Patent Publication Number: US-9899767-B1

Title: Connector with clockable integrated power switching

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The disclosed concept pertains generally to power connectors and, more particularly, to a power connector including a housing with a variable orientation contact assembly mounting and a clockable contact assembly. 
     Background Information 
     Power connectors are used in many different electrical applications, such as, for example, in commercial applications (e.g., employed with stoves and fryers) and in shipping industries (e.g., with refrigeration equipment). Typically, power connectors include a line side receptacle, which is electrically connected to a power source, and a load side receptacle. The line side receptacle has a number of electrical couplings in the form of metallic sleeves. The load side receptacle has a number of electrical couplings in the form of metallic pins. In operation, the pins are inserted into the sleeves in order to provide an electrical pathway between the line side receptacle and the load side receptacle. 
     A power connector includes a non-conductive housing assembly. That is, each line/load receptacle includes a non-conductive housing. The line/load receptacle housings generally correspond in size and shape and, in an exemplary embodiment, are generally cylindrical and generally enclose the electrical couplings (sleeves and pins). That is, the electrical couplings (sleeves and pins) are exposed at one axial end of the line/load receptacle housings so that, when the line/load receptacle housings are brought together, the pins are inserted into the sleeves. Further, each electrical coupling (sleeve and pin) is disposed at a specific location, e.g., the “three o&#39;clock” position. That is, with a generally cylindrical housing, the face where the electrical couplings (sleeves and pins) are exposed is similar to a clock and each electrical coupling (sleeves and pins) is described as being at a selected location. It is noted that the associated coupling, i.e., the couplings that mate when the line side receptacle and the load side receptacle are brought together, are disposed in mirrored positions. For example, if the female (sleeve) coupling for the ground conductor is disposed at the “three o&#39;clock” position, then the male (pin) coupling for the ground conductor is disposed at the “nine o&#39;clock” position. It is understood that when a coupling, e.g., the ground coupling, is at either the “twelve o&#39;clock” position or the “six o&#39;clock” position, the associated coupling is also at that position. That is, the various positions are mirrored about a vertical axis, i.e., the axis extending between the “twelve o&#39;clock” position and the “six o&#39;clock” position. Further, the “o&#39;clock” positions are disposed about 30° apart. Finally, it is noted that those of skill in the art describe a power connector by the (clock face) position of the ground coupling. That is, a power connector is described as a “three o&#39;clock” connector when the female (sleeve) ground coupling is at the “three o&#39;clock” position. The convention of identifying a specific configuration by identifying the location of the ground coupling will be used hereinbelow. 
     Power connectors are made in a variety of configurations, with each configuration associated with a specific voltage, a specific number of conductors, i.e., a specific number of sleeve/pins, and the type of power supply, e.g., AC or DC. Moreover, for each configuration, the electrical couplings (sleeves and pins) are disposed in one of a number of standard patterns. That is, a selected line side power connector (i.e., the female or sleeve side) has a configuration with the following characteristics: it is a 480 volt AC connection that includes five sleeves, four power conductors and one ground conductor, with the ground sleeve disposed at the seven o&#39;clock position. It is understood that, on the load side connector, a ground pin is disposed at the five o&#39;clock position as that is the “mirrored” location, as discussed above. Conversely, another power connector has a configuration with the following characteristics: it is a 250 volt DC connection that includes three sleeves, two power conductors and one ground conductor, with the ground sleeve disposed at the three o&#39;clock position. It is understood that, on the load side connector, a ground pin is disposed at the nine o&#39;clock position as that is the “mirrored” location, as discussed above. Thus, often the number of electrical couplings (sleeves and pins) is different for different configurations and the positions of the electrical couplings (sleeves and pins) are different as well. Further, even when the power connectors include a specific number of electrical couplings (sleeves and pins), the electrical couplings (sleeves and pins) are disposed in different patterns for different ratings, i.e., different voltage and number of conductors. Thus, it is difficult, if not impossible, to couple receptacles for a line and load where the receptacles do not have electrical couplings (sleeves and pins) disposed in a corresponding standard pattern. It is noted that power connectors for different amperages have different sizes as well as pins/sleeves of different sizes. Generally, the greater the amperage, the larger the power connector and the larger the pins/sleeves. Thus, power connectors for different amperages cannot be coupled to each other. 
     Further, for safety, as well as other reasons, one of the receptacles includes a contact assembly. The contact assembly includes a number of line-side contacts, a number of load-side contacts, a number of movable conductor members, and an operating mechanism. Each conductor member is associated with one line-side contact and one load-side contact. Each conductor member is movable between a first position, wherein the associated line-side contact and the associated load-side contact are not in electrical communication, and, a second position, wherein the associated line-side contact and the associated load-side contact are in electrical communication. The operating mechanism is structured to, and does, move between a first position and a second position wherein, when the operating mechanism is in the first position, the movable conductor members are in the first position, and, when the operating mechanism is in the second position, the movable conductor members are in the second position. That is, the operating mechanism is structured to, and does, move the movable conductor members. One set of contacts (line or load) are coupled to, and are in electrical communication with, the electrical couplings (sleeves or pins) of the housing in which the contact assembly is disposed. 
     In operation, the operating mechanism is placed in the first position prior to coupling the line/load receptacle housings. Thus, when the receptacles are joined, electricity does not immediately flow to the load. Instead, the receptacles are joined thereby substantially enclosing electrical couplings (sleeves and pins) within the joined housings. The contact assembly is then actuated so as to move the conductor members to the second position and allow electricity to flow to the load. 
     One disadvantage to this system is that each receptacle is made for a current with a specific rating. As used herein, a “rating” relates to the voltage and the number of conductors. That is, as discussed above, a power connector with a specific “rating” has the sleeves and pins disposed in a standard pattern with a specific location for each power conductor and the ground conductor. This is a disadvantage because a non-conductive housing is molded with cavities for electrical couplings (sleeves and pins) in specific locations per the standard pattern. This pattern is not variable. That is, the molded housing cannot be modified for use with a set of electrical couplings (sleeves and pins) of a different rating. Further, one non-conductive housing includes a cavity for a contact assembly that corresponds to the specific number of electrical couplings (sleeves and pins) in specific locations. Thus, a manufacturer must design and make a number of housings and contact assemblies; one for each power connector rating. 
     There is, therefore, a need for a power connector wherein a single housing assembly and a single contact assembly can be used with electrical couplings (sleeves and pins) that are configured for different ratings. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     These needs, and others, are met by at least one embodiment of the disclosed and claimed concept which provides a power connector receptacle including a housing assembly and a clockable contact assembly. The housing assembly includes a first housing including a hollow, elongated body. The first housing body is structured to be coupled to the number of first electrical couplings disposed in a variable standard pattern. The clockable contact assembly is structured to be disposed substantially within the housing assembly first housing body and coupled thereto in one of a plurality of possible orientations. 
     Thus, the first housing body is structured to be coupled to the number of first electrical couplings disposed in a variable standard pattern and the clockable contact assembly is structured to be disposed substantially within the housing assembly first housing body and coupled thereto in one of a plurality of possible orientations. This configuration solves the problems stated above. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a simplified view of a power connector. 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric, partial cross-sectional view of a first receptacle. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded isometric view of a first receptacle. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of a first receptacle. 
         FIG. 5  is a map showing the position of a ground coupling for receptacles with different ratings. 
         FIG. 6  is an isometric view of a power connector with a selected rating. 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view of a power connector with another selected rating. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     A description of power connectors is provided in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/331,960, the figures and detailed description of which are incorporated by reference. 
     For purposes of the description hereinafter, directional phrases used herein such as, for example, “clockwise,” “counterclockwise,” “up,” “down,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosed concept, as it is oriented in the drawings. It is to be understood that the specific elements illustrated in the drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concept. Therefore, specific orientations and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting with respect to the scope of the disclosed concept. 
     As used herein, the term “number” shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality). 
     As used herein, the singular form of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     As used herein, the term “conductor” shall mean a member, such as a copper conductor, an aluminum conductor, a suitable metal conductor, or other suitable material or object that permits an electric current to flow easily. 
     As used herein, the statement that two or more parts are “connected” or “coupled” together shall mean that the parts are joined together either directly or joined through one or more intermediate parts. As used herein, “directly coupled” or “directly connected” means that two elements are directly in contact with each other. As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. Accordingly, when two elements are coupled, all portions of those elements are coupled. A description, however, of a specific portion of a first element being coupled to a second element, e.g., an axle first end being coupled to a first wheel, means that the specific portion of the first element is disposed closer to the second element than the other portions thereof. Further, an object resting on another object held in place only by gravity is not “coupled” to the lower object unless the upper object is otherwise maintained substantially in place. That is, for example, a book on a table is not coupled thereto, but a book glued to a table is coupled thereto. 
     As used herein, the phrase “removably coupled” means that one component is coupled with another component in an essentially temporary manner. That is, the two components are coupled in such a way that the joining or separation of the components is easy and would not damage the components. For example, two components secured to each other with a limited number of readily accessible fasteners, i.e., fasteners that are not difficult to access, are “removably coupled” whereas two components that are welded together or joined by difficult to access fasteners are not “removably coupled.” A “difficult to access fastener” is one that requires the removal of one or more other components prior to accessing the fastener wherein the “other component” is not an access device such as, but not limited to, a door. 
     As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components “engage” one another shall mean that the parts touch and/or exert a force against one another either directly or through one or more intermediate parts or components. Further, as used herein with regard to moving parts, a moving part may “engage” another element during the motion from one position to another and/or may “engage” another element once in the described position. Thus, it is understood that the statements, “when element A moves to element A first position, element A engages element B,” and “when element A is in element A first position, element A engages element B” are equivalent statements and mean that element A either engages element B while moving to element A first position and/or element A either engages element B while in element A first position. 
     As used herein, “operatively engage” means “engage and move.” That is, “operatively engage” when used in relation to a first component that is structured to move a movable or rotatable second component means that the first component applies a force sufficient to cause the second component to move. For example, a screwdriver may be placed into contact with a screw. When no force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver is merely “coupled” to the screw. If an axial force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver is pressed against the screw and “engages” the screw. However, when a rotational force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver “operatively engages” the screw and causes the screw to rotate. Further, with electronic components, “operatively engage” means that one component controls another component by a control signal or current. 
     As used herein, “operatively coupled” means that a number of elements or assemblies, each of which is movable between a first position and a second position, or a first configuration and a second configuration, are coupled so that as the first element moves from one position/configuration to the other, the second element moves between positions/configurations as well. It is noted that a first element may be “operatively coupled” to another without the opposite being true. 
     As used herein, a “coupling assembly” includes two or more couplings or coupling components. The components of a coupling or coupling assembly are generally not part of the same element or other component. As such, the components of a “coupling assembly” may not be described at the same time in the following description. 
     As used herein, a “coupling” or “coupling component(s)” is one or more component(s) of a coupling assembly. That is, a coupling assembly includes at least two components that are structured to be coupled together. It is understood that the components of a coupling assembly are compatible with each other. For example, in a coupling assembly, if one coupling component is a snap socket, the other coupling component is a snap plug, or, if one coupling component is a bolt, then the other coupling component is a nut. 
     As used herein, “correspond” indicates that two structural components are sized and shaped to be similar to each other and may be coupled with a minimum amount of friction. Thus, an opening which “corresponds” to a member is sized slightly larger than the member so that the member may pass through the opening with a minimum amount of friction. This definition is modified if the two components are to fit “snugly” together. In that situation, the difference between the size of the components is even smaller whereby the amount of friction increases. If the element defining the opening and/or the component inserted into the opening are made from a deformable or compressible material, the opening may even be slightly smaller than the component being inserted into the opening. Further, as used herein, “loosely correspond” means that a slot or opening is sized to be larger than an element disposed therein. This means that the increased size of the slot or opening is intentional and is more than a manufacturing tolerance. With regard to surfaces, shapes, and lines, two, or more, “corresponding” surfaces, shapes, or lines have generally the same size, shape, and contours. 
     As used herein, a “path of travel” or “path,” when used in association with an element that moves, includes the space an element moves through when in motion. As such, any element that moves inherently has a “path of travel” or “path.” When used in association with an electrical current, a “path” includes the elements through which the current travels. 
     As used herein, “structured to [verb]” means that the identified element or assembly has a structure that is shaped, sized, disposed, coupled and/or configured to perform the identified verb. For example, a member that is “structured to move” is movably coupled to another element and includes elements that cause the member to move or the member is otherwise configured to move in response to other elements or assemblies. As such, as used herein, “structured to [verb]” recites structure and not function. Further, as used herein, “structured to [verb]” means that the identified element or assembly is intended to, and is designed to, perform the identified verb. Thus, an element that is merely capable of performing the identified verb but which is not intended to, and is not designed to, perform the identified verb is not “structured to [verb].” 
     As used herein, “associated” means that the elements are part of the same assembly and/or operate together, or, act upon/with each other in some manner. For example, an automobile has four tires and four hub caps. While all the elements are coupled as part of the automobile, it is understood that each hubcap is “associated” with a specific tire. 
     As used herein, in the phrase “[x] moves between its first position and second position,” or, “[y] is structured to move [x] between its first position and second position,” “[x]” is the name of an element or assembly. Further, when [x] is an element or assembly that moves between a number of positions, the pronoun “its” means “[x],” i.e., the named element or assembly that precedes the pronoun “its.” 
     As used herein, the word “unitary” means a component that is created as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces that are created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a “unitary” component or body. 
     As used herein, “about” in a phrase such as “disposed about [an element, point or axis]” or “extend about [an element, point or axis]” or “[X] degrees about an [an element, point or axis],” means encircle, extend around, or measured around. When used in reference to a measurement or in a similar manner, “about” means “approximately,” i.e., in an approximate range relevant to the measurement as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     As used herein, “generally” means “in a general manner” relevant to the term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     As used herein, “substantially” means for the most part, by a large amount or degree, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, for example, a first element “substantially” disposed in a second element is, for the most part, disposed in the second element. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , a power connector  10  includes a line-side, first receptacle  12  and a load-side, second receptacle  14 . As is known, the first receptacle  12  is coupled to, and in electrical communication with, a power source (not shown). The second receptacle  14  is coupled to, and in electrical communication with, a load (not shown). The first receptacle  12  is selectably, or removably, coupled to the second receptacle  14 . Generally, power connector  10  includes a non-conductive housing assembly  16  and conductive elements, discussed in detail below. The housing assembly  16  includes a first housing  20  for the first receptacle  12  and a second housing  22  for the second receptacle  14 . Generally, the first housing  20  and the second housing  22  have a generally corresponding shape which are, in an exemplary embodiment, generally cylindrical. A number of conductors (not shown) are disposed in a non-conductive cord  18  that extends from each receptacle  12 ,  14 . Generally, the first housing  20  and the second housing  22  taper toward the respective cord  18 . On each housing  20 ,  22  the side opposite the cord is the first housing coupling interface  30  and the second housing coupling interface  32 , i.e., where the receptacles  12 ,  14  are coupled. When the housings  20 ,  22  are generally cylindrical, the coupling interfaces  30 ,  32  are generally circular. That is, the first and second receptacles  12 ,  14 , i.e., the first and second housings  20 ,  22  move between a first position, wherein the first and second receptacles  12 ,  14  are spaced from each other, and a second position, wherein the first and second receptacles  12 ,  14  are coupled. 
     Further, each receptacle  12 ,  14  includes a conductor assembly (not numbered) that includes first and second electrical couplings  34 ,  36 , respectively. When the receptacle  12 ,  14  are in the second position, the electrical couplings  34 ,  36  are coupled and in electrical communication. In an exemplary embodiment, the separable electrical couplings  34 ,  36  include hollow sleeves  40  and pins  42 . As is known, the pins  42  correspond to the sleeves  40  and slide, snuggly, into the sleeves  40 . As noted above, the configuration of the sleeves  40  and pins  42  are standardized and vary depending upon the rating of the power connector  10 . Further, as also noted above, the position of the sleeves  40  and pins  42  on the generally circular coupling interface  30 ,  32  are identified by a position generally corresponding to the position of numbers on a clock. That is, a particular sleeve  40  and the associated pin  42  are disposed, for example, at “three o&#39;clock.” 
     As detailed below, one receptacle  12  includes a contact assembly  100 . The remainder of this disclosure relates to the receptacle  12  including the contact assembly  100 . In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle  12  that includes a contact assembly  100  is the line-side receptacle  12  and the following discussion is addressed to a line-side receptacle  12 . It is understood, however, that the disclosed concept could be used in a load-side receptacle  14  if the load-side receptacle  14  included a contact assembly  100 . Further, as discussed in detail below, the contact assembly  100  is a variable orientation contact assembly  100 ′ and/or a clockable contact assembly  100 ″. 
     Generally, the contact assembly  100  includes a number of line-side contacts  102 , a number of load-side contacts  104 , a number of movable conductor members  106 , a carrier housing (or contact assembly frame)  108  and an operating mechanism  110 . Generally, the line-side contacts  102 , the number of load-side contacts  104 , the number of movable conductor members  106  and the operating mechanism  110  are coupled, or movably coupled, to the carrier housing  108 . The line side contacts  102  are coupled to, and in electrical communication with the power source via the conductors (not shown) in the cord  18 . The load-side contacts  104  are coupled to, and in electrical communication with, the first electrical couplings  34 , i.e., sleeves  40 . That is, each load-side contact  104  is coupled to, and in electrical communication with one associated sleeve  40 . There is one movable conductor member  106  associated with each pair of line-side contacts  102  and load-side contacts  104 . Each movable conductor member  106  is structured to, and does, move between a first position, wherein the associated line-side contact  102  and the associated load-side contact  104  are not in electrical communication (i.e., the movable conductor member  106  is spaced from the line-side contact  102  and the associated load-side contact  104 ), and a second position, wherein associated line-side contact  102  and the associated load-side contact  104  are electrically in electrical communication. The operating mechanism  110  is structured to move the movable conductor members  106 . That is, the operating mechanism  110  is structured to, and does, move between a first position and a second position wherein, when the operating mechanism  110  is in the first position, the movable conductor members  106  are in their first position, and, when the operating mechanism  110  is in the second position, the movable conductor members are in their second position. Additional elements of the contact assembly  100  are discussed below. 
     As noted above, prior art housings were molded to accept a contact assembly and a set of electrical couplings disposed in a set configuration for a selected power connector rating. The disclosed concept provides for a first housing  20  that is structured to be coupled to a number of first electrical couplings  34  disposed in a “variable standard pattern,” a “very variable standard pattern,” an “exceptionally variable standard pattern,” or an “exceedingly variable standard pattern,” as those terms are defined below. 
     As used herein, a “variable standard pattern” means first electrical couplings  34  are disposed in a number of standard patterns for at least three different amperages selected from the group consisting of 16 amp, 20 amp, 30 amp, 32 amp, 60 amp, 63 amp, and 125 amp; that is, to be “structured to be coupled to a number of first electrical couplings disposed in a variable standard pattern,” as used herein, the first housing  20  is structured to accommodate at least one standard pattern for power connectors for at least three different amperages selected from the group above. It is noted that some prior art housings are structured to accommodate electrical couplings for closely similar amperages. For example, some electrical couplings for 16 amp and electrical couplings for 20 amp connectors may use the same housing. This is because the electrical couplings are almost identical in size and configuration. Accordingly, as used herein, a housing that only accommodates similar electrical couplings is not structured to be coupled to a number of first electrical couplings  34  disposed in a “variable standard pattern.” As used herein, “similar electrical couplings” means electrical couplings structured to accommodate either amperage in the following pairs of amperages: 16 amp and 20 amp, 30 amp and 32 amp, 60 amp and 63 amp, and 100 amp and 125 amp. That is, for example, a housing structured to accommodate electrical couplings for both a 30 amp electrical connector and a 32 amp electrical connector is not, as used herein, structured to be coupled to a number of first electrical couplings disposed in a variable standard pattern.” 
     Further, as used herein, the disclosed concept provides for a first housing  20  that is structured to be coupled to a number of first electrical couplings  34  disposed in a very variable standard pattern. As used herein, a “very variable standard pattern” means first electrical couplings  34  are disposed in a number of standard patterns for at least four different amperages selected from the group consisting of 16 amp, 20 amp, 30 amp, 32 amp, 60 amp, 63 amp, and 125 amp. Further, as used herein, the disclosed concept provides for a first housing  20  that is structured to be coupled to a number of first electrical couplings  34  disposed in an exceptionally variable standard pattern. As used herein, an “exceptionally variable standard pattern” means first electrical couplings  34  are disposed in a number of standard patterns for at least five different amperages selected from the group consisting of 16 amp, 20 amp, 30 amp, 32 amp, 60 amp, 63 amp, and 125 amp. Further, as used herein, the disclosed concept provides for a first housing  20  that is structured to be coupled to a number of first electrical couplings  34  disposed in an exceedingly variable standard pattern. As used herein, an “exceedingly variable standard pattern” means first electrical couplings  34  are disposed in a number of standard patterns for at least six different amperages selected from the group consisting of 16 amp, 20 amp, 30 amp, 32 amp, 60 amp, 63 amp, and 125 amp. 
     The standard patterns for the electrical couplings  34 , i.e., the sleeves  40 , are well known in the art. Thus, as used herein, “a first housing  20  structured to be coupled to the number of first electrical couplings disposed in a variable standard pattern” means that the first housing  20  is structured to be coupled to electrical couplings  34  in more than two standard patterns. Further, as used herein, “a first housing  20  structured to be coupled to the number of first electrical couplings disposed in a very variable standard pattern” means that the first housing  20  is structured to be coupled to electrical couplings  34  in more than three standard patterns. Further, as used herein, “a first housing  20  structured to be coupled to the number of first electrical couplings disposed in an exceptionally variable standard pattern” means that the first housing  20  is structured to be coupled to electrical couplings  34  in more than four standard patterns. Further, as used herein, “a first housing  20  structured to be coupled to the number of first electrical couplings disposed in an exceedingly variable standard pattern” means that the first housing  20  is structured to be coupled to electrical couplings  34  in more than five standard patterns. 
     Further, as is known, the first and second electrical couplings  34 ,  36  are disposed in a selected pattern associated with a selected rating. Two examples of the selected patterns are shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 ; it is however, understood that electrical couplings  34 ,  36  in other patterns for other ratings exist. It is further noted that each pattern of electrical couplings  34 ,  36  includes a ground coupling  34 ′,  36 ′. That is, the other electrical couplings  34 ,  36  are positioned relative to the ground coupling  34 ′,  36 ′ in a standard pattern or set or positions. As discussed below, the proper orientation for the electrical couplings  34 ,  36  relative to the first housing  20  (or second housing  22 ) is achieved by positioning the ground coupling  34 ′,  36 ′ at a selected position relative to the keyway  70 , discussed below. The various patterns of electrical couplings  34 ,  36  and the location of the ground coupling  34 ′,  36 ′ for each rating are known in the art. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , first housing  20  includes an elongated body  50  and a cap  52 . The first housing body  50  is, in an exemplary embodiment, generally cylindrical that is open on both ends. Thus, the first housing body  50  defines an enclosed space and has a longitudinal axis  51 . The cap  52  is tapered with one end generally the size of first housing body  50  and the other end about the size of cord  18 . The cap  52  is structured to be, and is, coupled to first housing body  50 . The first housing body  50  includes an inner surface  54  and an outer surface  56 . In an exemplary embodiment, the first housing body inner surface  54  also includes an indicia (not shown). The indicia is a marking that indicates an orientation for a clockable contact assembly  100 , as discussed below. Alternatively, the clockable contact assembly  100  is oriented relative to the housing based on a reference image such as, but not limited to,  FIG. 5 , discussed below. 
     Further, the first housing, i.e., the first housing body  50 , includes a keyway  70  ( FIG. 2 ). The keyway  70  is a longitudinally extending groove disposed on the housing body inner surface  54  at the first housing coupling interface  30 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the second housing  22 , i.e., a second housing body  24 , includes a key  72 . The key  72  is sized and shaped to correspond to the keyway  70  and extends generally longitudinally on the second housing body inner surface (not numbered). It is understood that the first and second housings  20 ,  22  can only be brought into the second position, i.e., be coupled, when the key  72  is aligned with, and moves into, the keyway  70 . Further, the keyway  70  is a fixed reference point and, as used herein, is disposed at the six o&#39;clock position. That is, all other clock positions are based on the location of the keyway  70  as the six o&#39;clock position. 
     The first housing body  50  also includes a variable orientation contact assembly mounting  60  ( FIG. 3 ). The variable orientation contact assembly mounting  60  is structured to be, and is, coupled to a clockable contact assembly  100 . That is, as used herein, a “variable orientation contact assembly mounting” is a mounting structured to be coupled to a clockable contact assembly  100  and wherein the clockable contact assembly  100  is disposed in one of several selectable orientations. The variable orientation contact assembly mounting  60  also includes a number of actuator member mountings  62 . In an exemplary embodiment, the number of actuator member mountings  62  are generally tangential passages through the first housing body  50 . The first housing body inner surface  54  includes a number of generally axially extending ridges  64 , which are also part of the variable orientation contact assembly mounting  60 . The ridges  64  are structured to engage, or be engaged by, the mounting disk  112 , described below. 
     The common elements of the contact assembly  100  are described above and additional elements are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/331,960, the detailed description of which is incorporated by reference. In relation to the disclosed and claimed concept, the contact assembly  100  is a “variable orientation contact assembly”  100 ′. As used herein, a “variable orientation contact assembly” means a contact assembly that is structured to be, and is, disposed in a generally hollow power connector housing in any of a plurality of orientations relative to the housing. As used herein, a “plurality of orientations relative to the housing” means that the variable orientation contact assembly  100 ′ may be rotated about a number of axes and be installed in the housing in any orientation relative to the axes. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the contact assembly  100  is a “clockable contact assembly”  100 ″. As used herein, a “clockable contact assembly” means a contact assembly that is structured to be, and is, disposed in a power connector housing in any of a plurality of orientations relative to an axis of rotation of a generally hollow, cylindrical housing. That is, a generally hollow, cylindrical housing is defined by a body that extends about an axis of rotation and the “clockable contact assembly” is structured to be installed in a plurality of orientations about the axis of rotation of the body (or assembly). As used herein, “in a plurality of orientations about the axis of rotation of the body” means that the “clockable contact assembly” may be rotated about a single axis that extends generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body (or assembly). Hereinafter, the following description refers to a “contact assembly  100 ” but it is understood that the identification of a “contact assembly  100 ” also includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a variable orientation contact assembly  100 ′ as well as a clockable contact assembly  100 ″. 
     The contact assembly  100  includes the number of first electrical couplings  34 , the number of line-side contacts  102 , the number of load-side contacts  104 , the number of movable conductor members  106 , and the operating mechanism  110  discussed above. Further, the number of first electrical couplings  34  are structured to be, and are, disposed in any of the various standard patterns. As used herein, “electrical couplings  34  [that] are structured to be [and are] disposed in any of the various standard patterns” (or a “number of first electrical couplings  34  structured to be [and are] disposed in any of the various standard patterns”) means that the electrical couplings  34  are structured to be, and are, disposed in one of a plurality of configurations and are still coupleable to one of the line-side contacts  102  or one of the load-side contacts  104  of the contact assembly  100  and wherein the operating mechanism  110  is structured to be, and is, actuated by a clockable actuating assembly  120 , discussed below. Conversely, and as used herein, a prior art first set of electrical couplings coupled to a first contact assembly and a prior art second set of electrical couplings coupled to a second contact assembly each disclose electrical couplings structured to be coupled to a one of the line-side contacts or the number of load-side contacts of the contact assembly in a “single” standard pattern and wherein the operating mechanism is not structured to be, and is not, actuated by a clockable actuating assembly. Such “single” standard pattern electrical couplings are not, as used herein, “electrical couplings  34  [that] are structured to be disposed in any of the various standard patterns.” Further, each first electrical coupling  34  is structured to be, and is, coupled to, and in electrical communication with, one of the line-side contacts  102  or one of the load-side contacts  104 . 
     Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the contact assembly  100  includes a clockable actuating assembly  120 . The clockable actuating assembly  120  is also described herein as part of the operating mechanism  110 . That is, like the operating mechanism  110 , the clockable actuating assembly  120  is structured to, and does, move the number of movable conductor members  106  between the first and second positions. Stated alternately, the clockable actuating assembly  120  is structured to be, and is, operatively coupled to the operating mechanism  110 . Alternatively, if the clockable actuating assembly  120  is identified as part of the operating mechanism  110 , the clockable actuating assembly  120  is structured to be, and is, operatively coupled to the movable conductor members  106 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the clockable actuating assembly  120  includes a number of gears  130  and a number of actuator members  140 . Each actuator member  140  is structured to be, and is, operatively coupled to an actuating assembly gear  130  and vice-versa. In an exemplary embodiment, the number of gears  130  includes a first gear  132  structured to be operatively coupled to the number of actuator members  140 . Further, the number of gears  130 , and first gear  132 , is/are operatively coupled to the number of movable conductor members  106 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , and in an exemplary embodiment, clockable actuating assembly  120  includes a first (open/off) push button  200 , a second (close/on) push button  202  (which are, in this embodiment, the number of actuator members  140 ), the first gear  132 , as well as a second gear  134  and a third gear  136 . In an exemplary embodiment, the clockable actuating assembly first gear  132  is a combination gear. As used herein, a “combination gear” is a gear that includes a plurality of different sets of teeth. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the clockable actuating assembly first gear  132  is a ring gear, i.e., a generally toroid body  150  having a first axial side  152 , a second axial side  154 , a radial inner side  156 , and a radial outer side  158 . As used herein, a “radial side/surface” for a circular or cylindrical body is a side/surface that extends about, or encircles, the center thereof or a height line passing through the center thereof. As used herein, an “axial side/surface” for a circular or cylindrical body is a side that extends in a plane extending generally perpendicular to a height line passing through the center. That is, generally, for a cylindrical soup can, the “radial side/surface” is the generally circular sidewall and the “axial side(s)/surface(s)” are the top and bottom of the soup can. 
     The clockable actuating assembly first gear first axial side  152  includes bevel gear teeth  160  which, in an exemplary embodiment, are angled outwardly from the center of the clockable actuating assembly first gear body  150 . The clockable actuating assembly first gear outer side  158  includes spur gear teeth  162 . In an exemplary embodiment wherein the power connector includes an interlock assembly, as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/331,960, the clockable actuating assembly first gear second axial side  154  also includes bevel gear teeth  164 . That is, the clockable actuating assembly first gear second axial side  154  is structured to operatively engage an interlock assembly (not shown). The various teeth  162 ,  164  extend over one of an arc, or, over the circumference of the clockable actuating assembly first gear body  150 . The clockable actuating assembly first gear inner side  156  is generally smooth. 
     The clockable actuating assembly first gear  132  is rotatably coupled to the carrier housing  108  and generally extends about, i.e., encircling, the housing longitudinal axis  51 . The carrier housing  108 , in an exemplary embodiment, includes a generally circular channel (not shown) that is a mounting for the clockable actuating assembly first gear  132 . Thus, the clockable actuating assembly first gear  132  has an axis of rotation  133  that is generally aligned with, or parallel to, the housing longitudinal axis  51 . Further, the clockable actuating assembly first gear  132  is structured to be, and is, disposed about one of the operating mechanism  110 , the number of first electrical couplings  34 , or both the operating mechanism  110  and the number of first electrical couplings  34 . The second gear  134  and third gear  136  are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/331,960. For this disclosure it is noted that the clockable actuating assembly first gear  132  is operatively coupled to the second gear  134 , and, the second gear  134  is operatively coupled to the operating mechanism  110 . 
     The clockable actuating assembly first and second push buttons  200 ,  202  are substantially similar and only the first push button  200  will be described. Thereafter, any description of the second push button  202  will use the same reference numbers followed by a single prime (′) indication. The first push button  200  includes an elongated body  210  having a first end  212  and a second end  214 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the first push button body first end  212 , in an exemplary embodiment, includes an enlarged portion  216 , i.e., a portion with a cross-section that is larger than the other portions of the first push button body  210 . The first push button body second end  214  includes a rack  220 . The first push button body rack  220  includes a number of teeth  222  that are structured to operatively engage, or be engaged by, the clockable actuating assembly first gear  132  and, in an exemplary embodiment, the clockable actuating assembly first gear outer side spur gear teeth  162 . It is noted that, because the clockable actuating assembly first gear outer side spur gear teeth  162  extend about the clockable actuating assembly first gear body  150 , the actuator members  140 , i.e., push buttons  200 ,  202 , are structured to operatively engage the clockable actuating assembly first gear  132  at any location. That is, the clockable contact assembly  100 ″, is structured to operatively engage, or be engaged by, the push buttons  200 ,  202  regardless of the orientation of the clockable contact assembly  100 ″ relative to the first housing body  50 . This configuration solves the problems stated above. 
     Further, the carrier housing  108  includes a mounting disk  112 . The plane of mounting disk  112  extends generally perpendicularly to the first housing body longitudinal axis  51 . The radial surface of the mounting disk  112  includes a number of axial grooves  114 . The axial grooves correspond in position to the first housing body inner surface ridges  64 . It is noted that the first housing body inner surface ridges  64  and the mounting disk axial grooves  114  are generally evenly spaced. In this configuration, the mounting disk  112  is structured to be coupled to the first housing body inner surface ridges  64 , and therefore the first housing body  50 , in a number of orientations. 
     Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the contact assembly  100  includes a support for the electrical couplings  34 . In an exemplary embodiment, where the electrical couplings  34  are sleeves  40 , the contact assembly  100  includes a sleeve support  170  which, in this embodiment includes a generally cylindrical body  172  defining a number of longitudinal passages  174 . The sleeve support body passages  174  generally correspond to the sleeves  40  and the sleeves  40  are disposed within the sleeve support body passages  174 . The sleeve support  170  is coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to the carrier housing  108 . 
     Thus, the clockable actuating assembly  120  allows the contact assembly  100  to be inserted into and coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to the first housing body  50  in a plurality of orientations. Further, a contact assembly  100  that is structured to be positioned in and coupled to a first housing body  50  in more than two orientations is, as used herein, a “variable orientation contact assembly”  100 . A contact assembly  100  that is structured to be positioned in and coupled to a first housing body  50  in more than three orientations is, as used herein, a “very variable orientation contact assembly”  100 . A contact assembly  100  that is structured to be positioned in and coupled to a first housing body  50  in more than four orientations is, as used herein, an “exceptionally variable orientation contact assembly”  100 . A contact assembly  100  that is structured to be positioned in and coupled to a first housing body  50  in more than five orientations is, as used herein, an “exceedingly variable orientation contact assembly”  100 . The contact assembly  100  described above is any one of a variable orientation contact assembly  100 , a very variable orientation contact assembly  100 , an exceptionally variable orientation contact assembly  100 , or an exceedingly variable orientation contact assembly  100 . 
     Thus, when assembled, the contact assembly  100  includes a number of first electrical couplings  34  disposed in one of the various standard patterns. The contact assembly  100  is disposed substantially within the first housing body  50 . Moreover, the contact assembly  100  is disposed in a selected orientation, or clockable orientation, substantially within the first housing body  50 . That is, a “clockable orientation” contact assembly  100 , as used herein, means a contact assembly  100  that is structured to be, and/or is, disposed in a power connector housing body  50  in two or more orientations relative to an axis of rotation of a generally hollow, cylindrical housing. As used herein, a “very clockable orientation” contact assembly  100  means a contact assembly  100  structured to be, and/or is, disposed in a power connector housing body  50  in three or more orientations relative to an axis of rotation of a generally hollow, cylindrical housing. As used herein, an “exceptionally clockable orientation” contact assembly  100  means a contact assembly  100  is structured to be, and/or is, disposed in a power connector housing body  50  in three or more orientations relative to an axis of rotation of a generally hollow, cylindrical housing. As used herein, an “exceedingly clockable orientation,” as used herein, means a contact assembly  100  structured to be, and/or is, disposed in a power connector housing body  50  in four or more orientations relative to an axis of rotation of a generally hollow, cylindrical housing. The contact assembly  100  described above is any one of a clockable orientation contact assembly  100 , a very clockable orientation contact assembly  100 , an exceptionally clockable orientation contact assembly  100 , or an exceedingly clockable orientation contact assembly  100 . 
     The following description, with reference to  FIGS. 4-7 , discusses the insertion and clocking of a contact assembly  100 . The contact assembly  100  is assembled as described above. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the first housing body  50  and the cap  52  are separated. The contact assembly  100  is positioned to be installed in the first housing body  50 . That is, the contact assembly  100  is positioned along the first housing body longitudinal axis  51 . The contact assembly  100  is then moved axially to be partially in the first housing body  50 . At this point, the contact assembly  100  is positioned, or “clocked,” depending upon its rating. 
     That is,  FIG. 5  is a map  300  showing the position of the ground coupling  34 ′ for electrical couplings  34  of various ratings. On  FIG. 5 , a number of power connectors are shown. For example, the map  300  includes a number of power conductor indicia  302 . Each power conductor indicia  302  includes a power indicia  304 , e.g., 250 V[olts] AC, as well as a graphical representation  306  of a number of wires (or conductors). Further, each power conductor indicia  302  is disposed at a specific location, i.e., at a specific clock position. For example, the power conductor indicia  302  for a power connector  10  with a rating of “four wire, 250 volt, alternating current” is disposed at the “twelve o&#39;clock” position. Further, each power conductor indicia  302  represents the location for the ground coupling  34 ′ for a power connector  10  of the identified rating. Thus, to orient a contact assembly  100  in a first housing  20 , or first housing body  50 , the ground coupling  34 ′ is positioned at the location indicated. Because the other electrical couplings  34  are in a predetermined position relative to the ground coupling  34 ′, all electrical couplings  34  are then positioned in their proper location for the selected rating. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , a power connector  10 , i.e., a contact assembly  100 , with a rating of 4 wires, 240 volts, AC is provided. Thus, after the contact assembly  100  is inserted into the first housing  20 , as discussed above, a user would look to the map  300  and observe that the ground coupling  34 ′ for a power connector  10 , i.e., a contact assembly  100 , with this rating is disposed at the “six o&#39;clock” position. Thus, the user would rotate the contact assembly  100  so that the ground coupling  34 ′ is at the “six o&#39;clock” position and fully insert the contact assembly  100  in the first housing body  50 . Full insertion of the contact assembly  100  in the first housing body  50  moves the ridges  64  into the mounting disk axial grooves  114 . Further, the push button body racks  220 ,  220 ′ mesh with the clockable actuating assembly first gear outer side spur gear teeth  162  (and are positioned to operatively engage the clockable actuating assembly first gear outer side spur gear teeth  162 ). In this configuration, the contact assembly  100  cannot be further reoriented. That is, the contact assembly  100  is in its final position. The contact assembly  100  is, in an exemplary embodiment, further secured with a fastening device (not shown) such as an adhesive or mechanical fasteners. 
     Alternatively, the same first housing  20  is structured to be coupled to a contact assembly  100  with a different rating. That is, as shown in  FIG. 7 , a power connector  10 , i.e., a contact assembly  100 , with a rating of 4 wires, 120 volts, AC is provided. As before, the user consults map  300 , or a similar guide, to determine that for a power connector  10  with this rating, the ground coupling  34 ′ is disposed at the “nine o&#39;clock” position. Thus, the user, after inserting the contact assembly  100  into the first housing body  50  as described above, rotates the contact assembly  100  so that the ground coupling  34 ′ is disposed at the “nine o&#39;clock” position. The contact assembly  100  is then secured in the first housing  20  as described above. Thus, the housing assembly  16 , and in an exemplary embodiment, the first housing assembly  20 , is structured to be, and is, coupled to a contact assembly  100  (or variable orientation contact assembly  100 ′ or clockable contact assembly  100 ″) having various ratings; that is, the first housing  20  is structured to be coupled to a number of first electrical couplings  34  disposed in any of the various standard patterns. This solves the problems stated above. 
     While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of invention which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.