IP Library Granted Patent US 7,311,563
Granted Patent B2
US 7,311,563 · App. 11/327,669 · Granted Dec 25, 2007

Insulated water-tight connector assembly including a set screw driver and plug

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,311,563
App. No.
11/327,669
Granted
Dec 25, 2007
Kind
B2
Abstract

A set screw electrical connector assembly includes an electrical connector and a set screw drive plug. The connector includes at least one set screw portal sized to accommodate a set screw therein. The set screw drive plug is formed of electrically insulative material and is configured to engage and drive the set screw into the connector. The connector assembly may include an insulative housing formed about the connector for providing a water tight seal with a cable terminated to the connector.

Claims (10)

1. A method of sealing a metal set screw within a set screw electrical connector comprising the steps of:

providing an electrical connector having a waterproof sleeve encircling a set screw portal extending outwardly from said connector;

partially threading an electrically conductive set screw within said set screw portal;

positioning an electrically insulative set screw drive plug in said portal;

driving said set screw drive plug into said set screw to drive said set screw into said connector; and

forming a seal between said set screw drive plug and said sleeve as said set screw drive plug drives said set screw into said electrical connector.

2. The method of sealing a set screw within a set screw electrical connector as set forth in claim 1 further comprising the step of:

forming said waterproof sleeve with at least one internal raised rib configured for engagement with said set screw drive plug.

3. The method of sealing a set screw within a set screw electrical connector as set forth in claim 2 further comprising the step of:

configuring said set screw drive plug with a set screw drive portion and an enlarged head portion, said enlarged head portion and said internal raised rib forming a moisture seal therebetween.

Assignments (2)
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Mar 5, 2014
From: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
To: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL LLC
Reel/Frame 032388/0428 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 9, 2006
From: SIEBENS, LARRY N.; BORGSTROM, ALAN
To: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Reel/Frame 017652/0846 →