US Patent:
20040180575, Sep 16, 2004
Inventors:
Brian Derenthal - Horseheads NY, US
Assignee:
Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
International Classification:
H01R009/05
Abstract:
A cable connector is provided for allowing a plurality of varying diameter cables to be coupled to the cable connector via a locking sleeve. The cable connector includes a connector body and a post coupled to the connector body at a secured end that includes a receiving end axially opposite the secured end. The post has an annular lip integrally formed at the receiving end. The cable connector also includes a generally hollow, rigid sleeve adapted to receive the plurality of varying diameter cables therein. The sleeve has an unlocked position and a locked position wherein it is at least partially disposed within the connector body. A forward end is releasably coupled to the connector body and a rearward end is adapted to receive the cable therein. A protrusion is integrally formed within the sleeve and has a leading edge and a trailing edge such that when the cable is inserted into the sleeve and the sleeve is transitioned from the unlocked position to the locked position, at least part of the cable is compressed between the lip of the post and the protrusion. When the sleeve is in the locked position at least part of the cable is forced away from the post toward the sleeve at the lip, and forced away from the sleeve toward the post at the protrusion, crimping of the cable.