TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001 ] This application describes improvements to the invention of International

Patent Application No. PCT/AU2014/000306 filed 24 March 2014 and United States of America Patent Application No. US 14/790,339 filed 2 July 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by cross-reference.

[0002] The present invention generally relates, inter alia, to a plug, a socket and to a connection apparatus for making an electrical/data connection.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

[0004] Electrical connectors for connecting one conductor to another are known.

One such connector is described in the present applicant's earlier patent, US 7,211 ,725. This connector is a form of stripless connector in so far as it automatically connects insulated multistrand wires without having to strip the insulator. However, a problem with that connector is that there are some applications where it is difficult to insert the conductors into the patented connector, particularly when flexible cables are to be inserted to make the electrical connection. It can also be difficult to insert the cable in cramped situations or locations having access limited by configuration of the location, presence and/or orientation of other equipment and such like, or where the size of the cable is too small to afford sufficient pushing force into the connector. [0005] Most commercially available electrical connectors are not suited to making electrical connections in moist or wet environments. In marine applications, in particular, direct contact of an electrical connection with, or even immersion in, water can occur, requiring the electrical conductors to be adequately insulated. Even if the electrical connection is kept away from direct contact with water, a hygroscopic plaque can build up on the surface, the plaque often being highly conductive due to its electrolyte content. It is therefore necessary to ensure electrical conductors are kept insulated electrically and separated physically from the environment whilst at the same time making a reliable electrical connection to an appliance or another conductor.

[0006] Although the connector of US 7,211 ,725 provides a satisfactory solution to the problems associated with electrical connections in moist environments in many situations, it still suffers from the problem described above.

[0007] Another problem with the connector of US 7,211 ,725 is that, because it is generally used to connect two wires together, it cannot be used to capture and incorporate an end of a wire into a type of plug that can then be plugged into a socket of an electrical appliance so as to make an electrical connection.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide a plug, socket or connection apparatus that minimises or overcomes a problem addressed above. An alternative object is to provide a plug, socket or connection apparatus for electrical use or other than for electrical use. An alternative object is to provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.

[0009] In a first aspect, the invention concerns: a plug for holding a wire and for being received within a socket (or a plug adapted to hold a wire and to be received within a socket), said plug comprising: a plug body and a passage extending axially within the plug body for receiving a wire, wherein the plug body is configurable in a first

wire-receiving configuration so that a wire can be placed within the passage and a second clamping configuration so that the plug body can clamp to and retain the wire within the passage.

[0010] In a second aspect, the invention concerns a plug for holding a wire (or a plug adapted to hold a wire), said plug comprising: a plug body comprising: an inside face and an outside face; a passage extending axially within the plug body for receiving a wire; and at least one gripping formation extending inwardly from the inside face for gripping a wire when located within the passage, wherein the plug body is configurable in a first wire-receiving configuration so that a wire can be placed within the passage and a second clamping configuration so that the plug body can clamp to and retain the wire within the passage when the plug has been received within a socket.

[0011] In a third aspect, the invention concerns a plug assembly comprising the plug as defined according to the first aspect or second aspect and a wire.

[0012] In a fourth aspect, the invention concerns a socket for receiving at least one plug as defined according to the first aspect or second aspect, or the plug assembly according to the third aspect.

[0013] In a fifth aspect, the invention concerns a connection apparatus comprising: the plug as defined according to the first aspect or second aspect, or the plug assembly as defined according to the third aspect; and/or the socket as defined according to the fourth aspect.

[0014] In a sixth aspect, the invention concerns a method of forming a connection and optionally an electrical connection comprising the steps of: locating a wire within a plug as defined according to the first or second aspect; and receiving the plug within a socket according to the fourth aspect that optionally comprises an electrical conductor. [0015] The plug can be of any suitable size, shape and construction, and can be made of any suitable material or materials. The plug can comprise a single component or possibly more than one component. In some embodiments, the plug can comprise a plug body that directly or indirectly engages a socket.

[0016] Any suitable type of wire can be held by the plug. The wire can be rigid or flexible. The wire can comprise rigid or malleable conducting filaments or strands and an insulating exterior coating or sheath made of plastics material or rubber, for example. The wire can be in the form of a cable having interwoven conducting strands and a

sheathed/coated exterior.

[0017] Preferably the wire comprises a round plastic sheathed/coated exterior that contains centrally extending conducting filaments or strands. The wire can be of any suitable gauge. Preferably the wire gauge is anywhere from between about 0.5 mm and about 6 mm, and more preferably between about 2 mm and 4 mm. In the second clamping configuration, preferably the conducting filaments extend substantially along the central longitudinal axis of the plug body.

[0018] The plug body can be of any suitable size, shape and construction and can be made of any suitable material or materials. In a preferred embodiment the plug body is made of a non-conductive material or materials, such as plastics material or rubber.

[0019] In an embodiment, the plug body can be of unitary construction and can be manipulated to adopt the second clamping configuration. This may be possible, for example, by way of two or more plug body portions being hinged together and moveable via at least one hinge or at least one hinge region into the second clamping configuration. In the first wire-receiving configuration the plug body portions can be moved away from the central longitudinal axis so as to receive a wire and in the second clamping configuration the plug body portions can be moved towards the central longitudinal axis so as to hold the wire therebetween. This may be possible, for example, by way of two or more plug body portions being flexible and movable relative to the central longitudinal axis of the plug body, wherein in the first wire-receiving configuration the plug body portions can be flexed away from the central longitudinal axis so as to receive a wire and in the second clamping configuration the plug body portions can be flexed towards the central longitudinal axis so as to hold the wire therebetween.

[0020] The plug body can have a first end and a second end that is opposite the first end. The plug body can have socket receiving end. In some embodiments, only one end of the plug body is received within a socket. In some other embodiments, both ends of the plug body are received within a socket.

[0021 ] In some embodiments, the plug body comprises two body portions hinged together at an end of the plug body using at least one hinge or at least one hinge region. The hinge or hinge region may be in the form of one or more fold lines or a region relative to which the plug body portions can move. The two body portions can be of similar length and shape. The plug body can resemble a split sleeve or split tube substantially sealed or semi-sealed at the plug body end. When in the second clamping configuration the body portions may or may not directly contact each other along their entire or substantially entire body portion lengths as they may be spaced apart by the wire. In some embodiments, when clamping a wire in the second clamping configuration, non-hinged ends or regions of the body portions may be spaced from each other.

[0022] In some embodiments, the plug body comprises two body portions connected together at an end of the plug body. The body portions can be flexed or bent relative to the plug body end. The two body portions can be of similar length and shape. The plug body can resemble a split sleeve or split tube substantially sealed or semi-sealed at the plug body end. When in the second clamping configuration the body portions may or may not directly contact each other along their entire or substantially entire body portion lengths as they may be spaced apart by the wire. In some embodiments, when clamping a wire in the second clamping configuration, non-hinged ends or regions of the body portions may be spaced from each other.

[0023] In some embodiments, the plug body comprises two substantially identical or similar body portions hinged together at an end of the plug body using at least one hinge or at least one hinge region. The hinge or hinge region may be in the form of one or more fold lines or a region from which the plug body portions can bend or flex. The substantially identical or similar body portions can be like a sleeve or tube split into longitudinal halves and hinged at one end, or a sleeve or tube substantially sealed or semi-sealed at one end (end wall of the plug body) and split into longitudinal halves and hinged at one end. When in the second clamping configuration the body portions may or may not directly contact each other along their entire or substantially entire body portion lengths as they may be spaced apart by the wire. In some embodiments, when clamping a wire in the second clamping configuration, the body portions may be spaced from each other in relation to their non-hinged ends.

[0024] In some embodiments, if received directly by a socket, the plug body can comprise two substantially identical or similar body portions hinged together at a socket receiving end of the plug body (or optionally at the other end of the plug body), using at least one hinge or at least one hinge region. The hinge or hinge region may be in the form of one or more fold lines or a region from which the plug body portions can bend or flex. The substantially identical or similar body portions can be like a sleeve or tube split into longitudinal halves and hinged at the socket receiving end (or optionally at the other end of the body), or a sleeve or tube substantially sealed or semi-sealed at one end (end wall of the plug body) and split into longitudinal halves and hinged at one end. When in the second clamping configuration the body portions may or may not directly contact each other along their entire or substantially entire body portion lengths as they may be spaced apart by the wire. In some embodiments, when clamping a wire in the second clamping configuration, non-hinged ends or regions of the body portions may be spaced from each other. [0025] The plug body can be in the form of a (split) sleeve or tube extending completely or incompletely around the wire when in the second clamping configuration and the (split) sleeve or tube can be of any suitable cross-section. For example, the (split) sleeve or tube can be of arcuate cross-section, circular cross-section or of substantially circular cross-section when in the second clamping configuration.

Alternatively, the (split) sleeve or tube can be of substantially triangular, rectangular or other geometrical cross-section when in the second clamping configuration. For example, the (split) sleeve or tube can have a generally D-shaped cross-section when viewed in end elevation (ie. a substantially rectangular cross-section with two rounded corners to provide an arcuate face/wall).

[0026] The inside and outside faces of the plug body can be of similar or differing cross-sections, profiles or shapes.

[0027] In some embodiments, the plug body end opposite the socket receiving end can be enlarged. For example, in one embodiment, the enlarged end can be in the form of a circumferentially extending flange. The flange may be gripped with fingers or using a pair of pliers particularly when the plug body is in a second clamping

configuration. The flange can abut the socket when the plug body has been received within the socket. The flange can sealingly engage the socket.

[0028] The flange can be of circular cross-section or of substantially circular cross-section when in the second clamping configuration. Alternatively, the flange can be of a substantially triangular, rectangular or other geometrical cross-section when in the second clamping configuration. For example, the flange can have a substantially

D-shaped cross-section when viewed in end elevation.

[0029] For example, in another embodiment, the enlarged end can be sized and shaped so as to be easily gripped with fingers or a pair of pliers particularly when the plug body is in a second clamping configuration. The enlarged end (or head) can be of any suitable size and shape. In some embodiments, the enlarged end or head is substantially cuboid in shape, substantially in the shape of a cylinder, substantially in the shape of a rectangular prism, or of substantially D-shaped cross-section, for example.

[0030] The passage extending axially within the plug body for receiving a wire can extend completely through a central region of the plug body or part way along the plug body. Preferably, the passage extends centrally along a longitudinal axis of the plug body, completely through the plug body, including the ends/end wall/enlarged end/head of the plug body. Alternatively, one end of the passage, such as at the socket receiving end, could be blind or substantially blind, so as to completely or almost completely

insulate/isolate an end of the wire - depending on the intended use (ie. non-electrical connection).

[0031 ] The passage can snugly receive the wire. The diameter of the passage and inside face of the plug body can vary depending on the gauge of the wire. The part of the passage extending through the enlarged end or head can be used to check wires for appropriate gauge size/diameter.

[0032] The at least one gripping formation can be of any suitable size, shape and construction. The at least one gripping formation can comprise one or more gripping teeth extending along the inside face of the plug body. Preferably, the at least one gripping formation comprises one or more gripping teeth that are pointed in a direction that prevents or minimises the risk of the wire being pulled out of the passage in an axial direction. The wire can be snugly or tightly received by the gripping formation.

[0033] Preferably the gripping teeth extend around the inside face and are spaced along the longitudinal axis. Preferably the teeth are pointed perpendicularly towards the central longitudinal axis, or toward the socket receiving end, or toward the other end of the plug body. [0034] The tooth or teeth of the at least one gripping formation may or may not deflect when gripping or biting into the wire. That is, the tooth or teeth may be flexible or rigid in differing circumstances depending on the nature of the wire - for example, whether insulated or not, and whether flexible or malleable or not. The gripping teeth can preferably grip or bite into the wire, particularly the exterior insulating coating or sheath of the wire.

[0035] In an embodiment, the at least one gripping formation can be provided as a plurality of axially spaced circumferentially running ridges having a parallelogram shaped cross-section circumferentially, the parallelogram leaning towards an end of the plug body, preferably the socket receiving end of the plug body (but this need not be the case).

[0036] In another embodiment, the at least one gripping formation can be provided as a plurality of axially spaced circumferentially running ridges having a pointed end or edge leaning towards an end of the plug body, preferably the socket receiving end of the plug body (but this need not be the case).

[0037] In some embodiments the connection apparatus can be used to make a connection to another wire or wires, or to an electrical appliance, equipment or device in a waterproof or fluid-tight manner in a moist or wet environment. To that end, the plug, socket and/or connection apparatus can comprise a sealing arrangement or sealing means. The sealing arrangement or sealing means can be, for example, in the form of one or more 0-rings/sealing members, one or more sealing formations, and/or sealant such as chemical sealant. Preferably chemical sealant is used to render the connection fluid-tight or waterproof.

[0038] The socket can provide an electrical connection with another wire or other type of conductor, or simply help isolate/insulate an end of the wire from electrical contact or the elements, such as rain or moisture. Alternatively, the socket could be used as a means of labelling/identifying the wire/nature of the wire/intended purpose for the wire, in addition to making an electrical connection or not. That is, the sealing arrangement need not be present.

[0039] The (electrical or non-electrical) conductor can be of any suitable size, shape and construction, and can be made of any suitable material or materials

(preferably highly conductive material such as metal). In some embodiments the conductor can be in the form of a pin, wire or spike, of any suitable size and shape. In some embodiments the conductor can be in the form of a plate, strip, terminal or tab, of any suitable size and shape.

[0040] In an embodiment, the socket can contain a conductor and can convert the plug assembly into a type of plug that can then be plugged into an electrical appliance, equipment or device. An electrical appliance, equipment or device (as used throughout this specification) includes, but is not limited to, anything of an electrical or electronic nature, or anything used in the transfer or transmission of data. That is, the electrical connection can be made for data transmission purposes. An electrical appliance, equipment or device (as used throughout this specification) also includes, but is not limited to, a major appliance, microcontroller, power tool or small appliance, or a component part of an electrical distribution system such as an electric switchboard, distribution board, circuit breaker or disconnect, electricity meter or transformer.

[0041 ] Therefore, the method according to the sixth aspect can comprise the step of using the socket containing the plug assembly (the connection apparatus) as a plug/connector to be received within a socket of an electrical appliance, equipment or device.

[0042] In another embodiment, the socket can be in the form of an opening in a circuit board or other type of electrical appliance, equipment or device for receiving the plug or plug assembly, for either isolating the wire or making an electrical connection with one or more other wires or other types of conductors. Put another way, a main body of the socket and electrical conductor etc may be provided by the electrical appliance, equipment or device itself

[0043] Therefore, the socket can be of any suitable size, shape and construction and can be made of any suitable material or materials. For example, in an embodiment, the socket is merely an opening in an electrical appliance, equipment or device. For example, in another embodiment, the socket is in the form of a sleeve comprising a main body and a central opening for receiving the plug/plug assembly, for either isolating the wire or making an electrical connection with one or more other wires or conductors. The central opening can be blind or not.

[0044] The socket main body and end wall can be of unitary construction or comprise multiple connectable pieces. The socket main wall and end wall can be made of any suitable non-conductive material or materials such as plastics material, rubber, carbon fibre, insulated metal or ceramics material. The socket main wall and end wall can preferably be made of plastics material, and may have a Shore D hardness of approximately 85+ or 100-120R Rockwell.

[0045] In one embodiment the socket can comprise an opening extending axially within a main body for receiving the plug, preferably the socket receiving end of the plug body. The main body can have an outer face and an inner face that extends around the opening. The socket can comprise an end wall that borders a blind end of the opening. The main body can be in the form of a sleeve or tube having a sealed/blind end. The other end of the sleeve can be flared or the main body can have a stepped interior. The sleeve or tube can be of any suitable cross section, but preferably is of circular cross-section or of substantially circular cross-section. Alternatively, the main body (sleeve or tube) can be of substantially triangular, substantially rectangular, substantially D-shaped (ie generally rectangular but an arcuate face in place of two right-angle corners), or other geometrical cross-section. The inner and outer faces can be of similar or different cross-sections, profiles or shapes. Preferably, the main body is shaped to snugly receive the plug body and/or plug. That is, preferably the outer surface of the plug body is snugly received by the inner face/opening of the socket main body.

[0046] The plug can be adapted to be received within the socket in any suitable way. That is, the connection apparatus can comprise at least one male and female formation or at least one engagement formation enabling the plug body to be received within an opening in the socket and to be held or locked in place within the socket opening.

[0047] For example, the outside face of the plug body can have at least one male or female formation that engages at least one male or female formation of the socket main body. For example, the at least one engagement formation can comprise the outside face of the plug body having one or more engagement formations for engagement with one or more complementary engagement formations of the socket main body.

[0048] In one embodiment, the outside face of the plug body can have one or more teeth that engage one or more teeth located at the main body inner face. For example, the teeth can be in the form of a pawl and ratchet arrangement whereby the teeth of the pawl engage the ratchet teeth as the plug body is inserted into the socket opening. The pawl can be hinged to the main body of the socket and the teeth of the pawl can extend adjacent the inner face of the main body.

[0049] In one embodiment, the at least one engagement formation comprises a plurality of circumferentially extending grooves or slots in regular spaced relationship axially along the outside face of the plug body. Preferably, the grooves have a saw-tooth configuration and extend circumferentially such that the engagement formations and complementary engagement formations of the socket main body engage and lock together.

[0050] In one embodiment, the outside face of the plug body can have at least one flexibly resilient tooth that engages and locks within at least one recess or opening in the socket main body. That is, when first pushing the plug body into the socket, the at least one tooth can be flexed from its resting position by the socket main wall towards the wire. However, when the at least one tooth engages the at least one recess or opening in the socket main body, then the at least one tooth can flex back into its resting position and lock within the recess or opening. That is, an edge, shoulder of the tooth can abut an edge of the recess or opening to prevent the plug from being pulled out from within the socket. However, it is possible to release the plug from the socket by way of manually disengaging the at least one tooth from the at least one recess or opening - thereby allowing re-use of the plug and socket.

[0051 ] The connection apparatus can comprise a guide for aligning the plug body with the socket main body and guiding it axially within the opening in the socket. The guide can be of any suitable form.

[0052] In some embodiments the guide can be in the form of the plug and socket having a keyway and key arrangement for aligning the plug body with the socket main body and guiding it axially within the opening in the socket. The guide can incorporate some of the at least one engagement formation or male and female formations as described above, but this need not be the case.

[0053] In some embodiments, the plug body and socket opening can be shaped such that the plug body can only be inserted into the socket opening one way. For example, the plug outer body can be generally D-shaped when viewed in end elevation and the socket opening can likewise be generally D-shaped when viewed in end elevation. [0054] An external diameter of the plug body can narrow or taper and a diameter of the socket opening can narrow or taper in a similar manner. Preferably, a diameter of an outer face of the plug body narrows or tapers as it extends from the enlarged end towards the plug end/end wall, and the socket opening diameter narrows or tapers in a similar axial direction so as to assist with insertion of the plug body into the socket and with manufacturing - ie. to alleviate stickiness during the moulding process.

[0055] In an embodiment the socket can comprise an opening extending axially within a main body for receiving the socket receiving end of the plug body. The main body can have an outer face and an inner face that borders the opening. The socket can have an end wall that borders a blind end of the opening. The socket can comprise an electrical conductor located adjacent the end wall of the socket at the blind end of the opening, for contacting the wire located within the plug. That is, as the plug body is inserted into the opening in the socket, a conducting filament of the wire within the plug makes an electrical connection with the conductor. In one embodiment, the conductor is flat or raised and adjacent the end wall of the socket. In another embodiment, the conductor is in the form of a penetrator - spike or pin, for example - for penetrating the wire when the wire of the plug is inserted into the opening in the socket. Preferably the penetrator is capable of penetrating the external insulating coating of the wire in the event that the filament is not exposed.

[0056] The conductor, such as the penetrator, can extend through the end wall of the socket to an exterior of the socket end wall to provide another electrical point of contact. If the conductor extends to an exterior of the end wall as a pin or other point of electrical contact then the socket/connection apparatus can function as an electrical plug that can be plugged into an electrical appliance, equipment or device. That is, the plug captures an end of the wire to form a plug assembly, the plug assembly is received by the socket to make an electrical connection within the socket, and the socket itself serves as a plug that can be plugged into an electrical appliance, equipment or device so as to make another electrical contact by virtue of the exposed conductor (pin or other point of electrical contact) with the electrical appliance, equipment or device. That is, the plug and socket can serve as an adapter plug for the wire.

[0057] If a non-electrical connection is required (eg. when merely isolating the end of the wire), the socket can be devoid of any electrical conductor adjacent the end wall of the socket.

[0058] Any suitable type of chemical sealant s can be used to render the connection waterproof or fluid-tight. The chemical sealant/s may set, for example, when exposed to air, moisture, light or heat, or when different sealant components mix with one another. Suitable chemical sealants include non-conductive sealants that coat the wire and stick to the plug body and socket main body, although binding with the bodies may not be essential. Suitable chemical sealants include those that have adhesive properties. Preferably the chemical sealant/s is free flowing and hardens when exposed to air or when two sealant components are mixed together.

[0059] The term 'sealant' as defined herein is preferably insoluble,

non-conducting, corrosion resistant and adhesive. It is preferably a liquid, although it need not be free-flowing. The term includes all types of sealants usually used for electrical work, including adhesives, cements, pastes and other settable materials.

Examples include silicone-based sealants, drying adhesives (eg. solvent based adhesives and polymer dispersion adhesives), contact adhesives (eg. natural rubber and polychloroprene), one-part adhesives (eg. cyanoacrylates and urethanes) and multi-part adhesives (polyester resin— polyurethane resin, polyols— polyurethane resin, and acrylic polymers— polyurethane resins).

[0060] In some embodiments, the plug and socket connection is rendered fluid-tight or waterproof by dipping the wire/end of the wire into a chemical sealant (such as silicone or superglue), holding the wire within the plug body, applying chemical sealant to the outside face of the plug body (silicone or superglue), and inserting the plug body into the socket. Once the chemical sealant has dried/set/cured, the connection may be fluid-tight/waterproof.

[0061 ] Preferably, the plug is of unitary construction and is made of plastics material, and may have a Shore D hardness of approximately 85+ or 100-120R

Rockwell.

[0062] The connection apparatus can comprise other components such as, for example, a closure for isolating or enclosing an end of the wire. The closure can be, for example, a cap or cover that friction fits or screws to the plug and/or socket. Preferably the closure is a cap that extends over an end of the plug and friction fits to the outer face of the main body of the socket.

[0063] In an embodiment the conductor of the socket can make electrical contact with any suitable number of conductors (wires or other types of conductors). Any suitable number includes 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, about 15, about 20, about 25, about 30, about 35, about 40, about 45, about 50, about 55, about 60, about 65, about 70, about 75, about 80, about 85, about 90, about 95, about 100 (and any number in between 10-100) and more than 100.

[0064] In an embodiment, the socket can have diametrically opposed blind openings separated by a common end wall (median wall). Such an embodiment could receive a respective plug/plug assembly within each opening to electrically connect two wires together. That is, the socket can be in the form of a dual socket for connecting two wires together, said dual socket comprising essentially two said sockets connected at their said end walls, and a conductive penetrator of both sockets is connected together.

[0065] In another embodiment, the socket can have more than two, three, four or five blind openings for receiving more than two, three, four or five plugs/plug assemblies. [0066] In another embodiment, the socket can have any suitable number of blind openings for receiving any suitable number of plugs/plug assemblies. For example, the one socket can be electrically connected to 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, about 15, about 20, about 25, about 30, about 35, about 40, about 45, about 50, about 55, about 60, about 65, about 70, about 75, about 80, about 85, about 90, about 95, about 100 (and any number in between 10-100) and more than 100. Preferably, the sockets are connected by their end walls or by way of an additional connector region, branched body or webbing, and the conductors/penetrators of the sockets are connected together.

[0067] In an embodiment, the socket can be in the form of a socket assembly for connecting two or more wires or other types of conductors together, said socket assembly comprising two or more said sockets electrically connected together.

[0068] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dual socket assembly for connecting two wires or other types of conductors together, said dual socket assembly comprising two said sockets as defined according to the fourth aspect of the invention electrically connected together and capable of receiving two plugs or plug assemblies as defined according to the first, second or third aspects of the invention.

[0069] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a socket assembly for connecting a plurality of wires or other types of conductors together, said socket assembly comprising a plurality of sockets as defined according to the fourth aspect of the invention electrically connected together and capable of receiving a plurality of plugs or plug assemblies as defined according to the first, second or third aspects of the invention.

[0070] Particularly preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in the paragraphs below. [0071 ] In preferred embodiments there is provided a plug adapted to hold a wire and to be received within a socket, said plug comprising: a plug body comprising at least two plug body portions that are connected to a plug body end; and a passage extending substantially along a central longitudinal axis of the plug body for receiving the wire, wherein:

[0072] the plug body is configurable in a first wire-receiving configuration so that the wire can be placed within the passage and a second clamping configuration so that the plug body can clamp to and retain the wire within the passage such that conducting strands of the wire extend substantially along the central longitudinal axis of the plug body; and

[0073] wherein the at least two plug body portions are moveable away from the central longitudinal axis into the first wire-receiving configuration, and are moveable towards the central longitudinal axis into the second clamping configuration.

[0074] The passage can extend along a central longitudinal axis of the plug body completely through the plug body including substantially centrally through the plug body end.

[0075] Preferably, an outer diameter of the plug body reduces as it extends towards the plug body end. The reduction can be very slight, so as to assist with insertion into a socket. The plug can be of unitary construction.

[0076] In one application of the present invention it applies to a stripless electrical connection employing a plug body to facilitate manual insertion of a terminal end portion of a flexible insulated multistrand conductor into a matching socket to automatically terminate the connection, the socket having an axially extending conductive spike, the plug body having a supporting shroud for a terminal end portion of an insulated multistrand conductor, an entry for the terminal end portion leading to an axial passage, the axial passage leading, in turn, to a spike entry for entry of the socket spike into the axial passage when the plug is operatively secured in the socket, the axial passage receiving the terminal end portion of the insulated multistrand conductor along the passage, the terminal end portion of the insulated conductor having an end with conductors exposed to the spike when the terminal end portion is operatively positioned in the passage and aligned with the spike entry, the plug body having a first configuration where the insulated multistrand conductor can be placed within the passage and a second clamping configuration where the plug body can clamp to and retain the insulated multistrand conductor within the passage. The spike entry may be an opening or may be closed for penetration by the spike as the plug is pushed into the socket. Where the plug is tubular or a sleeve the region of the spike entry comprises a crown and the plug body can flex about the crown between the first and second configurations. Typically, the body has one or more open ended slots which aid flexing. Preferably, the passage has a stop for the terminal end, the stop being adjacent the spike entry.

[0077] The end of the plug body can be in the form of an end wall.

[0078] The plug body can comprise an inside face and an outside face.

[0079] The plug can comprise gripping formations extending inwardly from the inside face for gripping opposing sides of the wire when located within the passage. Each said gripping formation can comprise one or more gripping teeth that: grip or bite into an exterior insulating coating or sheath of the wire; extend along the inside face of the plug body; and/or are pointed in a direction that prevents or minimises the risk of the wire being pulled out of the passage in an axial direction.

[0080] Each of the two plug body portions can be hinged to the plug body and end by way of at least one hinge or at least one hinge region. [0081 ] Each of the two plug body portions can be connected to the plug body end such that each said plug body portion can be bent or flexed relative to the central longitudinal axis.

[0082] The plug body can resemble a sleeve or tube split into longitudinal halves, whereby the plug body portions are connected at an end of the sleeve or tube.

[0083] The two plug body portions can resemble a sleeve or tube split into longitudinal halves and are hinged at an end of the sleeve or tube.

[0084] The two plug body portions can be similar, substantially identical or identical to each other.

[0085] The inside face of a first said plug body portion can be similar, substantially identical or identical to the inside face of a second said plug body portion.

[0086] A first gripping formation of a first plug body portion can be substantially identical to a second gripping formation of a second plug body portion.

[0087] When in the second clamping configuration the inside face can have a cross-section shaped to snugly receive a wire having a circular cross-section.

[0088] Being hinged together at the end or end wall of the plug body can enable both plug body portions to move towards the central longitudinal axis of the plug body so that the plug body can clamp to and retain the wire within the passage.

[0089] Being hinged together at the end or end wall of the plug body can enable both of the plug body portions to move towards or away from the central longitudinal axis of the plug body when configuring the plug body. [0090] The plug body and wall can be substantially D-shaped when viewed in end elevation.

[0091 ] The plug body portions can be spaced or substantially spaced from each other when gripping a wire in the second clamping configuration.

[0092] In preferred embodiments there is provided a connection apparatus comprising the plug as described above and a socket for receiving the plug.

[0093] In preferred embodiments there is provided a socket for use with the plug as described or when used with the plug as described.

[0094] The plug can have at least one male or female formation that engages at least one corresponding male or female formation of a socket, for preventing

unintentional removal of the plug from the socket.

[0095] The plug can have at least one flexibly resilient tooth that engages and locks within at least one recess or opening in a socket main body.

[0096] The plug body can have an enlarged end in the form of a circumferentially extending flange. The flange can be gripped with fingers or using a pair of pliers.

[0097] The flange can be of the generally rectangular or generally D-shaped cross-section when viewed in end elevation. If the end wall is generally D-shaped then the flange can also be generally D-shaped.

[0098] Each of the two plug body portions can have part of the flange.

[0099] The socket can comprise an opening extending axially within a main body for receiving the plug. [0100] The plug body and plug opening of the socket can be shaped such that the plug body can only be inserted into the plug opening one way.

[0101 ] The socket can be an opening in an electrical appliance, equipment or device.

[0102] The main body of the socket can comprise an outer face, an inner face that extends around the opening and an end wall that borders a blind end of the opening.

[0103] The socket can comprise an electrical conductor located adjacent the end wall of the socket at the blind end of the opening, for contacting the wire located within the plug.

[0104] The conductor can be in the form of a penetrator for penetrating the wire when the wire of the plug is inserted into the opening in the socket.

[0105] The conductor can extend through the end wall of the socket to an exterior of the socket end wall to provide another electrical point of contact.

[0106] The socket of the connection apparatus can function as an electrical plug that can be plugged into an electrical appliance, equipment or device.

[0107] The socket can be in the form of a dual socket for connecting two wires together, said dual socket comprising essentially two said sockets connected at their said end walls, and the conductor of both sockets is connected together.

[0108] Preferably, a diameter of the plug opening in the socket reduces as it extends towards the socket end wall. The reduction can be very slight, so as to assist with plug insertion. [0109] The plug and socket connection can be rendered fluid-tight or waterproof by dipping the wire/end of the wire into a chemical sealant (such as silicone or superglue), holding the wire within the plug body, applying chemical sealant to the outside face of the plug body (silicone or superglue), and inserting the plug body into the socket. Once the chemical sealant has dried/set/cured, the connection is

fluid-tight/waterproof.

[0110] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of figures as follows:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0111 ] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following figures, in which:

[0112] Figure 1 is an end view of a plug, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0113] Figure 2 is a top view of the plug shown in figure 1 ;

[0114] Figure 3 is a front view of the plug shown in figure 1 ;

[0115] Figure 4 is bottom view of the plug shown in figure 1 ;

[0116] Figure 5 is a rear view of the plug shown in figure 1 ; [0117] Figure 6 is another end view of the plug shown in figure 1 ;

[0118] Figure 7 is a sectional view of the plug shown in figure 6, taken through plane A-A;

[0119] Figure 8 is an isometric view of the plug shown in figure 1 ;

[0120] Figure 9 is an end view of a plug, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0121 ] Figure 10 is a top view of the plug shown in figure 9;

[0122] Figure 11 is a front view of the plug shown in figure 9;

[0123] Figure 12 is bottom view of the plug shown in figure 9;

[0124] Figure 13 is a rear view of the plug shown in figure 9;

[0125] Figure 14 is an end view of the plug shown in figure 9;

[0126] Figure 15 is a sectional view of the plug shown in figure 14, taken through plane AA;

[0127] Figure 16 is an isometric view of the plug shown in figure 9;

[0128] Figure 17 is an isometric view of a dual socket, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0129] Figure 18 is a top view of the socket shown in figure 17; [0130] Figure 19 is a sectional view of the socket shown in figure 18, taken through plane A-A;

[0131 ] Figure 20 is a bottom view of the socket shown in figure 17;

[0132] Figure 21 is a rear view of the socket shown in figure 17;

[0133] Figure 22 is a front view of the socket shown in figure 17;

[0134] Figure 23 is an end view of the socket shown in figure 17;

[0135] Figure 24 is another end view of the socket shown in figure 17;

[0136] Figure 25 is a sectional view of the socket shown in figure 18, taken through plane B-B;

[0137] Figure 26 is an isometric view of a wire the can be held by the plug of figure 1 or figure 9;

[0138] Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view of a connection apparatus comprising the dual socket shown in figure 19, a first plug as shown in figure 1 , a second plug as shown in figure 11 , and two insulated wires of the type shown in figure 26;

[0139] Figure 28 shows the plug of figure 1 or figure 11 in a first wire receiving configuration; and

[0140] Figure 29 shows the plug of figure 1 or figure 11 in a second wire clamping configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0141 ] In the figures like reference numerals refer to like features. Some of the figures are shown in duplicate - with and without the trade mark WEC. The trade mark does not form part of the invention and is to be disregarded.

[0142] Referring first to figures 1 -8, there is shown a plug 1 for clamping a wire

20, that together with the wire 20 form a plug assembly 23 (see figure 29), according to an embodiment of the invention. A wire 20 in this example has a conductive filament interior 21 and an insulating sheathed exterior 22, as best seen in figures 26 and 27. In this way a terminal end portion of the wire is supported and shrouded by the plug when in the plug assembly. The assembly facilitates manual insertion of the plug into a socket.

[0143] The plug 1 includes a plug body or terminal end portion shroud 2 having an inside face 3, an outside face 4, a socket receiving end 5 (plug end wall 5) and an enlarged head (flange) 6 at an opposing end. The socket receiving end 5 is D-shaped when viewed in end elevation. The enlarged head 6 is in the shape of a rectangle when viewed in end elevation. The plug 1 includes a passage 7 extending axially through the plug body 2, including the plug end wall 5, for snugly receiving a wire 20, as well as a gripping formation comprising teeth 8 extending inwardly from the inside face 3 for gripping the wire 20 when located within the passage 7. As can be seen the body is slotted so that the plug end wall 5 is effectively a crown and the body may flex about the crown as it is pressed onto and clamps the wire.

[0144] The passage 7 extends centrally along a longitudinal axis of the plug body 2, completely through the plug body 2, including the plug end wall/socket receiving end 5. In this embodiment the passage 7 is shaped to receive a wire 20 of circular

cross-section. [0145] Alternatively, an end of the passage 7 at the socket receiving end 5 could be blind or substantially blind, so as to completely or substantially isolate and insulate an end of the wire 20 for a non-electrical connection with the socket. If blind, the socket can simply help isolate an end of the wire from electrical contact or the elements, such as rain or moisture. Alternatively, the socket could be used as a means of

labelling/identifying the wire/nature of the wire/intended purpose for the wire.

[0146] The diameter of the passage 7 will vary in accordance with the gauge of the wire, such that the fit is snug.

[0147] The gripping formation 8 has tapered teeth (barbs) extending as circumferential pointed ridges around the inside face 3, and spaced apart from one another along the inside face 3 relative to the longitudinal axis. Sharp edges of the teeth 8 prevent or minimise the risk of the wire 20 being pulled out of the passage 7 in an axial direction.

[0148] The teeth 8 may or may not deflect when gripping or biting the wire 20.

That is, the teeth 8 may be flexible or rigid in differing circumstances depending on the nature of the wire for example, whether insulated or not, and whether flexible or malleable or not. The teeth 8 as illustrated can grip or bite into the exterior insulating coating or sheath 22 of the wire 20.

[0149] The plug body 2 resembles a longitudinally split tube or longitudinally split sleeve. The plug body 2 comprises two similar body portions 200 that are connected together at the socket receiving end 5. In one sense, the body portions 200 are hinged at/to the socket receiving end 5 by way of a hinge or hinge region. In this regard, see figure 28. In another sense, the body portions 200 are connected at the socket receiving end 5 and can be bent or flexed relative to the socket receiving end 5. Again, see figures 28 and 29 as to how the body portions 200 can be moved relative to a central axis 201 of the plug body 2 along which the passage 7 extends. [0150] Figure 28 shows that the plug body 2 is configurable in a first wire-receiving configuration so that a wire 20 can be snugly seated within part of the passage 7 so that an end of the wire 20 sits flush with the plug end wall 5. As seen in figure 28, the two plug body portions 200 can the moved or flexed away from the central axis 201 so as to receive a wire 20.

[0151 ] Figures 27 and 29 shows that the plug body 2 is configurable in a second clamping configuration so that the plug body 2 can clamp to and retain the wire 20 within the passage 7 after the plug 1 has been received within a socket 30. The plug body 2 is in the form of a split sleeve/tube extending around the wire 20 when in the second clamping configuration.

[0152] An outer diameter of the plug body 2 slightly reduces as it extends from the enlarged head 6 towards the socket receiving end 5 (plug end wall 5).

[0153] The plug 1 as illustrated is of unitary construction and is made of moulded plastics material having a Shore D hardness of approximately 85+, or 100-120R

Rockwell.

[0154] Referring now to figures 9 to 16, there is shown a plug la for clamping a wire 20, that together with the wire 20 form a plug assembly 23 (see figure 29), according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0155] The plug la is in most respects identical to plug 1 and operates in the same manner, except that plug la has an enlarged head (flange) 6a that is D-shaped when viewed in end elevation, much like the end wall 5a.

[0156] Referring now to figures 17-23, 25 and 27, there is shown a dual socket 30 for receiving two plug assemblies 23, according to embodiment of the present invention. That is, the dual socket 30 can be used to connect two wires together. The dual socket 30 will be chiefly described below as comprising two individual sockets 30a, 30b having a shared end wall 35 and a shared conductive penetrator 37.

[0157] Each socket 30 includes an opening 31 a, 31 b extending axially within a main body 32a, 32b for receiving the socket receiving end 5 of the plug body 2. The main body 32a, 32b is in the form of a sleeve and has an outer face 33a, 33b and an inner face 34a, 34b that extends around the opening 31 a, 31 b. Each socket 30a, 30b has an end wall 35 that borders a blind end 36a, 36b of the opening 31 a, 31 b.

[0158] The socket main body 32 and end wall 35 can be made of any suitable nonconductive material or materials such as plastics material, rubber, carbon fibre, insulated metal or ceramics material. The socket main wall and end wall are preferably made of plastics material, and may have a Shore D hardness of approximately 85+ or 100-120R Rockwell.

[0159] A diameter of each opening 31 a, 31 b slightly reduces as it extends (in an axial direction) towards the end wall 3, so as to assist with insertion of the plug body 2 and with manufacturing - ie. to alleviate stickiness during the moulding process.

[0160] The conductive penetrator 37 (conductor) is in the form of a conductive spike 37. The conductive spike 37 has a sharpened end 40a, 40b extending within the opening 31 a, 3 lb that is capable of penetrating the conductive filament 21 of the wire 20 (and outer insulating coating/sheath 22, if required). A central region of the conductive spike 37 extends through the end wall 35 in a sealed manner, as best seen in figure 25.

[0161 ] As can be inferred from figures 8 and 16 and figure 17, the plugs 1 , la and socket openings 31 a, 31 b are shaped such that the plugs 1 , la can only be inserted into the socket openings 31 a, 3 lb in a particular orientation. This is because they are each generally D-shaped when viewed in end elevation. [0162] As seen in figures 8, 16, 17 and 18, the connection apparatus includes at least one engagement formation enabling the plug body 2 to be received within an opening 31 a, 3 lb in the socket 30a, 30b and to be held or locked in place within the socket opening 31 a, 31 b. The engagement formation as depicted includes the outside face 4 of the plug body 2 having a flexibly resilient tooth 50 that engages and locks within an opening 51 a, 51 b in the socket main body 32a, 32b. The plug body 2 has an opening 54 situated between the tooth 50 and flange 6 and extending beneath the tooth 50 that enables the tooth 50 to flex relative to the plug body 2. That is, when first pushing the plug body 2 into the socket, the tooth 50 flexes from its resting position due to the force exerted by the socket main wall 32 towards the wire 20. However, when the tooth 50 engages the opening 51 in the socket main body 32, then the tooth 50 springs back into its resting position and locks within the opening 51. That is, an edge, shoulder of the tooth 50 abuts an edge of the opening 51 to prevent the plug body 2 from being pulled out from within the socket 30. However, the plug body 2 can be removed from the socket 30 after disengaging the tooth 50 from the opening 51 using a pointed instrument.

[0163] The connection between the plug assemblies 23 and socket 30a, 30b can be rendered fluid tights/waterproof by way of adding a bead or drop of chemical sealant into the opening 54, 54a.

[0164] The sealant is preferably insoluble, non-conducting, corrosion resistant and adhesive. It is preferably a liquid, although it need not be free-flowing. The term includes all types of sealants usually used for electrical work, including adhesives, cements, pastes and other settable materials. Examples include silicone-based sealants, drying adhesives, contact adhesives, one-part adhesives and multi-part adhesives (polyester resin— polyurethane resin, polyols— polyurethane resin, and acrylic polymers— polyurethane resins). This list is by no means exhaustive. [0165] In use, the two body portions 200 of the plug body 2 are flexed apart by hand or as a wire 20 is inserted into the passage 7, as indicated by figure 28. A wire 20 is then moved between the body portions 200, hard up against the end wall 5, as shown in figure 29, to make a plug assembly 23. The two body portions 200 are then held together by hand or using a pair of pliers. A drop or bead of sealant may be added to the opening 54 so as to render the connection fluid-tight/water tight. The plug assembly 23 is then inserted into a socket opening 31 in an allowable orientation. As the plug assembly 23 slides within the socket opening 31 into contact with the penetrator 37, the sharpened end 40 of the penetrator 37 penetrates the conductive filaments 21 of the wire 20. When the plug body has reached the end of the passage 7, the locking tooth 50 engages the opening 51 and locks the plug 1 within the socket 30. In this way a connection apparatus is made.

[0166] Advantages of the present invention as exemplified include:

[0167] 1 . The connection can be fluid-tight, so no exposure of the wire to the atmosphere.

[0168] 2. Waterproof electrical connections between wires can be readily made, which can be particularly important in corrosive marine environments (where fires have been known to occur due to voltage leaks).

[0169] 3. Waterproof electrical connections can be miniaturised by way of the plug and socket design.

[0170] 3. No pre-stripping or trimming of the wire is necessary because the conductive penetrator can penetrate the sheath as well. [0171 ] 4. Possible contamination of the wire end by fingers is avoided once it has been clamped within the plug because the wire need not be trimmed nor twisted by the user.

[0172] 5. The plug body can be of unitary construction, and thereby easy to manufacture by way of plastic moulding.

[0173] 6. The plug/passage can be sized to accommodate wires of differing gauge.

[0174] 7. Since the wire is pre-clamped in the plug, the wire can easily be brought into electrical contact with a conductor, simply by inserting the plug into the socket.

[0175] 8 The connection can be safely, efficiently and easily made, using only a pair of pliers (at most).

[0176] 9. The connection apparatus can be used to isolate a live wire.

[0177] 10. The electrical connection can be wire-to-wire.

[0178] 11 . The wire-receiving passage can be used to check wire diameter.

[0179] 12. The connection apparatus can be disassembled and reused.

[0180] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0181 ] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an

embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0182] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.