend the respective arms about a foldline f, which defines the face or front portion20, whereby arms A,A and B,B form a cup having circumscribing frustro-conical or outwardly flaring sides to define a frustro conical ring18which complements the conical surface S of the leading or outlet end portion11B, as seen inFIG. 1. In doing so, the locking tangs22are cantileverly and outwardly bent or displaced relative to the surface of the frustro-conical ring at a slightly greater outwardly angle or slope than the adjacent grounding edge or tangs23and the slope of arms A,A. With the retaining ring18so formed, it can be readily fitted onto the outlet end portion11B whereby the inherent resiliency of the arms A,A will cause the retainer slots21to snap fit onto the retaining lug17when slots21are placed in alignment with lugs17. The arrangement is such that the retainer ring18will be firmly and positively secured to the outlet end portion11B as seen inFIG. 8. Yet, due to the inherent resiliency of the material of the retaining ring18, it can be easily detached from the outlet end portion11B when removal is desired, without destroying the ring18by lifting arms A,A free of the retaining lugs17.

It will be understood that, if desired, the opening20A may be enlarged to the diameter of the foldline f, in which case the arms A,A and B,B may be gradually bent about the periphery of the enlarged opening, thereby eliminating the face portion20.

With the retainer ring18properly secured to the outlet end11B of the connector body11, the connector assembly10can be readily secured to an electric box10by simply aligning the assembly10with a knockout hole14, as best seen inFIG. 7, and inserting the leading or outlet end portion into the knockout hole14until the flange13engages the outer side of the electric box15. In doing so, the tangs22,23and the free ends24of arms A,A, respectively, will depress inwardly to permit insertion of the assembly10. When the assembly is fully seated in the knockout hole14, the locking tangs22will normally spring outwardly to secure the assembly10to the electric box15, as noted inFIG. 9. The inherent resiliency of the grounding tangs23,23and the free ends or edges24of arms A,A are normally biased in engagement with the internal periphery of the knockout hole14to ensure a positive electrical ground with the electric box15. The engagement of the free ends24of arms A,A and grounding tangs23,23against the inner periphery of the knockout hole14, as noted inFIG. 8, further ensures the firm securing of the retaining slot21with the retaining lugs17, so as to prohibit any disengagement of the outer retaining ring18from the connector body11.

It will be understood that the wire conductor25may be secured to the connector assembly10either before or after the assembly10has been secured to the electric box15. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductor wire25is simply inserted into the inlet end portion11A and secured in position by a suitable securing means. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 1, the securing means is illustrated as a set screw26. However, it will be understood that other forms of securing means may be used, than the set screw26illustrated.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the disclosed connector assembly is quite novel and simple in construction. The snap fit retaining ring18can be simply formed from a cruciform shaped blank19whereby the opposed radially extending arms A,A and B,B can be readily formed into a cup having a generally frustro-conically shaped sidewalls complementing the slope of the outlet end portion11A, and whereby the outer retainer ring18can be readily secured to the connector body simply by the inter-engagement of slots21with its complementary lugs17.

In the assembled position, the outer retainer ring18is positively secured to the connector body in a manner to prohibit any unintentional separation. Also the tangs22and23, which are formed integral with ring18, are shaped and formed so that the locking tangs22secure the assembly10to an electric box15while the grounding tangs23ensure a positive electrical ground of the assembly10with the associated electric box15.

FIGS. 11 to 19illustrate various views of a modified form of the invention which are described in application Ser. No. 11/100,250 filed Apr. 6, 2005 for Snap In Electrical Connector Assembly With Unidirectional Wire Conductor Ring, which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIGS. 20 to 32are directed to a further modification of the disclosed invention. As best seen inFIGS. 20 and 21, the connector assembly60includes a housing or connector body61having an outlet end61A and an inlet end64connected to the outlet end61A by a transition section68,68A, preferably formed as casting of any suitable metal or alloy material, e.g. zinc, aluminum and the like. While the inlet end64of the connector body61is illustrated as a duplex inlet end, it will be understood that the inlet end may be formed to accommodate more than two separate wire conductors, cables or the like.

The outlet end61A and the external frustro-conical ring76circumscribing the outlet end61A are similar in structure hereinbefore described with respect toFIGS. 1 to 10. A more detailed description of the embodiments disclosed inFIGS. 20 to 32as set forth in application Ser. No. 11/100,250 filed Apr. 6, 2005 for Snap In Electrical Connector Assembly With Unidirectional Wire Conductor Retaining Ring, which is incorporated herein by reference.

With the connector body ofFIG. 20illustrated, it will be noted that the connector assembly60can be readily secured to an electric box or panel simply by inserting the leading or outlet end61A through a knockout hole of a panel or electrical box so as to be readily secured thereto with a snap fit as hereinbefore described. Also with the arrangement described, the respective wire conductors or cables80can be readily attached to the trailing or inlet end of the connector assembly60with a simple snap fit, as described in application Ser. No. 11/100,250 filed Apr. 6, 2005, which is incorporated by reference herein.

From the foregoing, it will be noted that the connector assemblies disclosed inFIGS. 1 to 32utilize a frustro conically shaped outer retainer ring which is uniquely secured to the leading end of a connector body, with securing tangs and grounding tangs arranged to effect both a positive securement of the connector assembly to a knockout hole of an electric box or panel and a positive electrical ground. In association with an external frustro conical retaining ring, the disclosed embodiments include a trailing or inlet end constructed to receive an associated wire or conductor retainer in each inlet end for securing a wire conductor thereto by a snap fit inlet end of the connector body. It will be understood that the described electrical connector bodies may include one or more wire receiving chambers formed in the inlet end thereof, depending upon the number of wire conductors one may wish to connect to the inlet end of a connector body.

FIGS. 33 to 44illustrate a further modification of the invention. In this embodiment, the connector assembly81includes a connector body81A having an outer frustro conical external snap-fit retainer ring82, a wire retainer device83, and an optional plastic electrical insulating end ring insert84. The outlet end81B of the connector body81A and the external frustro-conical retainer ring is similar in structure and function as hereinbefore described. A more detailed description of the embodiments33to44are set forth in application Ser. No. 11/151,374 filed Jun. 13, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIGS. 45 to 51illustrate further embodiments of the invention. The embodiments ofFIGS. 45 to 51are directed to a snap-fit electrical connector assembly100which is particularly suitable for attaching an electric cable or conductor101to an electric box102which is disposed in a finish wall structure103, and which is rendered the subject matter of an application Ser. No. 11/258,990 filed Oct. 26, 2005.

It is frequently necessary to upgrade, repair, or add new electric conductors or circuits to existing electric boxes concealed within the wall of an existing structure. In such instances, the installer is generally unable to access a snap-fit connector so as to apply the necessary pulling or pushing force necessary to insert and lock a snap-fit connector assembly, e.g.100, in a knockout opening of the electric box102. Heretofore, in such situations, the installer generally utilized a connector having a threaded outlet end which could be readily passed through a knockout hole of an electric box, which could then be secured by threading thereon a lock nut from within the box opening, which is both difficult and time consuming.

The connector assembly100, as illustrated, includes a connector body104having a leading end or outlet end105and a trailing or inlet end106. The connector body may be formed as a metal casting of a suitable material, e.g. a zinc alloy, having a bore107extending therethrough. Circumscribing the connector body104between the outlet end105and the inlet end106is a radially outwardly extending stop flange108. As hereinbefore described, the outer surface S of the outlet end105tapers or converges inwardly toward the central axis of the connector body104and the outlet opening109.

Complementing the slope or taper of the outer surface S of the outlet end105is a frustro-conical snap-fit retainer ring110which is similar in structure hereinbefore described with respect toFIGS. 1 to 4, except that the width of the retaining slot111adapted to receive the retaining lug112is enlarged, as compared to the width of retaining slot21as hereinbefore described. As best seen inFIGS. 47 and 48, the retaining slot111has a width which is greater than the width of the retainer lug112adapted to be received in slot111in the assembled position, as best illustrated inFIGS. 46 and 47. In all other respects, the structure of the retainer ring110is similar to the construction of retainer ring18hereinbefore described with respect to the embodiments illustrated, for example inFIGS. 1 to 4, and which need not be repeated. A more detailed description ofFIGS. 45 to 51is set forth in application Ser. No. 11/258,990 filed Oct. 6, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIGS. 60 to 64illustrate a further embodiment of the invention. As best seen inFIGS. 61 and 62, the connector assembly200comprises a connector body201and a modified outer frustro-conical retainer ring202as described in a co-pending application Ser. No. 11/364,435 filed Feb. 28, 2006, for Snap Fit Electrical Connector Assembly For Facilitating The Electric Connector Assembly To An Electric Box, which is incorporated by reference herein.

While the embodiment of the connector assembly200ofFIGS. 60-64is illustrated without any electrical conductor retaining means associated with the inlet end portion201A of the connector body201, it will be understood that the inlet end portion201A may be fitted with any of the wire conductor retainer means as are described and illustrated herein, the descriptions of which need not be repeated.

FIGS. 67 to 70illustrate a further embodiment of the invention. The connector assembly300, as illustrated inFIGS. 67 and 68, includes a connector body301formed as a unitary casting of any suitable metal or alloy, e.g. zinc and the like. The form of the casting is somewhat similar to that shown inFIG. 20. The embodiment ofFIG. 67differs from that ofFIG. 20in that connector body301is formed as a unitary casting rather than as separable parts as illustrated inFIG. 20. A more detailed description of the embodiment ofFIGS. 67 to 70is set forth in application Ser. No. 11/403,099 filed Apr. 12, 2006, for Snap Fit Electrical Connector Assembly With Frustro-Conical Retainer Ring And Internal Unidirectional Snap Fit Wire Conductor Retainer, which is incorporated by reference herein.

Referring toFIGS. 67 and 68, the connector body301includes an outlet end portion301A, an inlet end portion301B defining a pair of inlet chambers302A,302B disposed in side by side relationship with a dividing wall302disposed therebetween; and a transition section301C for connecting the inlet or trailing end portion301B to the outlet or leading end portion301A. While the connector body301has been illustrated as having a pair of inlet chambers302A,302B, it will be understood that the connector body may be formed to have more than two inlet chambers disposed in side by side relationship.

As previously described, the outer surface S of the outlet end portion slopes or converges downwardly from a circumscribing stop flange304toward the outlet opening305. Circumferentially spaced and projecting outwardly of the sloping surface S are a pair of retaining lugs306, similar to that hereinbefore described. The arrangement is such that the outer surface S of the outlet end portion301A may be defined as being frustro-conical in shape.

Circumscribing the outlet end portion is a complementary shaped retaining ring307. The retaining ring307may be constructed either as described with respect toFIGS. 2 to 4or as described with respect toFIGS. 64 to 66; and need not be repeated. As noted inFIG. 68, the retaining ring307is retained on the outlet end portion301A in a manner as hereinbefore described with respect to the foregoing embodiments.

The inlet chambers302A,302B are configured similar to that described with respect toFIG. 43. Each of the inlet chambers302A,302B include a generally cylindrical configuration throughout an arc which is greater than 180° and less than 360°. The non-curvilinear portion of the inlet chambers302A,302B, as viewed inFIGS. 67,68, is formed as a flat surface302C which is integrally connected to the opposed ends of the curvilinear arcuate section by opposed interconnected side walls303.

In this embodiment of the invention, the respective inlet chambers302A,302B are each provided with a wire conductor retainer308. The respective wire retainers are formed out of an elongated blank of spring steel or the like which is formed at one end thereof with a reverse bend308A to define a clip, which is arranged to be fitted onto the flat surface302C at the inlet opening309. As best seen inFIGS. 67 and 68, the upper leaf108B of the return bent portion308A of the wire retainer308is provided with a slotted hole310, which is disposed in alignment with a retaining pin311projecting outwardly from the flat surface302C. To fasten the wire retainer308to the inlet end portion, the top of the retaining pin311may be swedged or flattened as hereinbefore described with respect to the embodiment of FIGS.43,44. An alternate means for securing the wire retainer308to the exterior flat surface302C is to proportion the retaining pin311relative to the size of the hole310to provide a retaining friction fit therebetween.

FIG. 71illustrates a further embodiment of the invention. As shown, the electric connector assembly320includes a connector body321that has an inlet end portion321A and a connected outlet end portion321B. Intermediate between the inlet end portion321A and the outlet end portion321B there is provided a radially outwardly extending flange322which serves as a stop to limit the portion of the connector assembly320that may be inserted through a knock out hole of an electric box, as hereinbefore described.

The inlet end portion321A defines an inlet opening323and the outlet end portion defines an outlet opening324that defines the opposed ends of a bore325that extends through the connector body between openings323and324.

In this form of the invention, the outer surface S of the outlet end portion321B slopes or tapers downwardly from the stop flange320toward the outlet opening324, as hereinbefore described. Circumscribing the outer surface S of the outlet end portion321B is a frustro-conical external snap fit ring326similar to that hereinbefore described. The frustro-conical retainer ring326is retained on the sloping surface S of the outlet end portion by the retaining lugs327on the outlet end portion engaging the complimentary slots328formed in the frustro-conical surface of the outer retaining ring326as hereinbefore noted.

In this form of the invention, a simplified electrical conductor retainer332for securing an armor shielded electric wire, cable or other electrical conductor or wire for securing the same connector body is provided. As shown inFIG. 71, the inlet end portion321A of the connector body321is provided with a window or opening330which is disposed in communication with the bore325extending through the connector body321. Projecting outward from the inlet end portion adjacent the inlet opening323is a raised fastening mount or boss331having a generally flat upper surface331A similar to that shown inFIG. 73.

Supported on mount or boss331is a conductor retainer332. The conductor retainer332is formed of an elongated blank of spring metal, e.g. spring steel or other suitable resilient material, which is angularly bent along an intermediate fold or bend line L1, wherein the angularly bent end332B is projected through the window or opening330so as to extend into the bore325for engaging and retaining an electrical conductor as shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 75. The other end332A of the conductor retainer is detachably secured to the mount or boss331by means of a suitable fastener, e.g. a set screw. The free end332C may be provided with an arcuate configuration as best seen inFIGS. 73 and 76so as to conform with the shape of a wire conductor that is received within the inlet end portion of the connector body. As best noted inFIG. 75, the portion of the conductor retainer projecting through the window or opening330is bent at an angle so that the free end thereof is directed in the direction of the outlet opening324of the connector body321. The arrangement is such that the wire conductor or armored shield conductor can be readily inserted into the inlet opening323in a unidirectional manner so that when the conductor is gripped by the free end332C of the wire retainer321, the wire conductor cannot readily be pulled out of the connector body without actively removing the inherent resisting force imparted by the conductor retainer onto the electric conductor.

From the foregoing description, it will be noted that the described electric connector assembly320can be readily secured to a knock out hole of an electric box simply by inserting the outlet end with the attached frustro-conical retainer ring through the knock out hole so that upon seating the assembly in the knock out hole causes the locking tangs334of ring326to spring outwardly and lock the connector assembly to the electric box. Also, the electric conductor can be simply attached to the connector simply by inserting the electric conductor into the inlet end portion wherein it is automatically gripped by the free end332C in a manner to prohibit any unintentional separation of the electrical conductor from the associated connector assembly.

As will be noted, the wire retainer constitutes a simplified structure which can be readily formed simply from an elongated blank of spring steel or the like, which need only be bent intermediate the length thereof and which is externally mounted on the connector body. The simplified described conductor retainer enhances not only the ease of manufacture and assembly, the simplified structure further minimizes the amount and cost of material otherwise required by the known connectors capable of achieving the ease of use and utility of the invention disclosed in the embodiments described.

FIG. 72illustrates an embodiment of the invention as described with respect to the embodiment ofFIG. 71, except that the invention is described as applied to a duplex type of an electrical connector assembly340. As shown, the embodiment ofFIG. 72is directed to an electrical connector assembly having a connector body341that includes a trailing or inlet end portion341A that is shaped so as to define at least two passageways342,343, having inlet openings342A,343A disposed in side by side relationship. While only two passages342,343are illustrated, it will be understood that more than two passageways may be disposed in side by side relationship, depending upon the number of wire conductors one wishes to attach to a given connector body.

The connector body341also includes an outlet end portion344similar to outlet end portion321B ofFIG. 71, and need not be further described. It will be understood that the outlet end344is constructed so as to accommodate an outer retainer ring similar to the retainer ring326described with respect toFIG. 71, and as hereinbefore described. The embodiment ofFIG. 72includes a transition section345that connects the duplex inlet end portion341A to the outlet end portion344, and in communication therewith.

The connector body341ofFIG. 72also includes a retainer opening or window342A,343A disposed in communication with its corresponding passageway342,343. Connected to the connector body341are conductor retainers343B,343B which are similar in structure and function as hereinbefore described with respect toFIG. 71. As shown, the conductor retainers343B,343B are secured at one end externally of the connector inlet end portion341A on a mount or boss346,347in the same manner as hereinbefore described. In all other respects, the structure and function of the connector assembly340is similar to that described with respect to the embodiment ofFIG. 71.

FIG. 73illustrates another embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the connector assembly includes a connector body353having an inlet end portion350A and an outlet end portion350B and a bore351extending therethrough. A stop flange352extends radially outwardly of the connector body353and defines the inlet end portion350A from the outlet end portion350B. Circumscribing the outlet opening354of the connector body353is a radially outwardly extending outlet flange355. Adjacent to each of said stop flange352and outlet end flange355there is provided a shoulder356,356, wherein the shoulders356,356have an outer diameter which is less than the outer diameter of the stop flange352and outlet end flange355. Supported on the shoulders356,356between the stop flange352is an outer retainer ring357which is similar in structure and function to that described in patent application Ser. No. 10/283,978 filed Oct. 30, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The connector assembly350is further provided with a window or opening358formed in the inlet end portion350A similar to that hereinbefore described. Associated with the window or opening358is a conductor retainer359which is similar in structure and function as the conductor retainer hereinbefore described with respect to the embodiment ofFIG. 71. The wire or conductor retainer359is secured to a mount or boss331A by means of a suitable fastener or set screw360whereby the free end359A of the conductor retainer359is directed through the window or opening358to engage the electrical conductor361, as hereinbefore described.

FIG. 77illustrates a duplex version of the embodiment disclosed inFIG. 76. The embodiment ofFIG. 77is directed to an electrical connector assembly370that includes a connector body371having a duplex inlet end portion371A, an outlet end portion371B, and an interconnected transition section371C interposed between the inlet end portion371A and outlet end portion371B. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet end portion is formed and illustrated as having a pair of side by side passageways372and373extending through the inlet portion371A, each passageway372and373being adapted to receive an electric conductor of the type hereinbefore described. The respective passageways372,373lead to the interior of the transition section371C wherein the wires of the electric conductor are directed to and out of the inlet end portion371B, as best noted inFIG. 20. It will be understood that while the embodiment ofFIG. 77has been illustrated and described as a duplex version ofFIG. 77, the inlet end portion371A may be construed to have more than two passageways372,373, with or without partition walls, disposed in side by side relationship, depending upon the number of individual wire conductors one desires to connect to a given inlet end portion of a connector body.

The outlet end portion371B is similar to the outlet end portion350B ofFIG. 73, which is arranged to receive an outer retainer ring374, which is structurally and functionally as that described with respect to the embodiment ofFIG. 73, and need not be repeated.

The embodiment disclosed inFIG. 77includes an electrical conductor retainer means375,376and an associated window or opening377,378for each passageway373,374. The respective electrical retainer means375,376are identical in structure and function to that hereinbefore described with respect to the electrical conductor means described with respect to the embodiment ofFIG. 73.

FIGS. 78 and 79are directed to another modified form of the invention. In this embodiment, the connector assembly380includes a connector body382having an inlet end portion380A and an outlet end portion380B wherein the inlet end portion380A has an outer diameter “D” which is greater than the outer diameter “d” of the outlet end portion380B. By increasing the thickness of the inlet end portion380A, the need for a stop flange, as hereinbefore described, is rendered unnecessary as the leading edge381of the inlet end portion380A can function as the stop or limit the distance the connector body382may be inserted through a knock out hole of an electric box or panel.

The outlet end portion380B is provided with a radially outwardly extending flange383that circumscribes the outlet end opening384. Disposed between the leading edge381of the inlet end portion380A and the outlet opening flange383are a pair of spaced apart shoulders385,386, which extend radially outwardly a distance that is less than that of the leading edge381and the outlet opening flange383which define therebetween a circumscribing groove or space “g”.

To enable the connector body382ofFIGS. 78,79to be connected to a knock out hole of an electric box with a snap fit, a circular snap fit retainer ring-like ring374as shown and described with respect toFIG. 77is disposed on the shoulders385,386and is retained thereon between the outlet opening flange383and the leading edge381.

The connector assembly380ofFIGS. 78 and 79is also provided with a simplified electric conductor retainer means that includes an elongated blank of spring metal387which is formed as hereinbefore described inFIGS. 73 to 77and which is affixed at one end to the external surface of the inlet end portion by a set screw or other suitable fastening means388, as hereinbefore described.

To reduce the weight and lessen the amount of material used in casting the connector body383, the inlet end portion380A may be provided with a series of circumferential voids or spaces390formed within the thickness of the inlet end portion.

FIGS. 80 and 81illustrate a further embodiment of the invention. This form of the invention is similar to that described with respect to the embodiment ofFIGS. 78 and 79, except that the connector assembly395includes an inlet end portion395A that is formed with a radially outward projecting protective wall396that circumscribes the window or opening397on three sides. As noted inFIGS. 80 and 81, the conductor retainer398is disposed within the perimeter of the protective wall396. In all other respects, the construction and function of the connector assembly is similar to that described inFIGS. 78 and 70, and need not be repeated.

FIGS. 82 and 83are directed to a further modification of the invention. In this form, the connector assembly400includes a connector body401having an inlet end portion401A, an outlet end portion401B and having a bore402extending therethrough. A radially outwardly extending flange403circumscribes the connector body intermediately thereof to define the inlet end portion401A from the outlet end portion401B. Circumscribing the outlet end portion401B are external threads404which are adapted to receive a lock nut (not shown) for securing the connector assembly to a knock out hole of an electric box.

Formed on the exterior end of the inlet end portion401A is a projecting boss or fastening mount405, as hereinbefore described.

Mounted on the exterior fastening mount or boss405is a conductor retainer406similar in structure and function as hereinbefore described with respect to each of the embodiments disclosed herein.

The free end406A is angularly bent relative to the mounted end406B so as to extend through a window or opening407, as hereinbefore described.

From the foregoing detailed description, it will be noted that each of the described connector assemblies, with the exception of the embodiment ofFIGS. 82 and 83, are constructed so that the embodiments can be readily and quickly connected to a knock out hole of an electric box with a simple snap fit connection. All of the respective embodiments also have in common a simplified externally mounted wire or conductor retainer in the form of a flat spring which can be readily secured to the exterior portion of the connector body adjacent the inlet by means of a simple fastener, which flat spring is shaped to have its other free end extending through a window or opening so as to extend into the inlet end portion of the connector body in a manner whereby a wire conductor can be readily unidirectionally inserted into the inlet end portion and simultaneously secured therein in a manner that prohibits any unintentional separation or pull out of the wire conductor from the connector assembly, all without the need of any extraneous tools.

The embodiment ofFIGS. 82 and 83can be secured to a knock out hole by means of a conventional lock nut while attaining the benefits of the simplified wire retainer means as described herein.

While the present invention has been described with respect to several embodiments, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.