US2696549A - Terminal cap and electric bedcovering fabrication - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 7, 1954 F. w. STURTEVANT 2,696,549

TERMINAL CAP AND ELECTRIC BEDCOVERING FABRICATION Filed Jan. 5,- 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 FRED W. STURTEVANT, m 'gxmn.

gvmwa ATTORNEYS 1954 F. w. STURTEVANT 2,696,549

TERMINAL CAP AND ELECTRIC BEDCOVERING FABRICATION Filed Jan. 5, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FRED W. STURTEVANT, INVENTOR,

i i- {w w M ATTORNEYS United States Patent TERMINAL CAP AND ELECTRIC; BEDCOVERING FABRICATION Fred W. Sturtevant, Leaksville, N. C., assignor, by. mesne assignments, to Fieldcrest Mills, Inc., a corporation of Delaware Application January 5, 195$,Serial No. 329,645

12 Claims. (Cl. 21946) Thisinventionrelates ;to.animproved type of male terminal cap and to the manner in which the. sameis fabricated with an article of electric bedcovering and, more especially, to an improved terminal cap and means for fabricating the same and securing the same to an electric blanket or the like.

.Electric blankets or bedcoveringsare generally fabricatedfrorn material double-woven in such a manner as to form a shell with a plurality of channels formedwithin thefabric and extending lengthwise of the shell. The channels are provided to contain the heating element, which is generally: in the form of one or more continuous lengths or circuits of insulated resistance wire fitted through the adjacent channels in. a preconceived manner to provide equidistant spacing of the wires over a predetermined area of the shell.

within the shell of the fabric and a source of electrical energy, which is usually a female plug on a drop cord Whose other end is fitted into, a wall receptacle. This problem is complicated by requirements necessitating a perfect and waterproof connection between the heating element resistance wires and the terminal pins or electrodes of the separable connection, the male portion of which is generally attached to the blanket.

Heretofore, various means have been utilized for accomplishing this purpose, one commonly used requiring the use of a suitable intermediate connector having a terminal plug on one end and wherein the other end of the intermediate connector is connected to the ends of the resistance wires and this end of the connection is enclosed in an envelope or junction box of suitable waterproof material .which is then sealed against moisture. in this type of arrangement, the intermediate connector is generally known as a pigtail and an example of this prior arrangement is clearly illustrated in Patent No. 2,317,189 to M. G. Heiser et al. of April 20, 1943. In this type of connection it is extremely difficult to provide a proper moisture seal as the envelope frequently breaks open in usage. v

It is highl'ydesir'able that the, molded terminal cap or other terminal assembly be securely anchored to the bedcovering fabric to fix its position,- prevent unduev strain on the heating element, and precludeithe possibility of (angling ofjthe heating element wires within the fabric structure. In the prior constructions, many defects have been encountered due to the fact that it was diflicult to secure the terminal assembly to the fabric in a fixed position, and this caused unduestrain on thezheating element and the, fabric. Generally, this prior construction hasCQnsiSte'd' in vplacing 'thegterminal coniiectidnassembly within a pocketiformed by' stitching anadditional piece of fabric to. the bedcovering and in such construction, the terminalcap or' pluglis positioned outside of the. pocket and there is noactual, fastening of the terminal cap tothe'pock'et fabric, and the'folding of the pocket alone is the ohlyflmeans for securing the connection in place. Obviously, insu'ch construction, it frequently happened that thete'rrninal assembly wouldibe pulled outof the pocket damagin jthe heating elementwireand frequentlycausing damage .to. the terminal assembly.

, It is} therefore vthe,.p'r'imarynobject .of this} invention to provide a terminal cap or plug wherein ,.the;-.terminal ends .ofthe heatenelement resistance wires are n' olded inte- :;grally. with. the cap and .terminahp ns' and whereinsaid ncapis' provided withltab'slorears molded integrallyjthere- In such a construction, it is necessary to provide means for making a separable electrical connection between the heating element or wires 2,696,549 'Patenteci Dec. 7, 1954 with, which tabs or cars serve as means for securely fastening the terminal plug itself to the bedcovering fabric in an unique manner. It is another object of this invention to provide means for securing a terminal cap of the type described to the bedcovering fabric wherein the terminal cap is provided with ears, as stated, and a double pocket is provided from closely woven fabric such as sheeting, duck, drill, or the like constructed in a novel manner to provide substantial strain relief for the various elements of the electric bedcovering fabrication.

More specifically, it is an object of this invention to provide a terminal cap of the type described wherein the terminalends of the resistance wires and the terminal pins of the cap are molded integrally with the cap and the capis also provided with ear portions molded integr'al therewith. This terminal cap is secured directly to the bedcovering fabric by means of a double patch or pocket positioned between the fabric layers comprising a first sheet of closely Woven fabric or other strong flexible material and a second sheet of similar or like material. The terminal cap is secured to the bedcovering fabric at an area predetermined to be proper for the location of the separable connector in the power supply line, and :at a point-a few inches from an endmost edge of the bedcovering fabric and preferably centered laterally to the selvages of the bedcovering fabric. This fastening is accomplished by forminga buttonhole in the center of the upper layer of the-bedcovering fabric area designated for the pocket with. the stitches forming the outlineof the buttonhole extending through both the first and second patches andthe upper layer of thebedcovering fabric. The second or lower patch is cut and folded in such a manner as to enclose the terminal. cap when the terminal cap is inserted in the buttonhole with the pins thereof extending outwardly through the buttonhole. The. entire assembly is stitched together with the stitches running through the bedcovering fabric, the-first and second patches, and the ears of the terminalplug positioned therebetween.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the dimensions of the patches and the positions of the same are such that the end of the first patch, at least, extends beyond the point where the binding stitching of the bedcovering fabric wi-ll pass across the end of the bedcoverin'g fabric. Thus, in the subsequent operation of stitching and binding, the patch-plug-blanket assembly will be further secured by the binding stitches to provide added strain relief and resistance to mispositioning of the terminal element in consumer use.

It isanother object of this .invention to provide a terminal'plug and patch assembly wherein a portion of the terminal plug or cap extends through a buttonhole formed in the bedcovering fabric and in the patch assembly and wherein the resistance wires are connected directly to the terminal pins within the cap and the pigtail and junction box heretofore generally used or entirely eliminated.

Some 'of the objects of the invention having been stated, other objects will appeafas the description proceeds, when takenin. connection with the accompanying drawings in which I Figure 1 is an isometric view of a completed blanket embodying the present invention and showing a portion of the terminal cap or plug extending through the buttonhole formed in the upper layer of blanket fabric;

Figure 2 is an enlarged isometric view of theterminal cap removed from the blanket;

Figure 3 is a sectional plan view through the terminal cap taken along the line 33 in. Figure 2;

Figure-4is a fragmentary plan view lookingat the under or lower surface of the upper layer of the blanket fabric adjacent one end; thereof and showing the first or uppermost patch secured thereto Figure 5 is a fragmentary plan viewsimilar to Figure 4, showing the buttonhole andthe second or lowermost patch securedijn position;

Figure "6*is' a view similar to Figure 5 illustrat ng themannrjinwhi'ch the terminal cap, is positioned in the buttonhole in the-patch assembly; I

Figure 7 is a view sirnilar to'Figure-6 show1ng the manner in which the second or lower patch is folded over the terminal cap;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary isometric view of the patch area of the blanket with parts exploded and parts broken away for purposes of clarity;

Figure 9 is an enlarged, exploded, somewhat schematic, sectional view taken substantially along the line 9-9 in Figure 8.

Referring more specifically to the drawings, the numeral 10 broadly designates an electric blanket of the type with which the present invention is adapted to be associated. It should be understood that this invention applies to any type of electric bedcovering and the blanket 10 is shown by way of illustration only. The blanket 10 is woven or otherwise formed with an upper layer or first ply of fabric 11 and a lower layer or second ply of fabric 12, which upper and lower layers of fabric are suitably interwoven or otherwise connected at points throughout their length to form a plurality of channels, not shown, for the reception of heating elements.

The heating elements comprise continuous lengths or circuits of insulated resistance wires and, in the present instance, wires 15, 16 and 17 are shown in the drawings. It is well known to those skilled in the art, that these wires extend through the channels of the blanket to form a plurality of spaced heating elements in a conventional manner. The wires 15, 16 and 17 are connected to a novel terminal cap or plug which is, in turn, secured to and made a part of the blanket construction by means of the present invention.

In order to provide means for connecting the wires 15, 16 and 17 to a suitable source of electrical energy, not shown, there are provided a plurality of respective terminal pins, connectors or electrodes 15a, 16a and 17a, which pins form a part of a male terminal assembly adapted to be plugged into a female receptacle, not shown, attached to a connector for connecting the blanket to a source of electrical energy. Although male terminals or electrodes are shown, it is to be understood that female terminals or electrodes may be used in lieu of the pins 15a, 16a and 17a. Heretofore, terminal pins have been connected to an intermediate connector or pigtail which has been, in turn, connected to the heater wires at a junction box or connector envelope. This structure is eliminated in the present invention and the terminal pins 15a, 16 1 and 17a are positioned in a terminal plug or can broadly designated at which is preferably formed of a suitable insulating material such as properly plasticized polyvinyl chloride, and has a generally elon ated rectangular outer block portion 18 and an extended inner portion 19 provided with a pair of laterally extend ng p anar ears 21 and 22 extending from opposite side edges thereof flush with the normally uppermost surface of the cap 20. The outermost end of the cap 20 is preferably rounded to form shoulders 23 and 24 in alinement with the outermost edges of the ears 21 and 22 (Figure 2) and which shoulders define the juncture of the outer and inner portions 18 and 19, respectively.

The cap 20 is molded with the wires 15. 16 and 17 and the term nal pins 15 1, 16': and 17 1 therein, completely insulating and sealing the connection between the wires 1.5, 16 and 17 and their respective terminal pins 15a, 16': and 17a, as will be clearlv observed in Figure 3. This rovides a moisture proof insulated connection. Bv use of a terminal plug or can of this type the need of a nigtail conductor is e iminated and the terminal plug 20 may be connected directly to a corresponding female receptacle.

Heretofore. in securing the terminal plug to the bedcovering or blanket material, many problems and defects have been encountered due to the necessity of providing a positive means for securing the connection assembly to prevent it from being pulled loose and also to prevent it from becoming pervious to water or the like. Heretofore, a simple pocket has been formed in the blanket and a terminal connection assembly has been positioned in the pocket, but this has not proved satisfactory as this assembly was readily removable from the pocket, frequently causing serious damage, such as displacement or breakage of the heater element wires. tearing of the fabric, and/or damage to the connection.

In the present method of fabrication, the top layer 11 of bedcovering material has secured to the under surface thereof a first patch 25 of closely woven fabrics material or the like, as by lines of stitches 26 extending around at least three edges thereof and penetrating the top layer 11 of the blanket material. It will be observed that the illustrations in Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7 are taken looking from the inside of the blanket outwardly against the under surface of the top layer of blanket material 11. A second patch 27 of closely woven fabric material or the like is positioned in subposed relation to the first patch 25 and a slot is cut through the first patch 25, the second patch 27 and the fabric material 11 to form a buttonhole 28 which is bound in a conventional manner around the edges'thereof, as at 30. The buttonhole 28 extends through the first and second patches and the layer of blanket material 11 and is adapted to receive the outermost portion 18 of the cap 20.

The particular area of blanket material shown in Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7 is preferably at the centermost portion of the blanket adjacent one edge thereof, preferably the lower or upper end edge of the blanket and the lowermost edge of the fabric material 11 shown in these views corresponds to the end edge of the completed blanket. As will be most clearly observed in Figure 6, after the buttonhole 28 has been formed, the terminal cap 20 is positioned therein with the outermost body portion 18 and the terminal pins 15a, 16a and 17a thereof extending through the buttonhole 28 to the exterior surface of the fabric material 11. The shoulders 23 and 24- and the leading or outermost edge of the ears 21 and 22 engage the edges of the buttonhole 28 and prevent further outward movement of the plug. The planar ear or tab portions 21 and 22 are thus positioned in flush subposed relation to the second patch 27. The wires 15, 16 and 17 extend into the various channels, not shown, formed in the blanket fabric in a well known manner.

After the terminal cap 20 is thus positioned in the buttonhole 28, the edges of the buttonhole 28 frictionally engage the terminal cap 20 and tend to hold it at the desired position. In order to further secure the terminal plug in position, it will be observed that the patch 27 is partially cut transversely intermediate its ends, as at 31 and 32, defining a flap portion 33. This flap portion 33, together with that portion of the patch 27 disposed on the same side of the buttonhole 28, is folded uponitself to enclose the terminal cap 20. Then the flap portion 33 is positioned with the centermost portion thereof under the wire 16 and with the edges thereof over the other wires 15 and 17 and this serves to separate and additionally insulate the wires 15, 16 and 17 adjacent their point of connection with the terminal cap 20 (Figures 7 and 8).

Thus, the patches 25 and 2') completely enclose the inner portion 19 of the terminal cap 20 and the entire assembly is then stitched together as by lines of stitches 35 and 36 which extend through the folded portion and flap portion 33 of the patch 27, the ears 21 and 22 of the terminal can 20, the uppermost portion of the patch 27, the patch 25 and also through the blanket or bedcovering material 11. These stitches 35 and 36 serve to secure the assembly together and prevent movement of the terminal cap in any direction relative to the bedcovering material. The nature of the plastic material forming the terminal cap and the thickness of the cars 21 and 22 are such that a needle readily passes therethrough in the stitching operation to securely hold the cap in position.

In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the first patch 25 is of sufficient dimensions to extend to a point adjacent the endmost edge of the fabric material 11. This is desirable so that when the endmost edges of the blanket are bound, the binding stitches will also penetrate the patch 25 to additionally secure the entire patch assembly to the blanket and to prevent strain on the blanket when the ends of the blanket are grasped or when the terminal cap is pulled or jerked. Conventional binding material 40 is secured to the endmost edges of the blanket in a conventional manner, as by stitches 41, which stitches 41 also penetrate the patch material 25. If the patch 25 Were not so secured, one pulling upon the end of the blanket might cause strain betweenthe endmost portion of the blanket and the patch assembly spaced therefrom.

It will thus be observed that I have provided, in combination, a novel type of terminal plug or cap and fabrication means for securing the same to an article zooms-49- of electric bedclothing, such 'as a blanket, wherein the entire assembly is completely'waterproof and "free from stress and strain in all directions "so as to provide a blanket which will be long lasting and not subject to abuse and'damage. The patches 25 and27 are preferably made of fabric, but may be made from any pliable sheet material such as leather, plastic or the like.

In the drawings and' specification there has been set forth a preferred embodiment of the invention and although specific terms are employed, they areused in a generic and descriptive sense only, andnot for purposes of limitation, the scope of the. invention being defined in the claims.

I claim:

1. In a wired fabric including two layers of fabric and a plurality of'flexible conductors, an improved terminal assembly'for said flexible conductors and means for securing said terminal assembly to said fabric comprising a'molded plastic terminal cap having said flexible conductors embedded therein, a plurality of terminal pins also embedded in said terminal cap and connected to said flexible conductors within said cap and extending outwardlyvfrom said cap, said cap having a pair of planar ear portions formed integral therewith, a first patch of flexible material secured to one layer of said fabric, a second patch of flexible material positioned in juxtaposed relation to'said first patch, said first and second patches and said layerof fabric material having a slot cut'therethrough, whereby the portion of said terminal cap having the pins therein may be positioned in said slot with the pins extending outwardly of' said fabric and the ear portions of said terminal can being in juxtaposed flush relation to said patches, said second patch being partially cut intermediate its ends and foldedupon itself to encompass said terminal cap, said patches and said fabric material being stitched together with'at least some of said stitches also penetrating the ear portions of said terminal can to firmly secure the terminal assembly to the wired fabric.

2. In a wired fabric including two layers of fabric and a plurality of flexible heating elements, an improved terminal assembly for said flexible heating elements and means for securing said terminal assembly to said fabric comprising a molded plastic terminal cap having the ends of said flexible heating elements embedded therein, a plurality of terminal pins also embedded in said plastic terminal cap, saidpins'being connected to the ends of said flexible heating elements within the cap and extending outwardly from said cap, said cap having a pair of relatively thin planar ear portions formed integral therewith. a first patch of strong flexible materialsecured to the inner surface of one layer of said fabric, a second patch of strong flexible material positioned in subposed relation to said first patch, said first and'second patches and said layer of fabric material having a buttonhole formed therethrough of substantially the same dimensions as the circumference of the cap adiacent the ear portions thereof, whereby the portion of said terminal can having the pins therein may be positioned in said buttonhole with the pins extending outwardly" of said i fabric with the ear portions of said terminal cap being disposed inwardly and in subposedflush relation to said patches, said second patch being folded upon itself to encompass the inner portion-of said terminal cap, said patches and said fabric material being stitched together with at least some of said stitches also penetrating the ear portions of said terminal plug to firmly secure the terminal assembly to the wired f bric with said patches positioned between the layers of fabric.

3. Means for securing a terminal cap having an outer portion andan inner portion with thin ear portions between the two layers of a two'layer article of electric bedcovering comprising a first patch of flexible material secured to one layer of the bedcovering, a second. patch of flexible material underlying the first patch, said patches Y cap for securing thetassembly to. the article-ref 'bed: covering.

4. In a wired"fabric-including two layers of, fabric and a plurality of flexible :heater wires, an improved terminal-assembly for said flexible 'heater wires comprising a molded plastic terminal cap havingthe ends of said flexible heater wires embedded therein, a plutrality of terminal connectors also embedded in said plasticterminal cap andconnected to the ends of said flexible heating wires within said cap, said cap having a body portion and a pair of thinplanar ear portions formed integral therewith and extendingfrom saidbody portion, and means forssecuringsaid cap. between the two layers of fabric with a portionof the body thereof including the terminal-connectors extending outwardly through the layer of fabric comprising a pair of patches of flexible material, saidpatches andrsaidlayer of fabric each having a coinciding opening therein, first stitches binding the edges ofsaid coinciding openings and securing said patchesand" said layer of fabric: together, the body portion of theterminal cap: extending through said coinciding openings and-being frictionally engaged by the edges of the same, said patches being so arranged. as to enclose the inner portion including'the. ears of said cap, and additional stitches penetrating'saidlayers of fabric, said patchesand said ears to securethe same together.

5. In a wired fabric including two layers of fabric and a plurality of flexible heater wires, strain relief and moisture proof means for connecting the ends of said wires to a terminal cap and connecting-said terminal cap to said fabric comprising saidterminal cap being formed of molded plastic, a plurality of terminal pinspartially embedded in said terminal cap and having the ends of said heater wires connected thereto-within the terminal cap, said terminal cap having an'outer'body portion containing said pins and an inner body portion and thin ears' integral with said inner body portion, a first patch positioned on the inner surface of one of said layers of fabric with. one edge thereof extending' to a point adjacent one edge ofsaidlayer of a fabric, a second patch positioned on the inner surface r of said first patch, said first and second. patches and said layer of fabric having a slot cut therein, said: terminal cap having its outer body portion extending through said slots, said patches enclosing the inner body portion andears of said cap, stitches penetrating said layerof fabric, said patches and said terminal cap to secure the same together, and additional stitches penetrating said: layer of fabric, said first patch and said other layer'of' fabric.

6. In an electrically heated blanket having, a first ply anda second'ply disposed in juxtaposed relation to the first ply and electrical heating elements disposed between the first and second plies; the combination of a terminal .cap having electrodes therein projecting from a first end thereof, at least three Wires connected to the electrodes within said cap and projecting from a second end of said cap opposite from the first end thereof and to which said heating elements are connected, said terminal can being molded about said WlICSBDd electrodes and sealing the same within the cap, flanges projecting laterally from the second end ofsaid cap, first and second pliable patches fixed to the proximal surface of said first ply in juxtaposed relation thereto, said first and second patches and the first ply having a relatively narrow transverse opening therein disposed intermediate the ends of said first and second patches and being of a size to tightly receive the terminal cap, said first end of the cap projecting outwardly through said opening, said second patch being folded intermediate its end upon itself at its juncture with the flanges or said cap to form an overlapping portion, said overlapping portion of the second patch having a pair of substantially alined inwardly-extending slits at opposite side edges thereof, the proximal edges of said slits being overlapped, in biasedrelation to each other to form openings at the inner ends of said slits through which. the two outermost of said wires extend, and means securing said overlapping portions-of the second patch to the first ply of said blanket.

7. In an electrically heated blanket having at least one first ply and at least one second ply disposed in juxtaposed relation to the first ply and heating resistance wires disposed between said first and second plies; the combination of at least one substantially rectangular patch of pliable sheet material disposed between the first and second plies, said first ply having an opening therein, said patch having a coinciding opening therein, means securing the patch to the proximal surface of the first ply around the edges of the coinciding openings 1n the first ply and the patch, said patch being folded upon itself transversely thereof at said opening, a terminal cap having an outer body portion extending through said coinciding openings and appearing on the outer surface of the first ply, said terminal cap also having an inner portion provided with laterally projecting flanges thereon disposed between the folds of the patch, stitches securing the folds of said patch together and also securing the folds of the patch to said first ply, and said resistance wires extending between the folds of said patch and having their ends embedded in the inner portion of said terminal cap.

8. In combination, a wired fabric including at least one ply of sheet material and a plurality of resistance heating wires, at least one patch of pliable sheet material underlying said ply of sheet material, said ply of sheet material and said patch having coinciding openings therein, stitches securing the patch to the proximal surface of the ply of sheet material around the edges of the coinciding openings, said patch being folded upon itself transversely thereof adjacent said opening, a terminal cap having an outer body portion extending through said coinciding openings and frictionally engaged by the edges thereof, said terminal cap also having an inner portion provided with at least one projection thereon disposed between the folds of the patch, a plurality of stitches penetrating the folds of said patch, the ply of sheet material and the projection on said terminal cap for securing the same together, and the resistance heating wires extending between the folds of said patch and having their ends embedded in the terminal cap.

9. In an electrically heated blanket having at least one first ply and at least one second ply disposed in juxtaposed relation to the first ply and heating elements disposed between said first and second plies; the combination of at least one patch of pliable sheet material disposed between the first and second plies, said first ply having an opening therein, said patch having a coinciding opening therein, stitches securing the patch to the proximal surface of the first ply around the edges of the coinciding openings in the first ply and the patch, said patch being folded upon itself transversely thereof at said opening, a terminal cap having an outer body portion extending through said coinciding openings and appearing on the outer surface of the first ply and being frictionally engaged by the walls of said coinciding openings, said terminal cap also having an inner portion provided with laterally projecting flanges thereon disposed between the folds of the patch, rows of stitches securing the folds of said patch together at points spaced from each other and extending parallel to the relative relationship of the inner and outer portions of the terminal cap, said last-named rows of stitches also serving to stitch the folds of the patch to said first ply, said rows of stitches also passing through said flanges on the inner portion of the cap, and conductor means extending between the folds of said patch connecting the heating elements to the inner end of the inner portion of said terminal cap.

10. In an electrically heated blanket having a first ply and a second ply disposed in juxtaposed relation to the first ply and electrical heating elements disposed between the first and second plies; the combination of a terminal cap having electrodes in a first end thereof, a row of at least three wires connected to the electrodes within said cap and projecting from a second end of said cap opposite from the first end thereof and to which said heating elements are connected, flanges projecting laterally from the second end of said cap, first and second pliable patches fixed to the proximal surface of said first ply in juxtaposed relation thereto, said first patch being disposed between the first ply and the second patch, said first and second patches and the first ply having relatively narrow transverse openings therein disposed intermediate the ends of said first and second patches and being of a size to tightly receive the terminal cap, said first end of the cap projecting through said opening and the lateral flanges engaging the second patch adjacent said opening, stitches around said opening for securing the patches and said first ply together, said second patch being folded intermediate its end upon itself at its juncture with said opening and the flanges of said cap, said overlapping portion of the second patch having a pair of substantially alined inwardly extending slits at opposite side edges thereof, the proximal edges of said slits being overlapped in biased relation to each other to form openings at the inner ends of said slots through which the two outermost of said wires extend, and means securing said overlapping portions of the second patch to both the first patch and the first ply of said blanket along opposite sides of said cap whereby the centermost of said wires passes from the cap, between the overlapping portions of the second patch to the heating elements.

11. In a wired fabric including two layers of fabric and a plurality of flexible conductors, an improved terminal assembly for said flexible conductors and means for securing said terminal assembly to said fabric comprising a terminal cap made from an insulating material having said flexible conductors embedded therein, a plurality of terminal pins also embedded in said terminal cap and connected to said flexible conductors within said cap and extending outwardly from said cap, said cap having a pair of planar ear portions formed integral therewith, a first patch of flexible material secured to one layer of said fabric, a second patch of flexible material positioned in juxtaposed relation to said first patch, said first and second patches and said layer of fabric material having a slot cut therethrough, whereby the portion of said terminal cap having the pins therein may be positioned in said slot with the pins extending outwardly of said fabric and the ear portions of said terminal cap being in juxtaposed flush relation to said patches, said second patch being partially cut intermediate its ends and folded upon itself to encompass said terminal cap, said patches and said fabric material being stitched together with at least some of said stitches also penetrating the ear portions of said terminal cap to firmly secure the terminal assembly to the wired fabric.

12. In a wired fabric including at least one layer of fabric and a plurality of flexible conductors, an improved water proof and strain relief terminal assembly for said flexible conductors comprising a molded one piece terminal cap made from insulating material and having the terminal ends of the flexible conductors embedded therein, a plurality of terminal connectors connected to said flexible conductors and also embedded in said terminal cap, said cap having a pair of planar ear portions formed integral therewith, at least one patch of flexible material underlying said layer of fabric, said patch and said layer of fabric material having a slot out therethrough, a portion of said terminal cap penetrating said slot and being frictionally engaged by the edges thereof with the planar ear portions underlying said sheet of fabric material, said patch being folded so as to encompass the inner portion and the ear portions of said terminal cap, said patch and said fabric material being stitched together with at least some of said stitches also penetrating the ear portions of said terminal cap to firmly secure the terminal assembly to the wired fabric.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Westerberg et al Aug. 12, 1952

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