Abstract:
By providing an electrical connector which comprises a single component capable of being inserted into the knockout hole of a housing of any electrical junction box, outlet box, meter box, or similar enclosure from the interior of the housing and securely affixed thereto, an efficient, easily manufactured and installed electrical connector is achieved which can be securely mounted to the housing of any electrical junction box, outlet box, meter box, or similar enclosure from inside the housing. The electrical connector/clamp comprises a generally hollow cylindrical shape incorporating an axial, longitudinal extending slot formed therein which terminates along the length of the electrical clamp/connector and forms the cylindrical housing into two portions movable relative to each other. In this way, the electrical clamp/connector comprises a flexible construction enabling the electrical clamp/connector to flex and return to its original configuration, establishing a snap-in locking member, devoid of any lock nut.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    This invention relates to electrical connectors for metal clad or shielded cables and, more particularly, to electrical clamps or connectors constructed for enabling metal clad or shielded cables to be quickly and easily installed in the housing of an electrical service box, meter box, or other electrical enclosure from the interior of the housing. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0002]    In the field of wiring homes and buildings, whether for new construction or for improvements or expansion, substantial development and product improvements have been made. Typically, these improvements are directed to enabling installers to securely and safely mount any desired wiring to any desired location in the most efficient and quickest manner. 
         [0003]    In any particular installation or location, various conduits or cables must be interconnected to each other as well as connected to the primary power supply in a suitable power distributing outlet box, junction box, meter box, or other enclosure. In these instances, flexible metal conduit and/or armor or metal clad cables within which the electrical power carrying wires are contained, must be securely mounted to the housing of a junction box or outlet box, or connected to an appropriate solid or rigid metal tubing or conduit. 
         [0004]    Although a wide variety of various products have been developed for securely affixing or mounting armor or metal clad cables directly to the housing of a junction box, outlet box, meter box, or other electrical enclosure, all of these prior art products are constructed for being securely affixed to the housing from an exterior surface of the housing. Typically, knockout holes are formed in the housings of the various electrical enclosures, with the electrical connectors being constructed for being inserted into the knockout holes and secured in place, typically by mounting a lock nut to a threaded end of the electrical connector with the lock nut being advanced and secured to the connector from an outside surface of the housing. 
         [0005]    In many installations, access to the outside surface of an electrical housing or enclosure is not available, due to the positioning of the electrical enclosure and/or due to additions being made to existing structures. In these instances, the mounting of the armor or metal clad cable to the electrical enclosure is difficult, requiring extensive manual labor for achieving a secure mounted interengagement of the armor or metal clad cable to the housing. As a result, added costs are incurred as well as the inability to produce a standardized construction or configuration. Consequently, the need exists in the industry for the production of an electrical connector or clamp which eliminates this continuing problem. 
         [0006]    Therefore, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide an electrical connector or clamp which is capable of being quickly and easily installed in the housing of any desired electrical junction box, outlet box, meter box, or similar enclosure from the interior of the housing. 
         [0007]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector or clamp having a characteristic features described above which completely eliminates any need for requiring access to the exterior surface of the housing of any desired electrical junction box, outlet box, meter box, or similar enclosure for securement or installation purposes. 
         [0008]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector or clamp having the characteristic features described above which is capable of being produced in a cost-effective manner from easily produced components. 
         [0009]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector or clamp having the characteristic features described above which is able to be mounted to an interior surface of the housing of any desired electrical junction box, outlet box, meter box, or similar enclosure, quickly and easily by a single individual. 
         [0010]    Other and more specific objects will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    By employing the present invention, all of the difficulties and drawbacks of the prior art systems have been eliminated and an efficient, easily manufactured, and easily installed electrical connector or clamp is achieved which is able to be securely mounted to the housing of any desired electrical junction box, outlet box, meter box, or similar enclosure from inside the housing. In this way, the present invention eliminates the need for employing any type of lock nut or other securement system which requires access to an outside surface of the housing. 
         [0012]    In accordance with the present invention, an electrical connector or clamp is constructed which comprises a single component which is capable of being inserted into the knockout hole of a housing of any electrical junction box, outlet box, meter box, or similar enclosure from the interior of the housing and securely affixed thereto. In this regard, the electrical connector/clamp comprises a generally hollow cylindrical shape incorporating an axial, longitudinal extending slot formed therein which terminates along the length of the electrical clamp/connector and forms the cylindrical housing into two portions which are movable relative to each other. In this way, the electrical clamp/connector comprises a flexible construction enabling the electrical clamp/connector to flex and return to its original configuration, effectively establishing a snap-in locking member, devoid of any lock nut. 
         [0013]    In the preferred construction, the electrical connector/clamp also comprises a flange mounted to the outside surface thereof, with the flange radially extending axially outwardly from the outside surface. In addition, the overall diameter of the flange is constructed to be greater than the typical diameter employed for the knockout holes formed in the housings of electrical junction boxes, outlet boxes, and the like. As a result, the radially extending flange provides an abutment stop for the electrical connector/clamp of the present invention when the electrical connector/clamp is inserted into the knockout hole of the electrical enclosure. 
         [0014]    In addition, the electrical connector/clamp of the present invention also incorporates an upstanding ridge or wall formed on the outer surface of the electrical connector/clamp which extends outwardly from the outside surface of the electrical connector/clamp and is positioned in juxtaposed, spaced relationship to the radially extending flange. In this regard, the upstanding ridge/wall comprises a diameter which is greater than the diameter of the knockout hole of the housing of the electrical enclosure and is spaced from the radially extending flange a distance greater than the wall thickness of the housing of the electrical enclosure. 
         [0015]    As a result of this construction, the electrical connector/clamp is easily inserted into the knockout hole of the housing from the inside surface of the housing, resulting in the snap-in, automatic locking construction to be achieved. In this regard, the upstanding ridge/wall passes through the knockout hole, as the housing portions flex relative to each other, while the flange contacts and abuts the inside surface of the housing. In this way, the electrical clamp/connector of the present invention is securely mounted in the housing with the electrical clamp/connector being secured in position by the contact of the flange with the inside surface of the housing and the contact of the ridge/wall with the outside surface of the housing. 
         [0016]    As discussed above, the hollow, cylindrically shaped component or member forming the electrical connector/clamp of the present invention incorporates an axially extending slot formed therein which longitudinally extends partially in the cylindrically shaped member to effectively define and establish two cooperating portions which are able to flex relative to each other. As a result, the electrical connector/clamp is advanced through the knockout hole of the housing by causing the two portions of the electrical clamp/connector to flex towards each other as the ridge/wall portions of the electrical connector/clamp are advanced through the knockout hole and then automatically returned to the original configuration once passage through the knockout hole has been completed. 
         [0017]    In the preferred embodiment, in order to assist in assuring a trouble free insertion and advance of the electrical connector/clamp of the present invention into the knockout hole of the housing, the electrical clamp/connector of the present invention also incorporates a radially extending ramp element formed on a portion of the outside surface of the electrical connector/clamp which is positioned for cooperating association with the radially extending ridge/wall. In this regard, by employing a radially extending ramp element on the outside surface of the electrical connector/clamp, insertion ease and flexing of the electrical clamp/connector into the knockout hole of the housing is provided and trouble free, rapid, quickly installed result is attained. If desired, the ridge/wall may comprise a single member which substantially encircles the entire housing and may be formed as two or more separate components. 
         [0018]    Finally, in accordance with the present invention, the electrical connector/clamp of the present invention also incorporates a locking screw which is threadedly mounted thereto and is employed for being threadedly advanced to securely affix and lockingly engage the armor or metal clad cable with the electrical connector/clamp. Typically, the armor or metal clad cable which is to be secured to the housing of the electrical junction box, outlet box, meter box, or other electrical enclosure is advanced into the interior of the housing using conventional techniques typically employed in the industry. However, due to the inability of the exterior surfaces of the housing to be accessible to the installer, normal mounted engagement of the armor or metal clad cable to the housing is not available. 
         [0019]    By employing the present invention, the terminating end of the armor or metal clad cable is merely inserted through the knockout hole of the housing and then affixed to the electrical connector/clamp of the present invention, using the locking screw forming a part of the electrical connector/clamp. Then, the electrical connector/clamp, with the armor or metalclad cable affixed thereto is securely mounted to the housing from inside of the housing by merely pushing the electrical connector/clamp through the knockout hole of the housing. One secured in place, the electrical wires of the armor or metalclad cable extending through the electrical connector/clamp are employed in the desired manner for being connected to the appropriate locations within the housing of the electrical junction box, outlet box, meter box, or other electrical enclosure. 
         [0020]    The invention accordingly comprises an article of manufacture possessing the features, properties, and the relation of elements which will be exemplified in the article hereinafter described, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims. 
     
    
     
       THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the electrical connector/clamp of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of the electrical connector/clamp of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a rear elevation view of the electrical connector/clamp of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of the electrical connector/clamp of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 5A  is a side elevation view of the electrical connector/clamp of  FIG. 1  in the process of being inserted through an aperture; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5B  is a side elevation view of the electrical connector/clamp of  FIG. 1  shown with an armor or metal clad cable inserted therein and mounted in position; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  is a top view of the electrical connector/clamp of  FIGS. 1 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the electrical connector/clamp of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the electrical connector/clamp of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 9  is a side elevation view of a further alternate embodiment of the electrical connector/clamp of the present invention; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional side elevation view depicting the electrical connector/clamp of  FIG. 1  securely mounted in a housing of an electrical enclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0033]    By referring By referring to  FIGS. 1-10 , along with the following detailed disclosure, the construction and operation of three preferred alternate embodiments of the electrical connector/clamp of the present invention can best be understood. Although the following disclosure fully details each of the three alternate embodiments and presents the best mode for implementing the present invention, the electrical connector/clamp of the present invention can be constructed in further alternate configurations. Consequently, it is to be understood that the embodiments detailed herein are provided for exemplary purposes only and are not intended as a limitation of the present invention. 
         [0034]    By referring to  FIGS. 1-7 , along with the following detailed disclosure, the construction and operation of one preferred embodiment of electrical connector/clamp  20  of the present invention can best be understood. As clearly depicted in these figures, electrical connector/clamp  20  comprises a generally hollow, cylindrically shaped member  21  incorporating outer surface  22 , front end  26  and rear end  27 . Furthermore, cylindrically shaped member  21  incorporates axial, longitudinally extending slot  23  formed therein extending a major portion of the length of member  21 , effectively establishing separate housing portions  24  and  25 . 
         [0035]    In addition, electrical clamp/connector  20  incorporates flange  28  radially extending outwardly from surface  22  of hollow, cylindrically shaped member  21 . In the preferred construction, flange  28  substantially encircles surface  22  of clamp/connector  20  and comprises a diameter greater than the typical diameter employed for the knockout holes formed in the housings of conventional outlet boxes, meter boxes, junction boxes, and other similar electrical enclosures. By employing this construction, flange  28  forms a positive abutment stop for electrical clamp/connector  20  whenever clamp/connector  20  is inserted into the knockout hole of a desired electrical housing. 
         [0036]    In order to provide the desired automatic, snap-in, locked interengagement of electrical clamp/connector  20  in any desired electrical housing, electrical clamp/connector  20  also comprises ridge or wall  29  radially extending outwardly from surface  22  of member  21 , with ridge/wall  29  positioned in juxtaposed, spaced, cooperating relationship with flange  28 . In the preferred embodiment, ridge/wall  29  also comprises an overall diameter which is greater than the diameter typically employed in the knockout hole of the electrical housing. However, as is more fully detailed below, electrical clamp/connector  20  is constructed with portions  24  and  25  of member  21  being flexible relative to each other, thereby enabling ridge/wall  29  to be deflected for enabling electrical clamp/connector  20  to be inserted through the knockout hole, and then return to its original position, securely affixing electrical clamp/connector  20  in the desired housing. 
         [0037]    As the best seen in  FIGS. 4 ,  5 A and  5 B, longitudinally extending slot  23  formed in member  21  is constructed to effectively establish separate housing portions  24  and  25  which are interconnected to each other at terminating zone  30  formed at the terminating end of slot  23 . As a result, housing portions  24  and  25  are capable of flexing relative to each other, while still being securely affixed and attached to each other. 
         [0038]    By constructing slot  23  to extend through a major length of member  21 , while terminating in member  21  with terminating zone  30 , portions  24  and  25  are interconnected to each other and are able to be advanced or flexed towards each other, while still retaining sufficient inherent spring force to automatically return to their original positions. In this way, as shown in  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B, and  FIG. 10 , ridge/wall  29  is able to be deflected for allowing electrical clamp/connector  20  to be inserted through knockout hole  40  of electrical housing  41 . 
         [0039]    In order to assure that electrical clamp/connector  20  is easily and quickly inserted into knockout hole  40  of a desired housing  41  and securely retained therein, electrical clamp/connector  20  incorporates sloping, ramp  32  formed on outer surface  22  and extending from front end  26 , terminating with ridge/wall  29 . In this way, whenever electrical clamp/connector  20  is inserted into knockout hole  41 , ramp  32  contacts the edge of knockout hole  40 , causing portion  25  of member  21  to be flexed towards portion  24  of member  21 . 
         [0040]    In addition, during the insertion process, the installer would press portion  24  towards portion  25 , for assisting in the deflection of ridge/wall  29 . As a result, electrical clamp/connector  20  is able to be quickly inserted through knockout hole  40  and subsequently returned to its original position with ridge/wall  29  lockingly engaging the outside surface of the housing  41 . 
         [0041]    In a typical installation, prior to lockingly engaging electrical clamp/connector  20  in housing  41 , the desired armored or metal clad cable  36  is mounted with electrical clamp/connector  20 . In order to achieve this mounting operation, electrical clamp/connector  20  is longitudinally advanced onto the terminating end of armored or metal clad cable  36 , with electrical wires  37  contained in cable  36  telescopically advanced through aperture  38  of rear end  27 , for enabling wires  37  to be employed in the desired manner. 
         [0042]    In the preferred construction, rear end  27  of electrical clamp/connector  20  comprises a terminating end wall with aperture  38  formed therein. In this way, the end of armored or metal clad cable  36  is advanced into contact with the end wall of rear end  27  and, once in its final position, locking screw  39  is rotated into locking engagement with the outer surface of armored or metal clad cable  36 . In this way, cable  36  is securely affixed with electrical clamp/connector  20 . 
         [0043]    As is evident from the foregoing detailed disclosure, armor or metal clad cable  36  is quickly and easily secured to electrical clamp/connector  20  with electrical wires  37  extending through clamp/connector  20 . As discussed above, armor or metal clad cable  36  is advanced through knockout hole  40  of housing  41  in order to position the terminating end of cable  36  inside housing  41 . Then, electrical clamp/connector  20  is secured to cable  36  for final installation. 
         [0044]    In order to complete the installation process, electrical clamp/connector  20  is inserted through knockout hole  40  of electrical enclosure  41  from inside housing  41  in the manner fully detailed above. Once this quick and easy, snap in engagement is completed, the desired installation of cable  36  in electrical housing  41  is completed. In addition, as shown in  FIG. 10 , securement screw  39  which is advanced into secure clamping engagement with the outer surface of the armor or metal clad cable  36 , is a preferably connected to grounding plate  42  which provides the desired electrical grounding of armor or metal clad cable  36  with housing  41 . 
         [0045]    By employing the present invention, the complete securement and installation of cable  36  with electrical clamp/connector  20  in housing  41  is completed in a rapid and easily installed manner. In addition, as is evident from the foregoing detailed disclosure, the complete installation process is achieved from the interior of housing  41 , including the securement of electrical clamp/connector  20  to housing  41 . As a result, the installer is able to avoid any need for accessing the exterior surface of housing  41  during the installation process, thereby eliminating the cumbersome and difficult task frequently required of installers using prior art systems. 
         [0046]    As clearly shown in the drawings of the present invention, electrical clamp/connector  20  is constructed with elongated slot  23  terminating prior to reaching front end  26 . In this preferred construction, elongated slot  23  preferably comprises an L-shape, terminating with outside surface  22  of cylindrically shaped member  21 . 
         [0047]    In this way, front end  26  comprises a complete, continuous, circular shape, and is not split into two separate and independent segments. It has been found that a complete circular segment possesses enhanced structural integrity and is preferred. However, although the embodiment depicted in the drawings is preferred, alternate constructions can be employed, including extending the elongated slot  23  through to front end  26 , if desired. 
         [0048]    In  FIGS. 8 and 9 , two alternate embodiments of electrical clamp/connector  20  are depicted. In these alternate embodiments, the construction of clamp/connector  20  is virtually identical to the construction of claim/connector  20  detailed above and shown in  FIGS. 1-7 . Consequently, the foregoing detailed discussion and disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, and the similar or identical elements shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  are displayed using identical reference numerals. 
         [0049]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 8 , the principal distinguishing feature incorporated therein comprises plastic sleeve  44  which is inserted in aperture  38  of rear end  27 . Although sleeve  44  is not required, it has been found that in many instances the incorporation and use of plastic sleeve  44  is desirable, since it provides a nonabrasive corner or edge over which wires  37  extend. As a result, undesirable chafing or abrasion of the outer surface of wires  37  is virtually eliminated. 
         [0050]    In  FIG. 9 , a further alternate embodiment of electrical clamp/connector  20  is depicted. In this embodiment, screw  39  is mounted in a receiving post which extends from the outer surface  22  of cylindrically shaped member  21  at an angle relative thereto, as opposed to the substantially perpendicular post employed in the previous embodiment. Although either screw receiving post configuration can be employed with equal efficacy, in some instances, the angular position for screw receiving post is desirable for enabling screw  39  to be advanced into clamping engagement with the other surface of armor or metal clad cable  36  at an angle relative thereto, as opposed to contacting cable  36  substantially perpendicularly. 
         [0051]    It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above article without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 
         [0052]    It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of a language, might be said to fall therebetween. 
         [0053]    Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is: