Patent Publication Number: US-7722382-B2

Title: Wire retention connector system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation in part of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/555,941 having a filing date of Nov. 2, 2006 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,488,196, and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is directed to a wire connector, wire connector system and a wire connecting method for providing connection of one or more wires to a connector. In particular, the present invention is directed to a wire connector, wire connector system and a wire connecting method that provides poke-in connections to connectors that substantially resist unintentional disengagement from pulling and/or twisting of the wires. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Wire terminals are well known in the connector industry. Typically, the terminals include a pin and mating socket, together with a conductor connecting portion. In the event that the terminals are connected to wires, the terminals include a wire connecting section. One such form of wire connecting section is the wire crimp, where the wire is stripped and placed in a terminal end, and then crimped in place where the metal deforms about the conductor to form the electrical connection. 
   It is desirable in certain applications to not require a crimped connection. Typically, this is in the situation where the wires are stripped on site, and where crimping tools are not readily available. An example of such a situation would be in the lighting industry where overhead lights are installed, and it is easier for the installer to not require a crimped connection. 
   Currently, electrical wires are attached to plug-in connectors by inserting an end of the wire into an opening of the connector where the wire is engaged by a force to hold or lock the wire into place. Particularly desirable is a poke-in connector, wherein an insulated wire, particularly a wire having a portion of the insulation removed, is inserted into a connector and the connector engages the wire therein. This engagement of the wire may be by a lance, tab, spring or other compressive mechanism within the connector. 
   If the wire is pulled and/or twisted while engaged with the connector, the wire may become disconnected from the connector resulting in a loss of electrical connection. In addition, the disconnected wire may be electrically hot, particularly during installation or maintenance. The disconnection results from forces resulting from pulling and/or twisting of the wires in a manner that exceeds the force retaining the wires within the connector, allowing the wire to deform and slip from the connector. In particular, the twisting or rotation of the wire significantly reduces the amount of force required to disengage the wire from the connector. The contact engagement effectively cuts helical threads into the conductor during rotation, resulting in an unscrewing of the conductor from the connector. 
   Therefore, what is needed is a system that provides strain relief and/or reduces or eliminates unintentional release of wires from plug-in connectors when the wire is being pulled and twisted or rotated. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is directed to a wire retaining system that substantially prevents unintentional disengagement of wires inserted into connectors due to pulling and/or twisting or rotating the wires. In particular, the present invention permits a poke-in connection of insulated wires reducing or eliminating wires unintentionally disengaging from the connector. 
   One aspect of the present invention includes a wire retaining connector having a connector body having at least one opening configured to receive a wire. The wire includes a partially exposed conductor and insulation. The connector body includes a wire retention member having at least one slot into which a portion of the wire may be positioned. The positioning of the portion of the wire provides at least one bend in the wire sufficient to resist rotation and disconnection of the wire from the connector body. 
   Another aspect of the invention includes a wire retaining connector having a connector body with at least one opening configured to receive a wire. The wire includes a partially exposed conductor and insulation. The connector body further includes a wire retention member having at least one channel into which a portion of the wires may be positioned. The positioning of the portion of the wires provides a bend in the wire sufficient to resist rotation and disconnection of the wire from the connector body. 
   Still another aspect of the invention includes a wire retention connector system having a first connector body and a second connector body. Each of the first and second connector bodies have at least one opening configured to receive a wire. The wire including a partially exposed conductor and insulation. The connector body further includes a wire retention member having at least one surface onto which a portion of the wires may be positioned. The positioning of the portion of the wires provides at least one bend in the wire sufficient to resist rotation and disconnection of the wire from the connector body. The first connector body and the second connector body also include features that disengagably connect the first connector body to the second connector body. 
   Still another aspect of the invention includes a method for providing a connector with resistance to wire disconnection. A connector is provided having a connector body having at least one opening configured to receive a wire. The wire includes a partially exposed conductor and insulation. The connector body further includes a wire retention member having at least one surface onto which a wire may be engaged. The surface is a channel or a slot. The wire is inserted into the connector body in a direction substantially along an axis. At least a portion of the wire is oriented at an angle to the axis wherein the orienting further includes positioning the wire adjacent to the at least one surface of the wire retention member. 
   An advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is that a “poke-in” connection may be utilized wherein special tools and/or crimping are not required. 
   Another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is that connector systems for connecting a plurality of wires, including six or more wires, may be provided. 
   Another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is that the connector is compact taking up a small amount of space and wherein a reduced amount of material is required and may be configured for a plurality of wires, including six or more wires. 
   Another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is that the wires are sufficiently engaged with the connector to substantially prevent the unintentional disengagement of the wires from the connector. 
   Still another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is that the connectors are easily manufactured. 
   Still another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is that the connectors resist wire twisting and inadvertent unscrewing of the wires from the connector, wherein the rotation of the wires is minimized or eliminated, increasing the force required to disengage the wires from the connector. 
   Still another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is that the connectors provide improved wire dress and/or wire management. 
   Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a wire terminal and wire according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of a wire terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an elevational cross-sectional view of a wire terminal and wire according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of a wire terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention mounted in a connector housing. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of a connector housing and wire according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a connector housing according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of a connector housing according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of a connector housing according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an elevation cross-sectional view of a connector housing according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of a connector housing according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a perspective view of a connector housing according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of a connector housing according to the embodiment of  FIG. 11 , with wires and cable tie installed, of the present invention. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates an elevational cross-sectional view two-connector housings in an engaged position according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a perspective view of a connector housing according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a perspective view of a connector housing according to the embodiment of  FIG. 14 , with wires installed, of the present invention. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates an elevational cross-sectional view two-connector housings in an engaged position according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates an enlarged, partial perspective view of a connector housing according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates an enlarged, partial perspective view of a connector housing according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates an enlarged, partial perspective view of a connector housing according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates an enlarged, partial perspective view of a connector housing according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 21  illustrates an enlarged, partial perspective view of a connector housing according to the embodiment of  FIG. 20 , with wires installed. 
       FIG. 22  illustrates an elevational cross-sectional view two-connector housings in an engaged position according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 23  illustrates an enlarged, partial perspective view of a connector housing according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 24  illustrates an alternate perspective view of the connector of  FIG. 23 . 
       FIG. 25  illustrates a perspective view of a connector housing according to the embodiment of  FIGS. 23 and 24 , with wires installed. 
       FIG. 26  illustrates an elevational cross-sectional view two-connector housings in an engaged position according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 27  illustrates a perspective view of a connector housing with wires installed, according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 28  illustrates a perspective view of a connector housing according to still another embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 29  illustrates a perspective view of a connector housing with one wire installed, according to the embodiment of  FIG. 28 . 
       FIG. 30  illustrates an elevational cross-sectional view two-connector housings in an engaged position according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 31  illustrates a top perspective view of a connector housing according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 32  illustrates a perspective view of a connector housing with wires installed, according to the embodiment of  FIG. 31 . 
       FIG. 33  illustrates a perspective view of a connector housing according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 34  illustrates a perspective view of a connector housing with a wire installed, according to the embodiment of  FIG. 33 . 
       FIG. 35  illustrates a perspective view of a mating connector housing according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 36  illustrates a perspective view of a connector system according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 37  illustrates an elevational cross-sectional view two connector housings in an engaged position according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 38  illustrates a perspective view of a connector housing according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 39  illustrates a perspective view of a connector housing with a wire installed, according to the embodiment of  FIG. 38 . 
       FIG. 40  illustrates a perspective view of a mating connector housing according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 41  illustrates a perspective view of a connector system according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 42  illustrates an elevational cross-sectional view two connector housings in an engaged position according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention includes an embodiment of a wire retaining system for providing resistance against unintentional disengagement of wires inserted therein. In particular, the present invention allows the use of poke-in connections wherein wires may be engaged with the connectors without the use of crimping or special tools.  FIGS. 1-4  show an embodiment of a wire retaining system having an wire terminal  100  that is configured to be locked into connector housing  400  (see  FIG. 4 ) and to lockingly receive electrical wire  105 . Electrical wire  105  includes conductor  107  and insulation  109 . The configuration of wire  105  may be any configuration of wire that includes an insulated conductive portion. Suitable wires  105  include, but are not limited to, 18-gauge solid-core copper wire. Wire terminal  100  includes a terminal body  103 , a locking portion or member  111 , defining a locking shoulder  113  for engaging a surface of a connector housing  400  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 4 ) to securely retain wire terminal  100  within connector housing  400 . 
   As best viewed in  FIG. 2 , terminal body  103  further includes a contact gripping element  201  arranged extending into an aperture  205  within terminal body  103 . Terminal body  103  further includes a stop  207  in electrical communication with terminal body  103  that provides a surface onto which a conductor  107  may abut to establish a maximum insertion of wire  105  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3 ) inside terminal body  103 . Stop  207  may be formed from terminal body  103  or may be attached to the terminal body  103 . The contact gripping element  201  may be cut or stamped out from terminal body  103 , but as shown, is stamped from a blank of material from which it is formed. Alternatively, contact gripping element  201  may be separately provided and secured to terminal body  103 . In this embodiment, wire terminal  100  is of unitary construction. Contact gripping element  201  may be resiliently biased into the form of, for example, a leaf spring or beam structure. The contact gripping element  201  defines a wire trap for contacting an exposed conductor of an insulated wire or a conductor of an uninsulated wire or an electrically conductive contact having a similar cross-section. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the wire terminal  100  further includes a blade  117  extending inwardly from the terminal body  103  into aperture  205  toward a terminal center axis  203 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , conductor  107  of wire  105  is installed in wire terminal  100  by directing conductor  107  along terminal center axis  203  post blade  117  toward end  303  until conductor  107  abuts stop  207 . Stop  207  is shown as a tab that is biased inwardly into aperture  205 . However, stop  207  may also include a region of reduced cross-sectional area to provide a surface to abut conductor  107  when fully inserted inside aperture  205 . 
   As best shown in  FIG. 1 , blade  117  preferably extends toward terminal center axis  203  perpendicularly to terminal center axis  203 . The extension of the blade  117  toward terminal center axis  203  is preferably such that the blade  117  contacts the insulation  109  of wire  105  inserted in terminal  100 . This contact is such that the blade  117  slices or shears a groove or channel  301  (see  FIGS. 3-4 ) in the insulation  109  during insertion of the wire  105  into the terminal with the channel  301  providing an engagement with the wire  105  to substantially prevent axial rotation between the wire  105  and the wire terminal about terminal center axis  203 . The blade  117  may also include a tapered edge (not shown) arranged parallel to terminal center axis  203  to reduce the force associated with inserting wire  105  and forming channel  301 . The position of blade  117  may be any circumferential position on terminal body  103  that permits extension of blade  117  toward wire  105 . That is, blade  117  may extend into aperture  205 , but not necessarily aligning with terminal center axis  203 . The extension of blade  117  may provide a channel  301  in the insulation  109 , the conductor  107  or any combination thereof. In one embodiment of the invention, the blade  117  may be incorporated into contact gripping element  201  wherein the channel  301  is formed on the conductor  107 . In addition, a plurality of blades  117  may be utilized to further resist wire rotation. 
     FIG. 4  shows a cross-sectional view of a connector housing illustrating a wire terminal  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention arranged within the connector housing  400 , with a portion of the connector housing  400  removed. Locking member  111  at the locking shoulder  113  engages surface of the connector housing  400  to substantially prevent disengagement of the wire terminal  100  from the connector housing  400 . Connector housing  400  may be configured in any manner that mates a second connector housing (see, e.g.,  FIG. 13 ), wherein each of the connector housing  400  and wire terminal  100  receives and engages a conductor  107  of a wire  105  for electrical connection of wires  105  to the second connector. Connector housing  400  is preferably fabricated from a non-electrically conductive material, such as, for example, conventional engineering grade thermoplastic. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the connector housing  400  and the wire terminal  100  are configured as a female connection via aperture  205  at end  303  for receiving a male plug. While wire terminal  100  is shown as including a female connection at end  303 , the wire terminal  100  may include a male plug at end  303  or any other structure that permits electrical communication between engaged connector housings. The connector housings  400  may be engaged in any suitable manner, including but not limited to, disenagable latches  401  that are disengagable by depressing latch arms  403 . Mating connector housings (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) may include latch features  1301  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 13 ) that engage latches  401  and substantially prevent disengagement of the connector housings  400 . In addition, connector housing  400  includes opening  405  that may have mating geometries that permit orientation of mating plugs only in desired configurations. Engagement of connector housings  400  and their corresponding wire terminals  100  permits safe and easy electrical connection/disconnection of wires  105  without the necessity of crimping, special tools or equipment. As shown in  FIG. 4 , a plurality of wires  105  may be inserted into connector housing  400 , wherein the arrangements of corresponding wire terminals  100  may be the same or different than the arrangement shown in  FIG. 4 . 
   The engagement of blade  117  with rotation resistance is achieved by formation of channel  301 , wherein channel  301  has sufficient depth into insulation  109  and/or conductor  107  to provide substantial resistance to rotation about terminal center axis  203 . While it is preferable to provide channel  301  into the insulation  109  only, the channel  301  may also be formed into conductor  107 . This rotational resistance allows the wire  105  engaged or trapped by contact gripping element  201  to remain engaged and substantially prevents unintentional disengagement of wire  105  due to rotation and pulling of wire  105  about terminal center axis  203 . Additional blades  117  provide additional rotational resistance, but also increase the amount of force required to insert wire  105 . 
     FIG. 5  shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention with a portion of the connector housing  400  removed, including a wire terminal  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention arranged within connector housing  400 . The embodiment shown in  FIG. 5  includes substantially the same arrangement of connector housing  400  and wire terminal  100  substantially as shown and described in  FIG. 4 . The wire terminal  100  in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5  may or may not include blade  117 . However, connector housing  400  further includes an angle channel  501  configured to conform wire  105  (i.e., bend) in a plurality of axes, including axes different than terminal center axis  203 . During insertion of conductor  107  into connector housing  400 , the wire is directed along angle channel  501  in a direction at an angle to terminal center axis  203 . As the conductor  107  is further inserted toward end  303  and past angled channel  501 , the conductor  107  is directed along terminal center axis  203 . Upon full insertion of conductor  107 , the wire  105  and conductor  107  are configured into at least a first wire orientation section  503  which is oriented substantially parallel to and/or coincident with about the terminal center axis  203 , a second wire orientation section  505  which is oriented substantially parallel to and/or coincident with about an angle channel axis  506  and a third wire orientation section  507 , which is oriented substantially parallel to and/or coincident with about a front opening axis  508 . While the above has been described as three axes, the orientation of the inserted wire  105  may include greater than three axes and may include curved, rounded or twisted orientations along the angle channel  501  or exterior to the connector housing  400 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , a plurality of wires  105  may be inserted into connector housing  400 , wherein the arrangements of corresponding wire terminals  100  and the presence and arrangement of angle channel  501  may be the same or different than the arrangement shown in  FIG. 5 . For example, angle channel  501  may include multiple orientations for directing wire  105  into a plurality of directions. Likewise, the angle channel  501  may be oriented at any angle or direction that provides an angle to terminal center axis  203 . This embodiment of the present invention permits the easy engagement of wire  105  while reducing or eliminating undesired/unintentional disengagement of wire  105  from the wire terminal  100  and/or the connector housing  400 . 
     FIG. 6  illustrates a wire retaining system according to another embodiment of the present invention, including a connector housing  400  having openings  600  configured to receive wires  105  (not shown in  FIG. 6 ). Circumferentially about a surface of opening  600 , at least one rib  601  is configured to receive wire  105 . Preferably ribs  601  are configured to engage the insulation  109  of wire  105 . The ribs  601  may be of certain construction with the connector housing  400  or may be attached to opening  600 . The ribs  601  are preferably a non-conductive material of sufficient rigidity and having a geometry that grips the insulation  109  and resists or prevents rotation of wire  105  when wire  105  is inserted rotationally about opening center axis  603 . In another embodiment of the invention, a conductive material, such a metal may be utilized in the connector housing  400  or as insert thereto, forming ribs  601  for gripping wire  105 . The ribs  601  may be oriented at an angle to opening center axis  603  or perpendicular to opening center axis  603 . In other words, ribs  601  may or may not radially extend in alignment with opening center axis  603 . In addition, ribs  601  preferably sufficiently engage insulation  109  that the resistance to undesired/unintentional disengagement parallel to opening center axis  603  is likewise increased. As shown, ribs  601  are arranged substantially parallel to the opening center axis  603  of opening  600 . 
     FIG. 7  illustrates a wire retaining system according to another embodiment of the present invention, including a connector housing  400  having openings  600  configured to receive wires  105  (not shown in  FIG. 7 ). Openings  600  may include ribs  601 , as shown and described above with respect to  FIG. 5 , and/or the connector housing  400  may include wire terminal  100  structures, as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-5 . The connector housing  400  of this embodiment of the invention further includes a segmenting slot  700  extending through both openings  600  and through the connector housing  400 . The segmenting slot  700  is formed into the connector housing  400  coplanar to a center axis of the wire  105  and provides a compliant force on an insulation portion of the wire  105  by segmenting portions of the connector body into pivoting portions. Segmenting slot  700  forms a pivotable top member  701  and a pivotable bottom member  703 . Pivoting of top member  701  and bottom member  703  preferably is facilitated by elastic deformation of the material making up connector housing  400  but may be provided by an attached mechanical or formation of a hinge or hinge-like structure. The pivoting of the top member  701  and/or the bottom member  703  decreases the resistance (i.e., force required for insertion) on the wire  105  (not shown in  FIG. 7 ) by allowing a reduced force on wire  105  due to contact with top member  701  and bottom member  703  and structures, such as ribs  601 , extending inwardly along openings  600 . The reduced resistance to insertion permits the utilization of additional wire retention structures, such as blade  117 , contact gripping element  201  and ribs  601 , and other structures that increase resistance to electrical wire  105  insertion, into connector housing  400 . This embodiment of the present invention permits the simple and easy engagement of wire  105  while permitting the use of wire retention structures to reduce or eliminate undesired/unintentional disengagement of wire  105  from the wire terminal  100  and/or the connector housing  400 . 
     FIG. 8  illustrates a wire retaining system according to another embodiment of the present invention, including a connector housing  400  having openings  600  configured to receive wires  105 . Connector housing  400  may include wire terminal  100  structures (not shown in  FIG. 8 ) and/or ribs  601  to provide wire retention, as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-6 . However, the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8  further includes a retention plate  800  having openings  600  configured to allow insertion of wire  105 . In addition, the periphery of opening  600  includes a plurality of fingers  801  extending inward toward the opening center axis  603  of opening  600 . These fingers  801  are configured to grip the insulation  109  of wire  105  and provide resistance against unintentional disengagement of wire  105  in response to a pulling and/or twisting force directed along opening center axis  603 . Plate  800  is preferably a non-electrically conductive material, such as a polymeric material that is sufficiently rigid to provide resistance in response to pulling and/or twisting forces directed along opening center axis  603 . For example, plate  800  may be fabricated from a mylar film. Plate  800  is preferably attached to a surface of connector housing  400 . Plate  800  may be attached to connector housing  400  in any conventional manner, including, but not limited to adhesives or thermal bonding. However, plate  800  may also be fabricated as a unitary piece with connector housing  400 . In addition, plate  800  may be partitioned into a first plate segment  803  and a second plate segment  805 , wherein each plate segment may be provided with color, marking or other indicia to indicate proper installation and/or configuration of wires  105 . The addition of plate  800  to the connector housing  400  provides resistance against undesirable/unintentional disengagement of wire  105  in response to a pulling force directed along opening center axis  603 . 
     FIG. 9  illustrates a wire retaining system according to still another embodiment of the present invention, including a connector housing  400  having wire terminal  100  incorporated therein. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 9  includes substantially the same arrangement of connector housing  400  and wire terminal  100  substantially as shown and described in  FIG. 4 . The wire terminal  100  in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5  may or may not include blade  117 . Opening  600  is formed into connector housing  400 , wherein opening is configured to receive a gripping structure or grommet  900 . Grommet  900  includes a non-electrically conductive material, such as a polymeric or rubber material, which grip and/or apply frictional sliding resistance to wire  105  and/or connector housing  400 . The grommet  900  may be incorporated into connector housing  400  or may be attached or installed onto wire  105 . The grommet  900  may also utilize an adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive to further grip wire  105  and provide additional resistance in response to pulling and/or twisting. The grommet  900  preferably provides sufficient frictional sliding resistance to substantially prevent undesirable/unintentional disengagement of wire  105  from wire terminal  100  and/or connector housing  400 . 
     FIG. 10  illustrates a wire retaining system according to still another embodiment of the present invention, including a connector housing  400  having wire terminal  100  (not shown in  FIG. 10 ) incorporated therein for receiving a wire  105  (not shown in  FIG. 10 ). Connector housing  400  further includes a retention member  1000 , which extends from connector housing  400 . Retention member  1000  includes a “T” shape, wherein arms  1003  extend to form a slot  1005  between arms  1003  and connector housing  400 . Slot  1005  has a geometry permitting the insertion of a wire or cable tie  1201  (see e.g.,  FIG. 12 ), or other device capable of substantially immobilizing wires  105 . Cable tie  1201  may be inserted into slot  1005 , wherein the wire retention structure provides surfaces that prevent the cable tie  1201  from slipping or moving in a direction away from connector housing  400 . The cable tie  1201  also provides wire retention by providing a sufficient circumferential force inward toward retention member  1000  to retain wires  105  adjacent to retention member  1000  and substantially prevent undesirable/unintentional disengagement of wire  105  from wire terminal  100  and/or connector housing  400 . In addition, wire  105  may be oriented around (i.e., wrapped around) wire retention member  1000  in a manner that provides orientation of wire  105  in a plurality of axes and provides additional resistance to pulling and/or twisting. 
     FIG. 11  illustrates a wire retaining system according to still another embodiment of the present invention, including a connector housing  400  having wire terminal  100  (not shown in  FIG. 11 ) incorporated therein for receiving a wire  105  (not shown in  FIG. 11 ). Connector housing  400  further includes a retention member  1000 , which extends from connector housing  400 . Retention member  1000  is formed into a “T” shape, wherein arms  1003  extend to form a slot  1005  between arms  1003  and connector housing  400 . Arms  1003  further include wire guides  1101 , which are configured to permit insertion of wire  105  through the wire guides  1101  and into opening  600 . The wire guides  1101  form openings or channels through which the wire may be inserted to permit the guided insertion of wires  105  into openings  600 . Retention member  1000  may be formed into connector housing  400  as a unitary piece or may be attached to connector housing  400 . 
     FIG. 12  includes an embodiment of the present invention including the retention member shown and described with respect to  FIG. 11 . In addition,  FIG. 12  includes wires  105  and a cable tie  1201  arranged in slots  1005  wherein the cable tie  1201  provides at least a partial inwardly directed circumferential force to retain wires  105  in position. Cable tie  1201  is any device capable of providing a force on wires  105  within slot or slots  1005  that provides resistance to both pulling and rotation. In addition to cable ties, adhesive structures, such as tape, labeling or other wire immobilizing device may also be utilized. The inward retaining force provided by cable tie  1201  is preferably sufficient to provide resistance to unintentional disengagement of the wires  105  due to pulling of the wires  105  and/or rotation of the wires  105 . 
     FIG. 13  illustrates a cross-sectional view of connector housing  400  engaged with a second connector housing  400 ′, wherein the wire  105  and wire terminal  100 , 100 ′ are shown in elevational cross-sectional view. The connection of connector housings  400  and  400 ′ permits the electrical connection of wire  105  with wire  105 ′ by electrical communication between wire terminal  100  and  100 ′ at junction  1300 . Junction  1300  preferably includes coupling of a male plug with a female connection, each corresponding to one of connector housing  400  or connector housing  400 ′. The engagement of connector housing  400  to connector housing  400 ′ takes place by engagement of disenagable latches  401  of connector housing  400 ′ engaging connector feature  1301  of connector housing  400 . The engagement of disengagable latches  401  and connector feature  1301  provides a latched position capable of resisting a retention force between the connector housings  400  and  400 ′. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the wire retention of wires  105  is sufficient that forces on wire  105  provide for disengagement of latches  401  and feature  1301  at a lesser force than the force required to disengage wires  105  from connector housing  400 . 
   As further shown in  FIG. 13 , cable tie  1201  may be positioned in slot  1005 , adjacent wire  105 . The cable tie  1201  provides force against wire  105  and retention member  1000 . The force provided by cable tie  1201  provides resistance to or prevention of unintentional disengagement of wire  105  in response to a pulling force directed along opening center axis  603 . 
     FIG. 14  illustrates a wire retaining system according to still another embodiment of the present invention, including a connector housing  400  having wire terminal  100  (not shown in  FIG. 14 ) incorporated therein for receiving a wire  105  (not shown in  FIG. 14 ). Connector housing  400  includes opening  600 , wherein the opening may extend along a substantially singular axis to wire terminal  100  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 4 ), or may include an angle channel  501 , such as the structure shown in  FIG. 5 . Connector housing  400  further includes a retention member  1000 , which extends from connector housing  400 . Retention member  1000  is formed into a center retention member  1400  and two side retention members  1403  each configured to provide a wire retention guide  1401 , which receives the wire  105  and provides a joggle or bend in the wire  105 , which provides resistance to pulling and rotation, once the wire  105  is engaged in wire retention guide  1401 . 
     FIG. 15  shows the connector housing  400  shown and described with respect to  FIG. 14  wherein a wire  105  is installed in each wire retention guide  1401 . The wire  105  may be installed by inserting wire  105  along opening center axis  603 . The wire  105  is inserted into connector housing  400  until wire  105  is engaged with wire terminal  100  (not shown in  FIG. 15 ). After the wire  105  is fully inserted, the wire  105  protruding from opening  600  is then brought into contact with a surface of wire retention member  1000  between center retention member  1400  and one of the two side retention members  1403 . The wire  105  is then guided into wire retention guide  1401 . The wire  105  is preferably permitted to snap into the wire retention guide  1401  by elastic deformation of the wire retention member  1000 . Snapping, as used herein, indicates a compliant force or elastic resistance that permits the introduction and/or retention of a wire  105  or other structure by virtue of a force that is overcome by application of a greater counter force. In other words, spacing between side retention member  1403  and center retention member  1400  is less than the diameter of wire  105 , the elastic resistance between side retention member  1403  and retention member  1400  initially presenting access of wire  105  into wire retention guide  1401 . However, upon application of sufficient force applied to wire  105 , wire  105  overcomes the retention force between side retention member  1403  and retention member  1400  and decrease wire retention guide  1401 . Upon accessing wire retention guide  1401 , the wire  105  may then be further oriented or bent to the desired direction of wire installation. The retention member  1000  retains the wire  105  in position with a plurality of bends aligned in a plurality of axes. These bends provide addition resistance to pulling along the opening center axis  603  and resists or prevents undesirable/unintentional disengagement of wire  105  from connector housing  400 . Retention member  1000  is configured to provide a wire retention guide  1401 , which receives the wire and provides a joggle or narrow bend portion in the wire  105 , which provides resistance to pulling and rotation, once the wire  105  is engaged in wire retention guide  1401 . 
     FIG. 16  illustrates a connector housing  400  engaged with a second connector housing  400 ′. Connector housing  400  and connector housing  400 ′ are engaged in the manner shown and described above with respect to  FIG. 13 . As shown, wire  105 ,  105 ′ is positioned within wire retention guide  1401 ,  1401 ′ of wire retention member  1000 ,  1000 ′. The multiple bends in wire  105 ,  105 ′ and retention member  1000 ,  1000 ′ provide resistance to or prevention of unintentional disengagement of wire  105 ,  105 ′ in response to a pulling force directed along opening center axis  603 . 
     FIG. 17  illustrates a wire retaining system according to still another embodiment of the present invention, including a connector housing  400  having wire terminal  100  (not shown in  FIG. 17 ) incorporated therein for receiving a wire  105  (not shown in  FIG. 17 ). Connector housing  400  further includes a retention member  1000 , which extends from connector housing  400 . Retention member  1000  is formed into a “T” shape, wherein arms  1003  extend to form a slot  1005  between arms  1003  and connector housing  400 . Retention member  1000  may be formed into connector housing  400  as a unitary piece or may be attached to connector housing  400 . Arms  1003  further include wire guide  1101  and arm slot  1701 , which are configured to permit insertion of wire  105  through wire guide  1101  and into opening  600 , wherein the wire  105  may further be brought into contact with arm slot  1701  and permitted to snap out of wire guide  1101  by elastic deformation or other mechanism of arm  1003  adjacent to arm slot  1701 , such as previously discussed with regard to  FIG. 15 . The positioning of the wire  105  outside the wire guide  1101  permits wire  105  to be oriented along a plurality of axes (i.e., to have a plurality of bends). These bends provide addition resistance to pulling along the opening center axis  603  and resists or prevents undesirable/unintentional disengagement of wire  105  from connector housing  400  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 21 and 22 ). Thus, removal of wire  105  from wire guide  1101  through arm slot  1701  provides a joggle or bend in the wire  105 , which provides resistance to pulling and rotation once the wire is engaged adjacent to retention member  1000 . 
     FIG. 18  illustrates a wire retaining system according to still another embodiment of the present invention, including a connector housing  400  having wire terminal  100  (not shown in  FIG. 18 ) incorporated therein for receiving a wire  105  (not shown in  FIG. 18 ).  FIG. 18  includes substantially the same arrangement of connector housing  400 , openings  600 , wire retention member  1000 , arm  1003 , wire guide  1101 , and arm slot  1701 , as shown and described with respect to  FIG. 17 . However, the embodiment shown in  FIG. 18  further includes side guards  1801  configured to permit the passage of wire  105  out of wire guide  1101 , but substantially prevents the reinsertion of wire  105  into wire guide  1101 . In addition, the structure of  FIG. 18  provides addition wire dress and/or wire management in connector systems and the storage/transportation of connector systems. 
     FIG. 19  illustrates a wire retaining system according to still another embodiment of the present invention, including a connector housing  400  having wire terminal  100  (not shown in  FIG. 19 ) incorporated therein for receiving a wire  105  (not shown in  FIG. 19 ).  FIG. 19  includes substantially the same arrangement of connector housing  400 , openings  600 , wire retention member  1000 , arm  1003 , wire guide  1101 , and arm slot  1701 , as shown and described with respect to  FIG. 17 . However, the embodiment shown in  FIG. 19  further includes guard features  1901  configured to permit the passage of wire  105  out of wire guide  1101 , but substantially prevents the reinsertion of wire  105  into wire guide  1101 . In addition, the guard features  1901  act to limit rotation of the wire disposed within the slot  1005 . Specifically, the guard features preferably provide guidance for the wire to a position away from arm slot  1701  and substantially confines movement of wire  105  to either side of guard feature  1901 . 
     FIG. 20  illustrates a wire retaining system according to still another embodiment of the present invention, including a connector housing  400  having wire terminal  100  (not shown in  FIG. 20 ) incorporated therein for receiving a wire  105  (not shown in  FIG. 20 ).  FIG. 20  includes substantially the same arrangement of connector housing  400 , openings  600 , wire guide  1101 , and arm slot  1701 , as shown and described with respect to  FIG. 17 . However, the wire retention member  1000  includes sidewalls  2000  extending from arms  1003  to the connector housing  400 . The sidewalls  2000  and wire retention member  1000  are configured to provide a side opening  2003  for receiving and retaining wire  105  (see  FIG. 21 ). The configuration of  FIG. 20  provides improved strength of the wire retention member  1000  by formation of sidewalls  2000 , which resists breakage. In addition, the formation of sidewalls  2000  reduces or eliminates surfaces susceptible to snagging, particularly during storage and/or transportation, wherein a plurality of wire connector systems and their associated wires  105  may be present. In addition, the reentry of the wire into slot  1701  is made difficult because the formation of sidewall  2000  provides a surface against which little or no deflection may take place. In other words, in order for wire  105  to reenter wire guide, the arm  1003  must deflect a distance substantially equal to the diameter of wire  105 , which requires a greater force than deflection of two opposing arms  1003 , as shown, for example, in  FIG. 17 . 
     FIG. 21  shows the connector housing  400  shown and described with respect to  FIG. 20  wherein a wire  105  is installed. The wire  105  is installed by inserting wire  105  along opening center axis  603 . The wire  105  is inserted into connector housing  400  until wire  105  is engaged with wire terminal  100  (not shown in  FIG. 21 ). After the wire  105  is fully inserted, the wire  105  extending past the end of connector housing  400  is then brought into contact with a surface of slot  1701 . The wire  105  is then guided into side opening  2003 . The wire  105  is preferably permitted to snap outside of wire guide  1101  into side opening  2003  by elastic deformation of the wire retention member  1000  as previously discussed with regard to  FIG. 15 . The wire  105  may then be further oriented or bent to the desired direction of wire installation. The wire retention member  1000  retains the wire  105  in position with a plurality of bends oriented in a plurality of axes. These bends provide addition resistance to pulling along the opening center axis  603  and resists or prevents undesirable disengagement of wire  105  from connector housing  400 . Retention member  1000  is configured to provide a side opening  2003 , which receives the wire  105  and provides a joggle or bend in the wire  105 , which provides resistance to pulling and rotation, once the wire  105  is engaged in side opening  2003 . 
     FIG. 22  illustrates a connector housing  400  engaged with a second connector housing  400 ′. Connector housing  400  and connector housing  400 ′ are engaged in the manner shown and described above with respect to  FIG. 13 . As shown, wire  105 ,  105 ′ is positioned within side opening  2003 ,  2003 ′ of wire retention member  1000 ,  1000 ′. The multiple bends in wire  105 ,  105 ′ adjacent to retention member  1000 ,  1000 ′ provide resistance to or prevention of unintentional disengagement of wire  105 ,  105 ′ in response to a pulling force directed along opening center axis  603 . 
     FIGS. 23 and 24  illustrate a wire retaining system according to still another embodiment of the present invention, including a connector housing  400  having wire terminal  100  (not shown in  FIG. 23  or  24 ) incorporated therein for receiving a wire  105  (not shown in  FIG. 23  or  24 ). Connector housing  400  further includes a retention member  1000 , which extends from connector housing  400 . Retention member  1000  includes a plurality of wire guides  1101 , arranged as passages and/or openings in retention member  1000  configured to receive wire  105  in a manner that allows threading the wire  105  through passages to form multiple loops, bends and/or joggles, wherein the wires  105  are aligned along a plurality of axes. 
     FIG. 25  shows the connector housing  400  shown and described with respect to  FIGS. 23 and 24 , wherein a wire  105  is installed. The wire  105  is installed by inserting wire  105  along opening center axis  603 . The wire  105  is inserted into connector housing  400  until wire  105  is engaged with wire terminal  100  (not shown in  FIG. 25 ). After the wire  105  is fully inserted, the wire  105  is then bent at an angle substantially perpendicular to the opening center axis  603  and positioned within wire guide  1101 . The wire  105  is then threaded through wire guide  1101  located substantially at the center of wire retention member  1000 , wherein the wire  105  is passed through the retention member  1000  and again bent in the desired direction of use. The wire retention member  1000  retains the wire  105  in position with a plurality of bends aligned in a plurality of axes. These bends provide addition resistance to pulling along the opening center axis  603  and resists or prevents undesirable disengagement of wire  105  from connector housing  400 . Retention member  1000  is configured to provide a pluarality of wire guides  1101 , which receives the wire  105  and provides a joggle or bend in the wire  105 , which provides resistance to pulling and rotation, once the wire  105  is engaged in wire guides  1101 . 
     FIG. 26  illustrates a connector housing  400  engaged with a second connector housing  401 ′ showing the positioning of wires  105 ,  105 ′, as described above with respect to  FIG. 25 . Connector housing  400  and connector housing  400 ′ are engaged in the manner shown and described above with respect to  FIG. 13 . As shown, wire  105 ,  105 ′ is positioned within wire guides  1101 ,  1101 ′ of wire retention member  1000 ,  1000 ′. The multiple bends in wire  105 ,  105 ′ and retention member  1000 ,  1000 ′ provide resistance to or prevention of unintentional disengagement of wire  105 ,  105 ′ in response to a pulling force directed along opening center axis  603 . 
     FIG. 27  illustrates a wire retaining system according to still another embodiment of the present invention, including a connector housing  400  having wire terminal  100  (not shown in  FIG. 27 ) incorporated therein for receiving a wire  105  (not shown in  FIG. 27 ). Connector housing  400  includes a wire retention member  1000  and a wire guide  1101  incorporated into the connector housing  400 . As shown in  FIG. 27 , wire  105  is inserted into opening  600  and threaded through wire retention member  1000  and wire guide  1101 . As shown, wire retention member  1000  and wire guide  1101  are bound in latch arms  403 . The threading of the wire  105  results in a bend or joggle in the wire  105  that provides alignment along a plurality of axes, which provides resistance to pulling and rotation, once the wire  105  is engaged and threaded through wire retention member  1000  and wire guide  1101 . 
     FIG. 28  illustrates a wire retaining system according to still another embodiment of the present invention, including a connector housing  400  having wire terminal  100  (not shown in  FIG. 28 ) incorporated therein for receiving a wire  105  (not shown in  FIG. 28 ).  FIG. 28  includes substantially the same arrangement of connector housing  400  and openings  600 , as shown and described with respect to  FIG. 17 . However, the embodiment shown in  FIG. 28  further includes a wire retention member  1000  that is configured with two insertion arms  2801  having an insertion slot  2800  and an insertion opening  2803 . While the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 28-30  show two insertion arms  2801 , any number of insertion arms  2801  may be utilized. 
     FIG. 29  shows the connector housing  400  shown and described with respect to  FIG. 28 , wherein a wire  105  is installed. The wire  105  is installed by inserting wire  105  along opening center axis  603 . The wire  105  is inserted into connector housing  400  until wire  105  is engaged with wire terminal  100  (not shown in  FIG. 29 ). After the wire  105  is fully inserted, the wire  105  extending from opening  600  is then bent at an angle substantially perpendicular to opening center axis  603 . The wire  105  is then guided into insertion slot  2800  of insertion arm  2801  and along insertion slot  2800  until the wire  105  is positioned in insertion opening  2803 . The wire  105  is preferably permitted to snap into insertion opening  2803  by elastic deformation of the insertion arm  2801  as previously discussed with regard to  FIG. 15 . The wire  105  may then be further bent or oriented to the desired direction of wire  105  installation. The wire retention member  1000  retains the wire  105  in position with a plurality of bends aligned in a plurality of axes. These bends provide addition resistance to pulling along the opening center axis  603  and resists or prevents undesirable disengagement of wire  105  from connector housing  400 . Retention member  1000  is configured to provide insertion opening  2803 , which receives the wire  105  and provides a joggle or bend in the wire  105 , which provides resistance to pulling and rotation, once the wire  105  is engaged in insertion opening  2803 . 
     FIG. 30  illustrates a connector housing  400  engaged with a second connector housing  400 ′. Connector housing  400  and connector housing  400 ′ are engaged in the manner shown and described above with respect to  FIG. 13 . As shown, wire  105  is positioned within insertion opening  2803 ,  2803 ′ of wire retention member  1000 ,  1000 ′. The multiple bends in wire  105 ,  105 ′ and retention member  1000 ,  1000 ′ provide resistance to or prevention of undesirable/unintentional disengagement of wire  105 ,  105 ′ in response to a pulling force directed along opening center axis  603 . 
     FIG. 31  illustrates a wire retaining system according to still another embodiment of the present invention, including a connector housing  400  having wire terminal  100  (not shown in  FIG. 31 ) incorporated therein for receiving a wire  105  (not shown in  FIG. 31 ).  FIG. 31  includes substantially the same arrangement of connector housing  400 , openings  600 , wire retention members  1000 , insertion arms  2801  as shown and described with respect to  FIGS. 28-30 . However, the embodiment shown in  FIG. 31  includes a wire retention member  1000  that is configured with one insertion arm  2801 . Insertion arm  2801  includes an insertion slot  2800  and an insertion opening  2803  configured to receive each wire  105  of a plurality of wires  105 . 
     FIG. 32  shows the connector housing  400  shown and described with respect to  FIG. 31 , wherein two wires  105  installed into insertion arm  2801 . The wire  105  is installed by inserting wire  105  along opening center axis  603 . The wire  105  is inserted into connector housing  400  until wire  105  is engaged with wire terminal  100  (not shown in  FIG. 32 ). After the wire  105  is fully inserted, the wire  105  extending from connector housing  400  is then bent at an angle substantially perpendicular to opening center axis  603  guiding wire  105  into insertion slot  2800  of insertion arm  2801  and along insertion slot  2800  until the wire  105  is positioned in insertion opening  2803 . The wire  105  is preferably permitted to snap into insertion opening  2803  by elastic deformation of the insertion arm  2801  as previously discussed with respect to  FIG. 15 . The wire  105  may then be further bent or oriented to the desired direction of wire  105  installation. The wire retention member  1000  retains the wire  105  in position with a plurality of bends aligned in a plurality of axes. These bends provide addition resistance to pulling along the opening center axis  603  and resists or prevents undesirable disengagement of wire  105  from connector housing  400 . Retention member  1000  is configured to provide insertion opening  2803 , which receives the wire  105  and provides a joggle or bend in the wire  105 , which provides resistance to pulling and rotation, once the wire  105  is engaged in opening  2803 . 
     FIG. 33  illustrates a plug for a wire retaining system according to still another embodiment of the present invention, including a connector housing  400  having a plurality of wire terminals  100  (not shown in  FIG. 33 ) incorporated therein for receiving a plurality of corresponding wires  105  (not shown in  FIG. 33 ). Unless otherwise indicated, placement or orienting of the wire includes the placement or orienting of a portion of the wire, wherein the portion of the wire is preferably an insulated portion of the wire. Specifically, the embodiment shown in  FIG. 33  includes six openings  600 , corresponding to six wire terminals  100 . However, the connector housing  400  may be configured to receive any number of wires  105  in any suitable configuration. For example, although  FIG. 33  shows a substantially circular arrangement, the present invention may utilize openings  600  that are arranged in a square, rectangular, oval or other geometry, wherein the holes may be positioned in any configuration, such as circumferentially near an edge or in a matrix arrangement, such as a 3 by 2 matrix. 
   Connector housing  400  further includes a retention member  1000  formed into the connector housing  400 . Retention member  1000  includes a plurality of structures to guide and retain wire  105 . Retention member  1000  may be formed into connector housing  400  as a unitary piece or may be attached to connector housing  400 . Retention member  1000  includes a plurality of insertion slots  2800 . Openings  600  are configured to permit the insertion of wires  105  into the opening and allow a bending of wire  105  into insertion slot  2800 . Insertion arms  2801  adjacent insertion slot  2800  provide a structure around which wires  105  may be bent and retained in insertion opening  2803 . As shown in  FIG. 33 , the insertion slot  2800  may include a geometry permitting the “snapping” in of a wire  105  include the insertion opening  2803 . The snapping may be provided by elastic deformation or other mechanism of insertion arms  2801  adjacent to insertion slot  2800  wherein the insulation of the wire is received and retained within insertion opening  2803 . In addition to insertion opening  2803 , the retention member  1000  may further include features  3301 , which provide a snapping into place of a wire  105  upon bending after insertion of the wire in a substantially perpendicular direction to the opening center axis  603  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 34 ). In order to further secure the wire  105 , the wire  105  is further bent and oriented into the insertion opening  2803  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 34 ). In addition to the wire retention member  1000 , the connector housing  400  includes a connection alignment member  3303  extending the length of the connector housing  400  and having a geometry that mates with a connection alignment opening  3501  (see e.g.,  FIG. 35 ). The geometry may be any suitable geometry that provides connecting alignment between connector housings  400 . For example, the connection alignment member  3303  and connection alignment opening  3501  may include unidirectional alignment, providing the desired connections with wire  105 , wherein the connectors housings  400 ,  400 ′ only mate upon alignment of the connection alignment member  3303  and connection alignment opening  3501 . In one embodiment connection alignment member  3303  and connection alignment opening  3501  are keyed to permit oriented alignment therebetween. In addition, plug members  3305  extend from the connector housing  400  and are configured to be received in plug receptacles  3503  (see e.g.,  FIG. 35 ). The plug members  3305  and the plug receptacle  3503  may be any geometry that provides mating and the desired connectivity between connector housings  400 ,  400 ′. In addition, plug members  3305  and the plug receptacle  3503  are configured to permit engagement of electrical terminals  100 ,  100 ′ (not shown in  FIG. 33 ; see e.g.,  FIG. 37 ). 
     FIG. 34  shows the positioning of a wire  105  into a connector housing  400  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Although a single wire  105  is shown, any number of wires  105  may be utilized. In a preferred embodiment, the number of wires  105  corresponds to the number of openings  600 . To install wire  105 , the wire  105  is directed along opening axis  603  adjacent retention member  1000  into connector housing  400 . Once the wire  105  has engaged electrical connector  100  (see e.g.,  FIG. 34 ), the wire  105  is then oriented at a direction substantially perpendicular to the opening center axis  603  and snapped in place by feature  3301 . Thereafter, the wire  105  is again oriented in a manner that guides the wire  105  into the insertion slot  2800 , wherein the wire  105  is preferably snapped into place by the geometry of the insertion slot  2800 , features  3301  and insertion arm  2801 . The positioning of the wire  105  in the insertion slot  2803  and around insertion arm  2801  permits wire  105  to be oriented along a plurality of axes (i.e., to have a plurality of bends). These bends provide additional resistance to pulling and/or rotation along the opening center axis  603  and resists or prevents undesirable/unintentional disengagement of wire  105  from connector housing  400 . 
     FIG. 35  shows a connector housing  400 ′ according to an embodiment of the present invention configured to receive the connector housing  400  of  FIGS. 33-34 . As in  FIG. 34 , the connector housing  400 ′ includes a retention member  1000  having opening  600  (not shown in  FIG. 35 ), insertion slots  2800 , insertion arm  2801  and insertion opening  2803 , as shown and described above with respect to  FIGS. 33 and 34 .  FIG. 35  is shown with a wire  105 ′ inserted into wire housing  400 ′ and secured into retention member  1000  in a manner similar to  FIG. 34 . The connector housing  400 ′ includes a connection alignment opening  3501  configured to receive connection alignment member  3303  of connector housing  400 . The engagement of the connection alignment member  3303  and the connection alignment opening  3501  may include features, such as latches or detents to provide releasable engagement between connector housing  400  and connector housing  400 ′.  FIG. 35  further includes plug receptacles  3503  which are configured to receive plug members  3305 . To provide the conductive portions of the electrical connectors, electrical terminals  100 ,  100 ′ are inserted into plug receptacles  3503  (see e.g.,  FIG. 37 ). The engagement of the plug member  3305  and plug receptacles  3505  provide sufficient alignment to provide releasable engagement and electrical connection between electrical terminal  100  and electrical terminal  100 ′ (see, e.g.,  FIG. 37 ). 
     FIG. 36  shows a connector system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a connector housing  400  in releasable engagement with a connector housing  400 ′. The system includes six wires engaged in the retention members of respective ends of each of connector housing  400  and connector housing  400 ′. The connector system provides electrical connection between the wires  105 ′ entering connector housing  400 ′ and the wires  105  entering connector housing  400 . 
     FIG. 37  illustrates a cross-sectional view of connector housing  400  engaged with a second connector housing  400 ′, wherein the wire  105  and wire terminal  100 , 100 ′ are shown in elevational cross-sectional view. The connection of connector housings  400  and  400 ′ permits the electrical connection of wire  105  with wire  105 ′ by electrical communication between wire terminal  100  and  100 ′ at junction  1300 . Junction  1300  preferably includes coupling of a male plug with a female connection, each corresponding to one of connector housing  400  or connector housing  400 ′. The engagement of connector housing  400  to connector housing  400 ′ takes place by engagement of disenagable connection of alignment member  3303  and connection alignment opening  3501  connecting connector housings  400  and  400 ′. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the wire retention of wires  105  is sufficient that forces on wire  105 ,  105 ′ provide for disengagement of connection alignment member  3303  and connection alignment opening  3501  at a lesser force than the force required to disengage wires  105 ,  105 ′ from connector housing  400 ,  400 ′. 
   The embodiment shown in  FIGS. 33-37  further includes a wire retention member  1000  that is configured with six insertion arms  2801  each having an insertion slot  2800  and an insertion opening  2803 . While the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 33-37  show structures, including the insertion arms  2801 , insertion slot  2800  and insertion opening  2803 , corresponding to six openings  600 , structures corresponding to any number of openings  600  may be used. 
     FIG. 38  illustrates a plug for a wire retaining system according to still another embodiment of the present invention, including a connector housing  400  having a plurality of wire terminals  100  (not shown in  FIG. 38 ) incorporated therein for receiving a plurality of corresponding wires  105  (not shown in  FIG. 38 ). As shown and described with respect to the embodiment of  FIGS. 33-37 , the embodiment shown in  FIG. 38  includes six openings  600 , corresponding to six wire terminals  100 . 
   Connector housing  400  further includes a retention member  1000  extending from connector housing  400 . Retention member  1000  includes a plurality of arms  1003  separated by a wire guide  1101  to guide and retain wire  105 . Arms  1003  are configured to provide a slot  1005 . Slot  1005  has a geometry permitting the insertion of a wire or cable tie  1201  (see e.g.,  FIG. 41 ), or other device capable of substantially immobilizing wires  105 . Retention member  1000  may be formed into connector housing  400  as a unitary piece or may be attached to connector housing  400 . The wire guides  1101  include cavities, channels or indentations formed in the body of the retention member  1000 . The wire guides  1101  are configured with a surface that receives wire  105  in a manner that provides a bend in wire  105  in the installed position, wherein the rotation of the wire  105  is minimized or eliminated. In order to further secure the wire  105 , the wire  105  is further bent and oriented into the wire guide  1101  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 39-40 ). Thereafter, a cable tie or similar device is positioned around wires  105 , wherein the wires are then bent and/or guided into an installed position along the surface of wire guide  1101  of retention member  1000 . In addition to the wire retention member  1000 , the connector housing  400  includes a connection alignment member  3303  as shown and described above with respect to  FIG. 33 . 
     FIG. 39  shows the positioning of a wire  105  into a connector housing  400  according to an embodiment of the present invention. As in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 33-37 , although one wire  105  is shown, any number of wires  105  may be utilized. To install wire  105 , the wire  105  is directed along opening axis  603  past retention member  1000  into connector housing  400 . Once the wire  105  has engaged electrical connector  100  (see e.g.,  FIG. 37 ), the wire  105  is positioned into wire guide  1101  and then a cable tie  1201  (see  FIG. 41 ) is positioned (i.e., “looped”) around the wires  105  as shown in  FIG. 41 . Alternatively, a cable tie  1201  is positioned around wires  105 , wherein the diameter of the loop of the cable tie  1201  may reduced (i.e., pulled tight) to urge wires  105  into position in the wire guide  1101  at an angle to opening center axis  603 . The positioning of the wires  105  in the wire guide  1101  provides a bend or joggle in wire  105 . The bends in wire  105  provide addition resistance to pulling and/or rotation along the opening center axis  603  and resists or prevents undesirable/unintentional disengagement of wire  105  from connector housing  400 . 
     FIG. 40  shows a connector housing  400 ′ according to an embodiment of the present invention configured to receive the connector housing  400  of  FIGS. 38-39 . As in  FIG. 38 , the connector housing  400 ′ includes a retention member  1000  having opening  600  (not shown in  FIG. 40 ), arms  1003  and wire guide  1101  (not shown in  FIG. 40 ), as shown and described above with respect to  FIGS. 38 and 39 .  FIG. 41  is shown with a wire  105 ′ inserted into wire housing  400 ′ and secured into retention member  1000 . The connector housing  400 ′ includes a connection alignment opening  3501  configured to receive connection alignment member  3303 , as shown and described with respect to  FIGS. 33-37 . 
     FIG. 41  shows a connector system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a connector housing  400  in releasable engagement with a connector housing  400 ′. The system includes six wires  105  engaged in the retention members  1000  of respective ends of each of connector housing  400  and connector housing  400 ′ wherein cable ties  1201  are positioned around wires  105 ,  105 ′ to maintain the joggle in each of the wires  105  and to retain their position in wire guide  1101 . The connector system provides electrical connection between the wires  105  entering connector housing  400 ′ and the wires  105  entering connector housing  400 . 
     FIG. 42  illustrates a connector housing  400  engaged with a second connector housing  400 ′. Connector housing  400  and connector housing  400 ′ are engaged in the manner shown and described above with respect to  FIG. 37 . As shown, wire  105 ,  105 ′ is positioned within side opening slot  1005  of wire retention member  1000 . The bend in each of wires  105 ,  105 ′ adjacent to retention member  1000  provide resistance to or prevention of unintentional disengagement of wire  105 ,  105 ′ resulting from rotation and/or in response to a pulling force directed along opening center axis  603 . 
   In a preferred embodiment, the wire retention of wires  105  is sufficient that forces on wire  105 ,  105 ′ provide for disengagement of connection alignment member  3303  and connection alignment opening  3501  at a lesser force than the force required to disengage wires  105 ,  105 ′ from connector housing  400 ,  400 ′. 
   The embodiment shown in  FIGS. 38-42  further includes a wire retention member  1000  that is configured with six insertion arms  2801  having an insertion slot  2800  and an insertion opening  2803 . While the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 38-42  show structures, including the arms  1003  and slot  1005 , corresponding to six openings  600 , structures corresponding to any number of openings  600  may be used. 
   As further shown in  FIG. 42 , cable tie  1201  may be positioned in slot  1005 , adjacent wire  105 . The cable tie  1201  provides force against wire  105  and retention member  1000  (i.e., urging wire  105  into physical contact with retention member  1000 ). The force provided by cable tie  1201  provides resistance to or prevention of unintentional disengagement of wire  105  in response to a rotational or pulling force directed along opening center axis  603 . 
   While the above has described embodiments of wire retention structures, components and methods, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. In particular, the present invention may include a single wire retention member  1000 , component or method or may include a combination of a plurality of structures, components and methods. For example, a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an wire terminal  100  having a blade  117 , may include angle channel  501 , ribs  601 , segmenting slot  700 , fingers  801 , wire retention member  1000  and any combinations thereof. The various structures are not limited to those structures shown and may include additional channels, slots, grooves or other features for retaining a wire  105  adjacent thereto. In addition, devices such as cable ties  1201 , which can be of unitary construction with connection housing  400 , may be used in combination with the wire retention member  1000  to further provide resistance to unintentional disengagement due to pulling and/or rotation. 
   While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.