Electrical connectors and related methods.

(54) Title: ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS AND RELATED METHODS.

(54) Title: ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS AND RELATED METHODS.

(57) Summary

Electrical connectors include a cable clamp (eg, having a first clamp portion, a second clamp portion, and a link coupled with the first and second clamp portions, such that the first and second clamp portions are they can move relative to each other between an open position and a closed position, wherein the first and second clamp portions define a cable passage) and a piercing conductor configured to place the accessory wire in electrical communication with an electrical cable disposed within the cable passage. In at least some of these electrical connectors, a longitudinal axis of the passages is essentially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cable clamp when the first and second clamp portions are in the closed position. In at least some of these electrical connectors, at least one of the clamp portions comprises a flexible side wall that defines, at least partially, the cable passage.

(57) Abstract

Electrical connectors including a cable clamp (eg, having a first clamp portion, a second clamp portion, and a hinge coupled to the first and second clamp portions such that the first and second clamp portions are movable relative to each other between an open position and a closed position in which the first and second clamp portions define a cable passageway), and a piercing conductor configured to place a fixture wire into electrical communication with an electrical cable disposed within the cable passageway. In at least some of these electrical connectors, a longitudinal axis of the cable passageway is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cable clamp when the first and second clamp portions are in the closed position. In at least some of these electrical connectors, at least one of the clamp portions comprises a flexible sidewall that at least partially defines the cable passageway.

PATENT TITLE No. 359883

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Owner (s): HOME DEPOT INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Address: 2455 Paces Ferry Road Northeast, Atlanta, Georgia, 30339, USA

Name: ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS AND RELATED METHODS.

Classification: CIP: H01R13 / 50; H01R4 / 24; HQ1R43 / 01; H04L12 / 58

CPC: H01R13 / 501; HO1R4 / 242; Ü01R4 / 2416; H01R43 / 01; H04L51 / 24

Inventors): MICHAEL R. NELSON; BRIAN VANHIEL; KIRK CHARLES; ADAM AMBRECHT

<td colspan="3">REQUEST</td>

<td>Number:</td><td rowspan="2">Date of presentation:</td><td>Hour:</td>

<td>MX / a / 2016/001305</td><td> 16:02</td>

<td></td><td>PRIORITY</td><td></td>

<td>Country:</td><td rowspan="2">you**' 29 djjar ^ odóZOiS ·. _s</td><td>Number:</td>

<td>US</td><td> 14/609,302</td>

<td>US</td><td> ... ·</td><td> 14/712,798</td>

Validity: Twenty years

Due date; Jan 20&gt; «of 20 &amp;)

Issue Date: October 15, 2018, the reference patent is granted based on articles 1, S ^ fríírélén 1 // 0 * 'frátoobSl »III, and 59 of the Industrial Property Law.

In accordance with article 23 of the Property Law ledjrfál, the prior patent has a validity of twenty Non-expendable Qñqs, counted from the date of filing of the application and will be subject to the payment to maintain rights in force '

Whoever subscribes to this title does so based on the provisions of articles 6, sections III and 7, bis 2 of the Industrial Property Law (Official Gazette of the Federation (0.DF,) 06/27/1991, Refo rmed on 08/02/1994, 10/25/1996, 12/26/1997, 05/17/1999, 01/26/2004, 06/16/2006, 01/25/2006, 06/06/2009, 06.O1 / 2Ü10 18 / Q6 / 2310.28 / Q6 / 2Q10, 27 / il / 2012y0S / 04/2012, C1 / 0w3PflS and 03/13/2018), 'articles 1 “, 3rd section V subsection a), 4 ° and 12 ”sections I and III of the Regulations of the Mescariód Institute · Industrial Property (DOf 14 ^ 2718199 ', amended on 07/01/2002, 07/15/2004, 07/28/2004 and 09/07 / 2007); Articles 1 °, 3 °, 4 ', 5 ·, fraction V subsection a), 16 treooiones I and l | J and 30 of the Organic Statute of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (DOF 12/27/1999, confirmed by 10/10/2002, 07/29/2004, 04/08/2004 and 19109/2007}; 1 ”, 3 'and 5' clause a) of the Agreement that delegates powers to the General Directors Ad | un € oirir »dor, Pi ^ sutoro» Divisionales, titufáres of the Regional Offices. Divisional Deputy Directors, Departmental Coordinators and other subordinates of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property. (DOF 12/16/1999, am ended on 02/04/2000, 07/29/2004, 08/04/2004 and 09/13/2007).

This letter is signed with an advanced electronic signature (FIEL), based on articles 7 BIS 2 of the Industrial Property Law; 3 of its Regulations, and 1 fraction III, 2 fraction V, 26 BIS and 26 TER of the Agreement establishing the guidelines for the use of the Electronic Payment and Services Portal (PASE) of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property, in the procedures indicated.

THE DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF PATENTS

NAHANNY CANAL REYES

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Original string:

NAHANNY MARISOL CANAL REYES | 00001000000403252793 | Administration Service

Tributary | 1695 || MX / 2018/87764 | MX / a / 2016/001305 | Normal Patent Title | 1220 | RRGO | Page (s) | f + JnR3d / lr6557K82ISauzYuYIM =

Digital stamp:

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MX / 2018/87764 —J3ÓN

3SH

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS AND RELATED METHODS

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Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to electrical connectors and more specifically, without limitation, to low voltage electrical connectors (eg, for use in landscape lighting).

Background of the Invention

In some cases, electricity (for example, low-voltage electricity, supplied by a transformer) can be routed through an electrical cable that is arranged close to locations where it is desirable to place the electrical device (for example, such as a light fixture, for example during landscape lighting installation). Near these locations, an electrical communication, such as a low-voltage connector, can be used to energize the electrical device by screwing it into the electricity conducted through the electrical cable.

Low voltage electrical connectors typically work by piercing or cutting the insulation around the electrical cable to place a secondary wire or accessory in electrical communication with the electrical cable. Proper orientation of the electrical cable relative to the low voltage electrical connector can be critical to ensuring an effective electrical connection, particularly during perforation or cutting of the electrical cable. However, typical low electrical connectors

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF THE PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX359883B_D0005.tif" />

Voltage may not have the ability to properly on-pharma an electrical wire to pierce or cut and / or to retain the electrical wire relative to low voltage electrical connectors. Furthermore, such typical low-voltage electrical connectors can be used with, but are not necessarily designed for, electrical cables of different sizes and / or gauges, which can also complicate the use of low-voltage electrical connectors. Low voltage electrical connectors may also require the user to exert excessive effort in order to effectively pierce or cut the electrical cable.

Brief Description of the Invention

Some embodiments of the present electrical connectors are configured, by means of a cable clamp, which defines a cable passage having a longitudinal axis that is essentially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cable clamp, to effectively position the electrical cable in relation to the electrical connector for drilling or cutting, to retain the electrical cable in relation to the electrical connector and / or its like. Some embodiments of the present electrical connectors are configured, through a flexible side wall that defines, at least partially, a cable passage to accommodate electrical cables of varying sizes and / or gauges, to retain the electrical cable relative to the connector electric and / or its similar. Some embodiments of the present electrical connectors are configured, through at least one portion of the clamp having a first end hingedly connected to another portion of the clamp and a second

IMPI

WSflT'j'fO MKRlGArtt of the ιίιοη ^ αρ INDUSTRIAL

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end defining a clamping surface, to assist the user in drilling or cutting the electrical cable disposed between the clamp portions (eg, to provide some leverage).

Some modalities of the present electrical connectors include: a cable clamp comprising a first cable portion, a second clamp portion, a link coupled with the first and second clamp portions, so that the first and second clamp portions can be moved relative to one another between an open position and a closed position, wherein the first and second clamp portions define a cable passage and an accessory wire passage and a drill conductor coupled with the cable clamp and configured to place an accessory wire disposed within the accessory wire passage in electrical communication with a electrical cable disposed within the cable passage, when the first and second clamp portions are in the closed position. In some embodiments, the first clamp portion, the second clamp portion, and the joint are unitary with each other. In some embodiments, the cable clamp comprises nylon.

In some embodiments of the present electrical connectors, the first and second clamp portions can be moved relative to one another in a plane between an open position and the closed position and the accessory wire passage has a longitudinal axis that is not parallel to the plane. In some embodiments, the accessory wire passage has a longitudinal axis that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF U MONEDAD industrial

<img file="MX359883B_D0007.tif" />

of the cable passage. In some embodiments, a longitudinal axis of the cable passage is essentially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cable clamp when the first and second clamp portions are in the closed position. In some embodiments, the cable passage extends through the cable clamp.

In some embodiments of the present electrical connectors, at least one of the first and second clamp portions comprises a flexible side wall that defines, at least partially, the cable passage. In some embodiments, the side wall is defined, at least in part, by a portion extending from at least one of the first and second clamp portions in a first direction that is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cable passage. and increases in thickness along the first direction. In some embodiments, the side wall defines a slot. In some embodiments, the side wall tapers in the transverse dimension along the longitudinal axis of the cable passage. In some embodiments, the side wall is configured such that the interior transverse dimension of the cable passage varies along the longitudinal axis of the cable passage.

In some embodiments of the present electrical connectors, the piercing conductor is configured to cut the insulation around the electrical cable in a direction essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cable passage. In some embodiments, the piercing conductor defines an opening configured to receive the accessory wire. Some embodiments comprise an accessory wire arranged in the opening. In some embodiments, the conductor η ni

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IMPI • ^ nTOMUICAIMO 6 * la Momru, ·) INOUSTRIAL

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The drilling rig comprises a tine configured for HKiLeW 61 UUiidcieter do. -. perforation relative to the cable clamp.

In some embodiments of the present electrical connectors, the link defines a recess configured to receive at least a portion of the electrical cable when the first and second portions of the clamp are in the closed position. In some embodiments, the cable passage extends through the joint.

Some embodiments of the present electrical connectors comprise a latch configured to releasably secure the first and second clamp portions in the closed position. In some modes, the cable passage runs through the latch.

In some embodiments of the present electrical connectors, at least one of the first and second clamp portions comprises a clamping surface configured to facilitate movement of the first and second clamp portions to the closed position. In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second clamp portions comprises a first end coupled with the hinge and a second end defining a clamping surface configured to facilitate movement of the first and second clamp portions into position. closed.

Some embodiments of the present methods comprise: placing the electrical cable within the recess defined by a first clamp portion of the cable clamp; moving the second clamp portion of the cable clamp relative to the first cable portion to the closed position, where the clamp of the

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX359883B_D0010.tif" />

cable defines a cable passage that has an elg lmfgitutltiial^,,which is · essentially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cable clamp when the first and second clamp portions are in the closed position and place an accessory wire in electrical communication with the electrical cable, the accessory wire is arranged in a cable passage cable clamp accessory having a longitudinal axis that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cable passage.

Some modalities of the present methods include: placing an accessory wire within a passage of the accessory wire of a first clamp portion of a cable clamp and inserting a piercing conductor within the first clamp portion, so that the accessory wire is retained relative to the first portion clamp and is in electrical communication with the drill conductor, wherein the cable clamp comprises a second clamp portion that is movable relative to the first clamp portion to a closed position, wherein the cable clamp defines a cable passage having a longitudinal axis that is essentially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cable clamp when the first and second clamp portions are in the closed position. In some embodiments, inserting the drill conductor cuts the insulation of the accessory wire.

The term "coupled" is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically, two articles that are "coupled" may be unitary with each other. The

IMPI Mexican Institute Ql THE PROPERTY inoujtriai

<img file="MX359883B_D0011.tif" />

terms "a", "a", "the", "the" are defined as one or more unless the description explicitly requires otherwise. The term “is essentially defined as the majority, but not necessarily the total of what is specified (and includes what is specified, eg essentially 90 degrees, includes 90 degrees, and essentially parallel, includes parallel), as understood by people experienced in the art. In any described embodiment, the terms "essentially", "approximately" and "around" may be replaced with "within (a percentage of)" of what is specified, when the percentage includes .1, 1., 5 and 10 percent .

Furthermore, a device or system that is configured in one way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways other than those specifically described.

The terms "understand" (and any form of understanding, such as "understand" and "understanding"), "have" (and any form of having, such as "have" and "having"), "include" (and any form of include, such as "includes" and "including"), and "contains" (and any form of containing, such as "contains" or "containing") are linking verbs. As a result, an apparatus that "comprises", "has", "includes" or "contains" one or more elements has one or more of those elements, but is not limited to having only those elements. In the same way, the method that “understands”, “has”, “includes” or “contains” one or more steps has one or more steps, but it is not limited to having only those steps.

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(NtfÍT¡ TO HtflW * 'Bf LA MOHEDA O INDUSTRIAL

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Any modality of any aig ^ xna-y-mÁtoHo apparatus may consist of or consist essentially of - better than understanding / including / containing / having any of the steps, elements and / or characteristics described. Thus, in any of the claims, the term "consists of" or "consists essentially of" can be substituted by any conjunction verb, previously described, in order to change the scope of a determined claim from what the verb determines of conjunction.

The characteristic or characteristics of a modality can be applied in other modalities, although it is not described or illustrated, unless it is explicitly prohibited by this description or the nature of the modalities.

The details associated with the modalities described above and others will be described later.

Brief Description of Drawings

The following drawings are illustrated as an example and not as a limitation. For reasons of brevity and clarity, each characteristic of a given structure is not always indicated in each Figure where such a structure appears. Identical reference numbers do not necessarily indicate an identical structure. Rather, the same reference numbers can be used to indicate a similar feature or a feature with similar functionality, since the reference numbers may not be identical. Figures are drawn to scale (unless otherwise noted), meaning that the sizes of

IMPI

MEXICAN MSTITVro

SAY THE OWN

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX359883B_D0014.tif" />

the illustrated elements are exact one in relation to the other-stop per I »less the modality illustrated in the Figures.

Figure 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present electrical connectors, shown in the open position.

Figure 1B is a top view of the embodiment of Figure 1A, shown in the open position.

Figure 1C is a front view of the embodiment of Figure 1A, shown in the open position.

Figure 2A is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 1A, shown in the open position and with an electric cable.

Figure 2B is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 1A, shown in the closed position and with an electric cable.

Figures 3A and 3B are top and bottom views, respectively, of the embodiment of Figure 1A, shown in a closed position and with an electric cable.

Figure 3C is a side view of the embodiment of Figure 1A, shown in the closed position and with an electric cable.

Figure 3D is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 1A shown in a closed position and with an electric cable, taken along the 3D-3D line of Figure 3A.

Figures 3E and 3F are front and rear views, respectively, of the embodiment of Figure 1A, shown in the closed position and with an electric cable.

Figure 4 is a partial sectional perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 1A, shown in the open position.

TO

Detailed description of the invention

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF THE INDUSTRIAL P1ORFDAD

<img file="MX359883B_D0015.tif" />

With reference now to the drawings and more particularly to the

Figures 1A to 3F, with reference number 10, an embodiment of the present electrical connectors is illustrated. In the embodiment shown, electrical connector 10 comprises a cable clamp 14 that includes and / or defines a first clamp portion 18 and a second clamp portion 22. In this embodiment, the cable clamp 14 comprises nylon, however, in other embodiments, the respective cable clamps (eg 14) may comprise any appropriate material (eg non-conductive).

In the illustrated embodiment, the first clamp portion 18 is movable (eg, hinged) coupled with the second clamp portion 22. For example, in the embodiment shown, the cable clamp 14 comprises and / or defines a hinge 26 coupled with the first and second portions 18 and 22, respectively, so that the first and second portions can be moved relative to one another. another (eg, generally along the direction indicated by arrow 30) between an open position (Figures 1A-2A) and a closed position (Figures 2B-3F). An electrical connector 10, the first and second clamp portions 18 and 22, respectively, can be moved relative to one another in one plane (eg, 34, Figures 1B and 1C). Plane 34 can be defined as a plane that intersects with at least a portion of the first clamp portion 18 and with at least a second portion of the second clamp portion 22, since the

<img file="MX359883B_D0016.tif" />

IMPI ΐχπτυτο MEXICAN

Say THE PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL first clamp portion moves relative to the clamp clamp between open position and closed position. Such relative movement of the first and second clamp portions 18 and 22, respectively, between the open position and the closed position in plane 34 does not require that the relative movement be totally flat, which is portion of the first clamp portion intersected by the plane can be the same portion through relative motion or that a portion of the second clamp portion intersected by the plane can be the same portion through relative motion.

In this embodiment, each of the first clamp portion 18, the second clamp portion 22, and the link 26 are unitary and / or formed integrally with each other (eg, link 26 is an active link), however, in other embodiments, the respective hinges (eg 26) may be unitary and / or may be integrally formed with one or none of the respective first or second clamp portions (eg 18, 22, respectively) and the respective hinges may be coupled with one or both of the respective first or second clamp portions through for example fasteners, adhesives and / or the like. In other embodiments, the active joints (eg 26) can be omitted and the respective first clamp portions (eg 18) and second clamp portions (eg 22) can be slidably coupled to each other, that they can be physically separated from each other and / or the like.

<img file="MX359883B_D0017.tif" />

<img file="MX359883B_D0018.tif" />

In the illustrated embodiment, the locking clamp 14 34 configured to releasably secure the first clamp portion 18 and the second clamp portion 22 in the closed position. For example, in the embodiment shown, latch 34 comprises a first side wall 36 (eg, U-shaped) coupled and / or defined by first clamp portion 18 and defining a first recess 38. In this embodiment, the latch 34 comprises a second side wall 40 (for example, U-shaped) coupled with and / or defined by the second clamp portion 22 and defines a second recess 42. In the illustrated mode, according to first clamp portion 18 moves relative to second clamp portion 22 toward the closed position, the first side wall 36 may receive the second side wall 40 (eg, within the first recess 38). In the embodiment shown, the first side wall 36 defines one or more openings 44, which can be in communication with the first recess 38, configured to receive one or more closing protrusions 46, which can be coupled with and / or defined by the second side wall 40, to secure the first clamp portion 18 and the second clamp portion 22 in the closed position. For example, in this embodiment, because the first and second clamp portions 18 and 22, respectively, near the closed position, the first side wall 36 flexes outward as the second side wall 40 and / or one or more closing bumps 46 are received by the first recess 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the first clamp portion 18 and the second clamp portion 22 reach the closed position, each of the

IMPI

Mexican INSTITUTE OF THE INDUSTRIAL PROMRDAP

<img file="MX359883B_D0019.tif" />

Locking bumps 46 can be received within a corresponding one or more openings 44, which secures the first and second clamp portions in the closed position (Figure 2B) (eg, like an electrical wire 74 between the first and second 5 clamp portions, which could otherwise cause separation of the first and second clamp portions). In the embodiment shown, the first side wall 36 can flex outward and / or the second side wall 40 can flex inward (eg, by applying force to the first and / or second side wall 10 by the user), so that each of the one or more closure protrusions 46 can be removed from a corresponding one or more openings 44, allowing the first and second clamp portions 18 and 22, respectively, move from the closed position. The foregoing description of latch 34 is provided 15 by way of example only, since other modalities of the present electrical connectors may comprise any appropriate respective latch (eg 34) and in other modalities, such latches may be omitted.

In this embodiment, at least one of the first clamp portion 18 and the second clamp portion 22 (for example, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second clamp portions) comprises a surface 54 of clamp configured to facilitate relative movement of the first and second portions (eg, toward the closed position). For example, in the electrical connector 10 25, the clamping surfaces 54 are defined by portions

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE I heard THE INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX359883B_D0020.tif" />

of the clamp 14, so that the yfe *⁸? pi.i? d^Q The force on the clamping surfaces in a direction essentially transverse to the electrical cable 74 arranged between the first and second clamp portions 18 and 22, respectively, to move the first and second clamp portions towards the closed position . In the embodiment shown, the clamping surface 54 is concave or generally concave, so that, for example, the clamping surface may receive one or more fingers from the user during operation of the electrical connector 10 (for example, when the user clamps the cable clamp 14, for example for piercing or cutting an electrical cable 74, as described in more detail below). In this embodiment, the holding surface 54 is configured to improve the grip of the user on the electrical connector 10 and more particularly on the cable clamp 14. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the holding surface 54 defines a plurality of ribs 58 (eg, configured to minimize slipping of the hand relative to the holding surface), however, in other embodiments, the respective clamping surfaces (eg 54) may comprise any appropriate surface, such as for example, a surface of a respective clamp portion (eg 18, 22 and / or its like) a textured surface and / or its like.

In the embodiment shown, cable clamp 14 and more particularly, clamping surface 54 is configured to assist the user in drilling or cutting electrical cable 74 (eg, with cutting tip or edge 126 of conductor 124 of perforation, described with more

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE of industrial currency

<img file="MX359883B_D0021.tif" />

detail later) (for example, by providing a snhra mechanical advantage. the electric cable). For example, in this embodiment, at least a first clamp portion 18 and a second clamp portion 22 (eg, in the illustrated mode, both of the first and second clamp portions) comprise a first end 62 coupled with a link 26 and a second end 66 defining a clamping surface 54 (eg, such that the clamping surface is separated from the link and the cutting tip or edge 126 is disposed between the link and at least a portion of the clamping surface). In at least this form, some embodiments of the present electrical connectors are configured to minimize the force required to effectively pierce or cut the electrical cable.

In the embodiment shown, the first clamp portion 18 and the second clamp portion 22, when in the closed position, define a cable passage 70 configured to receive an electrical cable 74 (Figure 3D). The present electrical connectors can be used with any appropriate electrical cord (eg 74), such as, for example, electrical cords that have American 14 gauge wire size (AWG) or smaller wires and / or wires with a size between any one of two or greater than any one of 14 AWG, 12 AWG, 10 AWG, 8 AWG, 6 AWG, 4 AWG, 2 AWG, 0 AWG and / or 00 AWG, Whether the power cables are single core or multi core and whether the power cables are flexible or non-flexible. In this embodiment, the cable passage 70 has a longitudinal axis 78 that is essentially aligned with (eg, parallel or '"« • ίΜΤ * "VCTVAi. J

<img file="MX359883B_D0022.tif" />

essentially parallel to) a longitudinal axis 82 of 'Tcl UUidZddeia 14 wire rope when the first and second clamp portions 18 and 22, respectively, are in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, link 26 defines a recess or seat 84 configured to receive at least a portion of electrical wire 74 (for example, which may serve and / or comprise an indicator to assist the user to properly orient the electrical gauge within and / or in relation to connector 10). For example, in the embodiment shown, the cable passage 70 extends through the link 26, for example, so that the link can assist the electrical connector 10 to retain the electrical cable. In this embodiment, cable passage 70 extends through latch 34 (eg, through first recess 38 and / or second recess 42), so that, for example, the latch may assist electrical connector 10 to retain the electric cable. In these and other forms, some embodiments of the present electrical connectors can be configured to effectively position an electrical cable relative to the electrical connector for drilling or cutting, to retain the electrical cable relative to the electrical connector and / or its like (for example , effectively positioned or retained, such that the electrical cable is arranged within the electrical connector essentially parallel to the electrical connector, for example, essentially parallel to cable passage 70, a releasable axis 78 and / or a longitudinal axis 82).

In the illustrated embodiment, at least one of the first clamp portion 18 and the second clamp portion 22 (for example, in the embodiment shown, both of the first and second portions of

<img file="MX359883B_D0023.tif" />

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX359883B_D0024.tif" />

clamp) comprises a flexible side wall 86 (frer-example, o- &amp; e &lt;Rigid) that defines, at least partially, the cable passage 70 (for example, the flexible side walls 86 can be characterized as elongated, for example, along the passage 70 of the cable or a longitudinal axis 78 thereof). The flexible side walls (eg 86) of the present electrical connectors may comprise a flexible structure, a flexible material and / or its like. For example, in this embodiment, the flexible side wall 86 is defined, at least in part, by a portion 90 extending from a respective first clamp portion 18 and a second clamp portion 22 in a first direction 94. which is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 78 of the cable passage 70, where the portion 90 increases in thickness 98 along the first direction (Figure 1A). In order to illustrate, the portion 90 can define a structure of or similar to an active link, so that the portions of the flexible side wall 86 can flex relative to each other relative to other portions of the connector 10 electric and / or its similar. As another example, in the illustrated embodiment, the flexible side wall 86 defines a slot 100. In these and other forms, some embodiments of the present electrical connectors may be configured to accommodate electrical cables of varying sizes and / or gauges, to retain the electrical cable relative to the electrical connector and / or its like.

In the embodiment shown, the flexible side wall 86 is configured such that an interior transverse dimension 106 of the cable passage 70 varies along the longitudinal axis 78 of the passage of the

<img file="MX359883B_D0025.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY cable (Figure 3D). For example, in this mode; -I »paree! 00 side¹flexible defines one or more raised surfaces or protrusions 110, which extend from the flexible side wall and into cable passage 70. In this way, for example, the raised surfaces or protuberances 110 can function to guide the electrical cable 74 within the cutting tip or edge 126 of the drill conductor 124, helping the electrical connector 10 retain the electrical cable and / or its Similary. In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible side wall 86 tapers into the transverse dimension 102 along the longitudinal axis 78 of the cable passage 70 (Figure 1B). In this way, for example, the flexible side wall 86 may be configured to facilitate the placement and / or removal of the electrical cable 74 between the first and second clamp portions 18 and 22, respectively, when the first and second clamp portions are in the open position (for example, by minimizing physical interference between the electrical gauge and the first and second clamp portions).

In the embodiment shown, the cable clamp 14 comprises an accessory wire passage 114 (for example, in this embodiment, two accessory wire passages, each defined by a respective one of the first clamp portion 18 and the second portion Clamp 22) configured to receive accessory wire 118. In the illustrated embodiment, accessory passage 114 has a longitudinal axis 122 that is not parallel (eg, perpendicular or essentially perpendicular) to the longitudinal axis 78 of cable passage 70 (eg, and / or not parallel to plane 34). In this way, for example, some ♦ i

<img file="MX359883B_D0026.tif" />

risrtTUTO mexican delawohedao «WÜSTWAL

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Modes of the present electrical connectors may be configured to place an electrical device (eg, a lighting fixture) in electrical communication with an electrical gauge across the fixture wire, while minimizing flexing of the electrical cord and / or wire. accessory, and / or unnecessary use of the electrical gauge and / or accessory wire and / or its like. In certain embodiments, an accessory wire 118 is disposed within the accessory wire passage 114.

In the embodiment shown, electrical connector 10 comprises a piercing conductor 124 coupled with cable clamp 14 and configured to place an accessory wire 118 disposed within passage 114 of the accessory wire in electrical communication with electrical cable 74 disposed within the passage 70 cable. In this embodiment, the electrical connector 10 comprises two piercing conductors 124, each coupled with a respective one of the first clamp portion 18 and the second clamp portion 22 and configured to place a respective accessory wire 118 in electrical communication with one respective two or more cores of electrical cable 74 (for example, electrical cable 74 is a multi-core cable, for example, having a neutral first core and an energized second core, a positive first core and a negative second core and / or the like). For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the piercing conductor 124 comprises a cutting tip or edge 126 configured to cut the insulation around and contact the core of the electrical cable 74 within the cable passage 70 according to the first and second portions 18 and 22 of

<img file="MX359883B_D0028.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF HIONETY

INDUSTRIAL clamp, respectively, move to the closed position Fn La. As shown, the cutting tip or edge 126 is in electrical communication with a slot or opening 130 (describe below) of the drill conductor 124, which is configured to receive and to be in electrical communication with a first accessory wire 118 (FIG. 4). In this embodiment, the cutting tip or edge 126 is configured to cut the insulation around the electrical cable 74 in a direction essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis 78 of the cable passage 70.

In the illustrated embodiment, the slot or opening 130 defines a first portion 148 that extends from a second portion 156 of the slot or opening and through the drill conductor 124. In the embodiment shown, the first portion 148 has a transverse dimension 152 that is greater than the transverse dimension 160 of the second portion 156 (Figure 4). In this way, for example, the accessory wire 118 (for example, arranged within the accessory wire passage 114) can be received by a first portion 148 and guided by the slot or opening 130 within the second portion 156 (for example, as the drill conductor moves relative to the cable clamp 14, as described below). In some embodiments, (eg, 10) the insulation of the accessory wire 118 may be cut with the piercing conductor 124 and more particularly, through the slot or opening 130 (for example, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 122 of the passage 114 of the accessory wire) (eg, through the cutting tip or edge disposed within the slot or opening, the second portion 156 has a dimension 160

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF THE PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL transversal smaller than the transversal dimension of the alainbieb, Id 'misalignment between the second portion and the passage 114 of the accessory wire and / or its similar).

In some embodiments, (eg, 10) a drill conductor 124 may be pressure and / or friction fit within a respective one of the first clamp portion 18 and the second clamp portion 22, such that, for example, accessory wire 118 is retained relative to the respective clamp portion and in electrical communication with the drill conductor (eg, as described above. For example, in this embodiment, drill conductor 124 may be received by an inner channel 134 defined by the respective clamp portion. In the illustrated embodiment, inner channel 134 defines a side wall 140, which can guide drill conductor 124 toward accessory wire 118 disposed within accessory wire passage 114. In the embodiment shown, the drill conductor 124 comprises a barb or protrusion 144 configured to secure the drill conductor relative to the cable clamp 14. For example, in this embodiment, the tine or protuberance 114 may be received by a retainer or opening 146 defined by the respective clamp portion once the piercing conductor is in electrical communication with the accessory wire 118.

Some embodiments of the present methods comprise placing an accessory wire (eg, 118) within an accessory wire passage (eg, 114) of a first clamp portion (eg, 18) of a clamp (eg, 14 ) of cable

IMPI

<img file="MX359883B_D0029.tif" />

and inserting the drill conductor (eg, ΓΤφΓΤΙΰΤΤΠ'ϋ06 * 1¾ first clamp portion, so that the accessory wire is retained relative to the first clamp portion and is in electrical communication with the drill conductor. In at least some of these embodiments, the cable clamp comprises a second clamp portion (eg 22) that can be moved relative to the first clamp portion into the closed position (eg, Figures 2B-3F ) wherein the cable clamp defines a cable passage (eg 70) having a longitudinal axis (eg 78) that is essentially aligned with the axis (eg, 82) longitudinal of the cable clamp when the first and second clamp portions are in the closed position. In at least some of these embodiments, insertion of the piercing conductor cuts the insulation of the accessory wire.

In other embodiments of the present methods, a respective piercing conductor (eg, 124) may be configured to retain the accessory wire 118 as the respective first clamp portion (eg, 18) moves relative to the respective second portion (eg 22) clamp to closed position. For example, in some embodiments, during piercing or cutting electrical wire 74, the electrical wire may supply a reaction force on the respective piercing conductor (eg, with a respective cutting tip or edge 126) that tends to close. (eg, by deformation of the respective drill conductor) a respective opening or slot 130 around the accessory wire 118. In

<img file="MX359883B_D0030.tif" />

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX359883B_D0031.tif" />

some of these modalities, a respective condLfdtór '124 dé' p'ertoráSion can be movably coupled with a respective first clamp portion (eg 18) or a second respective clamp portion (eg 22) (eg slidably arranged within the respective channel 134) and the perforation or cut of the electric cable 74 can cause the respective perforation conductor to retain the accessory wire 118 (for example, with a respective side wall 140 of the respective channel configured to induce movement of the respective drill conductor towards the accessory wire as the respective drill conductor drills or cuts the electrical cable 84).

Some modalities of the present methods include: placing an electrical wire (eg 74) within a recess defined by a first clamp portion (eg defined by first clamp portion 18, such as by a flexible side wall 86 of the first clamp portion) of a cable clamp (for example, 14) and a closed position (for example, Figures 2B-3F) where the cable clamp defines a cable passage (for example, 70) that has a longitudinal axis (for example, 78) which is essentially aligned with the longitudinal axis (eg 82) of the cable clamp when the first and second clamp portions are in the closed position. Some of these modalities also include: placing the accessory wire (for example, 118) in electrical communication with the electric cable, when the accessory wire is arranged in the passage (for example, 114) of the accessory wire of the clamp of the

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE M LA MOMEDAO INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX359883B_D0032.tif" />

Cable has a longitudinal axis (eg 122) that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cable passage.

The specification and examples shown provide a complete description of the structure and use of the illustrative embodiments. Although certain embodiments have been described above with some degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, persons skilled in the art will be able to make modifications to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. As such, the different illustrative modalities of the methods and systems are not intended to be limited to the particular forms described. Rather, they include all modifications and alternatives that fall within the scope of the claims, and modalities other than those shown may include some or all of the features of the illustrated modality. For example, steps and / or models can be omitted or combined as a unitary structure, and / or connections can be replaced. Furthermore, some appropriate aspects of any of the examples described above can be combined with other aspects of any other example to form other examples that have comparable or different properties and / or functions, and solve the same or different problems. Similarly, it should be understood that the benefits and advantages described above can be related to one modality or can be related to several modalities.

The claims are not intended to include and should not be construed as including means-plus or step-plus-function limitations, unless such limitation is explicitly described in a

IMPI Mexican inetituto Say LA MONEDAD INDUSTRIAL

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claim determined with the use of the phrase "madins unemployment" or "_pncc--- stop ”, respectively.

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