CA2564088A1 - Electrical connectors with outer retainer ring and internal unidirectional conductor retainer - Google Patents

Electrical connectors with outer retainer ring and internal unidirectional conductor retainer Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2564088A1
CA2564088A1 CA002564088A CA2564088A CA2564088A1 CA 2564088 A1 CA2564088 A1 CA 2564088A1 CA 002564088 A CA002564088 A CA 002564088A CA 2564088 A CA2564088 A CA 2564088A CA 2564088 A1 CA2564088 A1 CA 2564088A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
end portion
outlet
outlet end
inlet
retainer
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA002564088A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Delbert Auray
Kenneth M. Kiely
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Bridgeport Fittings LLC
Original Assignee
Bridgeport Fittings LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US11/258,990 external-priority patent/US7057107B2/en
Priority claimed from US11/364,435 external-priority patent/US7205489B2/en
Priority claimed from US11/400,606 external-priority patent/US7154042B2/en
Priority claimed from US11/403,099 external-priority patent/US7151223B2/en
Priority claimed from US11/501,131 external-priority patent/US7488905B2/en
Application filed by Bridgeport Fittings LLC filed Critical Bridgeport Fittings LLC
Publication of CA2564088A1 publication Critical patent/CA2564088A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Abstract

This disclosure is directed to various embodiments of an electrical connector assembly that includes a connector body having an inlet end portion and an outlet end portion.
The outlet end portion has an associated locking member whereby it can be readily attached to a knock out hole of an electric box and the inlet end portion is provided with a wire conductor retainer in the form of a flat spring or a sleeve. The flat spring wire conductor retainer is connected to an external portion of a connector body for ease of manufacture and assembly, and which is configured to extend into the inlet end portion whereby an electric conductor can be unidirectionally inserted in the inlet end portion and secured thereto so as to prohibit any unintentional separation from the connector body, all without the need of any extraneous tools. The sleeve form of a wire or conductor retainer is frictionally retained within the inlet portion.

Description

P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS WITH OUTER
RETAINER RING AND INTERNAL UNIDIRECTIONAL
CONDUCTOR RETAINER
Field of the Invention This invention is directed to a further advancement in the field of electrical connector assemblies having a snap fit retaining ring circumscribing the outlet end of a connector body for effecting a snap fit connection to an electrical box of the types described in U.S. Patent 6,860,758, U.S. Patent 6,935,891 and application Serial No.
11/180,085 filed July 13, 2005, which is a continuation in part application of Application Serial No. 11/028,373 filed January 3, 2005, which are incorporated herein by reference.

More specifically, this application relates to further improvements in electrical connector assembly having a construction for facilitating the connection of an electrical connector assembly to an electric box and having one or more inlets provided with a simplified unidirectional wire retainer to which one or more associated cables, wire conductors or the like are secured by simply inserting the wire conductor into the inlet end of the connector body. The respective inlet or inlets of P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada the connector body include a simplified externally mounted wire or conductor retainer that allows an associated wire, cable or conductor to be positively secured within the associated inlet by a snap fit in a manner that prohibits any unintentional separation or withdrawal of the conductors from the connector assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electrical connectors are commonly used for attaching electrical conductors, cables, wires, electrical metal tubing (EMT) or the like to an electric box, e.g. a junction box, outlet box, switch box, fuse box, or other similar type of electric box or panel. Such known electrical connectors are either of a type that are secured to an electric box by a threaded lock nut or by means of a circular snap fit retaining ring of the type disclosed in U.S. Patents 6,860,758; 6,444,907; 5,189,258; 5,266,050;
5,171,164; 2,744,769 and 1,483,218 for example. Reference is also made to U.S. Patent 6,768,057 which is directed to a right angle type connector formed of a pair of sheet metal stampings fitted together and secured to an electrical box with a snap fit arrangement.

Also known are connectors formed as connector caps which are adapted to be fitted over the end of a conductor,
2 P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada cable or wires, such as disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,880,387.
Various other known efforts to facilitate the connection of an electrical conductor to an electric box are evidenced by U.S. Patents 6,043,432; 6,080,933; 6,114,630; 6,133,529;
6,194,661; 6,335,488; 6,352,439; 6,355,884; 6,444,907;

6, 555, 750; 6, 604, 400; 6, 670, 553; 6, 737, 584; 6, 682, 355;
6,780,029 and 6,849,803. Notwithstanding the extensive background relating to electrical connectors, continuing efforts are being made to improve, simplify and/or reduce the cost and/or complexity of the known connectors in an effort to advance the electrical connector art. The disclosures herein are directed to such efforts.

SLTbIlMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of this invention is to provide an electrical connector with a frustro-conically shaped external retaining ring having integrally formed outwardly sprung locking tangs and an electrical grounding trailing edge arranged to be snap fitted to a knock-hole of an electric box or panel.

Another object of this invention is to provide for an electrical connector assembly that includes an electrical connector body having an outlet end with a frustro-conical outer surface having a complementary frustro-conical
3 P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada retaining ring that is readily fitted to and retained on the outlet end portion of the connector body.

Another object is to provide a connector assembly comprising a connector body having an outlet portion free of any locking ring retaining flange, and an associated snap fit retainer ring circumscribing the outlet end portion.

Another object is to provide a retaining ring having outwardly flaring circumscribing arms or sides provided with outwardly sprung locking tangs and a grounding trailing edge.

Another object is to provide a retaining ring, adapted to be fitted onto the outlet end of a connector body, and having a frustro-conical shape with a first series of tangs for securing the connector body relative to an electrical box and a trailing edge for affecting a positive electrical ground with an associated electrical box.

Another object is to provide a frustro-conically shaped retaining ring that can be readily formed from a blank of spring steel.

Another object is to provide an electrical connector assembly having a connector body with a frustro-conical outer retainer ring circumscribing the outer surface of the connector body outlet end and a unidirectional wire
4 P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada conductor retainer associated with the inlet end of the connector for securing an electrical wire or conductor thereto.

Another object is to provide an electrical connector assembly that includes an externally connected unidirectional wire or conductor retainer extending internally of the inlet end for frictionally retaining a wire conductor to the connector assembly so as to prevent any unintentional separation of a wire conductor therefrom.

Another object is to provide an electrical connector assembly provided with a snap fitting retainer ring on the outlet end of the connector assembly for attaching the connector assembly to an electrical box with a snap fit and including an inner unidirectional wire conductor retainer extending into the inlet end of the connector assembly for securing a wire conductor thereto in a manner to prohibit any unintentional separation of the wire conductor from the connector assembly.

Another object is to provide an electrical connector with an improved wire retainer whereby a wire retainer is externally secured to the connector body and is arranged to extend into the inlet end of the connector body through an opening formed in the connector body to secure the wire P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada conductor therein so as to prohibit any unintentional separation of the wire conductor from the connector body.

Another object of this invention is to provide an electrical connector with a wire retainer whereby a helical wound wire conductor can be secured thereto by merely inserting the armored conductor wire into the inlet end of the electrical connector to secure the wire conductor thereto, so as to prohibit any unintentional separation of the wire conductor from the electrical connector.

Another object is to provide or an electrical connector assembly that is relatively simple to fabricate, positive in operation, and economical to produce and sell.
Another object of this invention is to provide an electrical connector assembly having an outer frustro conical retainer ring for positively connecting the connector assembly to an electrical box and having multiple inlet ends, each inlet end being fitted with an externally connected wire retainer for unidirectional locking a wire conductor in each of the respective multiple inlets.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved multiple connector assembly that is relatively simple in structure, easy to assemble and having a minimum of component parts.

P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada Another object is to provide a connector assembly having multiple inlet ends, each inlet end being fitted with an externally mounted wire or conductor retainer that extends internally of the associated inlet end for effecting unidirectional locking of a wire conductor therein.

Another object is to provide an electrical connector having an outer retainer ring circumscribing the outer end of a connector body for effecting a snap fit attachment to an electric box or panel and having an improved unidirectional wire conductor retainer in the form of a retaining finger projecting through an opening in the connector body and into the inlet end of a connector body so as to provide a snap fit wire retention device which prohibits any unintentional separation of the wire conductor from the connector body.

Another object is to provide a relatively simple and positive acting snap fit wire conductor retaining device externally mounted on a connector body and having an end portion extending through an opening or window into the interior of the connector body for retaining a wire conductor connected to the electrical connector body in a manner to prohibit any unintentional separation of a wire conductor from the connector.

P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada Another object is to provide a snap fit wire retainer that extends inwardly of an electrical connector body through an opening formed therein whereby the wire retainer can be readily secured on the exterior of the connector body to facilitate and simplify the assembly of the connector and associated wire retainer.

Another object is to provide an electrical connector having a wire retainer arranged to be externally secured to the connector in a fixed relationship relative to the connector so that the free end of the wire conductive retainer extends through an opening formed in the connector body and into the inlet end portion of the connector so as to permit a wire conductor be unidirectionally snap fitted thereto.

The foregoing objects and other features and advantages are attained by an electrical connector assembly that includes a connector body having one or more inlet end portions for receiving an electrical conductor and an outlet portion arranged to be inserted through a knockout hole of an electrical panel or electric box, e.g. an electric box or the like. A radially outwardly extending flange circumscribes an intermediate portion of the connector body to function as a stop to limit the insertion of the outlet end portion of the connector body through the P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada knockout hole of an electric box. The outlet end portion of the connector body is provided with an outer surface that converges or tapers inwardly toward the outlet opening thereof. Formed on the surface of the outlet end portion are one or more retaining lugs, which may be circumferentially spaced about the outlet end portion. A
frustro-conically shaped snap ring is fitted onto the outlet end portion.

The outer retaining ring is initially formed from a blank of sheet material, e.g. spring steel or the like, having a cruciform shape that includes a face portion or simply a central opening wherein the radiating arms of the cruciform blank are disposed about the face portion or central opening to define a frustro-conical ring or cup.
The ring so formed is provided with blanked out or die cut tangs to define outwardly bent locking tangs. The trailing edge of the frustro-conical ring provides for electrical grounding. The frustro-conical ring so formed also has a slot adapted to receive the retaining lug when the retaining ring is fitted onto the outlet end portion of the connector body so that the free or trailing ends of the ring define a ground or edge that engages the inner periphery of the knockout hole of an electric box for effecting positive electrical continuity and grounding.

P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada To form the retaining ring, the cruciform arms are arranged to be folded relative to the central opening or face forming portion that circumscribes the central opening, to define a unitary frustro-conically shaped cup-like member or ring to compliment or be fitted onto the outlet end portion of the connector body. The retaining ring thus formed is fitted over or onto the outlet end portion whereby the retaining slot formed in the ring is adapted to receive the complementary retaining lug formed on the surface of the outlet end portion for retaining the ring on the outlet end portion of the connector body.

With the construction described, the connector assembly can be readily inserted through the knockout hole of an electric box wherein the locking tangs will initially be flexed inwardly to pass through the knock-out hole of an electric box, and then spring outwardly to lock the connector assembly to the electric box with the trailing or grounding edge of the retaining ring or arms being inherently biased so as to be urged against the internal periphery of the knockout hole due to the conical configuration of the retaining ring to effect a positive electric ground as a result of the inherent resiliency of the respective grounding edges and the material from which they are formed.

P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada This invention further contemplates providing the inlet end of the connector with an improved wire or conductor retainer which is uniquely formed for positively securing thereto a wire conductor by merely inserting the wire conductor into the inlet end of a conector. The arrangement is such that the wire conductor is prohibited from being unintentionally separated therefrom. The inner wire conductor retainer is preferably formed of a blank of spring metal material to define a spring finger having one end thereof fixedly secured to an external portion of the inlet end of a connector body, and having the other end of the spring finger extending through an opening formed in the connector body so as to be disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the inlet end portion whereby a wire conductor is retained within the inlet end of a connector in a manner to prohibit any unintentional separation.

A further embodiment of the disclosed invention may utilize an external circular shaped snap fit locking ring for circumscribing the outlet end of the connector body.

IN THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connector assembly.

Il P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada Fig. 2 is a plan view of the blank from which the outer retaining ring of the present invention is formed.
Fig. 3 is a detail front view of the outer retainer ring.

Fig. 4 is a detail top plan view of the outer retainer ring of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a detail end view of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the outer retainer ring taken along line 6-6 on Fig. 3.

Fig. 7 is a side view of the connector assembly illustrating the alignment thereof relative to the knockout opening of an electric box.

Fig. 8 is a section side view illustrating the connector assembly secured to an electric box, taken along line 8-8 on Fig. 10.

Fig. 9 is a sectional side view taken along line 9-9 on Fig. 10 and rotated 90 .

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary front view of the connector assembly secured to an electric box as viewed from the electrical box.

Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a modified form of the invention.

Fig. 12 is a sectional side view of the modified form of the invention of Fig. 11.

P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada Fig. 13 is a top plan view of the blank from which the internal wire conductor retainer is formed.

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary top view of a portion of the blank forming the inner retainer sleeve or ring.

Fig. 15 is an end view of the inner wire conductor retainer ring or sleeve.

Fig. 16 is a top view of the inner retainer ring or sleeve of Fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a section view taken along 17-17 on Fig.
16.

Fig. 18 is a side view of the inner retainer ring or sleeve.

Fig. 19 is a sectional side view of still another embodiment.

Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 21 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of Fig. 20.

Fig. 22 is a top plan view of the embodiment of Fig.
20 having parts thereof broken away.

Fig. 23 is a sectional view taken along line 23-23 on Fig. 22.

P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada Fig. 24 is the interior plan view of one section of the connector housing of the embodiment illustrated in Fig.
20.

Fig. 25 is an outer end view of Fig. 24.

Fig. 26 is an end view of the connector housing section of Fig. 24.

Fig. 27 is a sectional view of the housing section taken along line 27-27 on Fig. 26.

Fig. 28 is an inside plan view of the complementary housing section of the embodiment illustrated by Fig. 20.
Fig. 29 is an end view of Fig. 28.

Fig. 30 is an inlet end view of Fig. 28.

Fig. 31 is a sectional view taken on line 31-31 on Fig. 30.

Fig. 32 is a sectional view taken on line 32-32 on Fig. 28.

Fig. 33 is a perspective exploded view of a further embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 34 is a top plan view of the blank from which the wire retainer device is formed.

Fig. 35 is a side view of the blank of Fig. 34.

Fig. 36 is a side view of the blank of Figs. 34 and 35 as formed to define wire retainer.

P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada Fig. 37 is a top view of a slightly modified form of a wire retainer.

Fig. 38 is a perspective view of the connector body embodying the invention of Fig. 33.

Fig. 39 is a side view of Fig. 38.
Fig. 40 is a top plan view of Fig. 39.
Fig. 41 is a left end view of Fig. 39.
Fig. 42 is a right end view of Fig. 39.

Fig. 43 is a perspective view of the assembled connector embodiment shown in Fig. 33.

Fig. 44 is a side sectional view of the connector assembly of Fig. 43.

Fig. 45 is an exploded perspective of another modified form of the invention.

Fig. 46 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 45 illustrated in the assembled position.

Fig. 47 is a side view of Fig. 46.

Fig. 48 is a side view of the connector assembly of Fig. 47 in engagement with a pulling tool of the present invention.

Fig. 49 is a bottom plan view of Fig. 48.

Fig. 50 is a side elevation view illustrating the initial insertion of the connector assembly of Fig. 45 into a knockout hole of an electric box.

P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada Fig. 51 is a side elevation view similar to Fig. 50 illustrating the connector assembly fully seated and locked in the knockout hole of an electric box which is affected by the lever action of the operating tool.

Fig. 52 is a perspective view of the operating tool embodiment for facilitating the locking of an electrical connector to an electric box.

Fig. 53 is a plan view of the tool of Fig. 52.
Fig. 54 is an edge view of Fig. 53.

Fig. 55 is a bottom plan view of Fig. 54.
Fig. 56 is a left end view of Fig. 55.

Fig. 57 is a perspective view of a slightly modified tool.

Fig. 58 is a left end view of Fig. 57.

Fig. 59 is a perspective view of still another modified operating tool.

Fig. 60 is an exploded perspective view of another modified form of the invention.

Fig. 61 is a section side view of the embodiment of Fig. 60 illustrating the manner for effecting the connection of the modified embodiment of Fig. 60 to a knock-out hole of an electric box.

P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada Fig. 62 is a section side view similar to Fig. 61 illustrating the connector assembly of Fig. 61 in locked position relative to an electric box.

Fig. 63 is an assembled view of Fig. 1 connector Fig. 64 is a front end view of the frustro-conical retainer ring of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 60.
Fig. 65 is a fragmentary detail sectional side view of a modified auxiliary tang construction.

Fig. 66 is a plan view of a modified blank for forming a frustro-conical snap fit retaining ring.

Fig. 67 is an exploded perspective view of still another modification of the invention.

Fig. 68 is a top plan view of the embodiment of Fig.
67.

Fig. 69 is a right end view of Fig. 68.

Fig. 70 is a sectional view taken along line 70-70 on Fig. 69.

Fig. 71 is a perspective of a partially exploded view of another embodiment of the disclosed invention.

Fig. 72 is a perspective view of another modified form of the disclosed invention illustrated without the outer retainer ring.

Fig. 73 is a perspective exploded view of a further embodiment of the invention.

P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada Fig. 74 is a side assembled view of Fig. 73.

Fig. 75 is a side sectional view taken essentially along line 75-75 of Fig. 74.

Fig. 76 is a right end view of Fig. 74.

Fig. 77 is a perspective exploded view of a modified form of the invention.

Fig. 78 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 79 is a cross sectional view of Fig. 78.
Fig. 80 is a perspective view of another modified embodiment.

Fig. 81 is a cross sectional view of Fig. 80.
Fig. 82 is a perspective view of another modified embodiment.

Fig. 83 is a cross sectional view of Fig. 82.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, there is shown in Fig. 1 an electrical connector assembly 10. The connector assembly includes a connector body 11, which is usually formed of metal casting, e.g. zinc or other suitable metallic alloy.
The connector body 11 is formed with an inlet end portion 11A and an outlet end portion 11B and having a bore 12 extending therethrough. Intermediate the connector body 11 P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada or between the inlet end portion 11A and outlet end portion 11B there is provided a radially outwardly extending flange 13 which functions as a stop to limit the amount that the connector body 11 may be inserted through the knockout hole 14 of an electric box 15, as noted in Fig. 8.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 8, the outer surface S of the outlet end portion 11B slopes, tapers or converges toward the outlet opening 16 whereby the outer surface S of the outlet end portion 11B has a generally frustro-conical configuration. Formed on the surface S of the outlet end portion 11B is an outwardly projecting retainer lug 17. In the illustrated embodiment, two such lugs 17 are shown disposed 180 apart about the outer circumference of the outlet end portion 11B.

The connector assembly 10 also includes a snap fit retaining ring 18. In accordance with this invention, the retaining ring 18 is integrally formed from a blank 19 of spring steel material. As best seen in Fig. 2, the blank 19 is initially formed or stamped to define a generally cruciform shape. The cruciform shape is provided with a face portion 20 having central opening or hole 20A and having four generally radially extending arms defining two pairs of oppositely disposed arms AA and BB.

P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada As illustrated in Fig. 2, the opposed pair of arms AA
are each provided with a retaining slot 21. The opposed pair of arms BB, as best seen in Fig. 8, are blanked or formed to define a locking tang 22 and to either side thereof the trailing edge defines an electrical grounding tang 23, 23. As shown, the locking tang 22 is slightly shorter than the adjacent grounding tangs 23, 23. The arrangement is such that the free end of the locking tangs 22 are sprung outwardly and formed so as to engage the inside surface of the electric box 15 in the assembled portion, as best seen in Fig. 9, to secure the connector assembly 10 to the electric box 15 and prohibit any unintentional withdrawal of the connector assembly 10 from the electrical box 15, whereas the free ends or trailing edges of the frustro-conical ring define the grounding tangs 23 that are biased in engagement with the internal periphery of the knockout hole 14. Also, the free edges or ends 24, 24 of arms A,A in the assembled position will also function as electrical grounding tangs, as noted in Fig. 8.

In forming the retaining ring 18 from blank 19, the respective arms A,A and B,B are subjected to a series of progressive bending dies which will gradually bend the respective arms about a foldline f, which defines the face or front portion 20, whereby arms A,A and B,B form a cup P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada having circumscribing frustro-conical or outwardly flaring sides to define a frustro conical ring 18 which complements the conical surface S of the leading or outlet end portion 11B, as seen in Fig. 1. In doing so, the locking tangs 22 are cantileverly and outwardly bent or displaced relative to the surface of the frustro-conical ring at a slightly greater outwardly angle or slope than the adjacent grounding edge or tangs 23 and the slope of arms A,A. With the retaining ring 18 so formed, it can be readily fitted onto the outlet end portion 11B whereby the inherent resiliency of the arms A,A will cause the retainer slots 22 to snap fit onto the retaining lug 17 when slots 21 are placed in alignment with lugs 17. The arrangement is such that the retainer ring 18 will be firmly and positively secured to the outlet end portion 11B as seen in Fig. 8.
Yet, due to the inherent resiliency of the material of the retaining ring 18, it can be easily detached from the outlet end portion 11B when removal is desired, without destroying the ring 18 by lifting arms A,A free of the retaining lugs 17.

It will be understood that, if desired, the opening 20A may be enlarged to the diameter of the foldline f, in which case the arms A,A and B,B may be gradually bent about P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada the periphery of the enlarged opening, thereby eliminating the face portion 20.

With the retainer ring 18 properly secured to the outlet end 11B of the connector body 11, the connector assembly 10 can be readily secured to an electric box 10 by simply aligning the assembly 10 with a knockout hole 14, as best seen in Fig. 7, and inserting the leading or outlet end portion into the knockout hole 14 until the flange 13 engages the outer side of the electric box 15. In doing so, the tangs 22, 23 and the free ends 24 of arms A,A, respectively, will depress inwardly to permit insertion of the assembly 10. When the assembly is fully seated in the knockout hole 14, the locking tangs 22 will normally spring outwardly to secure the assembly 10 to the electric box 15, as noted in Fig. 9. The inherent resiliency of the grounding tangs 23, 23 and the free ends or edges 24 of arms A,A are normally biased in engagement with the internal periphery of the knockout hole 14 to ensure a positive electrical ground with the electric box 15. The engagement of the free ends 24 of arms A,A and grounding tangs 23, 23 against the inner periphery of the knockout hole 14, as noted in Fig. 8, further ensures the firm securing of the retaining slot 21 with the retaining lugs P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada 17, so as to prohibit any disengagement of the outer retaining ring 18 from the connector body 11.

It will be understood that the wire conductor 25 may be secured to the connector assembly 10 either before or after the assembly 10 has been secured to the electric box 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductor wire 25 is simply inserted into the inlet end portion 11A and secured in position by a suitable securing means. In the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 1, the securing means is illustrated as a set screw 26. However, it will be understood that other forms of securing means may be used, than the set screw 26 illustrated.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the disclosed connector assembly is quite novel and simple in construction. The snap fit retaining ring 18 can be simply formed from a cruciform shaped blank 19 whereby the opposed radially extending arms A,A and B,B can be readily formed into a cup having a generally frustro-conically shaped sidewalls complementing the slope of the outlet end portion 11A, and whereby the outer retainer ring 18 can be readily secured to the connector body simply by the inter-engagement of slots 21 with its complementary lugs 17.

In the assembled position, the outer retainer ring 18 is positively secured to the connector body in a manner to P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada prohibit any unintentional separation. Also the tangs 22 and 23, which are formed integral with ring 18, are shaped and formed so that the locking tangs 22 secure the assembly to an electric box 15 while the grounding tangs 23 ensure a positive electrical ground of the assembly 10 with the associated electric box 15.

Figs. 11 to 19 illustrate various views of a modified form of the invention which are described in application S.N. 11/100,250 filed April 6, 2005 for Snap In Electrical Connector Assembly With Unidirectional Wire Conductor Ring, which is incorporated by reference herein.

Figs. 20 to 32 are directed to a further modification of the disclosed invention. As best seen in Figs. 20 and 21, the connector assembly 60 includes a housing or connector body 61 having an outlet end 61A and an inlet end 64 connected to the outlet end 61A by a transition section 68, 68A, preferably formed as casting of any suitable metal or alloy material, e.g. zinc, aluminum and the like. While the inlet end 64 of the connector body 61 is illustrated as a duplex inlet end, it will be understood that the inlet end may be formed to accommodate more than two separate wire conductors, cables or the like.

The outlet end 61A and the external frustro-conical ring 76 circumscribing the outlet end 61A are similar in P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada structure hereinbefore described with respect to Figs. 1 to 10. A more detailed description of the embodiments disclosed in Figs. 20 to 32 as set forth in application S.N. 11/100,250 filed April 6, 2005 for Snap In Electrical Connector Assembly With Unidirectional Wire Conductor Retaining Ring, which is incorporated herein by reference.

With the connector body of Fig. 20 illustrated, it will be noted that the connector assembly 60 can be readily secured to an electric box or panel simply by inserting the leading or outlet end 61A through a knockout hole of a panel or electrical box so as to be readily secured thereto with a snap fit as hereinbefore described. Also with the arrangement described, the respective wire conductors or cables 80 can be readily attached to the trailing or inlet end of the connector assembly 60 with a simple snap fit, as described in application S.N. 11/100,250 filed April 6, 2005, which is incorporated by reference herein.

From the foregoing, it will be noted that the connector assemblies disclosed in Figs. 1 to 32 utilize a frustro conically shaped outer retainer ring which is uniquely secured to the leading end of a connector body, with securing tangs and grounding tangs arranged to effect both a positive securement of the connector assembly to a knockout hole of an electric box or panel and a positive P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada electrical ground. In association with an external frustro conical retaining ring, the disclosed embodiments include a trailing or inlet end constructed to receive an associated wire or conductor retainer in each inlet end for securing a wire conductor thereto by a snap fit inlet end of the connector body. It will be understood that the described electrical connector bodies may include one or more wire receiving chambers formed in the inlet end thereof, depending upon the number of wire conductors one may wish to connect to the inlet end of a connector body.

Figs. 33 to 44 illustrate a further modification of the invention. In this embodiment, the connector assembly 81 includes a connector body 81A having an outer frustro conical external snap-fit retainer ring 82, a wire retainer device 83, and an optional plastic electrical insulating end ring insert 84. The outlet end 81B of the connector body 81A and the external frustro-conical retainer ring is similar in structure and function as hereinbefore described. A more detailed description of the embodiments 33 to 44 are set forth in application S.N. 11/151,374 filed June 13, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Figs. 45 to 51 illustrate further embodiments of the invention. The embodiments of Figs. 45 to 51 are directed to a snap-fit electrical connector assembly 100 which is P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada particularly suitable for attaching an electric cable or conductor 101 to an electric box 102 which is disposed in a finish wall structure 103, and which is rendered the subject matter of an application S.N. 11/258,990 filed October 26, 2005.

It is frequently necessary to upgrade, repair, or add new electric conductors or circuits to existing electric boxes concealed within the wall of an existing structure.
In such instances, the installer is generally unable to access a snap-fit connector so as to apply the necessary pulling or pushing force necessary to insert and lock a snap-fit connector assembly, e.g. 100, in a knockout opening of the electric box 102. Heretofore, in such situations, the installer generally utilized a connector having a threaded outlet end which could be readily passed through a knockout hole of an electric box, which could then be secured by threading thereon a lock nut from within the box opening, which is both difficult and time consuming.

The connector assembly 100, as illustrated, includes a connector body 104 having a leading end or outlet end 105 and a trailing or inlet end 106. The connector body may be formed as a metal casting of a suitable material, e.g. a zinc alloy, having a bore 107 extending therethrough.

P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada Circumscribing the connector body 104 between the outlet end 105 and the inlet end 106 is a radially outwardly extending stop flange 108. As hereinbefore described, the outer surface S of the outlet end 105 tapers or converges inwardly toward the central axis of the connector body 104 and the outlet opening 109.

Complementing the slope or taper of the outer surface S of the outlet end 105 is a frustro-conical snap-fit retainer ring 110 which is similar in structure hereinbefore described with respect to Figs. 1 to 4, except that the width of the retaining slot 111 adapted to receive the retaining lug 112 is enlarged, as compared to the width of retaining slot 21 as hereinbefore described. As best seen in Figs. 47 and 48, the retaining slot 111 has a width which is greater than the width of the retainer lug 112 adapted to be received in slot 111 in the assembled position, as best illustrated in Figs. 46 and 47. In all other respects, the structure of the retainer ring 110 is similar to the construction of retainer ring 18 hereinbefore described with respect to the embodiments illustrated, for examplein Figs. 1 to 4, and which need not be repeated.

P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada Figs. 45 to 51 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention. This embodiment of Figs. 45 to 51 is directed to a snap-fit electrical connector assembly 100 which is particularly suitable for attaching an electric cable or conductor 101 to an electric box 102 which is disposed in a finish wall structure 103.

It is frequently necessary to upgrade, repair, or add new electric conductors or circuits to existing electric boxes concealed within the wall of an existing structure.
In such instances, the installer is generally unable to access a snap-fit connector so as to apply the necessary pulling or pushing force necessary to insert and lock a snap-fit connector assembly, e.g. 100, in a knockout opening of the electric box 102. Heretofore, in such situations, the installer generally utilized a connector having a threaded outlet end which could be readily passed through a knockout hole of an electric box, which could then be secured by threading thereon a lock nut from within the box opening, which is both difficult and time consuming.

The connector assembly 100, as illustrated, includes a connector body 104 having a leading end or outlet end 105 and a trailing or inlet end 106. The connector body may be formed as a metal casting of a suitable material, e.g. a P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada zinc alloy, having a bore 107 extending therethrough.
Circumscribing the connector body 104 between the outlet end 105 and the inlet end 106 is a radially outwardly extending stop flange 108. As hereinbefore described, the outer surface S of the outlet end 105 tapers or converges inwardly toward the central axis of the connector body 104 and the outlet opening 109.

Complementing the slope or taper of the outer surface S of the outlet end 105 is a frustro-conical snap-fit retainer ring 110 which is similar in structure hereinbefore described with respect to Figs. 1 to 4, except that the retaining slot 111 adapted to receive the retaining lug 112 is enlarged, as compared to the retaining slot 21 as hereinbefore described. As best seen in Figs.
47 and 48, the retaining slot 111 has a width which is greater than the width of the retainer lug 112 adapted to be received in slot 111 in the assembled position, as best illustrated in Figs. 46 and 47. In all other respects, the structure of the retainer ring 110 is similar to the construction of retainer ring 18 hereinbefore described with respect to the embodiments illustrated, for example in Figs. 1 to 4, and which need not be repeated.

P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada Fig. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a modified form of the invention. As illustrated in Fig. 11, the connector assembly 30 includes a connector body 31 which may be formed as a casting form of a suitable metal or alloy, e.g. zinc and the like, as hereinbefore described.
The connector body 31 includes a conically shaped outlet end 31A similar to that described with respect to Fig. 1, and a cylindrical inlet end 31B. A circumscribing internal shoulder 31C is formed intermediate the opposed ends of the connector body 31. As shown in Fig. 12, the internal shoulder 31C defines the demarcation between the bore 32A
defining the outlet end 31 and the bore 32B defining the bore of the inlet end. Circumscribing the connector body 31 about the exterior thereof is a radially outwardly extending stop flange 33.

The outlet end 31A of the connector body 30 is provided with opposed retaining lugs 37 adjacent the outlet opening 36. Circumscribing the sloping or conical surface S of the outlet end 31A is the outer retaining ring 38, similar to that hereinbefore described with respect to Figs. 1 to 10.

In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 11, the connector assembly 30 includes an internal wire retainer 39 in the form of a ring, cylinder or sleeve which is fitted P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada to the bore 32B of the connector body 31, and which retainer 39 functions as a unidirectional retainer means arranged to permit a wire conductor to be readily inserted and secured thereinto, and which will resist any applied force imparted to the wire conductor in the opposite direction to prohibit any unintentional separation of the wire conductor from the connector body 31. Wire conductor, as used herein, means any wire, cable, helical wound metal covering or sheath (BX) wire, plastic sheath wire conductor and the like.

Referring to Figs. 13 to 15, the internal retainer 39 is preferably formed from an elongated blank 40 of spring steel. The retainer blank 40, as best seen in Fig. 13, comprises an elongated generally rectangular blank having a longitudinal leading edge 40A, a trailing edge 40B and opposed end edges 40C and 40D. End edge 40C is provided with a pair of spaced apart notches 41, 41 and a projecting tongue 42. The other end edge 40D of blank 40 is provided with a pair of projecting tongues 43, 43 arranged to complement notches 41, 41 and a complementary notch 44 for receiving tongue 42 in the formed or rolled position of the retainer sleeve 39, as shown in Fig. 18.

Blanked, lanced, cut or stamped out of the plane of blank 40 are one or more tangs 45. In the form of the P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada invention as shown in Fig. 13, tangs 45 are formed out of the plane of the blank. The respective tangs 45 are bifurcated to define a pair of finger tangs 45A, 45A
longitudinally spaced along the longitudinal axis of the blank 40 at a distance, which, when the blank 40 is rolled to form the retainer sleeve 39, the respective pairs of finger tangs 45A are oppositely disposed, as best seen in Fig. 15.

As shown in Figs. 15 and 18, the respective finger tangs 45A, 45A are inwardly bent out of the plane of the retainer sleeve 39. In the illustrated embodiment, the respective finger tangs are provided with a pair of intermediate transverse fold lines F1 and F2 whereby the free end of the respective finger tangs is directed toward the longitudinal axis of the sleeve 39, as shown in Fig. 18.

Referring to Fig. 15, it will be noted that the retainer sleeve is provided with a flattened portion 46 on one side thereof.

The connector body of Figs. 11 and 12 may be formed with an internal complementary flat surface along a portion of the inner circumference thereof. The arrangement is such that the retainer sleeve 39, when inserted into the inlet end 31B of the connector body, is oriented so that the flattened surface 46 of the sleeve 39 complements the P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada internal flattened surface 47 of the connector body. The orientation is such that the opposed finger tangs 45A are oppositely disposed to firmly grip the wire conductors, e.g. an armored conductor or other covered conductor.

The outer circumference of the inner retainer sleeve or ring 39 is proportioned so that it can be press fitted or frictionally fitted into the inlet end 31B of the connector body 31 by a force sufficient to firmly secure the inner retainer ring or sleeve 39 within the inlet end so as to prohibit any separation of the retainer ring or sleeve 39 from the inlet end of the connector body. The complementary flattened surfaces 46 of the internal sleeve 39 and 47 of the inlet end of the connector body insures proper orientation of the internal sleeve 39 within the inlet end of the connector body.

Fig. 14 illustrates a fragmentary portion of the blank 40 to show an intermediate step in forming the tang fingers 45A, 45A so that when the formed blank 40 is rolled to form the internal retaining sleeve, the tang fingers will be disposed in parallel as seen in Figs. 15 and 16. This is attained by fold line F3 which is disposed at an angle, as noted in Fig. 14, so that when the blank is rolled to form the internal retaining sleeve 39, the tang fingers 45A, 45A
will be disposed in parallel. The free ends 45B of the P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada respective fingers 45A are angularly offset to engage the grooves of an armored conductor, as noted in Fig. 12 or other covering sheath of a wire conductor that will resist a force attempting to effect separation of the conductor from the connector assembly. The respective free ends 45B
may also be laterally offset so that an armored conductor may be threadedly connected to the internal sleeve 39, as well as by simply inserting the armored covered conductor into the retainer sleeve to effect a snap fit connection.
Fig. 19 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention. The embodiment of Fig. 19 is directed to a connector assembly 50 which is generally similar to that disclosed in Figs. 1 to 10. The embodiment of Fig. 19 differs from that disclosed in Figs. 1 to 10 and Figs. 11 to 18 in that the connector body 51 is provided with a slotted opening 52 in the inlet end 51A thereof positioned adjacent to the radially outwardly extending flange 53.
Intermediate between the inlet end 51A and the flange 53, the inlet end is provided with a tapped or threaded hole 54 for receiving a set screw 55.

In this form of the invention, the wire retainer means comprises an inverted U shape clamp 56 having opposed leg portions 56A, 56B and an interconnected web 56C. The web 56C is provided with an aperture or hole 57 arranged to be P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada disposed in alignment with the tapped or threaded hole 57.
The web 56C is sufficiently wide so that one leg, e.g. leg 56B, is extended through the slotted opening 52 and the other leg 56A extends over the inlet opening 58 to the inlet end portion 51A. The retaining clamp 56 is adjustably secured to the connector body 51 by the set screw 55 extending through the aligned tapped hole or screw hole 52. By having one leg 56B extending through the slotted opening 52 and the other leg 56A extending over the inlet opening 58, the clamp 56 can be readily adjusted relative to the connector body by turning the set screw 18 in one direction or the other. The arrangement is such that as the set screw 55 is tightened, the opposed and spaced apart free ends of the respective clamp legs 56A, 56B will exert a bearing force on the wire conductor sheath to positively secure a wire conductor to the inlet end of the connector assembly. In all other respects, the connector assembly of Fig. 19 is similar to that disclosed in Figs. 1 to 10, and need not be repeated.

Because of the amount of force that is required to be applied to the connector assemblies as herein described, it has been noted that great difficulty has been encountered in the field when installers or electricians attempted to P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada utilize snap-fit connectors for connecting wire conductors, cable or the like to a knock-out opening 114 of an electric box 102 seated within an established or finished wall structure 103 as shown in Figs. 50 and 51. This is because the installer had insufficient access to the connector assembly to apply thereto the necessary pushing or pulling force required to overcome the spring tension or deflection of the locking tangs 113, required to seat the connector assembly in the knockout opening 114 of the electric box 102 in a finished wall installation.

To facilitate seating and locking a snap-fit connector assembly 100 in a knockout hole 114 of an electric box 102 supported in a finished or existing wall 103 as described herein, this invention contemplates an installation tool 120 which is designed to complement the circumference of the outlet end 105 of the connector assembly 100. Since the outlet end 105 and the circumscribing retainer ring 110 are frustro-conical and converge toward the outlet opening 109, the connector assembly 100, as shown in Fig. 50, can be brought into ready alignment with the knockout opening 114. However, due to the outward flare of the locking tangs and the trailing end of the frustro-conical retaining ring 110, it is prohibited from being seated or locked to the knockout hole 114, until such time that a sufficient P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada force is applied to effect the flexing of the locking tangs 113 and to a lesser extent, the grounding tangs 115.

As access to the connector assembly 100, as shown in Fig. 50, is limited and prohibits an installer from applying the necessary force to pull or push the connector assembly 100 to seat and lock the connector assembly in the knockout opening 114, an installation tool 120 is provided to facilitate the seating and locking of the connector assembly 100 to the electric box 102. As best seen in Figs. 52 to 55, the installation tool 120 comprised simply of an elongated flat metal plate 120A. Formed at one end of the plate 120A is a generally U-shaped cutout 121 formed with parallel edges 121A joined at the inner ends thereof by an arcuate segment 121B shaped to complement the curvature or arcuate portion of the frustro-conical retainer ring 110.

In accordance with this invention, the opposed parallel edges 121A, 121A are sized and shaped to engage the enlarged retaining slot 111 as the tool 120 in inserted through the open end of the electric box 102, as best seen in Fig. 50. It will be understood that the thickness of the plate 120A at the parallel edges 121A, 121A of the cutout portion 121 should be slightly less than the opposed open area of the enlarged retaining slots 111. In the P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada event that the thickness of plate 120A at end 120A' is greater than the open area of the enlarged retainer slot 111 formed in the retaining ring 110, a portion of the plate 120A adjacent the parallel edges 121A, 121A, as best seen in Fig. 52, may be machined away or removed as indicated at 121C so as to reduce the thickness of the parallel edges 121A, 121A an amount sufficient to permit the opposed parallel edges 121A, 121A to be received in the open or enlarged unoccupied area of the retainer slot 111.

Figs. 57 and 58 illustrate a slightly modified tool embodiment 130. The tool embodiment 130 is similar to that described with respect to Figs. 52-56 except that the thickness of the plate 130A is uniform, i.e. the thickness of the plate 130A is slightly less than the available open or unoccupied area of the enlarged retainer slot 111, which is not occupied by the retainer lug 112 when the retainer ring is assembled to the connector body. In tool embodiment 130, the parallel edges 131A, 131A of cutout 131 need not require any machining or removal of any material of the plate to size the thickness of the edges 131A, 131A, as described with respect to tool 120.

Fig. 59 illustrates another slightly modified embodiment of a tool 140. Tool 140 is similar to that hereinbefore described, except that the other end of the P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada plate 140A is provided with a polygonic shaped cutout 142 to define an open end wrench sized and shaped to accommodate a conventional complementary polygonic lock nut (not shown) in the event a connector having an externally threaded outlet end may sometimes be used to secure a wire or cable to an electric box. Tool 140 thus has the versatility to be used to secure either a conical snap-fit connector assembly 100 as described herein, or a conventional externally threaded connector assembly secured by a lock nut, e.g. a hexagonic sided lock nut.

In operation, the connector assembly 100, with the electrical conductor 101 attached thereto as described herein, is disposed in alignment with a knockout hole 114 of an electrical box 102 installed in a finished wall 103.
Since the connector assembly has a frustro-conical outlet end, it can be readily positioned in a knockout hole 114 and rest therein so that the enlarged or unoccupied portion of the retaining slot 111 is rendered accessible from within the front opening 116 of the electric box 102, as best seen in Fig. 50. Because of the outwardly bent locking tangs 113, the connector assembly 100 cannot be normally passed through the knockout hole 114 without a pulling or pushing force being imparted onto the connector assembly 100. Applying a pulling force on the individual P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada wires lOlA of the conductor 101 is not advi_sable, as any such pulling force may damage the insulated covering of the individual wire conductors 101A or be pulled through the connector assembly 100 depending upon the type or kind of conductor retainer that is associated in the inlet end 106 of the connector body 104.

According to this invention, the locking of the connector assembly 100 to the knockout hole 114 is achieved, without any injury to the conducting wires, simply by inserting the tool 120 through the open end 116 of the electric box 102 so that the parallel edges 121A, 121A of the cutout 121 engage the respective opposed enlarged or unoccupied portion of the retaining slot 111 immediately below the retaining lugs 112, as indicated in Figs. 48 to 50. This can be achieved by inserting the tool 120 into the electric box slightly below the upper end of the electric box and substantially parallel thereto. With the edges of the cutout 121 engaged in the opposed enlarged or unoccupied portions of the retaining slots 111, an upward force as indicated by the force arrow A (Fig. 51) adjacent the outer end of the tool will cause the other end of the tool 120 to pull the outlet end 105 through the knockout hole 114 to seat and lock the connector assembly 100 and connected conductor or cable 101 to the electric P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada box with a minimum of effort quickly and simply with a minimum of applied force. As noted in Fig. 51, the tool 120 functions as a lever that uses the corner of the electric box at the open end thereof as a fulcrum about which the tool pivots, to pull the connector assembly downwardly with sufficient force to flex the locking tangs inwardly, permitting the connector assembly to pass through the knockout hole 114, whereby the inherent spring energy of the locking tangs causes the locking tangs to spring outwardly and lock the connector assembly 100 in place within the knockout hole.

Figs. 60 to 64 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention. As best seen in Figs. 61 and 62, the connector assembly 200 comprises a connector body 201 and a modified outer frustro-conical retainer ring 202.

Figs. 60 to 64 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention. As best seen in Figs. 61 and 62, the connector assembly 200 comprises a connector body 201 and a modified outer frustro-conical retainer ring 202 as will be described hereinafter. As hereinbefore described, the connector body 201 is formed as a metal casting that includes an inlet end portion 201A and an outlet end P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada portion 201B and having a bore 203 extending therethrough.
Defining the inlet end portion 201A from the outlet end portion is a circumscribing radially outwardly extending stop flange 204.

As hereinbefore described, the outer surface "S" of the outlet end portion 201B slopes or tapers downwardly from the stop flange 204 to the outlet opening 205. Formed on the sloping surface S of the outlet end portion 201B are a pair of oppositely disposed retaining lugs 207 that project outwardly from the sloping surface S.

Arranged to circumscribe the sloping surface S of the outlet end portion 201B is the frustro-conical retaining ring 202. The retaining ring 202 is formed of a blank substantially like that shown and described in Fig. 2, with the exception that one of the tangs, e.g. tang 222A, is designed to function as an auxiliary tang 222A, as will be hereinafter described.

The retaining ring 202 has formed out of the plane thereof at least one locking tang 222, and a series of grounding tangs 223 and 224.

The frustro-conical retaining ring 202 is similar to that hereinbefore described with respect to Figs. 2 to 5, with the exception that the grounding tangs 224 extend through a greater arcuate portion of the trailing edge from P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada that shown in Fig. 2, and that an auxiliary tang 222A is formed between the adjacent side edges of the grounding tangs 224. Reference is made to Fig. 66 which illustrates the plan view of the blank from which retainer ring 202 is formed. As best seen in Fig. 61, the auxiliary tang 222A
at its trailing edge is formed with a transversely formed lip222B which projects outwardly of the plane of auxiliary tang 222A, which functions as a fulcrum about which the connector body 201 is pivoted to lock the connector assembly 200 relative to a knock-out hole 225 of an electric box or panel 226, as will be hereinafter described.
Referring to Fig. 66, which is a plan view of the modified blank from which retainer ring 202 is formed, it will be noted that the trailing edge of the grounding tangs 224 extend through an arc approximately twice those of Fig.
2, with the auxiliary tang 222A being disposed between the adjacent side edges of the grounding tangs 224, and which auxiliary tang 222A is disposed opposite the locking tang 222. Also, the auxiliary tang 222A is formed with a transverse lip 222B at its trailing edge. In the assembled or formed position, the retainer ring 202 has a leading face surface 220 having an opening 220A, similar to that hereinbefore described.

P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada The opposed grounding tangs 224 are provided with retaining slots 221 adapted to receive the retaining lugs 207 when the retainer ring 202 is assembly onto the outlet end portion 201B. The locking tang 222, as best seen in Figs. 60 and 61, has the free end thereof laterally bent out of the outer plane of the retainer ring 202 at an angle greater than that of the sloping surface of the retainer ring. The auxiliary tang 222A disposed opposite the locking tang 222 is likewise laterally bent outwardly of the sloping surface of the retainer ring 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary tang 222A at its free end is provided with a slight outwardly formed arcuate lip 222B, as best seen in Figs. 60 and 61.

While the embodiment of the connector assembly 200 of Figs. 60-64 is illustrated without any electrical conductor retaining means associated with the inlet end portion 201A
of the connector body 201, it will be understood that the inlet end portion 201A may be fitted with any of the wire conductor retainer means as described herein, the descriptions of which need not be repeated.

With the construction of the electric connector assembly 200 as described, it will be apparent that the connector assembly 200 can be readily installed and locked in place to any standard type electric box 226 having a P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada knock-out hole 225, as evident in Figs. 60 and 61, with a minimum of applied force. Because of the frustro-conically shaped front or leading end of the outlet end portidn 201B, the connector assembly 200 can be inserted to a knock-out hole 225 of a standard electric box or panel 226 by angling the connector assembly 200 relative to the knock-out hole 225, as noted in Fig. 61. As shown in Fig. 61, the connector assembly is sized so that the auxiliary tang 222A
can be readily inserted through the knock out hole 225 without any excess force necessary to deflect the rigid but flexible locking tang 222. By tilting the connector assembly 200 as shown in Fig. 61, the free end of the auxiliary tang 222A can be readily passed through the knock-out hole 225 without requiring the force necessary to deflect the auxiliary tang 222A or the locking tang 222.
This is rendered feasible because of the frustro-conical shape of the outlet end portion and the complementary shaped retaining ring 202 as long as the diagonal distance D between the leading end of the locking tang 222 and the free trailing end 222B of the auxiliary tang 222A is slightly less than the diameter of the knock-out hole 225.
With the auxiliary tang 222 passed through the knock-out hole 225 obliquely, as shown in Fig. 61, the installer need only to provide an upward turning force as indicated by P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada force arrow B (Fig. 61) on the outlet end portion 201B, causing the locking tang 222 to rotate through the knock-out hole 225 to lock the connector assembly to the knock-out hole 225, as seen in Fig. 62. It will be noted that as a force B is applied to the inlet end portion of the connector body, the free end 222B of tang 222A acts as a fulcrum about which the connector body 201 rotates and in doing so, forces the locking tang 222 to deflect and pass through the knock-out hole 225. As the free end of the locking tang 222 passes through the knock-out hole 225, the inherent resiliency of the locking tang 222 causes the free end to spring out to lock the connector assembly within the knock out hole 225. With the connector assembly 200 locked in place as shown in Fig. 61, the free end 222B of the auxiliary tang 222A and locking tang 222 prohibits any unintentional separation of the connector assembly from the electric box 226. With the connector assembly locked in place, as noted in Fig. 62, the inherent resiliency of the grounding tangs 223 and 224 exert a spring bias to ensure that the free ends of the grounding tangs 223 and 224 are biased toward and in contact with the internal periphery of the knock-out hole 225, thereby providing a positive electrical grounding between the connector assembly and the electric box 226, as hereinbefore described.

P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada With the construction of the connector assembly 200 described, it will be noted that the insertion and locking of the connector assembly 200 in a knock-out hole 225 requires that a single locking tang 222 need only be deflected to effect the insertion of the connector assembly 200 through a knock-out hole and to lock the same to an electric box 226, thereby minimizing the ease and the amount of applied force required to effect the connection.
The leverage provided by the rotation of the connector body 201 imparts a further mechanical advantage to reduce the amount of applied force required to set and lock the connector assembly 200 to an electric box, which is substantially less than that required to connect the prior known snap fit connectors that required a force sufficient to deflect a series of circumferentially spaced apart locking tangs.

Fig. 65 illustrates a detailed modified form of the auxiliary tang. As shown in Fig. 65, the modified auxiliary tang 222A' is provided with an outwardly formed arcuate lip 222B' similar to that described in Figs. 60 and 61, and in addition, includes a tail or extension 222C' which is formed to engage to inner periphery of the knock-out hole 225 when the connector assembly is in the inserted and locked position relative to the knock-out opening. In P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada this modified arrangement, the auxiliary tang 222A' in the locked position functions both as a locking tang to prohibit any unintentional separation of the connector from the electric box and also as an electrical ground between the connector assembly and the electric box. When the connector assembly of Fig. 65 is locked to the electric box 226, the protruding lip 222B', together with the one locking tang, prohibits any unintentional separation of the connector assembly from the electric box 226 while the tail or extension 222C' effects an electrical ground between the connector assembly and the electric box. In all other respects, the retainer ring is structural and functional similar to that the manner hereinbefore described with respect to Figs. 60 to 63.

While the embodiment of the connector assembly 200 of Figs. 60-64 is illustrated without any electrical conductor retaining means associated with the inlet end portion 201A
of the connector body 201, it will be understood that the inlet end portion 201A may be fitted with any of the wire conductor retainer means as are described and illustrated herein, the descriptions of which need not be repeated.

Figs. 67 to 70 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention. The connector assembly 300, as illustrated in P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada Figs. 67 and 68, includes a connector body 301 formed as a unitary casting of any suitable metal or alloy, e.g. zinc and the like. The form of the casting is somewhat similar to that shown in Fig. 20. The embodiment of Fig. 67 differs from that of Fig. 20 in that connector body 301 is formed as a unitary casting rather than as separable parts as illustrated in Fig. 20.

Referring to Figs. 67 and 68, the connector body 301 includes an outlet end portion 301A, an inlet end portion 301B defining a pair of inlet chambers 302A, 302B disposed in side by side relationship with a dividing wall 302 disposed therebetween; and a transition section 301C for connecting the inlet or trailing end portion 301B to the outlet or leading end portion 301A. While the connector body 301 has been illustrated as having a pair of inlet chambers 302A, 302B, it will be understood that the connector body may be formed to have more than two inlet chambers disposed in side by side relationship.

As previously described, the outer surface S of the outlet end portion slopes or converges downwardly from a circumscribing stop flange 304 toward the outlet opening 305. Circumferentially spaced and projecting outwardly of the sloping surface S are a pair of retaining lugs 306, P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada similar to that hereinbefore described. The arrangement is such that the outer surface S of the outlet end portion 301A may be defined as being frustro-conical in shape.

Circumscribing the outlet end portion is a complementary shaped retaining ring 307. The retaining ring 307 may be constructed either as described with respect to Figs. 2 to 4 or as described with respect to Figs. 64 to 66; and need not be repeated. As noted in Fig.
68, the retaining ring 307 is retained on the outlet end portion 301A in a manner as hereinbefore described with respect to the foregoing embodiments.

The inlet chambers 302A, 302B are configured similar to that described with respect to Fig. 43. Each of the inlet chambers 302A, 302B include a generally cylindrical configuration throughout an arc which.is greater than 180 and less than 360 . The non-curvilinear portion of the inlet chambers 302A, 302B, as viewed in Figs. 67, 68, is formed as a flat surface 302C which is integrally connected to the opposed ends of the curvilinear arcuate section by opposed interconnected side walls 303.

In this embodiment of the invention, the respective inlet chambers 302A, 302B are.each provided with a wire conductor retainer 308. The respective wire retainers are formed out of an elongated blank of spring steel or the P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada like which is formed at one end thereof with a reverse bend 308A to define a clip, which is arranged to be fitted onto the flat surface 302C at the inlet opening 309. As best seen in Figs. 67 and 68, the upper leaf 108B of the return bent portion 308A of the wire retainer 308 is provided with a slotted hole 310, which is disposed in alignment with a retaining pin 311 projecting outwardly from the flat surface 302C. To fasten the wire retainer 308 to the inlet end portion, the top of the retaining pin 311 may be swedged or flattened as hereinbefore described with respect to the embodiment of Figs. 43, 44. An alternate means for securing the wire retainer 308 to the exterior flat surface 302C is to proportion the retaining pin 311 relative to the size of the hole 310 to provide a retaining friction fit therebetween.

As best seen in Fig. 70, the other end 313 of the wire retainer 308 is angularly bent relative to the under leaf of the return bend 308A. The free end 313A of the angularly bent end 313 is provided with a concave curvilinear edge to engage the peripheral surface of a wire conductor cover or shealt (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the portion 313 of the wire retainer is angularly bent at an approximately 45 angle relative to the under leaf 308C of the return bend 308A. The P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada arrangement of the wire retainer 308 is such that a wire conductor can be simply inserted into an inlet chamber 302A
or 302B and pushed past the free end 313A of the angular bent portion 313 whereby the wire conductor is gripped in a manner to prohibit any unintentional withdrawal or separation of the wire conductor from the connector body 301. The construction of the wire retainer 308 is such that it is externally secured to the inlet end portion of the connector body 301 for ease of assembly and whereby the other free end 313A is projected into the inlet chamber in a manner such that a wire conductor can be readily inserted into the associated inlet chamber to be positively gripped thereby so as to prohibit any unintentional withdrawal or separation of the wire conductor from the connector body.

If desired, the transition portion 301C may be provided with one or more peepholes 314 for viewing the individual wire conductors 80A arranged within the conductor body as noted in the embodiment of Fig. 20.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the principle components described herein, viz. the external frustro-conical retainer rings, the connector bodies and the different wire conductor retainers, are rendered readily interchangeable with respect to the complementary components of the other embodiments described herein.

P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada Fig. 71 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention. As shown, the electric connector assembly 320 includes a connector body 321 that has an inlet end portion 321A and a connected outlet end portion 321B. Intermediate between the inlet end portion 321A and the outlet end portion 321B there is provided a radially outwardly extending flange 322 which serves as a stop to limit the portion of the connector assembly 320 that may be inserted through a knock out hole of an electric box, as hereinbefore described.

The inlet end portion 321A defines an inlet opening 323 and the outlet end portion defines an outlet opening 324 that defines the opposed ends of a bore 325 that extends through the connector body between openings 323 and 324.

In this form of the invention, the outer surface S of the outlet end portion 321B slopes or tapers downwardly from the stop flange 320 toward the outlet opening 324, as hereinbefore described. Circumscribing the outer surface S
of the outlet end portion 321B is a frustro-conical external snap fit ring 326 similar to that hereinbefore described. The frustro-conical retainer ring 326 is retained on the sloping surface S of the outlet end portion P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada by the retaining lugs 327 on the outlet end portion engaging the complimentary slots 328 formed in the frustro-conical surface of the outer retaining ring 326 as hereinbefore noted.

In this form of the invention, a simplified electrical conductor retainer 332 for securing an armor shielded electric wire, cable or other electrical conductor or wire for securing the same connector body is provided. As shown in Fig. 71, the inlet end portion 321A of the connector body 321 is provided with a window or opening330 which is disposed in communication with the bore 325 extending through the connector body 321. Projecting outward from the inlet end portion adjacent the inlet opening 323 is a raised fastening mount or boss 331 having a generally flat upper surface 331A similar to that shown in Fig. 73.

Supported on mount or boss 331 is a conductor retainer 332. The conductor retainer 332 is formed of an elongated blank of spring metal, e.g. spring steel or other suitable resilient material, which is angularly bent along an intermediate fold or bend line L1r wherein the angularly bent end 332B is projected through the window or opening 330 so as to extend into the bore 325 for engaging and retaining an electrical conductor as shown in the embodiment of Fig. 75. The other end 332A of the conductor P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada retainer is detachably secured to the mount or boss 331 by means of a suitable fastener, e.g. a set screw. The free end 332C may be provided with an arcuate configuration as best seen in Figs. 73 and 76 so as to conform with the shape of a wire conductor that is received within the inlet end portion of the connector body. As best noted in Fig.
75, the portion of the conductor retainer projecting through the window or opening 330 is bent at an angle so that the free end thereof is directed in the direction of the outlet opening 324 of the connector body 321. The arrangement is such that the wire conductor or armored shield conductor can be readily inserted into the inlet opening 323 in a unidirectional manner so that when the conductor is gripped by the free end 332C of the wire retainer 321, the wire conductor cannot readily be pulled out of the connector body without actively removing the inherent resisting force imparted by the conductor retainer onto the electric conductor.

From the foregoing description, it will be noted that the described electric connector assembly 320 can be readily secured to a knock out hole of an electric box simply by inserting the outlet end with the attached frustro-conical retainer ring through the knock out hole so that upon seating the assembly in the knock out hole causes P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada the locking tangs 334 of ring 326 to spring outwardly and lock the connector assembly to the electric box. Also, the electric conductor can be simply attached to the connector simply by inserting the electric conductor into the inlet end portion wherein it is automatically gripped by the free end 332C in a manner to prohibit any unintentional separation of the electrical conductor from the associated connector assembly.

As will be noted, the wire retainer constitutes a simplified structure which can be readily formed simply from an elongated blank of spring steel or the like, which need only be bent intermediate the length thereof and which is externally mounted on the connector body. The simplified described conductor retainer enhances not only the ease of manufacture and assembly, the simplified structure further minimizes the amount and cost of material otherwise required by the known connectors capable of achieving the ease of use and utility of the invention disclosed in the embodiments described.

Fig. 72 illustrates an embodiment of the invention as described with respect to the embodiment of Fig. 71, except that the invention is described as applied to a duplex type of an electrical connector assembly 340. As shown, the embodiment of Fig. 72 is directed to an electrical P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada connector assembly having a connector body 341 that includes a trailing or inlet end portion 341A that is shaped so as to define at least two passageways 342, 343, having inlet openings 342A, 343A disposed in side by side relationship. While only two passages 342, 343 are illustrated, it will be understood that more than two passageways may be disposed in side by side relationship, depending upon the number of wire conductors one wishes to attach to a given connector body.

The connector body 341 also includes an outlet end portion 344 similar to outlet end portion 321B of Fig. 71, and need not be further described. It will be understood that the outlet end 344 is constructed so as to accommodate an outer retainer ring similar to the retainer ring 326 described with respect to Fig. 71, and as hereinbefore described. The embodiment of Fig. 72 includes a transition section 345 that connects the duplex inlet end portion 341A
to the outlet end portion 344, and in communication therewith.

The connector body 341 of Fig. 72 also includes a retainer opening or window 342A, 343A disposed in communication with its corresponding passageway 342, 343.
Connected to the connector body 341 are conductor retainers 342B, 343B which are similar in structure and function as P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada hereinbefore described with respect to Fig. 72. As shown, the connector retainers 342B, 343B are secured at one end externally of the connector inlet end portion 341A on a mount or boss 346, 347 in the same manner as hereinbefore described. In all other respects, the structure and function of the connector assembly 340 is similar to that described with respect to the embodiment of Fig. 71.

Fig. 73 illustrates another embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the connector assembly includes a connector body 353 having an inlet end portion 350A and an outlet end portion 350B and a bore 351 extending therethrough. A stop flange 352 extends radially outwardly of the connector body 353 and defines the inlet end portion 350A from the outlet end portion 350B. Circumscribing the outlet opening 354 of the connector body 353 is a radially outwardly extending outlet flange 355. Adjacent to each of said stop flange 352 and outlet end flange 355 there is provided a shoulder 356, 356, wherein the shoulders 356, 356 have an outer diameter which is less than the outer diameter of the stop flange 352 and outlet end flange 355.
Supported on the shoulders 356, 356 between the stop flange 352 is an outer retainer ring 357 which is similar in structure and function to that described in patent P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada application Serial No. 10/283,978 filed October 30, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The connector assembly 350 is further provided with a window or opening 358 formed in the inlet end portion 350A
similar to that hereinbefore described. Associated with the window or opening 358 is a conductor retainer 359 which is similar in structure and function as the conductor retainer hereinbefore described with respect to the embodiment of Fig. 71. The wire or conductor retainer 359 is secured to a mount or boss 331A by means of a suitable fastener or set screw 360 whereby the free end 359A of the conductor retainer 359 is directed through the window or opening 358 to engage the electrical conductor 361, as hereinbefore described.

Fig. 77 illustrates a duplex version of the embodiment disclosed in Fig. 76. The embodiment of Fig. 77 is directed to an electrical connector assembly 370 that includes a connector body 371 having a duplex inlet end portion 371A, an outlet end portion 371B, and an interconnected transition section 371C interposed between the inlet end portion 371A and outlet end portion 371B. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet end portion is formed and illustrated as having a pair of side by side passageways 372 and 373 extending through the inlet portion P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada 371A, each passageway 372 and 373 being adapted to receive an electric conductor of the type hereinbefore described.
The respective passageways 372, 373 lead to the interior of the transition section 371C wherein the wires of the electric conductor are directed to and out of the inlet end portion 371B, as best noted in Fig. 20. It will be understood that while the embodiment of Fig. 77 has been illustrated and described as a duplex version of Fig. 77, the inlet end portion 371A may be construed to have more than two passageways 372, 373, with or without partition walls, disposed in side by side relationship, depending upon the number of individual wire conductors one desires to connect to a given inlet end portion of a connector body.

The outlet end portion 371B is similar to the outlet end portion 350B of Fig. 73, which is arranged to receive an outer retainer ring 374, which is structurally and functionally as that described with respect to the embodiment of Fig. 73, and need not be repeated.

The embodiment disclosed in Fig. 77 includes an electrical conductor retainer means 375, 376 and an associated window or opening 377, 378 for each passageway 373, 374. The respective electrical retainer means 375, 376 are identical in structure and function to that P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada hereinbefore described with respect to the electrical conductor means described with respect to the embodiment of Fig. 73.

Figs. 78 and 79 are directed to another modified form of the invention. In this embodiment, the connector assembly 380 includes a connector body 382 having an inlet end portion 380A and an outlet end portion 380B wherein the inlet end portion 380A has an outer diameter "D" which is greater than the outer diameter "d" of the outlet end portion 380B. By increasing the thickness of the inlet end portion 380A, the need for a stop flange, as hereinbefore described, is rendered unnecessary as the leading edge 381 of the inlet end portion 380A can function as the stop or limit the distance the connector body 382 may be inserted through a knock out hole of an electric box or panel.

The outlet end portion 380B is provided with a radially outwardly extending flange 383 that circumscribes the outlet end opening 384. Disposed between the leading edge 381 of the inlet end portion 380A and the outlet opening flange 383 are a pair of spaced apart shoulders 385, 386, which extend radially outwardly a distance that is less than that of the leading edge 381 and the outlet opening flange 383 which define therebetween a circumscribing groove or space "g".

P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada To enable the connector body 382 of Figs. 78, 79 to be connected to a knock out hole of an electric box with a snap fit, a circular snap fit retainer ring-like ring 374 as shown and described with respect to Fig. 77 is disposed on the shoulders 385, 386 and is retained thereon between the outlet opening flange 383 and the leading edge 381.

The connector assembly 380 of Figs. 78 and 79 is also provided with a simplified electric conductor retainer means that includes an elongated blank of spring metal 387 which is formed as hereinbefore described in Figs. 73 to 77 and which is affixed at one end to the external surface of the inlet end portion by a set screw or other suitable fastening means 388, as hereinbefore described.

To reduce the weight and lessen the amount of material used in casting the connector body 383, the inlet end portion 380A may be provided with a series of circumferential voids or spaces 390 formed within the thickness of the inlet end portion.

Figs. 80 and 81 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention. This form of the invention is similar to that described with respect to the embodiment of Figs. 78 and 79, except that the connector assembly 395 includes an inlet end portion 395A that is formed with a radially outward projecting protective wall 396 that circumscribes P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada the window or opening 397 on three sides. As noted in Figs. 80 and 81, the conductor retainer 398 is disposed within the perimeter of the protective wall 396. In all other respects, the construction and function of the connector assembly is similar to that described in Figs. 78 and 70, and need not be repeated.

Figs. 82 and 83 are directed to a further modification of the invention. In this form, the connector assembly 400 includes a connector body 401 having an inlet end portion 401A, an outlet end portion 401B and having a bore 402 extending therethrough. A radially outwardly extending flange 403 circumscribes the connector body intermediately thereof to define the inlet end portion 401A from the outlet end portion 401B. Circumscribing the outlet end portion 401B are external threads 404 which are adapted to receive a lock nut (not shown) for securing the connector assembly to a knock out hole of an electric box.

Formed on the exterior end of the inlet end portion 401A is a projecting boss or fastening mount 405, as hereinbefore described.

Mounted on the exterior fastening mount or boss 405 is a conductor retainer 406 similar in structure and function as hereinbefore described with respect to each of the embodiments disclosed herein.

P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada The free end 406A is angularly bent relative to the mounted end 406B so as to extend through a window or opening 407, as hereinbefore described.

From the foregoing detailed description, it will be noted that each of the described connector assemblies, with the exception of the embodiment of Figs. 82 and 83, are constructed so that the embodiments can be readily and quickly connected to a knock out hole of an electric box with a simple snap fit connection. All of the respective embodiments also have in common a simplified externally mounted wire or conductor retainer in the form of a flat spring which can be readily secured to the exterior portion of the connector body adjacent the inlet by means of a simple fastener, which flat spring is shaped to have its other free end extending through a window or opening so as to extend into the inlet end portion of the connector body in a manner whereby a wire conductor can be readily unidirectionally inserted into the inlet end portion and simultaneously secured therein in a manner that prohibits any unintentional separation or pull out of the wire conductor from the connector assembly, all without the need of any extraneous tools.

The embodiment of Figs. 82 and 83 can be secured to a knock out hole by means of a conventional lock nut while P-2539/CIP-VII/Canada attaining the benefits of the simplified wire retainer means as described herein.

While the present invention has been described with respect to several embodiments, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims (65)

What is claimed is:
1. An electric connector assembly comprising:

a connector body having an inlet end portion, and an outlet end portion, said outlet end portion defining an outlet opening, a radially outward extending stop flange formed about an intermediate portion of said connector body, and a snap fit retaining ring having a leading end and a trailing end, and having a frustro-conical configuration wherein the diameter of the trailing end of said frustro-conical configuration is greater than the diameter of said leading end thereof, said frustro-conical retaining ring having at least one locking tang and grounding tang formed out of the surface of said retaining ring, and means for securing said retaining ring onto said outlet end portion of said connector body.
2. An electric connector assembly as defined in Claim 1 wherein said securing means includes an external outwardly projecting lug connected to said outlet end portion, and said frustro-conical retaining ring including a slot for receiving said projecting lug in the assembled position of said connector body and retaining ring whereby the width of said slot is greater than the width of said lug adapted to be received therein.
3. An electric assembly as defined in Claim 2 wherein said outlet end portion includes an outer sloping surface converging toward the outlet opening.
4. An electric connector assembly as defined in Claim 2 and a tool for facilitating the installation of said connector assembly in a knockout hole of an electric box, said tool comprising an elongated plate having opposed ends, and said plate having a U-shaped cutout at one end thereof, said U-shaped cutout having opposed parallel edges interconnected by an arcuate shaped segment for straddling said retaining ring, said opposed parallel edges being adapted to engage said slot, whereby a force applied to the other end of said plate imparts a pulling force on said outlet end portion to seat and lock said outlet end portion within a knockout hole of an electric box.
5. An electric connector assembly as defined in Claim 4 wherein said parallel edges of said cutout have a thickness slightly less than the difference between the width of said lug and the width of said enlarged slot.
6. An electric connector assembly as defined in Claim 2 wherein said retaining ring includes a pair of oppositely disposed slots, and said opposed parallel edges of said tool being arranged to straddle said retainer ring and engage said opposed enlarged slots.
7. An electric connector assembly as defined in Claim 4 wherein the other end of said plate defines an open end wrench head adapted to engage a lock nut.
8. An electric connector assembly comprising:

a connector body having an inlet end portion and an outlet end portion, and a bore extending therethrough, said outlet end portion defining an outlet opening, a radially outwardly extending flange connected about said connector body between the inlet end portion and outlet portion, a snap fit retaining ring having a leading end and a trailing end defining a frustro-conical configuration circumscribing said outlet end portion, said leading end having a diameter which is less than the diameter of said trailing end, said frustro-conical retaining ring having locking tangs and grounding tangs formed out of the surface of said retaining ring, said locking tangs having the free ends thereof bent laterally outwardly relative to said surface of said retainer ring, means for securing said retainer ring on said outlet end portion, said securing means including circumferentially spaced apart lugs connected to said outlet end portion, and said retaining ring having corresponding complementary slots adapted to receive said lugs, said slots having a width grater than the width of said lugs, and a tool adapted to engage said slots, said tool including an elongated plate having opposed ends, one of said ends having a U-shaped cutout, said U-shaped cutout having opposed parallel edges and an arcuate segment for straddling said retainer ring whereby said parallel edges engage said slots, so that a force applied to the other end of said plate imparts an opposite force on said outlet end portion and associated retainer ring to seat and lock the same to an electric box.
9. A tool for facilitating the locking of a snap fit connector in a knockout hole in an electric box comprising:
an elongated plate having opposed end portions, a cutout portion defined in one of said opposed end portions, said cutout being generally U-shaped having opposed parallel edges and an arcuate edge defining the base of said cutout interconnected between said parallel edges.
10. A tool for facilitating the locking of a snap fit connector in a knockout hole in an electric box as defined in Claim 9 and including:

a polygonic shaped cutout at the other end of said opposed end portion to define an open end wrench sized and shaped to accommodate a lock nut.
11. A method of securing a snap fit connector assembly to a knockout hole of an electric box installed within a finished wall comprising the steps of utilizing a connector assembly having a frustro-conical outlet end portion circumscribed by a complementary frustro-conical, snap fit, retainer ring having a leading end and a resilient trailing end wherein the diameter of said leading end is less than the diameter of said resilient trailing end and said resilient trailing end having a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the knockout hole, and having locking tangs and opposed slots disposed between said leading end and trailing end, aligning the outlet end of the connector assembly with the knockout hole of the electric box and resting the outlet end of the connector assembly in the knockout hole so that said slots are disposed within the electric box, utilizing a tool having opposed ends, and one of said ends being provided with an open ended cutout portion defined by opposed parallel edges, inserting said one end having the cutout portion with said parallel edges of said tool through the electric box opening and into engagement with said opposed slots, and applying a force on the other end of said tool to effect the pulling of said outlet end portion of the connector assembly through the knockout hole to fully seat and lock said connector assembly to the electric box.
12. An electric connector assembly comprising:

a connector body having an inlet end portion, and an outlet end portion, said outlet end portion defining an outlet opening, a radially outward extending stop flange formed about an intermediate portion of said connector body, and a snap fit retaining ring having a leading end and a trailing end, and having a frustro-conical configuration wherein the diameter of the trailing end of said frustro-conical configuration is greater than the diameter of said leading end thereof, said frustro-conical retaining ring having at least one locking tang and grounding tang formed out of the surface of said retaining ring, and means for securing said retaining ring onto said outlet end portion of said connector body.
13. An electric connector assembly as defined in Claim 12 wherein said securing means includes an external outwardly projecting lug connected to said outlet end portion, and said frustro-conical retaining ring including a slot for receiving said projecting lug in the assembled position of said connector body and retaining.
14. An electric assembly as defined in Claim 13 wherein said outlet end portion includes an outer sloping surface converging toward the outlet opening.
15. An electric connector assembly as defined in Claim 3 wherein said locking tang having a free end outwardly bent relative to the surface of said retainer ring at an angle greater than the slope of said grounding tang, and an auxiliary tang oppositely disposed from said locking tang, said auxiliary tang having a free end outwardly bent out of the surface of said retainer ring, whereby the distance between the leading end of said retaining ring to said free end of said auxiliary tang is slightly less than the diameter of a knock-out hole adapted to receive the connector body with said retainer ring attached thereto.
16. An electric connector assembly as defined in Claim 15 wherein said free end of said auxiliary tang terminates in a transverse arcuate lip.
17. An electric connector assembly as defined in Claim 16 wherein said auxiliary tang includes a tail extension connected to said arcuate lip to define the free end of said auxiliary tang, whereby said tail extension is adapted to engage the inner periphery of a knock-out hole when the connector body and said retainer ring are fixed to an electric box.
18. An electrical installation comprising:

an electric box having at least one knock-out hole, and an electric connector having a connector body and an associated retainer ring mounted on said connector body for securing said connector to said knock-out hole, said connector body having an inlet end portion defining an inlet opening and an outlet end portion defining an outlet opening, and a bore extending therethrough, a radially outwardly extending flange circumscribing said connector body between said inlet end portion and said outlet portion, said outlet end portion having a sloping outer surface converging toward said outlet opening, means for securing said retainer ring on said outlet end portion, said retainer ring having a leading edge and a trailing edge, and an intermediate portion between said leading edge and said trailing edge, said intermediate portion being sloped to complement the outer sloping surface of said outlet end portion, a locking tang having trailing free end bent angularly outwardly of said intermediate portion at an angle greater than the slope of said intermediate portion, and an auxiliary tang having a free end bent angularly outwardly of said intermediate portion disposed opposite said locking tang whereby the distance between the leading edge of said locking tang and said free trailing end of said auxiliary tang is slightly less than the diameter of said knock-out hole.
19. An electric installation as defined in Claim 18 and including:

a series of grounding tangs disposed in the plane of said intermediate portion, said grounding tangs having a free end that is coincidental with said trailing edge of said retainer ring.
20. An electric installation as defined in Claim 18 wherein said free end of said auxiliary tang terminates in a transverse lip arranged to engage a wall portion of said electric box when said connector is fitted to said knock-out hole and locked in place thereto.
21. An electric installation as defined in Claim 20 wherein said free end of said auxiliary tang includes a lip extension projecting beyond said lip whereby said lip extension engages the inner periphery of said knock-out hole.
22. In combination, an electric box having connected walls defining an electric box having an open end, and at least one knock-out hole formed in at least one of said walls and a connector having a connector body having an inlet end portion and an outlet end portion, said inlet end portion defining an inlet opening and said outlet end portion defining an outlet opening, a bore extending through said connector body, and a stop flange circumscribing said connector body between said inlet end portion and said outlet portion, the improvment comprising:
said outlet end portion having an outer surface converging toward said outlet opening, a retainer ring having a leading edge, a trailing edge and an intermediate sloping surface complementing said converging outer surface of said outlet end portion, means for retaining said retainer ring on said outlet end portion, a locking tang blanked out of the surface of said intermediate sloping surface and cantileverly bent outwardly of said sloping surface at an angle greater than that of said sloping surface, said locking tang having a trailing free end, and an oppositely disposed auxiliary tang having a trailing free end angularly bent outwardly relative to said intermediate sloping surface, whereby the distance between the leading edge of said retainer ring and the trailing free end of said auxiliary tang is slightly less than the diameter of said knock-out hole.
78 13. The invention as defined in Claim 22 wherein said trailing free end of said auxiliary tang includes a lip defining said free end of said auxiliary tang that is outwardly bent relative to the angle of said auxiliary tang so as to engage a wall surface of said electric box when said connector is installed in said knock-out hole.
24. The invention as defined in Claim 23 wherein said auxiliary tang includes a tail extension connected to said lip to define said trailing free end of said auxiliary tang for engaging the inner periphery of said knock-out hole when said connector is installed in said knock-out hole.
25. A method of attaching a connector to and in a knock-out hole of an electric box comprising the steps of:

providing a connector having a connector body formed with an outlet end portion having a downwardly sloping outer surface that converges toward the outlet opening of said outlet end portion, securing a frustro-conically shaped retainer ring onto said outlet end portion of said connector body, said retainer ring being formed with a locking tang and an auxiliary tang circumferentially spaced about the circumference of said retainer ring, and each having a trailing free end cantileverly bent outwardly of the surface of said retainer ring, so that the distance between the leading edge of said locking tang and the trailing free end of said auxiliary tang being less than the diameter of a knock-out hole to which the connector is to be attached, and angling said connector with retainer ring attached thereto relative to said knock-out hole such that the free trailing end of said auxiliary tang is permitted to freely pass through the knock-out hole, and imparting a rotation movement onto the inlet end portion of said connector causing the locking tang to deflect inwardly as said locking tang is rotated through the knock-out hole to seat and lock said connector and associated retainer ring to said knock-out hole.
26. The method as defined in Claim 25 and including the step of:

providing the trailing free end of said auxiliary tang with an outwardly protruding transverse lip.
27. The method as defined in Claim 26 and including the step of:

providing an extension onto said lip whereby said extension engages the inner periphery of said knock-out hole as the connector is seated in said knock-out hole.
28. An electric connector assembly comprising:

a connector body having an inlet end portion, and an outlet end portion, said outlet end portion defining an outlet opening, said outlet end portion including an outer sloping surface converging toward said outlet opening, a radially outward extending stop flange formed about an intermediate portion of said connector body, and an external snap fit retaining ring having a leading end, a trailing end, and an intermediate portion forming a frustro-conical configuration complementing said outer sloping surface wherein the diameter of the trailing end of said frustro-conical configuration is greater than the diameter of said leading end thereof, said frustro-conical retaining ring having at least one locking tang and grounding tang formed out of the surface of said retaining ring, and means for securing said retaining ring onto said outlet end portion of said connector body, said securing means includes an external outwardly projecting lug connected to said outlet end portion, and said frustro-conical retaining ring including a slot for receiving said projecting lug in the assembled position of said connector body and retaining ring whereby the width of said slot is greater than the width of said lug adapted to be received therein, and including a conductor retainer means disposed in said inlet end portion for permitting unidirectional insertion of an electrical conductor into said inlet end portion and prohibiting any unintentional separation of an electrical conductor from said inlet end portion.
29. An electric connector assembly as defined in Claim 4 and including means for securing said electrical conductor retainer means to said inlet end portion externally thereof.
30. An electric connector assembly as defined in Claim 29 wherein said conductor retainer means being formed of an elongated blank of spring steel having opposed ends, said blank having a reverse bend formed at one end thereof to define a clip, and having the other end thereof angularly bent relative to said reverse end.
31. An electric connector assembly as defined in Claim 30 wherein said reverse bend forming said clip includes spaced apart leafs whereby said clip is fitted to said inlet end portion, and said means for securing said wire conductor retainer includes a retaining pin projecting outwardly from the outer surface of said inlet end portion, and a complementary slot formed in one of said leaf for receiving said retaining pin.
32. An electric connector assembly for securing a plurality of conductors to an electric box comprising:

a connector body having an outlet end portion and an inlet end portion, said inlet end portion defining at least two chambers, a spring steel conductor retainer disposed in each of said chambers, means for securing said spring steel conductor retainer to said inlet end portion externally thereof, each of said conductor retainers having an inwardly bent retaining finger projecting inwardly into its corresponding chamber, said retaining finger having a free end extending toward the axis of said corresponding chamber in the direction of said outlet end portion, and an external retainer means circumscribing said outlet end portion for securing said connector body to a knockout hole of an electric box with a snap fit.
33. An electrical connector assembly as defined in Claim 32 wherein said external retainer means comprises:
a frustro conical retainer ring circumscribing said leading end, said frustro conical ring having a leading edge and a trailing edge, said trailing edge having a diameter greater than said leading edge, and means for securing said external frustro conical ring on said leading end.
34. An electrical connector assembly as defined in Claim 33 wherein said outlet end portion includes an outer sloping surface that complements the internal sloping surface of said frustro conical retaining ring.
35. An electrical connector as defined in Claim 34 wherein said outer surface of said outlet end portion is sloped downwardly toward the central axis of said outlet end portion.
36. An electrical connector assembly as defined in Claim 35 and including complementary means for securing said conductor retainers to said inlet end portion, said complementary means including a pin projecting outwardly of the outer surface of said inlet end portion and a complementary slot formed adjacent one end of said conductor retainer.
37. An electrical connector assembly as defined in Claim 35 and including a transition section connecting said inlet end portion to said outlet end portion.
38. An electrical connector as defined in Claim 37 wherein said transition section of said body includes an opening for viewing thereinto.
39. An electrical connector assembly as defined in Claim 35, wherein each of said spring steel conductor retainers having one end thereof reversely bent to define a clip, said clip being arranged to be fitted onto the end of said inlet end portion.
40. An electrical connector assembly comprising:

a connector body having an outlet end portion and an inlet end portion, said inlet end portion defining a plurality of inlet chambers, each of which is adapted to receive an electrical conductor, said outlet end portion having an outer surface sloping downward toward an outlet opening, an outwardly radially extending flange circumscribing said outlet end portion, said flange forming a stop to limit the insertion of said outlet end portion through a knock out opening of the electrical box, a projecting lug formed on said tapering outer surface, a snap fit outer retainer ring circumscribing said sloping outer surface, said snap fit retainer ring including a plurality of arms, said plurality of arms being laterally bent to define a frustro-conical configuration complementing said sloping outer surface of said outlet end portion, a locking tang formed out of the surface of at least one of said arms, said locking tang being cantileverly bent outwardly relative to the surface of said one arm, and said arms having free ends defining a grounding tang, a retaining slot formed in at least one of said arms arranged to receive said lug for securing said retainer ring onto said leading end, so that when said connector assembly is inserted through a knockout hole of an electric box, said locking tangs spring outwardly to secure the connector assembly to the electric box and the free ends of said arms being biased to engage the inner periphery of the knockout hole to create an electrical ground, said inlet end portion defining at least a pair of side by side chambers separated by a dividing wall, a conductor retainer arranged to extend into each of said chambers, each of said conductor retainers being formed from an elongated blank of spring steel, said blank having opposed ends, and one of said ends being reversely bent to define a clip, and the other of said opposed ends being angularly bent relative to said reversely bent end, said formed clip being fitted onto the end of its corresponding chamber, and said other end of said conductor retainer having its free end bent inwardly of said sleeve toward the longitudinal axis of said sleeve and directed toward said outlet end portion to permit a wire conductor to be readily inserted into said chamber and gripped by said free end so as to prohibit any unintentional separation of the wire conductor from said inlet end portion, and means for securing each of said conductor retainers to an exterior surface of said inlet end portion.
41. An electrical connector assembly as defined in Claim 40 wherein said latter means includes a retaining pin projecting outwardly from the outer surface of said inlet portion, and said one end of said conductor retainer having a complementary slot for securing said conductor retainer to said retaining pin.
42. An electrical connector assembly comprising:

a connector body having an outlet end portion and an inlet end portion, said outlet end portion defining an outlet opening arranged to be inserted through a knockout hole of an electric box, and a stop flange disposed externally about said connector body, said outlet end portion having an outer surface that slopes downwardly toward said outlet opening that extends between said stop flange and said outlet opening, a snap fit outer retainer ring disposed about said outlet end portion, said outer retainer ring having a frustro-conical configuration complementing said sloping outer surface of said outlet end portion, means for retaining said frustro-conical outer retaining ring on said outlet end portion, said outer retainer ring having a locking tang cantileverly bent outwardly relative to the surface of said outer retainer ring, and a grounding tang for engaging the periphery of a knockout hole of an electric box, said inlet end portion defining a pair of side by side chambers adapted for receiving an electrical conductor, an electrical conductor retainer means disposed within each of said chambers to prohibit any unintentional separation of a wire conductor from its associated chamber, and fastening means for securing said electrical connectors to an external surface of said inlet end portion.
43. An electric connector assembly comprising:

a connector body having an inlet end portion and an outlet end portion, and having a bore extending therethrough, said outlet end portion defining an outlet opening, and said inlet end portion defining an inlet opening, a radially outwardly extending stop circumscribing said connector body between said inlet and outlet end portions, an outer retaining ring circumscribing said outlet end portion, means for retaining said outer retainer ring on said outlet end portion, said retaining ring including locking tangs circumferentially spaced about the outer surface of said retaining ring, said locking tangs being blanked and cantilverely bent out of the surface of said outer retaining ring whereby the free ends of said locking tangs are directed toward said stop, and means for effecting unidirectional insertion of an electrical conductor into said inlet end portion that prohibits any unintentional separation of an electrical conductor from said inlet end portion, said latter means including a body opening formed in said inlet end portion disposed in communication with said bore, a resilient elongated conductor retainer having one end externally connected to said inlet end portion adjacent said inlet opening, and said conductor retaining having its other end angularly bent to extend through said body opening to project into said inlet end portion, and said angularly bent end being directed toward said outlet opening for permitting unidirectional insertion of an electrical conductor into said inlet end portion.
44. An electrical connector assembly as defined in Claim 43 wherein said outlet end portion includes an outer surface that slopes downwardly toward said outlet opening, and said outer retainer ring having a leading end, a trailing end and an intermediate sloping surface therebetween forming a frustro-conical configuration complementing said outer surface of said outlet end portion wherein the diameter of said trailing end of said frustro-conical configuration is greater than the diameter of said leading end of said outer retainer ring.
45. An electrical connector assembly as defined in Claim 43 wherein said inlet end portion defines a plurality of inlet passageways, each being capable of receiving an electrical conductor, a transition portion interconnecting said plurality of passageways in communication with said outlet opening, and said means for effecting unidirectional insertion of an electrical conductor into each of said inlet passageways, including a plurality of retainer openings, one of said retainer openings being disposed in communication with only one of said passageways, and a plurality of conductor retainers, each of said conductor retainers having one end fixedly connected to said inlet end portion and having the other end thereof extending through an associated retainer opening of said one of said passageways for engaging and retaining an electrical conductor adapted to be received within the associated passageway.
46. A connector assembly as defined in Claim 43 wherein said outer means for retaining said outer retainer ring includes:

a radially outwardly extending outlet end flange circumscribing said outlet opening, and said outer retainer ring circumscribing said outlet end portion between said stop and said outlet end flange.
47. A connected assembly as defined in Claim 5 and including a pair of spaced apart shoulders disposed between said stop and outlet end flange, said stop and outlet end flange extending radially outwardly a greater distance than that of said shoulders disposed therebetween, and said retainer ring being supported on said shoulders between said stop and said outlet end flange.
48. A connector assembly for connection to a knock out hole of an electric box comprising:

a connector body having an outlet end portion and an inlet end portion, a radially outwardly extending stop flange circumscribing said connector body between said outlet end portion and inlet end portion, said outlet end portion defining an outlet opening, said inlet end portion defining a plurality of inlet passageways, a transition portion connecting said inlet passageways in communication with said outlet opening, an outer retaining ring circumscribing said outlet end portion, means for retaining said outer retaining ring on said outlet end portion, conductor retaining means for effecting unidirectional insertion of an electrical conductor into each of said inlet passageways, said conductor retaining means including a window associated with and in communication with each of said passageways, and an electric conductor retainer associated with each of said windows, said electric conductor retainer comprising a resilient member having opposed ends, a fastener means securing one end of said resilient member externally of said inlet end portion of said connector body, and said electric conductor retainer having the other end thereof angularly bent to project through said window and into the associated passageway for gripping and securing an electrical conductor adapted to be inserted into the associated passageway of said inlet end portion.
49. An electric connector assembly as defined in Claim 78 wherein:

said outlet end portion includes a sloping outer surface that converges toward said outlet opening, and said retaining ring including a leading edge, a trailing end and an intermediate sloping surface that complements the outer sloping surface of said outlet end portion.
50. An electric connector assembly as defined in Claim 48 wherein:

said outlet end portion includes a radially outwardly extending outlet flange circumscribing said outlet opening, and said outer retainer ring having a circular configuration which circumscribes said outlet end portion between said stop flange and said outlet flange.
51. An electric conductor as defined in Claim 50 and including a pair of spaced apart shoulders disposed between said stop flange and said outlet flange whereby said flanges extend radially outwardly beyond the radial extension of said shoulders, and said circular retainer ring being supported on said shoulders between said flanges.
52. An electrical connector assembly for connection to a knock out hole of an electric box comprising:

a connector body having an outlet end portion and an inlet end portion, limiting means circumscribing said connector body for limiting the distance said connector outlet end portion may be inserted through a knock out hole of an electric box, securing means for attaching said outlet end portion to a knock out hole of an electric box, said outlet end portion defining an outlet opening, and said inlet end portion defining an inlet opening, said connector body having a bore extending from said inlet opening to said outlet opening, means for effecting unidirectional insertion of an electrical connector into said inlet end portion so as to prohibit any unidirectional separation of the electrical conductor therefrom, said latter means including a window in said inlet end portion in communication with said bore, a resilient conductor retainer having opposed ends, means securing one end of said conductor retainer to said inlet end portion externally thereof, said conductor retainer being angularly bent intermediate thereof whereby the other end of said conductor retainer is projected through said window and into said inlet end portion of said connector body for engaging and prohibiting any unintentional separation of an electrical conductor inserted therein.
53. An electric connector as defined in Claim 52 wherein said securing means includes:

said outlet end portion having a sloping outer surface that converges toward said outlet end opening, and an outer retainer ring having a leading edge, a trailing edge and an intermediate sloping surface thereinbetween, whereby the diameter of said trailing edge is greater than said leading edge to define a frustro-conical configuration for complementing the sloping outer surface of said outlet end portion, and means for retaining said retainer ring on said outlet end portion.
54. An electric connector as defined in Claim 52 wherein said securing means includes external threads circumscribing said outlet end portions.
55. An electrical connector assembly as defined in Claim 52 wherein said securing means includes:

an outlet flange extending radially outwardly about said outlet end opening, and a circular snap fit retainer ring having a series of locking tangs sprung outwardly of the surface of said retainer ring, said circular retaining ring being externally disposed about said outlet end portion between said limiting means and said outlet flange.
56. An electrical connector assembly for connecting to a knock out hole of an electric box comprising:

a connector body having an inlet end portion and an outlet end portion, a limiting means extending radially outwardly of said connector body between said inlet end portion and said outlet end portion, means for securing said outlet end portion to a knock out hole of an electric box, said inlet end portion defining an inlet opening for receiving an electric conductor, said inlet end portion having a window opening therein, a conductor retainer, said conductor retainer comprising an elongated member formed of spring metal and having opposed ends, a fastening means for securing one end of said elongated member to an external portion of said inlet end portion adjacent said inlet opening, and said elongated member being angularly bent intermediate the length thereof so that the other end of said elongated member projects through said window opening and into said inlet end portion, said other end of said elongated member being disposed at an obtuse angle relative to said end secured to said inlet end portion.
57. An electric connector assembly as defined in Claim 56 wherein said fastening means includes a raised fastener mount having a tapped hole on said inlet end portion spaced from said window opening, and said fastening means including a screw for securing said one end of said elongated member to said fastener mount.
58. An electric connector assembly as defined in Claim 56 wherein said inlet end portion defining said inlet opening has an outer peripheral diameter that is greater than the outer peripheral diameter of said outlet end portion, whereby the leading edge of said inlet end portion defines said limiting means.
59. An electric connector assembly as defined in Claim 58 and including a plurality of voids formed within the thickness of said inlet end portion.
60. A snap fit retainer ring for use on the leading end of an electrical connector comprising:

a blank of spring steel having an opening therein and a plurality of arms laterally bent about said opening to define a frustro-conical ring having a leading edge and a trailing edge, and an intermediate sloping surface therebetween, said trailing edge having a diameter greater than the diameter of said leading edge, a locking tang formed out of the surface of at least one of said arms, said locking tang being cantileverly bent outwardly of the plane of said one arm, and said arms having the free ends thereof capable of functioning as grounding tangs.
61. A snap fit retaining ring for electric connectors as defined in Claim 60 and including means adapted to securing said frustro-conical ring onto a leading end of an electrical connector.
62. An electrical connector comprising:

a connector body having an inlet end portion having an inlet opening, and an outlet end portion defining an outlet end opening, a radially outwardly extending limiting means circumscribing said connector body between said inlet opening and said outlet opening, a bore communicating said inlet opening to said outlet opening, an external snap fit retaining ring circumscribing said outlet end portion, means for retaining said external snap fit retaining ring onto said outlet end portion, said external snap fit retaining ring including locking tangs and grounding tangs blanked out of surface of said retaining ring, and a wire conductor retainer externally connected to said inlet end portion, said wire conductor retainer including an elongated blank formed of a resilient spring material having opposed ends, means for securing said elongated blank onto said inlet end portion externally thereof, and said blank having one end thereof angularly disposed so as to extend into said inlet end portion through said inlet opening for effecting a unidirectional snap fit connection of a wire conductor adapted to be inserted into said inlet opening.
63. An electrical connector as defined in Claim 62 wherein said one end is angularly disposed diagonally within said inlet end portion in a direction toward said outlet opening to grip a wire conductor so as to prohibit unintentional separation of a wire conductor therefrom.
64. An electrical connector as defined in Claim 62 wherein said securing means for externally connecting said wire conductor retainer onto said inlet end portion externally thereof comprises:

a fastener mount on said inlet end portion extending outwardly thereof, and a fastener securing said conductor retainer blank to said fastener mount.
65. An electrical connector comprising:

a connector body having an inlet end portion and an outlet end portion, said inlet end portion having an inlet opening and said outlet end portion having an outlet opening, a bore communicating said inlet opening to said outlet opening, a limiting means circumscribing said connector body intermediately thereof between said inlet opening and said outlet opening, means circumscribing said outlet end portion for securing said connector body to an electric box, and a wire conductor retainer means, said wire conductor means comprising an elongated blank formed of a resilient spring material, means for securing said blank to said inlet end portion adjacent to said inlet opening externally thereof, and said elongated blank having one end thereof angularly disposed so as to extend into said bore, said one end extending diagonally relative to the longitudinal axis of said bore for effecting a unidirectional snap fit connector of a wire conductor adapted to be inserted into said inlet opening.
CA002564088A 2005-10-26 2006-10-12 Electrical connectors with outer retainer ring and internal unidirectional conductor retainer Abandoned CA2564088A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (10)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/258,990 US7057107B2 (en) 2004-09-13 2005-10-26 Snap fit electrical connector assembly with conical outer snap fit retainer and externally mounted internal wire retainer
US11/258,990 2005-10-26
US11/364,435 2006-02-28
US11/364,435 US7205489B2 (en) 2004-09-13 2006-02-28 Snap fit electrical connector assembly with operating tool for facilitating the connection of a connector assembly to an electrical box
US11/400,606 US7154042B2 (en) 2004-09-13 2006-04-07 Electrical connector with snap fit retainer ring constructed to enhance the connection of the connector to an electrical box
US11/400,606 2006-04-07
US11/403,099 US7151223B2 (en) 2004-09-13 2006-04-12 Snap fit electrical connector assembly with outer frustro conical retainer ring and internal unidirectional snap fit wire conductor retainer
US11/403,099 2006-04-12
US11/501,131 US7488905B2 (en) 2004-09-13 2006-08-08 Electrical connector with outer retainer ring and internal unidirectional conductor retainer
US11/501,131 2006-08-08

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2564088A1 true CA2564088A1 (en) 2007-04-26

Family

ID=37965203

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002564088A Abandoned CA2564088A1 (en) 2005-10-26 2006-10-12 Electrical connectors with outer retainer ring and internal unidirectional conductor retainer

Country Status (1)

Country Link
CA (1) CA2564088A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN112531605A (en) * 2020-12-09 2021-03-19 西安精密机械研究所 Anti-loosening device for electronic component cable

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN112531605A (en) * 2020-12-09 2021-03-19 西安精密机械研究所 Anti-loosening device for electronic component cable

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7154042B2 (en) Electrical connector with snap fit retainer ring constructed to enhance the connection of the connector to an electrical box
US7488905B2 (en) Electrical connector with outer retainer ring and internal unidirectional conductor retainer
US7358448B2 (en) Electrical connector assembly with frusto-conical snap fit retaining ring for enhancing electrical grounding of the connector assembly to an electrical box and installation tool therefor
US7205489B2 (en) Snap fit electrical connector assembly with operating tool for facilitating the connection of a connector assembly to an electrical box
US7151223B2 (en) Snap fit electrical connector assembly with outer frustro conical retainer ring and internal unidirectional snap fit wire conductor retainer
US7952034B2 (en) Strap type electrical connector with frustro-conical retaining ring and improved clamping strap for either nonmetallic cables or armor or metal clad cables
US7214890B2 (en) Electrical connector having an outlet end angularly disposed relative an inlet end with outer retainer ring about the outlet end and internal unidirectional conductor retainer in the inlet end
US7723623B2 (en) Electrical duplex connector having an integrally formed connector body with a frustro-conical retaining ring and unidirectional cable retainers
US7064272B2 (en) Snap in electrical connector assembly with unidirectional wire conductor retainer ring
US7075007B2 (en) Snap fit electrical connector assembly with conical outer snap fit retainer and one or more internal snap fit wire retainers
US7057107B2 (en) Snap fit electrical connector assembly with conical outer snap fit retainer and externally mounted internal wire retainer
US6935891B2 (en) Snap fitting electrical connector
US6604400B1 (en) Electrical connector
US6849803B1 (en) Electrical connector
US8119933B2 (en) Duplex electrical connector with frustro-conical retaining ring and crimped inlet end
US6352439B1 (en) Threaded snap in connector
US6596939B1 (en) Threaded snap in connector
US6538201B1 (en) Threaded snap in connector
US7064273B1 (en) Electrical connector with conical split snap ring retainer
US7703813B1 (en) Electrical connector with snap fit retaining ring with improved holding and grounding tangs
US8143535B2 (en) Electrical connector assembly with enhanced grounding
CA2564088A1 (en) Electrical connectors with outer retainer ring and internal unidirectional conductor retainer
CA2622237C (en) Electrical connector assembly with frustro-conical snap fit retaining ring for enhancing electrical grounding of the connector assembly to an electrical box and installation tool therefor
CA2605681A1 (en) Electrical connectors with outer retainer ring and internal unidirectional conductor retainer
CA2537073C (en) Snap fit electrical connector assembly with conical outer snap fit retainer and externally mounted internal wire retainer

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
EEER Examination request
FZDE Discontinued

Effective date: 20141210

FZDE Discontinued

Effective date: 20141210