Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02723343 2010-12-01
Spring Loaded Clamp
BACKGROUND
Field of the Invention
[0001] The invention relates to an electrical
connector and, more particularly, to a spring loaded
clamp.
Brief Description of Prior Developments
[0002] Power line clamp connectors for making a
connection to an overhead power distribution lines are
known in the art. U.S. Patent Nos. 3,036,286 and
3,075,166 disclose conventional hot line clamps having an
eyebolt for mechanically and electrically connecting
electrical lines together. Additionally, arrester line
connectors, which allow for the installation of a
lightning arrester directly on a line, are known in the
art. For example, one such arrester line connector clamp
is catalog number GH-201D, provided by Fargo Mfg.
Company, Inc. (a subsidiary of Hubbell Incorporated).
One drawback to conventional configurations is that
precise and labor intensive movement of a utility
lineman's hot stick is required to manipulate the eyebolt
during clamp installation. As maintenance and
installation operations become increasingly difficult,
the added time required for these operations can increase
operating costs for the utility company.
[0003] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved
power line clamp connector which alleviates installation
difficulties.
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SUMMARY
[0004] The foregoing and other problems are overcome,
and other advantages are realized, by the use of the
exemplary embodiments of this invention.
[0005] In accordance with one aspect of the invention,
an electrical connector is disclosed. The electrical
connector includes an upper member, a lower member, a
fastening member, and a spring. The upper member
includes a first end, a second end, and an upper groove
portion. The second end is opposite the first end. The
upper groove portion is between the first end and the
second end. The first end includes a first opening. The
lower member includes a lower groove portion, a receiving
area, and a hole. The lower groove portion is opposite
the upper groove portion. A portion of the upper member
extends into the receiving area. An end of the hole is
at the receiving area. The fastening member extends
through the hole and the first opening. The fastening
member includes a first end and an opposite second end.
The first end of the fastening member includes an
operable portion. The spring is between the second end
of the fastening member and the upper member. A portion
of the spring is in the first opening. The first end of
the upper member is between opposite ends of the spring.
[0006] In accordance with another aspect of the
invention, an electrical connector is disclosed. The
electrical connector includes an upper member, a lower
member, a fastener, and a spring. The upper member
includes an opening. The lower member includes a cavity,
a hole, and an aperture. A portion of the upper member
is received at the cavity. An end of the hole is at the
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cavity. The aperture is adapted to receive a first
conductor. The electrical connector is adapted to
receive a second conductor between the upper member and
the lower member. The fastener extends through the hole
and the opening. The lower member is engaged with a
first portion of the fastener. The upper member is
movably connected to a second portion of the fastener.
The spring is at the second portion of the fastener. The
spring exerts a biasing force between an end of the
fastener and the upper member.
[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the
invention, an electrical connector is disclosed. The
electrical connector includes an upper member, a lower
member, a fastening member, and a resilient member. The
upper member includes a first end, a second end, an upper
groove portion, and boss portion. The second end is
opposite the first end. The upper groove portion is
between the first end and the second end. The first end
includes a first opening. The second end includes a
second opening. The boss portion is at the second end.
The lower member includes a lower groove portion, a
receiving area, an aperture, and a hole. The receiving
area is between the lower groove portion and the
aperture. An end of the hole is at the receiving area.
At least part of the boss portion is at the receiving
area. The fastening member extends through the hole and
the second opening. The fastening member includes a
first end and an opposite second end. The first end of
the fastening member includes an operable portion. The
second end of the fastening member extends beyond the
first end of the upper member. The resilient member is
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between the second opening and the second end of the
fastening member.
[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the
invention, a method of manufacturing an electrical
connector is disclosed. An upper member having a first
end, a second end, and an upper groove portion is
provided. The second end is opposite the first end. The
upper groove portion is between the first end and the
second end. A lower member having a lower groove
portion, a receiving area, and a hole is provided. The
lower groove portion is opposite the upper groove
portion. The second end of the upper member extends into
the receiving area. An end of the hole is at the
receiving area. A fastening member is engaged at the
hole. The fastening member includes a first end and an
opposite second end. The first end of the fastening
member includes an operable portion. A spring is
provided between the upper member and a second end of the
fastening member. A spring retaining portion is provided
at the second end of the fastening member. The spring
retaining portion is at the first end of the upper
member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The foregoing aspects and other features of the
invention are explained in the following description,
taken in connection with the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0010] Fig. 1 is a section view of an electrical
connector incorporating features of the invention;
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[0011] Fig. 2 is a section view of an upper member of
the electrical connector shown in Fig. 1;
[0012] Fig. 3 is a section view of a lower member of
the electrical connector shown in Fig. 1;
[0013] Fig. 4 is a side view of a fastening member of
the electrical connector shown in Fig. 1;
[0014] Fig. 5 is a section view of the electrical
connector shown in Fig. 1 in a pre-installation position;
[0015] Fig. 6 is a section view of the electrical
connector shown in Fig. 1 in an installation position
with a substantial maximum sized run conductor installed;
and
[0016] Fig. 7 is a section view of the electrical
connector shown in Fig. 1 in an installation position
with a substantial minimum sized run conductor installed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Referring to Fig. 1, there is shown a section
view of an electrical connector 10 incorporating features
of the invention. Although the invention will be
described with reference to the exemplary embodiment
shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the
invention can be embodied in many alternate forms of
embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or
type of elements or materials could be used.
[0018] As shown in Fig. 1, the electrical connector,
or spring loaded clamp, 10 is configured to electrically
connect a first electrical conductor 12 to a second
electrical conductor 14. Fig. 1 depicts the first
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conductor 12 in an installed position and the second
conductor 14 in a pre-installation position. The first
conductor 12 may be a tap wire, or tap line, conductor
for example. The second conductor 14 may be a main
conductor such as a run cable, or feeder cable, conductor
for example. However, it should be understood that
alternate embodiments may accommodate any combination of
conductor types and/or sizes. The spring loaded clamp 10
provides an improved clamp connector which may be
installed using a utility lineman's hot stick (not
shown).
[0019] The spring loaded clamp 10, which may be a
spring loaded hot line clamp for example, includes an
upper member 16, a lower member 18, a threaded fastener
20, and a spring 22.
[0020] Referring now also to Fig. 2, the upper member,
or upper pad, 16 comprises a groove portion 24, a boss
portion 26, a first opening 28 and a second opening 30.
The upper member 16 may be a one-piece member fabricated
from an electrically conductive material, such as metal
for example.
[0021] The groove portion, or upper groove portion, 24
provides a surface configured to contact an upper portion
of the conductor under a clamping force between the upper
member 16 and the lower member 18. The groove portion 24
is between a first end (or top end) 32 of the upper
member 16 and a second end (or bottom end) 34 of the
upper member 16. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the
groove portion 24 may be proximate the top end 32,
however in alternate embodiments, the groove portion 24
may be provided at any suitable location. It should
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further be understood that the groove portion may
comprise any suitable shape for contacting the conductor.
[0022] The first opening 28 extends between the first
end 32 and a middle portion 36 of the upper member 16.
The opening 28 extends through the upper member 16 in a
direction substantially perpendicular to the groove
portion 24. The first opening, or cavity, 38 comprises a
first diameter and is suitably sized and shaped to
receive the spring 22.
[0023] The boss portion 26 extends from the middle
portion 36 of the upper member 16 proximate the groove
portion 24. An end of the boss portion forms the second
end 34 of the upper member 16. The boss portion 26 is
suitably sized and shaped to be received by, and movably
connected to, the lower member 18. The second opening 30
extends between the second end (or the end of the boss)
34 and the middle portion 36. The second opening 30
comprises a second diameter and is suitably sized and
shaped to receive a portion of the fastening member 20.
[0024] The first opening 28 and the second opening 30
intersect each other at the middle portion 36 such that
the first opening 28 is substantially concentric to the
second opening 30. This orientation of the first and
second openings forms a step, or general counterbore
configuration, 38 at the intersection of the first
opening 28 and the second opening 30, as the first
diameter is greater than the second diameter. The step
38 is suitably sized and shaped to serve as a spring
contact surface, or spring seat when the spring 22 is
installed in the opening 28.
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[0025] The upper member 16 may further comprise a
lead-in feature 40 extending from the top end 32 and the
groove portion 24. The lead-in feature 40 may comprise a
general duck bill shape, and extends away from the groove
portion 24 at a suitable angle to facilitate engagement
of the conductor.
[0026] Referring now also to Fig. 3, the lower member,
or lower pad, 18 comprises a groove portion 42, a
receiving area 44, a threaded hole 46, and an aperture
48. The lower member 18 may be a one-piece member
fabricated from an electrically conductive material, such
as metal for example.
[0027] The groove portion, or lower groove portion, 42
is opposite the upper groove portion 24 and provides a
surface configured to contact a lower surface of the
conductor under the clamping force between the upper
member 16 and the lower member 18. The groove portion 42
is at a first end (or top end) 50 of the lower member 18.
However, it should be noted that in alternate
embodiments, the groove portion may be provided at any
suitable location. It should further be understood that
the groove portion may comprise any suitable shape for
contacting the conductor.
[0028] The receiving area 44 is between the lower
groove portion 42 and the aperture 48. The receiving
area 44 also extends between the first end 50 and a
middle portion 52 of the lower member 18. The receiving
area, or cavity, 44 comprises a complementary shape
suitably sized to receive the boss portion 26 of the
upper member 16. Additionally, side walls 54 of the
receiving area 44 may contact the boss portion 26 when
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the upper member 16 slides up or down (along the
receiving area 44) during conductor installation/removal
and/or adjustment of the fastener 20.
[0029] The threaded hole 46 extends between the
receiving area 44 and a second end (or bottom end) 56 of
the lower member 18, wherein one open end 58 of threaded
hole is at the receiving area 44 and the other open end
60 of the threaded hole 46 is at the second end 56. The
threaded hole 46 is oriented to be substantially aligned
with the first opening 28 and the second opening 30 of
the upper member 16. This orientation provides for the
threaded hole 46 to be substantially perpendicular to the
conductor groove portion 42 and to the aperture 48. In
this embodiment, the threaded hole 46 comprises left hand
threads. However, in alternate embodiments, the threaded
hole may comprise right hand threads.
[0030] The aperture 48 may be provided proximate the
middle portion 52 of the lower member 18 adjacent the
receiving area 44. However, in alternate embodiments any
suitable location for the aperture may be provided. The
aperture 48 extends from a front side 62 to a rear side
64 of the lower member 18. The aperture 48 may comprise
any suitable diameter for receiving the first (or tap
wire/line) conductor 12. However, it should be
understood that the aperture may comprise any suitable
shape/size for receiving the second conductor.
[0031] The lower member 18 further comprises an
opening 66 extending from the aperture 48 to a lateral
side 68 of the lower member 18 (see Fig. 1). The opening
66 extends substantially perpendicular to the aperture
48. The opening 66 may be a threaded opening and be
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adapted to receive a bolt 70 (see Fig. 1) for securing
the first conductor 12 in the aperture 48. For example,
the tap conductor 12 may be attached by inserting the tap
conductor 12 into the aperture 48 and then tightening the
bolt 70. However, it is to be understood that any other
suitable type of fastener or fastening method for
securing the conductor to the aperture may be provided.
[0032] Referring now also to Fig. 4, the threaded
fastener 20, which may be an eyebolt for example,
comprises a first end 70, a first portion 72, a second
portion 74, and a second end 76. The first end 70
comprises a looped end, or eyelet, 78. However, it
should be understood that the first end 70 may be any
suitable operable end (or operable portion) which may be
operated by a utility lineman's hot stick. The first
portion 72 is proximate the looped end 78 and comprises a
threaded portion. The threaded portion 72 is suitably
sized and shaped to be received by the threaded hole 46.
In this embodiment, the threaded portion 72 comprises
left hand threads. However, in alternate embodiments,
the threaded portion may comprise right hand threads.
[0033] The second portion 74 extends between the
threaded portion 72 and the second end 76. The second
portion 74 comprises a non-threaded, or bolt shank
portion. The bolt shank portion 74 is suitably sized and
shaped to be received by the first opening 28 and the
second opening 30 of the upper member 16. The bolt shank
portion 74 provides a contact surface which allows the
upper member 16 to slide along the second portion 74.
[0034] The second end 76 comprises a pan head portion
81. The pan head portion 81 comprises a raised surface
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forming a spring seat, or spring retaining portion, 80
adapted to contact the spring 22. The raised surface may
further be suitably sized and shaped to contact the first
end 32 of the upper member 16. The pan head portion may
comprise a rounded head 82 and a flat surface at the
spring retaining portion 80. However, any suitable shape
which provides a spring seat, or spring retaining
portion, for the spring 22 may be provided.
Additionally, it should be noted that the pan head
portion is not required, and any other suitable feature
or fastener may be provided. The pad portion may be
provided, or formed, by an orbital headforming process
using, for example, Taumel Headforming Machines, by
Taumel Assembly Systems of Patterson, NY. However, any
suitable process or equipment may be utilized for forming
the pad head portion.
[0035] The spring, or resilient member, 22 is
configured to exert a biasing force between the second
end 76 of the eyebolt 20 and the upper member 16. The
spring 22 may be a compression coil spring, for example.
However, any suitable type spring may be provided. The
spring 22 is suitably sized and shaped to be received by
the first opening 28. A length of the spring 22 may be
provided such that a first end 84 of the spring 22
contacts the spring seat 80 at the second end 76 of the
fastener 20, and such that a second end 86 of the spring
22 contacts the spring seat 38 of the upper member 16.
[0036] The clamp 10 may be assembled by providing the
upper member 16, the lower member 18, and the spring 22,
as described above, and further including the eyebolt 20
without the pan head portion (for example, the eyebolt
may be in a pre-assembly condition wherein the eyebolt
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has not yet been exposed to the orbital headforming
process). This allows for the eyebolt 20 to be
threadably engaged with the threaded hole 46 and extended
through the second opening 30, the spring 22, and the
first opening 28. The pan head portion 81 may then be
formed on the second end 76 of the eyebolt 20 (as
described above) after the lower member 18, the upper
member 16, and the spring 22 are positioned on the
eyebolt 20. This configuration allows for the threaded
portion 72 to secure the lower member 18 to the eyebolt
20, and the pan head portion 81 to secure the upper
member 16 and the spring 22 along the bolt shank portion
74 of the eyebolt 20.
[0037] Referring now also to Fig. 5, the clamp 10 is
shown in a pre-installation position, wherein the
conductors 12, 14 are yet to be installed. In this
position, the spring 22 biases the upper pad 16 towards
the lower pad 18 such that the upper groove 24 is in
contact with the lower groove 42. This provides for a
portion of the spring 22 to be in the first opening 28,
and wherein the first end 32 of the upper member 16 is
between opposite ends 84, 86 of the spring 22. In this
position, the second end 76 of the fastening member 20
extends beyond the first end 32 of the upper member 16.
Additionally, in this position, the spring 22 is in a
substantially expanded mode.
[0038] When the clamp 10 is being installed onto the
run conductor 14 (as shown in Fig. 1), the run conductor
14 may be guided into the top pad 16 by the protruding
duck bill portion 40 and a lateral surface 88 of the
bottom pad 18. After the conductor 14 makes contact with
the duck bill 40, a downward force is applied to the
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eyebolt 20 while being fixed in the end of the hot stick.
This forces the upper member 16 to movably slide along a
length of the fastener 20. As the top pad 16 slides, the
spring 22 is substantially compressed and the top pad 16
then opens up and allows the run conductor 14 to enter
the clamp 10 between the conductor grooves 24, 42. Once
the conductor 14 is between the grooves 24, 42, the top
pad 16 is then forced downward against the run conductor
14 and clamps it between the grooves 24, 42. The force
is applied by the spring 22 between the pan head 81 and
the bottom of the opening 28 in the top pad 16. This
further results in the top pad 16 traveling downward into
the bottom pad 18 wherein the protruding boss 26 of the
top pad 16 mates with the receiving area 44 of the bottom
pad 18 and allows the two parts 16, 18 to self align in
on direction.
[0039] According to various embodiments of the
invention, the clamp 10 is provided such that the left
hand threads at the fastener 20 and the threaded hole 46
allow for conventional installation and removal
procedures. For example, with the left hand threads, as
the eyebolt 20 is turned in a clockwise direction, it
protrudes outward from the bottom pad 18. This allows
the pan head 81 to butt against the top 32 of the top pad
16 thus pulling the top pad 16 downward. This allows the
clamp 10 to "loosen" as the eyebolt 20 is turned in a
counterclockwise direction (and "tighten" as the eyebolt
20 is turned in a clockwise direction) . If the clamp 10
is provided with right hand threads at the fastener 20
and the threaded hole 46, then this allows the clamp 10
to "loosen" as the eyebolt 20 is turned in a clockwise
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direction (and "tighten" as the eyebolt 20 is turned in a
counterclockwise direction).
[0040] According to another example of the invention,
a method of manufacturing an electrical connector is
disclosed. The method includes the following steps.
Providing an upper member comprising a first end, a
second end, and an upper groove portion, wherein the
second end is opposite the first end, and wherein the
upper groove portion is between the first end and the
second end. Providing a lower member comprising a lower
groove portion, a receiving area, and a hole, wherein the
lower groove portion is opposite the upper groove
portion, wherein the second end of the upper member
extends into the receiving area, and wherein an end of
the hole is at the receiving area. Engaging a fastening
member at the hole, wherein the fastening member
comprises a first end and an opposite second end, and
wherein the first end of the fastening member comprises
an operable portion. Providing a spring between the
upper member and a second end of the fastening member.
Providing a spring retaining portion at the second end of
the fastening member, wherein the spring retaining
portion is at the first end of the upper member. It
should be noted that any of the above steps may be
performed alone or in combination with one or more of the
steps.
[0041] The_ technical effects of the various
embodiments of the invention provide improvement over
conventional configurations. For example, in
conventional configurations, utility linemen are required
to pull down and tighten the clamp (with a hot stick, for
example) when installing the clamp onto a run conductor.
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If the tightening and pull down operations are not
performed in an adequate manner, undesirable arcing may
result. With the configuration of the clamp 10,
installation onto the run conductor allows the utility
lineman to tighten the clamp 10 without pulling down the
clamp at the same time, as the connector clamps down on
the conductor- once the conductor is received between the
conductor grooves 24, 42. The spring biased clamp
provides improved contact with the conductor during
installation to minimize arcing.
[0042] It should be noted that various size conductors
may be accommodated by the clamp 10. For example, Fig. 6
illustrates the clamp 10 with a substantially maximum
sized run conductor 14A between the grooves 24, 42 and a
larger sized tap conductor 12A at the aperture 48. For
example, Fig. 7 illustrates the clamp 10 with a
substantially minimum sized run conductor 14B between the
grooves 24, 42 and another larger sized tap conductor 12B
at the aperture 48. However, it should be understood
that while various embodiments of the invention have been
describe in connection with the conductors 12, 12A, 12B,
14, 14A, 14B, one skilled in the art will appreciate that
the various embodiments of the invention may accommodate
any suitably sized and shaped conductors.
[0043] Below are provided further descriptions of
various non-limiting, exemplary embodiments. The below-
described exemplary embodiments are separately numbered
for clarity and identification. This numbering should
not be construed as wholly separating the below
descriptions since various aspects of one or more
exemplary embodiments may be practiced in conjunction
with one or more other aspects or exemplary embodiments.
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That is, the exemplary embodiments of the invention, such
as those described immediately below, may be implemented,
practiced or utilized in any combination (e.g., any
combination that is suitable, practicable and/or
feasible) and are not limited only to those combinations
described herein and/or included in the appended claims.
[0044] (1) In one exemplary embodiment, an electrical
connector comprising: an upper member comprising a first
end, a second end, and an upper groove portion, wherein
the second end is opposite the first end, wherein the
upper groove portion is between the first end and the
second end, and wherein the first end comprises a first
opening; a lower member comprising a lower groove
portion, a receiving area, and a hole, wherein the lower
groove portion is opposite the upper groove portion,
wherein a portion of the upper member extends into the
receiving area, and wherein an end of the hole is at the
receiving area; a fastening member extending through the
hole and the first opening, wherein the fastening member
comprises a first end and an opposite second end, and
wherein the first end of the fastening member comprises
an operable portion; and a spring between the second end
of the fastening member and the upper member, wherein a
portion of the spring is in the first opening, and
wherein the first end of the upper member is between
opposite ends of the spring.
[0045] An electrical connector as above, wherein the
hole of the lower member further comprises a threaded
hole.
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[0046] An electrical connector as above, wherein the
operable portion of the fastening member further
comprises an eyelet.
[0047] An electrical connector as above, wherein the
lower member ;further comprises an aperture, and wherein
the lower member is adapted to receive a first conductor
at the aperture.
[0048] An electrical connector as above, wherein the
hole of the lower member further comprises a threaded
hole, and wherein the operable portion of the fastening
member further comprises an eyelet.
[0049] An electrical connector as above, wherein the
lower member further comprises an aperture, and wherein
the lower member is adapted to receive a first conductor
at the aperture.
[0050] An electrical connector as above, wherein the
electrical connector is adapted to receive a second
conductor between the upper member and the lower member.
[0051] An electrical connector as above, wherein the
second end of the fastener comprises a pan head, and
wherein the pan head is adapted to contact an end of the
spring.
[0052] An electrical connector as above, wherein the
fastening member comprises a threaded portion proximate
the operable portion and a non-threaded portion proximate
the second end.
[0053] (2) In another exemplary embodiment, an
electrical connector comprising: an upper member
comprising an opening; a lower member comprising a
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cavity, a hole, and an aperture, wherein a portion of the
upper member is received at the cavity, wherein an end of
the hole is at the cavity, wherein the aperture is
adapted to receive a first conductor, and wherein the
electrical connector is adapted to receive a second
conductor between the upper member and the lower member;
a fastener extending through the hole and the opening,
wherein the lower member is engaged with a first portion
of the fastener, and wherein the upper member is movably
connected to a second portion of the fastener; and a
spring at the second portion of the fastener, wherein the
spring exerts a biasing force between an end of the
fastener and the upper member.
[0054] An electrical connector as above, wherein the
first portion of the fastener comprises a threaded
portion.
[0055] An electrical connector as above, wherein the
second portion of the fastener comprises a non-threaded
portion.
[0056] An electrical connector as above, the fastener
comprises a pan head, wherein the pad head is spaced from
the upper member when the connector is in a first
position, and wherein the pan head is in contact with the
upper member when the connector is in a second position.
[0057] An electrical connector as above, wherein the
hole of the lower member comprises a threaded hole having
left hand threads.
[00581 An electrical connector as above, wherein the
fastener comprises an eyebolt.
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[0059] (3) In another exemplary embodiment, an
electrical connector comprising: an upper member
comprising a first end, a second end, an upper groove
portion, and boss portion, wherein the second end is
opposite the first end, wherein the upper groove portion
is between the first end and the second end, wherein the
first end comprises a first opening, wherein the second
end comprises a second opening, and wherein the boss
portion is at the second end; a lower member comprising a
lower groove portion, a receiving area, an aperture, and
a hole, wherein the receiving area is between the lower
groove portion and the aperture, wherein an end of the
hole is at the receiving area, and wherein at least part
of the boss portion is at the receiving area; a fastening
member extending through the hole and the second opening,
wherein the fastening member comprises a first end and an
opposite second end, wherein the first end of the
fastening member comprises an operable portion, and
wherein the second end of the fastening member extends
beyond the first end of the upper member; and a resilient
member between the second opening and the second end of
the fastening member.
[0060] An electrical connector as above, wherein the
fastening member further comprises a threaded portion
having left hand threads.
[0061] An electrical connector as above, wherein the
fastening member further comprises a threaded portion
having left hand threads.
[0062] An electrical connector as above, wherein the
fastening member further comprises a threaded portion,
and a non-threaded shank portion, wherein the threaded
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portion is between the operable portion and the non-
threaded shank portion.
[0063] An electrical connector as above, wherein the
fastening member movably connects the upper member to the
lower member.
[0064] An electrical connector as above, wherein the
electrical connector is adapted such that resilient
member compresses as the fastening member is threaded out
of the hole in a direction away from the lower member.
[0065] An 'electrical connector as above, wherein the
upper member further comprises a conductor lead in
feature proximate the upper groove portion.
[0066] (4) In another exemplary embodiment, a method
of manufacturing an electrical connector comprising:
providing an upper member comprising a first end, a
second end, and an upper groove portion, wherein the
second end is opposite the first end, and wherein the
upper groove portion is between the first end and the
second end; providing a lower member comprising a lower
groove portion, a receiving area, and a hole, wherein the
lower groove portion is opposite the upper groove
portion, wherein the second end of the upper member
extends into the receiving area, and wherein an end of
the hole is at the receiving area; engaging a fastening
member at the hole, wherein the fastening member
comprises a first end and an opposite second end, and
wherein the first end of the fastening member comprises
an operable portion; providing a spring between the upper
member and a second end of the fastening member; and
providing a spring retaining portion at the second end of
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the fastening member, wherein the spring retaining
portion is at the first end of the upper member.
[0067] A method as above, wherein engaging the
fastening member further comprises threadably engaging
the fastening member to the hole.
[0068] A method as above, wherein the providing of the
spring retaining portion further comprises forming a pan
head at the second end of the fastening member.
[0069] A method as above, wherein the providing of the
spring further comprises inserting a portion of the
spring into an opening of the upper member, wherein an
end of the spring contacts the upper member, and wherein
another end of the spring contacts the spring retaining
portion.
[0070] It should be understood that the foregoing
description is only illustrative of the invention.
Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by
those skilled in the art without departing from the
invention. Accordingly, the invention is intended to
embrace all such alternatives, modifications and
variances which fall within the scope of the appended
claims.
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