US 4,055,980 AGranted

Die set

AssigneeThomas & Betts Corporation

InventorJohn J. Churla

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Abstract

The invention is directed to a die set wherein both the upper and lower die members are molded of a semi-rigid, flexible material. The physical properties of the materials from which the die members are formed are such that they resemble those of typical conductor and connector insulations. The dies can deform around the insulation of the conductor and shield without nicking, cutting or otherwise damaging the metallic conductor or other portions of the insulated conductor. The dies can conform to concentric and nonconcentric conductor configurations and are thus not sensitive to the conductor concentricity and to the conductor size in the range of conductor sizes the dies are formed to handle. The use of alignment ribs, along with the die interlocks serve to center the two die members and stops serve to prevent rotation of a connector in the die set and control the maximum die set opening.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A die set comprising:

a first die member fabricated of a semi-rigid, flexible material and having first and second spaced apart, generally parallel faces;
a first recess in said first face to receive a portion of the periphery of a deformable fastener;
first and second ridges on said first face, one to either side of said first recess and spaced apart by a first predetermined distance;
and a second die member fabricated of a semi-rigid, flexible material and having third and fourth spaced apart, generally parallel faces;
a second recess in said third face to receive a portion of the periphery of a deformable fastenera;
third and fourth ridges on said third face, one to either side of said second recess and spaced apart by a second predetermined distance less than said first predetermined distance;
the engagement of said third and fourth ridges with said first and second ridges when said first and second die members are brought together, align said second recess with said first recess to substantially, completely envelope a deformable fastener placed in said die set first and second recesses when said first face of said first die member is in contact with said third face of said second die member.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.