US 6,719,584 B1Granted

Watertight flexible connector

AssigneeHarris Corporation

InventorsMatthew Novak Favro, Michael David Stevens, Brent Eric Raiber, Robert George Bray

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Abstract

A watertight connector assembly includes a flat, flexible electrical cable completely encased in an elastomer coating, except at predetermined access openings configured to provide access to the cable. The access openings are defined by O-ring type seals formed in the coating on the surfaces of the cable near each end of the cable. Strain reliefs are positioned within the O-ring type seals. Electrical connectors are positioned within the access openings and configured to provide electrical coupling to the cable and to an external device. Compression pads are positioned adjacent the cable opposite the side of the cable having the electrical connector positioned adjacent thereto. This connector assembly is capable of withstanding harsh environments in compliance with environmental and vibration military specifications.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A flexible watertight connector assembly comprising:

a flexible cable encased in an elastomer coating defining a plurality of openings, each opening configured to provide access to said cable;
at least one electrical connector, each one of said at least one electrical connector positioned adjacent said cable within a respective one of said plurality of openings, each electrical connector configured to be electrically coupled to said cable;
and
at least one pair of covers comprising a first type cover and a second type cover, each cover positioned adjacent a respective one of said plurality of openings, each cover configured to form a watertight seal with said elastomer coating defining a respective opening, wherein:
each first type cover is configured to cover an opening having an electrical connector positioned therein;
and
each first type cover and a respective electrical connector are configured to form a watertight seal.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.