US2134355A - Swivel electrical connection - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 25, 1938. A. E, CALDWELL 2,134,355

SWIVEL ELECTRICAL CONNECT ION Filed July 9, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet l Oct. 25, 1938. A. E. CALDWELL SWIVEL ELECTRICAL CONNEQTIN Filed July 9, 19.34

4 Sheets-Sheet 2 www@ I VFiled July 9, 1934 4 Sheets-Shees 3 M@ *QW Oct. 25, 1938. A. E. CALDWELL 2,l34,355

SWIVEL ELECTRICAL CONNECTION gxm M Patented Oct. 25, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT ori-ICE SWIVEL ELECTRICAL CONNECTION Application July 9, 1934, Serial No. '134,308

10 Claims.

This invention relates to swivel electrical connectors and more particularly is directed to such connectors as employed to effect detachable elec'- trical connection between an outlet and an electrically operated appliance, such as the connections between a flexible conductor and a wall socket or outlet, or a flexible conductor and the appliance which is supplied with current thereby.

In my copending application, Serial No. {521,079, filed July 6, 1932, which has matured into Patent No. 2,055,999 on Sept. 29, 1936, I have disclosed one form of a swivel connector of this type, commonly called a push plug or prong plug having extending contact prongs adapted to be engaged within a receptacle such as a wall socket or the like, and which in turn is provided with contact members adapted to be engaged by a second contact plug carried by the flexible conductor, the contact members being rotatably carried by the cover of the push or prong plug to provide a swivel connection between the plug connected to the cord and the prong plug.

The present invention has for its primary object the provision of a swivel connector of a basic design that may be incorporated in a plurality of different types of swivel connectors, and which provides a freeswiveling connection having relatively small frictional resistance to rotation so that connection thereto and subsequent rotation of the connector means may be facilitated.

In the development of modern portable electrical appliances, it has become customary to provide a flexible connector or conduit extending from the appliance to an adjacent electrical outlet. However, in the use of such appliances as trouble lamps, electric irons, vacuum cleaners, ordinary portable lamps-and the like, these exible conductors have a tendency to become kinked or twisted, and to remedy this undesirable sitnation I have provided a swivel electrical connector which is capable of automatically rotating to accommodate any twisting or kinking tendencies of the cord. Further, wall outlets are sometimes so situated as to be inconvenient of access, or disposed in a relatively dark location where the position of the openings for receiving the contact prongs cannot be readily ascertained. By the provision of a swivel connector of the type disclosed in the present invention, the insertion of the contact prongs connected to the electrical cord is facilitated by a cooperating rotation of the cover of the connector, whereby the openings are brought into register with the contact prongs by application of axial pressure to the prongs, and the cord can thus be readily connected without turning it into a predetermined position to align it with the contact prong-receiving openings of the receptacle.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a swivel connector having bearing surn faces about which the rotation occurs, which surfaces are also employed for carrying the electrical circuit through the device. By this construction I provide a wiping contact surface which is always maintained clean and bright by lo the rotation effected during connection and operation of the device, and which therefore reduces the electrical resistance through the device.

A distinct advantage securedby the present invention is the adaptability of the basic conlti struction for use in a plurality of different types of connector devices, including the connectors between the current conductors or cord and the appliance, so that, if desired, swivel connections may be provided at each end of a flexible con- 20 ductor or cord. Also, threaded plug connectors for use in connection with threaded outlet sockets may be provided with the swiveling means of the present invention.

In addition, the present invention is capable of providing a unitary Wall outlet construction having the swiveling means of the present invention incorporated therein, whereby no additional swiveling connectors need be provided for attachment of a iiexible cord thereto. 30

A further feature of the present invention is the provision of resilient means for spacing the cover of the connector device a slight distance away from the defining edge of the receptacle, to decrease the frictional resistance to rotation, the resilient` meansvbeing independent of the electrical circuit extending through the device.

A still further object of the present invention is the provision of a compact and simplified construction in which all of the current conduct- 40 ing parts may be economically formed and assembled, the contact-engaging and conducting members being preferably formed from metal stampings. Another advantage secured by reason of this construction resides in the feature of having all of the rotatable elements carried by the swiveling member, and mounted upon a single centrally extending post which forms a part of the electrical circuit, whereby the swiveling contact members may be readily assembled in position uponthe post, together with the cover, and this structure may then be secured to the receptacle in order to form the complete contact connector.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will appear more fully from the following detailed description, which, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, will disclose to those skilled in the art the construction and operation of a preferred form of the present invention.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is an elevational view of a push or prong type of plug constructed according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the plug shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view of the plug, taken substantially on the line 3-3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view ofthe plug taken substantially on the line 4--4 of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is aperspective view of a contact nger employed in the present invention;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the contact member which extends the electrical circuit from a contact finger to one of the prongs of the plug;

Figure 'I is a perspective view cf an intermediate current-carrying member employed in the plug construction;

Figure 8 is an elevational view of a threaded type o'f plug embodying the present invention;

Figure 9 is a bottom plan view of the plug as shown in Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a sectional view taken substan-` tially on the line III--IU of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a side elevational view of a double outlet wall receptacle constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

Figure 12 is a sectional view of one of the contact units of the structure shown in Figure 11, taken substantially on the line I2-I2 of Figure 11;

Figure 13 is a plan view of a swivel connector employed in connection with the terminal connector for an electrical iron or the like;

Figure 14 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line I4I4 of Figure 13, showing in detail the internal construction of the swivel connector;

Figure 15 is an elevational view of the swivel connector construction shown in Figure 14;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a contact connector shown in Figure 14;

Figure 17 is a perspective detail of one of the elements of the connector construction shown in Figure 14;

Figure 18 is an elevational view of a socket for a trouble lamp or the like, provided with a swivel connector constructed according to the teachings of the present invention;

Figure 19 is an elevational sectional view of the socket shown in Figure 18, taken substantially on the line I9-I9'thereof;

Figure 20 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 2li-20 of Figure 18, looking in the direction indicated by the arrows; and

Figure 21 is a plan view of the insulating member shown in Figure 19.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, the plug shown in Figures 1 to 4, inclusive, comprises a receptacle or casing 5, formed of insulating material, such as a molded phenol condensation product or the like, and which is provided with a pair of projecting contact prongs 6 and 1, extending in spaced relation from the lower end thereof, the prongs 6 and 1 being adapted to enter through suitable openings in a wall socket or the like to effect electrical contact with the contacts disposed within such an outthe ridge let. Mounted for rotation within the receptacle 5 is a swivel cover 8, which also is formed of suitable insulating material, such as molded or pressed phenol condensation material or the like.

The cover 8 is provided at its center with a boss portion shown at 9, having a recess I8 of hexagonal or other suitable polygonal shape formed therein. Disposed upon opposite sides of the boss 9 are a pair of openings I2, which are adapted to receive the contact prongs of a plug connector carried by a flexible cord or the like. The openings I2 are located a considerable distance below the upper surface of the cover 8, and are separated by a defining ridge I3 which extends from the outer periphery of the cover 8 inwardly to the central boss 9. This ridge is provided with opposed sloping surfaces I4, which extend downwardly toward the openings I2.

The peripheral surface of the cover 8 is provided with a rounded or concaved depressed portion I5 which forms a camming surface for guiding the prong plugs or the like into the openings I2, cooperating with the surfaces Il formed by I3. This provides a substantially dished or concaved surface leading to each of the openings I2, so that regardless of the angular position of the cover 8 with respect to a pair of prong members which are to be inserted therein, the camming surfaces will effect rotation of the cover 8 to align the openings I2 in position with respect to the prong members which are to be inserted therethrough.

The cover 8 is rotatable about a centrally extending post or stud member I8, which at its upper end is provided with a frusto-conical bearing surface I1 adapted to engage over a corresponding surface formed in a retaining nut I8 having its outer peripheral surface formed to correspond to the periphery of the opening Ill, in the present embodiment being hexagonal in shape. Thus, the nut member I8 rotates with the cover 8, and has bearing engagement about the outwardly flared surface I1 of the post I8.

At its lower end, the post I6 is provided with a portion of reduced diameter, indicated at I8, which projects through an opening formed in the base of the receptacle 5, the receptacle 5 bein! provided with a raised boss portion 20 through which the portion I9 of the stud I6 extends.

A suitable recess is formed in the outer surface of the base of the receptacle 5, and is adapted to receive the normally extending portion 22 of the prong 6, which lies within this recess, to prevent rotation of the prong with respect to the receptacle, and the outer projecting end of the stud I8 is beaded or spun over, as shown at 23, for'. rigidly securing the post in position within the receptacle 5, and at the same time clamping the prong 6 in nonrotative and fixed position with respect to the receptacle.

The cover 8, adjacent the opening III, is provided with a depending centralportion indicated at 24, which is suitably recessed, as indicated at 25, to provide an annular chamber about the 4stud I6 in which is disposed a spring member 26, which bears at its upper end against the lower surface of the nut member I8, and at its lower end is biased against a sleeve member 21 extending upwardly about the stud I6, and having an upwardlyared portion cooperating with a corresponding reduced portion of the recess 25 for securing it in position with respect to the depending portion 24 of the cover 8.

The lower end of the sleeve 21 is spaced a slight 75 thereof, first contact clip 38 and its extending distance above the boss 20 formed in the receptacle 5, as shown at 28 in Figure 4, and, by reason of the resiliency ofthe spring member '26, allows a slight relative movement of the cover member 8 axially with respect` to the studr I6, the amount of this movement being limited by the space between kthe lower end 28 of the sleeve 21 and the upper end of the boss 20. This rprovides for spacing the cover`8 a slight distance away fromthe peripheral edge 28 of the receptacle 5, whereby its frictional resistanceto rotation is materially decreased.

Considering now in detail Figure 3, a pair of contact fingers, formed from resilient metal stampings, are indicated at 30 and 32, respectively, vthe contact nger 38 being shown in detail in Figure 5. This contact finger is provided with a doubled back portion indicated at 30a, which is adapted to have wiping contact engagement with a prong member inserted through the opening I2. 'I'he main portion of the contact finger 30 extends downwardly along the outer surface of the depending portion 24 of the cover 8, being spaced away therefrom by a laterally bent portion 33, and having a supporting flange or tab v34 extending normal thereto and engaging .about the lower end .28 of the sleeve member 21,

the flange 34 being apertured to have relatively Y tight fit over the outer surface of the sleeve member 21 and bearing against the projecting portion 28 thereof. It is therefore apparent that an electrical circuit can be traced from the contact prong which enters the opening I2 and engages the portion 30a of the contact finger 30, through the contact finger 30 and the sleeve 21 to the post or stud I6, and then downwardly through the post or stud to the portion 22 of the contact prong 8.

The opposite contactfinger 32 is formed in substantially the same manner, but is insulated from the post I 6 by reason of the depending portion 24 of the cover 8, and the insulating member 3I, the contact finger 32 having a relatively large opening extending about portion 24 of the cover. Disposed immediately above the inner extending flange portion 35 of the contact 32 is a contact clip indicated in detail in Figure 7.

This contact clip has bearing engagement on its lower surface with the uppersurface of the flange portion 35 of the contact finger 32, the clip 35 having an aperture 31 formed therein which engages about the lower end of the depending portion 24 of the cover. Formed integrally with the clip 36, and extending laterally and upwardly therefrom are a pair of tongue members 38, which are provided with rounded and downturned end portions 39, as shown in detail in Figure 7. The under surfaces of the laterally and downwardly turned ends 39 are adapted to receive the upper projecting ends 48 of a second contact clip member 4I, shown in detail in Figure 6. The contact clip member 4I is adapted to extend downwardly, having an outwardly flared -central portion provided with a raised frusto-conical surface 42. This frustoconical surfacev 42 is adapted to extend over a corresponding frusta-conical surface 43 formed upon a laterallygextending portion y44 of the prong 1. This frusto-conical portion 43 of the prong 1 engages about and is secured in contact with the extending boss 20 of the receptacle 5, and the inner surfacer of the raised portion 42 of the contact clip 4I has rotative bearing engagement thereabout, thereby extending a circuit from the contact finger 32, flange portion 35' arms 38 to the arms 48 of the contact clip 4I, andA thence downwardly through the lfrusto-conical bearing surfaces 42 and 48 to the terminal prong 1.

The spring .26 presses against the sleeve 21,

and the'lower end of the sleeve 21 is spaced away from the boss 20 by reason of the contact clip 4I bearing upon the surface 43. Thus, the spring pressure serves to press the surface 42 against the surface 43 to maintain a positive wiping contact therebetween to insure good electrical conduction across these surfaces. of the cover 8 with respect Ato the receptacle 5 is taken up between the contact surfaces 42 and 43, and about the outwardly flared surface I1 which engages the nut member I8. Since the surfaces are smooth, there is relatively little frictional resistance to rotation, inasmuch as the area of the surfaces is maintained small with respect to the peripheral extent thereof, and consequently the cover 8 rotates freely about the stem I8, and, with the grooves formed in the corner, is capable of readily rotating and positioning itself to accommodate contact prongs extending into the openings I2. `The contact fingers 30 and 32, which rotate jointly with the cover, will thus a1- ways be disposed in alignment with the opening I2, whereby 4they may be readily engaged by the contacts extending therethrough.

Referring now to Figures 8 to 10, inclusive, the same swiveling construction as provided by the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 7, inclusive, is

disposed herein, but is shown as applied to a4 threaded plug instead of a contact prong or push plug. The cover member 45 shown in Figures 8 and 10 corresponds in design to the cover member 8 of the previous embodiment. This cover member is provided with corresponding openings, for the reception of prong contacts, and has corresponding contact ngers 30 and 32 disposed therein Vand rotatable therewith for extending the electrical circuit from the contact fingers of a push type or end connection plug of an electric cord to the connector. The receptacle 48, shown in section vin Figure 10, is substantially cupshaped in form; and is provided with an outwardly extending shoulder portion extending under and aligned with the cover 45. About the cylindrical portion of the receptacle 46 is disposed a metallic shell member 41 having threads formed thereon adapted to be engaged in suitable threads formed in a wall socket or the like. This is of standard construction, and needs no specific description. n

Adjacent the lower end of the receptacle 48, and extending thereacross is an insulating washer 48, which is centered about the extending portion 49 of the stem I6'. A flanged cup-shaped member 50 formed of metal, is disposed in inverted position on the insulating washer 48, and solder or the like is poured therein, and secures the head I of the exending portion 48 of the stud I6 to the metal cup 50, forming one terminal of the plug. The other terminal comprises the laterally extending portion 44 of a terminalf contact similar to the prong 1 of the embodiment shown in Figure 1, whichis bent upwardly at 52 within a suitable cut-out portion of the receptacle 46, and is soldered or sweated to the inner periphery of the metallic threaded cylinder 41 to extend the electrical circuit from contact 32 to the threaded member 41 providing the other terminal of the plug. The washer 48 is secured against rotation by interlocking engagement with two ex- The friction of rotationV tending tongue portions 53 formed at the lower end of the receptacle 46. The operation of the structure is the same as described in connection with the previous embodiment, the only variation from the structure shown in Figures 1 to '7, inclusive, being the formation of the terminal portions of the member, since the prongs 8 and 1 are replaced by the terminals 5i and 41.

Referring now to the embodiment shown in Figures 11 and 12, this shows a duplex type of wall socket or receptacle provided with swiveling connections of the type previously described. A pair of rotatable cover members 55, corresponding in design and construction to the covers 8 and 45 of the previous embodiment, are provided, and are mounted upon a pair of extending stud members 56 and 51 secured in a single housing 58 which extends behind the wall plate or facing plate 58. 'I'he extending ends of the studs 56 and 51 are joined by a substantially T-shaped connecting member 58, which member has`a down-turned portion 6| provided with a screw or terminal lug 62 for securing a conductor thereto. This construction is shown in detail in Figure-12. 'I'he other terminal, indicated at 83, corresponds to the terminals 44 and 44 of Figures 3 and 10, but is extended between the two studs 56 and 51, the housing 58 being provided with cutout portions indicated at 54, which accommodate the insertion oi' the terminals 53 thereinto. The two terminals 63 of the duplex socket are joined by an integral tongue 55, which is provided with a terminal nut 66 for connecting an electrical conductor thereto.

The internal construction of each of the outlet sockets formed in the receptacle shown in this embodiment is the same, and is identical with the construction shown in the embodiments of -Figures 1 and 8. Thus, two contact fingers 38 and 32 are provided, and are alined for rotation with the openings I2 formed in the cover members 55 for engaging contact prongs inserted through these openings. Also, the bearing engagement between the contact clip 4'I and the raised bearing surface 43 is the same as previously described, and extends the circuit from the contact finger 32 to the terminal 85. In the same manner, the circuit from the contact iinger 38 is extended through the sleeve 21 to the stud members 56 and 51, and thence through the terminal member 68 to the terminal lug 62.

It will be noted that in each of the three embodiments described, the construction of the swivel connector structure and cover is identical, being embodied in three different types of receptacles. It is thus apparent that the swiveling connection means of 'the present invention may be equally well appliedto a separate contact plug of the push type or of the threaded socket type, or may be formed within a wall outlet or receptacle of either single or duplex construction.

In Figures 13 to 17, inclusive, I have shown a swivel connector of the present invention as applied to the connection between an electric cord and an electric iron or similar electrically operated appliance. The ordinary type of insulated handle or similar disconnect means is shown at 61, having oppositely disposed finger portions 68 and 69. Depending from a recessed portion lthereof is a relatively strong helically coiled spring member 18, within which extends the two conductors 1I and 12 which extend the circuit to the electrically operated mechanism within. the appliance, there ordinarily being a terminal socket carried by the resilient spring means 18 and which extends over a pair oi' contact plug terminals secured to the appliance.

A ilexible electrical cord is indicated at 13, and has the conductors 14 and 15 disposed therein in insulated relationship. This cord 13 is adapted to enter into a cup-shaped socket 16 through a resilient supporting means, comprising a spring member 11 provided with an upper flanged cap member 18 forming a smooth guideway for the cord 13, to prevent abrasion of the insulation thereof.

The insulated handle 81 is provided with a recess 19, and the base portion of the recess 19 is provided with a raised boss portion 88 corresponding to the boss portion 28 of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 12, inclusive. A stud member 82, corresponding to the stud member I6, is supported in this raised boss portion, and at its lower end is connected to a terminalmember 83 having an outwardly extending portion 84 to which the conductor 1I is soldered or otherwise suitably mechanically and electrically connected. The stud member 82 at its upper end has an outwardly ilared head portion 85, which is engaged by a locking nut member 86 in the same manner as described in connection with the previous embodiment. A rotatable insulating member 81, corresponding to the cover members 8, 45 and 55 of the previously described embodiment, is provided with openings 88 through which the bared ends of the conductors 14 and 15 extend. A spring member 89 is provided for biasing the nut member 88 upwardly against the ilanged end of the stud 82, and for pressing downwardly upon a sleeve 98 corresponding to the sleeve 21 of the previous embodiment.

A pair of resilient contact iingers 92 and 93 are provided, the contact finger 92 being shown in detail in Figure 16, and comprising a base portion extending substantially normal to the stud member 22 and having an enlarged opening 94 therein which is adapted to extend about the sleeve member 98 and to bear against the flange 95 formed at the lower end of the sleeve member.

At its upper end, the contact finger member 92 is provided with a notch or similar cutout portion 95, which is adapted to extend over and receive the bared end of the conductor. It is to be understood that any suitable conductor engaging means may be provided at the free end of the contact iinger.

The contact nger 92 therefore extends an electrical connection from the conductor 15 through the contact finger, through the sleeve 98, and the stud 82 to the terminal 83, and thence to the conductor 1i. The contact finger 93 is similar to the contact finger 92, but is provided with `an enlarged opening of greater diameter than the opening 94 of the contact finger 92. This contact ringer is mounted about an extending portion of the member 81, which is formed of insulating material, and is spaced from the contact nger 92 by an insulating member indicated at 91. The insulating member 91 corresponds generally to the insulating member 3| interposed between the contact fingers 38 and 32 in the embodiment shown in Figures i to l2,

inclusive.

The upper surface of the inwardly extending portion of the contact nger 93 is engaged by a contact member indicated generally at 98 in Figure 17, this member having an opening 99 therein iitting over the lower extending end of the member 81, and having a pair of upwardly extending contact fingers |88, which are adapted titi g released from the member 8l.

to be engaged by corresponding upwardly extending arms |02 formed integral with and carried by a contact member |03 corresponding to the contact member v4| of Figure 6, the arms |02 corresponding to the arms 40 shown in this figure. These arms have relative sliding engagement therebetween, the lower end of the member |03 being provided with a raised truste-conical contact surface |04 adapted to have bearing engagement about a corresponding surface |05 formed on terminal member 06 which extends downwardly through the opening |01 formed below the recess i9 of the member 6l, and "which is adapted te be engaged mechanicallyan'd electri cally by the bared end of the conductor 1.2.

The sont #t linger 93 therefore extends van electrical circuitirom the conductor "i4 through theiinger di?, and thence through the Contact clip 98 and its extending arms E00 to the extending arms lili of the member |03, and thence through the corresponding contact surfaces idd and l05 to the terminal 06 and conductor l2.

The principal features of the construction shown in Figure 14 correspond to the construc=-I tion shown in Figures 3 and 1G, the cup-shaped member l@ being slid downwardly over the member 8l and engaging bowed portions of the contact ngers .t2 and S3 to force these lingers into tight contacting engagement with the bared ends of the conductors 'I4 and l5. The cord "i3, the receptacle lli, the member dl, and the contact fingers and the member S83 are all rotatable about the stud 82, so that any tendency oi the cord lil to twist or llink, is eliminated by this swiveling connection. 'lo disconnect the lamp cord, all that is necessary is to slide the member upwardly, which releases the pressure against the contact lingers 92 and Q3, and allows the b-ared ends 'lll and lt of the conductors to be @rdinarily how-= ever, the cord is maintained in connected position, the connection to and disconnection lfrom the appliance being accomplished by the terminal socket disposed below the spring lil, or by a disconnect plug carried at the opposite end of the cord i3, which is engaged within a current-conEn necting receptacle similar to that shown in any of the embodiments described in connection with .Figures l to l2.

lin Figures 18 to 2l, inclusive, l have disclosed a swivel connection of the construction described previously, adapted for use in a trouble lamp socket or the like.

ln this embodiment, a trouble lamp or light bulb is indicated atv and is adapted to be ses cured within a socket H2 carried within a. substantially cylindrical holder H3 having an an-n nular flange lid at its upper end. Mounted below the flange ||4 about the surface of the holder H3 is a clamp member H5, which is provided with a plurality of guard members H5 forming a cage enclosing the bulb |i0 and protecting the same from mechanical injury.

The holder H3, below the socket 2, is provided with a portion H1 of reduced diameter, which at its lower end is provided with an annula.: peripheral bead 8 having a corresponding annular groove ||9 formed on the inner surface thereof. A cup-shaped receptacle is adapted to be inserted into the lower end of the holder 3, and is preferably formed of insulating material or the like. This corresponds to receptacle 5 of Figure 1. The member |20 is provided with a raised boss portion |22, through which a stud 1. member |23 extends, the stud member |23 being lprovided with opposed cut-out portions provided with an outwardly ared head portion |24 having bearing engagement Awith a nut member |25. At its opposite end, the stud member |23 extends'through the boss |22 of the receptacle |20, and itshead portion is secured over and mechanically and electrically connected to a terminal lug |26, which carries aneyelet |21 at its free end, the eyelet |2'| being adapted to receive a conductor |28 which is soldered or otherwise secured thereto. The conductor |28 extends upwardly and is connected to the terminal |29 of the socket member H2. n

Extending through the base portion of the receptacle |20 is a second eyelet |30, which is adapted to receive the conductor 32, the conductor being soldered or otherwise suitably secured therein, and extending upwardly and being connected to the terminal H33 of the soclret H2. The socket |62 is thereby electrically connected to the stud |23 and to the eyelet H30 carried by the receptacle i20'.

Mounted over the boss portion 22, `and rigidly secured in position by the eyelet EV is a termi@ nal member i3d, correspondingto the members i015, 40 and tt of previous embodiments, and

f which forms an opposite terminal connection for the conductor 632 The trouble lamp cord 35, which is connected to a suitable'source of electrical current supply, has the two conductors' l3t and i3l thereoi connected respectively to the terminals @3S and it@ formed within the cup-shaped terminal socket idd which surrounds the conductor 935.

A cover member ist, provided with a cylindrical extending portion, is mounted for rotation about the stud 23, and the cylindrically extending portion thereof extends into the receptacle G25. A pair oi contact terminals, indicated at M3 and i463, are connected through stud members M5 and tdt to rminal members i4? and idd, which extend the electrical connections irom the terminals [H33 and Mt to the terminals i3d and the stud member' i123, respectively, through the same type ci contacting engagement as described in connection with Figures 13 to l'l, inclusive. The terminal portions iii@ and l of the cover member M2 extend outwardly from the cover M2, and are provided with annularly grooved portions idd, which areadapt'ed to be engaged with suitable camming terminals or Vplates and ibi connectedto the terminal vlugs |30 and E39. These camming terminal plates |50 and |56 are so formed that the ter mina] portions 43 and |44 may rst be positioned and extend therethrough as shown in dotted lines in Figure 20. Upon rotation of the member 40, which is provided with a shoulder `upon which the terminal cam plates E50 and |5| are supported, the terminals |43 and |44 are locked, by means of the annular grooves |49 formed therein, in the position shown in full lines in Figure 2U, whereby the member |40, together with the conductor |35, is mechanically and electrically connected to the cover |42, and is mounted for' conjoint rotation therewith. Since the cover |42 is rotatable about the stem |23, it is apparent that a swiveling connection is provided, so that the cord |35 will have no tendency to become kinked or twisted. A suitable insulating member |55, shown in Figure 21, is |56' through which thev terminals |43 and |44 are adapted to extend down into engagement with the camming plates |50 and |5|, whereby the member- |40, and terminnal lugs |38 and |38, are insulated with respect to the cover |42.

In the assembly of the construction shown in this embodiment, the socket |I2 is first mounted in the position shown, with the conductors |32 and |28 connected thereto and being of suicient length to extend outwardly of the lower end H8 of the holder. The receptacle member |20 is then connected, by means of the eyelets |30 and |21, to the conductors |28 and |32, and is then moved inwardly into locking engagement with the peripheral bead ||9 of the holder, the conductors |28 and |32 being at the same time forced into the space |51 in the holder.

After the receptacle |20 has been placed in position, the cover |42 being mounted thereon for rotation as previously described, the 'conductor |35, which has its conductors |38 and |31 connected to the camming plates |50 and |5|, is locked in position with respect to the terminals |43 and |44 by being inserted over the terminals and then rotated to lock the terminals in the position shown, as previously described. This completes the electrical connection to the light member ||0.

It is apparent that the present invention proi vides a basic construction for a swiveling connection which may be employed in connection with a multiplicity of different types of swivel electrical connections, and which may be disposed either at the wall outlet or receptacle, being formed as a part of the wall outlet, or as a separate and individual prong or push type of plug or socket type of plug, or may be provided for effecting connection between an electric supply cord and an electrically operated appliance, such as a trouble lamp or electric iron or the like.

The principles embodied in the present invention, as shown, are applicable to a wide variety of uses, of which only a few have been shown and described herein. I therefore do not intend to limit myself to the exact applications of the invention which have been .shown and described in detail herein, but only as dened by the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. swiveling connector means for extending electrical circuits from a pair of spaced contact members carried by a rotatable insulating rnember to a pair of fixed terminals, comprising a central post connected to one of said terminals and having bearing means for supporting said insulating member for rotation thereabout, a contact sleeve carried by said insulating member and having contacting engagement with said post, means for supporting one of said contact members on said sleeve, a second contact member having rotative contacting engagement with the other of said fixed terminals, said second contact member having opposed diverging contact arms, and an intermediate contact member extending between the otherfof said spaced contact members and having corresponding arms resiliently engaging said contact arms, whereby said second contact member is locked `for conjoint rotation with said other of said spaced contact members.

2. Means providing a swiveling connection between an electric cord and an electrical current supply outlet comprising a cup-shaped receptacle having )terminal members extending to the outer surface of said receptacle, a post extending axially in said receptacle and having engagement with one of said terminal members, an insulating cover member having bearing means engaging the extending end of said post providing for rotation of said cover thereabout, said cover having opposed openings for receiving contact members carried by said cord, contact fingers carried by said cover within said receptacle adapted to be engaged by said contact members, means for connecting one of said fingers to said post, means resiliently spacing said cover out of engagement with said receptacle and providing an electrical connection between the other of said contact ngers and the other of said terminal members, and spring means-tending to urge said cover axially inwardly of said housing.

3. Means providing a swiveling connection between an electric cord and an electrical current supply outlet comprising a cup-shaped receptacle having terminal members extending to the outer surface of said receptacle, a post extending axially in said receptacle and having engagement with one of said terminal members, an insulating cover member having bearing means engaging the extending end of said post `providing for rotation of said cover thereabout,

said cover having opposed openings fox-.receiving contact members carried by said cord, contact fingers carried by said cover within said receptacle adapted to be engaged by said contact members, means for connecting one of said fingers to said post, means resiliently spacing said cover out of engagement with said receptacle and providing an electrical connection within said receptacle between the other of said contact fingers and the other of said terminal members, and

spring means tending to urge said cover axially inwardly of said housing, said spring means being independent of the electrical circuit through said connection.

4. In a swivel connector oi' the class described.

means for extending a circuit connection from a rotatable contact finger to a fixed terminal, comprising a first contact-carrying member having a contact surface having rotatable bearing contact with said terminal, said member having extending contact arms, a second contacting member mounted for conjoint rotation with said rst contact member and having extending arm portions resiliently engaging the arms of said first member for rotating said first member about said contact surface upon rotation of said contact finger, said second contact member having a contact surface providing contacting engagement with said finger.

5. Means providing a swiveling electrical connection between a flexible electric cord and an electrically operated appliance comprising a pair of terminal conductors connected to said appliance, a terminal housing having a recess therein, a post member extending centrally of said recess and connected at its lower end to one of said conductors, a terminal member connected to the other of said conductors and extending into said recess, said member having a contact surface extending about and insulated from said post, a rotatable insulating member mounted on said post, contact fingers carried thereby, means carried by said insulating member for connecting one of said fingers to said post, resilient rotatable means connected to the other of said fingers and having a contact surface .engaging the contact surface of said terminal member, and means -member and urging said contact fingers into dit ductor cord comprising ay lamp holder, a socket therein, a receptacle carried by said holder, terminal means on said receptacle electrically connected to said socket, a cover for said receptacle having contact members carried thereby, said cover being rotatable coaxially of said receptacle, means carried by said cover for electrically connecting said contact members to said terminal means in all rotative positions of said cover, and an end connection for said cord comprising a pair of terminal lugs having camming plates connected thereto, said camming plates being adapted to connect the conductor of said cord to said contact members and to lock said end connection of said cord for conjoint rotation with said cover,

7. An electrical Wall receptacle for providing a plurality oi wall outlet connections comprising a wall plate, an insulating housing secured thereto, said housing having a plurality of spaced recesses therein havingA terminal means including a post extending axially through each of said recesses, said terminal means having a common terminal tor said posts, insulating covers for each oi said recesses mounted for rotation on said posts, spring means about said post holding said covers out oi irictional engagement Withsaid housing driving rotation thereof, contact means carried by each of said covers and disposed within said recesses,\and means for maintaining electrical connection between said contact means and said terminal means during rotation oi said covers.

3. Swiveling connector means comprising a wall plate, an insulating housing secured thereto and having spaced cylindrical recesses formed therein and alined with openings in said plate, terminal posts extending centrally through each oi said recesses, cover members disposed in said openings and rotatably mounted on said posts, opposed contact iingers carried by each of said covers and rotatable therewith within said recesses, said cover member having openings therethrough providing for access to said contact iingers Within said recesses, a common terminal iug for said terminal posts, means for connecting one of said contact iingers in each of said recesses to said posts, terminal means in each of said recesses insulated from said posts and having a common terminal lug, and rotatable resillent contact means carried by each of said covers for connecting the other of said contact fingers to said terminal means, said contact lingers being electricallyconnected to the respective terminal lugs in all rotative positions of said covers.

9. In a device of the class described, a cup portion of non-conductive material, a'plug p0rtion of non-conductive material having substantially its entire body'- rotatably mounted insaid cup portion, an elongated metallic sleeve mounted in said plug portion, a metallic shaft element operatively secured at one end to said cup portion and having a substantial portion of its length journaled in said sleeve, a means for limiting the longitudinal sliding movement of, said plug portion relative to said cup portion in both directions, a metallic collar xed to the inside bottom of said cup portion arranged concentrically with said shaft element and said plug and cup portions, a metallic ring rotatably mounted around said collar, two spring arms diametrically extending from said ring member, an elongated metallic member having notches in both of its ends for receiving the outer end portions of said spring arms respectively, an electricity conducting member connected to said elongated metallic member, an electricity conducting member leading from said sleeve, an electricity conducting member electrically connected to said shaft element, and an electricity conducting member connected to said collar.

lo. In a device of the class described, a cup portion of non-conductive material having a hollow projection arising from its inside bottom, I

a plug portion of non-conductive material having substantially its entire body rotatably mounted in said cup portion, an elongated metallic sleeve mounted in the center portion of said plug portion, a metallic shaft element secured to said cup portion and extending through said sleeve, a means for limiting the longitudinal sliding movement of said plug portion relative to said cup portion in both directions, a cone shaped metallic collar fixed around the said projection arising from the inside bottom of said cup portion, a metallic ring rotatably mounted around said metallic collar, two spring arms diametrically extending from said ring, an elongated metallic member having notches in both of its ends and receiving the outer end portions of said spring arms respectively, an, electricity conducting member connected to said elongated metallic member, an electricity conducting member leading from said sleeve, an electricity conducting member electrically connected to said shaft element, and an electricity conducting member connected to said collar.

ALBERT E'. CALDWELL.

CERTIFICATE CF CORRECTION.

Patent No. 2,15Lh555. october 25, 1958.

ALBERT E.. CALDWELL.

It ishereby certified that error-L appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiringco'rrection as foll'ows :.'Page 'I first column, line 52, claim?, for the word "drivingf read during; and that the said Letters Patent shouldbe read with this correction therein. th'at the.

same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 6th day of December, A. D. 1958.

Henry Van Arsdale (Seal) Acting Commissiener ef Patents.

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