US3334326A - Moisture proof connector for spark plugs - Google Patents

Moisture proof connector for spark plugs Download PDF

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US3334326A
US3334326A US469645A US46964565A US3334326A US 3334326 A US3334326 A US 3334326A US 469645 A US469645 A US 469645A US 46964565 A US46964565 A US 46964565A US 3334326 A US3334326 A US 3334326A
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plug
barrel
tubular
grommet
insulator
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US469645A
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Charles D Besore
Rex O Pirkle
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SKYTRONICS Inc
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SKYTRONICS Inc
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
    • H01T13/00—Sparking plugs
    • H01T13/02—Details
    • H01T13/06—Covers forming a part of the plug and protecting it against adverse environment

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  • the present invention relates generally to the internal combustion engine art and more particularly to a novel moisture proof connector for spark plugs which is especially useful with aircraft type spark plugs which are susceptible to fouling due to the accumulation of moisture and dirt in the spark plug well.
  • the subject connector is for use with a spark plug which includes a cylindrical barrel with an upper end with external threads adjacent thereto, a tubular insulator with an upper end positioned within the barrel, and a contact terminal within the insulator adjacent the lower end thereof
  • a spark plug which includes a cylindrical barrel with an upper end with external threads adjacent thereto, a tubular insulator with an upper end positioned within the barrel, and a contact terminal within the insulator adjacent the lower end thereof
  • one embodiment of the present invention includes an insulated electrical cable which includes contact means at one end thereof for engagement with the contact terminal of the plug, and a tubular grommet of resiliant material which is adaptedto fit within the barrel of the plug and which includes internal flanges for sealing engagement with the cable, an external annular projection or collar having an outer peripheral wall surface which is adapted to engage the inner wall surface of the plug barrel and which also includes a lower shoulder adapted to seat upon the upper end of the insulator of the plug.
  • a rigid tubular ferrule Positioned on the tubular grommet above the annular projection is a rigid tubular ferrulewhich has an O-ring mounted thereon, the O-ring being adapted to seat upon the upper end of the plug barrel when the aforementioned lower shoulder of the grommet projection is in engagement with the upper end of the insulator.
  • a nut is rotatably mounted on the ferrule for engagement with the threads carried by the upper end of the plug barrel, whereby when said nut is screwed onto the plug barrel, the lower shoulder of the grommet projection is forced into sealing engagement with the upper end of the insulator, the peripheral wall of the grommet projection is forced outwardly into sealing engagement with the inner wall of the plug barrel, and the O-ring is forced into sealing engagement with the upper endof the plug barrel.
  • Another object is to provide such a novel connector which is relatively simple in construction, which has relatively few parts, and which i-srelatively inexpensive to manufacture.
  • An additional object is to provide a novel moisture proof connector for spark plugs which is easy to install and service by even the most inexperienced personnel.
  • FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a novel moisture proof connector embodying the teachings of the present invention, shown installed on an aircraft type spark plug,
  • FIG. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary, vertical, sectional view of the moisture proof connector taken on the line 2-2 in FIG. 1, and
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary, elevational view of the moisture proof connector with a portion thereof shown in cross section, and with the spark plug proper shown in broken lines.
  • 10 indicates generally a moisture proof connector constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, shown in sealing engagement with an aircraft type spark plug 12 of conventional design.
  • the plug 12 includes a cylindrical metal barrel 14 with an inner wall 16, a chamfered upper end 18 and external threads 20 adjacent said upper end. Positioned within the barrel 14 is a tubular ceramic insulator 22 which has an annular upper end 24 below the upper end 18 and which forms a well 26 within the interior of the spark plug. An electrical terminal or contact 28 is contained in the bottom of the well 26.
  • the moisture proof connector 10 includes an electrical cable 30 with several layers of insulation 32 thereon, the lower end of the cable (FIG. 2) having a bushing 34 swedged thereto, the lower end of the bushing being threaded to receive a nut 36 which has a coiled contact spring 38 mounted thereon, the contact spring being adapted to engage the electrical terminal 28.
  • a tubular grommet 40 of resilient, non-conductive material such as rubber Positioned on the lower end of the insulated cable, 30, 32 is a tubular grommet 40 of resilient, non-conductive material such as rubber and which includes a sleeve portion 42 having a bottom Wall with a passageway 43 which receives the bushing 34.
  • annular, external projection or collar 46 which provides an outer peripheral Wall surface 48 of a diameter to fit within the plug barrel and engage the inner wall surface 16 thereof, an upper shoulder 50, and a lower shoulder 52 which has a groove or kerf 54 adjacent the sleeve portion, the lower shoulder being adapted to engage the upper end of the tubular insulator 22.
  • a rigid tubular metal ferrule 56 preferably made of brass, which includes a lower end 58 in engagement with the upper shoulder 50 of the grommet projection or collar.
  • an annular flange 60 which provides an upper shoulder 62 for supporting a freely rotatable hold-down nut 64 which has inner threads 66 adapted to engage the threads 20 on the plug barrel.
  • An annular groove 68 is provided in the body of the ferrule 56 immediately beneath the flange 60, and positioned in said groove is an O-ring 70.
  • the upper end of the metal ferrule 56 is chamfered as at 72 to prevent the hold-down nut 64 from hanging up during the installation of the connector, as will be discussed more fully hereinafter.
  • a wire-mesh, reinforced, insulated conduit 74 Positioned about the insulated cable 30, 32 and the upper end of the grommet 40 is a wire-mesh, reinforced, insulated conduit 74 which has the lower end thereof fastened to the upper end of the metal ferrule 56.
  • the upper end of the electrical cable 30 and conduit 74 is of conventional construction and does not form any part of the present invention.
  • the end of the connector which contains the contact spring 38 is inserted into the barrel 14 of the spark plug as shown in FIG. 3, with the outer peripheral wall surface 48 of the grommet collar 46 in a sliding engagement with the inner wall 16 of the plug barrel.
  • the nut 64 is then moved downwardly or inwardly on the metal ferrule 56 and sufficient pressure exerted by hand to cause the threads 66 of the nut 64 to engage the threads 20 of the plug barrel.
  • the nut 64 is then rotated by conventional means until the ferrule 56 and grommet 40 are fully seated within the plug barrel.
  • the axial dimensions of the connector 10 are such that when the O-ring 70 is seated on and in sealing engagement with the upper end 18 of the barrel 14, the collar 46 is compressed between the lower end 58 of the ferrule and the upper end 24 of the insulator 22.
  • the compression of the collar 46 causes the lower shoulder 52 thereof to seat on the upper end 24 of the insulator 22 in sealing engagement, and, at the same time forces the internal flange 45 into sealing engagement with the insulation 32 and the outer peripheral wall surface 48 into sealing engagement wtih the inner wall surface 16 of the plug barrel 14.
  • the groove or kerf 54 in the lower shoulder 52 provides for additional lateral movement of the peripheral portion of the grommet collar 46 so as to increase the sealing engagement thereof, both with the upper end 24 of the tubular insulator and with the inner wall surface of the plug barrel 14.
  • the contact spring 38 is in engagement with the terminal or contact 28 so as to provide an electrical connection between the cable 30 and the terminal 28.
  • the connector is relatively simple in construction and design and contains relatively few parts. Also, when the connector is fastened to a spark plug, the interior or well of the plug is sealed from the adjacent atmosphere by four different sealing surfaces, thereby preventing the entrance of moisture and dirt into the plug well. In addition, the connector can be easily and quickly fastened to an existing spark plug by even the most inexperienced personnel because it is merely necessary to insert the free end of the grommet into the interior of the plug barrel, and thereafter engage and tighten the hold-down nut.
  • a moisture proof connector for a spark plug which includes a cylindrical barrel with an inner wall and an upper end, a tubular insulator with an upper end positioned within the barrel, and a contact terminal within the insulator adjacent the lower end thereof, comprising:
  • tubular grommet of resilient material having one end thereof adapted to fit within the tubular insulator of the plug, positioned on said electrical cable adjacent said one end thereof;
  • a moisture proof connector for a spark plug which includes a cylindrical barrel with an inner wall and an upper end, a tubular insulator with an upper end positioned within the barrel, and a contact terminal within the insulator adjacent the lower end thereof, comprising:
  • tubular grommet of resilient material having one end therof adapted to fit within the tubular insulator of the plug, positioned on said electrical cable adjacent said one end thereof;
  • a moisture proof connector for a spark plug which includes a cylindrical barrel with an inner wall and an upper end, a tubular insulator with an upper end positioned within the barrel, and a contact terminal within the insulator adjacent the lower end thereof, comprising:
  • tubular grommet of resilient material having one end thereof adapted to fit within the tubular insulator of the plug, positioned on said electrical cable adjacent said one end thereof;
  • a moisture proof connector for a spark plug which includes a cylindrical barrel with an inner wall and an upper end, a tubular insulator with an upper end positioned within the barrel, and a contact terminal within the insulator adjacent the lower end thereof, comprising:
  • tubular grommet of resilient material having one end thereof adapted to fit within the tubular insulator of the plug, positioned on said electrical cable adjacent said one end there-of;
  • a moisture proof connector for a spark plug which includes a cylindrical barrel with an inner wall and an upper end with external threads adjacent thereto, a tubular insulator with an upper end positioned within the barrel, and a contact terminal within the insulator adjacent the lower end thereof, comprising:
  • tubular grommet of resilient material having one end thereof adapted to fit within the barrel of the plug, positioned on said electrical cable adjacent said one end thereof;
  • a moisture proof connector for a spark plug which includes a cylindrical barrel with an inner wall and an upper end, a tubular insulator with an upper end positioned within the barrel, and a contact terminal within the insulator adjacent the lower end thereof, comprising:
  • tubular grommet of resilient material having one end thereof adapted to fit within the tubular insulator of the plug, positioned on said electrical cable adjacent said one end thereof;
  • a moisture proof connector for a spark plug which includes a cylindrical barrel with an inner wall and an upper end with external threads adjacent thereto, a tubular insulator with an upper end positioned within the barrel, and a contact terminal within the insulator adjacent the lower end thereof, comprising:
  • an insulated electrical cable having contact means at one end thereof for engagement with the contact terminal of the plug;
  • a tubular grommet of resilient material having one end thereof adapted to fit within the barrel of the plug, positioned on said electrical cable adjacent said one end thereof; an external, annular collar on said grommet intermediate the ends thereof which provides an outer peripheral wall surface adapted to engage the inner Wall surface of the spark plug barrel, a lower shoulder adapted to seat upon the upper end of the insulator of the plug, and an upper shoulder spaced axially of the lower shoulder;
  • a rigid tubular ferrule positioned on the tubular grommet above the annular collar thereof; an O-ring mounted on the ferrule externally thereof for engagement with the upper end of the plug barrel; and fastening means mounted on the ferrule for adjustable holding engagement with the threaded upper end of the plug barrel; the axial, dimensional relationship between grommet collar and the O-ring being such that when the lower shoulder of said collar is in sealing engagement with the upper end of the tubular insulator, the O
  • a moisture proof connector for a spark plug which includes a cylindrical barrel with an inner wall and an upper end with external threads adjacent thereto, a tubular insulator with an upper end positioned within the barrel, and a contact terminal within the insulator adjacent the lower end thereof, comprising:
  • tubular grommet of resilient material having one end thereof adapted to fit within the barrel of the plug, positioned on said electrical cable adjacent said one end thereof;
  • an external, annular collar on said grommet intermediate the ends thereof which provides an outer peripheral wall surface which fits within the plug barrel and which is adapted to engage the inner surface thereof, and a lower shoulder adapted to seat upon the upper end of the insulator of the plug, and an upper shoulder spaced axially of the lower shoulder; a rigid, tubular ferrule with a lower end positioned on '7 the tubular grommet with said lower end in engagement with the upper shoulder of the collar;
  • an internally threaded nut rotatably mounted on said ferrule and adapted to enact with the threads on the plug barrel to axially move said ferrule toward the annular collar of the grommet, whereby when the O-ring is seated on the upper end of the plug barrel, the lower end of the ferrule compresses said annular projection against the tubular insulator so as to seat the lower shoulder of the collar on the upper end of said insulator and cause the outer peripheral wall surface of the collar to engage the inner surface of the barrel in sealing relationship therewith.
  • a spark plug which includes a cylindrical barrel with an inner wall and an upper end,
  • an insulated electrical cable within the plug having contact means at one end thereof in engagement with the contact terminal of the plug;
  • tubular grommet of resilient material mounted on said electrical cable and having one end thereof positioned within the tubular insulator of the plug;
  • a spark plug which includes a cylindrical barrel with an inner wall and an upper end,
  • an insulated electrical cable within the plug having contact means at one end thereof in engagement with the contact terminal of the plug;
  • tubular grommet of resilient material mounted on said electrical cable and having one end thereof positioned within the tubular insulator of the plug;

Description

g- 1, 1967 c. D. BESORE ETAL. 3,334,326
MOISTURE PROOF CONNECTOR FOR SPARK PLUGS Filed July 6,. 1965 FIG. 3.
, I I I INVENTORS CHARLES D. BESORE,
REX 0 P/AKLE 5) 7195/2 ATTORNEYS HARE/5, K/EcH, RUSSELL & KERN United States Patent 3,334,326 MOISTURE PROOF CONNECTOR FoR SPARK PLUGS The present invention relates generally to the internal combustion engine art and more particularly to a novel moisture proof connector for spark plugs which is especially useful with aircraft type spark plugs which are susceptible to fouling due to the accumulation of moisture and dirt in the spark plug well.
The subject connector is for use with a spark plug which includes a cylindrical barrel with an upper end with external threads adjacent thereto, a tubular insulator with an upper end positioned within the barrel, and a contact terminal within the insulator adjacent the lower end thereof, and briefly stated one embodiment of the present invention includes an insulated electrical cable which includes contact means at one end thereof for engagement with the contact terminal of the plug, and a tubular grommet of resiliant material which is adaptedto fit within the barrel of the plug and which includes internal flanges for sealing engagement with the cable, an external annular projection or collar having an outer peripheral wall surface which is adapted to engage the inner wall surface of the plug barrel and which also includes a lower shoulder adapted to seat upon the upper end of the insulator of the plug. Positioned on the tubular grommet above the annular projection is a rigid tubular ferrulewhich has an O-ring mounted thereon, the O-ring being adapted to seat upon the upper end of the plug barrel when the aforementioned lower shoulder of the grommet projection is in engagement with the upper end of the insulator. A nut is rotatably mounted on the ferrule for engagement with the threads carried by the upper end of the plug barrel, whereby when said nut is screwed onto the plug barrel, the lower shoulder of the grommet projection is forced into sealing engagement with the upper end of the insulator, the peripheral wall of the grommet projection is forced outwardly into sealing engagement with the inner wall of the plug barrel, and the O-ring is forced into sealing engagement with the upper endof the plug barrel.
As is well known in the aircraft art, there is a tendency for moisture and dirt to enter the well of spark plugs used with aircraft engines with the undesirable and sometimes disastrous result that the plug misfires, with resulting poor engine performance or engine failure.
It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide a novel connector for spark plugs which impedes the entrance of moisture and dirt into the spark plug well. More particularly, it is an object to provide such a connector which includes sealing means between the cable and the connector, and three circumferential sealing areas between the connector and the spark plug proper to seal off the interior of the spark plug from the surrounding atmosphere.
Another object is to provide such a novel connector which is relatively simple in construction, which has relatively few parts, and which i-srelatively inexpensive to manufacture.
An additional object is to provide a novel moisture proof connector for spark plugs which is easy to install and service by even the most inexperienced personnel.
Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, reference being had to the accompanying drawing where- "ice in a prefered embodiment of the present invention is shown.
In the drawing:
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a novel moisture proof connector embodying the teachings of the present invention, shown installed on an aircraft type spark plug,
FIG. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary, vertical, sectional view of the moisture proof connector taken on the line 2-2 in FIG. 1, and
FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary, elevational view of the moisture proof connector with a portion thereof shown in cross section, and with the spark plug proper shown in broken lines.
Referring to the drawing more particularly by reference numerals, 10 indicates generally a moisture proof connector constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, shown in sealing engagement with an aircraft type spark plug 12 of conventional design.
The plug 12 includes a cylindrical metal barrel 14 with an inner wall 16, a chamfered upper end 18 and external threads 20 adjacent said upper end. Positioned within the barrel 14 is a tubular ceramic insulator 22 which has an annular upper end 24 below the upper end 18 and which forms a well 26 within the interior of the spark plug. An electrical terminal or contact 28 is contained in the bottom of the well 26.
The moisture proof connector 10 includes an electrical cable 30 with several layers of insulation 32 thereon, the lower end of the cable (FIG. 2) having a bushing 34 swedged thereto, the lower end of the bushing being threaded to receive a nut 36 which has a coiled contact spring 38 mounted thereon, the contact spring being adapted to engage the electrical terminal 28.
Positioned on the lower end of the insulated cable, 30, 32 is a tubular grommet 40 of resilient, non-conductive material such as rubber and which includes a sleeve portion 42 having a bottom Wall with a passageway 43 which receives the bushing 34.
Intermediate the ends of the grommet 40 is an annular, external projection or collar 46 which provides an outer peripheral Wall surface 48 of a diameter to fit within the plug barrel and engage the inner wall surface 16 thereof, an upper shoulder 50, and a lower shoulder 52 which has a groove or kerf 54 adjacent the sleeve portion, the lower shoulder being adapted to engage the upper end of the tubular insulator 22.
- Vertically spaced internal annular flanges 44 and 45 are provided in the interior of the sleeve portion 42 for sealing engagement with the surface of the cable 30, 32, the flange 45 being in opposed relationship with the collar 46 for a purpose to appear.
Fitted on the grommet 40 above the projection or collar 46 is a rigid tubular metal ferrule 56, preferably made of brass, which includes a lower end 58 in engagement with the upper shoulder 50 of the grommet projection or collar. Intermediate the ends of the ferrule is an annular flange 60 which provides an upper shoulder 62 for supporting a freely rotatable hold-down nut 64 which has inner threads 66 adapted to engage the threads 20 on the plug barrel.
An annular groove 68 is provided in the body of the ferrule 56 immediately beneath the flange 60, and positioned in said groove is an O-ring 70.
The upper end of the metal ferrule 56 is chamfered as at 72 to prevent the hold-down nut 64 from hanging up during the installation of the connector, as will be discussed more fully hereinafter.
Positioned about the insulated cable 30, 32 and the upper end of the grommet 40 is a wire-mesh, reinforced, insulated conduit 74 which has the lower end thereof fastened to the upper end of the metal ferrule 56.
The upper end of the electrical cable 30 and conduit 74 is of conventional construction and does not form any part of the present invention.
In use, the end of the connector which contains the contact spring 38 is inserted into the barrel 14 of the spark plug as shown in FIG. 3, with the outer peripheral wall surface 48 of the grommet collar 46 in a sliding engagement with the inner wall 16 of the plug barrel.
The nut 64 is then moved downwardly or inwardly on the metal ferrule 56 and sufficient pressure exerted by hand to cause the threads 66 of the nut 64 to engage the threads 20 of the plug barrel. The nut 64 is then rotated by conventional means until the ferrule 56 and grommet 40 are fully seated within the plug barrel. As shown in FIG. 2, the axial dimensions of the connector 10 are such that when the O-ring 70 is seated on and in sealing engagement with the upper end 18 of the barrel 14, the collar 46 is compressed between the lower end 58 of the ferrule and the upper end 24 of the insulator 22. The compression of the collar 46 causes the lower shoulder 52 thereof to seat on the upper end 24 of the insulator 22 in sealing engagement, and, at the same time forces the internal flange 45 into sealing engagement with the insulation 32 and the outer peripheral wall surface 48 into sealing engagement wtih the inner wall surface 16 of the plug barrel 14. It should be noted that the groove or kerf 54 in the lower shoulder 52 provides for additional lateral movement of the peripheral portion of the grommet collar 46 so as to increase the sealing engagement thereof, both with the upper end 24 of the tubular insulator and with the inner wall surface of the plug barrel 14.
Obviously, when the connector 10 is in sealing engagement with the plug barrel as described hereinabove, the contact spring 38 is in engagement with the terminal or contact 28 so as to provide an electrical connection between the cable 30 and the terminal 28.
Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided a novel moisture proof connector for spark plugs which fulfills all of the objects and advantages sought therefor. The connector is relatively simple in construction and design and contains relatively few parts. Also, when the connector is fastened to a spark plug, the interior or well of the plug is sealed from the adjacent atmosphere by four different sealing surfaces, thereby preventing the entrance of moisture and dirt into the plug well. In addition, the connector can be easily and quickly fastened to an existing spark plug by even the most inexperienced personnel because it is merely necessary to insert the free end of the grommet into the interior of the plug barrel, and thereafter engage and tighten the hold-down nut.
It is to be understood that the foregoing description and the accompanying drawing has been given only by way of illustration and example, and that changes and alterations in the present disclosure which will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention.
We claim:
1. A moisture proof connector for a spark plug which includes a cylindrical barrel with an inner wall and an upper end, a tubular insulator with an upper end positioned within the barrel, and a contact terminal within the insulator adjacent the lower end thereof, comprising:
an insulated electrical cable having contact means at one end thereof for engagement with the contact terminal of the plug;
a tubular grommet of resilient material having one end thereof adapted to fit within the tubular insulator of the plug, positioned on said electrical cable adjacent said one end thereof;
an external, annular collar on said grommet intermediate the ends thereof which provides an outer peripheral wall surface which fits within the barrel of the plug and which is adapted to engage the inner wall surface thereof, and
a lower shoulder adapted to seat upon the upper end of the tubular insulator of the plug; and
means for selectively axially compressing said annular collar to force the lower shoulder thereof into sealing engagement with the upper end of the tubular insulator, and the outer peripheral wall surface thereof into sealing engagement with the inner wall of the plug barrel.
2. A moisture proof connector for a spark plug which includes a cylindrical barrel with an inner wall and an upper end, a tubular insulator with an upper end positioned within the barrel, and a contact terminal within the insulator adjacent the lower end thereof, comprising:
an insulated electrical cable having contact means at one end thereof for engagement with the contact terminal of the plug;
a tubular grommet of resilient material having one end therof adapted to fit within the tubular insulator of the plug, positioned on said electrical cable adjacent said one end thereof;
an external, annular collar on said grommet intermediate the ends thereof which provides an outer peripheral wall surface which fits within the barrel of the plug and which is adapted to engage the inner wall surface thereof, and
a lower shoulder adapted to seat upon the upper end of the tubular insulator of the plug;
an internal, annular flange on said grommet in en gagement with the outer surface of said insulated electrical cable; and
means for selectively axially comprising said annular collar against the upper end of the tubular insulator, whereby to force the lower shoulder of the collar into sealing engagement with the upper end of the tubular insulator, and the outer peripheral wall surface of the collar into sealing engagement with the inner wall surface of the plug barrel.
3. A moisture proof connector for a spark plug which includes a cylindrical barrel with an inner wall and an upper end, a tubular insulator with an upper end positioned within the barrel, and a contact terminal within the insulator adjacent the lower end thereof, comprising:
an insulated electrical cable having contact means at one end thereof for engagement with the cont-act terminal of the plug;
a tubular grommet of resilient material having one end thereof adapted to fit within the tubular insulator of the plug, positioned on said electrical cable adjacent said one end thereof;
an external, anular collar on said grommet intermediate the ends thereof which provides an outer peripheral wall surface which fits within the barrel of the plug and which is adapted to engage the inner wall surface thereof, and
a lower shoulder adapted to seat upon the upper end of the tubular insulator of the plug;
at least two vertically spaced, internal, annular flanges on said grommet in engagement with the outer surface of said insulated electrical cable; and
means for selectively axially compressing said annular collar against the upper end of the tubular insulator, whereby to force the lower shoulder of the collar into sealing engagement with the upper end of the tubular insulator, and the outer peripheral wall surface of the collar into sealing engagement with the inner wall surface of the plug barrel.
4. A moisture proof connector for a spark plug which includes a cylindrical barrel with an inner wall and an upper end, a tubular insulator with an upper end positioned within the barrel, and a contact terminal within the insulator adjacent the lower end thereof, comprising:
an insulated electrical cable having contact means at one end thereof for engagement with the contact terminal of the plug;
a tubular grommet of resilient material having one end thereof adapted to fit within the tubular insulator of the plug, positioned on said electrical cable adjacent said one end there-of;
an external, annular collar on said grommet intermediate the ends thereof which provides an outer peripheral wall surface which fits within the barrel of the plug and which is adapted to engage the inner wall surface thereof, and
a lower shoulder adapted to seat upon the upper end of the tubular insulator of the plug;
an internal, annular flange on said grommet in engagement with the outer surface of said insulated electrical cable, said internal flange being in opposed radial relationship with said external collar; and
means for selectively axially compressing said annular collar against the upper end of the tubular insulator, whereby to force the lower shoulder of the collar into sealing engagement with the upper end of said insulator, the outer peripheral wall surface of the collor into sealing engagement with the inner wall surface of the plug barrel, and the internal flange into sealing engagement with the outer surface of the insulated cable.
5. A moisture proof connector for a spark plug which includes a cylindrical barrel with an inner wall and an upper end with external threads adjacent thereto, a tubular insulator with an upper end positioned within the barrel, and a contact terminal within the insulator adjacent the lower end thereof, comprising:
an insulated electrical cable having contact means at one end thereof for engagement with the contact terminal of the plug;
a tubular grommet of resilient material having one end thereof adapted to fit within the barrel of the plug, positioned on said electrical cable adjacent said one end thereof;
an external, annular collar on said grommet intermediate the ends thereof which provides an outer peripheral wall surface adapted to engage the inner wall surface of the plug barrel, and
a lower shoulder adapted to seat upon the upper end of the tubular insulator of the plug;
a rigid tubular ferrule positioned on the tubular grommet above the annular projection thereof and adapted to fit within the plug barrel; and
means mounted on said ferrule for engagement with the threads of the plug barrel when said one end of the grommet is positioned within the barrel, to compress the annular collar of the grommet to force the lower shoulder of said collar into sealing engagement with the upper end of the tubular insulator and the outer peripheral wall surface thereof into sealing engagement with the inner wall of the plug barrel.
6. A moisture proof connector for a spark plug which includes a cylindrical barrel with an inner wall and an upper end, a tubular insulator with an upper end positioned within the barrel, and a contact terminal within the insulator adjacent the lower end thereof, comprising:
an insulated electrical cable having contact means at one end thereof for engagement with the contact terminal of the plug;
a tubular grommet of resilient material having one end thereof adapted to fit within the tubular insulator of the plug, positioned on said electrical cable adjacent said one end thereof;
an external, annular collar on said grommet intermediate the ends thereof which provides an outer peripheral wall surface which fits within the barrel of the plug above the tubular insulator and which is adapted to engage the inner wall surface of said barrel, and
a lower shoulder adapted to seat upon the upper end of the tubular insulator of the plug;
a tubular ferrule positioned on the grommet above one annular collar;
an O-ring mounted on the ferrule externally thereof and adapted to engage the upper end of the plug barrel when the lower shoulder of the collar seats upon the upper end of the insulator; and
means for moving the ferrule axially and for compressing the collar of the grommet on the upper end of the tubular insulator to seat the O-ring on the upper end of the plug barrel, force the lower shoulder of the annular collar into sealing engagement with the upper end of the tubular insulator, and expand the outer peripheral wall surface of the grommet collar into sealing engagement with the inner wall of the plug barrel.
7. A moisture proof connector for a spark plug which includes a cylindrical barrel with an inner wall and an upper end with external threads adjacent thereto, a tubular insulator with an upper end positioned within the barrel, and a contact terminal within the insulator adjacent the lower end thereof, comprising:
an insulated electrical cable having contact means at one end thereof for engagement with the contact terminal of the plug; I a tubular grommet of resilient material having one end thereof adapted to fit within the barrel of the plug, positioned on said electrical cable adjacent said one end thereof; an external, annular collar on said grommet intermediate the ends thereof which provides an outer peripheral wall surface adapted to engage the inner Wall surface of the spark plug barrel, a lower shoulder adapted to seat upon the upper end of the insulator of the plug, and an upper shoulder spaced axially of the lower shoulder; a rigid tubular ferrule positioned on the tubular grommet above the annular collar thereof; an O-ring mounted on the ferrule externally thereof for engagement with the upper end of the plug barrel; and fastening means mounted on the ferrule for adjustable holding engagement with the threaded upper end of the plug barrel; the axial, dimensional relationship between grommet collar and the O-ring being such that when the lower shoulder of said collar is in sealing engagement with the upper end of the tubular insulator, the O-ring is seated on the upper end of the plug barrel. 8. A moisture proof connector for a spark plug which includes a cylindrical barrel with an inner wall and an upper end with external threads adjacent thereto, a tubular insulator with an upper end positioned within the barrel, and a contact terminal within the insulator adjacent the lower end thereof, comprising:
an insulated electrical cable having contact means at one end thereof for engagement with the contact terminal of the plug;
a tubular grommet of resilient material having one end thereof adapted to fit within the barrel of the plug, positioned on said electrical cable adjacent said one end thereof;
an external, annular collar on said grommet intermediate the ends thereof which provides an outer peripheral wall surface which fits within the plug barrel and which is adapted to engage the inner surface thereof, and a lower shoulder adapted to seat upon the upper end of the insulator of the plug, and an upper shoulder spaced axially of the lower shoulder; a rigid, tubular ferrule with a lower end positioned on '7 the tubular grommet with said lower end in engagement with the upper shoulder of the collar;
an O-ring mounted on the ferrule externally thereof for engagement with the upper end of the plug barrel; and
an internally threaded nut rotatably mounted on said ferrule and adapted to enact with the threads on the plug barrel to axially move said ferrule toward the annular collar of the grommet, whereby when the O-ring is seated on the upper end of the plug barrel, the lower end of the ferrule compresses said annular projection against the tubular insulator so as to seat the lower shoulder of the collar on the upper end of said insulator and cause the outer peripheral wall surface of the collar to engage the inner surface of the barrel in sealing relationship therewith.
9. The combination of:
a spark plug which includes a cylindrical barrel with an inner wall and an upper end,
a tubular insulator with an upper end mounted within the barrel with the upper end of the insulator below the upper end of the barrel, and
a contact terminal within the insulator adjacent the lower end thereof;
an insulated electrical cable within the plug having contact means at one end thereof in engagement with the contact terminal of the plug;
a tubular grommet of resilient material mounted on said electrical cable and having one end thereof positioned within the tubular insulator of the plug;
an external, annular collar on said grommet above the upper end of the tubular insulator which provides a lower shoulder seated on the upper end of the insulator in sealing engagement therewith, and
an outer peripheral wall surface in sealing engagement with the inner wall surface of the barrel;
a rigid tubular ferrule with a lower end positioned on the grommet above the annular collar with the lower end thereof in compression engagement with said collar;
an O-ring mounted on the ferrule externally thereof and in sealing engagement with the upper end of the plug barrel; and
means releasably maintaining said tubular ferrule in compression engagement with the grommet collar.
10. The combination of:
a spark plug which includes a cylindrical barrel with an inner wall and an upper end,
a tubular insulator with an upper end mounted within the barrel with the upper end of the insulator below the upper end of the barrel, and
a contact terminal within the insulator adjacent the lower end thereof;
an insulated electrical cable within the plug having contact means at one end thereof in engagement with the contact terminal of the plug;
a tubular grommet of resilient material mounted on said electrical cable and having one end thereof positioned within the tubular insulator of the plug;
an external, annular collar on said grommet above the upper end of the tubular insulator which provides a lower shoulder seated on the upper end of the insulator in sealing engagement therewith, and
an outer peripheral wall surface in sealing engagement with the inner wall surface of the barrel;
an internal, annular flange on said grommet in sealing engagement with the insulated electrical cable;
a rigid tubular ferrule with a lower end positioned on the grommet above the annular collar with the lower end thereof in compression engagement with said collar;
an O-ring mounted on the ferrule externally thereof and in sealing engagement with the upper end of the plug barrel; and
means releasably maintaining said tubular ferrule in compression engagement with the grommet collar.
References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,177,508 10/1939 Abbott 174-75 2,442,015 5/ 1948 Peters et al. 33984 2,442,858 6/1948 'Nims et a1. 33994 2,651,298 9/1953 Brinson et a1. 313135 3,183,476 5/1965 Sacks et al 339 94 X MARVIN A. CHAMPION, Primary Examiner.
PATRICK A. CLIFFORD, Assistant Examiner.

Claims (1)

1. A MOISTURE PROOF CONNECTOR FOR A SPARK PLUG WHICH INCLUDES A CYLINDRICAL BARREL WITH AN INNER WALL AND AN UPPER END, A TUBULAR INSUATOR WITH AN UPPER END POSITIONED WITHIN THE BARREL, AND A CONTACT TERMINAL WITHIN THE INSULATOR ADJACENT THE LOWER END THEREOF, COMPRISING: AN INSULATED ELECTRICAL CABLE HAVING CONTACT MEANS AT ONE END THEREOF FOR ENGAGEMENT WITH THE CONTACT TERMINAL OF THE PLUG; A TUBULAR GROMMET OF RESILIENT MATERIAL HAVING ONE END THEREOF ADAPTED TO FIT WITHIN THE TUBULAR INSULATOR OF THE PLUG, POSITIONED ON SAID ELECTRICAL CABLE ADJACENT SAID ONE END THEREOF; AN EXTERNAL, ANNULAR COLLAR ON SAID GROMMET INTERMEDIATE THE ENDS THEREOF WHICH PROVIDES AN OUTER PERIPHERAL WALL SURFACE WHICH FITS WITHIN THE BARREL OF THE PLUG AND WHICH IS ADAPTED TO ENGAGE THE INNER WALL SURFACE THEREOF, AND A LOWER SHOULDER ADAPTED TO SEAT UPON THE UPPER END OF THE TUBULAR INSULATOR OF THE PLUG; AND
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Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3599166A (en) * 1969-11-14 1971-08-10 Amp Inc Ignition terminal
US3871735A (en) * 1973-08-23 1975-03-18 Amp Inc Shielded high voltage connector
US3955871A (en) * 1974-03-18 1976-05-11 Kruger Jack L Connecting means for radio frequency transmission line
US4620763A (en) * 1983-02-04 1986-11-04 Hitachi, Ltd. Connector apparatus for connecting high-tension cable
US4978309A (en) * 1989-03-17 1990-12-18 Champion Spark Plug Company Igniter cable connector
US5083932A (en) * 1990-02-15 1992-01-28 Cooper Industries, Inc. Igniter cable connector seal
US5473116A (en) * 1994-03-31 1995-12-05 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Quick change anti-corona connector
US6358072B1 (en) * 2000-08-31 2002-03-19 Howard R. Johnson Aircraft ignition cable connector
US6582220B2 (en) * 1999-07-30 2003-06-24 Alstom Power Inc. Ignitor assembly for a fossil fuel-fired power generation system
US20050093550A1 (en) * 2003-11-05 2005-05-05 Mcmurray Mark S. Spark ignition system with diagnostic capabilities
US20080054777A1 (en) * 2006-09-06 2008-03-06 Callahan Richard E Extension spark plug
US20080218053A1 (en) * 2007-03-07 2008-09-11 Callahan Richard E 14 mm extension spark plug
US20140322937A1 (en) * 2013-04-26 2014-10-30 Howard Johnson General aviation igniter cable assembly

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2177508A (en) * 1936-07-29 1939-10-24 Gen Electric Terminal structure
US2442015A (en) * 1944-05-22 1948-05-25 Titeflex Inc Dehydrator for ignition systems
US2442858A (en) * 1944-05-15 1948-06-08 Chrysler Corp Spark plug
US2651298A (en) * 1947-12-26 1953-09-08 Bendix Aviat Corp Ignition apparatus and method of making same
US3183476A (en) * 1960-08-26 1965-05-11 Burndy Corp Connector

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2177508A (en) * 1936-07-29 1939-10-24 Gen Electric Terminal structure
US2442858A (en) * 1944-05-15 1948-06-08 Chrysler Corp Spark plug
US2442015A (en) * 1944-05-22 1948-05-25 Titeflex Inc Dehydrator for ignition systems
US2651298A (en) * 1947-12-26 1953-09-08 Bendix Aviat Corp Ignition apparatus and method of making same
US3183476A (en) * 1960-08-26 1965-05-11 Burndy Corp Connector

Cited By (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3599166A (en) * 1969-11-14 1971-08-10 Amp Inc Ignition terminal
US3871735A (en) * 1973-08-23 1975-03-18 Amp Inc Shielded high voltage connector
US3955871A (en) * 1974-03-18 1976-05-11 Kruger Jack L Connecting means for radio frequency transmission line
US4620763A (en) * 1983-02-04 1986-11-04 Hitachi, Ltd. Connector apparatus for connecting high-tension cable
US4978309A (en) * 1989-03-17 1990-12-18 Champion Spark Plug Company Igniter cable connector
US5083932A (en) * 1990-02-15 1992-01-28 Cooper Industries, Inc. Igniter cable connector seal
US5473116A (en) * 1994-03-31 1995-12-05 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Quick change anti-corona connector
US6582220B2 (en) * 1999-07-30 2003-06-24 Alstom Power Inc. Ignitor assembly for a fossil fuel-fired power generation system
US6358072B1 (en) * 2000-08-31 2002-03-19 Howard R. Johnson Aircraft ignition cable connector
US20050093550A1 (en) * 2003-11-05 2005-05-05 Mcmurray Mark S. Spark ignition system with diagnostic capabilities
US7053623B2 (en) 2003-11-05 2006-05-30 Federal-Mogul Worldwide, Inc. Spark ignition system with diagnostic capabilities
US20080054777A1 (en) * 2006-09-06 2008-03-06 Callahan Richard E Extension spark plug
US7768183B2 (en) 2006-09-06 2010-08-03 Federal Mogul World Wide, Inc. Extension spark plug
US20080218053A1 (en) * 2007-03-07 2008-09-11 Callahan Richard E 14 mm extension spark plug
US7825573B2 (en) 2007-03-07 2010-11-02 Federal-Mogul Ignition Company 14 mm extension spark plug
US20140322937A1 (en) * 2013-04-26 2014-10-30 Howard Johnson General aviation igniter cable assembly
US9281663B2 (en) * 2013-04-26 2016-03-08 Howard Johnson General aviation igniter cable assembly

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