Patent Publication Number: US-11658438-B1

Title: Electrical connector with integrated sealing mechanism

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates generally to electric power devices, and, specifically, to extension cords and electrical outlets. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Extension cords can provide power from a power source to an electronic device at a location a distance away from the power source. In some situations, extension cords are used outdoors. Additionally, electrical outlets and outlet boxes may be located in an outdoor environment. Weather, such as rain, snow, or other precipitation, may cause a ground fault due to moisture at the point of electrical connection. Should the path to ground pass through a person, the person may experience burns or other injuries. Covers for extension cords are available, but such covers are prone to wear out over time and require multiple steps and/or fasteners to form a secure seal around the extension cord or do not seal well such that moisture is not excluded from the cover when the extension cord is electrically connected to another cord or power source. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure describes electrical connectors, such as extension cords and electrical outlets, and operations thereof. An electrical connector may be with integrated with one or more components to ensure the connector forms in one step a complete seal to exclude moisture from the connector. The electrical connector may also be with integrated with safety measures to provide for safe operation of the electrical connector. 
     The electrical connector may include a receptacle configured to receive a plug and a housing. The receptacle may be disposed within the housing, and the housing may be configured to move with respect to the receptacle between an open position in which the housing is configured to enable access to the receptacle for receipt of a plug and a closed position in which the receptacle is not accessible by a plug. At least a portion of the housing may be biased toward the open position. Such biasing may be accomplished using a frame defined by a first resilient polymer. The frame may be coupled to a second resilient polymer that has a stiffness that is less than a stiffness of the first resilient polymer and that, when the housing is in the closed position, enables sealing of the housing. A transition of the housing from the open position to the closed position may be facilitated by a grip coupled to the housing and moveable relative to the housing between a first position configured to enable movement of the housing to the open position and a second position configured to enable movement of the housing to the closed position. When in the second position, the grip may overlie a portion of the housing that is biased toward to the open position to prevent movement of the housing to the open position. 
     Thus, the present disclosure describes one or more electrical connectors with integrated or unitary components to ensure the connector forms a seal around the receptacle. For example, the multi-polymeric housing and the grip may be configured to operate together to form an enclosed chamber that protects the receptacle and/or the plug from precipitation, such as rain or snow, or other moisture. 
     Some of the present electrical connectors include a receptacle, a housing within which the receptacle is disposed, and a grip coupled to the housing. In some embodiments, the housing includes a second end and an openable first end having at least two housing portions that are movable relative to each other between an open position in which the receptacle is accessible by a plug through the housing portions and a closed position in which the receptacle is not accessible by the plug through the housing portions. In some embodiments, at least one of the housing portions is biased toward the open position. In some embodiments, the grip is movable relative to the housing between a first position in which the grip permits movement of the housing portions to the open position and a second position in which the grip overlies the at least one biased-open housing portion such that the grip prevents movement of the housing portions to the open position. 
     In some embodiments, the housing portions are not hinged. Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, the at least one biased-open housing portion comprises a first resilient polymer. Optionally, the first resilient polymer comprises polyetherimide. In some such embodiments, the at least one biased-open housing portion includes a frame that is defined by the first resilient polymer and a second resilient polymer. In some embodiments, the second resilient polymer is coupled to the frame such that, when the housing portions are in the closed position, the second resilient polymer contacts at least one other of the housing portions. In some embodiments, the second resilient polymer has a stiffness that is 50% or less of a stiffness of the first resilient polymer. In some embodiments, the second resilient polymer has a hardness of between 30 and 90 Shore A. Optionally, the second resilient polymer comprises silicone. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of the housing portions defines a rib that is configured to be received by a groove of another one of the housing portions when the housing portions are in the closed position. In some such embodiments, the outer surface at least one of the rib and the groove is defined by the second resilient polymer. In some embodiments, when the housing portions are in the closed position, the housing portions define a passageway configured to receive a power cord, and a minimum transverse dimension of the passageway decreases along the passageway. In some such embodiments, at least a portion of the passageway is defined by the second resilient polymer. 
     In some embodiments, the electrical connector further includes a detent configured to maintain the grip in the second position. Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, the grip defines a channel, the housing defines a ridge that is received by the channel, and the ridge and the channel are configured to guide the grip between the first position and the second position. In some such embodiments, a portion of the ridge that contacts the channel is defined by the frame of the at least one biased-open housing portion. 
     In some embodiments, the electrical connector further includes a switch that is disposed within the housing and configured to be coupled to a power source. In some such embodiments, when the grip is in the first position, the switch prevents electrical communication between the receptacle and the power source. In some such embodiments, when the grip is in the second position, the switch prevents electrical communication between the receptacle and the power source. 
     Some of the present methods of making an electrical connection include inserting a plug of a power cord through at least two housing portions of a housing while the housing portions are in an open position to which at least one of the housing portions is biased and into a receptacle that is disposed within the housing and moving the housing portions relative to one another to a closed position at least by moving a grip that is coupled to the housing relative to the housing from a first position to a second position in which the grip overlies more of the at least one biased-open housing portion than when the grip is in the first position. In some embodiments, when the housing portions are in the closed position, the housing portions contact a portion of the power cord that extends to the plug. 
     In some methods, the housing portions are not hinged. Additionally, or alternatively, in some methods, the at least one biased-open housing portion comprises a first resilient polymer. Optionally, the first resilient polymer comprises polyetherimide. In some such methods, the at least one biased-open housing portion includes a frame that is defined by the first resilient polymer and a second resilient polymer. In some methods, the second resilient polymer is coupled to the frame such that, when the housing portions are in the closed position, the second resilient polymer contacts at least one other of the housing portions. In some methods, the second resilient polymer has a stiffness that is 50% or less of a stiffness of the first resilient polymer. In some methods, the second resilient polymer has hardness of between 30 and 90 Shore A. Optionally, the second resilient polymer comprises silicone. 
     In some methods, at least one of the housing portions defines a rib that is received by a groove of another one of the housing portions when the housing portions are in the closed position. In some such methods, the outer surface at least one of the rib and the groove is defined by the second resilient polymer. In some methods, when the housing portions are in the closed position, the housing portions define a passageway that receives the portion of the power cord contacted by the housing portions, and a minimum transverse dimension of the passageway decreases along the passageway. In some such methods, at least a portion of the passageway is defined by the second resilient polymer. 
     In some methods, the electrical connector further includes a detent configured to maintain the grip in the second position. Additionally, or alternatively, in some methods, the grip defines a channel, and the housing defines a ridge that is received by the channel such that the ridge and the channel guide the grip between the first position and the second position. In some such methods, a portion of the ridge that contacts the channel is defined by the frame of the at least one biased-open housing portion. 
     In some methods, the electrical connector further includes a switch that is disposed within the housing and configured to be coupled to a power source. In some such embodiments, when the grip is in the first position, the switch prevents electrical communication between the receptacle and the power source. In some such embodiments, moving the grip to the second position actuates the switch to permit electrical communication between the receptacle and the power source. 
     As used herein, various terminology is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of embodiments. For example, as used herein, an ordinal term (e.g., “first,” “second,” “third,” etc.) used to modify an element, such as a structure, a component, an operation, etc., does not by itself indicate any priority or order of the element with respect to another element, but rather merely distinguishes the element from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term). The term “coupled” is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically; two items that are “coupled” may be unitary with each other. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless this disclosure explicitly requires otherwise. 
     The term “about” as used herein can allow for a degree of variability in a value or range, for example, within 10%, within 5%, or within 1% of a stated value or of a stated limit of a range, and includes the exact stated value or range. The term “substantially” is defined as largely but not necessarily wholly what is specified (and includes what is specified; e.g., substantially 90 degrees includes 90 degrees and substantially parallel includes parallel), as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In any disclosed embodiment, the term “substantially” may be substituted with “within [a percentage] of” what is specified, where the percentage includes 0.1, 1, or 5 percent; and the term “approximately” may be substituted with “within 10 percent of” what is specified. The statement “substantially X to Y” has the same meaning as “substantially X to substantially Y,” unless indicated otherwise. Likewise, the statement “substantially X, Y, or substantially Z” has the same meaning as “substantially X, substantially Y, or substantially Z,” unless indicated otherwise. The phrase “and/or” means and or. To illustrate, A, B, and/or C includes: A alone, B alone, C alone, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, or a combination of A, B, and C. In other words, “and/or” operates as an inclusive or. Similarly, the phrase “A, B, C, or a combination thereof” or “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” includes: A alone, B alone, C alone, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, or a combination of A, B, and C. 
     Throughout this document, values expressed in a range format should be interpreted in a flexible manner to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. For example, a range of “about 0.1% to about 5%” or “about 0.1% to 5%” should be interpreted to include not just about 0.1% to about 5%, but also the individual values (e.g., 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) and the sub-ranges (e.g., 0.1% to 0.5%, 1.1% to 2.2%, 3.3% to 4.4%) within the indicated range. 
     The terms “comprise” and any form thereof such as “comprises” and “comprising,” “have” and any form thereof such as “has” and “having,” “include” and any form thereof such as “includes” and “including,” and “contain” and any form thereof such as “contains” and “containing,” are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, an apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more elements possesses or contains those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing or containing only those elements. Likewise, a method that “comprises,” “has,” or “includes” one or more steps possesses those one or more steps, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps. 
     Any embodiment of any of the apparatuses, systems, and methods can consist of or consist essentially of—rather than comprise/include/have—any of the described steps, elements, and/or features. Thus, in any of the claims, the term “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of” can be substituted for any of the open-ended linking verbs recited above, in order to change the scope of a given claim from what it would otherwise be using the open-ended linking verb. Additionally, the term “wherein” may be used interchangeably with “where”. 
     Further, a device or system that is configured in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but it can also be configured in other ways than those specifically described. The feature or features of one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, even though not described or illustrated, unless expressly prohibited by this disclosure or the nature of the embodiments. 
     Some details associated with the embodiments are described above and others are described below. Other embodiments, advantages, and features of the present disclosure will become apparent after review of the entire application, including the following sections: Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description, and the Claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following drawings illustrate by way of example and not limitation. For the sake of brevity and clarity, every feature of a given structure is not always labeled in every figure in which that structure appears. Identical reference numbers do not necessarily indicate an identical structure. Rather, the same reference number may be used to indicate a similar feature or a feature with similar functionality, as may non-identical reference numbers. Views in the figures are drawn to scale, unless otherwise noted, meaning the sizes of the depicted elements are accurate relative to each other for at least the embodiment in the view. 
         FIG.  1 A  is a perspective view of one of the present electrical connectors having at least one of at least two housing portions biased toward an open position and a grip movable relative to the housing that permits movement of the biased-open housing portion to the open position. 
         FIG.  1 B  is a top view of the electrical connector of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  1 C  is a bottom view of the electrical connector of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  1 D  is a right side view of the electrical connector of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  1 E  is a back view of the electrical connector of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  1 F  is a front view of the electrical connector of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  1 G  is a cross-sectional top view of the electrical connector of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  1 H  is a cross-sectional side view of the electrical connector of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of a plug of a power cord that is configured to be inserted through the housing portions of the electrical connector of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3 A  is a perspective view of a frame defined by a first resilient polymer of the electrical connector of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3 B  is a front view of the frame of  FIG.  3 A . 
         FIG.  3 C  is a top view of the frame of  FIG.  3 A . 
         FIG.  3 D  is a bottom view of the frame of  FIG.  3 A . 
         FIG.  4 A  is a perspective view of one of the present electrical connectors its housing portions in the closed position and a grip movable relative to the housing that prevents movement of the housing portions to the open position. 
         FIG.  4 B  is a cross-sectional side view of the electrical connector of  FIG.  4 A  and illustrates a switch disposed within the housing and configured to be coupled to a power source. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 A- 1 H , shown is an embodiment 10 of the present electrical connectors for sealing off elements contained therein from moisture. Electrical connector  10  is configured to be coupled to a power source (e.g., a generator, a transformer, an inverter, a battery, a solar panel, etc.). In some embodiments, electrical connector  10  further includes a power supply cord (not illustrated) including one or more conductors coupled to electrical connector  10 . For example, the power supply cord may couple electrical connector  10  to the power source. 
     Electrical connector  10  can include a receptacle  14 , a housing  24  within which the receptacle  14  is disposed, and a grip  22  coupled to the housing  24 . Housing  24  makes up a body/housing of electrical connector  10 . In a particular embodiment, housing  24  is substantially cylindrical. In other embodiments, however, housing  24  can be substantially cuboidal or rectangular (e.g., an outlet box). 
     Referring to  FIG.  1 F , receptacle  14  is configured to receive a plug  140  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  2   ). For example, receptacle  14  may include one or more conductive members  18  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  1 H ) configured to physically couple to one or more conductive members of plug  140 . In some embodiments, receptacle  14  may be configured such that one or more portions of plug  140  are inserted into and received by receptacle  14  to electrically couple receptacle  14  and plug  140 . In other embodiments, receptacle  14  and plug  140  may be configured such that one or more portions of receptacle  14  are inserted into and received by plug  140 . Plug  140  may include a cord (e.g., an extension cord) coupled to plug  140  and configured to be coupled to an electronic device at a location away from electrical connector  10 . Plug  140  and a portion of the cord may be inserted into housing  24  to couple plug  140  to receptacle  14 . For example, one or more conductors (e.g., prongs or blades) of plug  140  may be coupled to one or more conductors of receptacle  14 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  1 A , housing  24  can include an openable first end having at least two housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  and a second end  24   c . Housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  may be flexible portions that are movable relative to each other (e.g., separable) between an open position and a closed position.  FIG.  1 A  illustrates housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  in the open position. When in the open position, receptacle  14  may be accessible by plug  140  through housing portions  24   a  and  24   b . When in the closed position, housing  24  defines an enclosed chamber, and access to receptacle  14  by the plug through housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  is inhibited. For example, housing  24  may not be open such that a plug may be inserted—e.g., insertion of a plug into receptacle  14  is prevented. 
     In some embodiments, movement of housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  relative to each other may be via separating, disengaging, pivoting, sliding, etc., housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  relative to each other. Alternatively, housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  may be hingedly coupled to one another, and movement of housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  relative to each other may be via one or more hinges. In certain embodiments, housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  are not hinged, and movement of housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  relative to each other is via separating housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  from each other. 
     Housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  may be moved in multiple directions with respect to each other. For example, housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  may be movable in a first direction. The first direction may correspond to a transition from the open position (as illustrated in  FIG.  1 A  and  FIG.  1 C ) to the closed position (as illustrated in  FIG.  4 A ). As another example, housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  may be movable in a second direction. The second direction is opposite to first direction and may correspond to a transition from the closed position to the open position. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  is biased toward the open position. In some embodiments, both housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  are biased toward the open position. The biased-open housing portion(s)  24   a  and/or  24   b  may comprise one or more resilient polymers (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more resilient polymers) configured to absorb energy when housing portion(s)  24   a  and/or  24   b  are deformed elastically (e.g., bent, stretched, compressed, etc.) from a resting state and to release the absorbed energy upon force unloading to return housing portion(s)  24   a  and/or  24   b  to the resting state. For example, biased-open housing portion(s)  24   a  and/or  24   b  may comprise one or more polymers configured to absorb energy when housing portion(s)  24   a  and/or  24   b  are bent from an open resting position to a closed deformed position and may release the absorbed energy when housing portion(s)  24   a  and/or  24   b  are released to return to the open resting position. 
     Biased-open housing portion(s)  24   a  and/or  24   b  may include a first resilient polymer  28 . Examples of suitable first resilient polymer  28  may include, but are not limited to, polyetherimide, polyamide, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, nylon, polysulfone, polyphenylsulfone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyethersulfone, polyether ether ketone, polyaryletherketone, polyphenylene ether, poly vinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, and/or polyphthalamide. In certain embodiments, first resilient polymer  28  is polyetherimide. Referring to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 D , first resilient polymer  28  may be configured to provide structural rigidity to biased-open housing portion(s)  24   a  and/or  24   b . For example, first resilient polymer  28  may define a frame of biased-open housing portion(s)  24   a  and/or  24   b . First resilient polymer  28  may be configured to provide flexibility to biased-open housing portion(s)  24   a  and/or  24   b . For example, first resilient polymer  28  may have a stiffness that is 50% or more of a stiffness of second resilient polymer  32 , e.g., first resilient polymer  28  may have a stiffness that is more than or equal to any one of, or between any two of, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100% of a stiffness of second resilient polymer  32 . In some embodiments, the stiffness of first resilient polymer  28  facilitates the elastic deformation of housing portion(s)  24   a  and/or  24   b  from an open resting position to a closed deformed position. First resilient polymer  32  may also decrease the tendency of housing portion(s)  24   a  and/or  24   b  to deform permanently under the influence of persistent mechanical stresses applied by a user. 
     Biased-open housing portion(s)  24   a  and/or  24   b  may also include a second resilient polymer  32 . Second resilient polymer  32  may be an elastomeric material with a durometer between 30 and 90 Shore A hardness e.g., second resilient polymer  32  may have a durometer that is equal to any one of, or between any two of, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90 Shore A hardness. Second resilient polymer  32  may have a minimum tensile property of 2 to 6 MPa, e.g., equal to any one of, or between any two of, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 MPa. In some embodiments, second resilient polymer  32  has a minimum tensile property of 4 MPa. Second resilient polymer  32  may have a minimum elongation of between 80 and 120%, e.g., equal to any one of, or between any two of, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, or 120%. In some embodiments, second resilient polymer  32  may have a minimum elongation of 100%. Second resilient polymer  32  may have a V-0 flame rating. Examples of suitable second resilient polymer  32  may include, but are not limited to, silicone, poly dimethyl siloxane, polyolefin elastomer, thermoplastic urethane, thermoplastic elastomer, plasticized polyvinyl chloride, and/or flexible polyphenylene ether. In certain embodiments, second resilient polymer  32  is silicone. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 A- 1 G , second resilient polymer  32  may be coupled to the frame defined by first resilient polymer  28 . For example, second resilient polymer  32  may be overmolded onto first resilient polymer  28 . First resilient polymer  28  may be configured to facilitate its overmolding with second resilient polymer  32 . For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , first resilient polymer  28  includes a plurality of protrusions  36  to strengthen coupling between first resilient polymer  28  and second resilient polymer  32  when first resilient polymer  28  is overmolded with second resilient polymer  32 . 
     The reduced stiffness and/or hardness of second resilient polymer  32  may facilitate sealing of housing  24 . Second resilient polymer  32  may be configured to seal housing  24  to define an enclosed chamber when biased-open housing portion(s)  24   a  and/or  24   b  are in the closed position. For example, when housing portion(s)  24   a  and  24   b  are in the closed position, second resilient polymer  32  may contact at least one other of housing portion(s)  24   a  or  24   b  such that housing  24  is sealed to define an enclosed chamber. In some embodiments, both housing portion(s)  24   a  or  24   b  include second resilient polymer  32 , and second resilient polymer  32  of housing portion  24   a  contacts second resilient polymer  32  of housing portion  24   b  to seal housing  24  when housing portion(s)  24   a  and  24   b  are in the closed position. 
     To further facilitate sealing of housing  24 , in some embodiments, at least one of housing portion(s)  24   a  or  24   b  defines a structure that is configured to engage and/or interact with a corresponding structure of another one of housing portion(s)  24   a  or  24   b  when housing portion(s)  24   a  and  24   b  are in the closed position. In some such embodiments, the outer surface at least one of the structures is defined by second resilient polymer  32 . In other such embodiments, the outer surface of both structures is defined by second resilient polymer  32 . For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG.  1 F , housing portion  24   a  defines a rib  40  that is configured to be received by a groove or channel  44  of housing portion  24   b  when housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  are in the closed position. Such a configuration can improve the seal of housing  18  to form an enclosed chamber. The outer surface at least one of rib  40  and groove  44  may be defined by second resilient polymer  32 . Alternatively, the outer surface of both rib  40  and groove  44  may be defined by second resilient polymer  32 . 
     In some embodiments, housing  24  may have grooves and/or channels configured to receive a power cord (not illustrated) coupled to plug  140  when housing  24  is in the closed position and to seal the cord and plug  140  from moisture. For example, housing  24  may define a passageway  48  configured to surround the cord after plug  140  has been coupled to receptacle  14  and housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  have been transitioned to the closed position. Each of housing portions  24   a  or  24   b  may include one or more grooves. When housing  24  is in the open position, as shown in  FIG.  1 A  and  FIG.  1 F , passageway  48  may consist of two halves,  48   a  and  48   b , each half defined by the one or more grooves of housing portions  24   a  or  24   b . When housing  24  is transitioned from the open position to the closed position, housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  may come together such that halves  48   a  and  48   b  of passageway  48  defined by the one or more grooves of housing portions  24   a  or  24   b  align to form passageway  48 . In this way, passageway  48  can accommodate and provide a route of egress for the portion of the power cord coupled to plug  140  that lies within housing  24  when plug  140  is inserted into and received by receptacle  140 . 
     Passageway  48  may have a minimum transverse dimension that decreases along passageway  48 . Alternatively, passageway  48  may have a minimum transverse dimension that increases or remains constant along passageway  48 . A configuration in which the minimum transverse dimension varies can allow passageway  48  to accommodate multiple cord gauges. Additionally, at least a portion of the passageway may be defined by second resilient polymer  32 , and the stiffness and/or hardness of second resilient polymer  32  may improve the seal of housing  24  around the power cord where it exits housing  24 . For example, passageway  48  may also define one or more resilient barriers through with the power cord must pass when exiting housing  24 , and the one or more resilient barriers may be defined by second resilient polymer  32 . Inclusion of the one or more resilient barriers does not impair and may instead improve receipt of a power cord coupled to plug  140  when housing  24  is in the closed position and sealing of the cord and plug  140  from moisture by passageway  48 . 
     In some embodiments, electrical connector  10  also includes a grip  22 . Grip  22  may be coupled to housing  24  and may be movable relative to housing  24 . For example, grip  22  may be configured to move relative to housing  24  in a first direction corresponding to a first position of grip  22  in which grip  22  permits movement of housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  to the open position. Grip  22  may also be configured to move relative to housing  24  in a second direction opposite the first direction to a second position of grip  22  in which grip  22  prevents movement of housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  to the open position. In this way, grip  22  may be configured to enable movement of housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  in a first direction corresponding to the transition from the open position to the closed position. Grip  22  may also be configured to prevent movement of housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  in a second direction corresponding to the transition from the closed position to the open position. In some embodiments, grip  22  may include a sleeve or slide, twist barrel, or lever, as illustrative, non-limiting examples. The outside of grip  22  may include a plurality of grooves to stiffen the grip such that it can withstand pressure applied by a user during operation but overall thickness of grip  22  is minimized. 
     When grip  22  is a sleeve, grip  22  can surround housing and can extend from, but is not necessarily disposed at, the first end of housing  24  to the second end of housing  24 . Grip  22  may include a rigid flange on the end adjacent to the first end of housing  24  to ensure grip  22  does not crush housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  when housing  24  is in the closed position. Sliding of grip  22  can cause movement of housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  such that sliding of grip  22  in a first direction to a first position causes movement of grip  22  in a first direction and movement of housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  in a second direction corresponding to the transition of housing  24  from the closed position to the open position, and sliding of grip  22  in a second direction opposite the first direction to a second position causes movement of grip  22  in a second direction and movement of housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  in a first direction corresponding to the transition of housing  24  from the open position to the closed position. Movement of housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  to the closed position may comprise elastic deformation due to sliding of grip  22  in the second direction to force biased-open housing portion(s)  24   a  and/or  24   b  toward one another, while movement of biased-open housing portion(s)  24   a  and/or  24   b  to the open position may comprise recoil, or separation, of housing portion(s)  24   a  and/or  24   b  from one another when grip  22  is slid in the first direction. 
     Electrical connector  10  may include a structure defined by housing  24  to engage and/or interact with a corresponding structure defined by grip  22  to enable/cause movement of housing  24  responsive to movement of grip  22 . For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG.  1 A  and  FIG.  1 F , grip  22  may define a channel  52 , while housing  24  may define a ridge  56  that is received by channel  52 . Ridge  56  of housing  24  and channel  52  of grip  22  may be configured to guide grip  22  between the first position, corresponding to the open position for housing  24 , and the second position, corresponding to the closed position for housing  24 . A portion of ridge  56  may contact channel  52 , and the portion of ridge  56  in contact with channel  52  may be defined by first resilient polymer  28 . For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG.  1 A , the frame of biased-open housing portion(s)  24   a  and/or  24   b  defined by first resilient polymer  28  contacts channel  52  along the sides of channel  52 . Contact between first resilient polymer  28  and channel  52  along the sides of channel  52  may facilitate smooth movement of grip  22  between the first and second positions. In addition to guiding movement of housing  24 , grip  22  can shield receptacle  14  and plug  140  when housing  24  is in the closed position from user-contact, dirt, moisture, and/or the like, enhancing the safety benefits and/or promoting a strong connection through which current can flow through the plug. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B , in the second position, grip  22  may overlie at least one biased-open housing portion (e.g.,  24   a  or  24   b ) to prevent movement of the at least one biased-open housing portion (e.g.,  24   a  or  24   b ) to the open position. Additionally, or alternatively, to further maintain housing  24  in the closed position, in some embodiments, a portion of housing  24  may define a structure configured to engage and/or interact with a corresponding structure of grip  22  when housing  24  is in the closed position. For example, housing  24  can define one or more detents that receive one or more protrusions defined by grip  22 . To illustrate, in the embodiment shown in in  FIG.  1 H , housing  24  may define a detent  60  configured to receive a protrusion  64  defined by grip  22 . Upon receipt by housing detent  60  of grip protrusion  64 , grip  22  may be retained in the second position, thereby maintaining housing  24  in the closed position. Detent  60  and protrusion  64  may also restrict translation of grip  22  relative to housing  24 , which might otherwise cause inadvertent separation of the grip and the housing. 
     In some embodiments, electrical connector  10  further includes a switch  66  that is disposed within housing  24  and configured to be coupled to a power source and receptacle  14 . For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG.  4 B , housing  24  includes switch  66  disposed within housing  24 . In some such embodiments, when grip  22  is in the first position, corresponding to the open position for housing  24 , switch  66  is configured to prevent electrical communication between receptacle  14  and the power source. Conversely, when grip  22  is in the second position, corresponding to the closed position for housing  24 , switch  66  is configured to permit electrical communication between receptacle  14  and the power source. 
     Housing  24  may be moved in a first direction from a first position to a second position in which housing  24  is at the open position, and a transition from the first position to the second position may trigger switch  66  to cause receptacle  14  to be electrically decoupled from the power source when housing  24  is at the open position. Alternatively, housing  24  may be moved in a second direction from a second position to a first position in which housing  24  is at the closed position, and a transition from the second position to the first position may actuate switch  66  to cause receptacle  14  to be electrically coupled to the power source when housing  24  is at the closed position. 
     For example, a power source may be electrically decoupled from receptacle  14  because moving housing to the second, open position may disrupt an electrical circuit of electrical conductors coupled to switch  66 . Disruption of an electrical circuit of electrical conductors coupled to switch  66  may be facilitated by engagement and/or interaction of a switch mechanism within housing  24  with a corresponding structure defined by grip  22  such that by sliding grip  22  in a first direction to a first position to transition housing  24  to the second, open position deactivates switch  66 . The switch mechanism can include a plunger  70  that extends through housing  24  to engage and/or interact with a recess  74  defined by grip  22 . Recess  74  defined by grip  22  may define a ramp. Plunger  70  may be coupled to a pivotable first lever  78  having an arm  82 , and arm  82  of pivotable first lever may in turn be coupled to a pivotable second lever  86 . Pivotable second lever  86  may be coupled to switch  66 . Sliding grip  22  in a first direction to a first position to transition housing  24  to the second, open position may cause plunger  70  to be depressed as grip  22  moves in the first direction and forces plunger  70  down along the ramp defined by recess  74  until plunger  70  is fully depressed by grip  22  at the bottom of the ramp defined by recess  74 . Depression of plunger  70  can cause first lever  78  to pivot upward, and pivoting of first lever  78  upward can raise first lever arm  82 , which can cause pivoting of second lever  86  toward switch  66 . Pivoting of second lever  86  toward switch  66  may trip an electrical circuit within switch  66 , thereby electrically decoupling the power source from receptacle  14 . Such a configuration can provide enhanced safety given that current need not flow through the plug when it is initially inserted into receptacle  14 . Instead, such flow can occur after the plug and receptacle are moved to a (e.g., more remote, relative to the user) location and the housing is transitioned to the closed position. 
     A power source may also be electrically coupled to receptacle  14  because moving housing to the first, closed position may complete an electrical circuit of electrical conductors coupled to switch  66 . Completion of an electrical circuit of electrical conductors coupled to switch  66  may be facilitated by engagement and/or interaction of a switch mechanism within housing  24  with a corresponding structure defined by grip  22  such that by sliding grip  22  in a second direction to a second position to transition housing  24  to the first, closed position activates switch  66 . Sliding grip  22  in a second direction to a second position to transition housing  24  to the first, closed position may cause plunger  70  to rise as grip  22  moves in the second direction and plunger  70  moves along the ramp defined by recess  74  until plunger  70  is fully extended at the top of the ramp defined by recess  74 . Rising of plunger  70  can cause first lever  78  to pivot downward, and pivoting of first lever  78  downward can lower first lever arm  82 , which can cause pivoting of second lever  86  away from switch  66 . Pivoting of second lever  86  away from switch  66  may actuate switch  66 , thereby electrically coupling the power source to receptacle  14 . 
       FIG.  1 A  illustrates electrical connector  10  with housing  24  in the second, open position. In  FIG.  1 A , plug  140  may be coupled to receptacle  14 . Additionally, housing  24  is in an open configuration, such that plug  140  and a portion of cord may be received within housing  24 . Once housing  24  is transitioned to the first, closed position, as shown in  FIG.  4 B , plug  140  may be protected from weather conditions such as precipitation (e.g., rain, snow, etc.) or other moisture. Additionally, to prevent a ground fault, and thus injury to a person, plug  140  may not be coupled (via receptacle  14 ) to a power source until housing  24  is moved in the first direction to transition housing from the second, open position to the first, closed position and switch  66  is actuated. Transitioning housing  24  from the second, open position to the first, closed position may cause receptacle  14  to be electrically coupled a power source when housing  24  is at the first, closed position, as described above. Because plug  140  is coupled to receptacle  14 , plug  140  is thus coupled to switch  66 , and if switch  66  is coupled to a power source, current may flow from switch  66 , through receptacle  14  and plug  140 , and to a cord of plug  140 . 
     Thus,  FIGS.  1 A- 1 H  describe electrical connector  10  with one or more integrated and/or unitary components to ensure the connector  10  forms a secure seal around receptacle  14  and/or plug  140 . For example, multi-polymeric housing  24  and housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  thereof can operate to form an enclosed chamber that protects receptacle  14  and/or plug  140  from precipitation, such as rain or snow, or other moisture. Additionally, in some embodiments, because housing  24  is in the second, open position when plug  140  is coupled to receptacle  14 , receptacle  14  is not coupled to a power source when plug  140  is inserted into receptacle  14 . Instead, receptacle  14  is coupled to the power source when housing  24  is at the first, closed position (e.g., after insertion of plug  140  in receptacle  14  and transition of housing  24  from second, open position to first, closed position) and switch  66  is actuated. Thus, a danger of electrical shock to a user is reduced or prevented. 
     Methods of making an electrical connection may be performed by any electrical connector disclosed herein. Some methods of making an electrical connection include inserting a plug  140  of a power cord through at least two housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  of a housing  24  while the housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  are in an open position to which at least one of the housing portions  24   a  or  24   b  is biased and into a receptacle  14  that is disposed within the housing  24 . Then, housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  are moved and relative to one another to a closed position. Movement of housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  to the closed position may be enabled by moving a grip  22  that is coupled to the housing  24  relative to the housing  24  from a first position to a second position in which the grip  22  overlies more of the at least one biased-open housing portion  24   a  or  24   b  than when the grip  22  is in the first position. In some embodiments, when the housing portions are in the closed position, the housing portions contact a portion of the power cord that extends to the plug. 
     In some methods, the housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  are not hinged. Additionally, or alternatively, in some methods, the at least one biased-open housing portion  24   a  or  24   b  comprises a first resilient polymer  28 . Optionally, the first resilient polymer  28  comprises polyetherimide. In some such methods, the at least one biased-open housing portion  24   a  or  24   b  includes a frame that is defined by the first resilient polymer  28  and a second resilient polymer  32 . In some methods, the second resilient polymer  32  is coupled to the frame such that, when the housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  are in the closed position, the second resilient polymer  32  contacts at least one other of the housing portions; and the second resilient polymer  32  has a stiffness that is 50% or less of a stiffness of the first resilient polymer  28 . Optionally, the second resilient polymer comprises silicone. 
     In some methods, at least one of the housing portions  24   a  or  24   b  defines a rib  40  that receives a groove  44  of another one of the housing portions  24   a  or  24   b  when the housing portions are in the closed position. In some such methods, the outer surface at least one of the rib  40  and the groove  44  is defined by the second resilient polymer  32 . In some methods, when the housing portions  24   a  and  24   b  are in the closed position, the housing portions define a passageway  48  that receives the portion of the power cord contacted by the housing portions, and a minimum transverse dimension of the passageway  48  decreases along the passageway. In some such methods, at least a portion of the passageway  48  is defined by the second resilient polymer  32 . 
     In some methods, the electrical connector further includes a detent  60  configured to maintain the grip  22  in the second position. Additionally, or alternatively, in some methods, the grip  22  defines a channel  52 , and the housing  24  defines a ridge  56  that is received by the channel  52  such that the ridge and the channel guide the grip  22  between the first position and the second position. In some such methods, a portion of the ridge  56  that contacts the channel  52  is defined by the frame of the at least one biased-open housing portion  24   a  or  24   b.    
     In some methods, the electrical connector  10  further includes a switch  66  that is disposed within the housing  24  and configured to be coupled to a power source. In some such embodiments, when the grip  22  is in the first position, the switch prevents electrical communication between the receptacle  14  and the power source. In some such embodiments, moving the grip  22  to the second position actuates switch  66  to permit electrical communication between the receptacle  14  and the power source, as described above. 
     The above specification and examples provide a complete description of the structure and use of illustrative embodiments. Although certain embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure. As such, the various illustrative embodiments of the methods and systems are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, they include all modifications and alternatives falling within the scope of the claims, and embodiments other than the one shown may include some or all of the features of the depicted embodiments. For example, elements may be omitted or combined as a unitary structure, connections may be substituted, or both. Further, where appropriate, aspects of any of the examples described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other examples described to form further examples having comparable or different properties and/or functions, and addressing the same or different problems. Similarly, it will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. Accordingly, no single embodiment described herein should be construed as limiting and embodiments of the disclosure may be suitably combined without departing from the teachings of the disclosure. 
     The claims are not intended to include, and should not be interpreted to include, means-plus- or step-plus-function limitations, unless such a limitation is explicitly recited in a given claim using the phrase(s) “means for” or “step for,” respectively.