Patent Publication Number: US-7909664-B2

Title: Wire termination apparatus and method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a continuation-in-part of, claims the benefits of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/474,640, filed on May 29, 2009, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates to wiring devices, and in particular, to wiring devices having wire termination subassemblies. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Wiring devices are typically provided with device terminations for terminating electrical conductors/wires, for example, load terminations, line terminations, ground terminations, etc. Together these terminations, depending on the mechanical configuration, may be connected to electrical conductors/wires using several presently known termination techniques. One such termination is referred to as “side-wire” (sometimes referred to as “wrap-wire”) termination. To terminate a conductor/wire using a side-wire terminal, an end of the wire is initially stripped, exposing a portion of the end of the wire, and this exposed portion is then wrapped around a terminal screw. The screw is then tightened causing the head of the screw to secure the exposed wire between the head of the screw and a metallic terminal plate (e.g., a brass terminal). 
     Another type of wire termination is referred to as “back-wire” (also referred to as “clamp-wire”). In back-wire terminals, a screw passes through a first metallic plate and threads into a second metallic plate (referred to as a clamp) to compress a wire therebetween. The first metallic plate (or brass terminal) has a clearance opening and slides along the shaft of the screw. The second metallic plate has a threaded hole which the screw threads engage. A stripped wire is placed between the two metallic plates and the screw is tightened to compress the wire between the plates. 
     Yet another type of wire termination is referred to as a “push in” termination. Push-in terminations are terminals in which a small hole is available in the outer housing of a wiring device for insertion of a stripped wire therethrough. A solid-metal wire is initially stripped (e.g.—about five-eights of an inch) from the cut end. The stripped portion of the wire is inserted into the hole. A clamping mechanism, commonly in the form of a cage clamp, provides a clamping force on the wire to maintain it in contact with a terminal plate for establishing electrical contact with the wire. The clamping mechanism provides resistance against the wire being pulled out of the hole and out of contact with the terminal plate. Typically, a tool is required to release the wire; e.g., a screwdriver. 
     In view of the foregoing, it is desirable for wiring devices including termination mechanisms and methods of termination that provide convenient electrical terminations for various gauge conductors/wires. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure relates to an electrical distribution wiring device comprising a housing having a plurality of wire terminations. At least one of the wire terminations comprises a conductive member, a lever and a biasing member. The conductive member is at least partially disposed within the housing. The lever is rotationally mounted to the conductive member via a pin and is manually rotatable between at least a first position and a second position. The biasing member includes a first leg disposed in mechanical cooperation with the conductive member and a second leg disposed in mechanical cooperation with the pin. When the lever is in the first position, the lever allows a wire to be inserted into the wire termination. When the lever is in the second position, the lever causes the wire to the secured to the conductive member. The biasing member is configured to help retain a wire in securement with the conductive member. 
     In disclosed embodiments, the first leg and the second leg of the biasing member are interconnected by a curvilinear portion. 
     In disclosed embodiments, the first leg of the biasing member is biased in a first direction, and the second leg of the biasing member is biased in a second direction. The first direction is opposite from the second direction. 
     In disclosed embodiments, the conductive member includes a V-like shape having two legs configured to receive the wire and includes an apex between the two legs. 
     In disclosed embodiments, the biasing member is configured to bias the pin towards the apex of the V-like shape of the conductive member. 
     In disclosed embodiments, the conductive member includes a resilient member formed therein, and wherein the resilient member is configured to contact a portion of the pin. The portion of the pin configured for contact by the resilient member is different from the portion of the pin configured for contact by the second leg of the biasing member. 
     In disclosed embodiments, the resilient member, the lever, the biasing member and the conductive member are configured to interact with one another to allow securement of wires of different gauges with the conductive member. 
     In disclosed embodiments, all exposed surfaces of the electrical distribution wiring device which can be contacted by a human finger are electrically isolated from line voltage when the lever is in its second position. That is, for example, when all levers are in the second position, there are no exposed current-carrying parts that can be contacted by a human finger. 
     In disclosed embodiment, the conductive member is made from a first material and the biasing member is made from a second different material. 
     In disclosed embodiments, the biasing member is made from a non-conductive material. 
     The present disclosure also relates to a wiring device comprising a housing, and a wire termination subassembly. The wire termination subassembly is disposed at least partially within the housing. The wire termination subassembly comprises a conductive member, an element and a biasing member. The element is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the conductive member and is pivotable about a pin between a first position where a wire is insertable between the element and a portion of the conductive member, and a second position where the wire is removably secured between the element and a portion of the conductive member. The element is manually movable between the first position and the second position. The biasing member includes a first elongated leg disposed in mechanical cooperation with the conductive member and a second elongated leg disposed in mechanical cooperation with the pin and the second leg is configured to urge a portion of the pin towards a portion of the conductive member such that the wire is further retained in securement with the conductive member. 
     In disclosed embodiments, the element is manually movable between the first position and the second position. 
     In disclosed embodiments, the first leg and the second leg of the biasing member are interconnected by a curvilinear portion. 
     In disclosed embodiments, the first leg of the biasing member is biased in a first direction, and the second leg of the biasing member is biased in a second opposite direction. 
     In disclosed embodiments, the conductive member includes a V-like shape having two legs configured to receive the wire and includes an apex between the two legs. 
     In disclosed embodiments, the biasing member is made from a non-conductive material. 
     In disclosed embodiments, the conductive member includes a resilient member formed therein, and wherein the resilient member is configured to contact a portion of the pin. The portion of the pin configured for contact by the resilient member is different from the portion of the pin configured for contact by the second leg of the biasing member. 
     In disclosed embodiments, the conductive member is made from a first material, and the biasing member is made from a second different material. 
     In disclosed embodiments, all exposed surfaces of the wiring device which can be contacted by a human finger are electrically isolated from line voltage when the element is in its second position. That is, for example, when all levers are in the second position, there are no exposed current-carrying parts that can be contacted by a human finger. 
     The present disclosure also relates to a wire termination comprising a conductive member, a lever and a biasing member. The lever is rotationally mounted to the conductive member via a pin and is manually rotatable between at least a first position and a second position. The lever includes a rotational axis and an eccentric surface defined with respect to the axis. The biasing member includes a first elongated leg disposed in mechanical cooperation with the conductive member and a second elongated leg disposed in mechanical cooperation with the pin. The lever in the first position allows a wire to be inserted between the lever and the conductive member, and the lever in the second position causes the eccentric surface to secure the wire to the conductive member. The biasing member is configured to help retain a wire in securement with the conductive member. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein with reference to the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is perspective view of an upper portion of a wiring device including a wire termination subassembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in a second position; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a lower portion of the wiring device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an upper portion of the wiring device of  FIGS. 1 and 2  with portions of the wiring device removed and with elements in a second position; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an upper portion of the wiring device of  FIGS. 1-3  with portions of the wiring device removed and with elements in a second position; 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective assembly view of a portion of the wiring device of  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a wire termination subassembly for use with the wiring device of  FIGS. 1-4A ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a wire termination subassembly of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG.  5 AA is a perspective assembly view of the wire termination subassembly of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged perspective view of a wire inserted into the wiring device of  FIGS. 1-4  and with the element in its first position; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged perspective view of a wire inserted into the wiring device of  FIGS. 1-4  and  6  and with the element in its second position; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a portion of a wiring device of the present disclosure shown with a portion of the housing removed; 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of a portion of a wire termination subassembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a ground terminal subassembly of a wiring device of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of a portion of a wire termination subassembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 12-14  are perspective views of an element and its components for use with the wire termination subassembly of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a wire termination subassembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a portion of the wire termination subassembly of  FIG. 15 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the disclosure are shown. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , an electrical wiring distribution device (hereinafter “wiring device”), including at least one wire termination subassembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is generally designated as 100. Wiring device  100  is in the form of an electrical receptacle, in particular, a duplex three-prong electrical receptacle for handling 15 amp current applications. However, it should be understood that the receptacle can be a two- or three-prong electrical receptacle or a receptacle other than that of a duplex receptacle. It should also be understood that the term “wiring device” is intended to include any standard electrical wiring device commonly known in the electrical industry, including but not limited to switches, ground fault circuit interrupters, dimmers, fan speed controls, occupancy sensors and the like. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , wiring device  100  includes a housing  110  having a base portion or lower portion  112  and a cover portion or upper portion  114 . Cover portion  114  configured and dimensioned for connection to base portion  112 . Additionally, wiring device  100  includes a conductive member  120  (see  FIGS. 3-5  and  5 AA) disposed at least partially within housing  110  and at least one wire termination subassembly, generally referred to as numeral  200  ( FIG. 5 ). Wire termination subassembly  200  is adapted and configured to removably secure/terminate a portion of a wire “W” to conductive member  120 , thus enabling electrical communication between wiring device  100  and wire “W” (see  FIGS. 6 and 7 ). 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , base portion  112  of housing  110  of wiring device  100  is more clearly shown. As illustrated, base portion  112  includes a plurality of openings  113  extending therethrough. Each opening  113  is configured to accept a portion of a wire therethrough. Further, each opening  113  is substantially aligned with a portion of conductive member  120 , such that a wire is insertable through opening  113  and into electrical engagement with conductive member  120  (for hot &amp; neutral). 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , components of wire termination subassembly  200  are illustrated. Wire termination subassembly  200  includes conductive member  120  and an element  202 . In the illustrated embodiment, element  202  includes a hand-operable lever  210 , cam  212  ( FIG. 6 ) and pin  214 . Pin  214  defines a first longitudinal axis “A-A.” Element  202  is rotatable (e.g., pivotable) about pin  214 . It is envisioned that first longitudinal axis “A-A” extends through the cam&#39;s axis, e.g., an off-center portion of cam  212 . Thus, it is envisioned that cam  212  is an eccentric disc-like member. It is envisioned that such a cam would be adapted and configured to apply a continually increasing amount of force against wire “W” upon movement of lever  210 . Moreover, it is envisioned that the initial movement of lever  210  would require less force than when lever  210  is moved to its final position. Accordingly, for such a configured cam, it would take a relatively larger amount of force to move lever  210  back towards its initial position. Thus, as lever  210  is moved towards its second position, there is a greater force acting on a wire “W” to adequately terminate and/or help maintain the wire “W” secured between cam  212  and conductive member  120 . FIG.  5 AA illustrates an assembly view of the wire termination subassembly  200  of  FIG. 5 . Alternatively, as opposed to including cam  212 , element  202  may comprise a constant radius portion. In such an embodiment, it is contemplated that the cammed surface may be provided by a channel having a varying depth or radius along the channel length such that when the element is in its first position a wire may be freely inserted and when the element  202  is moved to it&#39;s second position, the wire is secured by an increasing force due to the varying depth or radius of the channel. It is envisioned that element  202  is made entirely of a non-conductive material such as, but not limited to, plastic (polyamide 6-6 or PA66), ceramic, or the like. It is also envisioned that element  202  can comprise both non-conductive material and conductive material. For example, it is envisioned that pin  214  can be made of a non-conductive material and include a bore disposed therethrough, wherein reinforcing rod can be inserted through and extending through the bore (e.g., the reinforcing rod can be made of a metal or composite material that may be at least partially conductive). It is further disclosed that all exposed surfaces of the wiring device  100  (i.e., surfaces accessible from the exterior that can be touched/contacted with a human finger or mechanical probe) are either made of non-conductive materials and/or are electrically isolated. See also  FIGS. 12-14 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 12-14 , in at least one embodiment, the lever  210  may include a lever body with a channel and a pocket at a distal end, a lever core, and a pin. The pocket is disposed to receive a tab on the lever core. The lever core may be then inserted/rotated into the channel in the lever body and into alignment with the lever body. Then the pin can be inserted through the lever body and the lever core, securing the assembly together without the need for additional fasteners or parts. The pin may be secured to the lever body and/or lever core via a press, interference, or any other suitable fit. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 5 , conductive member  120  includes a V-like portion  126  having two legs  126   a ,  126   b . It is envisioned that each leg  126   a ,  126   b  is configured to simultaneously contact a wire “W.” In addition, one or both of legs  126   a ,  126   b  could be adapted and configured to have a textured surface for enhanced termination/gripping of wire W; e.g., serrations, teeth, or the like.  FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate the wire “W” in contact with a single leg  126   a , while the other leg  126   b  is not explicitly shown for clarity. Alternatively, conductive member  120  may include a flat portion, as opposed to a V-like portion  126 , to contact the wire. In at least one embodiment, if conductive member  120  includes a V-like portion  126 , the profile of cam  212  may be flat. Alternatively, if conductive member  120  includes a flat portion, the profile of cam  212  may be flat in the center with the outer edges being extended to aid in centering the wire in the termination. 
     Referring now  FIG. 5A , there is shown an alternate embodiment to that shown in  FIG. 5 . The embodiment in  FIG. 5A  is similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5  with some differences. On one side each of lever (not shown in  FIG. 5A ) is located a flexible wing  141 . Flexible wing  141  is provided such that a larger size wire, # 12 AWG for example, can be more easily accommodated. Flexible wing  141  makes it easier for the contact to flex an extra amount when using a larger size wire as opposed to a smaller wire size, # 14 AWG for example. For example, the extra amount of flexing may be in the order of about 0.020 inches. 
     In addition, a window or cutout region  127  is provided on the center of contact opposite the lever as opposed to a scoreline. The window  127  provides for two sharp corners or edges that engage the wire to be terminated instead of engaging the wire with a scoreline. The provision of windows  127  may be provided as opposed to the scoreline in order to simplify the manufacturing process. 
     As shown in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5 , element  202  is pivotally mounted within a portion of conductive member  120 . More particularly, pin  214  of element  202  is configured to engage a recess, or mounting region  122  of conductive member  120 . As can be appreciated, the interaction between pin  214  and recess  122  facilitates the pivotal relationship between element  202  and conductive member  120 . It is envisioned that recess  122  has a constant width (not shown) or includes a rounded portion (as shown in  FIG. 5 , for example). The rounded portion, in conjunction with the resilient member  142 , provide tolerances to accommodate various gauge wires (e.g., 12- and 14-gauge). 
     With reference to  FIG. 9 , dimensions “A,” “B” and “C” are shown and help illustrate how having element  202  being pivotable about a portion of conductive member  120  helps minimize the manufacturing tolerances. That is, by assembling elements  202  into conductive member  120 , the tolerance chain is reduced to only two dimensions, i.e., dimensions “A” and “B.” That is, the critical dimension “C” is solely dependent on dimensions “A” and “B.” Moreover, lower portion  112  and upper portion  114  of housing  110  have no effect on the system tolerance. In this embodiment, as opposed to other embodiments, the tolerance chain is relatively shorter, part complexity is lower, and assembly is relatively less complicated. Such an embodiment may be less expensive to produce and yield less waste during production. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 5 , conductive member  120  is shown in one embodiment including a two pairs of resilient members  140   a ,  140   b . Resilient members  140   a ,  140   b  are configured for biasing pin  214  of element  202 . In the illustrated embodiment, each terminal (i.e., first terminal  120   a  and second terminal  120   b ) includes a respective pair of resilient members  140   a ,  140   b  and each resilient member  140  is formed from a portion of conductive member  120  and protrudes inwardly from an outer surface  124  of conductive member  120 . At least a portion of resilient member  140 , e.g., an end  142  of resilient member  140  is arranged and configured to contact pin  214  of element  202  and bias a wire W inserted into the V-like portion  126  against the surfaces  126   a ,  126   b . In this embodiment, at least one pair of resilient member  140   a ,  140   b  for each terminal  120   a ,  120   b  is configured to be able to flex towards surface  124  in response to a predetermined amount of force acting there against. Moreover, the interaction between element  202 , V-like portion  126  of conductive member  120 , and resilient member  140  facilitates securement of wires of different gauges (i.e.—sizes) with conductive member  120 . More particularly, upon insertion of a wire having a sufficiently large gauge (i.e., one that would cause at least one of the resilient member pairs  140   a ,  140   b  to deform or flex), at least one of the resilient member pairs  140   a ,  140   b  would flex towards outer surface  124  to accommodate the wire, which would allow pin  214  of element  202  to be urged/biased towards outer surface  124 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , element  202  is movable between a first position ( FIG. 6 ), where a wire “W” in insertable between cam  212  and a portion of conductive member  120 , and a second position ( FIG. 7 ), wherein the wire “W” is secured between cam  212  and a portion of conductive member  120 . Moreover, a user can move element  202  from its first position, to its second position without the use of a tool; e.g. a user could actuate element  202  by hand alone, i.e., without requiring a screwdriver, etc. In an alternative embodiment, the user could move element  202  from its first position, to its second position with the use of, or with the help of, a tool. Thus, in certain embodiments, the wire “W” may be tool-lessly securable and removably secured in electrical communication with conductive member  120  That is, element  202  is movable in the general direction of arrow “A-A” in  FIG. 1 . As shown, the portion of wiring device between cam  212  and conductive member  120 , i.e., a wire-accepting slot or region  125 , defines a second longitudinal axis “B-B,” which is substantially perpendicular to first longitudinal axis “A-A” (see  FIG. 5 ). Although in this embodiment axes “A-A” and “B-B” are perpendicular to each other, the axes may be disposed at any suitable angle with respect to each other. It is envisioned that wire-accepting slot or channel  125  includes a constant width or a varying width. 
     When used herein, the term “tool-lessly” refers to a wire termination mechanism that may be actuated without the need or use of a tool or implement, e.g., hand-operable. This may include the ability to operate/actuate the wire termination mechanism both to secure a wire and to release a wire. However, it should be clear that the actuators of the wire termination mechanisms which are adapted and configured to be manually operable without the need or use of a tool or implement, may still be conceivably operated with a suitably selected tool or implement; i.e., tool-lessly operable wire termination mechanisms do not necessarily exclude manual operation by means of a tool or implement. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , element  202  may be temporarily locked into place (e.g., in its second position) when a portion of element  202  (e.g., an element locking structure  216 ) engages a housing locking structure  250  disposed on a portion of wiring device  100 . It is further envisioned that engagement between element locking structure  216  and housing locking structure  250  provides the user with user-perceptible feedback (e.g., tactile or audible) signifying that element  202  is locked in place. Element and housing locking structures  216 ,  250  are envisioned as being complementary mechanical locking mechanisms which cooperate to selectively lock element  202  into its second position; e.g., an over snap latch, a ratcheting finger, or the like. 
     Additional contemplated features of element  202  will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 . In the illustrated embodiments, element  202  includes a finger  260  thereon. It is envisioned that when element  202  is in its first position ( FIG. 6 ), finger  260  functions as a wire stop. That is, finger  260  may guide a user to position a wire at a desirable depth adjacent conductive member  120 . When element  202  is in its second position ( FIG. 7 ), finger  260  may help limit external access to within housing  110 . That is, finger  260  may help prevent a user from unintentionally contacting conductive member  120 . Further, it is envisioned that element  202  may include a channel  264  disposed along at least a portion of a wire-contacting surface thereof. It is further envisioned that the radius of channel  264  may be non-constant. That is, the radius of channel  264  may increase or decrease towards the location where finger  260  is illustrated. Channel  264  may help a user guide a wire between element  202  and conductive member  120 . 
     Alternatively, in at least one embodiment, finger  260  may be omitted and instead the housing, or other suitable element, may be configured to limit or stop the lever near it&#39;s first position. If finger  260  is omitted, the termination may be configured such that the wire-accepting slot  125  is uninterrupted by the lever or a portion thereof at any point of the range of motion of the lever between it&#39;s first and second positions. 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , it is envisioned that a portion of housing  110  includes a break-away portion  111  ( FIG. 1 ). Break-away portion  111  is configured to conceal a connecting portion  121  or conductive break-away portion ( FIG. 4 ) of conductive member  120 . Connecting portion  121  is the bridge between first terminal  120   a  and second terminal  120   b  of conductive member  120  ( FIG. 5 ). To access and sever the connecting portion  121  (e.g., to electrically separate the two terminals), a user can sever break-away portion  111  from the other portions of housing  110  by use of a mechanical force or via a separate tool. Additionally, housing  110  may include a rib  130  (and/or rib  132  shown in  FIG. 8 ) disposed thereon, which is positioned such that rib  130  (and/or rib  132 ) is substantially aligned between, or adjacent to the two terminals of conductive member  120 . It is envisioned that rib  130  (and/or rib  132 ) helps physically separate and maintain the position the two terminals after connecting portion  121  has been severed. It is further envisioned that rib  130  (and/or rib  132 ) helps key (e.g. register/align) the cover portion  114  with respect to base portion  112  to help ensure proper assembly. 
     The present disclosure also relates to a wire termination subassembly  200  for use with a wiring device  100 . The wire termination subassembly  200  includes a conductive member  120 , and an element  202  disposed in mechanical cooperation with the conductive member  120 . The element  202  is pivotable about a portion of the conductive member  120  between a first position where a wire is insertable between the element  202  and a portion of the conductive member  120 , and a second position where the wire is secured between the element  202  and a portion of the conductive member  120 . In disclosed embodiments, the element  202  is tool-lessly movable between its first position and its second position. 
     As can be appreciated, wire termination subassembly  200  facilitates the insertion and removal of a wire “W” with respect to wiring device  100 . To secure a wire “W” into wire termination subassembly  200  of wiring device  100 , a user (a licensed electrician, homeowner, or the like) can position lever  210  in its first, open position, insert a portion of wire “W” (e.g., a bare stripped portion of wire W) between cam  212  and conductive member  120 , and move lever  210  towards its second, closed position, such that a portion of cam  212  moves towards the wire, thus firmly securing wire “W” between cam  212  and conductive member  120 . To remove wire “W” from wire termination subassembly  200  of wiring device  100 , the user moves lever  210  from its second, closed position towards its first, open position. This movement of lever  210  causes cam  212  to release wire “W,” such that wire “W” is free to longitudinally translate, thus allowing the user to remove the wire “W” from wiring device  100 . 
     The illustrated embodiments of wiring device  100  show five separate elements  202 . It is envisioned that each terminal  120   a ,  120   b  includes one element  202  associated therewith Additionally, while not explicitly shown, it is envisioned that wire termination subassembly  200  including element  202  can be used in combination with other types of wire termination subassemblies. Additionally,  FIG. 10  illustrates an embodiment of a ground terminal  300 , and  FIG. 11  illustrates wire termination subassembly  200  and ground terminal  300 . 
     With reference to the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , a wire termination subassembly  200   a  including four biasing members  400  is shown. Each biasing member  400  is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the conductive member  120  and one of the four illustrated pins  214 . In the illustrated embodiments, biasing member  400  is configured as a spring clip. As shown, each biasing member  400  includes a first leg  402  and a second leg  404 , which are interconnected by a curvilinear portion  406 . It is envisioned that each leg  402  and  404  are biased away from each other. That is, first leg  402  may be biased in the general direction of arrow “E,” and second leg  404  may be biased in the general direction of arrow “D” ( FIG. 16 ). 
     It is envisioned that each biasing member  400  maintains its position with respect to conductive member  120  via frictional engagement. In such an embodiment, first leg  402  of biasing member  400  is urged towards an adjacent wall  120   c  of conductive member  120 , and second leg  402  of biasing member  400  is urged towards pin  214 . It is also envisioned (e.g., in another embodiment) that each biasing member  400  maintains its position with respect to conductive member  120  via chemical and/or mechanical means (e.g., welding, braising, soldering, etc.). 
     Biasing members  400  are configured to help retain a wire “W” in contact with conductive member  120 . More specifically, and with particular reference to FIG.  16 , conductive member  120  includes a shelf  120   s  therein, which accommodates a portion of pin  214 . As shown, pin  214  is narrower than shelf  120   s , thus resulting in a limited amount of “play” therebetween. In use, second leg  404  of biasing member  400 , which is biased in the general direction of arrow “D,” urges pin  214  in the general direction of arrow “D.” Correspondingly, element  202 , which is disposed in mechanical engagement with pin  214 , is urged in the general direction of arrow “D.” That is, the portion of element  202  that is in contact with wire “W” (e.g., channel  264  of element  202 ) is urged towards the apex (where legs  126   a ,  126   b  meet) of V-like portion  126 . As can be appreciated, the urging of element  202  towards the apex of V-like portion  126  helps maintain a wire “W” in contact with V-like portion  126  of conductive member  120 . While it is illustrated and described that conductive member  120  includes a V-like portion  126  that is configured to contact a wire “W,” it is also envisioned and within the scope of the present disclosure that the portion of the conductive member that is configured to contact a wire “W” is any other suitable shape, including flat, for example. 
     It is envisioned that the inclusion of a shelf  120   s  that is wider than pin  214  facilitates the movement (e.g., camming movement) of element  202  (or lever  210 ). Additionally, while the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 15 and 16  only shows a single resilient member  140  per each pin  214 , it is within the scope of the present disclosure that each pin  214  is in contact with a pair of resilient members  140  (as shown and described in embodiments above, such as in  FIG. 8 ). In such an embodiment, first leg  402  of biasing member  400  may be shorter (i.e., not extend as far from curvilinear portion  406 ) than illustrated. 
     It is envisioned that biasing member  400  is made of any suitable conductive and/or non-conductive material. For example, it is envisioned that biasing member  400  is made of phosphor bronze or stainless steel. 
     The present disclosure also relates to a method of wiring an electrical device  100 . The method includes the steps of providing an electrical device  100  including a conductive member  120  and an element  202 , inserting a portion of a wire “W” such that a portion of the wire “W” contacts the conductive member  120 , and tool-lessly moving the element  202  with respect to the conductive member  120  to secure a portion of the wire “W” in contact with the conductive member  120 . 
     In various embodiments, the method may also include the following steps: 
     tool-lessly moving the element  202  with respect to the conductive member  120  to release the portion of the wire “W” from contact with the conductive member  120 ; and 
     tool-lessly removing the wire from the electrical device. 
     While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings and/or discussed herein, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments.