GB1603943A - Supply connector for use with electrical supply track - Google Patents

Description

(54) SUPPLY CONNECTOR FOR USE WITH ELECTRICAL SUPPLY TRACK (71) We, LIGHTOLIER INCORPORATED, a corporation of the State of New York, United States of America, of 346 Claremont Avenue, Jersey City, New Jersey, United States of America, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- It is known to provide an electrical supply track, such as a lighting track, consisting essentially of an elongate metallic or plastic extrusion having disposed therein a pair of conductor members. Light tracks of the type described are typically mounted to a wall or ceiling and include a downwardly open chamber within which electrical contacts are supported in electrically isolated relation. A variety of appliances, such as spotlights, etc. may be engaged mechanically and electrically by inserting a fixture upwardly through the mouth of the open chamber of the track, the fixtures, after insertion, being caused to contact the conduits and grip the channel.

It is a desirable attribute of track assemblies of the type described, which are commonly referred to as being of the continuous outlet type that the same be unobtrusive in appearance since they are generally exposed on the ceiling. Consonant with the desire for presenting an inconspicuous appearance, the tracks are formed of the smallest size possible.

Heretofore the connection of mains conductors to the track has involved passing lead wires into the interior of a module or extension of the track, bending the lead wires about connector posts which are threadedly engaged in a terminal block, and tightening the posts to clamp the lead between the block and a head of the post. As will be readily recognized by those familiar with electrical installations, the mains conduits are typically insulated, solid copper wires of 12 gauge or thicker, which wires are stiff and difficult to manipulate. The difficulty in effecting a connection is compounded by the fact that the terminal block portion, due to the desirably small dimensions of the track assembly, provides little room for performing the necessary operations, resulting, in many instances, in an improper connection between the mains and track.

In accordance with the invention, there is provided a supply connector for use with an electrical supply track of the continuous outlet type, the connector comprising a body of insulating material open from below and housing at least two terminal fixtures insulated from each other, each fixture being made of electrically conductive resilient metal and being of inverted U-shape, the lower free end of at least one of the limbs of which is turned inwardly towards the other limb to define an entry slot and an upwardly facing ledge to one side of the slot, each fixture further comprising an integral spring tab overlying and extending downwardly towards the said ledge, whereby a mains lead can be introduced upwardly through the said entry slot and pushed laterally over the ledge to be resiliently clamped between the ledge and the tab member.

One form of supply connector in accordance with the invention is described in detail below, by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a light track assembly in combination with the supply connector; Figure 2 is a magnified perspective view of the connector Figure 3 is a vertical section taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a section taken on the line 44 of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a horizontal section taken on the line 5-5 of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a fragmentary section taken on the line 66 of Figure 4; Figure 7 is a section taken on the line 7-6 of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a section taken on the line 8-7 of Figure 3.

As conducive to an understanding of the present invention, there is shown in Figure 1 a light track assembly 10 having a supply connector module 11 secured to one end 12 of the track assembly. The track 10 is held to a ceiling or wall structure by a series of mounting clips 13, known per se, the clips including a conventional toggle bolt 14 at one end and a support clip 15 at the other or lower end. The support clip is adapted to fit within a longitudinally extended, upwardly facing chamber of the track 10, the clip including lips 16 which extend laterally outwardly under complemental, inwardly directed lips 161 formed on opposite sides of the extrusion forming the track 10. A locking screw 17 on the assembly 13 fixes the clip against longitudinal movement relative to the track 10 at a position along the track in registry with the location at which the toggle 14 extends through an aperture in the ceiling.

As is conventional, the track 10 includes, in the interior thereof, longitudinally extending energizing conduits C, the conduits being spaced apart and maintained within a nonconductive insert (not shown) housed in the downwardly open access channel 18, whereby spotlights or like fixtures equipped with appropriate tapping mechanisms may be mechanically and electrically affixed at any of a variety of locations along the track 10.

The interior structure of the light track per se forms no part of the instant invention, suitable and exemplary tracks and tapping fixtures being disclosed in one or more of United States Letters Patent Nos. 3246,074; 3286,052; 3295,093; and 3496,518.

Elerctrical connection between the conduits C and the mains lines L and G is effected within the connector module 11 which is mounted within the end 12 of the track 10.

As jllustrrated in the above referenced patents, the module 11 includes spade like connector tabs (seen in Figs 4 and 5) which enter into the channel 10 and engage the conduits C to energize the conduits.

The mains lines G and L extending from cutlet boa 19 are connected to the light track 10 within the module 11. Optionally, the track 10 may itself be mechanically supported from the outlet box 19. For this purpose, cover plate 20 of the box is prs- vided with laterally extending fingers 21 and is adapted to fit under the inturned lips 161 of the track. The cover plate 20 may include a depending tee 22, likewise sized slidably to fit within the upper compartment of the channel under the lips 161. A screw member 24 may be extended through threaded aperture 23 of plate 20 to prevent longitudinal relative movemeat of the track by advancing the screw until it bears against the trans- verse b web W of the track.

The cover plate 20, in the usual taanae", i held to the outlet box as by machine Zws 25 which extend through compRe- sabots 26 in the cover plate, the machine lning anchored in threaded apertures 37 efto X 151. A A decorative caaopy 28; which may be formed of two half sections, may be mounted by screws (not shown) in appropriately positioned apertures in the cover plate 20. The canopy 28 preferably includes a through-going aperture 29, providing clearance for the track supporting components above described.

From the above description it will be appreciated that the outlet 19 may be disposed at virtually any position along the length of the track 10 and may function to aid in supporting the track.

The mains leads L and G are dressed within the upper compartment of the track 10 in the area above the web W and passed downwardly through the upper open mouth portion 30 of the module. An upper cover plate 31 is mounted in closing position of the mouth portion 30, as by machine screw 32 passing through apertures 33 in the cover plate and threaded into a complemental bore (not shown) of the module.

The principal advance of the present invention resides in the clamping mechanism by which the stripped end portions L1 and G1 of the leads L and G are electrically and mechanically connected to the module.

The module carries a pair of terminal clamps or fixtures 34 and 35 adapted to receive the pre-stripped lead portions G1 and L1, respectively. Since the connector clamps 34, 35 are identical,a description of one will suffice.

The clamps, as best seen in Figures 2 and 3, are generally in the form of inverted U's, including a horizontally directed base portion 36, depending side legs 37, 38, the end portions 39, 40 of the legs being inturned so as to define ledges overlying a portion of the base 36.

The legs, adjacent the ends 39, 40 are inclined upwardly and inwardly toward the base 36, the distal edges 41, 42 being spaced apart and defining an entry or wire receiver slot 43 therebetween. A pair of retainer spring tabs 44, 45 are formed integrally of the base 36. The tabs, as best seen in Figure 4, are inclined from the base towards the ledge portions 39, 40, the tabs preferably terminating in sharpened, downwardly facing edges 46.

The fixtures 34, 35 are formed of a resilient, highly conductive metal, preferably a beryllium-copper alloy, which provides the necessary low electrical resistance together with the desired springiness.

The tabs 44, 45 are spaced apart by a slot 47 in registry with the receiver slot 43.

Additionally, the tabs preferably include csnming portions 48, 49 inclined toward receiver slot 43 for purposes which will appear hereinafter.

The fixtures 34, 35 are inset within the nodule II, the module being formed of insulated plastic material, the interim be tween the module 11 and fixtures 34, 35 being such that the side walls or legs 37, 38 of the clamps are prevented from spreading by backing portions or walls 50, 51 of the module. In similar fashion, the legs of the fixtures 34 are reinforced by walls 52, 53 of the module.

The operation of connecting the mains leads L and G to the module involves merely stripping the leads, as shown at L1 and G1, and bending the leads so that the same lie essentially parallel to the track 10. Strip portion L1, for instance, is next inserted into the receiver slot 43. Thereafter a screw driver or like instrument is inserted through the receiver slot, as shown in Figure 3. It is immaterial to which side of the lead the screw driver blade B passes.

With the parts positioned as shown in Figure 3, the screw driver blade B is rotated about an axis normal to the length of the track, whereby a lateral force of substantial nature is exerted against the lead L1, the force being augmented by the fact that the edge of the screw driver blade not engaging the lead reacts against inturned portion 41 of the opposite leg e.g. the leg 37. The lateral force noted, in part by virtue of the cam portion 49 of the tab, will cause the tab to be depressed toward the base 36, whereby the wire may pass underneath the tab and will be clamped between the tab and the inturned portion 39 or 40 at the end of the respective leg. (Compare partially seated position of lead L1 in Figure 3 with the fully seated position of the lead G1 in Figure 3).

The camming influence resulting from the application of lateral force is best appreciated from an inspection of Figures 6 and 7, wherein the parts are shown in partially seated position. The final positioning of the tab, lead and inturned ledge is shown in Figure 8.

After the lead has passed to a position in registry with the inturned portion 39 or 40, it will be seen that the leads are firmly gripped and are not subject to return movement toward the receiver slot unless a reverse biasing force is intentionally applied to the lead.

After seating of a first lead within one of the fixtures 34 or 35, a second lead may, if necessary, be introduced into the receiver slot and pried into position in the manner hereinabove set forth in the space not occupied by the first lead.

From a consideration of the above description, it will be readily recognized that the operation of securing leads to the module in accordance with the present invention provides a simple and rapid mode of completing the circuit to the light track, avoiding bending of the contact portion of the leads, wrapping of the leads about terminal posts or screws, tightening of screws, etc., The spade like contacts which engage the track conduits C are, of course, integral with the terminal fixtures.

After the mains leads are clamped, a finishing plate 54 of insulating material may be secured in position in covering relation of the lower mouth portion 55 of the module, the plate being retained in the noted disposition by a retainer screw 56 threadedly connected to a complementally located aperture 57 in the module.

The connector of the present invention is especially adapted to effecting connections to a light track or the like mechanism wherein space is at a premium. The effectiveness of the electrical connection has been experimentally determined to be substantially equal to the conventional but more difficulty effected clamp/screw arrangement. The connection is found to be essentially unaffected by vibratory movements.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations may be made in the disclosed apparatus without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the terminal fixtures may have only one limb in turned to form a ledge, the other being straight. In such a case, the in turned limb may have two distinct, longitudinally spaced portions to receive a mains lead G1 to L1 and a track conduit C, respectively.

Such an arrangement could be used to form a connector between adjacent lengths of track in order to conduct the supply from the conduits C of one track length to the corresponding conduits C of the adjacent track length.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A supply connector for use with an electrical supply track of the continuous outlet type, the connector comprising a body of insulating material open from below and housing at least two terminal fixtures insulated from each other, each fixture being made of electrically conductive resilient metal and being of inverted U-shape, the lower free end of at least one of the limbs of which is turned inwardly towards the other limb to define an entry slot and an upwardly facing ledge to one side of the slot, each fixture further comprising an integral spring tab overlying and extending downwardly towards the said ledge, whereby a mains lead can be introduced upwardly through the said entry slot and pushed laterally over the ledge to be resiliently clamped between the ledge and the tab member.

2. A supply connector according to claim 1, wherein each terminal fixture is symmetrically formed to have both limbs turned inwardly towards each other and thereby form two ledges, one to each side of the entry slot.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (6)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. tween the module 11 and fixtures 34, 35 being such that the side walls or legs 37, 38 of the clamps are prevented from spreading by backing portions or walls 50, 51 of the module. In similar fashion, the legs of the fixtures 34 are reinforced by walls 52, 53 of the module. The operation of connecting the mains leads L and G to the module involves merely stripping the leads, as shown at L1 and G1, and bending the leads so that the same lie essentially parallel to the track 10. Strip portion L1, for instance, is next inserted into the receiver slot 43. Thereafter a screw driver or like instrument is inserted through the receiver slot, as shown in Figure 3. It is immaterial to which side of the lead the screw driver blade B passes. With the parts positioned as shown in Figure 3, the screw driver blade B is rotated about an axis normal to the length of the track, whereby a lateral force of substantial nature is exerted against the lead L1, the force being augmented by the fact that the edge of the screw driver blade not engaging the lead reacts against inturned portion 41 of the opposite leg e.g. the leg 37. The lateral force noted, in part by virtue of the cam portion 49 of the tab, will cause the tab to be depressed toward the base 36, whereby the wire may pass underneath the tab and will be clamped between the tab and the inturned portion 39 or 40 at the end of the respective leg. (Compare partially seated position of lead L1 in Figure 3 with the fully seated position of the lead G1 in Figure 3). The camming influence resulting from the application of lateral force is best appreciated from an inspection of Figures 6 and 7, wherein the parts are shown in partially seated position. The final positioning of the tab, lead and inturned ledge is shown in Figure 8. After the lead has passed to a position in registry with the inturned portion 39 or 40, it will be seen that the leads are firmly gripped and are not subject to return movement toward the receiver slot unless a reverse biasing force is intentionally applied to the lead. After seating of a first lead within one of the fixtures 34 or 35, a second lead may, if necessary, be introduced into the receiver slot and pried into position in the manner hereinabove set forth in the space not occupied by the first lead. From a consideration of the above description, it will be readily recognized that the operation of securing leads to the module in accordance with the present invention provides a simple and rapid mode of completing the circuit to the light track, avoiding bending of the contact portion of the leads, wrapping of the leads about terminal posts or screws, tightening of screws, etc., The spade like contacts which engage the track conduits C are, of course, integral with the terminal fixtures. After the mains leads are clamped, a finishing plate 54 of insulating material may be secured in position in covering relation of the lower mouth portion 55 of the module, the plate being retained in the noted disposition by a retainer screw 56 threadedly connected to a complementally located aperture 57 in the module. The connector of the present invention is especially adapted to effecting connections to a light track or the like mechanism wherein space is at a premium. The effectiveness of the electrical connection has been experimentally determined to be substantially equal to the conventional but more difficulty effected clamp/screw arrangement. The connection is found to be essentially unaffected by vibratory movements. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations may be made in the disclosed apparatus without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the terminal fixtures may have only one limb in turned to form a ledge, the other being straight. In such a case, the in turned limb may have two distinct, longitudinally spaced portions to receive a mains lead G1 to L1 and a track conduit C, respectively. Such an arrangement could be used to form a connector between adjacent lengths of track in order to conduct the supply from the conduits C of one track length to the corresponding conduits C of the adjacent track length. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A supply connector for use with an electrical supply track of the continuous outlet type, the connector comprising a body of insulating material open from below and housing at least two terminal fixtures insulated from each other, each fixture being made of electrically conductive resilient metal and being of inverted U-shape, the lower free end of at least one of the limbs of which is turned inwardly towards the other limb to define an entry slot and an upwardly facing ledge to one side of the slot, each fixture further comprising an integral spring tab overlying and extending downwardly towards the said ledge, whereby a mains lead can be introduced upwardly through the said entry slot and pushed laterally over the ledge to be resiliently clamped between the ledge and the tab member.

2. A supply connector according to claim 1, wherein each terminal fixture is symmetrically formed to have both limbs turned inwardly towards each other and thereby form two ledges, one to each side of the entry slot.

3. A supply connector according to claim

1 or 2, wherein the, or each, limb has its lower free end turned inwardly and upwardly so as to define a converging approach to the entry slot and ledges which have the form of upwardly facing channels to receive the mains lead.

4. A supply connector according to any preceding claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the housing includes depending wall portions between which the terminal fixtures are located, the wall portions bracing the limbs of the fixture against excessive outward deflection.

5. A supply connector substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

6. A supply connector according to any preceding claim, in combination with electrical supply track of the continuous outlet type.