AU2023200110B2

AU2023200110B2 - A retainer

Info

Publication number: AU2023200110B2
Application number: AU2023200110A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Aidan Wales
Original assignee: Wales Aidan Stewart
Current assignee: Wales Aidan Stewart
Priority date: 2023-01-10
Filing date: 2023-01-10
Publication date: 2025-05-29
Anticipated expiration: 2043-01-10
Also published as: AU2023200110A1

Abstract

A retainer adapted to retain a first connector relative to a second connector, the retainer having at least one protrusion adapted to secure the first connector 5 relative to the second connector. 4/9 10 40 90 2 80 84 82 8 Figure 4 5/9 10 40 Fu 80 Figure 5 6/9 10 22 84 84 82 Figure 6

Description

4/9

10

40

2

80 84 82 8

Figure 4

5/9

40

Fu 80

Figure 5

6/9

22

84 84 82

Figure 6

A RETAINER

FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to a retainer for retaining a first connector to a second connector. The present invention has particular but not exclusive application for retaining Anderson connectors in a connected configuration. The patent specification describes this use but it is by way of example only and the invention is not limited to this use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Electrical connectors are typically constructed of two plugs that are connectable together. Anderson-style connectors are electrical connectors predominantly used for high amperage cabling. Anderson-style connectors are most commonly used to connect power or control lines between a caravan or camper and a tow vehicle. Anderson-style connectors are designed to connect with other Anderson-style connectors of the same size and shape, and to only be connected in one orientation. O Anderson-style connectors are designed to be easily connectable and can be pulled apart manually without excessive application of force. In use, Anderson-style connectors can come apart or the connectors can move such that the cables are not contacting properly. This is most common in situations wherein sudden movement or jostling of the caravan relative to the tow vehicle causes the connectors to disconnect. This can occur when the connectors weren't connected properly.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the above-mentioned problems with connectors and/or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In an aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a retainer adapted to retain a first connector relative to a second connector, the retainer having at least one protrusion adapted to secure the first connector relative to the second connector. In one embodiment, the retainer has at least one protrusion adapted to attach or otherwise engage with the first connector. In one embodiment, the retainer has at least one protrusion adapted to attach or otherwise engage with the second connector. O In one embodiment, the retainer is secured to the second connector. In one embodiment where the retainer has at least one protrusion adapted to attach or otherwise engage with the first connector, when the first connector and second connector are in a connected configuration, the at least one protrusion attaches or otherwise engages with the first connector and the retainer is secured to the second connector such that the first connector is inhibited from disconnecting from the second connector. In one embodiment where the retainer has at least one first protrusion adapted to attach or otherwise engage with the first connector and at least one second protrusion adapted to attach or otherwise engage with the second connector, when the first connector and second connector are in a connected configuration, the at least one first protrusion attaches or otherwise engages with the first connector and the at least one second protrusion attaches or otherwise engages with the second connector such that the first connector is inhibited from disconnecting from the second connector. In an alternative embodiment, the retainer has a at least one second protrusion on a second end. Preferably, the at least one second protrusion attaches or otherwise engages with the second connector. Preferably, when the first connector and second connector are in a connected configuration, the at least one first protrusion attaches or otherwise engages with the first connector and the at least one second protrusion attaches or otherwise engages with the second connector such that the first connector is inhibited from disconnecting from the second connector. Preferably, the first connector and the second connector are Anderson-style connectors.

Preferably, the retainer is attachable to the first connector. Preferably, the retainer is releasably attachable to the first connector. Preferably, the retainer is releasably attachable to the first connector by at least one fastener. In one embodiment, the retainer is made from a non-conductive material. In one embodiment, a portion of the retainer is made from a non-conductive material. In one embodiment, the retainer is made from plastic. In one embodiment, the retainer is made from a composite material. Preferably, a portion of the retainer is adapted to abut the first connector. O Preferably, a portion of the retainer is adapted to protrude away from the first connector. Preferably, a portion of the retainer is adapted to abut the second connector. Preferably, a portion of the retainer is adapted to protrude away from the second connector. In one embodiment, the first connector is integrally formed with a support structure. In one embodiment, the first connector is integrally formed with a support structure of a vehicle. In an alternative embodiment, the first connector is integrally formed with a support structure of a trailer. In one embodiment, the second connector is integrally formed with a o structure. In one embodiment, the second connector is integrally formed with a support structure of a vehicle. In an alternative embodiment, the second connector is integrally formed with a support structure of a trailer. Preferably, the retainer is attachable to the second connector. Preferably, the retainer is releasably attachable to the second connector. Preferably, the second end portion is releasably attachable to the second connector by at least one fastener. In one embodiment, the retainer has a first end portion attachable to a first connector, and a second end portion attachable to a second connector. In one embodiment, the retainer has a bridging member connected to the first end portion and the second end portion. Preferably, the bridging member is elongate. Preferably, the first end portion and second end portion are arranged on opposite ends of the elongate bridging member.

Preferably, the bridging member is releasably connectable to the first end portion. Preferably, the bridging member is releasably connectable to the second end portion. In one embodiment, the first end portion, the second end portion and the bridging member are integrally formed. In one embodiment, the bridging member is made from an elastic material. Preferably, the retainer has a first attachment portion. Preferably, the first attachment portion abuts a face of the first connector. Preferably, the first attachment portion abuts a face of the first connector and the first attachment portion is positionable between a pair of recesses of the first connector. More preferably, the first attachment portion abuts a face of the first connector and does not completely obstruct a recess of the first connector. In one embodiment, the retainer has an engagement protrusion. More preferably, the first attachment portion has an engagement protrusion. Preferably, the engagement protrusion engages with a recess of the first connector. Preferably, the engagement protrusion is hook shaped. In one embodiment, the retainer has a plurality of engagement protrusions. More preferably, the first attachment portion has a plurality of engagement protrusions. Preferably, the first attachment portion has a plurality of engagement protrusions, at least one engagement protrusion is adapted to engage with one recess of the first connector. Preferably, at least one engagement protrusion is hook shaped. Preferably, a portion of the retainer is flexible to enable the first end portion to move relative to the second end portion between an open condition and a secured condition. Preferably, in the open condition the first connector is not secured relative to the second connector by the retainer. Preferably, in the open condition the first connector and the second connector can be freely attached or detached. Preferably, in the secured condition the first connector is secured relative to the second connector by the retainer. Preferably, the retainer is flexibly biased towards a secured condition. In one embodiment wherein a portion of the retainer is flexible to enable the first end portion to move relative to the second end portion between an open condition and a secured condition, the first end portion has a ramp portion. Preferably, when a first connector is moved to connect with a second connector, the first connector presses against the ramp portion moving the retainer to the open condition. Preferably, the retainer has a second attachment portion. Preferably, the second attachment portion abuts a face of the second connector. Preferably, the second attachment portion abuts a face of the second connector and the second attachment portion is positionable between a pair of recesses of the second connector. More preferably, the second attachment portion abuts a face of the second connector and does not completely obstruct a recess of the second connector. O In one embodiment, the retainer has an engagement protrusion. More preferably, the second attachment portion has an engagement protrusion. Preferably, the engagement protrusion engages with a recess of the second connector. Preferably, the engagement protrusion is hook-shaped. In one embodiment, the retainer has a plurality of engagement protrusions. More preferably, the second attachment portion has a plurality of engagement protrusions. Preferably where the second connector has a plurality of recesses, the second attachment portion has a plurality of engagement protrusions, at least one engagement protrusion is adapted to engage with one of the plurality of recesses of the second connector. Preferably, at least one engagement protrusion is hook O shaped. Preferably, a portion of the retainer is flexible to enable the second end portion to move relative to the first end portion between an open condition and a secured condition. In one embodiment wherein a portion of the retainer is flexible to enable the second end portion to move relative to the first end portion between an open condition and a secured condition, the second end portion has a ramp portion. Preferably, when a second connector is moved to connect with a first connector, the second connector presses against the ramp portion moving the retainer to the open condition. Preferably, the retainer has a grip portion. Preferably, the grip portion allows a person to attach or detach the retainer from the first connector or second connector. Preferably, the grip portion allows a person to move the retainer between the open condition and secured condition.

In one embodiment, a first retainer is connected to a second retainer by a bridging member. Preferably, the bridging member is releasably connectable to the first retainer. Preferably, the bridging member is releasably connectable to the second retainer. Preferably, the bridging member is made from an elastic material. In one embodiment, the bridging member is at least one cord. Preferably, the bridging member is at least one elastic cord. Preferably, the first retainer has at least one hole to attach the least one cord. Preferably, the second retainer has at least one hole to attach the least one cord. O In one embodiment, the bridging member is a hook and loop fastener. Preferably, the first retainer has at least one hole to attach the hook and loop fastener. Preferably, the second retainer has at least one hole to attach the hook and loop fastener. Preferably, one of the at least one hole is in the portion of the retainer that is adapted to protrude away from the first connector. Preferably, one of the at least one hole is in the portion of the retainer that is adapted to protrude away from the second connector. Preferably, the first retainer has a first attachment portion. Preferably, the first attachment portion abuts a face of the first connector. o Preferably, the first attachment portion abuts a face of the first connector and the first attachment portion is positionable between a pair of recesses of the first connector. More preferably, the first attachment portion abuts a face of the first connector and does not completely obstruct a recess of the first connector. In one embodiment, the first retainer has an engagement protrusion. More preferably, the first attachment portion has an engagement protrusion. Preferably, the engagement protrusion engages with a recess of the first connector. Preferably, the engagement protrusion is hook-shaped. In one embodiment, the first retainer has a plurality of engagement protrusions. More preferably, the first attachment portion has a plurality of engagement protrusions. Preferably, the first attachment portion has a plurality of engagement protrusions, at least one engagement protrusion is adapted to engage with one recess of the first connector. Preferably, at least one engagement protrusion is hook shaped. Preferably, the second retainer has a second attachment portion.

Preferably, the second attachment portion abuts a face of the second connector. Preferably, the second attachment portion abuts a face of the second connector and the second attachment portion is positionable between a pair of recesses of the second connector. More preferably, the second attachment portion abuts a face of the second connector and does not completely obstruct a recess of the second connector. In one embodiment, the second retainer has an engagement protrusion. More preferably, the second attachment portion has an engagement protrusion. Preferably, the engagement protrusion engages with a recess of the second connector. Preferably, the engagement protrusion is hook shaped. In one embodiment, the second retainer has a plurality of engagement protrusions. More preferably, the second attachment portion has a plurality of engagement protrusions. Preferably where the second connector has a plurality of recesses, the second attachment portion has a plurality of engagement protrusions, at least one engagement protrusion is adapted to engage with one of the plurality of recesses of the second connector. Preferably, at least one engagement protrusion is hook shaped. Preferably, the first retainer has a grip portion. Preferably, the second retainer has a grip portion. Preferably, the grip portion allows a person to move the retainer between an open condition and a secured condition. Preferably, in the open condition the first connector is not secured relative to the second connector by the retainer. Preferably, in the open condition the first connector and the second connector can be freely attached or detached. Preferably, in the secured condition the first connector is secured relative to the second connector by the retainer. Preferably, the first attachment portion is made from a non-conductive material. Preferably, the second attachment portion is made from a non-conductive material. Preferably, the first retainer is made from plastic. Preferably, the second first retainer is made from plastic. In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a retainer adapted to retain a first connector relative to a second connector, the retainer having at least one protrusion adapted to secure the first connector relative to the second connector a first end portion releasably attachable to a first connector by at least one fastener; and a second end portion attachable to a second connector. In one embodiment, the attachment portion is positionable between a pair of recesses of the second connector In one embodiment where the second connector has a plurality of recesses, the attachment portion has a plurality of engagement protrusions, at least one engagement protrusion is adapted to engage with one of the plurality of recesses of the second connector. In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a method for retaining a first connector relative to a second connector with a retainer of an aspect of the invention, including connecting the first connector to the second connector; abutting the attachment portion of the second end portion against a face of the second connector; and fastening the first end portion to the first connector. In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a retaining assembly adapted to retain a first connector relative to a second connector, the retaining assembly including a first retainer connectable to a second retainer by a bridging member, the first retainer attachable to the first connector, the second retainer attachable to the second connector, and the first retainer having at least one protrusion adapted to secure the first connector relative to the second connector. In one embodiment, a portion of the first retainer is adapted to protrude away from the first connector and has a hole to attach the bridging member; and a portion of the second retainer is adapted to protrude away from the second connector and has a hole to attach the bridging member. In one embodiment, the first retainer has a first attachment portion that abuts a face of the first connector in a retained configuration. Preferably, the first attachment portion abuts a face of the first connector and the first attachment portion is positionable between a pair of recesses of the first connector. More preferably, the first attachment portion abuts a face of the first connector and does not completely obstruct a recess of the first connector. In one embodiment, the second retainer has an attachment portion that abuts a face of the second connector in a retained configuration. Preferably, the second attachment portion abuts a face of the second connector and the second attachment portion is positionable between a pair of recesses of the second connector. More preferably, the second attachment portion abuts a face of the second connector and does not completely obstruct a recess of the second connector. In one embodiment where the first connector has a plurality of recesses, the first attachment portion has a plurality of engagement protrusions, at least one engagement protrusion is adapted to engage with one of the plurality of recesses of the first connector. In one embodiment where the second connector has a plurality of recesses, the second attachment portion has a plurality of engagement protrusions, at least one engagement protrusion is adapted to engage with one of the plurality of recesses of the second connector. Preferably, the bridging member is made from an elastic material. In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a method for retaining a first connector relative to a second connector with a retaining assembly of an aspect of the invention, including connecting the first connector to the second connector; connecting the first retainer to the second retainer; attaching the first retainer to the first connector; and attaching the second retainer to the second connector. In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a kit for a retaining assembly to retain a first connector relative to a second connector, including a first retainer attachable to the first connector; a second retainer attachable to the second connector; and a bridging member attachable to the first retainer and the second retainer. In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a retainer for retaining a first connector relative to a second connector, including a first end portion removably attachable to a first connector, a second end portion removably attachable to a second connector, and a bridging member connected to the first end portion and the second end portion. In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a retainer adapted to retain a first Anderson-style connector relative to a second Anderson-style connector, the retainer having at least one protrusion adapted to secure the first Anderson-style connector relative to the Anderson-style second connector a first end portion releasably attachable to a first Anderson-style connector by at least one fastener; and a second end portion attachable to a second Anderson-style connector. In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a retaining assembly adapted to retain a first Anderson-style connector relative to a second Anderson-style connector, the retaining assembly including a first retainer connectable to a second retainer by a bridging member, the first retainer attachable to the first Anderson-style connector, the second retainer attachable to the second Anderson-style connector, and the first retainer having at least one protrusion adapted to secure the first Anderson-style connector relative to the second connector. The features described with respect to one aspect also apply where applicable to all other aspects of the invention. Furthermore, different combinations of described features are herein described and claimed even when not expressly stated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order that the present invention can be more readily understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a retainer according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a top view of the retainer of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view of the retainer of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a retainer of Figure 1 retaining a first connector to a second connector; Figure 5 is a top view of a retainer of Figure 1 retaining a first connector to a second connector; Figure 6 is an end view of a retainer of Figure 1 retaining a first connector to a second connector; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the retaining assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is side view of the retaining assembly of Figure 7 retaining a first connector to a second connector; and

Figure 9 is an end view of the retaining assembly of Figure 7 retaining a first connector to a second connector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT With reference to Figures 1 to 6, there is shown a retainer 10 in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. The retainer 10 is adapted to retain a first connector 80 relative to a second connector 90. The first connector 80 and the second connector 90 are Anderson-style connectors. The retainer 10 has a first end portion 20 attachable to the first connector 80, and a second end portion 30 attachable to the second connector 90. The second end portion 30 is releasably attachable to the second connector 90 by a pair of fasteners. The first end portion 20 has a first attachment portion 22 which protrudes from the retainer and abuts a face 82 of the first connector 80. The second end portion 30 has a pair of holes 32/32 each adapted to receive one of the pair of fasteners. The pair of holes 32/32 align with a similarly arranged pair of holes of the second connector 90. The fasteners are receivable within the pair of holes of the second connector 90. A portion of the retainer 10 is flexible to enable the first end portion 20 to move relative to the second end portion 30 between an open condition and a secured condition. The retainer 10 is flexibly biased towards a secured condition. The retainer 10 has a grip portion 40 protruding from the first end portion 20. The grip portion 40 can be handled by a person to move the retainer 10 in order to attach or detach the retainer 10 from the first connector 80, move the retainer 10 between the open condition and secured position, or to move the retainer 10 such that the first connector 80 can be removed. The retainer 10 has a ramp portion formed between the grip portion 40 and the first attachment portion 22. In use, the first connector 80 is connected to the second connector 90. The retainer 10 is positioned such that the first attachment portion 22 abuts the face 82 of the first connector 80 and the pair of holes 32/32 align with the pair of holes of the second connector 90. The retainer 10 is secured to the second connector 90 pair of fasteners are inserted through the holes 32/32 and holes of the second connector 90.

With the retainer 10 secured to the second connector 90 the first attachment portion 22 inhibits the first connector 80 from moving and thus disconnecting from the second connector 90. In one use, the retainer 10 is attached to the second connector 90. When the first connector 80 is brought in to connect with the second connector 90 the ramp portion moves the first end portion 20 to the opened configuration. When the first connector 80 has connected with the second connector 90 the retainer 10 is moved to the secured condition by the flexible bias wherein the first attachment portion 22 abuts a face of the first connector 80. With reference to Figures 7 to 9, there is shown a retaining assembly 110 in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. The retaining assembly 110 is adapted to retain a first connector 180 relative to a second connector 190. The retaining assembly 110 has a first retainer 120 connectable to a second retainer 130 by a bridging member 140. The bridging member 140 is an elastic cord. The first retainer 120 is attachable to the first connector 180 and the second retainer 130 is attachable to the second connector 190. A portion 122 of the first retainer 120 protrudes away from the first connector 180 and has a hole 124 to attach an end of the bridging member 140. A portion 132 of the second retainer 130 protrudes away from the second connector 190 and has a hole to attach another end of the bridging member 140. The first retainer 120 has a first attachment portion 126 that attaches to the first connector 180 in a retained configuration. The second retainer 130 has a second attachment portion 136 that attaches to the second connector 190 in a retained configuration. The first connector 180 has a pair of recesses 184/184, the first attachment portion 126 has a pair of hook-shaped engagement protrusions 128/128, each engagement protrusion 128/128 is adapted to engage with one of the two recesses 184/184. The second connector 190 has a pair of recesses 194/194, the second attachment portion 136 has a pair of hook-shaped engagement protrusions 138/138, each engagement protrusion 138/138 is adapted to engage with one of the two recesses 194/194. In use, the first connector 180 is connected to the second connector 190.

One end of the bridging member 140 is attached to the first connector 180 by inserted through the hole 124 and then knotted to inhibit the bridging member 140 from being withdrawn from the hole 124. One end of the bridging member 140 is attached to the first connector 190 by inserted through the hole and then knotted to inhibit the bridging member 140 from being withdrawn from the hole. The retaining assembly 110 is installed by attaching each engagement protrusion 128/128 with one of the two recesses 184/184 and attaching each engagement protrusion 138/138 with one of the two recesses 194/194. The size and elasticity of the bridging member 140 is selected such that the elasticity of the bridging member 140 biases the first retainer 120 and the second 130 retainer together. With the first retainer 120 and the second 130 retainer biased together the first connector 180 and the second connector 190 are inhibited from moving and thus disconnecting.

ADVANTAGES An advantage of a preferred embodiment is that the connector is inhibited from disconnecting unintentionally. Another advantage of a preferred embodiment is that the retainer can be reused. An advantage of a preferred embodiment is that the retainer can be permanently attached to one of the connectors which can prevent loss or misplacement of the retainer.

VARIATIONS While the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth. Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims

1. A retainer adapted to retain a first connector relative to a second connector, the retainer having at least one protrusion adapted to secure the first connector relative to the second connector; wherein the first connector has an end with a pair of recesses and a face between the pair of recesses; wherein the at least one protrusion is configured to hook over the end of the first connector and be positioned between the pair of recesses; and wherein the retainer is releasably attachable to the first connector by at least one fastener.

2. A retainer according to claim 1, wherein the retainer is releasably attachable to the second connector.

3. A retainer according to claims 1 or 2, wherein a portion of the retainer is adapted to abut the second connector.

4. A retainer according to any of the previous claims, wherein a portion of the retainer is adapted to protrude away from the second connector.

5. A retainer according to any of the previous claims, wherein the retainer has a first end portion, a second end portion, and a bridging member connected to the first end portion and the second end portion.

6. A retainer according to claim 5, wherein a portion of the retainer is flexible to enable the first end portion to move relative to the second end portion between an open condition and a secured condition.

7. A retainer according to any of the previous claims, wherein the retainer has a plurality of engagement protrusions.

8. A retainer according to claim 7, wherein at least one engagement protrusion is adapted to engage with one of a plurality of recesses of the first connector or the second connector.

9. A retainer according to any of the previous claims, wherein the retainer has a ramp portion.

10. A retainer adapted to retain a first connector relative to a second connector, the retainer having at least one protrusion adapted to secure the first connector relative to the second connector; a first end portion releasably attachable to a first connector by at least one fastener; and a second end portion attachable to a second connector; wherein the first connector has an end with a pair of recesses and a face between the pair of recesses; and wherein the at least one protrusion is configured to hook over the end of the first connector and be positioned between the pair of recesses.

11. A method for retaining a first connector relative to a second connector with the retainer of the claim 10, including connecting the first connector to the second connector; abutting the attachment portion of the second end portion against a face of the second connector; and fastening the first end portion to the first connector.

12. A retainer adapted to retain a first connector relative to a second connector, the retainer having at least one protrusion adapted to secure the first connector relative to the second connector; a first end portion releasably attachable to a first connector by at least one fastener; and a second end portion attachable to a second connector, wherein the retainer is flexible to enable the first end portion to move relative to the second end portion between an open condition and a secured condition, the first end portion has a ramp portion; wherein the first connector has an end with a pair of recesses and a face between the pair of recesses; and wherein the at least one protrusion is configured to hook over the end of the first connector and be positioned between the pair of recesses.

13. A method for retaining a first connector relative to a second connector with the retainer of the claim 12, including fastening the second end portion to the second connector; and connecting the first connector to the second connector such that the first connector presses against the ramp portion moving the retainer to the open condition, whereby, when the first connector is connected to the second connector the retainer moves to the secured condition.