US1803718A - Binding-post - Google Patents

Description

y 1931- J. G. M C ILELLAN 1,803,718

BINDING POST Filed April 50, 1928 (/08 e o/ 6: McC/e//d/7,

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Patented May 5, 1931 JOSEPH G. MCCLELLAN, OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI BINDING-POST Application filed April 30,

This invention relates to binding-posts, and has more particular reference to a bind ing post or connector of the type employed in storage batteries, although certain features of the invention are applicable to connectors generally.

Binding-posts of the familiar type used in storage batteries comprise a post adapted to be affixed to the respective plates of similar polarity, a split ring adapted to embrace the post and having a socket in which the conducting wire is adapted to be soldered, and a bolt extending through the opposing portions of the ring at the split and adapted to draw the opposing portions toward one another to contract the ring tightly against the embraced post. However, the tightening or loosening of the embrace is effected by manipulating the nut of the bolt, which manipulation involves the use of a wrench, and is, at best, a tedious and awkward operation.

Accordingly. the present invention aims to provide means for comeniently and expeditiously tightening or loosening the embraced and embracing elements with relation to one another, and, furthermore, to enable this operation to be effected without the aid of tools. Other objects and advantages, more or less ancillary to the foregoing, will appear in the course of the following embodiment of the invention, that has been selected for illustration only, and not in a limiting sense.

In the accompanying drawings forming part of this specification, in which like numbers of reference denote like parts wherever they occur,

Figure 1 is a plan view of the illustrative embodimentof the invention, as it appears when in clamping position;

Figure 2 is an axial sectional view, taken on the line 2-2 in Figure 1, with the post shown in elevation; and H Figure 3 is an elevation, looking toward the left in Figure 1, but with the parts released from clamping position.

The binding-post 1 of a storage battery comprises the usual shank 2, conical at its upper end 3 and provided with an annular ing-head 22 for the rod 1928. Serial No. 273,889.

flange 4 around its lower end and having its intermediate portion 5 threadedfor the reception of a nut 6, adapted for clamping the cover 7 of a cell between the flange 4 and the nut 6. A semi-cylindrical shank 8 depends from the flange 4 and terminates at its lower end in the horizontal substantially rectangular flange 9,110 which the plates of similar polarity of the cell are attached, as will beunderstood by those skilled in the art. A ring 10 has a conical internal face 11 complemental in shape to the tapered upper end 3 of the shank 2, so as to fit the same when placed thereon in embracing relation, and is split at 12 and provided with the usual socket 18 in which the conducting wire let is adapted to be soldered. The split 12 is usually formed between opposing flanges or ears 15 that extend outwardly from the split end portions of the ring; and a bolt of the ordinary type (not shown) has heretofore been passed through the registerin openings 16 in the ears 15 to clamp against the outer faces 17 of the ears 15 to force them toward one another andthereby to contract the ring 10 to tightly embrace the conical portion 3 of the shank 2.

In lieu of a bolt of the usual type, the present invention contemplates the use of a rl bolt 18, comprising a cylindrical rod havmg oppositely disposed laterally extending cyhndrical arms 19 at one end, and screwthreaded atthe other end 20 for the reception of a nut or nuts 21. A shiftable clampis pivotally borne by the arms 19. The head 22 is preferably of sheet or plate metal formation and comprises an arm 23 having oppositely disposed cars 24 projecting from one face thereof in spaced relation to one another so as to straddle the rod 18, the ears being provided with openmgs 25 for the reception of the arms 19. The ears 24 each present,,or, at least, one of the ears presents, an eccentric edge 26 adapted to engage the outer face-17: of the adjacent flange 15 of the ring 10, whereby the clamping function of said head is effected when the lever or head 22 is turned to the position shown in full lines in Figure 3, by reason of the engaging portion mo 27 of said cam edge being farther from the axis of the ear 24 than the non-engaging portion 28 of said edge. When the cam lever 22 is turned to the position indicated in Figures 1 and 2, and in broken and dotted lines in Figure 3, the non-engaging edge portion 28 of the cams or ears 24 is presented toward the outer face 17, thereby relieving the flanges 15 of the pressure that had been exerted thereon by the bolt 18, and so permitting the ring 10 to expand to its normal or unstrained condition and thereby release its ip on the conical portion 3 of the shank 2. he engaging portion 27 of the cam edge 26 is preferably straight, instead of arouate, and extends so that its intermediate portion is closer to the axis of the cam 24 than its end portions, so that, when the arm 23 is shifted from its vertical towards its horizontal position, the lower end of the straight engaging portion 27 is first to encounter the face 17 and it exerts its maximum pressure against the flange or ear 17 just before it reaches the position indicated in full lines in Figure 3, so that, after passing the point of maximum pressure, the cam is automatically snapped into its final locking position. It will be observed that,

when the ring 10 is locked against the shank 2, the arm 23 overlies the ring 10, or its flanges or ears 15, thereby conserving space above the cells, so that the cover of the outer box of the battery may closely approach the top of the binding-post.

Havin thus fully described this 'invention, I ereby reserve the benefit of all changes in form, arrangement, order, or use of parts, as it is evident that many minor changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of this invention or the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. In a binding-post, a split ring adapted to engage said post and presenting a pair of apertured clamping jaws, a bolt passing through said jaws and having oppositely disposed lateral arms and a clamping head pivotally borne by said arms, said head presenting a cam surface adapted to vary the intimacy of the post and ring upon the operation of said head.

2. In a binding-post, a split ring adapted to engage said post and presenting a, pair of apertured clamping jaws, a bolt passing through said jaws and having oppositely disposed lateral arms and a clamping head having oppositely arran ed apertured ears adapted to straddle said olt and to be pivoted to said arms, said ears presentin an eccentric edge whereby the clamping unction of said head is effected.

In testimony whereof I hereunto aflix my signature.

JOSEPH G. MCCLELLAN.

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