Patent Publication Number: US-6905360-B2

Title: Power cord connector for an appliance

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/391,715 filed on Jun. 26, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 

   BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to a cord for supplying power to an appliance, such as a food waste disposer. 
   Operation of an appliance requires proper connection of a power cord to the appliance. Appliances typically include components requiring a particular connection to a power source, such as a specific phase arrangement for AC power or a specific positive and negative connection for DC power. Furthermore, connection of the power cord to the appliance must be mechanically secure to prevent possible disconnection of the cord and to prevent damage to the cord where it interfaces with the appliance. 
   Conventional practice in connecting a power cord to an appliance can involve tedious or time-consuming assembly, which can lead to slow manufacturing of the appliance or possible errors in the connection of the power cord. Difficulties in connecting the power cord to the appliance can also hinder the possibility of automating the assembly. These and other considerations concerning power cords for appliances are well known in the art. 
   A food waste disposer is one appliance having a power cord. Referring to  FIG. 1 , a typical connection of a power cord to a food waste disposer is schematically illustrated. On one end, the power cord  10  has an outlet plug  12  for connection to a conventional power supply, such as a wall socket. A “hot” wire  14 , a “neutral” wire  16 , and a ground wire  18  are insulated together in the cord  10 . A bushing  20 , shown in relevant detail in  FIG. 2 , is on the cord  10 . The disposer has a lower end frame  30 , which is a metal portion for supporting additional components (not shown) of the disposer. The lower end frame  30  defines a hole  32 . The bushing  20  is installed in the hole  32  with the cord  10  passing therethrough. The bushing  20  rigidly holds and protects the cord  10  where it interfaces with the lower end frame  30 . The bushing  20  can be pressed against the sides of the hole  32  and can include a rim or shoulder  21  to hold the bushing  20  in the hole  32 . 
   Referring briefly to  FIG. 2 , the bushing  20  is illustrated in cross-section with further details shown. The bushing  20  includes two portions  22  and  26  connected together by a flexible member  27 . The cord (not shown) is positioned in a passage  24  of the larger portion  22  and passes from one end  23  to another end  25 . The smaller portion  26  includes an extension  28  and fits between sides (not shown) of the larger portion  22 . The extension  28  produces a crimp in the cord to hold it firmly in the bushing  20 . 
   Returning to  FIG. 1 , the three wires  14 ,  16 , and  18  of the power cord  10  pass through the bushing  20  and inside the disposer. The “hot” and “neutral” wires  14  and  16  are connected to leads  44  and  46  of an electrical system  40  of the disposer. The electrical system  40  typically includes a switch assembly (not shown), an overload switch (not shown), and an induction motor (not shown), among other components known in the art. In particular, the “hot” wire  14  is connected to a first lead  44  with a first wire nut or crimp connector  15 . The “neutral” wire  16  is connected to a second lead  46  with a second wire nut or crimp connector  17 . The ground wire  18  of the cord  10  has a ring terminal  19 . Although not shown here, the ring terminal  19  is typically used to connect the ground wire  18  to the lower end frame  30  with a screw (not shown). 
   Unfortunately, electrically connecting and mechanically attaching the conventional power cord  10  to the disposer involves tedious or time-consuming assembly. Referring to  FIG. 3 , assembly of the prior art connection will now be discussed. In  FIG. 3 , a bottom view of a portion of the lower end frame  30  of the disposer is illustrated. The lower end frame  30  defines the hole  32  for the bushing  20  and cord  10 . The lower end frame  30  also defines an opening  34  for accessing the cord wires and disposer leads within the disposer. The lower end frame  30  has a shield  36  for protecting the wires and leads from moving components in the disposer and has a cover  38  (shown partially cutaway) for covering the wire access opening  34  after assembly. 
   During assembly, the bushing  20  is positioned on the power cord  10  as described above. Unconnected ends of the cord wires  14 ,  16 , and  18  are disposed through the hole  32  in the lower end frame  30 . These unconnected ends are stripped to expose conductive ends of the cord wires  14  and  16 . The bushing  20  on the cord  10  is then installed into the hole  32 . The bushing  20  is forced into the hole  32  by simultaneously pressing the bushing  20  into the hole  32  and crimping the cord  10  in the bushing  20 . A tool may be required to install the bushing  20  and cord  10  in the hole  32 . The sides and rim of the bushing  20  press against the edge of the hole  32  with a compression fit to hold the bushing  20  and cord  10  to the lower end frame  30 . 
   With the cover plate  38  removed, the stripped ends of the cord wires  14  and  16  and the stripped ends of the disposer leads  44  and  46  are accessed by hand through the wire access opening  34 . Assembly personnel connect the “hot” wire  14  and disposer lead  44  together with the wire nut or crimp connector  15  and connect the “neutral” wire  16  and lead  46  together with the wire nut or crimp connector  17 . The ring connector  19  crimped on the ground wire  18  is connected to the wire shield  36  on the lower end frame  30  with a screw  37 . 
   The prior art method of connecting and attaching the power cord  10  to the disposer is prone to potential errors. The connection of the electrical system  40  of the disposer to the power supply requires correct connection of the cord wires  14 ,  16  to the disposer leads  44  and  46  and the ground wire  18  to the lower end frame  30 . Typically, the wires and leads are simply color-coded to facilitate their proper connection. Except for such color-coding, there is no guidance or built-in system for determining or indicating which cord wires connect to which disposer leads. Consequently, the possibility of incorrectly connecting the wires and leads is increased. 
   In addition, the prior art method of connecting the cord  10  to the disposer requires special tools for installation and requires a number of steps to be performed. The tools required include, for example, a crimping tool for crimping the connectors  15  and  17  on the disposer leads  44 ,  46  and cord wires  14 ,  16 . To make the electrical connection, assembly personnel or field installers must make the various connections one at a time and by hand. Such difficult and time-consuming operations complicate the assembly and installation of the disposer. 
   Although the electrical connection described above is effective, manufacturers strive to provide quicker and easier ways to connect power cords to appliances, such as food waste disposers. It is desirable to have a power cord connection that can be easily performed without requiring special tools, a number of steps, or considerable effort. In addition, it is desirable to have a power cord connection that grounds a frame of the appliance without a traditional fastener, such as ring terminal  19  and screw  37 . The present invention is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing the effects of, one or more of the problems set forth above. 
   SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
   A quick connect plug for electrically connecting and mechanically attaching a power cord to an appliance, such as a disposer, is disclosed. The plug is connected to an end of the power cord. In one embodiment, the plug houses push-in terminals, which are electrically connected to first and second wires of the power cord. A first portion of the plug defines openings to receive leads from the disposer, which electrically connect to the push-in terminals housed in the plug. The portion positions through an aperture defined in a metal portion or lower end frame of the disposer. A plurality of tabs disposed about the first portion engage an inside surface of the lower end frame of the disposer. A second portion of the plug is connected to the cord and defines a shoulder with the first portion. A conductive ring is disposed on the shoulder and is electrically connected to the ground wire of the power cord. The conductive ring contacts the metal frame of the disposer. 
   The foregoing summary is not intended to summarize each potential embodiment or every aspect of the invention disclosed herein. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing summary, a preferred embodiment, and other aspects of the present invention will be best understood with reference to a detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention, which follows, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  schematically illustrates a connection of a power cord to a waste disposer according to the prior art. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a bushing according to the prior art for connecting the power cord to a lower end frame of the disposer. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a bottom view of a portion of the lower end frame having the power cord connection according to the prior art. 
       FIG. 4  schematically illustrates a connection of a power cord to a waste disposer according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a quick connect plug on a power cord according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of quick connect plug on a power cord according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates a bottom, plan view of the quick connect plug of  FIG. 5  according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 6B  illustrates a partial, cross-sectional view of the quick connect plug having the ground wire of the cord connected to the conductive member according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 6C  illustrates a partial, cross-sectional view of the quick connect plug housing a push-in terminal according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 6D  illustrates a partial, cross-sectional view of the quick connect plug and push-in terminal having a mechanism for releasing the disposer lead according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 7A  illustrates the quick connect plug of  FIG. 5  in a stage of connecting to the disposer. 
       FIG. 7B  illustrates a side view of the quick connect plug connected on the lower end frame. 
       FIGS. 8A-E  illustrate various embodiments of conductive members for a quick connect plug according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a quick connect plug on a power cord according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a quick connect plug incorporating a cover plate as a conductive member according to the present invention. 
       FIGS. 11A-11C  illustrate a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a quick connect plug incorporating latching arms as the conductive member according to the present invention. 
   

   While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   In the interest of clarity, it is understood that not all features of actual implementations of a quick connect plug are described in the disclosure that follows. In an effort to develop an actual implementation, as in any project, numerous engineering and design decisions must be made to achieve the specific goals of the developer (e.g., compliance with mechanical-related and business-related constraints). The specific goals and constraints may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, in the effort to develop an actual implementation of a quick connect plug, attention must necessarily be paid to proper engineering and design practices for the environment in question. Such development efforts would be a routine undertaking for those of skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure. 
   Referring to  FIG. 4 , a power cord connection according to the present invention for an appliance is schematically illustrated. The example appliance in the disclosure that follows is a food waste disposer having a metal portion or lower end frame  50 . It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, however, that the power cord connection of the present invention is applicable to a number of appliances other than food waste disposers. 
   The connection includes a power cord  100  having a first or “hot” wire  104 , a second or “neutral” wire  106 , and a ground wire  108 , which are insulated together: On one end, the power cord  100  may have an outlet plug  102  for connecting to a conventional AC power supply and ground. For example, the outlet plug  102  may be a standard National Electronics Manufacturing Association (NEMA) 5-15P grounding plug. Although the present embodiment is directed to a single or a two phase power arrangement having two power wires and a ground, it is understood that the present invention can work equally as well with other power arrangements, such as a three phase arrangement having three power wires and a ground, for example. 
   The connection also includes a quick connect plug  110  on another end of the power cord  100 . The quick connect plug  110  mechanically attaches the cord  100  to the lower end frame  50  of the disposer and electrically connects the cord  100  to an electrical system  60  of the disposer. Furthermore, the quick connect plug  110  grounds the lower end frame  50  of the disposer. 
   The plug  110  includes a first end or portion  112  and a second end or portion  114 . The first end  112  is connected to the cord  100 . Ends of the wires  104 ,  106 , and  108  of the cord  100  pass into the plug  110 . Connective members  160  and  160 ′ are housed in the plug and are electrically connected to ends of the wires  104  and  106 . A connective member  150  is disposed on the outside of the plug  110  and is electrically connected to the ground wire  108  of the cord  100 . 
   To electrically connect the plug  110  to the disposer, leads  64  and  66  from the electrical system  60  are received in the second end  114  and are electrically connected to the connective members  160  and  160 ′. As is known in the art, the leads  64  and  66  from the electrical system  60  of the disposer connect to a start switch (not shown) and an overload switch (not shown), which control power to windings of a motor (not shown) in the disposer. For a disposer, the leads  64  and  66  are typically stranded or tinned 18-gauge, insulated wire. 
   To mechanically attach the plug  110  to the disposer, the second end  114  is positioned in a hole  52  defined in the lower end frame  50 . To hold the plug  110  to the frame  50 , the first end  112  engages an outside surface of the frame  50  adjacent the hole  52 , and the second end  114  engages an inside of the frame  50  adjacent the hole  52 . To ground the lower end frame  50 , the conductive member  150  that is electrically connected to the ground wire  108  contacts the outside surface of the frame  50  adjacent the hole  52 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 5A , an embodiment of a quick connect plug  210  is illustrated in a perspective view on a power cord  200 . The quick connect plug  210  and cord  200  can be molded together out of polyvinyl chloride or other suitable materials known in the art. The plug  210  includes a first portion  212 , a second portion  220 , one or more retainers  240 , and a conductive member  250 . The first portion  212  is connected to the power cord  200 . Flexure members  214  are preferably formed at the juncture of the first portion  212  and the cord  200  to prevent damage due to bending or twisting. 
   The second portion  220  extends from the first portion  212  and has the one or more retainers  240  disposed thereon. The second portion  220  has a smaller dimension than the first portion  212  so that a shoulder  216  is defined therebetween. Although shoulder  216  is depicted in the figures as completely encircling the perimeter of second portion  220 , it is however envisioned that one or more individual shoulders or stops can also be used to reap the advantages of the present disclosure as described herein. The conductive member  250  is disposed at the shoulder  216  and is electrically connected to the ground wire (not shown) of the cord  200 . 
   In the present embodiment, the one or more retainers  240  are tabs disposed about a periphery of the second portion  220 . The tabs  240  are angled from their leading ends at the face of the second portion  220  to facilitate insertion in the hole of the lower end frame as described below. The tabs  240  define gaps  218  with the shoulder  216  and conductive member  250  to accommodate the width of the lower end frame when the plug  210  is installed as described below. 
   In the present embodiment, the conductive member  250  is preferably a ring fully encompassing the perimeter of the shoulder  216 . The conductive member  250 , however, can include other shapes or less encompassing forms. In addition, the conductive member  250  need not necessarily be positioned at a shoulder of the plug  210  as in the present embodiment. The conductive member  250  can include one or more detents  254  for locking the plug, as best described below. 
   The second portion  220  defines lead openings  224  and  226  in its face for receiving the leads  64  and  66  of the disposer. In  FIG. 5A , the disposer leads  64  and  66  are shown ready for insertion into the lead openings  224  and  226 . Once inserted, the disposer leads  64  and  66  connect to connective members (not shown), which are housed within plug  210 . 
     FIG. 5B  depicts an alternate embodiment of the present invention in which quick connect plug  210  is shown having a first portion  212 , a second portion  220 , and one or more retainers  240  as in FIG.  5 A. Instead of the conductive member  250  shown in  FIG. 5A , ground wire  208  is provided having a ring terminal  209 . Although not shown here, the ring terminal  209  is used to connect ground wire  208  to the lower end frame of the food waste disposal as described previously with respect to ground wire  18  and ring terminal  19  in FIG.  3 . This method and apparatus for grounding the disposer utilizes a quick connection with respect to the disposer leads, but provides an alternate scheme for grounding the disposer. Aside from this alternate grounding scheme, this embodiment otherwise functions and engages with the disposer as described with respect to the preferred embodiment described in FIG.  5 A. 
   Referring to  FIG. 6A , an internal view of the quick connect plug  210  of  FIG. 5A  is shown. In  FIG. 6A , the first portion  212  and the second portion  220  of the plug  210  are illustrated in broken lines so that internal arrangements of components of the plug  210  can be seen. A first, second, and ground wire  204 ,  206 , and  208  are shown housed in the cord  200 . The first and second wires  204  and  206  are each connected to a connective member  260  adjacent the wire openings  224  and  226  of the plug  210 . As best shown below in  FIG. 6C , the connective members  260  and the conductive member  250  are separated and insulated from one another by the material of the plug  210 . 
   The conductive member  250  includes an attachment portion  256 , which connects onto the ground wire  208  of the cord. As with the connective member  260 , the attachment portion  256  of the conductive member  250  is housed within the material of the plug  210  when formed. The conductive member  250  is a ring defining an outer diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the first portion  212  of the plug. The conductive member  250  also defines an inner diameter that is preferably less than the diameter of the second portion  220  of the plug  210 . Thus, internal portions  258  of the conductive member  250  can be molded between the juncture of the first and second portions  212  and  220 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 6B , a partial cross-section of the plug  210  is shown having the conductive member  250  connected to the ground wire  208  of the power cord. The conductive member  250  includes the attachment portion  256 , which in the present embodiment is crimped on the ground wire  208  of the cord and molded in the material of the plug  210 . It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the electrical connection of the conductive member  250  to the ground wire  208  can be performed by a number of techniques known in the art. The internal portion  258  of the conductive member  250  is shown to slightly extend under the second portion  220  to illustrate its molding in the material. By having portions  258  of the conductive member  250  extending and molded into the material of the plug  210 , the conductive member  250  is held to the plug  210 . Instead of being a uniform, planar ring as shown, the internal portion  258  of the conductive member  250  can include rib portions (not shown) extending perpendicularly. Such ribs may be used to further hold the conductive member  250  molded in the material of the plug  210 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 6C , a partial cross-section of the plug  210  is shown housing one embodiment of a connective member  260 . Preferably, the connective member  260  housed in the plug  210  is a push-in terminal capturing a conductive, stripped end  67  of the disposer lead  66  by catching a hooked or kinked end  265  of the push-in terminal  260  on the stripped end  67 . Connective member  260  preferably traps the stripped end  67  against yet another metallic surface  266  which helps to ensure proper electrical contact with the lead. In addition to push-in terminals, is understood that other connective members, terminals, or connectors known in the art may be housed in the plug  210  to connect to the disposer leads. Although only one push-in terminal  260  is shown, the other push-in terminal, as shown in  FIG. 6D , may be substantially similar. 
   The second portion  220  of the plug  210  defines the lead opening  226 , which includes a shoulder  227  to stop insertion of the disposer lead  66  by engaging the insulation of the lead. The push-in terminal  260  also includes an attachment portion  264  electrically connected to a wire  206  of the cord (not shown). By receiving the conductive end  67  of the lead  66 , the push-in terminal  260  eliminates the need for the tedious wire or crimp connections of the prior art. Furthermore, the plug  210  can be readily used with new or existing disposers in the field, because the lead does not require a specific connector or terminal to be crimped on the end. 
   The lead  66  can also be released from the end  67  from the terminal  260 . In one embodiment shown in  FIG. 6D , the plug  210  and push-in terminal  260  include a mechanism for releasing the end  67  of the lead  66  from the terminal portion  262 . A small opening  230  is provided in the face of the second portion  220  adjacent the lead opening  226 . By inserting a thin tool or instrument  232 , such as a pin, in the small opening  230 , the terminal  260  can be moved so that it no longer captures the end  67 . In this regard, the terminal  260  can include a shelf or catch  263 . The distal end of the tool  232  can contact the catch  263  to move or bend the terminal  260 . Once the terminal  260  is moved away from the end  67 , the lead  66  can be removed from the plug  210 . The terminal  260  can then be released to recapture an end of another lead. By enabling the lead to be released with such a release mechanism, the plug  210  and power cord  200  can be reused. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , connection of the quick connect plug  210  of  FIG. 5  to the disposer will be discussed. In  FIG. 7A , the quick connect plug  210  is shown in a stage of connecting to the disposer. In  FIG. 7B , the quick connect plug  210  is illustrated in a side view connected on the lower end frame  50 , which is shown in cross-section to reveal relevant details. 
   With the disposer leads  64  and  66  connected to the connective members (not shown) housed in the plug  210  as described earlier, assembly personnel or a field installer inserts the second portion  220  of the plug  210  in the hole  52  defined in the lower end frame  50 . The hole  52  includes one or more slots  54 . The second portion  220  is inserted into the hole  52  in direction P with the retainers  240  aligned with the slots  54 . The conductive member  250  and the shoulder  216  of the plug  210  engage the outside surface of the lower end frame  50  adjacent the hole  52 . The plug  210  is then turned approximately 90-degrees in direction R. The conductive member  250  preferably has one or more detents  254 . When the plug  210  is turned in the hole  52 , the detents  254  dispose in the slots  54  to prevent accidental turning of the plug  210  in the hole  52  and to ground the conductive member  250  (and hence ground wire  208 ) to the lower end frame  50 . Accordingly, the quick connect plug  210  substantially reduces the amount of labor to connect the power cord  100  to the disposer and eliminates the need for tools to complete the installation. 
   As best shown in  FIG. 7B , the edge of the hole  52  fits in the gaps  218  between the retainers  240  and the conductive member  250  on the shoulder  216 . The plug  210  is held in the hole  52  by the retainers  240  engaging the inside surface of the lower end frame  50  and by the conductive member  250  and shoulder  216  engaging the outside surface. The conductive member  250  is preferably composed of a suitable material to establish electrical continuity with the lower end frame  50 , which is typically formed from a stamped or cast metal. 
   The cord  200  need not necessarily connect at a 90-degree angle to the first portion  212  as illustrated, but can connect at other angles depending on the particular implementation or the intended appliance. The 90-degree bend of the cord  200  from the first portion  212  facilitates packaging of the disposer when the cord  200  and plug  210  are pre-assembled on the disposer. If the cord  200  were to be pulled, however, the 90-degree bend may enable the plug  210  to be more readily removed from the hole  52 . Appropriate dimensions and design of the plug  210  to withstand being pried from the hole  52  can be easily determined by those of ordinary skill in the art. Having the cord  200  extend straight from the first portion  212  may also enable the mechanical attachment of the plug  210  to withstand a predetermined force and may help prevent the plug  210  from being pried from the hole  52 . 
   The quick connect plug  210  is preferably composed of one or more materials, such as thermoplastic, polyvinyl chloride, or nylon. The material is preferably suitable for insulating and protecting the electrical components housed in the plug  210 . In addition, the material for at least some of the plug  210 , such as the second end  220  and retainers  240 , is preferably hard enough not to be unduly damaged or cut when the plug  210  is inserted and turned in the hole  52 . Furthermore, because the plug  210  is molded around the conductive member  250 , the material adjacent the conductive member  250  preferably has appropriate properties of rigidity and thermal resistance to maintain the conductive member  250  in continuity with the lower end frame  50 . 
   The plug  210  can be formed by molding a single material, such as a hard thermoplastic or nylon. If insulated with a softer material, the cord  200  can connect to the plug  210  using a clamp or other mechanism known in the art. Alternatively, the plug  210  can be formed by molding combination of materials to house the components. In addition, the plug  210  can be formed by a combination of pre-molds and over-molds of one or more materials. For example, the plug  210  can be formed by a pre-mold of a hard nylon having an over-mold of PVC. 
   It is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that properties, materials, components, and other aspects of the plug  210  must necessarily meet a number of industry standards and tests known in the art. In general, industry standards and tests address secureness, mold stress relief, overloading, resistance to arcing, ground continuity, pullout force, heating, insulation resistance, flammability, etc. For example, the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) codes UL 498 for “Attachment Plugs and Receptacles” or UL 817 for “Cord Sets and Power-Supply Cords” may suggest requirements pertinent to the present disclosure. One skilled in the art would find it a routine undertaking to conform aspects of the present invention to such industry standards and tests. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 8A-E , various embodiments of conductive members for the quick connect plug of FIGS.  5 A and  7 A-B are illustrated. For simplicity, outer sides of a first portion  212 , a shoulder.  216 , and a second portion  220  of a quick connect plug are shown with dashed lines in the side views of  FIGS. 8A-E . For simplicity, portions for attaching a ground wire (not shown) to the conductive members  270 ,  280 ,  290 ,  296 , and  400  are not shown in  FIGS. 8A-E . 
   In  FIG. 8A , an embodiment of a conductive member  270  is illustrated in a perspective view and a side view. The conductive member  270  includes a ring shaped body  271  having an outer diameter  274  and an inner diameter  276 . As best shown in the side view of  FIG. 8A , the conductive member  270  is molded onto the quick connect plug at the shoulder  216  so that one side  272  of the body  271  can contact a lower end frame (not shown). To improve the secureness of the conductive member  270  on the plug, a plurality of extensions  278  extend from the inner diameter  274  of the ring shaped body  271 . The extensions  278  secure the conductive member  270  to the plug when molded thereon. In the present embodiment, all of the extensions  278  extend in a direction away from the side  272  for contacting the lower end frame are molded into the first portion  212  of the plug, but this is not strictly necessarily. 
   In  FIG. 8B , another embodiment of a conductive member  280  is illustrated in a perspective view and a side view. The conductive member  280  resembles a Belleville washer known in the art. To improve the continuity of the conductive member  280  with a lower end frame (not shown), the conductive member  280  acts as a compact spring. The conductive member  280  includes a dish or cone shaped body  281  having an outer diameter on one end  282  and having an inner diameter on another end  283 . The conductive member  280  may be formed from a flat washer made from spring grade steel that is pressed into the dish or cone shaped body  281  and then hardened and tempered. Preferably, the conductive member  280  is molded onto the quick connect plug with the end  282  having the outer diameter positioned at the shoulder  216 . Not only does the spring action of the conductive member  280  helps to maintain continuity between the conductive member  280  and the lower end frame, but the conductive member  280  helps to maintain the quick connect plug on the lower end frame. The spring action of the conductive member  280  helps to further engage retainers on the second portion  220 , such as the retainers  240  discussed above in  FIG. 7B , against the lower end frame. 
   In  FIG. 8C , another embodiment of a conductive member  290  is illustrated in a perspective view and a side view. The conductive member  290  includes a body  291  having an outer diameter  292  and an inner diameter  293 . The inner diameter  293  defines a plurality of lifted tabs  294 . Preferably, the conductive member  290  is molded onto the quick connect plug with the outer diameter  292  positioned at the shoulder  216 . The plurality of lifted tabs  294  provide a spring action that helps to maintain the quick connect plug on the lower end frame and to maintain continuity between the conductive member  290  and the lower end frame. In addition, when the quick connect plug is rotated within an aperture of the lower end frame as described above in  FIGS. 7A-B , the lifted tabs  294  can lock into slots defined in the aperture. 
   In  FIG. 8D , yet another embodiment of a conductive member  296  is illustrated in a perspective view and a side view. The conducting member  296  resembles a wave washer known in the art. Like the former embodiments of  FIGS. 8B-C , the conductive member  296  acts as a spring to maintain the quick connect plug on the lower end frame and to maintain continuity between the conductive member  296  and the lower end frame. It is understood that this and other embodiments of conductive members disclosed herein can include features in combination with one another to form additional embodiments of conductive members not explicitly illustrated. For example, this and other embodiments of conductive members can include detents, such as detent  284  shown on the conductive member  280  in  FIG. 8B , for locking the quick connect plug in place as discussed above. 
   In  FIG. 8E , yet another embodiment of a conductive member  400  is illustrated in a perspective view and a cutaway side view. Conducting member  400  contains a ring shaped lower portion  402  designed to contact lower end frame  50  at  403  (as described similarly with respect to FIG.  8 A). Conducting member  400  also contains an upper portion  404  that has a smaller outside diameter than lower portion  402  such that upper portion  404  can pass through the aperture in the lower end frame. Upper portion  404  contains a cap  406  with features ( 408 ,  410 ) designed to improve the constant metal-to-metal contact desired for proper grounding of the appliance. For example, one or more contacting arms  408  may be used to provide a constant metal-to-metal ground connection with the edge of the aperture (at  409 ). One or more contacting arms  410  may be used for a dual purpose: (1) to provide a constant metal-to-metal ground with the inside surface  412  of the lower edge frame; and (2) to replace retainers  240  (for example, in  FIG. 7A ) in securing the plug to the lower end frame. As can best be seen from the side view in  FIG. 8E , conductive member  400  as described above thus contacts the lower end frame at three locations—the outside surface  403  of the lower end frame, the inside surface  412  of the lower end frame, and at the aperture edge  409 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 9 , another embodiment of a quick connect plug  210  according to the present invention is illustrated on a power cord  200 . The plug  210  is substantially the same as that described above with reference to  FIGS. 7A-B . The plug  210  is shown with wires  64  and  66  installed in the second portion  220  and ready to attach to the lower end frame  50  of the disposer. 
   Certain agencies, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the Consumer Safety Agency (CSA), and the British Electrotechnical Approvals Board (BEAB), may require that a ground connection of an appliance be made specifically with a fastener or screw. Therefore, the conductive member  250  in the present embodiment includes an extension  259  having a fastener aperture defined therethrough. When the second portion  220  is inserted and turned in the hole  52  as discussed previously, the fastener aperture of the extension  259  aligns with another fastener aperture  56  defined in the lower end frame  50 . A fastener or screw (not shown) is then used to affix the conductive member  250  to the end frame  50  to meet such a requirement. 
   Referring to  FIG. 10 , yet another embodiment of a quick connect plug  310  according to the present invention is illustrated on a cord  300 . The plug  310  has one end  312  connected to the power cord  300 . Another end  314  of the plug  310  receives leads  64  and  66  from the disposer. As in previous embodiments, the plug  310  houses connective members (not shown) electrically connected to the hot and neutral wires (not shown) of the cord  300 . In the present embodiment, however, the plug  310  is molded with a conductive member or plate  350 . The plate  350  in the present embodiment is substantially larger than in previous embodiments and extends well beyond the sides of the plug  310  between the ends  312  and  314 . The plate  350  is electrically connected to the ground wire (not shown) of the cord  300 . The plate  350  is then positioned in direction P over a wire access opening  58  defined in the lower end frame  50 . The plate  350  contacts and grounds the lower end frame  50 , as explained earlier. The plate  350  includes one or more fastener openings  352  for securing the plate  350  to the frame  50  with a fastener or screw (not shown). Like the previous embodiment in  FIG. 9 , the present embodiment of the plug  310  with plate  350  may meet agency requirements for establishing the ground connection of an appliance with a fastener or screw. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 11A-C , yet another embodiment of a quick connect plug  500  according to the present invention is illustrated.  FIGS. 11B and 11C  illustrate the plug of  FIG. 11A  from two different side views (rotated 90 degrees). The plug  500  has one end  502  connected to the power cord  504 . Another end  506  of the plug  500  receives leads  64  and  66  from the disposer. As in previous embodiments, the plug  500  houses connective members (not shown) electrically connected to the hot and neutral wires (not shown) of the cord  504 . In the present embodiment, however, the plug  500  is molded with a conductive member  508 . The conductive member  508  is electrically connected to the ground wire as generally shown at  510  and in a manner similar to that described with respect to FIG.  6 B. In this embodiment, conductive member  508  contacts the lower end frame  50  and therefore grounds the appliance through one or more conductive spring latch members  512 . As best shown in  FIG. 11C , spring latch members  512  contact the lower end frame both on the inside surface  514  of the lower end frame and at the edge  516  of the aperture. Additionally, one or more non-conductive spring latch members  518  may be used to secure the plug in the aperture in tension against the shoulder  520  formed by the first portion of the plug. 
   While the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, obvious modifications and alterations are possible by those skilled in the related art. Therefore, it is intended that the invention include all such modifications and alterations to the full extent that they come within the scope of the following claims or the equivalents thereof.