CA1130882A - Insulator for covering electrical cables - Google Patents
Insulator for covering electrical cablesInfo
- Publication number
- CA1130882A CA1130882A CA352,579A CA352579A CA1130882A CA 1130882 A CA1130882 A CA 1130882A CA 352579 A CA352579 A CA 352579A CA 1130882 A CA1130882 A CA 1130882A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- connector
- spacer
- cables
- cable
- insulator
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 239000012212 insulator Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 37
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 claims abstract description 39
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims description 29
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 claims description 22
- 238000005304 joining Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000012790 adhesive layer Substances 0.000 claims 2
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 abstract description 6
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 abstract 1
- 238000006731 degradation reaction Methods 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000004820 Pressure-sensitive adhesive Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000010408 film Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000002313 adhesive film Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012777 electrically insulating material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 1
- 231100001261 hazardous Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000003475 lamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000013521 mastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012811 non-conductive material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000037361 pathway Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010409 thin film Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
- H01R12/50—Fixed connections
- H01R12/59—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures
- H01R12/592—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures connections to contact elements
Landscapes
- Insulated Conductors (AREA)
- Multi-Conductor Connections (AREA)
- Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
- Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
- Installation Of Indoor Wiring (AREA)
- Insulating Bodies (AREA)
Abstract
T&B 846F
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An insulator for covering an electric cable has a spacer with circular recesses for receiving portions of a connector which extend beyond a surface of the cable covered by the insulator. The spacer thickness is selected to be greater than the portion of the connector extending beyond the cable surface. The diameter of each recess is chosen so as to closely accommodate the extend-ing portions of its associated connector and to provide a substantial barrier of insulation about the connector out to the edges of the cables being joined to prevent moisture, dirt and other contaminants from reaching the connector and causing its degradation or shorting.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An insulator for covering an electric cable has a spacer with circular recesses for receiving portions of a connector which extend beyond a surface of the cable covered by the insulator. The spacer thickness is selected to be greater than the portion of the connector extending beyond the cable surface. The diameter of each recess is chosen so as to closely accommodate the extend-ing portions of its associated connector and to provide a substantial barrier of insulation about the connector out to the edges of the cables being joined to prevent moisture, dirt and other contaminants from reaching the connector and causing its degradation or shorting.
Description
113(~;88Z
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to insulators fbr covering electric cables and, more particulqr~y! to such insulators which are especially adapted for use in connec~
tion with flat multiconductor cables.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
. . _ In copending Canadian Patent Application Serial No. 352,576, filed on May 23, 1980, which is owned by the assignee of the present invention, there is disclosed a technique for connecting flat multiconductor cables. Brief-ly described, the method disciosed in that application in-volves overlapping a pair of flat multiconductor cables and then mechanically and electrically connecting the overlapping portions of the cables using metallic connectors which extend beyond the surface of at least one of the cables. Any connector which electrically connects two "hot", i.e. electrically ener-gized, conductors also becomes electrically energized and therefore potentially dangerous, inasmuch as an individual who touches the connector, either directly or indirectly, could receive a serious electric shock.
In order to electrically insulate the connectors, it has been proposed to cover them with a flat sheet or rela-tively flexible electric insulation. Because the cable is I
designed preferably for undercarpet installation, it is unde-sirable to use a thick sheet of insulation which might, due to its thickness, create bulges in the carpet. Should the thickness of such insulation be decreased in an effort to prevent the formation of unsightly bulges in the overlying carpet, the insulation becomes more susceptible to puncture or piercing by the relatively sharp edges of the connectors Pq/ ~
~ ' ~3~88Z
when the carpet above is walked on. Pierced or punctured insulation results in the same potential.ly hazardous con-dition that exists when the connectors are not covered by any insùlation whatsoever. Moreover~ the piercing or puncturing of the insulation increases the possibility of eventual electrical "tracking" or arcing between the parti-ally exposed connectors.
In addition, the flat multiconductor cable, as described in the aforementioned application, has a series of parallel flat, insulated conductors separated from adja-cent conductors by flattened depressed regions of insulation which, when scored, lend themselves to tearing should it be desired to separate the conductors ~rom one another. These flattened, depressed regions are significantly thinner than the adjacent conductor insulation portions of the cable.
As a result, insulating spacers placed on such cable insula-tion would fail to conform to the depressed regions leaving pathways between the cable surface and the insulating spacers where moisture, dirt or other contaminants can enter. Thus, improper sealing of the connectors from these depressed regions can cause the conn.ectors to be subjected to moisture, dirt or contaminants contained therein~ leading to a shorting of or other injury to the joints and cables.
SUMMARY~ OF T~IE INVENTION
. . . _ . . ~
Broadly speaking the present invention oyercomes the problems of the prior art by providing an insulator for insulating the juncture between two or more electric cables each having one or more conductors wherein a connector joining J~
\ - 2 -:
::
113~`88Z
selective conductors extends be~ond the exterior surface of the surrounding joined electric cables a first predeter-mined height, comprising: a plurality of spacer means each having second predetermined heights above the surrounding joined electric cables, the second predetermined heiyhts being yreater than the first predetermined height, the spacer means at least partially surrounding the connector and spaced apart sufficiently to receive such connector therebetween; and insulation means engaging a first surface of the spacer means and supported over the connector when the spacer means are positioned adjacent a connector.
In one particula~ embod~i,ment, the spacer is adapted to insulate joined cables th~at have a cëntr,al port1on of pre-determined thickness and at the marginal edges thereof, flat depressed regions of thickness less than the central portions.
Electric conductors extend wlthin th,e central portions and the connectors joining such cables extend beyond the exterior surface of the central portion~ The spacer is made from a relatively noncompressible, nonconductive material having a plurality of openings therein. The spacer is located on the central portions of the cable with the openings being arranged to completely surround the connectors. Thus, barriers between the flat depressed regions and the connectors are formed, seal-ing the connectors from any moisture~ dirt or contaminants that may be contained in the depressed regions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION O,F THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is a plan view of an insulator for covering electric cables constructed in accordance wi,th the concepts of the invention., pg/, J
~_ 3 _ ' ~3(~882 FIG. 2 is a side elevational View, in section, of the insulator of FIG. 1 taken along the lines of 2-2 in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of two overlapping flat multiconductor cables coupled to one another by a series of connectors.
FIG. 4 is a side elevation, in section, of one of the flat multiconductor cables of FIG. 3 taken along the lines 4-4.
FIG. 5 is a side elevation, in section, of a flat multiconductor cable with an insulator adhered thereto use-ful in describing a preferred embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 6 is a side elevation, in section, of a Pg/~; - 3A -~:
~13~'8~Z
flat multiconductor cable with an insulator cons-tructed in accordance with the invention adhered thereto.
FIG. 7 is a slde elevation, in section, of a joint between two flat multiconductor cables insulated on both sides with insulators in accordance with the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
, Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a first flat multi-conductor cable 110 has its individual conductors 112, 114, 116 and 118 joined to like individua3 conductors 122, 124, 126 and 128, respectively, of a second flat multiconductor cable 120 by connectors 132, 134, 136 and 138 respectively~
Connectors 132, 134, 136 and 138 may be any suitable connect-ors such as are disclosed, for example, in copending Canadian Patent Application Serial No. 352,563 filed on May 23, 1980 and assigned to the assignee of the present invention. As is best seen in FIG. 4, the conductors are generally rec tangular and are covered on both long sides by layers of insulation 130 and 140. The layers of insulation 130 and 140 are adhered to themselves in the interstices between adjacent conductors as at 142, 144, 146 and at the cables ends as at 148 and 150. In that there is no conductor at such locations, a flattened, depressed re~ion is created having a width significantly less than the adjacent areas where a conductor is located resulting in a natural trough or passage along the longitudinal axis of the cable 110.
Similar depressed regions are found in cable 120 as at 152, 154 and 156 and at the cable ends 158 and 160. A score line, such as 162 in depressed region 142, may extend down Pgk`~ - 4 -~ , :~ :
~13~8~2 the center of each of the depressed regions to pe~mit the individual conductors to be separated from the full cable. Thus, conductor 112 can be removed from cable 110 by tearing along score line 162 in the depressed region 142.
As stated above, the presence of a bare metallic connector such as 132, 134, 136 or 138 engaging an energiz-ed conductor such as 112, 114, 116, 118, 122, 124, 126 or 128 itself becomes electrically "hot" so that one contact-ing such a connector could receive a severe electrical shock. To prevent this from happening, an insulator con-structed in accordance with the present invention is pro-vided. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, an insulator 164 com--prises a spacer 166, preferably made from a noncompressible, electrically insulating material, such as polyvinylchloride.
Spacer 166 is sized and shaped so as to completely cover and preferably overhang overlapping portions of the flat multiconductor cables 110 and 120 respectively (see Figure 3). Although the spacer 166 is illustrated as being square in Figure 1, it may have any other suitable shape depending upon the configuration of the overlapping portions of the cables 110 and 120, respectively.
A plurality of holes 168 extend through the spacer 166, the holes 168 being sized to receive therein the arms of the connectors 132, 134, 136 and 138 joining the overlapping cables 110 and 120, respectively. As will be described, the holes 168 are suitably formed to inhibit tracking between Pg/r~ _ 5 _ ' ' ~13~`~382 the connectors as well æ to seal these connectors fro~ the environ-ment. Preferclbly, for manufacturing purposes, the holes 168 are circular, although they may have other geometric shapes.
Included on the spacer 166, is a thin film of electric insulation 170, preferably clear for alignment purposes and ]aminated to one of the faces of the spacer 166. On the opposite surface of the spacer 166 is a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive 172 that is protected until use by a layer of removable release material 174. The insulator 164 preferably includes a circular apertuxe 176 and an elongated slot 178 through the spacer 166 to enable the insulator 164 to be positioned upon a suit~ble tool for aligning the insulator 164 with the cables it is to insulate.
The liner 174 prevents the inadvertent sticking of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 172 to the cables 110 and 120 or other c~ects. Preferably, the liner 22 is made from clear plastic so that the aperture 176 and slot 178 may be easily observed therethrough.
The film 170 of electric insulation can be made from any suitabIe material, such as a laminate of polyvinylchloride and polyester adapted for lamination to the spacer 166. Alternately, the filn 170 may be formed monolithically with the spacer 166.
In order to prevent the fi~m 170 fron being pierced or pun-ctured by the arms (see Fig. 3) of the connectors 132, 134, 136 and 138, the film 170 is supported a predetermined, substantially fixed distance from the arms of these connectors by the spacer 166. The thickness of the spacer 166 may be varied to vary the distance between the connector arms and the film 14, as long as the spacer 166 is thicker than the distance the connector arms project above the exterior surface of the joined cables 110 and 120, respectively.
Pg/~ ~ 6 : , .
113~882 In the preferred embodiment~ the spacer ~66 is formed to seal the connec-tors from each other and from any contaminants that may be contained within the depressed regions of the cables. To effect such a seal, the holes 168, as shown in Figure 6, are formed large enough to closely accept and fully surround the connectors and are spaced from each to lie in substantial registry with the:
thicker, central portions o the cable 110 within which the conductors 112, 114, 116 and 118 extend. The diameters of the holes 168, centered over the respective conductors, are formed to be less than the lateral distance between the depressed regions that extend along the marginal edges of each of the central portions containing :
:.- '` ' . ~
1~3~8~Z
1 the conductors, so that thc holes 168 do not extend over any of the depressed regions, 142, 144 and 146. Thus, the E~ortions of the spac~r 166 on the central cable portions extending from the walls of the holes 168 establish an insulative barrier between the connectors 132, 134, 136 and 138 and the flat, depressed regions 142, 144 and 146.
The significance of the preferred sealing structure can be more fully understood by reference to Figure 5.
In this arrangement, an insulator 10 comprising an insulative spacer 12 with an insulation layer 14 and an adhesive film 18 thereon, includes a plurality of apertures 32. The apertures 32 are formed to receive connectors therein, the diameters being larger than the lateral distance between depressed regions, whereby portions of the holes 32 overlie the recessed regions 142, 144 and 146. In such a structure an undesirable passageway is created from the depressed regions 142, 144 and 146 to the connectors that extend into the holes 32, resulting potentially in short circuits or electrical arcing.
While the insulator 164 of the present invention is preferably configured to seal the connectors joining multiconductor cables with recessed portions, it should be understood that the present insulator is not limited thereto. The present insulator may also be readily used with multiconductor cable wherein the exterior surfaces are substantially flat thereacross. With such flat cable, the insulator configuration shown in Figure 5 would not present the potential tracking problems as the depressed 30 portions 142, 144 and 146 would not be present~ Further-more, with flat cable, the connectors may be only partially surrounded and barriers between connectors would not be necessary where no troughs or depressions are present to carry or otherwise contain contaminants. Moreover, the spacing between the insulation 170 and the arms of the connectors 132, 134, 136 and 138 may also be effected by 1 separate sE~accr elements positione~ on the cables at a distance to sufficiently receive the connectors there-between.
Referring back to Figure 3, a typical splice is shown in which the cables 110 and 120 are perpendicular to each other. The four conduetors 112, 114, 116 and 118 of the cable 110 are electrically and mechanically connected to the corresponding four conductors 122, 124, 126 and 128 of the cable 120 by the connectors 132, 134, 10 136 and 138, respectively. The four connectors extend diagonally across the overlapping portions of the spliced cables 110 and 120.
When applying the insulator 164 to the o~erlapping cable 110, the liner 174 is removed in a suitable manner to expose the pressure-sensitive adhesive 172. Upon proper installation of the insulator 164, the arms of the connectors 132, 134, 136 and 138 will register with four of the holes 168 which are aligned diagonally across the face of the spacer 166 (see Figure 1). The other diagonal hole may be used when insulating a tap spliee between five-conductor eables. The two longitudinally aligned holes together with the middle one of the five diagonal holes may be used to selectively eonneet one eonduetor of a cable to three corresponding eables of an overlapping cable. Of eourse, the numher and arrangement of the holes may be varied depending upon the configuration of the connectors.
In Figure 7, there is shown a eompleted spliee of flat multiconduetor eables 110 and 120 with spaeers 166 positioned above and below a joint formed, for example, by the eonneetor 132. It is preferable to form the insulators for such applications sueh that the spaeers 166 overhang the overlapping region of the joined eables 110 and 120. The overhanging spaeer portions (not shown) may be adhered to eaeh other by means of the pressure-sensitive adhesive on each spaeer so as to eompletely : '-~.
~3Q882 1 ellvelo~- thc joining connectors and joined overlapping portions oE the cables 110 and 120. To further assure a seal from the environment, the interior surfaces of the overlapping portions of the cables 110 and 120 may be coated with a filler material such as a mastic.
It should be appreciated that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in -the art may make variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For instance, the insulator of the present invention may be applied to round electric cable as well as to flat multiconductor cable. Also, the insulator is equally suitable for use in convering any overlapped portions of a pair of cables which are spliced together by, for example, a butt splice or any other type of splice.
All such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
..
. . .
,
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to insulators fbr covering electric cables and, more particulqr~y! to such insulators which are especially adapted for use in connec~
tion with flat multiconductor cables.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
. . _ In copending Canadian Patent Application Serial No. 352,576, filed on May 23, 1980, which is owned by the assignee of the present invention, there is disclosed a technique for connecting flat multiconductor cables. Brief-ly described, the method disciosed in that application in-volves overlapping a pair of flat multiconductor cables and then mechanically and electrically connecting the overlapping portions of the cables using metallic connectors which extend beyond the surface of at least one of the cables. Any connector which electrically connects two "hot", i.e. electrically ener-gized, conductors also becomes electrically energized and therefore potentially dangerous, inasmuch as an individual who touches the connector, either directly or indirectly, could receive a serious electric shock.
In order to electrically insulate the connectors, it has been proposed to cover them with a flat sheet or rela-tively flexible electric insulation. Because the cable is I
designed preferably for undercarpet installation, it is unde-sirable to use a thick sheet of insulation which might, due to its thickness, create bulges in the carpet. Should the thickness of such insulation be decreased in an effort to prevent the formation of unsightly bulges in the overlying carpet, the insulation becomes more susceptible to puncture or piercing by the relatively sharp edges of the connectors Pq/ ~
~ ' ~3~88Z
when the carpet above is walked on. Pierced or punctured insulation results in the same potential.ly hazardous con-dition that exists when the connectors are not covered by any insùlation whatsoever. Moreover~ the piercing or puncturing of the insulation increases the possibility of eventual electrical "tracking" or arcing between the parti-ally exposed connectors.
In addition, the flat multiconductor cable, as described in the aforementioned application, has a series of parallel flat, insulated conductors separated from adja-cent conductors by flattened depressed regions of insulation which, when scored, lend themselves to tearing should it be desired to separate the conductors ~rom one another. These flattened, depressed regions are significantly thinner than the adjacent conductor insulation portions of the cable.
As a result, insulating spacers placed on such cable insula-tion would fail to conform to the depressed regions leaving pathways between the cable surface and the insulating spacers where moisture, dirt or other contaminants can enter. Thus, improper sealing of the connectors from these depressed regions can cause the conn.ectors to be subjected to moisture, dirt or contaminants contained therein~ leading to a shorting of or other injury to the joints and cables.
SUMMARY~ OF T~IE INVENTION
. . . _ . . ~
Broadly speaking the present invention oyercomes the problems of the prior art by providing an insulator for insulating the juncture between two or more electric cables each having one or more conductors wherein a connector joining J~
\ - 2 -:
::
113~`88Z
selective conductors extends be~ond the exterior surface of the surrounding joined electric cables a first predeter-mined height, comprising: a plurality of spacer means each having second predetermined heights above the surrounding joined electric cables, the second predetermined heiyhts being yreater than the first predetermined height, the spacer means at least partially surrounding the connector and spaced apart sufficiently to receive such connector therebetween; and insulation means engaging a first surface of the spacer means and supported over the connector when the spacer means are positioned adjacent a connector.
In one particula~ embod~i,ment, the spacer is adapted to insulate joined cables th~at have a cëntr,al port1on of pre-determined thickness and at the marginal edges thereof, flat depressed regions of thickness less than the central portions.
Electric conductors extend wlthin th,e central portions and the connectors joining such cables extend beyond the exterior surface of the central portion~ The spacer is made from a relatively noncompressible, nonconductive material having a plurality of openings therein. The spacer is located on the central portions of the cable with the openings being arranged to completely surround the connectors. Thus, barriers between the flat depressed regions and the connectors are formed, seal-ing the connectors from any moisture~ dirt or contaminants that may be contained in the depressed regions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION O,F THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is a plan view of an insulator for covering electric cables constructed in accordance wi,th the concepts of the invention., pg/, J
~_ 3 _ ' ~3(~882 FIG. 2 is a side elevational View, in section, of the insulator of FIG. 1 taken along the lines of 2-2 in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of two overlapping flat multiconductor cables coupled to one another by a series of connectors.
FIG. 4 is a side elevation, in section, of one of the flat multiconductor cables of FIG. 3 taken along the lines 4-4.
FIG. 5 is a side elevation, in section, of a flat multiconductor cable with an insulator adhered thereto use-ful in describing a preferred embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 6 is a side elevation, in section, of a Pg/~; - 3A -~:
~13~'8~Z
flat multiconductor cable with an insulator cons-tructed in accordance with the invention adhered thereto.
FIG. 7 is a slde elevation, in section, of a joint between two flat multiconductor cables insulated on both sides with insulators in accordance with the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
, Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a first flat multi-conductor cable 110 has its individual conductors 112, 114, 116 and 118 joined to like individua3 conductors 122, 124, 126 and 128, respectively, of a second flat multiconductor cable 120 by connectors 132, 134, 136 and 138 respectively~
Connectors 132, 134, 136 and 138 may be any suitable connect-ors such as are disclosed, for example, in copending Canadian Patent Application Serial No. 352,563 filed on May 23, 1980 and assigned to the assignee of the present invention. As is best seen in FIG. 4, the conductors are generally rec tangular and are covered on both long sides by layers of insulation 130 and 140. The layers of insulation 130 and 140 are adhered to themselves in the interstices between adjacent conductors as at 142, 144, 146 and at the cables ends as at 148 and 150. In that there is no conductor at such locations, a flattened, depressed re~ion is created having a width significantly less than the adjacent areas where a conductor is located resulting in a natural trough or passage along the longitudinal axis of the cable 110.
Similar depressed regions are found in cable 120 as at 152, 154 and 156 and at the cable ends 158 and 160. A score line, such as 162 in depressed region 142, may extend down Pgk`~ - 4 -~ , :~ :
~13~8~2 the center of each of the depressed regions to pe~mit the individual conductors to be separated from the full cable. Thus, conductor 112 can be removed from cable 110 by tearing along score line 162 in the depressed region 142.
As stated above, the presence of a bare metallic connector such as 132, 134, 136 or 138 engaging an energiz-ed conductor such as 112, 114, 116, 118, 122, 124, 126 or 128 itself becomes electrically "hot" so that one contact-ing such a connector could receive a severe electrical shock. To prevent this from happening, an insulator con-structed in accordance with the present invention is pro-vided. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, an insulator 164 com--prises a spacer 166, preferably made from a noncompressible, electrically insulating material, such as polyvinylchloride.
Spacer 166 is sized and shaped so as to completely cover and preferably overhang overlapping portions of the flat multiconductor cables 110 and 120 respectively (see Figure 3). Although the spacer 166 is illustrated as being square in Figure 1, it may have any other suitable shape depending upon the configuration of the overlapping portions of the cables 110 and 120, respectively.
A plurality of holes 168 extend through the spacer 166, the holes 168 being sized to receive therein the arms of the connectors 132, 134, 136 and 138 joining the overlapping cables 110 and 120, respectively. As will be described, the holes 168 are suitably formed to inhibit tracking between Pg/r~ _ 5 _ ' ' ~13~`~382 the connectors as well æ to seal these connectors fro~ the environ-ment. Preferclbly, for manufacturing purposes, the holes 168 are circular, although they may have other geometric shapes.
Included on the spacer 166, is a thin film of electric insulation 170, preferably clear for alignment purposes and ]aminated to one of the faces of the spacer 166. On the opposite surface of the spacer 166 is a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive 172 that is protected until use by a layer of removable release material 174. The insulator 164 preferably includes a circular apertuxe 176 and an elongated slot 178 through the spacer 166 to enable the insulator 164 to be positioned upon a suit~ble tool for aligning the insulator 164 with the cables it is to insulate.
The liner 174 prevents the inadvertent sticking of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 172 to the cables 110 and 120 or other c~ects. Preferably, the liner 22 is made from clear plastic so that the aperture 176 and slot 178 may be easily observed therethrough.
The film 170 of electric insulation can be made from any suitabIe material, such as a laminate of polyvinylchloride and polyester adapted for lamination to the spacer 166. Alternately, the filn 170 may be formed monolithically with the spacer 166.
In order to prevent the fi~m 170 fron being pierced or pun-ctured by the arms (see Fig. 3) of the connectors 132, 134, 136 and 138, the film 170 is supported a predetermined, substantially fixed distance from the arms of these connectors by the spacer 166. The thickness of the spacer 166 may be varied to vary the distance between the connector arms and the film 14, as long as the spacer 166 is thicker than the distance the connector arms project above the exterior surface of the joined cables 110 and 120, respectively.
Pg/~ ~ 6 : , .
113~882 In the preferred embodiment~ the spacer ~66 is formed to seal the connec-tors from each other and from any contaminants that may be contained within the depressed regions of the cables. To effect such a seal, the holes 168, as shown in Figure 6, are formed large enough to closely accept and fully surround the connectors and are spaced from each to lie in substantial registry with the:
thicker, central portions o the cable 110 within which the conductors 112, 114, 116 and 118 extend. The diameters of the holes 168, centered over the respective conductors, are formed to be less than the lateral distance between the depressed regions that extend along the marginal edges of each of the central portions containing :
:.- '` ' . ~
1~3~8~Z
1 the conductors, so that thc holes 168 do not extend over any of the depressed regions, 142, 144 and 146. Thus, the E~ortions of the spac~r 166 on the central cable portions extending from the walls of the holes 168 establish an insulative barrier between the connectors 132, 134, 136 and 138 and the flat, depressed regions 142, 144 and 146.
The significance of the preferred sealing structure can be more fully understood by reference to Figure 5.
In this arrangement, an insulator 10 comprising an insulative spacer 12 with an insulation layer 14 and an adhesive film 18 thereon, includes a plurality of apertures 32. The apertures 32 are formed to receive connectors therein, the diameters being larger than the lateral distance between depressed regions, whereby portions of the holes 32 overlie the recessed regions 142, 144 and 146. In such a structure an undesirable passageway is created from the depressed regions 142, 144 and 146 to the connectors that extend into the holes 32, resulting potentially in short circuits or electrical arcing.
While the insulator 164 of the present invention is preferably configured to seal the connectors joining multiconductor cables with recessed portions, it should be understood that the present insulator is not limited thereto. The present insulator may also be readily used with multiconductor cable wherein the exterior surfaces are substantially flat thereacross. With such flat cable, the insulator configuration shown in Figure 5 would not present the potential tracking problems as the depressed 30 portions 142, 144 and 146 would not be present~ Further-more, with flat cable, the connectors may be only partially surrounded and barriers between connectors would not be necessary where no troughs or depressions are present to carry or otherwise contain contaminants. Moreover, the spacing between the insulation 170 and the arms of the connectors 132, 134, 136 and 138 may also be effected by 1 separate sE~accr elements positione~ on the cables at a distance to sufficiently receive the connectors there-between.
Referring back to Figure 3, a typical splice is shown in which the cables 110 and 120 are perpendicular to each other. The four conduetors 112, 114, 116 and 118 of the cable 110 are electrically and mechanically connected to the corresponding four conductors 122, 124, 126 and 128 of the cable 120 by the connectors 132, 134, 10 136 and 138, respectively. The four connectors extend diagonally across the overlapping portions of the spliced cables 110 and 120.
When applying the insulator 164 to the o~erlapping cable 110, the liner 174 is removed in a suitable manner to expose the pressure-sensitive adhesive 172. Upon proper installation of the insulator 164, the arms of the connectors 132, 134, 136 and 138 will register with four of the holes 168 which are aligned diagonally across the face of the spacer 166 (see Figure 1). The other diagonal hole may be used when insulating a tap spliee between five-conductor eables. The two longitudinally aligned holes together with the middle one of the five diagonal holes may be used to selectively eonneet one eonduetor of a cable to three corresponding eables of an overlapping cable. Of eourse, the numher and arrangement of the holes may be varied depending upon the configuration of the connectors.
In Figure 7, there is shown a eompleted spliee of flat multiconduetor eables 110 and 120 with spaeers 166 positioned above and below a joint formed, for example, by the eonneetor 132. It is preferable to form the insulators for such applications sueh that the spaeers 166 overhang the overlapping region of the joined eables 110 and 120. The overhanging spaeer portions (not shown) may be adhered to eaeh other by means of the pressure-sensitive adhesive on each spaeer so as to eompletely : '-~.
~3Q882 1 ellvelo~- thc joining connectors and joined overlapping portions oE the cables 110 and 120. To further assure a seal from the environment, the interior surfaces of the overlapping portions of the cables 110 and 120 may be coated with a filler material such as a mastic.
It should be appreciated that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in -the art may make variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For instance, the insulator of the present invention may be applied to round electric cable as well as to flat multiconductor cable. Also, the insulator is equally suitable for use in convering any overlapped portions of a pair of cables which are spliced together by, for example, a butt splice or any other type of splice.
All such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
..
. . .
,
Claims (10)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An insulator for insulating the juncture between two or more electric cables each having one or more con-ductors wherein a connector joining selective conductors extends beyond the exterior surface of the surrounding joined electric cables a first predetermined height, comprising: a plurality of spacer means each having second predetermined heights above the surrounding joined electric cables, said second predetermined heights being greater than said first predetermined height, said spacer means at least partially surrounding said connector and spaced apart sufficiently to receive such connector therebetween; and insulation means engaging a first surface of said spacer means and supported over said connector when said spacer means are positioned adjacent a connector.
2. An insulator according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of spacer means fully surrounds said joining connec-tor.
3. An insulator according to claim 2, wherein each of said cables has a central portion of predetermined thickness and at the marginal edges thereof, flat depressed regions of thickness less than the thickness of the central portion, the conductors extending within said central portion, the joining connector extending beyond the exterior surface of said cen-tral portion, and wherein the spacer means surrounding said connector is located on said central portion to form a barrier between said flat depressed regions and such connector.
4. An insulator according to claim 3, wherein said surrounding spacer means are defined by an electrically non-conductive spacer member having an aperture adapted to be disposed in registry with said central portion, the walls of said aperture being spaced apart in the direction trans-verse to said depressed regions less than the lateral dis-tance therebetween.
5. An insulator according to claim 4, wherein the cables are each multiconductor cables, wherein there is a predetermined pattern of individual joints between pre-scribed conductors of such cables and wherein said spacer member has a plurality of apertures at least equal in number to said joining connectors.
6. An insulator according to claim 5, wherein said apertures are circular for receiving said joining connectors.
7. An insulator according to claim 4, further including means for locating said insulator with respect to said joints, said locating means including an opening extending through said member to permit positioning said apertures over said connectors.
8. An insulator according to claim 4, wherein a plur-ality of apertures lie along a diagonal line so as to overlie the joints of the conductors of a first cable individually with an associated conductor of a second cable placed substan-tially orthogonally to said first cable.
9. An insulator according to claim 4, wherein an adhes-ive layer is placed on the lower surface of said spacer mem-ber to adhere said spacer member to the central portions of a cable adjacent a connector.
10. An insulator according to claim 9, wherein liner means is removably attached to said adhesive layer prior to adhering said spacer member to said cable.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US06/042,538 | 1979-05-25 | ||
| US06/042,538 US4255612A (en) | 1979-05-25 | 1979-05-25 | Insulator for covering electric cables |
| US06/074,428 US4348548A (en) | 1979-09-11 | 1979-09-11 | Insulator for covering electrical cables |
| US06.074,428 | 1979-09-11 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1130882A true CA1130882A (en) | 1982-08-31 |
Family
ID=26719347
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA352,579A Expired CA1130882A (en) | 1979-05-25 | 1980-05-23 | Insulator for covering electrical cables |
Country Status (9)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1130882A (en) |
| DE (2) | DE8014160U1 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES257683Y (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2457549A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2052182B (en) |
| HK (1) | HK63685A (en) |
| IT (1) | IT1127851B (en) |
| MX (1) | MX149277A (en) |
| SE (1) | SE427786B (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2123112B (en) * | 1982-07-06 | 1986-04-09 | Atsugi Motor Parts Co Ltd | Shock absorber with electrical coupling |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE1490371A1 (en) * | 1962-12-21 | 1969-06-12 | Sanders Associates Inc | Method and device for making connections between ribbon cables |
| US3221096A (en) * | 1963-01-28 | 1965-11-30 | Thomas & Betts Corp | Electrical splicer block for ribbon type cables |
| US3307139A (en) * | 1965-05-12 | 1967-02-28 | Lockheed Aircraft Corp | Flat cable connector |
| GB1177275A (en) * | 1967-02-04 | 1970-01-07 | Ford Motor Co | Electrical Wiring Assemblies |
| FR2205250A5 (en) * | 1972-10-31 | 1974-05-24 | Radiall Sa | |
| ZA774638B (en) * | 1976-09-07 | 1978-06-28 | Amp Inc | Electrical connector |
-
1980
- 1980-05-21 SE SE8003813A patent/SE427786B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1980-05-23 CA CA352,579A patent/CA1130882A/en not_active Expired
- 1980-05-23 MX MX182472A patent/MX149277A/en unknown
- 1980-05-23 GB GB8017088A patent/GB2052182B/en not_active Expired
- 1980-05-23 FR FR8011612A patent/FR2457549A1/en active Granted
- 1980-05-23 IT IT48769/80A patent/IT1127851B/en active
- 1980-05-23 ES ES1980257683U patent/ES257683Y/en not_active Expired
- 1980-05-24 DE DE8014160U patent/DE8014160U1/en not_active Expired
- 1980-05-24 DE DE19803020039 patent/DE3020039A1/en active Granted
-
1985
- 1985-08-22 HK HK636/85A patent/HK63685A/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| ES257683U (en) | 1981-12-16 |
| DE3020039A1 (en) | 1980-11-27 |
| FR2457549A1 (en) | 1980-12-19 |
| SE427786B (en) | 1983-05-02 |
| IT8048769A0 (en) | 1980-05-23 |
| DE8014160U1 (en) | 1981-01-15 |
| FR2457549B1 (en) | 1984-09-28 |
| GB2052182B (en) | 1983-10-05 |
| IT1127851B (en) | 1986-05-28 |
| MX149277A (en) | 1983-10-06 |
| GB2052182A (en) | 1981-01-21 |
| ES257683Y (en) | 1982-06-01 |
| SE8003813L (en) | 1980-11-26 |
| HK63685A (en) | 1985-08-30 |
| DE3020039C2 (en) | 1988-08-11 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| MKEX | Expiry |