Patent Publication Number: US-2007105428-A1

Title: Connector and insulating boot for different sized conductors and associated methods

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
      This application is based upon prior filed copending provisional application Ser. Nos. 60/448,019 filed Feb. 18, 2003 and 60/499,144 filed Aug. 29, 2003. The entire subject matter of both provisional applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The invention relates to the field of electrical connectors, and, more particularly, to electrical insulator boots used in electrical connectors for electrical distribution systems and associated methods.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      Underground and submersible junction bus connectors are widely used in electrical power distribution systems. One type of such connector is offered under the designation SWEETHEART® by Homac Mfg. Company of Ormond Beach, Fla., the assignee of the present invention. The SWEETHEART® connector is a cast or welded aluminum connector including an elongate bus portion and a series of tubular posts extending outwardly from the bus portion. The posts have an open upper end to receive one or more electrical conductors. A threaded bore is provided in the sidewall of the post to receive a fastener to secure the electrical conductor within the upper end of the post. U.S. Pat. No. 6,347,966, for example, discloses such a connector and a method for securing the posts to the bus portion.  
      An insulating coating is provided on the lower portion of the posts and bus of the connector. In addition, EPDM insulating boots or rockets may be used to provide waterproof seals to the insulating outer jacket of the wire or cable. These boots include an insulating tube having a lower end to be received onto the connector post. The upper end or end cap includes a series of progressively smaller diameter step or ring portions. An installer selects at which ring to cut the boot cap so that the resulting opening is properly sized for the diameter of electrical cable or wire to be received therein. U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,912 discloses a similar arrangement; however, the insulating boot with a stepped shape is positioned within a receiving port in an inverted configuration.  
      Unfortunately, water ingress, particularly where the boot is intended to seal against the jacket of the cable end, may result in corrosion and failure of the connector. When properly installed, such boots do not permit water ingress. Unfortunately, if improperly installed the seal provided by the boot may not be sufficient to keep water out. Accordingly, water may enter and degrade the electrical connection resulting in premature failure of the connector.  
      There is also a trend to require less highly skilled craftsman to install the connectors as a cost savings measure for utilities and their subcontractors. Instances of improper installation are more likely to occur as training and skill levels are reduced, and while at the same time greater production rates are required. For example, an improperly trained installer may cut the boot at a ring that is too large to correctly seal. Of course, the larger the ring, the less insertion force required to position the cable through the boot. Months or years after installation, water may penetrate the area of the seal and cause connector failure.  
      Other electrical connector insulator boots are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,932,965 to Raila et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 3,740,692 to Filhaber; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,283,597 to Cooper, Jr. Unfortunately, these also may fail to provide proper sealing and/or accommodate different sized cable ends.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an electrical connector and insulating boot that is more easily installed and with an increased margin for error during installation.  
      This and other objects, features and advantages in accordance with the present invention are provided by an electrical connector for at least one electrical cable end comprising a conductor and an insulating jacket thereover. The electrical connector may comprise a conductive body having at least one conductor receiving passageway therein to receive the conductor of the at least one cable end. The conductive body may also have at least one fastener receiving passageway intersecting the at least one conductor receiving passageway, and at least one fastener may be positioned in the at least one fastener receiving passageway for securing the conductor. The connector may also include at least one insulating boot associated with the at least one conductor receiving passageway. The insulating boot in one class of embodiments may comprise an insulating tube, and at least one rupturable seal closing the insulating tube and rupturing upon initial insertion of the cable end therethrough. In addition, the at least one rupturable seal may also be compliant to accommodate different sized cable ends and form a seal with adjacent portions of the insulating jacket.  
      The at least one rupturable seal may comprise a layer having a plurality of radially oriented lines of weakness therein. Alternately or additionally, the at least one rupturable seal may comprise a layer having a plurality of successive concentric rings of weakness therein. The at least one rupturable seal may also additionally or alternately comprise a layer being puncturable and having a percentage elongation to yield of not less than about 300 percent, for example. The at least one rupturable seal may be, for example, more compliant than the insulating tube. The insulating boot may comprise a thermoplastic elastomer in some embodiments.  
      The insulating boot may further comprise an elastic body contained within the insulating tube for urging the at least one rupturable seal radially inward, in some embodiments. The insulating boot further may also comprise a sealant material and/or a lubricant within the insulating tube. The insulating tube may also include a series of gripping rings on an interior proximal end thereof.  
      In some embodiments, the at least one rupturable seal comprises a first rupturable seal at a distal end of the insulating tube, and a second rupturable seal at a medial portion of the insulating tube. For example, the first rupturable seal may comprise a first rupturable seal connected to the distal end of the insulating tube. The second rupturable seal may comprise a second rupturable seal integrally molded with the insulating tube. In these embodiments, the insulating boot may further comprise a sealant material between the first and second rupturable seals.  
      The electrical connector in other embodiments may comprise a conductive body having at least one conductor receiving passageway therein to receive the conductor of the at least one cable end, and at least one insulating boot associated with the at least one conductor receiving passageway. The insulating boot may include an insulating tube having a proximal end to be positioned adjacent the conductive body, a distal end opposite the proximal end, and a medial portion between the proximal and distal ends. In addition, the insulating boot may include a first seal at the distal end of the insulating tube that is penetrable upon insertion of the cable end therethrough, and a second seal at the medial portion of the insulating tube that is penetrable upon insertion of the cable end therethrough. The first and second seals may also be compliant to accommodate different sized cable ends and form respective seals with adjacent portions of the cable end.  
      Another aspect of the invention is directed to an insulating boot for an electrical connector comprising a conductive body having at least one conductor receiving passageway therein to receive a conductor of at least one cable end. The insulating boot may include an insulating tube having a proximal end to be positioned adjacent the conductive body, a distal end opposite the proximal end, and a medial portion between the proximal and distal ends. A first seal may be at the distal end of the insulating tube that is penetrable upon insertion of the cable end therethrough, and a second seal may be at the medial portion of the insulating tube that is penetrable upon insertion of the cable end therethrough. The first and second seals may be compliant to accommodate different sized cable ends and form respective seals with adjacent portions of the cable end.  
      In some embodiments, the first seal may be connected to the distal end of the insulating tube and be penetrable upon insertion of the cable end therethrough, and wherein the first seal is more compliant than the insulating tube. In addition, the second seal may be integrally formed with the insulating tube at the medial portion thereof and be penetrable upon insertion of the cable end therethrough. A sealant material may be provided within the insulating tube between the first and second seals.  
      In still other embodiments, the insulating boot may include an insulating tube, and at least one rupturable seal closing the insulating tube and rupturing upon initial insertion of the cable end therethrough. In these embodiments, the at least one rupturable seal may have a percentage elongation to yield of not less than about 300 percent to thereby be compliant to accommodate different sized cable ends and form a seal with adjacent portions of the cable end.  
      Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for making an electrical connector for at least one electrical cable end comprising a conductor and an insulating jacket thereover. The method may include forming a conductive body having at least one conductor receiving passageway therein to receive the conductor of the at least one cable end, the conductive body also having at least one fastener receiving passageway intersecting the at least one conductor receiving passageway. The method may also include providing at least one fastener positioned in the at least one fastener receiving passageway for securing the conductor within the at least one conductor-receiving passageway. Moreover, the method may also include forming at least one insulating boot associated with the at least one conductor receiving passageway by forming an insulating tube, and at least one rupturable seal closing the insulating tube and rupturing upon initial insertion of the cable end therethrough. The at least one rupturable seal may also be compliant to accommodate different sized cable ends and form a seal with adjacent portions of the insulating jacket. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an electrical connector in accordance with the present invention illustrating different sized cable ends being received by the connector.  
       FIGS. 1B and 1C  are respective schematic cross-sectional views of a first embodiment of an insulating boot of the present invention prior to and after installation of a cable therein.  
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  are respective schematic cross-sectional views of a second embodiment of an insulating boot of the present invention prior to and after installation of a cable therein.  
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  are respective schematic cross-sectional views of a third embodiment of an insulating boot of the present invention prior to and after installation of a cable therein.  
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  are respective schematic cross-sectional views of a fourth embodiment of an insulating boot of the present invention prior to and after installation of a cable therein.  
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  are respective schematic cross-sectional views of a fifth embodiment of an insulating boot of the present invention prior to and after installation of a cable therein.  
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  are respective schematic cross-sectional views of a sixth embodiment of an insulating boot of the present invention prior to and after installation of a cable therein.  
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  are respective schematic cross-sectional views of a seventh embodiment of an insulating boot of the present invention prior to and after installation of a cable therein.  
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  are respective schematic cross-sectional views of an eighth embodiment of an insulating boot of the present invention prior to and after installation of a cable therein.  
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  are respective schematic cross-sectional views of a ninth embodiment of an insulating boot of the present invention prior to and after installation of a cable therein.  
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  are respective schematic cross-sectional views of a tenth embodiment of an insulating boot of the present invention prior to and after installation of a cable therein.  
       FIGS. 11A and 11B  are respective schematic cross-sectional views of an eleventh embodiment of an insulating boot of the present invention prior to and after installation of a cable therein.  
       FIGS. 12A and 12B  are respective schematic cross-sectional views of a twelfth embodiment of an insulating boot of the present invention prior to and after installation of a cable therein.  
       FIG. 12C  is a top plan view of the end cap seal as shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12B .  
       FIG. 12D  is a bottom plan view of the end cap seal as shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12B . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
      The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime and multiple prime notation are used to indicate similar elements in alternate embodiments.  
      Referring initially to  FIGS. 1A through 1C , a first embodiment of an insulating boot  20  for an electrical connector  13  in accordance with the invention is now described. As shown in  FIG. 1A , the electrical connector  13  includes a conductive body in the form of a bar-shaped bus  14  and a series of posts  15  extending upwardly therefrom. An insulating layer  17  is provided over the bus  14  and lower portions of the posts  15 . Each post  15  includes a conductor receiving passageway  16  therein to receive the conductor of the corresponding cable end. As shown with reference to the leftmost post of  FIG. 1A , the posts  15  of the conductive body also have a fastener receiving passageway  19  intersecting the at least one conductor receiving passageway  16 . A fastener  18  is positioned in the fastener receiving passageway  19  for securing the conductor of the cable end as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. As will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art, multiple fasteners can be used and other configurations of conductive bodies are also contemplated by the present invention.  
      For clarity of explanation, only the upper end of the insulating boot  20  is shown in  FIGS. 1B and 1C , the lower end being of a typical construction to be slidably fitted into sealing engagement with another member, such as the upper end of the connector post  15  and its lower insulation coated end, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Of course, the insulating boot  20  can be used for other types of connections as will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, the boot  20  includes a tubular insulating sidewall  21  or insulating tube ending in a tapered or conical end cap  22  that defines a rupturable seal. By rupturable is meant having a continuous surface prior to initial penetration.  
      The end cap seal  22  illustratively contains a body of sealant material  23  and can advantageously receive a wire or cable of different widths therethrough, yet provide a tight and moisture resistant seal therewith. The sealant material  23  may be a mastic or moisture barrier gel that will adhere to the cable  25  and adjacent boot portions to form a water resistant seal as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Since the cable  25  is typically inserted through the end cap seal  22  and then the boot  20  is slid forward along the cable, this action will likely spread the layer of sealant material  23  to be positioned between the cable and the adjacent boot portions.  
      The end cap seal  22  is desirably rupturable along a line of weakness, for example, in some embodiments, to permit positioning of the cable  25  therethrough without requiring careful cutting as in the prior art. The sealant material  23  also forms a barrier to keep water and moisture out of the interior of the boot  20  and away from the electrical connection. The end cap seal  22  is also preferably stretchable or compliant to receive wires or cables  25  of different diameters, for example. For example, the end cap seal  22  may have a percentage of elongation to yield of not less than about 300 percent. This may accommodate different cable sizes of from No. 8 up to 350 kcmil, for example, although other sizes are also possible.  
      Turning now to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , a second embodiment of the boot  20 ′ is now described. This embodiment is similar to that described above with reference to  FIGS. 1B and 1C , but in this embodiment, the sealant material  23 ′ is in the form of a layer lining the interior of the end cap  22 ′. The other elements and operation are similar to that of the boot  20  described above and no further explanation is required.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , a third embodiment of an insulating boot  30  is now described. In this embodiment, the boot  30  includes a tubular sidewall  31  or insulating tube and an inverted end cap  32 . More particularly, the inverted end cap  32  illustratively includes rounded over peripheral edges and a rupturable medial portion  34 . The rupturable medial portion  34  is left unruptured if no cable is present on a given connector post as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. If a cable  35  is positioned through the boot  30  ( FIG. 3B ) the rupturable medial portion  34  is ruptured as the cable end is forced therethrough. A seal is formed between the cable  35  and the adjacent portions of the end cap seal  32 .  
      Additional seals may be provided to the inverted boot as shown by the embodiment of  FIGS. 4A and 4B . In particular, in this embodiment the boot  30 ′ also includes a pair of ring-shaped wiper seals  36 ′,  37 ′ that extend inwardly toward an axis of the boot. These wiper seals  36 ′,  37 ′ provide additional sealing contact areas for the cable  35 ′ as seen in  FIG. 4B . Only a single wiper seal may be used in some variations, and more than two wiper seals can be used in other embodiments as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The wipers  36 ′,  37 ′ may have preformed openings  38 ′,  39 ′ therein as shown in the illustrated embodiment. These openings  38 ′,  39 ′ may have different sizes or may be the same size. The term penetrable is used herein to include seals that are either continuous or that have an initial opening therein as do the wiper seals, for example. In yet other variations, the openings may be closed with a rupturable portion much like the rupturable medial portion  34 ′ although molding may be more difficult.  
      Turning now to  FIGS. 5A and 6B , a fifth embodiment of the boot  30 ″ according to the invention is now described. This boot  30 ″ is similar to the third and fourth embodiments described above; however, in this embodiment, the wiper seals  36 ″,  37 ″ are provided inside the tubular sidewall  31 ″ or insulating tube and the rupturable medial portion  34 ″ is provided on the outside. The operation and additional sealing are provided by the rupturable medial portion  34 ″ as well as the pair of wipers  36 ″,  37 ″ as described above and as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The wipers  36 ″,  37 ″ may have corresponding openings  38 ″,  39 ″ to facilitate molding as shown in the illustrated embodiment.  
      Referring now additionally to  FIGS. 6A and 6B  other aspects of the invention are now described. The illustrated boot  40  includes an end cap seal  42  through which the cable  45  will be positioned ( FIG. 6B ). A lubricant layer  44  is positioned next to the end cap seal  42  on an interior surface thereof. This lubricant  44  may be a silicone based lubricant or other lubricant that facilitates relatively sliding of the cable  45  and adjacent portions of the end cap seal  42  as the cable is positioned through the end cap, for example. Accordingly, installation is made easier and quicker for the installer.  
      As also shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , a sealant material layer  43  may also be provided adjacent the inner surface of the lubricant layer  44 . This sealant layer  43  may serve to hold the lubricant layer  44  in place, and thereafter assist in sealing to the cable  45  as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The lubricant layer  44  also keeps the sealant material  43  from pulling down along the cable  45 . This optional lubricant layer  44 , and/or sealant material layer  43  may be used in any of the insulating boot embodiments described herein as will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 7A and 7B  a seventh embodiment of an insulating boot  50  in accordance with the invention is now described. This boot  50  illustratively includes a tubular sidewall  51  or insulating tube and an inverted end cap seal  52  connected thereto. The end cap seal  52  also illustratively includes a rupturable medial portion  54  as described above for receipt of a cable  55  therethrough ( FIG. 7B ). In this embodiment a compressible or elastic ring-shaped body  54  is provided between the inverted end cap seal  52  and adjacent inner surfaces of the sidewall  51 . The compressible or elastic body  54  provides an inward bias to provide a greater sealing force onto the cable  55  as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.  
      The compressible or elastic body  54  may be provided by a closed cell foam, for example, although other materials are also contemplated by the invention. The boot  50  also illustratively includes an optional sealant material layer  53  positioned beneath the compressible body  54 . This sealant material layer  53  may be provided for additional sealing as described above.  
      Referring now to the eighth embodiment of the boot  60  as shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , in this embodiment, the end cap seal  62  may be more compliant than the sidewall  61 . For example, the end cap seal  62  may have a different durometer than the sidewall  61 . In other words, the sidewall  61  may be less bendable than the end cap seal  62 . The sidewall  61  could also be made thicker than the end cap seal  62 . Other variations are also contemplated by the present invention as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 9A and 9B  another embodiment of an insulating boot  90  is now described. In this embodiment, the tubular sidewall  91  includes a reduced diameter portion  94  spaced inwardly from the end cap seal  92 . The boot  90  also includes a medial or intermediate seal  96  at the lower end of the reduced diameter portion  94  creating an internal sealing chamber. A body or mass of sealant material  93  fills the uppermost portion of the sealing chamber, while the lower portion of the sealing chamber is empty to permit displacement of the sealant material  93  and to accommodate the cable  95  as it is inserted into the boot  90  ( FIG. 9B ). The sealing chamber may also retain the sealant material  93  if the cable is subsequently withdrawn from the boot  90 . It is noted that sealing gel, for example, may be relatively expensive, such as about $9/lb., and the positioning of the gel only partly filling the sealing chamber provides a cost effective approach to sealing as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The reduced diameter portion  94  of the sidewall  91  may serve to retain the sealing gel  93  in the uppermost position so that it can coat the cable  95  during insertion. This reduced diameter portion  94  may also be more readily grasped by an installer.  
      Optional horizontal gripping ribs  97  are formed on the internal surface of the lowermost or proximal end of the boot  70 . The end cap seal  92  and intermediate seal  96  may include rings of weakness or other features to permit penetration and sealing as discussed in detail above and as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Approximate dimensions for the embodiment of  FIGS. 9A and 9B  are as follows: a=1.25″, b=1″, c=1″, d=0.25″, and e=0.75″. Other sizes are also possible as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.  
      As can be seen in  FIG. 9B , the cable  95  may include stranded conductors  98  extending outwardly from the end of the surrounding cable jacket  99 . The interface between the stranded conductors  98  and end of the jacket  99  is illustratively contacted by the sealant material  93  as the cable  95  is inserted into the boot  90 . Water migrating from this interface is also likely to be trapped in the sealing chamber. Accordingly, this embodiment of the boot go may be especially advantageous for reducing the likelihood of water coming into contact with the electrical connector  100 , a portion of which is shown in  FIG. 9B .  
      A tenth embodiment of the insulating boot  90 ′ is now explained with additional reference to  FIGS. 10A and 10B . In this embodiment, the sealant material  93 ′ is positioned adjacent the intermediate seal  96 ′ and an open space is left above the sealant material in the uppermost portion adjacent the end cap seal  92 ′. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this embodiment of the insulating boot  90 ′ can provide effective sealing and/or accommodate entry of the cable  95 ′ with a reduced quantity of the sealant material  93 ′. Those other elements of the tenth embodiment of the boot  90 ′ are similar to those of the ninth embodiment of the insulating boot  90  discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 9   a  and  9 B, and these elements are indicated with prime notation and require no further discussion herein.  
      Turning now additionally to  FIGS. 11A and 11B , an eleventh embodiment of the insulating boot  110  is now described. In this embodiment, the tubular sidewall  111  or insulating tube and the end cap seal  112  may be integrally molded as a single unit. The end cap seal  112  may include concentric lines of weakness as described above. Moreover, the intermediate seal  116  in this embodiment is provided as a separately molded unit that is assembled to reside between the reduced diameter upper portion  117  and the molded ledge  114 . The intermediate seal  116  may also include concentric lines of weakness or other features permitting insertion of different sized cables  115  as described herein. Optional gripping ribs  113  are also provided on an internal surface of the distal end of the sidewall  111  in the illustrated embodiment.  
      As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the boot  110 , the interface between the end of the cable jacket  119  and the electrical conductors  118  may be positioned past the intermediate seal  116 . In yet other embodiments, the boot  110  may include a sealant material therein, and the interface between the end of the jacket  119  and conductors  118  may be positioned in the sealing chamber defined between the end cap  112  and the intermediate seal  116  as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 12A and 12B  another class of embodiments of the insulating boot  120  is now described. Somewhat similar to the eleventh embodiment described above, this twelfth embodiment includes an integrally formed unit and a seal assembly added thereto. More particularly, the boot  120  includes a tubular sidewall  121  or insulating tube with an integrally molded intermediate seal  126 . The end cap seal  122  and/or other portions of the boot  120  may be formed of a thermoplastic elastomeric (TPE) material, for example. Indeed, TPE materials may be used in any of the insulating boot embodiments described herein. Other suitable insulating materials may also be used as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.  
      The end cap or end seal  122  is molded as a separate unit and is inserted into a recess  128  formed in the uppermost end of the sidewall  121 . A reduced diameter portion  124  is provided in the illustrated embodiment, but may not be used in other embodiments. In addition, optional gripping ribs  127  are also shown in the illustrated embodiment. The end cap seal  122  and intermediate seal  126  define a sealing chamber therebetween that may contain a sealant material in some embodiments. A cable  125  is installed through the end cap  122  and through the intermediate seal  126  as shown in  FIG. 12   b.    
      As shown in  FIG. 12C , the end cap seal  122  may include a pattern or radial lines of weakness  130  on its upper surface and which have a reduced thickness as compared to adjacent portions. As shown in  FIG. 12D , concentric rings of weakness  131  may be provided on the underside of the end cap seal  122 . These patterns or configurations of weakness can also be used on the intermediate seal  126  or used on any of the seal embodiments disclosed herein.  
      A method aspect of the invention is for making an electrical connector for at least one electrical cable end comprising a conductor and an insulating jacket thereover. The method may include forming a conductive body having at least one conductor receiving passageway therein to receive the conductor of the at least one cable end, the conductive body also having at least one fastener receiving passageway intersecting the at least one conductor receiving passageway. The method may also include providing at least one fastener positioned in the at least one fastener receiving passageway for securing the conductor within the at least one conductor-receiving passageway. Moreover, the method may also include forming at least one insulating boot associated with the at least one conductor receiving passageway by forming an insulating tube, and at least one rupturable seal closing the insulating tube and rupturing upon initial insertion of the cable end therethrough. The at least one rupturable seal may also be compliant to accommodate different sized cable ends and form a seal with adjacent portions of the insulating jacket.  
      Other methods are also contemplated by the present invention based upon the connector and/or insulating boots described herein. Indeed, many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that other modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.