Patent ID: 7481662

Claim:
A connector assembly for releasably securing a welding torch to an extended end portion of a power cable assembly having an outer hose disposed about and spaced from an electrically conductive cable for directing shielding gas therethrough to the torch, electrically communicating the cable with the torch and enabling the torch to be rotatably moved with respect to the hose during use to reduce torsional resistance to such movement, said connector assembly comprising: an electrically conductive tubular member defining an upstream portion and a downstream portion and having an aperture therein between said upstream and downstream portions, said upstream portion being sized to receive therein an extended end portion of an electrically conductive cable in a power cable assembly such that upon crimping said tubular member along said upstream portion thereof so as to define a generally U-shaped trough extending along said upstream portion, said tubular member is affixed to the cable in electrical communication therewith and a gas flow path is defined, said path extending along said trough to and through said aperture and into and through the downstream portion of said tubular member; a pair of axially spaced annular sealing members disposed about and carried by the downstream portion of said tubular member; an electrically conductive fitting for releasably and sealably engaging an extended end portion of said downstream portion of the tubular member with a welding torch so as to electrically couple said tubular member with said torch and direct gas flow therethrough from said downstream portion of said tubular member to the torch; a hose attachment sleeve adapted to be received within an extended end portion of an outer hose of a power cable assembly and disposed about said downstream portion of said tubular member, said sleeve being sized relative to said sealing members so as to define gas-tight seals therewith while being rotatably moveable on said seals; at least one sleeve retention member for retaining said hose attachment sleeve on said tubular member; and an attachment member for disposition about the extended end portion of the outer hose and said attachment sleeve for securing the extended end portion of the outer hose to said attachment sleeve.