US2164381A

US2164381A - Electrical connector

Info

Publication number: US2164381A
Application number: US65016A
Authority: US
Inventors: William T Bradley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1936-02-21
Filing date: 1936-02-21
Publication date: 1939-07-04
Anticipated expiration: 1956-07-04

Description

July 4, 1939. w. T. BRADLEY ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR Filed Feb. 21, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet l ma w Q M 9 5 a r w m m W [Fig.5

Mylar/0M Fly. 7

v ATTORNEY y 1939- w. T. BRADLEY 2,164,381

ELECTRICAL C ONNECT 0R Filed Feb. 21, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 mumm /v E INVENTOR.

W////rrm 715m d/ey 2 ATTORNEY I Patented July 4, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR William T. Bradley, Philadelphia, Pa.

Application February 21, 1936, Serial No. 65,016

9 Claims.

My invention relates to an electrical wire connecting device, and relates particularly to an electrical wire connecting device for insulated electric wires of the solid or stranded type that 6 have an insulating covering thereon.

Heretofore when making connections, splices or taps, in or to wires for conducting electricity, which have an insulating covering thereon, it has been necessary to strip the insulation from 10 the wires, and twist the bare wires together, the

wires being held together with solder or a. clamping device. In cases of wires soldered together and certain types of clamp type connectors, it is necessary to cover the splice or tap, after it has been made, with insulating material. By utilizing the method of joining wires together set forth above, considerable time and effort is spent in stripping the insulation oil. the wires, making the connection, and insulating the latter.

,0 in the event that the wires carry electricity, a certain amount of danger or injury from shock to the person making the connection is present.

-Where the soldered type of connection is used I there is a fire hazard present in the torch or 5 soldering iron used to melt the solder. Other prevailing connectors require that a line wire be out before a connection can be made to it. This.

is objectionable, due to the fact that often there is not suflicient slack in the line wire, making it diilicult to protect such a tap from strain in the line wire, a protection that is required by some of the local fire underwriters. A further objection to the prevailing wire connectors and connection methods is the cost of labor to install them...

as I overcome the foregoing objections by constructing a wire connector that wherein it is only necessary to press it into the insulation and wires to be connected together.

The object of my invention is to construct a wire connector of simple, durable, practical and inexpensive features.

Another object of my invention is to construct a connector whereby an electrical contact, may be formed between wires that have an insulating covering thereon.

Another object of my invention is to construct a connector for making an electrical connection, between insulated wires, which is provided with a contact making member, adapted to be forced through the insulating covering of the wires and engage the wires in electrical contact.

Another object of my invention is to construct a connector for making a single or double connection to an insulated line wire without cutting the line wire.

Also,

Another object of my invention is to construct a connector for electrically connecting wires that are carrying an electrical current. The connector being so constructed and applied, that the person making the application will not .be '5 shocked.

Another object of my invention is to construct a connector, for making an electrical connection between wires that have an insulating covering thereon, and wherein the feed wire of the wires connected is carrying an electrical current. The connector is applied to the wires without it being necessary to'disconnect the feed wire from its source as a safeguard to the person making the application. I 15 Another object of my invention is to construct a connector with means for making an electrical connection, that is thoroughly protected with insulation, between wires of the solid or stranded wire type and that have an insulating covering 30 thereon.

With these, and other advantages of the invention, that will be apparent during the course of the following description, in view, the physical embodiments of the invention consist of. the 93 novel combination and arrangement of parts which will be fully set forth in the following specification, claims, and accompanying drawings, in which,

Figure 1 is a side view of one modification of a connector embodying the features of invention, in which, the connector is employed to make an electrical connection between two wires that have an insulating covering thereon. The 'electrical connection, made by way of the contact mem- 86 ber in the connector, being thoroughly protected by insulating material.

Figure 2 is a sectional view, taken on line 22 of Figure l, modified to show the position of the connector parts and the insulated wires as they would be positioned before the connector is pressed together.

Figure 3 is an end view of the connector shown in Figure 1, taken on line 3-4, and shows the po-' sition of the connector parts and the insulated wires as they are positioned after the connector is pressed together.

Figure 4 is a top view of the connector as shown in Figure 1. v

Figure 5 is an exploded isometric view of the 50 connector as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, and shows the component parts of the connector, the central or body portion being comprised of moulded insulating material, and showing the wire passages blocked with integrally moulded barriers, 66

for the difierent applications of the connector.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary isometric view of a modified central or body portion, comprised of moulded insulating material, as shown in Figures and contact making elements.

and 11, and shows a modified method of blocking the wire passages with movable inserts.

Figure 7 is an isometric view of a modification Y pressed metal with knifeelike insulation piercing and contact making elements. A moulded body portion is shown dotted around the contact making feature to show the relative position of the modified contact making feature in the combination. a

Figure 9 is a side view of the connector shown in Figure 1," and shows the connector as it would appear when being used to make a single tap connection to a line Wire. Incorporated in this illustration is shown a fragmental view of a screw-driver, positioned as it would be positioned when being used as a pry, to remove the wire retaining members when it is desired to remove the connector from the wires.

Figure 10 is a side view of a connector similar to that shown in Figure 1, and shows the connector as it would appear when it is used to splice two wires together, modified to show a movable wire passage barrier.

Figure 11 is a top view of the connector shown in Figure 10, and shows the wire passages blocked with a movable wire passage barrier.

Figure 12 is a side view of a modified form of a connector, embodying the features of my invention, in which the wire positioning feature is made oi formed metal, and is comprised of two units. The view shows the modified connector being used to splice two wires.

Figure 13 is a sectional view, taken on line l3 iii of Figure 12.

Figure 14 is a top view of nector shown in Figure 12.

Figure 15 is an exploded isometric view of the modified connector shown in Figures 12, 13, and 14, and shows the component parts of the connector in this modified embodiment.

Figure 16 is a side view of a further modified form of a connector embodying the features of. my invention, in which the wire positioning feature is made of one piece of formed metal.

Figure 17 is a. sectional view, taken on line lit-l7 of Figure 16.

Figure 18 is a top view'of the modified connector as shown in Figure 16.

Figure-19 is an exploded isometric view of a connector as shown in Figures 16, 17, and 18 and shows the component parts of the connector in this modified form.

Referring in greater detail to the drawings, and, particularly to Figures 1, 2, 3, and. 4, a line wire A, is shown as being electrically connected to a double tap or equalizer wire B, by way of my improved connector. The connector is comprised of a body portion, generally designed as C, which hereinafter will be fully described, which posithe modified con- 2,164,881 that are to be broken out, when and as required,

tions the wires before the connector has been pressed together, as shown in Figure 2, and holds the wires in position after the connector has been pressed together as shown in Figure 3. The body portion C also acts as a support for the contact making feature, generally designated G, hereinafter described, and as a guide for the wire retaining members, generally designated D and E, hereinafter described.

In Figure 5, an exploded isometric view of the connector as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, attention is directed to the central or body portion, generally designated 0, of the connector. In the embodiments, shown in Figures 1 to 5, this body portion C is comprised of moulded insulating material, the central part 21 of the body portion C is in the shape of a rectangular prism, and is moulded around the metal insert F, and the dual pointed pins G, hereinafter described. The rectangular prism 21 would also be molded around the contact members G2 or G3, Figures 7 and 8,

hereinafter further described, in the event that either of these contact members G2 and G3 were substituted for members F and G in the combination.

The central member 26, of the body portion C, see Fig. 5, is of a width equal to the outside diameter of the wire on which the connector is to be placed. The central member 21 has end members 23 moulded integrally with it. Each end member 23 is comprised of four fingers 25, projecting in pairs at right angles to the upper and lower surfaces of the prism 21. Between the fingers that constitute a pair of fingers, is a notch. The notch being of a width equal to the outside diameter of the wire on which the connector is to be placed, and the fingers being of a length equal to the outside diameter of the wire on which the connector is to be placed.

It is to be understood that the pairs of fingers that project at right angles to the upper surface of the prism 21, need not be of the same length as the pairs of fingers that project at right angles to the lower surface of the prism 21, nor the notch, defined by the pairs of fingers projecting at right angles to the upper surface of the prism 21, need not be of the same width and depth as the notch defined by the pairs of fingers projecting from the lower surface of the prism 21. This difference of length, width and depth would be the case were the connector used to connect wires of different sizes together.

Fingers 25 position the wire before the connector is pressed together, and hold the wires in position when the connector is being and after it has been pressed together as shown in Figures 2 and 3. Wire passage blocking barriers 29, moulded integrally with the body portion C and between the fingers 25, comprising a pair of fingers, are arranged so that they can be broken out when the connector is being used in a single or double wire connector as illustrated in Figures 1 and 9. The central member 26 of the body portion C is slightly longer than the Wire retaining members D and E hereinafter described, thereby the end members 23, act as guides and retainers for the wire retaining members D and E.

A non-magnetic metal insert, generally designated asF, is located internally in the central member 21, of the body portion 0 or Cl. This insert, F is arranged to position and electrically connect the dual pointed pins G, hereinafter described, and is positioned when the body portion C is moulded. The insert F is arranged to reinforce the moulded insulation of the body porbody portion C. The insert F is pierced with holes 35, the holes 36 interfit with a large diameter 39 of the pins G. The holes 35 in the insert F, are arranged to position the pins G, so that the pins G, engage alternate sides of the wires to be connected, thereby deforming the wires and causing pressure contact on the pins when the connector has been installed. See Figure 4.

Pins generally designated G, are of sufficient length to pass through the central rectangular prism 2| of the body portion C, and extend beyond the upper and lower surface of the central portion 2|, a distance greater than one-half the diameter of the wires to be connected, the pins are dull pointed at each end 4i4l. The pins G are dull pointed toprevent their digging into the metal of the wires, the intent being, to have the pins slide over the surface of the wire, thereby forcing the wire to one side and deforming it. Due to the fact that there are three pins arranged to engage alternate sides of the wires, the wires would be jammed between them and thereby a pressure contact would be exerted between the.

wires and pins. In addition to this feature the pins G are dull pointed to prevent their piercing the insulating

liners

44 and 63 on the inner areuous surfaces of the wire retaining members D and E, should the pins G, project through the outer side of the wires when the connector is being installed. The pins G taper from their point 4l-4i to a large diameter 39 at their midpoint, the large diameter 39 tightly interfitting with the hole 38 in the insert F. When moulded material, sufficiently strong is used for the body portion C of the connector and it is found unnecessary to electrically connect the pins, the insert F shall be omitted from the combination.

A lower wire retaining member generally designated E, is comprised of a non-magnetic metal,

and is of a length slightly less than the length of the prism 2| of the body portion C. A lower arcuous band 43, with an insulating liner 44, conforms to the radius of the wire on which the connector is to be placed. The arcuous band 43, has upwardly extending tangent sides 45. The sides 45, being a distance apart equal to the diam eter of the wire on which the connector is to be placed, are wedge shaped on their upper ends, the wedge 41 having its larger end 5| a continuation of, and being thicker than the sides 45. The larger end 5 l of the wedge 41 forms a ridge on the outer surface of the tangent sides 45. Projecting lugs 49 definitely spaced from the larger end 5l of the wedge 41, are formed in the tangent sides '45. The lugs thus formed act as stops for the upper wire retaining member D, when the connector is being forced together.

The upper wire retaining member, generally designated D, is comprised of metal that is springy in nature and is of a length slightly less than the length of the prism 2| of the body portion C. An upper-arcuous band 53, with an insulating liner 63, conforms to the radius of the wire on which the connector is tobe placed. The

arcuous band 53 hasdownwardly extending tangent sides 55. A lower portion 51, of the sides 55, turns inwardly and engages the ridge formed by the large end 5|, of the wedge 41, on the sides of the lower wire retaining member E, when the connector is pressed together, see Figure 3, inturned portion 51 on the sides 55 further impinges on the lugs 49, of the lower wire retaining member E, and prevents the wire retaining members D and E from compressing the wires to the extent that the points 4|, of the pins G, would project through the outer surface of the wires and come in contact with the wire retaining members D and E, thereby lessening the insulating value of the connector. The portion of the sides 55, of the upper wire retaining member, that are not bent inwardly, form a lip 59, under which a pry 64 comprising a screw driver or other instrument, can be inserted, and, using the side 45 of the lower wire retaining member E, as a fulcrum, see Figure 9,

the upper wire retaining member D, can be forced off and the connector removed from the wires should it be desired.

In Figure 6, a fragmental isometric view of the body portion Ci of my improved connector, is shown a modification of the wire passage blocking member, wherein a removable barrier generally designated HI, with an extending rib IIA interfits with a groove 33A, moulded in the figures 25A of the body portion Cl. With this arrangement one or more wire passage blocking barriers HI would be supplied with each con nector, to be placed as required, or discarded, when the application of the connector on the wire is being made. The movable barriers HI would be temporarily held in place by alight film of grease on the rib MA and the groove "A, the barriers HI would be further held in place, after the application of the connector on the wires by reason of the extending lug 35A projecting under the wire retaining members DI and El when the wire retaining members are in place, see Figures ,10 and 11.

In Figure '7 is shown an isometric view of a modified form of contact making member, generally designated G2. This member would replace the members F and G in the combination shown in Figure 5, should it prove desirable. The contact member G2 is comprised of formed metal with three upwardly extending teeth B and three downwardly extending teeth 423. The metal comprising the contact member G2 is formed in such a way that after piercing the insulation of the wire, the alternate teeth engage the same side of the wire to be connected. With this arrangement, the wire is distorted and pressure contact between the teeth and the wire is formed. Lugs 463 formed on the contact making member G3 are arranged to be embedded in the formed insulating material of the body portion C2. In Fig. 7, a body portion C2 has been dotted around the contact making member G2 to show the relative positions of the two.

In Figure 8, is shown a modified form of a contact making member, generally designated (38. This member would replace the members F, and G in the combination shown in Figure 5 should it prove desirable. The contact member G8 is comprised of formed metal with three upwardly extending knife-like members 0, and three downwardly extending knife-like members 420.

The metal, comprising the contact making member G3, is formed in such a way that alternate knife-like members C and 420 after piercing the insulation of the wire, engage the same side of the wire to be connected. With sure contact between the knife-like members and the wire is formed. Lugs 460 formed on the contact making member G3, are arranged to be embedded in the formed insulating material of the body portion G3. In Figure 8 a body portion G3, has been dotted around the contact making member G3, to show the relative position of the two.

In Figure 9 is illustrated an application of my improved connector which shows a line wire A connected to a single tap wire Bo by way of my connector. I

In Figures 10 and 11 is illustrated an application of my improved connector, which'shows a wire Al spliced to a second wire Bl by way of my improved connector.

In Figure 12 is illustrated a modified form of a connector embodying the features of my invention. The illustration shows the connector used to splice a wire A4 to a wire B4. This connector, however, is adaptable to all the combinations shown for the connector illustrated in Figures 1 to 4. In this modified form the body portion of the connector is comprised of metal and sheet insulating material, hereinafter described. The wire retaining members are similar to those used with the connector illustrated in Figures 1 to 4. The contact making members are similar to those shown in Figure 5, and the modifications of the contact members as shown in Figures 7 and 8 would be applicable with modifications to this modified form of connector.

In Figure 13 is shown a sectional view of the connector as shown in Figure 12, showing the connector as it would appear when pressed together. The sectional view is taken on line l3-|3.

In Figure 14 is shown a top view of the connector as shown in Figure 12.

In Figure 15 is shown an exploded view of the modified connector shown in Figures 12, 13 and 14, in which the body portion of the connector is comprised of two. units generally designated C4 and C4A. As both units C4 and 04A are similar, the description of one unit C4 will sufiice. The body portion unit C4 is comprised of non-magnetic metal and has a base member 2 iD through which a. rectangular hole 22D is formed. The rectangular hole 22D interfits with the pin retaining member F4, hereinafter described. The

- base member MD is also 'pierced with circular holes 24D, arranged to interfit with shank of the rivets SID, hereinafter described, when the body portion unit is assembled. Extending upwardly from the sides of the base member 2ID, and at right angles to the latter are sides 26D and fingers 25D. The fingers 25D are in pairs at each end of the base member 2ID and are spaced apart a distance equal to the diameter of the wire on which the connector is to be placed. The fingers 25D, align the wire before the connector is pressed together, and hold the wire inposition when the connector is, being, and after it has been pressed.

together. Inturning sides 28D of the fingers 25D are arranged to retain the wire passage blocking barrier 29D formed on the insulating member J4, hereinafter described, in position. The inturning sides 28D, also tend to grip the wire and assist in holding the latter in place in the connector, as illustrated in Figure 14.

The insulating members, generally designated J4 and J4A of the connector body, are similar, and the description of one member J4 will suflice.

' The insulating member J4 is comprised of sheet insulating material and is the same width and length as the base MD of the body portion unit C4. Ends 29D, of the same width as the flat portion MD of the insulating member J4, are

formed on the ends of the fiat portion 21D and 5 extend upwardly at right angles to the flat portion. The ends 29D are retained in position by the fingers 25D, and associated inturned sides 28D, of the body portion unit C4. At the angle junction of the flat portion 21D, and upturned 10 removed as required when placing the connector 5 on the wires to be connected. The insulating member J4 is pierced with holes 32D. The holes 32D are arranged to definitely space and position the pins G4, hereinafter described. Other holes 34D in the member J4 are arranged to interfit with the rivets 6lD-6ID, when the connector body portion is assembled.

Insulation piercing and contact making pins, generally designated G4, are dull pointed at both ends 4ID--4I D, and taper to a large diameter 391), at their mid-point. Their mid-point is further enlarged by a flange 40D, the flange 40D being the same thickness as the pin retaining member F4, hereinafter described. The upper taper 31D, and the upper surface of the flange 40D, of the pins G4, interfit with the holes 32D in the insulating member J4. The lower taper 38D, and the lower surface of the flange 40D interfit with holes MBA in the insulating member J4A.

The pin retaining member generally designated, F4, is comprised of sheet insulating material and is rectangular in shape. It is equal in size, and interfits with the hole 221) in the body portion unit C4. The pin retaining member is pierced with holes 36D. The holes 36D interfit with the outside diameter of the flange 40D on the pins G4.

The rivets SID, BID with a shank diameter equal to'the diameter of the holes 24D in the units C4 and 04A, and the holes 34D in the insulating members J4 and J4A, are arranged to pass through these holes and be riveted over, thereby holding the body portion units C4, (34A, the insulating units J4 and J4A, the pin retaining member F4 and the pins G4 in alignment and together.

The upper wire retaining member, generally designated D4, is similar in construction and application to the upper wire-retaining member D of the wire connector illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 inclusive, has been fully disclosed above, and which description will suflice for the description of member D4.

The elements comprising the upper wire re taining member D4, have the same numerical designations on the drawings as the elements comprising the upper wire retaining member D, with the sufilx D added.

The lower wire retaining member generally designated E4 is similar in construction and application to the lower wire retaining member E of the wire connector illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 inclusive, which has been fully described above, and which description will suflice for member E4.

The elements ccnprising the lower wire retaining member E6. have the same numerical comprising the upper wire retaining member E,

.with the suffix D added.

.to 4. In this modified form, the connector body portion is comprised of metal'and sheet insulating material, hereinafter described. The wire retaining members are similar to those used with the connector illustrated in Figures 1 to 5. The contact making members are similar to those shown in Figure 5, and the modifications of the contact members as shown in Figures 7 and 8 would be applicable with modifications to this modified form of connector.

In Figure 17 is shown a cross section of the modified connector shown in Figure 16, the cross section being taken on line l'Il'|, and shows the modified connector as it would appear after it has been applied to the wires.

In Figure 18 is shown a top view of the modified connector shown in Figure 16.

In Figure 19 is shown an exploded view of the modified connector shown in Figure 16, in which the body portion of the connector is comprised of one metal unit, generally designated C5. This body portion unit is formed of non-magnetic metal, and has a base portion ME. The base portion 2 IE is rectangular in shape and is pierced with a rectangular hole 22E, that interfits with the pin retaining member F5, hereinafter described. The base 2|E is also pierced with holes E that interfit with the rivets ilE when the body portion is assembled. Extending upwardly in position when the connector is being, and

after it has been pressed together. Inturning sides 28E, of the fingers "E, are arranged tov retain the wire passage blocking barriers IIE formed on the insulating members J! and JIA, hereinafter described, in place.

The insulating members, generally designated J5 and J5 A of the connector body, are similar except for length, and the description of the member J5 willsuflice for-the two. The member J! is comprised of insulating material and is the same width as the base member ZIE of the body portion C5. Upturned ends 20E extending at right angles to the fiat portion 21E, of the insulating member J5, are retained in place by the fingers 25E and associated inturned edges 28E of the fingers 25E. At the angle junction of the hat portion 21!: and the upturned ends 29E, of the insulating member, the sheet insulation is grooved. This groove E is arranged to provide a definite breaking point, so that the end members 29E can be broken off and removed as required when placing the connector on the wires to be connected. The insulating member J is pierced with holes 3215. The holes "E are arranged to definitely space and align the pins GI, hereinafter described. Other holes E, are arranged to-interflt with he shanks of the rivets IE-4m, when the connector body portion is assembled.

The insulation piercing and contact making pins, generally designated as G5, are dull pointed at both ends E, H E and taper to a large diameter E at their mid-section. Their mid-section is further enlarged by a flange E, the flange E being the same thickness as the pin retaining member F5, hereinafter described. The upper taper HE and the upper surface of the flange E of the pins G5, interfit with holes 321?. located in the insulating member J 5. Lower taper NE, and the lower surface of the flange E, interfit with the hole ME in the insulating member J. The lower taper E, and the lower surface of the flange E, interfit with the hole IZEA on the insulating member J 5A.

The pin retaining member F5, of sheet insulating material, is rectangular in shape and equal in size to the opening E in the body portion C5, and is of the same thickness as the metal comprising the base 2 IE of the body portion C5. The pin retaining member F5, is pierced with holes "E, that interfit with the outside diameter of the flange "E, on the pins GI.

. The rivets IE with a shank diameter equal to the diameter of the holes 24E of the body portion C5 and the holes NE in the insulating member J 5 and J A, are arranged. to pass through these mem-- bers and be riveted over, thereby holding the body portion unit C5, the insulating units J5 and J 5A, the pin retaining member F5, and the pins G5 in alignment and together.

The upper wire retaining member, generally designated D5 is similar in construction and application to the upper wire retaining member D of the wire connector illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 inclusive, which has been fully described above, and which description will suflice for member D5.

The elements comprising the upper wire retaining member DI, have the same numerical designations on the drawings as the elements comprising the upper wire retaining member D, with the sumx E added.

The lower wire retaining member generally designated E5 is similar in construction and application to the lower wire retaining member E of the connector illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 inclusive, which has been fully described above, and which description will sumce for member E5.

The elements comprising the lower wire retaining member El have the same numerical designations on the drawings as the elements comprising the lower wire retaining member E, with the sufiix E added.

The application and operation of my improved connector is clearly shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4. In making the application, the wires to be connected are placed so that they are engaged by the fingers extending from the body portion, after which the wire retaining members D and E are placed over the wires. The wire retaining members are so constructed that they will engage one another in this initial position, as clearly shown in Figure 2, and due to the fact that they do engage each other, the component parts of the wire connector are held in position in this initial position. After the wires and the connector are assembled as noted above, pressure is applied to the wire retaining members. This can be by way of the fingers of your hand, or by use of pliers, hammer, or vise. The pressure exerted on the wire retaining members forces the contact making members through the insulating covering of the wires and into electrical contact with the wires as illustrated in Fig. 3. When the contact making members engage the wires within the insulating covering they distort the wire and cause pressure contact between the wire and the contact making member, as illustrated in Figure 4. It will be readily seen that this arrangement gives a substantial electrical connection between the wires to be connected, and that at all times the electrical connection is thoroughly protected with insulation, so that, either an experienced or an inexperienced person can make an electrical connection between electrical wires that have an insulating covering thereon, whether the wires are carrying an electrical current or not. The time required to make this connection would be very short, as it would only be necessary to assemble the units C, D and E together with the wire and press them together.

It will be understood that some changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of the parts, without departing from the spirit of my invention, and it is my intention to include in this application all such changes as may be included within the scope of the claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. A wire connecting device comprising a body portion, a plurality of projecting contact means in said body portion, a plurality of projecting wire positioning members on said body portion, said wire positioning members arranged to act as guides for a lower wire retaining member and an upper wire retaining member, a plurality of projecting lugs on said lower wire retaining member, said projecting lugs arranged to engage a portion of said upper wire retaining member, thereby preventing the upper wire retaining member and said lower wire retaining member from being pressed on each other further than a predetermined position.

2. A wire connecting device arranged to electrically connect wires together that have an insulating covering thereon comprising a singleunit body portion, with a plurality of projecting contact elements therein, a plurality of integrally formed wire end insulating members in said body portion as well as a plurality of wire positioning members, said wire end insulating members being arranged to completely insulate the ends of the wires that terminate in said wire connecting device as well as to be broken out as required for varied application of said wire connecting device, and a plurality of wire retaining members.

3. A wire connecting device arranged to electrically connect wires together that have an insulating covering thereon comprising a moulded single unit body portion with a plurality of projecting contact elements therein, a plurality'of interfitting wire retaining members, and a plurality of moulded movable wire end insulating members, said moulded body portion and said moulded wire end insulating members interfitting and arranged to permit the placing of said wire end insulating members in said body portion as required for varied applications of said wire connecting device.

4. A wire connecting device arranged to connect wires together that have an insulating covering thereon comprising a single unit body portion of insulating material, a plurality of metal contact members embedded in said body portion, said contact members extending in opposite directions from said body portion, said contact members extending in a plurality of groups in a definite spaced and positioned arrangement, said contact member groups together with wire positioning members extending from said body portion arranged to engage alternate sides of the wires to be connected and causing angular distortion of said wires thereby causing pressure contact between said contact members and said wires, and a plurality of interlocking wire retaining members.

5. A wire connecting device arranged to electrically connect a plurality of wires together that have an insulating covering thereon comprising a single unit body portion of insulating material with projecting contact means secured therein, a plurality of wire retaining. members, said wire retaining members interfitting by way of a plurality of wedgesand catches, said wire retaining members securely holding the wires connected on said projecting contact means of said body portion and thereby assisting in consummating the electrical connection'between said wires by way of said contact means.

6. A wire connecting device arranged to e1ec I trically connect a plurality of wires together that have an insulating covering thereon comprising a single unit body portion of insulating material with projecting contact members secured therein, a plurality of metal interfitting Wire retaining members, liners of insulating material in said wire retaining members whereby said projecting contact members of said body portion are prevented from coming in contact with the metal of said wire retaining members.

7. A wire connecting device arranged to electrically connect wires together that have an insulating covering thereon comprising a single unit body portion of metal and insulating material, a metal insert retained within and insulated from said body portion, a plurality of contact members projecting from said metalinsert, said contact members arranged to engage said wires and electrically connect them together, and a plurality of wire retaining members arranged to securely hold said wires on said contact members. 8. In' a wire connecting device arranged .to electrically connect wires together, a single unit body portion of insulating material surrounding a plurality of projecting contact elements, a plurality of wire positioning members with interfitting wire end insulating units of insulating material on said body portion, means whereby a completely insulated connection can be formed between a plurality of wires that have an insulating covering thereon by way of said contact elements in said body portion, said connecting device arranged for varied applications onthe wires connected by arranging said wire end insulating units in the required position, and a plurality of wire retaining members arranged to hold said wires in position.

9. A wire connecting device arranged to electrically connect wires together that have an insulating covering thereon comprising a single unit body portion surrounding a plurality of projecting contact elements, a plurality of projecting wire positioning members on said body portion, a plurality of wire end insulating units interfitting with said wire positioning members, and a plurality of interfitting insulated wire retaining members, the combination providing means whereby a completely insulated electrical connection can be made to a charged wire without subjecting the person making the application to shock.

WILLIAM T. BRADLEY.