Compressible electrical connector with positive mechanical lock

Abstract

This disclosure depicts a ductile metallic electrical and mechanical connector for attachment to one or more electrical cables and formable by a compressible process. The connector comprises at least one bifurcated body member having first and second leg portions initially connected by a reduced cross-sectional thickness portion of the body member to provide a plastically flowable hinge connection. The first and second leg portions define an initial predetermined angle such that the body member can laterally engage an uninsulated section of an electrical cable. The first leg has on the end opposite the reduced thickness portion an axially extending rib member and axially extending inner and outer ridges disposed on either side of the rib member. The second leg has on the end opposite the reduced thickness portion axially extending inner and outer fingers. The rib member, the inner and outer ridges and the inner and outer fingers are oriented such that the outer finger lies between the outer ridge and the rib member and the inner finger lies between the inner ridge and the rib member, when the body member is closed about an uninsulated section of an electrical cable. The enclosure occurs by pivoting of the leg members about the reduced thickness portion in response to hand applied external pressure. The inner and outer fingers and the rib member are deformed to form a positive mechanical lock when an external crimping force is applied radially to the body member.