Patent Publication Number: US-8123568-B2

Title: Biomedical electrode connectors

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of pending U.S. application Ser. No. 12/332,565 filed Dec. 11, 2008, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/012,817 filed Dec. 11, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present disclosure generally relates to biomedical electrodes and, in particular, relates to various biomedical electrode connectors each for effecting an electrical connection between an electrode on a patient and an electro-medical device. 
     2. Discussion of Related Art 
     Biomedical electrodes are commonly used in diagnostic and therapeutic medical applications including, e.g., electrocardiograph procedures, maternal and/or fetal monitoring, and a variety signal based rehabilitative procedures. A conventional biomedical electrode is secured to the skin of a patient via an adhesive and incorporates a male terminal or pin which projects from an electrode base. An electrical cable in communication with the electro-medical device incorporates a female terminal which is connected to the male terminal to complete the electrical circuit between the electrode and the electro-medical device. Various mechanisms for connecting the female terminal to the male terminal are known including “snap on” connections, “pinch clip” arrangements, “twist on” couplings or magnetic couplings. Many, if not all, currently available biomedical electrodes are disposable, i.e., intended to be discarded after a single use. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to a biomedical electrode connector for coupling with a biomedical electrode of the type including an electrode base and a male terminal projecting from the electrode base. In one embodiment, the electrode connector includes a connector element having first and second leg segments and a bend segment connecting the first and second leg segments. The first and second leg segments each include inner surface portions defining terminal receiving apertures therethrough and having serrations at least partially circumscribing the apertures. The first and second leg segments are adapted for relative movement between an open position whereby the male terminal is permitted to pass through the apertures of the first and second leg segments and a lock position whereby the inner surface portions including the serrations engage the male terminal in secured relation therewith to mount the connector element to the electrode. 
     The inner surface portions of the first and second leg segments may each define elongated terminal receiving apertures having a first internal dimension adjacent the bend segment greater than a corresponding second internal dimension displaced from the bend segment. The serrations of the inner surface portions of the first leg segment may at least partially circumscribe the aperture at a location adjacent the bend segment and the serrations of the inner surface portions of the second segment may at least partially circumscribe the aperture at a location displaced from the end segment. The serrations of the inner surface portions of the first and second leg segments may be disposed in general diametrically opposed relation. The inner surface portions of the first and second leg segments may each define elongated terminal receiving apertures having a substantially ovoid shape. The first and second leg segments may be normally biased to the lock position. 
     In another embodiment, the biomedical electrode connector includes a connector element having inner surface portions defining a terminal receiving aperture therethrough. The connector element includes a connector base adapted to establish electrical communication with the terminal receiving aperture and a connector shoe mounted to the base. The connector shoe includes a friction enhancing material adapted to contact the electrode base upon positioning of the connector element onto the biomedical electrode to minimize movement of the connector element relative to the male terminal of the biomedical electrode. The connector shoe may comprise an elastomeric material. 
     The connector element may include first and second jaw sections. The first and second jaw sections are adapted for relative movement to increase an internal dimension of the terminal receiving aperture to facilitate mounting of the connector element onto the biomedical electrode. The first and second jaw sections may be adapted for relative pivotal movement. 
     In another embodiment, the biomedical electrode connector includes a connector element having first and second leg segments and a bend segment connecting the first and second leg segments. The first and second leg segments each include at least one hemispherical segment depending outwardly from the respective leg segment. The at least one hemispheric segments of the first and second leg segments are generally aligned to define a terminal receiving aperture therethrough. The first and second leg segments are adapted for relative movement between an open position whereby the male terminal is permitted to pass through the terminal receiving aperture of the first and second leg segments and a lock position whereby inner surface portions of the hemispherical segments engage the male terminal in secured relation therewith to mount the connector element to the electrode. The first and second leg segments may be normally biased to the lock position. 
     In another embodiment, a biomedical electrode connector includes a connector element having a coiled segment defining a terminal receiving aperture and a sheath at least partially mounted about the connector element. The sheath is adapted to assume a first relative position with respect to the connector element whereby the terminal receiving aperture of the coiled segment defines a first internal dimension to permit passage of the male terminal therethrough and a second relative position with respect to the connector element whereby the terminal receiving aperture defines a second internal dimension with the coiled segment contacting the male terminal of the electrode in secured relation therewith. The connector element includes connector ends depending from the coiled segment. The connector ends are engaged and manipulated by the sheath when the sheath is in the first and second relative positions to cause the terminal receiving aperture to correspondingly assume the first and second internal dimensions. The coiled segment may be normally biased to assume the second internal dimension. 
     The sheath may include a first pair of diametrically opposed lobes and a second pair of diametrically opposed lobes. The connector ends of the connector member are at least partially received within the first pair of lobes when the sheath is in the first relative position and are at least partially received within the second pair of lobes when the sheath is in the second relative position. 
     The sheath may be adapted for rotational movement relative to the connector ends of the connector member to move between the first and second relative positions. The sheath may define a general elliptical cross-section having a minor axis and a major axis. The connector ends are positioned in general alignment with the minor axis when the sheath is in the first relative position and are positioned in alignment with the major axis and in spaced relation when the sheath is in the second relative position. The sheath includes internal locking shelves to assist in retaining the connector ends in alignment with the respective major and minor axes. 
     Alternatively, the sheath may be adapted for longitudinal movement relative to the connector element to cooperatively engage the connector ends and cause the coiled segment to respectively assume the first and second relative positions. In this embodiment, the sheath includes an internal tapered surface engageable with the connector ends to cause the connector ends to assume an approximated relation upon movement of the sheath to the first relative position and to permit the connector ends to assume a spaced relation upon movement of the sheath to the second relative position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and, together with a general description of the disclosure given above, and the detailed description of the embodiment(s) given below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an electrode connector in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure for use with a biomedical electrode lead set assembly; 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the electrode connector of  FIG. 1  illustrating placement of the electrode connector over a male terminal of the biomedical electrode; 
         FIGS. 3-4  are top and side elevational views of the electrode connector positioned about the male terminal of the biomedical electrode and in an unsecured position with respect to the male terminal; 
         FIGS. 5-6  are top and side elevational views of the electrode connector positioned about the male terminal of the biomedical electrode and in a secured position with respect to the male terminal; 
         FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the electrode connector of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom perspective view of the electrode connector of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the electrode connector of  FIG. 7  during positioning about the male terminal of the biomedical electrode; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the electrode connector of  FIG. 7  in a secured position with respect to the male terminal of the biomedical electrode; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the electrode connector incorporating a connector element with coiled segment and a sheath, and illustrating the first position of the sheath relative to the connector element; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  12 - 12  of  FIG. 11  illustrating the approximated arrangement of the connector ends within the sheath when the sheath is in the first relative position; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view similar to the view of  FIG. 11  illustrating the second position of the sheath relative to the connector element; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  14 - 14  of  FIG. 13  illustrating the approximated arrangement of the connector ends within the sheath when the sheath is in the second relative position; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the electrode connector of  FIG. 11  illustrating placement of the electrode connector over a male terminal of the biomedical electrode while the sheath is in the first relative position; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the electrode connector of  FIG. 11  illustrating securement of the electrode connector about the male terminal of the biomedical electrode while the sheath is in the second relative position; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the electrode connector incorporating a connector element and a rotating sheath, and illustrating the first position of the rotating sheath relative to the connector element; 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  18 - 18  of  FIG. 17  illustrating the approximated arrangement of the connector ends within the rotating sheath when the rotating sheath is in the first relative position; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view similar to the view of  FIG. 17  illustrating the second position of the rotating sheath relative to the connector element; 
         FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  20 - 20  of  FIG. 19  illustrating the spaced arrangement of the connector ends within the rotating sheath when the rotating sheath is in the second relative position; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the electrode connector incorporating a connector element and a sliding sheath; 
         FIG. 22  is a side cross-sectional view of the electrode connector of  FIG. 21  illustrating the sliding sheath in the first relative position; 
         FIG. 23  is a side cross-sectional view of the electrode connector of  FIG. 21  illustrating the sliding sheath is in the second relative position; 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the electrode connector; 
         FIG. 25  is a side view of the electrode connector of  FIG. 24  illustrating the electrode connector in the initial open condition; 
         FIG. 26  is a side view of the electrode connector of  FIG. 24  illustrating the electrode connector in the closed condition; and 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a biomedical electrode lead set assembly incorporating any of the electrode connectors of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) 
     The exemplary embodiments of the electrode connectors disclosed herein are intended for use with a lead set assembly in performing a surgical, diagnostic or therapeutic procedure in collecting or delivering electrical signals relative to a subject. Such procedures are inclusive of, but, not limited to, electrocardiograph procedures, maternal and/or fetal monitoring, and a variety of signal based rehabilitative procedures. However, it is envisioned that the present disclosure may be employed with many applications including surgical, diagnostic and related treatments of diseases, body ailments, of a subject. 
     In the discussion that follows, the term “subject” refers to a human patient or other animal. The term “clinician” refers to a doctor, nurse or other care provider and may include support personnel. 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein like components are designated by like reference numerals throughout the several views,  FIG. 1  illustrates, in perspective view, an electrode connector  10  in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. Electrode connector  10  is intended for use with an electrode lead set assembly for connecting a biomedical electrode with a diagnostic or monitoring apparatus as will be further discussed hereinbelow. Electrode connector  10  includes connector element  12  comprising at least in part a conductive material and being arranged in a bent or folded condition to define first and second legs  14 ,  16  connected through bend  18 . First and second legs  14 ,  16  may be arranged at an angle ranging from about 105 degrees to about 165 degrees, preferably, about 135 degrees. First leg  14  has electrical lead wire  20  connected thereto. Any means for connecting lead wire  20  to first leg  14  are envisioned including, but, not limited to, crimping methodologies, adhesives, and any other electro-mechanical connections envisioned by one skilled in the art. 
     First and second leg  14 ,  16  define respective apertures  22 ,  24  which are in general alignment with each other. Apertures  22 ,  24  are elongated and may define a variety of shapes including a general egg shape or general ovoid shape. In one embodiment, apertures  22 ,  24  each define an internal dimension or diameter “d 1 ” which is greater adjacent bend  18  than the corresponding internal dimension or diameter “d 2 ” of the apertures  22 ,  24  displaced from the bend  18 . Apertures  22 ,  24  may gradually taper to define the general ovoid shape, and may be symmetrically arranged about a longitudinal axis “k” of symmetry. First leg  14  may have serrations or cuts  26  circumscribing one longitudinal end of aperture  22 , e.g., adjacent loop  18 , and second leg  16  may have corresponding serrations or cuts  28  circumscribing the opposed longitudinal end of aperture  24 . 
     Electrode connector  10  is preferably formed of a conductive metal such as copper, stainless steel, titanium and alloys thereof, and may be manufactured via known techniques including coining, stamping or pressing or any other suitable manufacturing technique. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , electrode connector  10  is shown being positioned adjacent biomedical electrode  50 . Biomedical electrode  50  incorporates electrode flange or base  52  and male pin or terminal  54  extending in transverse relation to the electrode base  52 . Male terminal  54  may have a bulbous arrangement whereby the upper portion of the male terminal  54  has a greater cross-sectional dimension than a lower portion of the male terminal  50 . A pressure sensitive adhesive coating and an adhesive hydrogel (not shown) may be applied to tissue contacting surface of electrode base  52  to enhance the electrical connection to the subject to receive/transmit the biomedical signals to/from the subject. Any commercially available biomedical electrode  50  having an upward extending male terminal or pin  54  may be utilized. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2-4 , to secure electrode connector  10  to biomedical electrode  50 , apertures  22 ,  24  of first and second legs  14 ,  16  are generally aligned with male terminal  54 , and free ends  30 ,  32  of respective first and second legs  14 ,  16  are moved toward each other, by, for example, a squeezing action as shown by directional arrow “m” of  FIGS. 2 and 3  on one or both of respective free ends  30 ,  32  of the first and second legs  14 ,  16 . In this position, apertures  22 ,  24  are generally parallel to each other to receive male terminal  54  with minimal force. With electrode connector  10  positioned about male terminal  54 , legs  14 ,  16  are released causing the legs  14 ,  16  to displace by virtue of the resiliency or spring action of bend  18  to assume the normal condition of  FIGS. 5 and 6 . In this position, serrations  26 ,  28  adjacent first and second apertures  22 ,  24  contact opposed sections of male terminal  54 , and, may bite into the male terminal  54 . Serrated edges or serrations  26 ,  28  provide multiple contact surfaces for electrical conduction between electrode connector  10  and male terminal  54  of electrode  50 . In addition, serrated edges  26 ,  28  provide a mechanical connection between electrode connector  10  and male terminal  54 , thereby minimizing the potential of lead wire pop-off. In order to remove electrode connector  10 , first and second legs  14 ,  16  are squeezed or displaced toward each other such that serrated edges  26 ,  28  disengage male terminal  54  and apertures  22 ,  24  assume a general parallel orientation. In this position with male terminal  54  unconstrained, minimal force is required to remove electrode connector  10  from biomedical electrode  50 . 
       FIGS. 7-8  illustrate an alternate embodiment of an electrode connector  100 . Electrode connector  100  includes connector base  102  formed of a conductive metal substrate and connector shoe  104  which is secured, connected, or otherwise adhered, to the surface of the connector base  102 . Connector shoe  104  may be fabricated from an elastomeric material, and manufactured via known molding techniques. Connector shoe  104  provides a friction enhancing surface to contact electrode base  52  and minimize rotational movement of electrode connector  100  about biomedical electrode  50  when the electrode connector  100  is mounted to the biomedical electrode  50 . It is further envisioned that connector base  102  may be incorporated within connector shoe  104  through insert molding applications. Other materials for connector shoe  104  may be cloth materials, fabrics and/or polymeric materials or combinations thereof. Connector base  102  is in electrical communication with lead wire  20  and may be connected to the lead wire  20  through any of the aforementioned connection means. 
     Electrode connector  100  includes terminal aperture  106 , hinge aperture  108  and slits  110 , 112  each of which extend through connector base  102  and connector shoe  104 . Terminal aperture  106  defines a generally circular configuration and is adapted to receive male terminal  54  of biomedical electrode  50 . Electrode connector  100  further defines first and second jaw sections  114 ,  116  on each side of slits  110 ,  112  which move between the closed position of  FIGS. 7 and 8  and the open condition of  FIG. 9 . In particular, first and second jaw sections  114 ,  116  pivot about hinge aperture  108  to permit terminal aperture  106  to expand in dimension upon placement about male terminal  54  of biomedical electrode  50 . 
     In use, electrode connector  100  is positioned adjacent biomedical electrode  50  with terminal aperture  106  in alignment with male terminal  54  and connector shoe  104  facing electrode base  52 . As depicted in  FIG. 9 , a downward application of pressure is applied to electrode connector  100  whereby first and second jaw sections  114 ,  116  engage male terminal  54  and pivot outwardly away from each other to increase the dimension of terminal aperture  106 . Due to the normal bias of first and second jaw sections  114 ,  116  towards the first initial condition shown, the inner surfaces of the jaw sections  114 ,  116  defining terminal aperture  106  engage male terminal  54  in frictional secured relation therewith. Electrical communication may be established by virtue of direct contact of male terminal  54  and the inner conductive surfaces of connector base  102  defining terminal aperture  106 . In one embodiment, the diameter or cross-sectional dimension of male terminal  54  is slightly less than the diameter of internal dimension of terminal aperture  106  to create an sufficient electro-mechanical connection through, e.g., a frictional or tolerance fit. In another embodiment, male terminal  54  may incorporate a circumferential rib  56  adjacent electrode base  52  to further assist in establishing the electrical connection as depicted in  FIG. 10 . Specifically, circumferential rib  56  may be conductive and contact the upper surface of connector base  102 . In addition, circumferential rib  56  may assist in retention of electrode connector  100  on biomedical electrode  50  through engagement of the circumferential rib  56  with the upper surface of electrode base  102 . Connector shoe  104  is in engagement with electrode base  52  and through the friction enhancing qualities of the connector shoe  104  minimizes at least rotational movement of electrode connector  100  relative to biomedical electrode  50 . This feature may prevent “pop off” of electrode connector  100  relative to biomedical electrode  50 . 
       FIGS. 11-12  illustrate another alternate embodiment of an electrode connector. Electrode connector  150  includes connector element  152  and sheath  154  mounted about the connector element  152 . Connector element  152  consists of coiled segment  156  and connector ends  158  depending from the coiled segment  156  and extending through sheath  154 . Coiled segment  156  defines terminal receiving aperture  160  therethrough having an internal dimension or diameter which is variable to assist in placement about, and securement to, male terminal  54  of biomedical electrode  50 . Coiled segment  156  overlaps adjacent connector ends  158  whereby the connector ends  158  extend in a general longitudinal direction through sheath  154  to proximal junction point, identified by reference numeral  162 . At this juncture point  162 , connector ends  158  may be joined to lead wire  20 . Connector ends  158  may be connected to each other and/or lead wire  20  by crimping procedures or any other known methodologies, or may connect adjacent the monitor jack. 
     Connector element  152  is fabricated from a suitable conductive metal and exhibits a degree of resiliency to assist in securing coiled segment  156  about male terminal  54  of biomedical electrode  50 . 
     Sheath  154  may be formed of a relatively rigid material having some flexibility and a degree of elasticity. Suitable materials for sheath  154  include polymeric materials such as polycarbonates and/or polystyrenes. Sheath  154  may be formed by known injection molding techniques. Sheath  154  has a non-circular cross-section, and may define a major axis “x” having a major dimension and a minor axis “y” having a minor dimension less than the major dimension. Sheath  154  is adapted to receive connector ends  158  of connector element  152  and incorporates first and second pairs  164 ,  166  of lobes. Lobes  164  of the first pair extend along the minor axis “y” of sheath  154  in relative diametrical opposed relation and lobes  166  of the second pair extend along major axis “x” of the sheath  154  also in relative diametrical opposed relation. In a first position of sheath  154  relative to connector element  152  as depicted in  FIGS. 11-12 , connector ends  156  are received within respective lobes  164  of the first pair and arranged in approximated or adjacent, e.g, contacting, relation. In the first relative position, coiled segment  156  defines a first internal dimension or diameter. 
       FIGS. 13-14  illustrate a second position of sheath  154  relative to connector element  152 . In the second relative position, connector ends  158  are received within lobes  166  of the second pair in spaced relation as shown. In the second relative position, coiled segment  156  defines a second internal dimension or diameter less than the first internal dimension defined when sheath  154  is in the first relative position. Connector element  150  may be normally biased toward this arrangement of connector ends  158  and coiled segment  156  due to the inherent resiliency of the material of fabrication of the connector element  150 . 
     The use of electrode connector  150  will now be discussed. As indicated hereinabove, connector element  150  is normally biased toward the condition depicted in  FIGS. 13-14  due to the inherent resiliency and arrangement of connector element  150 . In this condition which corresponds to the second relative position of sheath  154 , coiled segment  156  defines the second internal dimension. The second internal dimension of coiled segment  156  will generally approximate or be less than the cross-sectional dimension of male terminal  54  of biomedical electrode  50  thereby preventing placement over the male terminal  54 . Accordingly, the operator will need to enlarge coiled segment  156  of connector element  150 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 13-14 , enlargement of coiled segment  156  may be achieved by depressing sheath  154  adjacent lobes  166  and connector ends  158  which are disposed within the lobes  166  to displace the connector ends  158  toward each other. Upon approaching the center of sheath  154 , connector ends  158  are no longer constrained within lobes  166  and are free to enter lobes  164  of the first pair of sheath  154  and are releasably secured therein by the corresponding internal dimensioning of the lobes  164  and the connector ends  158 . It is noted that a slight angular or twisting action on sheath  154  and connector ends  158  may facilitate positioning of the connector ends  158  within lobes  164 . Thus, with sheath  154  now in the first relative position of  FIGS. 11-12 , connector ends  158  are approximated and coiled segment  156  is enlarged to define the first relatively large internal dimension. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 15 , coiled segment  156  is then positioned over male terminal  54  of biomedical electrode  50 . Thereafter, coiled segment  156  is secured about male terminal  54  by applying a force on sheath  154  adjacent second lobes  164  and connector ends  158  to move the connector ends  158  toward second lobes  166 . As noted above, due to the normal bias of connector ends  158  toward a relative spaced arrangement, the connector ends  158  have a tendency to fall or enter into second lobes  166  to assume the normal condition of connector element  152  corresponding to the second relative position of sheath  154 . An angulated diametrically opposed force or twisting action adjacent lobes  164  on sheath  152  may be applied to assist in directing connector ends  158  toward second lobes  166 . In this condition of connector element  150 , coiled segment  156  securely engages male terminal  54  to establish electrical contact with biomedical electrode  50 . 
       FIG. 16  illustrates the secured position of coiled segment  156  about male terminal  54  of biomedical electrode  50 . It is noted that male terminal  54  may include a circumferential rib  56  to assist in maintaining coiled segment  156  about the male terminal  54  of biomedical electrode  50 . Circumferential rib  56  may be integrally formed with male terminal  54  or be a separate unit positionable on the male terminal  54  and capable of establishing a close tolerance fit with the male terminal  54 . 
       FIGS. 17-20  illustrate an alternate embodiment of an electrode connector. Electrode connector  200  includes connector element  202  and rotating sheath  204  at least partially positionable about the connector element  202 . Connector element  202  is substantially similar to connector element  152  discussed in connection with the embodiment of  FIGS. 11-16 , and reference is made to the foregoing description for details of the connector element  202 . Rotating sheath  204  is at least partially positionable about connector ends  206 . Rotating sheath  204  defines an oblong or elliptical cross-section having a minor axis “y” and a major axis “x” with respective minor and major dimensions. The major dimension is greater than the minor dimension. 
     Rotating sheath  204  is adapted to rotate about its longitudinal axis between a first position relative to connector element  202  as depicted in  FIGS. 17-18  and a second position relative to the connector element  202  as depicted in  FIGS. 19-20 . Rotating sheath  204  includes internal minor locking shelves  208 , e.g., in general parallel relation with the minor axis “y”, and internal major locking shelves  210 , e.g., in general parallel relation with the major axis “x”. When sheath  204  is in the first relative position, connector ends  206  are generally approximated causing coiled segment  212  to assume its enlarged condition of  FIGS. 17-18  in a similar manner discussed in connection with the embodiment of  FIGS. 11-16 . Minor locking shelves  208  assist in retaining connector ends  206  in the approximated position during placement of coiled segment  212  about male terminal  54  of biomedical electrode  50 . Once coiled segment  212  is positioned over male terminal  54 , rotating sheath  204  is rotated in either direction causing locking shelves  210  to begin to displace connector ends  206  in an angular direction. As discussed hereinabove, connector ends  206  are normally biased away from each other; therefore, once connector ends  206  clear minor locking shelves  208  during angular movement, the connector ends  206  assume their fully spaced relationship relative to each other under the natural bias of connector element  202  to assume the position depicted in  FIGS. 19-20 . This position corresponds to the second position of rotating locking sheath  204  relative to connector element  202 . In this position, coiled segment  212  is secured about male terminal  54  of biomedical electrode  50 . Major locking shelves  210  assist in retaining connector ends  206  in the spaced position thereby maintaining coiled segment  212  in secured relation about male terminal  54  of biomedical electrode  50 . 
       FIGS. 21-23  illustrate an alternate embodiment of an electrode connector. Electrode connector  250  includes connector element  252  and sliding sheath  254  at least partially positionable about the connector element  252 . Connector element  252  is substantially similar to connector element  152  discussed in connection with the embodiment of  FIGS. 11-16 , and reference is made to the accompanying description for details of the connector element  252 . Sliding sheath  254  is at least partially positionable about connector ends  256 . Sliding sheath  254  is adapted to translate in a general longitudinal direction relative to connector ends  256  of connector element  252  between the first relative position depicted in  FIG. 22  and the second relative position depicted in  FIG. 23 . Sheath  254  may incorporate internal taper or cam surfaces  258  to facilitate in approximating connector ends  256  when moving the sheath  254  toward the first relative position of  FIG. 22 . Sheath  254  may include external handle or tab  260  adapted for manual engagement by the operator. In the first relative position, coiled segment  262  of connector element  252  defines an enlarged diameter or internal dimension to be positioned over male terminal  54  of biomedical electrode  50 . Once coiled segment  252  is positioned on male terminal  54 , sheath  254  is moved in the direction of the directional arrow of  FIG. 23  to the second relative position whereby taper surfaces  258  release connector ends  256  to permit connector element  252  to assume its normally biased closed position. 
     In addition, electrode connector  250  may include frame  264  engageable with one hand of the operator while the operator manipulates sheath  254 . Frame  264  may be secured to one or both extreme ends of connector ends  256  within the internal surface of frame  254  or at a connection point of the connector ends  256  with lead wire  20 . Frame  264 , thus, may be stationary relative to connector ends  256 . 
       FIGS. 24-26  illustrate another alternate embodiment of the present disclosure. Electrode connector  300  includes base  302  or strip member of metallic material bent at an angle ranging from about 110 degrees to about 150 degrees, preferably, about 135 degrees to form first and second legs  304 ,  306  connected by bend  308  and having respective first and second free ends  310 ,  312 . First leg  304  may have electrode lead wire  20  connected thereto. Each leg  304 ,  306  includes at least one, preferably, two hemispheric or loop segments  314  extending inwardly from the remaining portions of the respective first and second legs  304 ,  306 . When first and second free ends  310 ,  312  of first and second legs  304 ,  306  are moved toward each other as depicted in  FIG. 25 , hemispheric segments  314  align to define an aperture  316  having a first relatively large internal dimension or diameter, i.e., an expanded condition of the aperture  316 . In this expanded condition, electrode connector  300  is positioned about male terminal  54  of biomedical electrode  50  by reception of the male terminal  54  within aperture  316 . Upon release of first and second free ends  310 ,  312 , the free ends  310 ,  312  move radially outwardly under the influence of the resilient characteristics of bend  308  to thereby cause the aperture  316  to assume a second relatively small internal dimension or diameter. In this condition, the internal surfaces defining hemispherical segments  314  engage male terminal  54  of biomedical electrode  50  in secured relation. Hemispherical segments  314  define multiple points of contact with male terminal  54 , particularly, when two hemispheric segments  314  are incorporated within each of first and second legs  304 ,  306 , and provide a relatively strong force of engagement on the male terminal  54  when in the closed position. In the open position, the size of aperture  316  defined by hemispherical segments  314  enables the operator to remove or place electrode connector  300  relative to male terminal  54  with minimal force. 
       FIG. 27  illustrates an electrode lead set assembly  1000  which may incorporate any of the electrode connectors of the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-26 . Electrode lead set assembly  1000  includes lead wires  20  attached to any embodiment of the electrode connector and leading to a device connector  1002 . Device connector  1002  may be any suitable connector adapted for connection to a medical device  1004 . One suitable medical device connector may be a modular connector similar to those used for Registered Jacks Including RJ14, RJ25, and RJ45 connectors. Medical device  1004  may be an electrocardiogram apparatus, fetal or maternal monitoring apparatus or a signal generator adapted to transmit electrical impulses or signals for therapeutic reasons to the patient. 
     Although the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure.