(12) United States Patent
`McLeish
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,066,739 B2
`Jun. 27, 2006
`
`US007066739B2
`
`(56)
`
`(54) CONNECTOR
`
`(76)
`
`.
`Inventor: Graham John McLeish, Woolmill
`Croft, Ardlethen, Ellon, Aberdeenshire
`(GB) AB41 SJE
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U,S,C, 154(b) by 0 days,
`
`( =1: ) Notice:
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`*
`2 *
`4,767,337 A *
`: :
`6:884:083 B1*
`2004/0133065 Al *
`2006/005l98l Al*
`
`iii ii
`
`..
`
`m::£:3:: “““““““““"
`8/1988 Kawasaki et al.
`%}:;:)1:nd et a1.
`4/2005 Shepherd ..... ..
`7/2004 Easter et al.
`3/2006 Neidlein et al.
`
`
`
`iii
`
`439/34
`
`439/18
`600/25
`439/39
`
`(21) App]. No.:
`
`10/520,995
`
`(22) PCT Filed:
`
`Jul. 16, 2003
`
`4/2006 Allan ....................... .. 439/246
`*
`2006/0073722
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`GB
`
`2360637 A
`
`9/2001
`
`(86) PCT No.:
`
`PCT/GB03/03080
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`l ,
`371 c
`(2), (4) Date:
`
`Jan. 11, 2005
`
`(87) PCT Pub. No.: WO2004/008581
`
`licant’s res onse to Forei n examination
`Pa es 1-7 of a
`PP
`P
`g .
`.
`8
`report GB05025l4.3 dated Aug. 10, 2005 that is associated
`with Parent PCT application.*
`.
`.
`* cited by examiner
`
`PCT Pub Date: Jan- 222 2004
`
`Primary Examiner—James R. Harvey
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`No“ 17> 2005
`US 2005/0255718 A1
`_
`_
`_
`_
`_
`Forelgn APP11°at1°n Prlorlty Data
`(30)
`Jul. 16, 2002
`(GB)
`............................... .. 0216448.1
`
`(51)
`
`Int CL
`<2oo6.m>
`Home
`.................................... .. 439/39; 439/924.1
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`(58) Field of Classification Search .......... .. 439/38—40,
`439/924.1, 924.2
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`An electrical connector (100) comprising a male (120) and
`female (150) part, each part (120, 150) having a magnet
`(135, 165) adapted to attract the parts (120, 150) together to
`mak‘? a °°‘m‘?°“°“~ The Pa?“ (12°= 150) Ca“ °°‘me°‘.a‘ any
`relative rotational orientation and preferred embodiments
`prevent offset conniction between the magnets (11351, 165) or
`1::‘:.E3i?:.:f‘:1;a:;$$:;::<i23:;;1:?;°:;
`Safely replace light bulbs into Sockets Suspended from a
`ceiling.
`
`23 Claims, 17 Drawing Sheets
`
`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 1
`
`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 1
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 27,2006
`
`Sheet 1 of 17
`
`US 7,066,739 B2
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`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 2
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`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 2
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 27,2006
`
`Sheet 2 of 17
`
`US 7,066,739 B2
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`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 3
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`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 3
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 27,2006
`
`Sheet 3 of 17
`
`US 7,066,739 B2
`
`Fig. 3
`
`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 4
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`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 4
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 27,2006
`
`Sheet 4 of 17
`
`US 7,066,739 B2
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`Sectional view
`
`on C/C
`
`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 5
`
`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 5
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 27,2006
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`Sheet 5 of 17
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`US 7,066,739 B2
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`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 6
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`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 6
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`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 27,2006
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`Sheet 6 of 17
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`US 7,066,739 B2
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`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 7
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`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 7
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 27,2006
`
`Sheet 7 of 17
`
`US 7,066,739 B2
`
`300
`
`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 8
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`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 8
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 27,2006
`
`Sheet 8 of 17
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`US 7,066,739 B2
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`0O3
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`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 9
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`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 9
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 27,2006
`
`Sheet 9 of 17
`
`US 7,066,739 B2
`
`Fig. 9d
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`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 10
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`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 10
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 27,2006
`
`Sheet 10 of 17
`
`US 7,066,739 B2
`
`\ MAGNETICALLY
`/
`GUIDED i
`~\ ?( \ LOCATION
`,
`,
`1
`
`‘\
`
`I
`
`405
`
`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 11
`
`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 11
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 27,2006
`
`Sheet 11 of 17
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`US 7,066,739 B2
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`
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`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 12
`
`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 12
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 27,2006
`
`Sheet 12 of 17
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`US 7,066,739 B2
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`350/ 450
`
`Fig. 13
`
`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 13
`
`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 13
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 27,2006
`
`Sheet 13 of 17
`
`US 7,066,739 B2
`
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`117'?’/.n..PI4.»-,...'..rI.._
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`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 14
`
`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 14
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 27,2006
`
`Sheet 14 of 17
`
`US 7,066,739 B2
`
` w.1l_ng
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`Fig. 16
`
`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 15
`
`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 15
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 27,2006
`
`Sheet 15 of 17
`
`US 7,066,739 B2
`
`A>B
`43 A4 ,-' A
`
`41
`
`~.__,7~43
`
`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 16
`
`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 16
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 27,2006
`
`Sheet 16 of 17
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`US 7,066,739 B2
`
`206;Fig.20f
`Fig.
`
`
`
`Fig.20aFig.20bFig.200Fig.’20d
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`
`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 17
`
`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 17
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 27,2006
`
`Sheet 17 of 17
`
`US 7,066,739 B2
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`448
`
`Fig. 22
`
`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 18
`
`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 18
`
`

`
`US 7,066,739 B2
`
`2
`
`1
`CONNECTOR
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`This invention relates to an electrical connector, particu-
`larly but not exclusively for use in difficult to and/or out of
`reach locations.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`Electrical connectors are used in a variety of domestic and
`industrial Applications. Anumber of different connectors are
`known and these vary from application to application, a
`3-pin plug and wall socket is a typical example.
`There are two popular types of connector for connecting
`light bulbs to a socket; a thread connection and a bayonet
`connection. For the thread connection, the bulb thread is
`rotationally aligned with a thread of the socket and then
`screwed into the socket allowing respective electric terrni-
`nals on the bulb and socket to connect.
`
`The bayonet connection has pins which extend radially
`from the bulb. The pins are aligned with apertures in a
`circumferentially extending rim of the socket and inserted
`therethrough against action of a spring in the socket and so
`to allow respective terminals on the bulb and socket to
`electrically connect. The bulb is then turned so that the pins
`move into small recesses in the rim and are no longer aligned
`with the apertures. The action of the spring engages the pins
`with an edge of the recesses to hold the bulb in the socket
`and maintain the electrical connection.
`
`Although these connectors are generally competent, they
`can be difficult to secure and release, particularly in out of
`reach places such as sockets suspended from the ceiling.
`Moreover, some current
`light sockets are hazardous
`because they contain exposed live electrical contacts and are
`replaced in such out of reach environments when it is often
`dark because the light is inoperable at that moment. Inad-
`vertent contact with exposed electrical contacts can have
`potentially fatal consequences.
`A connector for a cordless kettle is described in U.S. Pat.
`
`No. 5,971,810 the disclosure of which is incorporated herein
`by reference. This connector, shown in FIGS. 1a—1c allow
`the connection between a male part 20 and female part 50 of
`the connector regardless of relative rotational orientation.
`
`SUMMARY OF INVENTION
`
`According to the present invention there is provided an
`electrical connector comprising a male part and a female
`part for engagement therewith; the male part comprising a
`first terminal having a circular cross section and a second
`terminal; the female part comprising engaging means to
`engage said terminals; wherein the male and female parts
`each comprise a magnetic portion adapted to attract the parts
`together to form an electrical connection; magnetic miscon-
`nection means are provided to prevent the male and female
`parts from connecting in a non-concentric position; wherein
`at least some of the magnetic field or flux emitted from at
`least one of the magnetic portions extends beyond the
`magnetic misconnection means to attract the parts together
`to form an electrical connection.
`
`Preferably, the first and second terminals are concentric.
`Preferably, the second terminal is a pin terminal. Prefer-
`ably, the second terminal has a circular cross section. Pref-
`erably, the first terminal is an annular terminal.
`
`Preferably, the male or female part is attached to pendent
`means, more preferably, the female part is attached to the
`pendent means.
`Preferably, the parts can engage with each other in any
`relative rotational orientation.
`
`Preferably, the magnetic portions have a circular cross
`section, and are preferably in the form of an armular ring.
`Preferably, at least one magnetic portion is provided in a
`recessed portion to prevent the magnets from connecting in
`a non-concentric position. Preferably, one of the male and
`female parts comprise walls extending away from its mag-
`netic portion, the walls being adapted to prevent the male
`and female parts from connecting in a non-concentric posi-
`tion. Preferably, the male part comprises the walls.
`It will be appreciated by the skilled person that a sub-
`stantially concentric position is not to be regarded as a
`non-concentric position.
`Preferably, the parts seek and locate with each other when
`brought into the vicinity of each other.
`Preferably, the parts are adapted to be attracted together to
`form an electrical connection when they are between 1 cm
`and 30 cm apart.
`More preferably, the parts are adapted to be attracted
`together to form an electrical connection when they are
`between 2 cm and 30 cm apart, although the parts may be
`adapted to be attracted together to form an electrical con-
`nection when they are between 5 cm and 30 cm apart. Indeed
`the parts may be adapted to be attracted together to form an
`electrical connection at greater distances.
`Preferably, the terminals are male terminals.
`Preferably, the first terminal is a neutral terminal and the
`second terminal is a live terminal and the engaging means of
`the female part may comprise respective female neutral and
`live terminals.
`
`Preferably, the neutral and live terminals of the female
`part are enclosed. By ‘enclosed’ it is intended to mean that
`they are generally inaccessible except to the male terminals.
`This may be achieved by providing narrow apertures (pref-
`erably less than 3 mm wide) within the female part or
`providing a shutter means.
`Optionally a male earth terminal may be provided. Pref-
`erably, the earth terminal has a circular cross section and is
`concentric with the first and second terminals. More pref-
`erably, the male earth terminal has a greater diameter than
`the other male terminals.
`
`the female portion has a circumferentially
`Preferably,
`projecting portion. Preferably the said projecting portion has
`an aperture therein to receive the first male terminal. More
`preferably the projecting portion also has an annular groove
`therein to receive the second male terminal.
`
`Preferably, the projecting portion is adapted to extend into
`or around the male part, preferably, the male earth terminal.
`More preferably,
`the diameter of the projecting portion
`allows it to pivot in the male part or the male earth terminal
`to a limited extent. Even more preferably, the projecting
`portion comprises a lip which is adapted to closely fit with
`the male part or male earth terminal. Preferably therefore,
`the rest of the projecting portion comprises a smaller outer
`diameter than an outer diameter of the lip.
`Preferably, the projecting portion comprises a boss.
`Preferably, the magnetic portion of the female part has a
`magnetic field which extends beyond the projecting portion
`to attract the parts together to form an electrical connection.
`A corresponding female earth terminal may extend
`through the projecting portion of the female part.
`Alternatively the first terminal is a pin terminal and the
`second terminal can be a leaf terminal.
`In alternative
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
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`20
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`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
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`50
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`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 19
`
`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 19
`
`

`
`US 7,066,739 B2
`
`3
`embodiments the pin terminal may be an earth terminal.
`Also, a resiliently mounted shutter may be provided on the
`female part.
`Preferably, the male terminals are adapted to engage with
`the female terminals so that in use, the earth connection is
`the first to be made, then the neutral connection and lastly
`the live connection.
`
`Preferably, the male terminals are adapted to disengage
`with the female terminals in the order:
`live first, neutral
`second, earth last.
`Preferably, the female live and neutral terminals comprise
`a means to reduce the possibility of arcing during connection
`and disconnection; for example the female terminals may be
`coated with silver or silver pads.
`Preferably, the male and/or female terminals are resilient
`in order such that they will maintain a connection with the
`corresponding female/male terminals. More preferably, the
`female terminals are resilient.
`
`Preferably, at least one part comprises guide means to
`guide the parts together. The guide means may be in the form
`of a tapered face.
`is sufficient to
`Preferably,
`the strength of the magnet
`attract the parts of the connector together. For example,
`where at least one part of the connector is connected to the
`pendent means and the other part of the connector is brought
`within 8 cm of the first part, the parts will preferably attract
`each other, and move towards each other and connect.
`Optionally, even stronger magnets may be used so that the
`parts can attract each other at distances of 12—15 cm.
`The strength grade may be 30 although other grades may
`be used. The magnetic portions may be exposed on the
`outside of the parts or may be provided within a body of the
`parts.
`Preferably, the magnetic portions are protected by at least
`one shield and may be protected by respective shields, such
`that when the male and female parts are connected together,
`the shield(s) is interposed between the magnetic portions.
`Thus, when the connector is engaged, the magnets do not
`come into direct physical contact.
`Preferably, at least one of the magnetic portions is pro-
`vided as a replaceable cartridge.
`More preferably, an aperture is provided in at least one of
`the male and female parts through which the magnetic
`portions may be removed and replaced.
`Alternatively, a removable cap may be provided on the
`male or female parts to allow the magnetic portions to be
`removed and replaced.
`The connector may be used to connect electrical appli-
`ances to mains electrical supplies.
`Alternatively one part of the connector may further com-
`prise a standard bulb fitting at one end, such as a screw or
`bayonet, so that a bulb can be placed in that one part before
`the connection is made, thus allowing easier connection of
`the bulb to a difficult to reach or out of reach socket since the
`
`parts attract one another.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`invention will now be
`Embodiments of the present
`described by way of example only with reference to the
`accompanying drawings wherein—
`FIG. 1a is an upper perspective view of a known con-
`nector in its disconnected position;
`FIG. 1b is a lower perspective view of the known con-
`nector of FIG. 1a;
`FIG. 1c is an upper perspective view of the known
`connector of FIG. 1a but in its connected position;
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`4
`FIG. 2a is a side view of a first embodiment of a connector
`
`in accordance with the present invention, in a disconnected
`position with an attached light bulb;
`FIG. 2b is a plan view of a female part of the connector
`of FIG. 2a;
`FIG. 2c is a plan view of a male part of the connector of
`FIG. 2a;
`FIG. 2d is a partially cut-away perspective view of the
`female part of FIG. 2b;
`FIG. 2e is a partially cut-away perspective view of the
`male part of FIG. 2c;
`FIG. 2fis a perspective view of the female part of FIG. 2b;
`FIG. 2g is a perspective view of the male part of FIG. 2c;
`FIG. 3 is a side view of the connector of FIG. 211 but in
`
`its connected position;
`FIG. 4a is a side sectional view of a second embodiment
`
`of a connector in accordance with the present invention;
`FIG. 4b is a side view of the connector of FIG. 411;
`FIG. 4c is a plan view ofa female part ofthe is connector
`of FIG. 4b;
`FIG. 4d is a plan view of a male part of the connector of
`FIG. 4b;
`FIG. 5a is a perspective view of the female part of FIG.
`4c;
`FIG. 5b is a perspective view of the male part of FIG. 4d;
`FIG. 5c is a second perspective view of the male part of
`FIG. 4d with a portion cut away;
`FIG. 6a is a side view of a third embodiment of a
`
`connector in accordance with the present invention, in its
`disconnected position with an attached light bulb;
`FIG. 6b is a plan view of a female part of the connector
`of FIG. 6a;
`FIG. 6c is a perspective view of the female part of FIG.
`6b;
`FIG. 6d is a partially cut away perspective view of the
`female part of FIG. 6b;
`FIG. 6e is a partially cut away perspective view of a male
`part of the connector of FIG. 611;
`FIG. 6fis a perspective view of the male part of FIG. 6e;
`FIG. 6g is a plan view of the male part of FIG. 6e;
`FIG. 7 is a side view of the connector of FIG. 6a but in
`
`its connected position;
`FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 6a
`with an attached light bulb;
`FIG. 9a is a side sectional view of a fourth embodiment
`
`of a connector in accordance with the present invention, in
`its disconnected position;
`FIG. 9b is a side view of the connector of FIG. 911;
`FIG. 9c is a plan view of a female part of the connector
`of FIG. 9b;
`FIG. 9d is a plan view of a male part of the connector of
`FIG. 9b;
`FIG. 10 is a side sectional view of the connector of FIG.
`
`911 but in its connected position;
`FIG. 11 is a side sectional view of the connector of FIG.
`
`9a showing magnetic attraction between the male and
`female parts;
`FIG. 12a is a perspective view of the female part of FIG.
`9c;
`FIG. 12b is a partially cut away perspective view of the
`female part of FIG. 9c;
`FIG. 12c is a second partially cut away view of the female
`part of FIG. 9c;
`FIG. 12d is a partially cut away perspective view of the
`male part of FIG. 9d;
`FIG. 12e is a perspective view of the male part of FIG. 9d;
`
`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 20
`
`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 20
`
`

`
`US 7,066,739 B2
`
`5
`FIG. 12f is a second partially cut away View of the male
`part of FIG. 9d;
`FIG. 13 is an enlarged View of the female part of the
`connector of FIG. 12c;
`FIG. 14 is a sectional View of a male part of a fifth
`embodiment of a connector in accordance with the present
`inVention;
`FIG. 15 is a sectional View of a female part of the
`embodiment of FIG. 14;
`FIG. 16 is a sectional View of the male and female parts
`of the connector of FIGS. 14 and 15 in a connected position;
`FIG. 17a is a sectional View of a pair of ring magnets
`approaching each other;
`FIG. 17b is a sectional View of the ring magnets of FIG.
`17a in a concentrically connected position;
`FIG. 18a is a sectional View of a pair of ring magnets also
`approaching each other but at a different angle than the ring
`magnets of FIG. 1711;
`FIG. 18b is a sectional View of the ring magnets of FIG.
`18a in an offset connected position;
`FIG. 19 is a further sectional View of a pair of ring
`magnets approaching each other;
`FIGS. 20a—20d are a series of front Views showing the
`male and female parts of the FIG. 4a connector, connecting
`with each other;
`FIGS. 20e—20fare a pair of front Views showing the male
`and female parts of the FIG. 4a connector disconnecting
`from each other;
`FIG. 21 is a perspectiVe View of a cartridge and magnet
`of the fourth embodiment of the inVention; and
`FIG. 22 is a top View of the cartridge and magnet of FIG.
`21.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`A known connector 10 is shown in FIGS. 1a—1c and is
`disclosed in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,810 the
`disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The
`connector 10 comprises a male part 20 adapted to mate and
`form an electrical connection with a female part 50. The
`male part 20 comprises a liVe central pin terminal 21, and
`first neutral 22 and second earth 23 annular terminals. The
`
`female part comprises a boss 63 which projects from a body
`60 of the female part 50, a central aperture 61 for receiVing
`the pin terminal 21 and an armular recess 62 for receiVing the
`annular terminal 22 of the male part 20. When connected, as
`shown in FIG. 1c, the second annular terminal 23 of the male
`part 20 locates around the boss 63 and liVe and neutral
`female terminals 51, 52 are located within the central
`aperture 61 and armular recess 62 respectiVely for electrical
`connection with the corresponding male terminals 21, 22.
`An earth terminal 53 is proVided through a side wall 64 of
`the boss 63 to connect with the armular earth terminal 23 of
`
`the male part 20. All male and female terminals 21—23,
`51—53 are attached to spade connectors 31—33, 71—73
`respectiVely and in turn to electrical appliances or powers
`sources (not shown).
`A first embodiment of a connector 100 in accordance with
`
`the present inVention in shown in FIG. 2a. The connector
`100 comprises a male part 120 adapted to mate and form an
`electrical connection with a female part 150. A light bulb
`101 is attached to the male part 120 at the opposite end of
`the connection with the female part 150 by any known
`means, in this embodiment, by a bayonet fitting 102, and can
`be remoVed and replaced when required by such known
`means. The male part 120, shown in plan View in FIG. 2c,
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`comprises a body 130 haVing a central pin terminal 121, and
`first 122 and second armular terminals 123. The three
`terminals 121—123 are concentric.
`
`In this embodiment the pin terminal 121 of the male part
`120 is connected to a liVe terminal 127 of the standard
`
`connector 102 by wire 124 and the first and second armular
`terminals 122, 123 to neutral 128 and earth 129 terminals of
`the connector 102 respectiVely, also by wire 125, 126. It will
`be appreciated that some light fittings do not haVe earth
`connections and so their inclusion is optional. The male part
`120 includes a tapered surface 140 to facilitate location with
`the female part 150.
`The female part 150 is suspended from a ceiling (not
`shown) by a pendent or cable 103 and secured to the cable
`103 by a cable clamp 104. The female part comprises a boss
`163 which projects from a body 160, a central aperture 161
`for receiVing the pin terminal 121 and an annular recess 162
`for receiVing the first annular terminal 122 of the male part
`120.
`
`The boss 163 has a lip 168 which extends circumferen-
`tially outwards therefrom such that the diameter of the boss
`163 with the lip 168 is greater than the diameter of the boss
`163 without the lip 168. The lip 168 is sized to closely fit
`with the second annular terminal 123 and thus helps to align
`the parts 120, 150 together. The smaller diameter of the
`remaining portion of the boss 163 allows the parts 120, 150
`to connect when they are at an angle to each other, and for
`the boss 163 to piVot within the annular earth terminal 123
`into axial alignment with the male part 120.
`When connected, as shown in FIG. 3, the second armular
`terminal 123 of the male part 120 locates around the boss
`163. Female terminals 151, 152 are located within the
`central aperture 161 and annular recess 162 for electrical
`connection with the corresponding male armular terminals
`121, 122. An earth terminal 153 is proVided through a side
`wall 164 of the boss 163 to connect with the second (earth)
`annular terminal 123 of the male part 120.
`The terminals in the female part 150 are spring loaded to
`maintain the connection between the respectiVe male and
`female terminals and adapted so that a connection forms
`between the respectiVe earth terminals 123, 153 then
`between the neutral terminals and then between the liVe
`
`terminals when the male 120 and female 150 parts are
`connected. ConVersely, when the connection between the
`male 120 and female 150 parts is broken, the liVe terminals
`121, 151 are adapted to disengage first, then the neutral
`terminals 122, 152 and lastly the earth terminals 123, 153.
`This ensures that sparking or arcing is minimised during
`connection and disconnection of the parts of the connector
`so that it is safe to use. Also, the male liVe and neutral
`connections are surrounded by the earth terminal 123 which
`reduces the possibility of electrocution when connected. The
`liVe 151 and neutral 152 terminals of the female part 150 are
`also safely enclosed within the female part 150 in line with
`British safety regulations. In order to further reduce the
`possibility of arcing during connection/disconnection of the
`parts 120, 150; the liVe 151 and neutral 152 terminal of the
`female part 150 are coated with silVer or haVe silVer pads.
`A magnetic ring 135 is secured by spring clips (not
`shown) or any other suitable means to the male part 120
`between the first annular terminal 122 and the second (earth)
`annular terminal 123. An oppositely attracting magnetic ring
`165 is secured between the annular recess 162 and an edge
`166 of the boss 163 ofthe female part 150, as shown in FIG.
`2f A suitable heat resistant glue may also be used to secure
`the magnetic rings 135, 165 to the parts 120, 150 although
`this is less preferred.
`
`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 21
`
`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 21
`
`

`
`US 7,066,739 B2
`
`7
`The magnetic ring 135 is provided in a recessed portion
`of the male part 120 such that the boss 163 of the female part
`150 must extend into the male part 120 in order for the
`magnets to engage. This prevents the magnets joining in an
`offset position and is explained more thoroughly hereinafter.
`In this embodiment the magnetic rings are annular rings
`and around 1.5 mm thick and have an outer diameter of 27
`
`mm and a central aperture of diameter 15 mm although it
`will be appreciated that a variety of sizes may be used. A
`further embodiment has a diameter of 28 mm and a central
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`aperture of 16 mm for the female part 150. The magnetic
`rings 135, 165 are powerful enough to attract the parts 120,
`150 of the connector 100 at a distance of up to 8 cm. For
`stronger magnetic rings, the parts may attract each other at
`a distance of up to l2—20 cm. However there is a balance
`between proximity of location and ease of separation for
`different embodiments—extremely strong magnetic rings
`that locate one another over 30 cm apart would be increas-
`ingly difficult to separate when required. On the other hand,
`weak magnetic rings which are easier to separate would
`require the parts 120, 150 to be offered closer in order to
`seek and locate with each other and may not be powerful
`enough to maintain the weight of the male part 120 and
`attached bulb 101. therefore the direction of magnetism is
`through depth. For other embodiments, for example, those
`used in industrial applications, the strength grade may be
`higher.
`The magnetic rings are available from Swift Levick
`Magnets Ltd, Barlborough UK; Goudsmit magnetics Lim-
`ited of Surrey, United Kingdom or the Stanford Magnets
`Company of Aliso Viejo, Calif., USA. Alternatively, mag-
`netic discs instead of magnetic rings may be utilised.
`In alternative embodiments, magnetic particles can be
`mixed with nylon/plastic compound and injection moulded
`to the appropriate shape. For example, the boss 163 of the
`female connector could be formed from a mixture of NdFeB
`
`and/or SmCo particles and plastic which has been moulded
`to an appropriate shape. In such an embodiment, the mag-
`netic particles are preferably distributed close to the edge of
`the boss such that it behaves similar to a separate boss and
`magnet attached together such as the boss 163 and magnet
`165.
`
`Pole pieces (not shown) may be provided within the male
`or female parts behind the magnets 135, 165 to direct the
`magnetic attraction more efficiently and thus aid the location
`of the parts 120, 150 together. Where pole pieces are used,
`the magnets 135, 165 may be weaker without reducing the
`forces attracting the opposite part. Pole pieces placed at the
`side of magnets increase the force of connection with the
`opposite part but decrease the distance at which the parts can
`attract each other. Therefore, in preferred embodiments, the
`pole pieces are not placed at the side of the magnets as
`greater attraction of the parts together is normally preferred
`to the strength of the eventual connection between the parts.
`Optionally, a plastic sheath (not shown) may be provided
`over the pin terminal 121 leaving only its tip exposed for
`electrical connection with the female terminal 151. This
`
`reduces the possibility of arcing between the live and neutral
`terminals caused by metallic debris. To the same end, a
`plastic cone (not shown) may be provided around a portion
`of the pin terminal 121, and a tapered wall (not shown) may
`be provided on the inner face of the second annular terminal
`122.
`
`Thus, in use, the male part 120 of the connector 100 may
`be completely detached from the female part 150 and held
`in an operator’s hand in the most convenient position. In this
`position, the light bulb 101 may be inserted into the socket
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`102 of the male part 120 so that the live, neutral and earth
`(if provided) terminals (not shown) of the bulb 101 connect
`with the respective terminals 127, 128 and 129 of the
`bayonet connector 102. The male part 120 with the attached
`light bulb 101 can then be raised towards the female part
`150. This may be done by hand or, for example on a
`telescopic gripping pole (not shown). When the male 120
`and female 150 parts are within the vicinity of each other the
`parts 120, 150 will automatically seek each other and form
`a connection with each other (as shown in FIG. 3) due to the
`magnetic attraction between the magnetic rings 135, 165
`without the need for accurate alignment of the parts 120, 150
`by the operator. The connection of the magnetic rings 135,
`165 also results in the male terminals 121—123 and the
`
`female terminals 151—153 connecting with each other to
`form an electrical connection between the male and female
`
`parts 120, 150. Therefore the current can flow from a mains
`supply (not shown) through the cable 103,
`through the
`female part 150, through the connection formed between the
`female part 150 and the male part 120, through the male part
`120, through the standard connection 102 and into the bulb
`101. The magnetic rings 135, 165 therefore have two distinct
`functions, one, to locate the male 120 and female 150 parts
`together, and two, to hold the parts 120, 150 together.
`Embodiments of the present invention benefit from being
`able to seek and locate the parts together at a relatively large
`distance, for example, 8 cm or up to 20 cm or more. This is
`in contrast to some previous magnetic connectors which
`must be aligned together by a user and where the magnetic
`field simply holds the different parts together. A variety of
`factors determine the distance at which the parts will seek
`together and automatically locate. These include the
`strength, shape and type of magnets used, the presence or
`absence of pole pieces, the weight of the suspended female
`part, and the length of the pendent upon which the female
`part is suspended. Preferred embodiments of the invention
`provide for such automatic connection when the parts 120,
`150 are at least 2 cm apart.
`The parts 120, 150 also locate automatically due to the
`recessed position of the magnet 135 of the male part 120
`behind the wall 139 which prevents the parts from joining in
`an offset, non-concentric manner. FIGS. 17—19 show con-
`centric and off-set connections which are possible by a pair
`of ring magnets 41, 42 approaching each other at an angle.
`Magnets 41, 42, shown in FIG. 17a, produce a magnetic
`field or flux attracting oppositely poled magnets or certain
`metals towards them. If the attractive force A which would
`
`result in a concentric connection is bigger than the attractive
`force B which would result in an offset connection, then the
`magnets 41, 42 will connect concentrically. Conversely, if
`the attractive force B is greater than the attractive force A
`then the magnets will connect in an offset position, as shown
`in FIGS. 18a, 18b. The attractive force B is only great
`enough to cause such offset connection when offset connec-
`tion zones 43 of the magnets 41, 42 overlap in a non-
`concentric position. Lastly, as shown in FIG. 1911, if the
`magnet 42 has a wall 44, the magnet 41 is prevented from
`entering a position where the attractive force B is greater
`than that ofA and so the magnets 41, 42 will always connect
`concentrically. The provision of the magnet 135 in a
`recessed position behind a wall 139 similarly prevents the
`parts 120, 150 connecting in an offset position because the
`wall 139 prevents the female part 150 from entering any area
`where the forces attracting the parts 120, 150 into an offset
`connection are greater than those which attract the parts 120,
`150 into a concentric connection. Where such walls are
`
`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 22
`
`Willis Exhibit 1023 - 22
`
`

`
`US 7,066,739 B2