US 5,346,327 A · Springy fastener held open by a meltable material

Abstract

A fastener for splicing wires and the like is mace by forming a tubular sleeve of spring material such as phosphor bronze. In its unrestrained shape, the tubular sleeve is too small to receive the wires, but the tubular sleeve is expanded elastically and held expanded by solder, so that the wires can be inserted. Upon the application of heat the solder melts, flowing into the joint and allowing the sleeve to spring back to its original size or at least to the diameter of the wires. The fastener can be mounted on a stud to provide a replacement for the familiar solder cup terminal. An expanded sleeve can be placed around a piece of heat shrinkable tube. When heated, the tube and the sleeve contract, the sleeve reinforcing the tube giving a much greater compressive force during shrinking. The sleeve then becomes a metallic protector for the tube.

Claims9

Dependent claims

A method of securing at least one member, comprising

providing a tube made of a springy material which is restrained in a first diameter by a second material so as to freely receive at least one member,
inserting the at least one member into the tube,
melting the second material so that the tube is no longer restrained and the tube's diameter is constricted so as to secure the at least one member,
wherein the tube comprises a first lengthwise edge and a second lengthwise edge, and
the second material is in the form of a wedge and is positioned to fit between the first and second lengthwise edges of the tube so as to force open the tube into a diameter larger than its unrestrained diameter.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Springy fastener held open by a meltable material

Life of this patent

Springy fastener held open by a meltable material

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims9