Guard for connection point of adjoined wire connectors
AssigneeShoals Technologies Group, LLC
InventorDean Solon
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A cylindrical guard is used for protecting the electrical junction between connectors. The guard is essentially two split cylindrical sections oriented end-to-end with breakaway tabs therebetween. The split cylindrical pieces are hinged, and substantially irreversibly lock together in a “clamshell” like fashion. The resulting guarded junction is less likely to be accidentally disengaged, thereby protecting both property and life. The guard can be removed by cutting, or broken and moved to expose the underlying junction by severing the breakaway tabs.
Claims15
A guard for the connection point of adjoining connectors, said guard comprising:
- A) a first semi-cylindrical section including a first proximal longitudinal edge and a first distal longitudinal edge, said first semi-cylindrical section defining a first gap, said first gap apportioning said first semi-cylindrical section into a first large section and a first small section spanned therebetween with at least one breakaway tab;
- B) a second semi-cylindrical section including a second proximal longitudinal edge and a second distal longitudinal edges;
- C) a hinge connecting said first proximal longitudinal edge to said second proximal longitudinal edge;
- D) a first locking mechanism adjacent said first distal longitudinal edge;
- and
- E) a second locking mechanism adjacent said second distal longitudinal edge, said first and second closing mechanisms engageable one with the other.
A protected low current, high voltage connection, said connection comprising:
- A) a female connector including a first plug;
- B) a male connector including a second plug, said first and said second plugs engaged at a junction;
- and
- C) a substantially cylindrical guard, said guard including a large section and a small section connected by at least one breakaway tab, and said guard circumferentially surrounding said junction.
A method of protecting an electrical connection comprising the acts of:
- A) positioning a first semi-cylindrical section of a guard having a large section and a small section connected by at least one breakaway tab beneath a junction of two connectors;
- B) rotating a second semi-cylindrical section of said guard to a position above said junction;
- and
- C) engaging said first and said second semi-cylindrical sections.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.