US2147239A - Solderless wire connector - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 14, 1939. s. N. BUCHANAN SOLDERLESS WIRE CONNECTOR 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Nov. Z50, 1957 Feb. 14, 1939. s. N. BUCHANAN I soLDERLEss WIRE CONNECTOR 2 sheets-sheet 2 Filed Nov. so, i937 INVENTOR. STEPHEN N. BUCHANAN ATTORNEYS Patented Feb. 14, 1939 SOLDERLESS WIRE CONNECTOR Stephen N.

to The Thomas & Betts Co., vcorporation of New `Jersey Buchanan, Elizabeth, N. J., assignor Elizabeth, N. 1., a

Application November 30, 1937, Serial No. 177,182

19 claim.

The invention relates to a wire connector of the solderless type by which small wires may be easily and quickly connected and secured without the use of solder. The wire connector is of the push-in type, in that a wire is inserted within a contractile clamping member which is forcibly pushed into a connector member which contracts the, former, thereby gripping the wire and securing it within the connector.

This application is a continuation in part of my earlier application filed April 10, 1934 under Serial No. 719,828.

An object of the invention isfto produce a solderless push-in wire connector which'securely grips the wire and is assembled by inserting the c Wire in a contractile clamping member or bushing which is thenv contracted to grip the wire Y by pushing or forcing the same into a connector member, in the form of an outer sleeve orshell,

by a jawed tool such as a pair of pliers.

Another object of the invention is to produce a push-in wire connector'which nrmly grips the 1 Wire and which also resists loosening lof the wire Y and separation of the parts forming the connector when the latter or the wire is subjected n to vibration. i

Other objects will b'e seen from the following description taken in connection with the accom. panying drawings showing an example and tlie principles of the invention, in which:

Figure 1 is a disassembled View of the wire connector showing the contractile clamping member, the-,connector member ywithin which the contractile vclamping member is pushed, and the` angle means or bracket by which the wire connector maybe secured in desired position inA anv electrical circuit.

Figure 2 is a. longitudinal section through thev parts of the wire connector showing it anchoredy to the anglemeans by'swaging or rolling. A wire is shown in position 'preparatory to being inserted within the contractile clamping member.

Figure 3 is an outer end 'viewin elevation of ythe contractile clamping member.

Figure 4 is a longitudinal assembled push-in connector in which fthe contractile clamping member `is'shown contracted and gripping the wire.

they assembled wire connector of Figure 4. a

Figure A6.. shows-a solderless wire connector whose parts, excepting for internal serrations in.'

section through an` clamping Figure 5 is an outer end view in elevation"of` .to install the connector.

Figure 6 shows an assembly of the separate parts to produce a joined construction or a onepiece assembly. This view is a longitudinal section through the wire connector, with the smaller end of the contractile clamping member or bushing initially pressed only part way into the bore of the shell .and retained in this relation for its convenient commercial use, and also preparatory to expanding the bushing to make for further convenience in use as shown in the next view. v

' Figure 7 also shows an assembly of the parts, with Ythe smaller annularly rigidend of the contractile clamping member in the samevposition as before. However, the contractile clamping member or bushing arms has now been'expanded so that the wire-receiving bore is enlarged, ande` the angularity of the outer` cone has been increased. The conical clamping member now annularly engages the inner end edge of the shell bore for amore rmly seated bracing support ltherein whichv more rmly anchors the two parts together for preferred commercial use.

Figure 8 is a reduced-size longitudinal section through the wire connector of Figure 7. In ad- :L Figure 9 shows both jaws of the tool closed againstthe ends of the shell, that-ls, the tool jaw engaging the` large end of the contractile bushing has now come to rest upon the near endof theshell, thus pressing said bushing 'intofilnal position and permanently gripping the wire.v The wire insulation has moved rearwardly vby the/bushing but remains in contact with it .and is vstill'within the shell so that a neat ravel-proof wiring connection is made. Such operation is quickly efiectedand thetool may now be removed, leaving the completed wiring job as seen in Figure t.

Figure l0 is what may be-called a top view Y of the wire connector, looking down upon Figure 9, thus showing an end view of the tool when looking directly at the jaw ends in their closed position after the clamping member is pressed into the shell.

Figure il shows the large end of the contractile clamping member or bushing, as used in Figure 6, or before it is expanded.

Figure 12 is a longitudinal section through Figure 11, also showing the contractile clamping member or bushing, as used in Figure 6, or before it is expanded.

This push-in wire connector is particularly desirable because it can be readily assembled without hammering it. A jawed tool, in the form of pliers, is used to press the parts together to make a solderless electrical connection. This push-in wire connector can be easily assembled to firmly grip the end of a wire and also lock the connector parts onto the wire. One difficulty with previous solderless wire connectors has been that when subjected to vibration the connector parts would unloosen. The push-in wire connector described herein has successfully withstood vibration ltests Without loosening of the wire or the two parts forming this connector.

The push-in wire connector of the invention comprises a connector member or shell I0 having a straight or cylindrical bore II therethrough. The connector member I0 also has a neck or reduced portion I2 which is inserted within the opening I4 of an angle means or member I5 forming an anchorage means. The neck I2 is then rolled or swaged or otherwise expanded to secure the connector member I0 to the angle strap or member I5. The connector member is relatively thin walled so that the latter will be capable of some degree of distortion as will appear more y fully hereinafter. The method shown of securing the connector member I0 to the angle means I5 is merely illustrative, and any other method of securing these two parts together is contemplated. Clearly, the two parts I0 and I5 may be integral if desired, although from a manufacturing standpoint the construction shown is preferred. Again, any anchorage'means, other than the angle member I5, may be utilized for securing the connector member to other structure. The angle means I5 carries one or more perforations or holes I6 for receiving bolts or screws, not shown, for securing the connector in desired position. The connector member I0 and the angle member I5 together may be regarded as the receiving means for the clamping bushing next described.

A contractile or resilient clamping member in the form of a bushing 20 has a bore 2| through which the end of the Wire W is inserted. The bore 2l may have an enlarged or tapered end 22 in order to more easily insert the wire end W into the bore 2 I. The outer surface 23 of the clamping member 20 is conical. The small diameter end of the conical clamping member is substantially the diameter of the cylindrical bore II in the connector member I0 and preferably is the same 'diameter or a close t therewith. The taper of the outer surface 23 of the contractile member 20 is such that the diameter at its larger end is greater by preferably 15nd of an inch. As an example, the contractile clamping member 20 is -gths of an inch outside diameter at the smaller end and is Blinds of an inch outside diamammesse eter at the larger end. In this example, the straight bore il of the connector member lll is also feths of an inch.

The contractile bushing or clamping member 20 is made contractile preferably by a pair of longitudinal slots 24 which extend from the larger diameter end of the clamping member and terminate at a point spaced from the smaller diameter end. Any suitable number of slots or cuts 24 may be used. The contractile member 20 has a biting or locking shoulder 25 which preferably extends around the entire circumference of the clamping member. 'Ihis shoulder is formed by a circumferential groove in the outer surface of the clamping member. The shoulder 25 is adjacent to the ends of the longitudinally extending slots 24 and faces towards the larger diameter ,end of the contractile clamping member 20. Be-

cause of the taper of the exterior surface 23, the diameter of the clamping member 20 at the shoulder 25 is larger than or makes a close lit with the bore I I in the connector member I0 and forms thereby a press or push t with the connector member. The shoulder 25 it will be noted is also at a point where the clamping member is not contractile so that this shoulder, it is believed, bites into the cylindrical bore II and not only firmly secures the clamping member 20 therein, but also 'contributes to the resistance offered by the wire connector against loosening when subjected to vibration.

The push-in Wire connector is assembled with a wire in a manner now to be described.` The wire W has the insulation removed from. the end thereof and this wire is projected throughV the bore I I of the connector member I0 and then the bore 22 of the contractile clamping member 20 is pushed onto the bare or clean end of the wire so that the wire preferably projects through the clamping member 20. The small end and biting edge 25 of the clamping member is placed into the bore I I and a jawed tool, like a pair of pliers, may then be used to force the contractile clamping member 20 allthe way in the bore II and collapse it around the wire. The conical exterior surface 23 slidably engages the cylindrical bore II in the connector member which forces contraction of the former to collapse upon and firmly grip the wire W, as shown in Figure 4.

The contractile clamping member 20 is pressed far enough into the bore II by the,jaws of the pliers so that the left-hand annular edge of the resilient clamping member, as viewed in Figure 4, will be all the way inside and spaced from the end of the connector member I0. The clamping member 20 is of such diameter that it distorts or expands the resilient connector member Il), and after the clamping member passes within the end of the bore, the expanding or disto. ting pressure is removed so that the natural resiliency of the connector member forms a shoulder which locks the clamping member in wire clamping position. The contraction of the connector member I0, or the shoulder formed by the natural distortion and resiliency thereof, and the biting o f the ring 25 into said member I0, holds the clamping member 20 from being vibrated out of the connector member and particularly in a direction to the left, or in the direction in which the clamping member was inserted.

In aid of a more securely final locking and clamping of the bushing 20 and wire W Within the resilient connector member Ill, a second biting edge 26 may be spaced from the end of said bushing. When this form of the contractile clamping bushing is forced into the connector member III far enough so that their respective left ends are ush or even, the sharp edge 26 will be locked behind a shoulder formed within the bore II by the contraction of the connector member around said edge. A reduced end 26n on the clamping member 20 forms a sort of an end boss adapted to be engaged by one jaw of the pliers so that the conical portion of the split bushing 2U can be pressed or sunk all the way into the bore II in order that the edge 26 lock and rmly secure itself within the shell I0. The ring or rings 25 and 26 bites into the surface of the cylindrical bore II and positively anchors the contractile clamping member therein, preventing the connector parts being loosened when subjected to vibration.

It will now be understood that one of the more important phases of this invention and the solderless connector relates to the matter of simplicity based upon the reduction of the number of parts thereof.' Such feature lnheres in this new combination, consisting of onlyv two telescoping contractile parts or an interlocking pair, to-wit, the shell I0 and the collapsible split bushing 20. The structural relation and coaction of these parts provide a means for positively locking them together on a wire W. In the illustrated example of the invention, the means in question comprises a. relationship in length of the locking pair, whereby a connector is produced which neither requires screw threads, soldering, nor a hammer to assemble it in final position.

As here shown, the external resilient shell III has a drawn or bored socket receptacle I I which is somewhat longer than, or at least as long as, the internal collapsible bushing clamp 20. The result is that the inside bushing is adapted to be sunk into and completely embraced by and locked within the outer sleeve receptacle orshell I0, so that the end or ends of the bushing are not exposed and hence are protected against any unloosened effort or vibration. The connector, therefore, cannot be unfastened without the mutilation or destruction thereof.

It is anadvantage, as Flgure.4 indicates, to press the bushing 20 home into final position by a pressure tool, in the form of pliers as distinguished from a hammer, so that both ends of the bushing 20 are just inside and spaced from the ends of the shell I0. With this arrangement, it has been found that the distorted resilient end or ends of the shell contract around and circumferentially pinch down upon the end or ends of the bushing, this according to present understanding of the unusually permanent and effective holding ability of the connector.

The central portion of the resilient shell III is under the expansive distorting force of the internal conical bushing 20. Since, however, the circumferential end or ends of the shell are freely overhanging the inside ends of the bushing, there exists a marked contracting tendency of said free ends to contract upon and shoulder down over one or both ends of the bushing. This function makes the solderless connector vibration-proof, in that the bushing and its wire cannot creep in either direction relatively to the shell.

It is not desirable to use a hammer around delicate electrical wiring, on instrument boards, and in numerous other places where positive electrical contact and connections can now be made with this connector. The use of a hammer endangers other parts, jars and vbrates other connections, and is generally uncertain and impractical. Moreover, one misdirected blow from a hammer in an unskilled hand will cut or partially cut a wire. The use of a hammer is a pronounced dilculty with certain of the previous solderless connectors.

A jawed pressure tool, such as a pair of pliers, even in the hands of the unskilled, is greatly preferred because its force is continuously and evenly applied and does not have the disadvantage of impact operations. The jaws of such a tool can be applied only to the part being assembled, and does not endanger other parts and connections. Consequently, the present invention was devised in the light of all the circumstances recounted above and for installation by using a jawed tool. The handles of such a tool afford the necessary leverage for pressing the bushing deeply into place, as shown in Figure 4. One jaw of the tool rests in a stationary manner on the right-hand end of the shell l0, while the other jaw rests in a movable manner on `the y outer end 26s of the bushing. The tool preferably has each jaw forked so as to straddle the wire W. 'Ihen by bringing the tool handles together, the movable jaw presses the bushing 20 home and sinks it deeply into the receiving shell I0, as illustrated.

It is important to note that the starting end, that is the small end of the bushing 20, does not travel to the far end of the resilient shell I0, and consequently cannot reach and impinge the stationary tool jaw resting under pressure on the right-hand end cf the shell. If that should occur, the bushing would not fully and completely enter the front end I2 of the shell. This capability of the bushing to fully enter the shell II), so that the two ends of the bushing are spaced from the two ends of the shell, possesses an unusually permanent locking function, as heretofore described. This is all brought about by the use of a suitable pressure tool, safe in its use around sensitive instruments and wiring. The handles of such a tool are simply actuated or brought together until the movable jaw, resting on the bushing boss 26, comes to rest upon the end I2 of the shell, whereupon the sliding bushing comes to rest in a deeply interlocked position and cannot be dislodged or vibrated loose.

In view of the foregoing, it now will be understood that the capacity of the distorted shell III to circumferentially lock upon and around the ends of the bushing 20 is positive and effective irrespective of whether or not one or more or any number of circumferential biting edges 25 and 26 are employed. In other words, these biting grooves or shoulders 25 and 26, facing forwardly in the direction of the bushing end 26, also act to anchor the bushing within the shell and may add somewhat to the effectiveness of such anchoring function. However, it is seen that one or more spaced biting rings 25 or 26 may or may not be necessary, depending-somewhat upon the structural design, the requirements of manufacturing procedure, and the size and capacity of the connector.

It is also pointed out that the design and conopposing forces, first that of the jawed tool which is pressing the conical bushing into the shell, and

, second the resisting capacity of said resilient shell against expanded distortion which denitely reacts by contracting around the bushing and more especially around the bushing end or ends. In this fashion, the slotted or cut bushing exercises a powerful grip upon the bare wire end W. Ordinarily, the end of the insulation can be thrust into the shell and jammed up tightly against the small end of the bushing, and thus a neat wiring connection is made.

A further feature of importance making for the utility of this solderless wire connector resides in the fact that the two contractile telescopically interlocked connector parts I0 and 20 are so made that they can be or are initially assembled as one step in the manufacture thereof. These two joined parts, therefore, are held together as a unit or a one-piece device for convenience in handling. One preferred form of the bushing 20 is represented in the drawings, wherein the plurality of slot means 24 cut completely through the large contractile end of the bushing clamp, said slot means also extending longitudinally toward the smaller end, but. not cutting through said smaller end. In this way, the smaller bushing end remains rigid; and this rigid end can be easily placed or inserted part way into one end of the shell I0 by light pressure and positively held there by friction, doing so without collapsing the contractile end. Thus, the larger end of the contractile bushing projects all the way out from the end of the shell after the device is manufactured, and remains in that form until the connector is actually used on a Wiring job.

The foregoing initial assembly at the factory can be done by hand or by an automatic insert# ing machine which merely sets the small end of the bushing only a part way into one end of the shell I0, but not far enough thereinto as will cornpres's or collapse the large contractile end of the bushing. Consequently, the solderless connectors made in accordance with this invention are assembled at the factory and conveniently remain intact until the mechanic is ready to use them on the job. He simply picks up the connector, both parts of which are joined, and inserts the wire W into the free end of the shell I0, that is, the end not carrying the bushing 20, and he then projects the wire on through the bore 2|, 22 of the bushing. His jawed tool is then applied like a pair of pliers as heretofore described, and the bushing 20 is rammed home the remainder of the distance into the shell and actually sunk deeply thereinto with the result that the several bushing jaws, formed by the slotted means 24, collapse upon the wire and grip it to the shell I0.

On the other hand, previous two-part solderless wire connectors of the non-screw-thread type have not been produced in a manner for convenient handling. More generally, some of them have merely included the bushing alone lfor use in limited elds, and not only do they require a. hammer forinstallation thereof, but otherwise they do not fill the need felt for a fool-proof and vibration-proof solderless connector of complete form which remains intact, and still expanded with a wide open bushing, ready for use. Some forms of previous connectors very frequently had to be unscrewed or taken apart by the user before he could insert the wire, thus subjecting the parts to awkward use, as well as loss, and the additional time required in reassembling them. All

such disadvantages are eliminated by this invention because the mechanic on the job does not take this connector apart when he inserts and fastens a wire thereto.

In the example of the invention shown, the views are purposely enlarged, over the usual standard and commercial size of the connectors, this for clarity in illustration. It will be understood that to a great extent, the general run of small electrical wiring connections necessarily require small size connectors. Consequently, the trade very largely requires connectorsl of much smaller size than shown in the enlarged views of the accompanying drawings.

In the wire connector described, the use of screw threads, as well as solder, to fasten the parts and anchor the wire, has been eliminated. Neither of those previous methods is vibration-proof, since indeed solder sometimes fractures loose and threaded parts unscrew.

By way of explanation, the words #consisting of have been used in this disclosure to denote that the invention in certain phases thereof is based upon the elimination or absence of other things or elements of structure, and when so used is restricted to the embodiment of the parts actually recited.

Figures 6 through l2 illustrate the above-described solderless wire connector as a one-piece device, and also show how it is used in connection with a jawed tool, in the nature of pliers P. The wirer connector is like that illustrated in Figures l through 5, excepting that the bushing 20 has four slots 24, thus dividing it into four clamping arms, instead of two slots forming two arms first illustrated. The two-arm bushing is readily used on small wires, and the four-arm bushing is well adapted to larger wires. As previously explained, any number of slots, to provide any number of bushing clamping arms, may be used.

In Figure 6, the wire connector comprises the two telescopically interlocking contractile parts heretofore described, the conical bushing 20 being received into the shell I0 to attach a wire to the connector. As before, the slots 24 cut through thelarger end of the bushing and terminate at a point 28 spaced a short distance from the smaller end adjacent a ring 29 forming the small rigid end which carries the biting edge preferably of annular form.

When the rigid or ring-like end 29 of the bushing 20 is short or comparatively thin longitudinally as shown, it preferably has a diameter, particularly at 25, slightly larger than that of the bore I l so that it has a press iit within the bore. The bushing is pressed partially into the sleeve or shell, and because of -its press flt remains permanently aixed to and protruding therefrom, without anycontraction of the bushing, as shown in Figure 6 or '7. 'I'his is due to the fact that the bushing is not inserted far enough to initiate the collapsing movement of its arms, since the conical surface 23 has not yet been acted upon by the shell.

This wire connector, as shown in Figure 6 or 7, provides a two-part device completely assembled and ready for use. vWith the two parts initially pressed together, there is little likelihood of the two parts becoming separated with the resulting inconvenience of handling loose parts. The two parts are permanently held together and do not have to be separated in making ready to fasten a wire to the connector.

The wire bore 2|, at the smaller end of the bushing, communicates with a conical mouth or wire-piloting bore 22 of increasing size, whereby the bare` end of the wire W is more readily started by guiding it into the bushing. The bore 2| and enlarged mouth 22 meet at a juncture line or throat 30 which is spaced somewhat forwardly from the bottom ends 28 of the slots, as shown for example in Figures 2, 6 and '7. This structural arrangement has advantages, later explained, arising out of increasing the internal diameter of the wire bore and hence at the throat 30 when the bushing 20 is expanded, as in Figure 1.

The wire bore 2| is preferably serrated to simulate screw threads, or is roughened so that the wire is more firmly gripped by the bushing and a` better electrical connection is established with the wire. The serrations also make for increased contraction or collapsing movement of the bushing arms when they move inwardly. ySuch action follows because the wire cold flows into the interstices of the serrations by reason of the pressure exerted as the bushing arms close inwardly on the 'slots 24, have been spread apart or expanded,

preferably after the bushing is inserted part way into the shell. It will be observed thatthe slots 24 extend into the conical mouth 22 somewhat beyond the throat line 30, so that in expanding the clamping arms the bending axis thereof is adjacent the rigid ring 29 at the small end of the bushing. i A

As further observed in Figure 7, the outward bending or expansion of the bushing clamp arms enlarges the wire bore 2| throughout, and particularly at the throat 30 which is the point of wire entry that really is the determining factor of the wire size adapted to be received into the bushing. Thus, enlargement of the bushing throat 3B makes for quicker insertion of the maximum wire size for which a given connector is manufactured. -As a matter of fact, the wire bore 2| may be made slightly smaller for a given wire size for which the connector is manufactured, due to the increase in size of the bore at its throat 30, and this important feature makes for increased strength of the wire connection because it promotes maximum cold flow of the electrical wire into the bore serrations. l f

It is clear that the increase in size of' the wire bore 2|, in Figure 7, at the throat or line 30 will depend upon the depth to which the slots 2l are cut into the conical mouth 22 beyond said throat line .30. In other words, if the slots extend well into the conical mouth 22, then a somewhat larger increase in throat size occurs at the annular line the bushing 20 also increases the angularity of the outer cone surface 23, as noted in Figure '1.

In this way, the outer surface of the bushing arms is expanded into tight engagement with the annular inside entrance edge at the front end /of the shell bore Il, and thus the bushing is rmly seated and braced within the shell to more rigidly anchor the two parts together. It is noted that not only is the biting edge 25, with its backing ring 29, seated part way within the shell lli, but that the outer conical surface of the bushing also is seated against the entrance edge of the shell end just forward of the ring 29. This provides two spaced annular seating contacts between the two connector parts I0 and 2li, or more particularly increases the length of contact therebetween. Such feature further insures the permanency of the two-part assembly remaining together as a one-piece device after its manufacture.

In connection with the foregoing, it depends somewhat upon how far the conical bushing 20 is set into the shell III, as in Figure 6, as to the amount of annular clearance existing between it and the shell, which clearanceis pointed out by the rigid ring 29 carrying said locking shoulder. It is this groove of increasedconicity adjacent the ring 29, shown in both sheets of drawings, which defines the annular clearance space 23 between the bushing and the entrance edge of the bore and permits the projecting end of the bushing to be expanded by which to attain the advantages of Figure 7.

The annular clearance 23 in Figure 6 is closed when the arms of the bushing 20 are expanded, and thus disappears as seen in Figure 7. In this Way, the two telescopic parts are more firmly secured together in tight relation and, as in Figure 6, remain attached after manufacture, so that any amount of Vhandling will not cause looseness to develop between the parts. Again it is noted that it is not necessary or possible to separate the two connector parts preparatory to attaching a wire to this connector. The latter disadvantage is characteristic of a number .of solderless wire connectors in the prior art. There is neither separation of parts nor screw threaded members with which to bother or lose time in the use of this solderless wire connector.

In Figure 8, the connector is shown with a wire lW inserted preparatory to attaching it. lThe insulation I has been removed from the wire end, and the bare wire is inserted into the wire bore 2|, with the insulation up against the smaller diameter end of the bushing. The jaws of a suitable tool, such as pliers P, are used to press the bushing the remainder of the way into the shell ill. One jaw engages the outer end of the bushing 20 and the other jaw rests upon the far end xof the shell, so that the one-piece connector lies between the two jaws.

One jaw of the tool P may have a notch or groove so that the bare end of the wire W, l

which sometimes projects from the end of the bushing 20; does not interfere with engagement of the tool jaw against the bushing. The other jaw has a larger groove so that it may rest upon the far end of the shell. Thus, the twoaxial slots in the tool jaws permit the latter to readily embrace the small bare wire extremity and also .the larger insulation,'with the connector parts between the jaws, so the bushing and shell may be easily telescoped into a finally locked and inseparable position. v l

Upon squeezing the tool jaws together, the bushing 2li is rmly pressed into the shell it), and because itsbore ll is cylindrical and the outer surface 23 of the bushing is conical, the bushing arms are contracted so that the wire bore 2l is reducedl substantiallyin diameter and grips the bare wire. The boss 26E upon the end of the bushing, engaged by one jaw oi the tool l?, enables the bushing to be completely pushed into the bore it so that the annular biting edge 2S at the larger end is all the way inside and spaced from the end of the shell by the time the lefthand .jaw comes to rest upon the iront or near end of the shell.

When the bushing 2d is pressed into the elastic or distortable shell Il ii, the bushing arms progressively contract and an internal pressure is created outwardly against the shell, thereby expanding said shell. After the bushing has been pressed fully into position, the ends of the shell substantially overhang the biting and looking ends 25 and 2b of the bushing, and these overhanging shell ends contract or pinch inwardly to circumferentially bind and grip said bushing ends immovably within the bore of said shell.

This invention is presented to nil a need felt for a solderless wire connector. lltwill be understood that various modications in structure, as well as changes in mode or operation, assembly, and manner of use, ordinarily occur to those skilled in the art, especially after benefiting from the teachings of the invention. And so it will be understood that this disclosure is merely illustrative of preferred means of carrying the invention into effect by explaining its principles and advantages. y

What is claimed is:

l. A wire connector comprising, a connector member having a smooth and substantially cylindrical bore therein, a contractile clamping member having a wire receiving bore therein, the

contractile clamping member having a smooth conical exterior surface the smaller diameter v of which is substantially the same diameter as that of the cylindrical bore of the connector member, at least two longitudinal slots extending from the larger'diameter end and towards the smaller end of the clamping member thereby rendering `the latter contractile so that it will grip a wire when the clamping member is forced into the bore of the connector member, a circular groove in the conical surface of the clamping member adjacent the ends of the longitudinal slots where the contractile member has a larger diameter than that of the cylindrical bore, and the connector member being resilient so that this member yields and a ridge is formed therein by the groove which prevents lthe parts from vibrating loose.

2. A wire connector comprising, a connector member having a substantially cylindrical boretherein, a contractile clamping member having a l wire receiving bore therein, and the contractile clamping member having a conical exterior surface at least `part of which is larger than the bore of the connector member so that the clamping member is contracted to grip a wire when the clamping member is forced into the bore of the connector member, and the material of the conl nector member being resilient so that it yields,

the clamping member being inserted in the bore arenas@ shoulder formed by the natural distortion and resiliency of the connector member.

3. A solderless wire connector comprising, a connector member having a smooth and substantially cylindrical bore therethrough, a contractile ,clamping member -having a wire receiving bore therein, the contractile clamping member having a smooth conical exterior surface the smaller diameter of which is substantially the same diameter as that of the cylindrical bore of the connector member, at least two longitudinal slots extending from the larger diameter end of the clamping member thereby rendering the larger end contractile so that it will contract and grip a wire when the clamping member is forced into the bore of the connector member, each slot ending at a point spaced from the smaller diameter end thereby forming a rigid end with a portion thereof having a larger diameter than the cylindrical bore in the connector member, a circular groove in the conical surface of the clamping member4 adjacent the ends oi the longitudinal slots and at a point in the rigid end where the clamping member is larger than the bore in the connector member, the groove forming a shoulder facing towards the larger diameter of the contractile clamping member, the larger end of the clamping member being reduced to form a shoulder spaced .Y from this end of the clamping member, the clamping member being forced into the bore far enough so that the edge of the larger end thereof is spaced from the end of the connector member whereby the distortion of the lat -ter secures the clamping member in position against vibration.

4. A wire'connector consisting of three parts, a connector member having a substantially cylindrical bore therethrough, a contractile clamping member having a wire receiving bore therein, and an anchorage means, the contractile clamping member comprising a part having a smooth and conical exterior surface which is substantially the diameter of the cylindrical bore at its smaller end and which is larger than the bore of the connector member at its larger end so that the clamping member is contracted to grip a wire when forced into the cylindrical bore "of the connector from the larger diameter" end towards the smaller end of the clamping member thereby renderingl the latter contractile, and a circular groove in the conical surface adjacent the ends of the longitudinal slots, the clamping member being forced into the bore of the connector member so that the edge of the largeend of the conical surface of the clamping member is within the bore and spaced from the end thereof.

5. A solderless wire connector comprising a connector member having a substantially cylindrical bore therethrough, a contractile clamping member having a wire receiving bore therein, and the contractile clamping member having a conical exterior surface which is substantially the diameter of the cylindrical bore at its smaller end and which is larger than the borepof the connector member at its larger end so that the clamping mber is contracted to grip a wire when the clampingY member is forced into the cylindrical bore of the connector member, the clamping member being forced into the bore of the connector member so that the edge of the large end of the conical surface of the clamping member, which contacts with the bore, -is within the bore and spaced from the end thereof, and the connector member being resilient so that by forcing the therein, 'a clamping member having a wire re-v ceiving bore therein, the clamping member having a conical exterior surface the smaller end of which is substantially the same diameter as the bore of the connector member, at least two longitudinal slots extending from the larger diameter end and towards the smaller end of the clamping member thereby rendering the clamping member contractile so that it will contract and grip a wire when the clamping member is forced into the bore of the connector member, the clamping member being forced into the bore of the connector member so that the edge of the. large end of the conical surface of the clamping member which is in contact with the bore, is within the bore and spaced from the end thereof, and the connector member being resilient so that by forcing the clamping member into the connector member a ridge is formed at the end of the bore in back of the edge of the clamping member which prevents said members from vibrating loose.

7. A push-in solderless wire connector comprising a connector shell having a relatively thin wall and a smooth and substantially cylindrical bore therethrough, a contractile clamping member having a wire receiving bore therein, and the contractile clamping member having a smooth conical exterior surface which is substantially the diameter of the cylindrical bore at its smaller end and which is larger than the bore of the connector member at its larger end so that the clamping Amember is contracted to grip a wire when the clamping member is forced into the cylindrical bore of the connector member, the larger diameter of the clamping member being of such dimension that the clamping member can be completely forced into the bore of the connector member and so that the edge of the large end of the conical surface of the clamping member is.within the bore and spaced from the end thereof, the material of the connector shell e being resilient whereby forcing of the clamping member into the bore forms a shoulder at the end thereof which secures the clampingmember in position against vibration, and means to secure the Wire connector to some other structure.

8. A push-in solderless wire connector comprising a connector shell having a relatively' thin wall and a smooth and substantially cylindrical bore therethrough, a contractible clamping member having a wire receiving boretherein, and the contractile clamping member having a smooth conical exterior surface which is substantially the diameter of the cylindrical bore at its smaller end and Which is larger than the fing member is within the-bore and spaced from the end thereof, the material of the connector shell being resilient whereby forcing of the clamping member into the bore forms a shoulder at the end thereof which secures the clamping member in position against vibration, a boss on the large diameter end of the clamping member against which pressure is exerted to force the edge of the clamping member into the bore of the connector shell, and means to secure the 'connector to somelother structure.

9. A push-in solderless wire connector comprising a connector shell having a relatively thin' wall and a smooth and substantially cylindrical bore therethrough, a contractile clamping member having a wire receiving vbore therein,

so that the clamping member is contracted to.

grip a wire when the clamping member is forced into the cylindrical bore ofthe connector member, the larger diameter of the clamping member being of such dimension that the clamping member can be completely forced into the bore of the connector member and so that the edge of the large end of the conical surface of the clamping member is within the bore and spaced from the 'end thereof, the material of the connector shell being resilient whereby forcing of the clamping member into the bore'forms a shoulder at the end thereof which secures the clamping member in position against vibration, means to secure the wire connector to some iother structure, and the contractile clamping memberbeing shorter than the bore in the connector member so that the smaller end of the clamping member is within the bore and spaced from the end thereof.

o portion substantially shorter than the receptacle in the shell and adapted to be pressed by a jawed tool deeply into the receptacle until the I conical portion passes beyond the end of and anchorage therein; the bushing having longitudinally extending slot means cut through its larger end, whereby said largerend is made contractile to collapse circumferentially around a Wire which is adapted to be inserted into the bushing; the bushing havingits smaller end, which is held by the receptacle, inserted only part way into the receptacle to complete the connector and thusly the parts are permanently held together, with vthe larger contractile bushing end projecting outwardly from the receptacle without being collapsed, whereby the use of the connector does not require such parts to be separated in order to receive a wire thereinto.

11. A solderless wire connector comprising,in combination, -telescoping interlocked contractile parts, one of which is an outer shell having a straight bore capable of distortion when under internal pressure,rand another part forming a conically shaped bushing y.adapted -to enter one erfd of the bore and coacting with the internal surface of the bore, thereby exerting the internal pressure and effecting the distortion aforesaidy when the bushing is pushed into the bore of the shell; lthe reaction of such internal pressure and distortion serving to increasinglyucontract the bushing as its larger end is progressively forced into said shell; and slot means included in the larger end of the bushing and contracts to circumferentially bind and grip said larger bushing end immovably within the shell. Y

l2. A wire connector comprising a conical clamping member having a-circular cross section and initially an axial vwire-receiving bore therethrough; a plurality of slots extending from one end towards the other end, and terminating at a point spaced from said other end, thereby forming a ring-like portion with projecting arms having a smooth outer surface, said arms having their free ends bent outwardly to enlarge the wire-receiving bore, and to provide an axially extending tapering outer surface for each arm;

and a sleeve having a smooth cylindrical bore of a diameter substantially that of the ring-like portion, into which bore said clamping member is adapted to be forced, thereby contracting its arms around a wire adapted to be received therein.

13. A wire connector comprising a conical clamping member having a circular cross section and initially an axial Wire-receiving bore therethrough, which bore terminates in an enlarged conical wire-guide opening at one end thereof, a plurality of slots cutting through one end of the clamping member and extending therefrom toward and substantiallyinto the'v wire-guide opening and terminating at a point spaced from the other end, thereby forming a ring-like portion with projecting arms, said arms having their free ends bent outwardly to enlarge the Wire-receiving bore, and to provide an axially extending tapering outer surface for each arm; and a sleeve having a cylindrical bore which has a diameter substantially that of the ring-like portion, into which the clamping member is adapted to be forced to contract the arms and thus adapting them to grip a wire therebetween.

14. A wire connector comprising a clamping member having an axial wire-receivingl bore therethrough, which bore terminates in an enlarged conical wire-guide opening at one end of said member, a plurality of slots cutting through and extending from one end towards the other end having the conical wire-guide opening, the slots extending substantially into the conical wire-guide opening and terminating at a point spaced from the last-named end, thereby forming a ring-like portion with projecting arms an annular conical surface in the form of 'a circumferential groove 'in the outer surface of the clamping member adjacent'the termination of the slots, and the arms having their free ends expanded'outwardly to enlarge the wire-receiving bore, and to provide an axially extending tapering outer surface for each arm; and a sleeve havingla bore which has a diameter substantially that of the ring-like portion, into which the clamping'member is adapted to be forced to contract its arms, thereby adapting said clamping member to attach a wire to the sleeve.

15. A solderless Wire connector, comprising telescopically interlocked contractile parts, in combination, one part forming a shell having a cylindrical receiving bore, another part forming a bushing having a wire-receiving bore and a` conical portion substantially shorter than the rearmas@ ceptacle in the shell and adapted to be pressed by a -jawed tool deeply linto the receptacle until,

the conical portion passes beyond the end of and hence all the way intov said receptacle for a final anchorage therein; the bushing having longitudinally extending slot means cut through its larger end, whereby said larger end is made contractile to collapse circumferentially around a wire which is adapted to be inserted into the bushing; the bushinghaving its smaller end of'a diameter so that it has a press fit within the receptacle whereby it is held therein and is inserted only part way into the receptacle to complete the connector and thusly the parts are permanently held together, with the larger contractile bushing end projecting outwardly from the receptacle without being collapsed, whereby the use of the connector does not require such parts to be separated in order to receive a wire thereinto, and the bushing being expanded the length of the slot means in order to enlarge the Wire bore therein. r c Y 16. A solderless wire connector comprising, in combination, telescoping interlocked contractile parts, one of which is a cylindrical receptacle,

capable of distortion when under internal pressure, and another part forming an internal bushing adapted to be, inserted into an end of the receptacle, the bushing also being conical externally and having an engaging surface shorter than and coacting with the internal surface of the receptacle, the conical surface having a diameter greater than that of the receptacle thereby exerting the internal pressure and effecting the distortion aforesaid when the bushing is pushed into the receptacle; the reaction of such internal pressure and distortion serving to increasingly contract the bushing as it progressively slides into the receptacle by a constantly applied force from a plier-like tool, one jaw of which is adapted to press'longitudinally on .one end of said busing and the other jaw thereof to rest'upon the other end of the receptacle, the bushing having a wire-receiving bore which terminates in an enlarged conical opening at the smaller end of the bushing; slots included in the bushing extending from the larger end towards the smaller end, and terminating within the conical opening of the wire-receiving bore, thereby rendering it collapsible around a wire adapted to be inserted therein, and the bushing being expanded the lengthtof the slots to enlarge the wire-receiving bore throughout its length, "said bushing being adapted to attain its nally permanent anchorage when it reaches a position wholly within the receptacle, whereby the ends of said receptacle overhang and circumferentially pinch the bushing ends.

17. A solderless wire connector comprising, `in combination, telescoping interlocked contractile aparts, one of which is a receptacle capable of distortion when under internal pressure, and another part forming an internal bushing adapted t be carried by and projecting from one'end of the receptacle, the vbushing also being conical externally and having an engaging surface shorter than and coacting with the internal surface of the receptacle, the conical surface having a diameter greater than that of the receptacle thereby exerting the internal pressure and effecting the distortion aforesaid when the bushing is pushed to the receptacle; the reaction of such internal lpressure and distortion' serving to increasingly contract the bushing as it progressively slides into said receptacle by a constantly 75 applied force from a plier-like tool, one jaw of which is adaptedto press longitudinally on one end of said bushing and the other jaw thereof to rest upon the other end of the receptacle, the bushing having a wire-receiving bore which terminates in an enlarged conical mouth at lthe smaller end of the bushing; slots included in the bushing extending from the larger end towards the smaller end and terminating within the conical mouth, thereby rendering the bushing collapsible around a wire adapted to be inserted therein, and said slots dividing the bushing into contractile arms, a groove in the external surface of the bushing adjacent the terminations of the slots and forming a biting shoulder, the bushing being expanded the length of the slots to enlarge the wire-receiving bore and to close the clearance between the groove and receptacle by bringing the arms into engagement with said receptacle to securely anchor the bushing therein, the bushing being adapted to attain its finally. permanent anchorage when it reaches a position wholly within the receptacle, whereby the ends of the receptacle overhang the bushing and contract to circumferentially bind and grip it therein.

18. A wire connector having two parts, in combination, comprising a receptacle having an open end, a ring with a press t inserted part way into the receptacle; clamping arms integral with the ring, extending axially therefrom, and projecting from the end of the receptacle, the overall length of the ring and its arms being less than that of the receptacle; the projecting clamping arms being bent outwardly from each other and adapted to receive a wire therebetween, the wire and the arms being adapted to be anchored within the receptacle when forcing the arms longitudinally thereinto until their outer ends come to rest behind the open end of said receptac e.

19. A wire connector comprising, in combination, a sleeve, a conical bushing shorter than the sleeve and carried therein, with the sleeve ends overhanging the Abushing ends, when said bushing is all the way inside the sleeve; said bushing having a bore therethrough, and being formed with slots cutting through its larger end, extending toward its smaller end, but stopping short thereof, and thus forming an annular rigid portion on said small end; whereby the larger bushing end is capable of being expanded by bending its slotted parts outwardly relatively to the annular rigid portion, and consequently is capable of enlargement of the bore by such expansion, when the annular rigid portion is only part way in the sleeve.

S'I'EPHEN N. BUCHANAN.

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