The insulation and covering of the free end of an electrically conducting wire or cable is often necessary to minimise the potential electrical hazard that an exposed live wire can present. The insulation or covering can also protect the wire from damage, and can prevent contamination with e. g. building materials. Known methods of insulating and/or covering a wire include covering the free end of the wire with electrical insulating tape, or using devices such as protective caps or boots, which generally comprise an electrically non-conducting housing which surrounds and insulates the free end of the wire when fitted.

When there is a requirement to connect the free ends of two or more electrically conducting wires, known connection devices can be used. In general, known devices typically comprise a housing and a wire connection means, wherein the free ends of the wires to be connected are inserted into the housing, and the wire connection means is operated to effect electrical conduction between the free ends of the wires. One of the problems with such known connector devices is that electrical connection between the free ends of the wires to be connected is typically effected through the use of a metallic material, for example a metallic strip, bar or screw. For example, with a connector device comprising a housing and a metallic screw, the free ends of the electrically conducting wires when inserted into the housing can be joined by screwing the screw into the housing, such that the wires are retained within the housing, and the screw effects electrical conduction between the free ends of the wires. One of the problems associated with using a metallic material to effect electrical conduction between the free ends of the wires is that

the metallic material is often exposed to the external surface of the housing, and this can represent a potentially serious electrical hazard.

In addition to posing an electrical hazard to a person contacting the device, the use of metallic material within known connector devices is often disadvantageous because the metallic material can be corroded over time, and in the event that the wires have to be unconnected at a later date, corrosion of the metallic material may prevent the device from being disassembled, and a requirement for a new device for any subsequent reconnection of the wires.

Another problem associated with known connector devices is that the connection of the wires can be problematic and time consuming, and operation of the wire connection means does not always effect a connection. With known connector devices, the free ends of the wires have to be correctly positioned within the device before the connection is made (by e. g. tightening a screw), and there is often little tolerance for error. In the event that the free ends of the wires are incorrectly positioned and the wire connection means is operated (e. g. a screw is inserted into the housing and tightened), it is often difficult to ascertain whether the wires are actually connected, and if they are not, the device must be disassembled before the wires can be repositioned prior to operating the wire connection means. The use of e. g. a metallic screw to connect wires together often means that there is a requirement for a tool to operate the wire connection means (e. g. a screwdriver), and in the confined spaces where electrical wires are typically positioned, operation of such a tool can be difficult.

The present invention seeks to overcome the problems of known insulating/connector devices by providing an insulating connector device, which is manufactured essentially from an electrically non-conducting material, and is shaped so as to facilitate easy positioning of the free end of each wire inserted into the device. The advantages of the device are that it can be used to quickly, easily and safely connect the free ends of two or

more electrically conducting wires, or insulate the free end of a single electrically conducting wire.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an insulating connector device adapted for use with the free ends of two or more electrically conducting wires, the device consisting essentially of an electrically non-conducting material, and comprising (i) a body having first and second sections foldable about at least one hinge and defining first and second upper surfaces; (ii) a wire positioning means; and (iii) wire connection means; in which the wire connection means comprises at least one projection depending from an upper surface, the at least one projection having a wire engaging surface ; the first and second upper surfaces are movable relative to one another between an open position where the upper surfaces do not face one another, to a closed position where the first and second upper surfaces face one another ; the wire positioning means are capable of positioning the free ends of the wires between the first and second upper surfaces when the upper surfaces are in the open position; and wherein the device is adapted so that when the free ends of two or more electrically conducting wires are positioned between the first and second upper surfaces, and the first and second upper surfaces are moved toward the closed position, the wire engaging surface and an upper surface effect contact of the free ends of the wires, so that the free ends of the wires are retained between the first and second upper surfaces.

The device may consist entirely of an electrically non-conducting material.

The wire connection means may be integral to the device. The device may comprise no removable parts, i. e. it may be one piece with no requirement for tools to assemble the device and connect the wires.

The first and second sections may additionally comprise side walls, the side walls defining a chamber when the first and second upper surfaces are in the closed position. The chamber is preferably formed such that the free ends of the wires are entirely contained within the chamber, and there is no access to the free ends unless the upper surfaces are moved into the open position. By completely surrounding the free ends of the wires, the chamber serves to minimise the electrical hazard posed by the wires within it.

The projection may comprise a ridge, stud, rib, or raised platform.

The projections may be shaped so as to retain the free ends of the wires within the device.

The projections may be shaped so as to promote connection between the free ends of the wires.

The device may comprise one projection depending from one upper surface, or each upper surface may comprise one or more projections, preferably positioned to facilitate retention and connection of the free ends of the wires positioned between the upper surfaces.

Each projection may trap one or more free ends of the wires against an opposing upper surface or projection. A projection, either alone, or in combination with one or more other projections, may bend a free end of a wire into a shape such that removal of the free end from between the upper surfaces is prevented when the upper surfaces are in the closed position. Each projection may be shaped such that it provides a gripping action on a free end of a wire.

Each projection may comprise a raised platform, which serves to retain one or more free ends within the device, the free ends being effectively trapped between the platform and the opposing upper surface or platform, when the upper surfaces are moved toward the closed position. The platforms may comprise one or more grooves or slots to facilitate positioning of the free ends of the wires. The grooves or slots may be positioned such that

the free ends of the wires contact each other when they are located within the grooves or slots.

Each projection may comprise a rib or ridge which itself may comprise an inverted"V" shape section. When the upper surfaces are in the closed position, the ridge or rib may trap the free ends of the wires against an opposing upper surface or projection and therefore serve to retain the free ends within the device, and the"V"shape section of the rib or ridge may promote connection between the free ends of the wires.

The one or more projections may serve to bend the free ends of the wires into a shape, which facilitates retention of the free ends within the device and blocks removal. Several projections may be positioned on the upper surfaces such that the free end of one or more wires are bent into e. g. an"S"shape, when the upper surfaces are in the closed position.

A projection may be shaped so as to grip a free end of a wire when the upper surfaces are in the closed position. The projection may comprise one or more teeth or one or more sharp edges to engage the free end of a wire.

The wire positioning means may comprise at least one channel formed in the body.

The wire positioning means may comprise one or more holes located within the body and/or the first and/or second section of the device. The holes may be positioned within the device such that when the free ends of the wires are inserted through the one or more holes, the free ends of the wires are positioned between the upper surfaces, such that the upper surfaces can be moved into the closed position to connect the wires together.

The wire positioning means may comprise a longitudinally elongate sleeve attached to the first or second upper surface, the sleeve having a wire accepting opening, and wherein, when the first and second upper surfaces are in the closed position, the wire contacting

surface contacts the sleeve so as to retain the free ends of the wires within the sleeve and effect contact of the free ends of the wires.

The longitudinally elongate sleeve may have a wall defining a lumen and first and second ends, the at least first end defining an opening, the free ends of the wires being insertable into the opening and movable toward the second end, wherein when the upper surfaces are in the open position, the free ends being contained within the lumen, and the upper surfaces being moved toward the closed position, the wire contacting surface contacts the wall of the sleeve, the free ends of the wires being retained within the lumen and contacted with each other to effect an electrical connection.

The elongate sleeve may comprise an adhesive for preventing removal of the free ends of the wires from the sleeve when the free ends are positioned within the sleeve. The sleeve may be manufactured from an electrically non-conducting material such as plastic (e. g.

PVC), or an elastomeric material (e. g. rubber). The sleeve may be deformable or it may be rigid.

The insulating connector device may comprise an adhesive containment means. The adhesive containment means may comprise a seal positioned over the wire accepting opening. The adhesive containment means may comprise a membrane positioned over the wire accepting opening. The adhesive containment means may prevent leakage of adhesive from the sleeve. When a free end of a wire is inserted into the wire-accepting opening of the sleeve, the membrane or seal may be punctured. When a free end of a wire is positioned within the sleeve, the membrane or seal may form a seal around the free end, and may prevent leakage of adhesive from out of the sleeve. The adhesive contained within the sleeve may be activated by puncturing the membrane or seal. Adhesives are well known to a person skilled in the art, and it is envisaged that different types of adhesive could be used within the sleeve.

The sleeve may comprise one or more projections on the lumenal surface to facilitate retention of the free ends of the wires within the sleeve. The sleeve may comprise one or more ridges, ribs, and/or teeth to engage, trap and/or grip the free ends of the wires.

The insulating connector device may comprise a retaining means for retaining the first and second upper surfaces in the closed position. The retaining means may comprise a strap, clip, catch, cable tie, or screw. The retaining means may be movable between a position where the upper surfaces are retained in a closed position by the retaining means and a position where the upper surface are in the open position.

The insulating connector device may comprise a fastening means to fasten the device to an external support structure. The fastening means may be a strap, clip, catch, cable tie, or screw. The fastening means may comprise an adhesive pad. The fastening means may facilitate attachment of the device to a support structure, for example when there is a requirement for wires to be organised in a neat and tidy manner. When the device is fastened to a support structure, the fastening means may provide resistance and thereby protect the device and the wires contained within it, in the event that the wires are accidentally pulled, tugged or snagged.

The insulating connector device may comprise a device connector means to attach two or more insulating connector devices together, for example in the situation where a group of connected wires need to be maintained in close proximity to each other. The device connector means may comprise one or more straps, clips, catches, cable ties, screws, or adhesive pads.

The insulating connector device may be manufactured from a plastic or elastomeric material, for example PVC, or rubber. Non-conducting materials are well known to a person skilled in the art, and it is envisaged that a wide variety of such materials may be used to manufacture the insulating connector device.

The insulating connector device may be manufactured by moulding, e. g. injection moulding, or compression moulding.

The body section may comprise a base portion, wherein the first and second sections are connected to the base portion via hinges.

The at least one channel may be formed in the base portion such that when positioned using the wire positioning means, the free ends of the wires are located between the upper surfaces of the first and second sections. The first and second sections may be foldable about the hinges to form a chamber, within which is contained the free ends of the wires.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of connecting free ends of a plurality of electrically conducting wires using an insulating connector device, the device consisting essentially of an electrically non-conducting material, and comprising (i) a body having first and second sections foldable about at least one hinge and defining first and second upper surfaces; (ii) a wire positioning means; and (iii) wire connection means; in which the wire connection means comprises at least one projection depending from an upper surface, the at least one projection having a wire engaging surface; the first and second upper surfaces are movable relative to one another between an open position where the upper surfaces do not face one another, to a closed position where the first and second upper surfaces face one another; the wire positioning means are capable of positioning the free ends of the wires between the first and second upper surfaces when the upper surfaces are in the open position; and wherein the device is adapted so that when the free ends of two or more electrically conducting wires are positioned between the first and second upper surfaces, and the first and second upper surfaces are moved toward the closed position, the wire engaging surface

and an upper surface effect contact of the free ends of the wires, so that the free ends of the wires are retained between the first and second upper surfaces, the method comprising the steps of : (i) positioning the free ends of the wires between the first and second upper surfaces when the first and second upper surfaces are in the open position ; and (ii) moving the first and second upper surfaces to the closed position, such that the at least one wire engaging surface and an upper surface effect contact of the free ends of the wires, so that the free ends of the wires are retained between the first and second upper surfaces.

Also provided is a method of connecting free ends of a plurality of electrically conducting wires using an insulating connector device according to a second aspect of the present invention, the device further comprising a fastening means to fasten the device to an external support structure, the method additionally comprising the step of : (a) operating the fastening means to fasten the device to an external support structure; wherein method step (a) can be performed either before method step (i), or between method step (i) and (ii), or after method step (ii).

The device may be fastened to an external support structure at any time before, during or after positioning of the wires, or connection of the wires.

Also provided is a method of connecting free ends of a plurality of electrically conducting wires using an insulating connector device according to a second aspect of the present invention, the device further comprising a retaining means for retaining the first and second upper surfaces in the closed position, the method additionally comprise the step of : (iii) operating the retaining means to retain the first and second upper surfaces in the closed position.

Also provided is a method of connecting free ends of a plurality of electrically conducting wires using an insulating connector device according to a second aspect of the present invention, the device further comprising a retaining means for retaining the first and second upper surfaces in the closed position, and a fastening means to fasten the device to an external support structure, the method additionally comprising the steps of : (iii) operating the retaining means to retain the first and second upper surfaces in the closed position; and (a) operating the fastening means to fasten the device to an external support structure; wherein method step (a) can be performed either before method step (i), or between method step (i) and (ii), or between method step (ii) and (iii), or after method step (iii).

The device according to a second aspect of the present invention may be fastened to an external support structure at any time before, during or after operation of the device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of insulating a free end of an electrically conducting wire using an insulating connector device, the device consisting essentially of an electrically non-conducting material, and comprising: (i) a body having first and second sections foldable about at least one hinge and defining first and second upper surfaces; (ii) a wire positioning means; and (iii) wire connection means; in which the wire connection means comprises at least one projection depending from an upper surface, the at least one projection having a wire engaging surface; the first and second upper surfaces are movable relative to one another between an open position where the upper surfaces do not face one another, to a closed position where the first and second upper surfaces face one another;

the wire positioning means are capable of positioning the free end of the wire between the first and second upper surfaces when the upper surfaces are in the open position; and wherein the device is adapted so that when the free end of an electrically conducting wires is positioned between the first and second upper surfaces, and the first and second upper surfaces are moved toward the closed position, the wire engaging surface and an upper surface contact the free end of the wire, so that the free end of the wire is retained between the first and second upper surfaces, the method comprising the steps of : (i) positioning the free end of the wire between the first and second upper surfaces when the first and second upper surfaces are in the open position; and (ii) moving the first and second upper surfaces to the closed position, such that the at least one wire engaging surface and an upper surface contact the free end of the wire such that the free end of the wire is retained between the first and second upper surfaces ; Also provided is a method of insulating a free end of an electrically conducting wire using an insulating connector device according to a third aspect of the present invention, the device further comprising a fastening means to fasten the device to an external support structure, the method additionally comprising the step of : (a) operating the fastening means to fasten the device to an external support structure; wherein method step (a) can be performed either before method step (i), or between method step (i) and (ii), or after method step (ii).

Also provided is a method of insulating a free end of an electrically conducting wire using an insulating connector device according to a third aspect of the present invention, the device further comprising a retaining means for retaining the first and second upper surfaces in the closed position, the method additionally comprising the step of : (iii) operating the retaining means to retain the first and second upper surfaces in the closed position.

Also provided is a method of insulating a free end of an electrically conducting wire using an insulating connector device according to a third aspect of the present invention, the device further comprising a fastening means to fasten the device to an external support structure and a retaining means for retaining the first and second upper surfaces in the closed position, the method additionally comprising the steps of : (iii) operating the retaining means to retain the first and second upper surfaces in the closed position; and (a) operating the fastening means to fasten the device to an external support structure; wherein method step (a) can be performed either before method step (i), or between method step (i) and (ii), or between method step (ii) and (iii), or after method step (iii).

The device according to a third aspect of the present invention may be fastened to an external support structure at any time before, during or after operation of the device.

The various aspects and features of the device of the present invention equally apply to the methods of the present invention.

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the device according to the present invention wherein the upper surfaces are in the open position; Figures 2A and 2B show sectional views of the device according to the present invention with the free ends of two wires positioned within the wire positioning means; wherein Figure 2A shows the upper surfaces in the open position; and Figure 2B shows the upper surfaces in the closed position;

Figures 3A-C show an alternative embodiment of the present invention, wherein Figure 3A shows a plan view of the device with the upper surfaces in the open position; Figure 3B shows a side view of the device with the upper surfaces in the open position, and Figure 3C shows a side view of the device with the upper surfaces in the closed position and the free ends of two wires being connected; and Figures 4A-C show an alternative embodiment of the present invention, wherein Figure 4A shows a side view of the device with the upper surfaces in the open position; Figure 4B shows a plan view of the device with the upper surfaces in the open position; and Figure 4C shows an end view of the device with the upper surfaces in the closed position.

Referring to Figure 1, an insulating connector device 10 comprises a body 20 essentially made of an electrically non-conducting material and having first and second sections 30, 3 5, foldable about hinges 40, and base portion 45. The first and second sections define first and second upper surfaces 50, and sidewalls 55. The device 10 additionally comprises a wire positioning means 60, a wire connection means 70, and retaining means 80. The wire positioning means 60 defines wire-positioning holes 65 in the base portion 45 of the body 20. The wire connection means 70 comprises projections 90 depending from the upper surfaces 50, of the first and second sections 30,35, each projection 90 having a wire-engaging surface 100. The first and second sections 30,35 are foldable about the body, between an open position, where the upper surfaces 50 do not face one another, to a closed position, where the upper surfaces 50 face one another. The retaining means 80 is preferably a catch or clip, which is capable of retaining the upper surfaces 50 in the closed position. In the embodiment shown, the wire-engaging surface 100 is shaped so as to promote connection of the free ends of wires (not shown) when the free ends are positioned between the first and second upper surfaces, and the upper surfaces are moved into the closed position.

Referring to Figure 2A, when the upper surfaces 50 are in the open position, the free ends 110 of electrically conducting wires 120 are inserted into the wire-positioning holes 65 in the body 20, and pushed through the wire-positioning holes such that the free ends 110 are positioned between the upper surfaces 50.

Referring to Figure 2B, when the upper surfaces 50 are moved into the closed position, the wire-engaging surfaces 100 of the projections 90 engage the free ends 110 of the wires 120, effecting an electrical connection between the free ends 110, and bending the free ends 110 into a shape such that removal of the free ends 110 from between the upper surfaces 50 is prevented, the retaining means 80 retaining the upper surfaces 50 in the closed position.

Referring to Figures 3A-C, which show a second embodiment of the present invention, the wire connection means 70 comprises a raised platform 95 which depends from an upper surface 50, the platform 95 having a wire-engaging surface 100. The platform 95 preferably comprises one or more grooves 120 to facilitate positioning and connection of the free ends (not shown) of wires 120 positioned between the upper surfaces 50 of the device 10. When the upper surfaces 50 are in the closed position (Figure 3C), the free ends of the wires 120 are contacted with each other to effect an electrical connection, and trapped between the wire-engaging surface 100 and the opposing upper surface 50. The retaining means 80 comprises a clip 85 which retains the upper surfaces 50 in the closed position.

Referring to Figures 4A-C, which show a third embodiment of the present invention, the device 10 comprises an elongate sleeve 150 attached to an upper surface 50 (Figures 4A and 4B). The sleeve 150 has a wire-accepting end 152 defining a wire-accepting opening 155, and a lumen 160 (Figure 4C), into which one or more free ends of wires (not shown) can be inserted and positioned within the sleeve 150. When the upper surfaces 50 are in the closed position (Figure 4C), the wire-engaging surface 100 of rib 96 contacts the sleeve

150 so as to retain the free ends (not shown) of the wires (not shown) within the sleeve 150 and effect contact of the free ends of the wires to form an electrical connection. The retaining means 80 comprises a strap 86 which can be wrapped around the device 10 and locked to retain the upper surfaces 50 in the closed position (Figure 4C).

Preferably, the elongate sleeve 150 comprises an adhesive (not shown) contained within the sleeve 150 for preventing removal of the free ends of the wires (not shown) from the sleeve 150 when the free ends are positioned within the sleeve 150. The sleeve is preferably manufactured from an electrically non-conducting material such as plastic (e. g.

PVC), or an elastomeric material (e. g. rubber). The sleeve is preferably deformable so that it is deformed when the upper surfaces 50 are in the closed position. When an adhesive is contained within the sleeve 150, the sleeve preferably comprises an adhesive containment means (not shown), for example a seal or membrane positioned over the wire-accepting opening 155, which prevents leakage of the adhesive from the lumen 160 of the sleeve 150. Preferably the sleeve 150 comprises one or more projections (not shown) on the lumenal surface to facilitate retention of the free ends of the wires positioned within the sleeve 150.

The device of the present invention can be used to insulate the free end of a single wire when the free end of the wire is positioned between the upper surfaces in the open position, and the upper surfaces are moved into the closed position.