Bend radius adapters and methods of forming same
AssigneeQfe 002 LLC
InventorPaul Martin Cruz
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Bend radius adapters can be used to form connections between low-gauge electrical wires or cables, and can provide greater flexibility in the manner in which low-gauge electrical wiring or structures with equivalent load capacity can be routed through and within electrical systems and associated structures. For example, when electrical systems are being upgraded or repaired, it may be difficult or impossible to route lower-gauge or additional wiring through existing structures such as conduits and junction boxes without violating safety standards regarding the minimum bend radius of such wiring. The use of bend radius adapters can provide additional flexibility in utilizing existing electrical system structures, and can simplify installation of other electrical components.
Claims17
A bend radius adapter, comprising
- a rigid power transfer bar extending between a first end and a second end;
- an insulating sleeve surrounding at least a portion of the power transfer bar;
- at least one securement feature electrically isolated from the rigid power transfer bar, the at least one securement feature comprising an insulated aperture extending through a portion of the rigid power transfer bar;
- a first connection point adjacent the first end of the power transfer bar, the first connection point configured to allow an electrical connection between the power transfer bar and a first wire in a first orientation;
- and
- a second connection point adjacent the second end of the power transfer bar, the second connection point configured to allow an electrical connection between the power transfer bar and a second wire in a second orientation, the second orientation different than the first orientation.
An adjustable bend radius adapter, comprising
- a power transfer path extending between a first end and a second end, the power transfer path comprising at least two rigid power transfer bars connected by a rotatable joint, at least a portion of the power transfer path being adjustable to vary an amount of bending in the power transfer path;
- an insulating sleeve surrounding at least a portion of the power transfer path;
- a first connection point adjacent the first end of the power transfer path, the first connection point configured to allow an electrical connection between the power transfer path and a first wire in a first orientation;
- and
- a second connection point adjacent the second end of the power transfer path, the second connection point configured to allow an electrical connection between the power transfer path and a second wire in a second orientation, the second orientation different than the first orientation.
An adjustable bend radius adapter, comprising:
- a first rigid power transfer bar section;
- a second rigid power transfer bar section, the first rigid power transfer bar section being movable relative to the second rigid power transfer bar section to vary the orientation of the first rigid power transfer bar section relative to the second rigid power transfer bar section;
- an insulating sleeve;
- a plurality of flexible wires encased within the insulating sleeve and extending between the first rigid power transfer bar section and the second rigid power transfer bar section;
- and
- a first connection point adjacent the first rigid power transfer bar section, the first connection point configured to allow an electrical connection between the first rigid power transfer bar section and a first wire in a first orientation;
- and
- a second connection point adjacent the second rigid power transfer bar section, the second connection point configured to allow an electrical connection between the second rigid power transfer bar section and a second wire in a second orientation, the second orientation different than the first orientation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.