Welding lead connector and welding lead connector including a locking mechanism

Abstract

A male welding lead connector device includes a slidable member for preventing the male welding lead connector from rotating relative to the female welding lead connector when the male and female welding lead connectors are engaged with each other. A method of locking a male welding lead connector to a female welding lead connector using a specific male welding lead connector that includes a slidable member for preventing the male welding lead connector from rotating relative to the female welding lead connector when the two connectors are engaged with each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of welding leads and welding lead connectors. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a male welding lead connector having built-in features for securing the male welding lead connector to a female welding lead connector. Background Art

[0002] A welding lead (or "welding cable") is an electrical conductor for carrying welding current for welding materials together (e.g., for arc welding or resistance welding). A welding lead typically includes small copper wires wound together inside a non-conductive outer layer. Such leads typically have an enlarged end in the form of a cable connector, where one end is typically a male end and the other end is a female end, both male and female features being highly conductive.

[0003] Welding leads can be both dangerous and expensive. Some dangers include potential electrocution deaths if the connection between a first welding lead cable connector and a second welding lead cable connector becomes loose and conductive material is exposed, either the conductive material of the welding lead or the non-conductive outer layer of the welding lead. Although some welding leads have features that help better secure the connection between other welding leads, the connection between welding lead cable connectors can still become loose or completely disconnect. Some projects involve many welding leads, sometimes even more than 100 leads. Welders are typically far from the welding cable connections. If a welding cable becomes twisted and the welding lead connector disconnects, the welder's welding equipment will stop working. As such, the welder will have to carefully and methodically trace their welding cables to distinguish them from other cables to find where the disconnection occurred, which will take a significant amount of time. At the same time, the disconnected welding lead is exposed, posing a danger of electrocution to others at the work site. Such wires can be relatively easily disconnected, which also makes them vulnerable to theft.

[0004] Some existing devices help meet these needs. For example, U.S. Patent No. 10,431,930 to Pearman, titled "Welding Lead Cable Connector Retaining Device for Locking and Protecting Welding Leads," discloses a device that can be used in combination with a pair of connected male and female welding lead connectors to securely hold the connectors together. This device is independent of the welding lead connectors themselves.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for a method of securing welding lead connectors to prevent electrical hazards and theft of welding leads without the need for separate equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The foregoing and other requirements are met by a male solder lead connector that includes built-in features that allow it to be secured to a female solder lead connector. There are different versions of the male solder lead connector to accommodate different female solder lead connector designs and models. Generally, the male solder lead connector includes a slidable member that can be slid out to prevent rotation of the female solder lead connector relative to the male solder lead connector after the female and male solder lead connectors have been joined. This prevents the two devices from easily coming apart due to torsional movement that may occur from time to time and cause the solder leads to break away, exposing an electrical hazard.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the male solder lead connector includes: a core member that includes a first end and a second end, where the second end is configured to be inserted into and rotated within a US female solder lead connector. The core member further includes: an annular space that is partially defined by an annular channel near the second end of the core member; a slot that extends at least partially along the core member to the second end of the core member; and an annular ring that extends along the second end of the core member, the ring including a flat edge that includes a notch that defines the second end of the slot. The male solder lead connector further includes: a slidable member that includes a first end and a second end, the slidable member being engaged within the slot and configured to slide from a first position to a second position, where, in the first position, the annular space is unobstructed, and in the second position, the second end of the slidable member blocks a portion of the annular space.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the male solder lead connector further comprises: a sliding button, wherein a first end of the slidable member is connected to the sliding button for moving the slidable member to a first position or a second position or for moving the slidable member from the first position or the second position, and the slidable member further comprises a plurality of teeth arranged in series along the slidable member. The male solder lead connector further comprises a multi-turn dial combination lock, the multi-turn dial combination lock comprising a plurality of rotatable disks configured to rotate about a core member and comprising alphanumeric characters along an outer surface of the disks, wherein the plurality of disks are configured to selectively align with the plurality of teeth of the slidable member based on a rotational position of the plurality of rotatable disks, wherein when the plurality of disks selectively align with the plurality of teeth, the slidable member is free to move from the second position to the first position, and wherein when at least one of the plurality of disks is misaligned with the plurality of teeth of the slidable member, the plurality of disks prevent the slidable member from moving from the second position to the first position. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of rotatable disks further comprises: a first rotatable disk further comprising a first slot; a second rotatable disk further comprising a second slot; and a third rotatable disk further comprising a third slot, wherein when the first slot, the second slot and the third slot are aligned with the plurality of teeth of the slidable member, the plurality of rotatable disks are in an unlocked position such that the slidable member can move to the first position or the second position or such that the slidable member can move from the first position or the second position, and wherein when at least the first slot, the second slot or the third slot is misaligned with the plurality of teeth of the slidable member, the plurality of rotatable disks are in a locked position, thereby prohibiting the slidable member from moving from the second position to the first position.

[0009] In some embodiments, the male solder lead connector further comprises: a core member further comprising an elongated cavity including an end wall; a slidable member further comprising a protrusion near a first end of the slidable member, the protrusion being configured to slide within the elongated cavity; and a spring engaged between a first end of the protrusion and the end wall, wherein the spring biases the slidable member toward the second position.

[0010] Preferably, the male solder lead connector includes a housing that covers a portion of the core member along a first end of the core member.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the male solder lead connector includes a hollow cylindrical sheath slidably attached along an outer surface of the male solder lead connector, wherein the sheath is configured to slide from an uncovered position near a second end of the core member to a covered position in which the sheath covers the plurality of rotatable disks.

[0012] In another aspect, a method of securing a male soldering lead connector to a female soldering lead connector is disclosed. The method includes providing a male soldering lead connector including: a sliding button; a core member including a first end and a second end; and a slidable member engaged in a slot and configured to slide from a first position to a second position, in the first position an annular space is unobstructed, and in the second position a second end of the slidable member blocks a portion of the annular space, wherein a first end of the slidable member is connected to the sliding button for moving the slidable member to or from the first position or the second position. The core member further includes: an annular space partially defined by an annular channel near the second end of the core member; a slot at least partially extending along the core member to the second end of the core member; and an annular ring along the second end of the core member, the ring including a flat edge having a notch defining the second end of the slot. The method further includes providing a female soldering lead connector including: a cavity defined by an inner surface of the female soldering lead connector, the cavity configured to receive the second end of the core member; and a protrusion along the inner surface of the cavity. The method further includes: inserting the second end of the core member of the male soldering lead connector into the cavity of the female soldering lead connector a distance sufficient for the protrusion to pass over the flat edge of the annular member of the core member such that the protrusion is aligned with a portion of the annular space; rotating the female soldering lead connector relative to the male soldering lead connector such that the protrusion of the female soldering lead connector enters the annular channel; moving the sliding button such that the slidable member moves from the first position to the second position, thereby blocking the annular channel with the second end of the slidable member and preventing the female soldering lead connector from rotating relative to the male soldering lead connector, thereby locking the female soldering lead connector to the male soldering lead connector.

[0013] In some embodiments of the method, the provided male soldering lead connector further includes: a slidable member further including a first end and a plurality of teeth arranged in series near the first end of the slidable member; and a multi-turn dial combination lock including a plurality of rotatable disks configured to rotate about the core member and including alphanumeric characters along an outer surface of the disks, wherein the plurality of disks are configured to selectively align with the plurality of teeth of the slidable member based on a rotational position of the plurality of rotatable disks, wherein when the plurality of disks are selectively aligned with the plurality of teeth, the slidable member is free to move from the second position to the first position, and wherein when at least one of the plurality of disks is not aligned with the plurality of teeth of the slidable member, the plurality of disks prevent the slidable member from moving from the second position to the first position.

[0014] In some embodiments, the step of moving the sliding button further includes rotating at least one of the rotatable disks to misalign at least one of the rotatable disks with the plurality of teeth of the slidable member, thereby preventing the slidable member from moving back to the first position and unlocking the female welding lead connector from the male welding lead connector.

[0015] In another aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a male welding lead connector. The male welding lead connector includes: a core member having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is configured to be inserted into and rotated within an international female welding lead connector. The core member further includes: a slot that extends at least partially longitudinally along the core member; and a protrusion that extends radially outwardly near the second end of the core member. The male welding lead connector further includes: a slidable member having a first end and a second end, the slidable member being engaged within the slot and configured to slide from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the second end of the slidable member is further away from the second end of the core member, and in the second position, the second end of the slidable member is closer to the second end of the core member. Preferably, the protrusion is at a first radial position on the core member, and the first radial position is approximately 45 degrees relative to a second radial position defined on the core member by the second end of the slidable member.

[0016] In some embodiments, the male welding lead connector further includes: a sliding button; a slidable member, wherein the first end of the slidable member is connected to the sliding button for moving the slidable member to the first position or the second position or for moving the slidable member from the first position or the second position. The slidable member further includes a plurality of teeth arranged in series along the slidable member; and a multi-turn dial combination lock including a plurality of rotatable disks configured to rotate about the core member and including alphanumeric characters along the outer surface of the disks. The plurality of disks are configured to selectively align with the plurality of teeth of the slidable member based on the rotational positions of the plurality of rotatable disks. When the plurality of disks are selectively aligned with the plurality of teeth, the slidable member is free to move from the second position to the first position, and when at least one of the plurality of disks is misaligned with the plurality of teeth of the slidable member, the plurality of disks prevent the slidable member from moving from the second position to the first position.

[0017] In some embodiments, the plurality of rotatable disks further comprises: a first rotatable disk that further comprises a first slot; a second rotatable disk that further comprises a second slot; and a third rotatable disk that further comprises a third slot, wherein when the first slot, the second slot, and the third slot are aligned with a plurality of teeth of the slidable member, the plurality of rotatable disks are in an unlocked position such that the slidable member can move to a first position or a second position or such that the slidable member can move from the first position or the second position, and wherein when at least the first slot, the second slot, or the third slot is not aligned with the plurality of teeth of the slidable member, the plurality of rotatable disks are in a locked position, thereby prohibiting the slidable member from moving from the second position to the first position.

[0018] In some embodiments, the male solder pin connector further comprises: a core member that further comprises an elongate cavity that includes an end wall; a slidable member that further comprises a protrusion near a first end of the slidable member, the protrusion being configured to slide within the elongate cavity; and a spring that engages between a first end of the protrusion and the end wall, wherein the spring biases the slidable member toward a second position.

[0019] Preferably, the male solder pin connector includes a housing that covers a portion of the core member along a first end of the core member. The male solder pin connector also preferably includes a hollow cylindrical sheath that is slidably attached along an outer surface of the male solder pin connector, wherein the sheath is configured to slide from an uncovered position near a second end of the core member to a covered position in which the sheath covers the plurality of rotatable disks.

[0020] In yet another aspect, a method of securing a male solder lead connector to a female solder lead connector is disclosed. The method includes providing a male solder lead connector that includes: (i) a slide button; (ii) a male solder lead connector core member having a first end and a second end, the male solder lead connector core member further including: (1) a male solder lead connector core member slot that extends at least partially longitudinally along the male solder lead connector core member; and (2) a protrusion that extends radially outwardly near the second end of the male solder lead connector core member; and (iii) a slidable member having a first end and a second end, the slidable member being engaged in the male solder lead connector core member slot and configured to slide from a first position to a second position, in the first position the second end of the slidable member being further away from the second end of the male solder lead connector core member, and in the second position the second end of the slidable member being closer to the second end of the male solder lead connector core member. The method further includes providing a female solder lead connector that includes a female solder lead connector core member, the female solder lead connector core member further including: (i) a cavity that extends into the female solder lead connector core member, the cavity being configured to receive the second end of the core member; (ii) a first longitudinal section of the female solder lead connector core member, the first longitudinal section further including: (1) an inlet hole that defines an inlet to the cavity from a first end of the first longitudinal section; and (2) a first longitudinal section slot that extends from the first end of the first longitudinal section to a second end of the longitudinal section; (iii) a gap that extends along a side portion of the female solder lead connector core member directly adjacent to the first longitudinal section, wherein the first longitudinal section slot extends to a junction where the first longitudinal section slot intersects the gap, and wherein the gap extends around the side portion of the female solder lead connector core member beyond the junction. The method further includes: inserting the second end of the male solder lead connector core member into the cavity of the female solder lead connector a distance sufficient to cause the protrusion to move through the first longitudinal section slot and into the gap; rotating the female solder lead connector relative to the male solder lead connector such that the protrusion moves along the gap beyond the junction; and moving the slide button such that the slidable member moves from the first position to the second position to cause the second end of the slidable member to enter the first longitudinal section slot, thereby preventing rotation of the female solder lead connector core member relative to the male solder lead connector core member and thereby locking the female solder lead connector to the male solder lead connector.

[0021] In some embodiments, the provided male welding lead connector further includes: a slidable member, the slidable member further including a first end and a plurality of teeth arranged in series close to the first end of the slidable member; and a multi-turn dial combination lock, the multi-turn dial combination lock including a plurality of rotatable discs, the plurality of rotatable discs being configured to rotate around the male welding lead connector core member and including alphanumeric characters along the outer surface of the discs, wherein the plurality of discs are configured to selectively align with the plurality of teeth of the slidable member based on the rotational positions of the plurality of rotatable discs, wherein when the plurality of discs selectively align with the plurality of teeth, the slidable member is freely movable from a second position to a first position, and wherein when at least one of the plurality of discs is misaligned with the plurality of teeth of the slidable member, the plurality of discs prevent the slidable member from moving from the second position to the first position.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, moving the sliding button further includes rotating at least one of the rotatable discs so that at least one of the rotatable discs is misaligned with the plurality of teeth of the slidable member, thereby preventing the slidable member from moving back to the first position to unlock the female welding lead connector from the male welding lead connector.

[0023] The present disclosure of the invention is intended to provide examples of specific disclosed embodiments and is not intended to cover all potential embodiments or combinations of embodiments. Accordingly, the present disclosure of the invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention disclosed in any way, which scope is reserved for the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description, the appended claims, and the drawings, in which the elements are not drawn to scale to more clearly show details, in which like reference numerals represent like elements in several views, and in which:

[0025] Figure 1 A perspective view showing a male welding lead connector including specific features described herein;

[0026] Figure 2 Showing Figure 1 A different perspective view of the male welding lead connector shown in;

[0027] Figure 3 Showing Figure 1 And Figure 2 An end view of the male welding lead connector shown in and, as viewed from the second end of the male welding lead connector;

[0028] Figure 4 Showing Figure 1 And Figure 2 An end view of the male welding lead connector shown in and, as viewed from the first end of the male welding lead connector;

[0029] Figure 5 Shows Figures 1 to 4 A plan view of the male welding lead connector including a slidable member in a second position as shown therein;

[0030] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 A sectional side view of the male welding lead connector with the slidable member in the second position as shown therein, taken along line A-A;

[0031] Figure 7 Shows Figures 1 to 6 A side view of the male welding lead connector with the slidable member in the second position as shown therein;

[0032] Figure 8 Shows Figures 1 to 4 A plan view of the male welding lead connector including a slidable member in a first position as shown therein;

[0033] Figure 9 Shows Figure 5 A sectional side view of the male welding lead connector with the slidable member in the first position as shown therein, taken along line B-B;

[0034] Figure 10 Shows Figures 1 to 6 A side view of the male welding lead connector with the slidable member in the first position as shown therein;

[0035] Figure 11 Shows Figures 1 to 10 An exploded view of the male welding lead connector as shown therein;

[0036] Figure 12 shows Figures 1 to 11 An exploded partial view of some parts of the welding lead connector as shown therein;

[0037] Figure 13 shows Figures 1 to 1 An exploded partial view of some parts of the welding lead connector as shown in 2;

[0038] Figure 14 Shows an exploded view of a US female welding lead connector including a female welding connector housing and a female welding connector core member;

[0039] Figure 15 Shows a perspective sectional view of the female welding lead connector core member as shown in Figure 13;

[0040] Figure 16 Shows a perspective view of the female welding lead core member and a slice of the female welding lead core member, for illustrating the section of the female welding lead connector core member where the protrusion is located;

[0041] Figure 17A Showing Figure 16 a slice of the female welding lead connector core member in Figures 1 to 11 positioned to be placed on the second end of the male welding connector core member of the male welding lead connector shown in

[0042] Figure 17B Showing Figure 16 a slice of the female welding lead connector core member in Figures 1 to 11 placed on the second end of the male welding connector core member of the male welding lead connector shown in

[0043] Figure 17C Showing a slice of the female welding lead connector rotated relative to the male welding lead connector such that the protrusion of the slice is captured in an annular channel behind an annular ring at the second end of the slidable member of the male welding lead connector;

[0044] Figure 17D Showing the slidable member extending through the slice back to the second position, thereby fixing the slice (and Figure 14 the female welding lead connector) to the Figures 1 to 11 male welding lead connector shown in

[0045] Figure 18A Showing Figure 17C a close view of the second end of the male welding connector core member shown in

[0046] Figure 18B Showing Figure 17D a close view of the second end of the male welding connector core member shown in

[0047] Figure 18C Showing a side view of the second end of the male welding connector core member, including an annular space shown in dashed lines around the male welding connector core member, where the slidable member is in the first position;

[0048] Figure 18D Showing a side view of the second end of the male welding connector core member, including an annular space shown in dashed lines around the male welding connector core member, where the slidable member is in the second position blocking the annular space;

[0049] Figure 19 Showing attaching the Figures 1 to 11 male welding lead connector in Figure 14Steps of the female welding lead connector shown in

[0050] Figure 20 Partial exploded view showing a partially assembled male welding lead connector, including a first core member part, a spring clamp, a locking ring, and a turntable, wherein a slidable member is located in a slot along the first core member part;

[0051] Figure 21 Showing Figure 20 The first core member part in , wherein a slidable member is located in a slot along the first core member part, and the spring clamp, locking ring, and turntable are placed along the first core member part;

[0052] Figure 22 Showing in connection with Figure 20 And Figure 21 End view of the spring clamp engaged with the turntable in ;

[0053] Figure 23 Showing Figure 20 And Figure 21 The first core member part in , further including a ram disc and a setting turntable;

[0054] Figure 24 Showing Figure 23 The first core member part in , showing the ram disc engaged with the setting turntable before placing the ram disc and the setting disc on the first core member part;

[0055] Figure 25A Showing a partially assembled male welding lead connector, including a multi-turn turntable combination lock assembly assembled along the first core member part, wherein a setting turntable stop block is located in a setting turntable slot, preventing the setting turntable from rotating around the first core member part to reset the combination of the multi-turn turntable combination lock;

[0056] Figure 25B Showing a partially assembled male welding lead connector, including a multi-turn turntable combination lock assembly assembled along the first core member part, wherein the setting turntable stop block is outside the setting turntable slot, allowing the setting turntable to rotate around the first core member part to reset the combination of the multi-turn turntable combination lock;

[0057] Figure 26 Showing Figure 11 The male welding lead connector with a slidable dust cover in , the slidable dust cover sliding on the rotating disc of the multi-turn turntable combination lock to protect the multi-turn turntable combination lock assembly from dust or other debris;

[0058] Figure 27 Showing Figures 1 to 11Perspective view of a simplified version of the male soldering lead connector shown in [reference], where the sliding member is in the first position and does not have a multi-turn dial combination lock assembly;

[0059] Figure 28 shown Figure 27 Perspective view of the male soldering lead connector with a slidable member in the second position, where the second end of the slidable member blocks the annular space around the second end of the male soldering lead connector core member;

[0060] Figure 29 shown Figure 27 and Figure 28 Plan view of the male soldering lead connector including a sliding member in the first position as shown in [reference];

[0061] Figure 30 shown Figure 29 Cross-sectional side view of the male soldering lead connector with a slidable member in the first position as shown in [reference], taken along line C-C;

[0062] Figure 31 shown Figures 27 to 30 Side view of the male soldering lead connector with a slidable member in the first position as shown in [reference];

[0063] Figure 32 shown Figures 27 to 31 Plan view of the male soldering lead connector including a slidable member in the second position as shown in [reference];

[0064] Figure 33 shown Figure 32 Cross-sectional side view of the male soldering lead connector with a slidable member in the second position as shown in [reference], taken along line D-D;

[0065] Figure 34 shown Figures 27 to 33 Side view of the male soldering lead connector with a slidable member in the second position as shown in [reference];

[0066] Figure 35 shown Figures 27 to 34 Exploded view of the male soldering lead connector as shown in [reference];

[0067] Figure 36 Exploded view showing different embodiments of the male soldering lead connector, including a protrusion near the second end of the male soldering lead connector core member;

[0068] Figure 37 is shown Figure 36 End view of the second end of the male soldering lead connector as shown in [reference] and shows the preferred relative positioning of the protrusion and the second end of the slidable member;

[0069] Figure 38 Shows Figure 36 and Figure 37 A plan view of the male soldering lead connector including the slidable member in the first position as shown in

[0070] Figure 39 Shows Figure 38 A sectional side view taken along E - E of the male soldering lead connector having the slidable member in the first position as shown in

[0071] Figure 40 Shows Figures 36 to 39 A side view of the male soldering lead connector having the slidable member in the first position as shown in

[0072] Figure 41 Shows Figures 36 to 40 A plan view of the male soldering lead connector including the slidable member in the second position as shown in

[0073] Figure 42 Shows Figure 41 A sectional side view taken along line F - F of the male soldering lead connector having the slidable member in the second position as shown in

[0074] Figure 43 Shows Figures 36 to 42 A side view of the male soldering lead connector having the slidable member in the second position as shown in

[0075] Figure 44A shows Figures 36 to 43 The male soldering lead connector as shown in , showing its positioning relative to the female soldering lead connector core member of the international female soldering lead connector (shown in more detail in Figures 45A to 45C as shown in );

[0076] Figure 44B shows the male soldering lead connector in Figure 44A oriented to engage with the female soldering lead connector core member;

[0077] Figure 44C shows the first section of the female soldering lead connector core member in Figures 44A and 44B, which is aligned to engage with the male soldering lead connector such that the first longitudinal section slot of the first section is aligned with the protrusion along the second end of the male soldering connector core member;

[0078] Figure 44D shows the first section of the female soldering lead connector core member placed on the second end of the male soldering lead connector core member, where the protrusion has passed over the first longitudinal section slot;

[0079] Figure 44E shows a first section of a female solder lead connector core member rotated relative to a male solder lead connector such that the female solder lead connector core member engages with the male solder lead connector, and wherein the first longitudinal section slot is aligned with a second end of a slidable member of the male solder lead connector;

[0080] Figure 44F shows that the second end of the slidable member has popped into the first longitudinal section slot, thereby preventing the female solder lead connector core from rotating relative to the male solder lead connector, thus fixing the female solder lead connector to the male solder lead connector;

[0081] Figure 45A Shows a first perspective view of the female solder lead connector core member;

[0082] Figure 45B Shows Figure 45A A second perspective view of the female solder lead connector core member shown in;

[0083] Figure 45C Shows Figure 45A And Figure 45B A perspective view of the first section of the female solder lead connector core member shown in;

[0084] Figure 46 Shows Figures 36 to 4 A perspective view of a simplified version of the male solder lead connector in 4F, but without the multi-turn dial assembly parts, wherein the slidable member is in the first position;

[0085] Figure 47 Shows Figure 46 A perspective view of the male solder lead connector with the slidable member in the second position shown in;

[0086] Figure 48 Shows Figure 46 And Figure 47 A plan view of the male solder lead connector including the slidable member in the second position shown in;

[0087] Figure 49 Shows Figure 48 A sectional side view taken along line G-G of the male solder lead connector with the slidable member in the second position shown in;

[0088] Figure 50 Shows Figures 46 to 49 A side view of the male solder lead connector with the slidable member in the second position shown in; and

[0089] Figure 51 Shows Figures 46 to 50 An exploded view of the male solder lead connector shown in.

[0090] These figures are provided to illustrate the concepts disclosed by the present invention and are not intended to represent all potential embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, the figures are not intended to limit in any way the scope of the disclosure of the present invention, the scope of which is reserved for the functions recited in the appended claims. Detailed Description

[0091] The various terms used herein are intended to have specific meanings. For clarity, some of these terms are defined below. The definitions given below are intended to cover all forms of the defined words (e.g., singular, plural, present tense, past tense). If the definition of any of the following terms differs from the ordinary understanding and / or dictionary definition of that term, the following definition shall control.

[0092] Figures 1 to 1 FIG. 3 shows different views of a male soldering lead connector 100 of a particular configuration, which is configured to be fixed and locked to a common female soldering lead connector used in the United States (hereinafter referred to as the "U.S. female soldering lead connector"), such as (for example) Figures 14 to 16 Tweco available from Tweco Products, Inc. of Maryland Annapolis Junction, Maryland shown in TMThe female welding connector of the brand. The male welding lead connector 100 includes a male welding lead connector core member 102 preferably made of metal, and the male welding lead connector core member includes a first end 104A and a second end 104B. In some embodiments, the male welding lead connector core member 102 includes two main components, including a first core member component 106A and a second core member component 106B. The first end 107 of the first core member component 106A is configured to be assembled inside the first cavity 212 of the second core member component to engage the first core member component 106A with the second core member component 106B. The male welding lead connector core member 102 further includes an annular space 108, which is partially defined by an annular channel 110 near the second end 104B of the male welding lead connector core member 102. The male welding lead connector core member 102 further includes a slot 112, which at least partially extends along the male welding lead connector core member 102 to the second end 104B of the male welding lead connector core member 102. The male welding lead connector core member 102 further includes an annular ring 114, which is along the second end 104B of the male welding lead connector core member 102 and directly adjacent to the annular channel 110. The ring 114 includes a flat edge 116, and the flat edge includes a notch 118 that defines the second end 120B of the slot 112. The annular channel 110 terminates near the flat edge 116, but the annular space 108 defined herein extends completely around the second end 104B of the core member 102 in an annular or circular shape. In Figure 18C and Figure 18D its side view can be seen. The first end 120A of the slot 112 is preferably near the first end 107 of the first core member component.

[0093] The male welding lead connector further includes a slidable member 122 preferably made of metal, and the slidable member includes a first end 124A and a second end 124B. The slidable member 122 engages in the slot 112 and slides along the slot 112 from a first position (shown in Figures 8 to 10 ) to a second position (shown in Figures 5 to 7 ). When the slidable member 122 is in the first position, the annular space 108 is unobstructed. When the slidable member 122 is in the second position, the second end 124B of the slidable member 122 blocks a part of the annular space 108. Figures 17A to 17D and Figures 18A to 18D show the importance of the slidable member 122 blocking a part of the annular space 108, but it will be better understood in combination with the introduction of the typical configuration of a common female welding lead connector.

[0094] Figure 14A exploded view of a female soldering lead connector 128 of the prior art is shown, which female soldering lead connector includes a female soldering lead connector core body 130 and a housing 132. The female soldering lead connector core body member 130 is assembled in the female soldering lead connector housing cavity 134. Figure 15 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the female soldering lead connector core body member 130 is shown, which female soldering lead connector core body member includes a generally cylindrical female soldering lead connector core body member cavity 136, and includes a protrusion 138 along the inner surface 140 of the female soldering lead connector core body member cavity 136. For purposes of illustration, Figure 16 A slice 142 of the female soldering lead connector core body member 130 along the portion where the protrusion 138 is located is shown, and this portion is where the female soldering lead connector core body member cavity 136 narrows. Figures 17A to 17D and Figures 18A to 18D Shows the slice 142 and how the female soldering lead connector 128 as a whole interacts with the male soldering lead connector 100. Figure 17A Shows the second end 104B of the male soldering lead connector 100 approaching the slice 142 (which as a whole represents a specific part of the female soldering lead connector 128). Figure 17B Shows how the cross-sectional shape of the female soldering lead connector core body member cavity 136 including the protrusion 138 along the slice 142 is assembled on the second end 104B of the male soldering lead connector 100. The flat edge 116 of the annular ring 114 makes this possible, where the annular ring 114 has the same (but slightly smaller) cross-sectional shape as the female soldering lead connector core body member cavity 136 along the slice 142 where the protrusion 138 is located. In Figure 17C (and Figure 18A the close-up view shown), the female soldering lead connector 128 is rotated relative to the male soldering lead connector 100 such that the protrusion 138 rotates into the annular channel 110. As the protrusion 138 is captured in the annular channel 110 behind the annular ring 114, the female soldering lead connector 128 engages with the male soldering lead connector 100. However, if the female soldering lead connector 128 is rotated relative to the male soldering lead connector 100 in the opposite direction, disengagement is likely to occur. To prevent this, the slidable member 122 can move from a first position (as shown in Figure 18A and Figure 18C shown, Figure 18A shows the slice 142 and Figure 18C for purposes of illustration the slice 142 is not shown) to a second position (as shown in Figure 18B and Figure 18D shown, Figure 18B shows the slice and Figure 18DFor purposes of illustration, slice 142) is not shown, such that the second end 104B of the male soldering lead connector core member 102 blocks a portion of the annular space 108 while the second end 104B wedges against the first end of the protrusion 138, thereby preventing the female soldering lead connector 128 from rotating back relative to the male soldering lead connector 100 and disengaging the two devices. Accordingly, the specific features of the male soldering lead connector 100 provide a way to fix the male soldering lead connector 100 to the female soldering lead connector such that the two devices are not easily rotated out of engagement. Figure 19 Steps are shown of how the male soldering lead connector 100 can be fixed to a female soldering lead connector (such as female soldering lead connector 128).

[0095] The male soldering lead connector 100 preferably includes a slide button 126 connected near the first end 124A of the slidable member 122. For example, the slide button 126 can be moved by the user's thumb to move the slidable member 122 to a second position and fix the female soldering lead connector to the male soldering lead connector 100. The slidable member 122 preferably includes a protrusion 145 that includes a first end 146A and a second end 146B, where the protrusion 145 is shaped to slide within an elongate cavity 147 in the first core member part 106A. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the protrusion 145 is cylindrical and the elongate cavity 147 is also shaped as a cylinder. Although specific shapes of these features are shown and described, other shapes can also exist and be contemplated in the present disclosure. The slidable member 122 is preferably biased to the second position by a spring 148 that is located between the first end 146A of the protrusion 145 and the inner wall 149 along the second core member part 106B. The male soldering lead connector 100 also includes a male soldering lead connector housing 150, which is preferably made of plastic, rubber, or other non-conductive material. Although the male soldering lead connector device 100 described so far can be fixed to the female soldering lead connector, one can still easily move the slide button 126 and move the slidable member 122 to the first position, thereby invalidating the fixed connection between the male soldering lead connector 100 and the female soldering lead connector.

[0096] Another advantage of the male soldering lead connector 100 is its locking feature, which provides another layer of protection against the male soldering lead connector 100 becoming disengaged or in the process of disengaging from the female soldering lead connector. This locking feature is shown in Figure 11 an exploded view of and includes a multi-turn dial combination lock 152 that includes a plurality of rotatable disks 154 that are configured to rotate about the male soldering lead connector core member 102. In Figures 1 to 1In the embodiment shown in 3, there are a total of three rotatable disks 154, including a first rotatable disk 154A, a second rotatable disk 154B and a third rotatable disk 154C. The first rotatable disk 154A includes a first dial 156A and a first locking ring 158A, and the first dial includes alphanumeric characters on its outer surface. The second rotatable disk 154B includes a second dial 156B and a second locking ring 158B, and the second dial includes alphanumeric characters on its outer surface. The third rotatable disk 154C includes a third dial 156C and a third locking ring 158C, and the third dial includes alphanumeric characters on its outer surface. There are also a plurality of spring clamps 160, including a first spring clamp 160A, a second spring clamp 160B and a third spring clamp 160C. The spring clamps do not rotate around the male welding lead connector core member 102, but the dials 156 and the locking rings 158 rotate around the male welding lead connector core member 102.

[0097] Figure 21A exploded view is shown including a first core member component 106A, a slidable member 122, a first dial 156A, a first locking ring 158A, and a first spring clip 160A. The slidable member 122 includes a plurality of teeth 162 arranged in sequence (including a first tooth 162A, a second tooth 162B, and a third tooth 162C), a set dial stop 164, and a slide button extension 166 for connection to a slide button 126. The locking ring 158 is configured to engage with the dial 156 and rotate therewith during normal operation, but the locking ring 158 can be temporarily disengaged from the dial to reset the combination on the combination lock 152, as discussed in more detail below. The locking rings 158 are preferably identical and include locking ring notches similar to the locking ring notch 168 shown in the third locking ring 158C. The spring clips 160 are preferably identical and include spring clip notches similar to the spring clip notch 170 shown in the third spring clip 160C. The spring clip notches are always aligned such that the plurality of teeth 162 can move freely, allowing the slidable member 122 to move from a first position to a second position and from the second position to the first position. When the locking ring notch is aligned with the plurality of teeth 162, the plurality of teeth 162 can move freely, allowing the slidable member 122 to move from a first position to a second position and from the second position to the first position. This configuration of the rotatable disk 154 is referred to herein as the unlocked configuration. However, if one of the locking ring notches is not aligned with the plurality of teeth 162, the slidable member 122 is prevented from moving back from the second position to the first position, thereby placing the male soldering lead connector 100 in a locked configuration when the male soldering lead connector 100 engages with the female soldering lead connector. When engaged with the dial 156, the position of the locking ring 158 depends on the relative position of the dial 156. Each locking ring 158 includes a plurality of locking ring ridges 172 configured to slide into a plurality of gaps 174 in the dial 156, thereby engaging the locking ring 158 with the dial 156. The locking ring 158 can be disengaged from the dial 156, and this will be discussed in detail below. The spring clip 160 includes a spring clip inner ridge 176 that can slide along a first core member side channel 178 into the first core member component 106A. The engagement of the spring clip inner ridge 176 with the first core member side channel 178 prevents the spring clip 160 from rotating around the first core member 106A. The spring clip 160 also includes a spring clip outer ridge 180 configured to engage with an inner dial channel 182 within the dial 156. The main purpose of the spring clip 160 is to move the dial 156 in discrete stop points, each stop point associated with a different alphanumeric character on the outer surface of the dial 156. In Figure 22 and Figure 23 the engagement between the spring clip outer ridge 180 and the inner dial channel 182 is also shown.

[0098] The multi-turn dial combination lock 152 has an arrangement that positions the rotatable dial 154 so that the lock ring notches of the lock ring 158 are aligned to allow a plurality of teeth 162 to enter the lock ring notches of each lock ring. This is the unlocked configuration, in which the slidable member 122 can be in a first position ( Figure 9 , Figure 18A and Figure 18C ) or a second position ( Figure 6 , Figure 18B and Figure 18D ). When one of the lock rings is misaligned with the plurality of teeth 162, the rotatable dial 154 is in the locked configuration and prevents the slidable member 122 from moving back to the first position. Sometimes, it is desirable to disengage the lock ring 158 from the dial 156 in order to change the alphanumeric character combination on the multi-turn dial combination lock 152, thereby placing the rotatable dial 154 in the unlocked configuration. This is achieved by using a setting dial 184 that cooperates with a pressure plate 186, both the pressure plate 186 and the setting dial 184 being assembled around the first core member part 106A. Figure 23 The separated pressure plate 186 and setting dial 184 are shown, and Figure 24 the pressure plate 186 and setting dial 184 combined together are shown. Figure 25A And Figure 25B show the setting dial 184 on the first core member part 106A as part of the assembly of the male welded lead connector 100. When the rotatable dial 154 is in the locked configuration and the slidable member 122 is in the Figure 25B second position shown in, the setting dial stop 164 is located in the setting dial slot 188, preventing the setting dial from rotating. When the rotatable dial 154 is in the unlocked configuration and the slidable member 122 is in the Figure 25AWhen in the first position shown, the setting turret stop block 164 is located outside the setting turret groove 188, allowing the setting turret 184 to rotate. The purpose of rotating the setting turret 184 is to realign one or more lock rings 158 with one or more turrets 156, thereby changing the combination of the multi-turret combination lock 152. This is achieved by rotating the setting turret 184 relative to the pressure plate 186 such that the setting turret projection 190 slides on the pressure plate ramp 192, forcing the pressure plate 186 towards the third lock ring 158C and disengaging the third lock ring 158C from the third turret 156C. This in turn causes the third lock ring 158C to bear against the third spring clamp 160C, which bears against the second lock ring 158B, thereby disengaging the second lock ring 158B from the second turret 156B. This in turn causes the second lock ring 158B to bear against the second spring clamp 160B, which bears against the first lock ring 158A, thereby disengaging the first lock ring 158A from the first turret 156A. With all the lock rings 158 disengaged from the turrets 156, the turrets 156 can rotate independently of the lock rings 158. The setting turret 184 is able to rotate relative to the pressure plate 186 because the pressure plate 186 is prevented from rotating due to the engagement of the pressure plate inner projection 194 with the first core member side channel 178.

[0099] After causing one or more of the turrets 156 to rotate independently of the lock rings 158, the slidable member 122 can be moved back to the first position by moving the slide button 126. The first spring clamp 160A is biased by a spring 196 against the end cap 198, forcing the first lock ring 158A to re-engage with the first turret 156A, which in turn forces the second lock ring 158B to re-engage with the second turret 156, which in turn forces the third lock ring 158C to re-engage with the third turret 156C. As the lock rings 158 re-engage with the turrets 156, rotation of one or more of the turrets 156 will also cause rotation of one or more of the associated lock rings 158 according to the new relative spatial relationship between the one or more lock rings 158 and the one or more turrets 156. This new relative spatial relationship allows for a new alphanumeric character combination to be set for the multi-turret combination lock 152.

[0100] Figures 12 and 13 show how the parts of the male soldering lead connector 100 are held together. Figure 6 and Figure 9 also shows a sectional side view in which the slidable member is in the first position ( Figure 9 ) and the second position ( Figure 6)。The views in these figures are cross-sectional views to better see how the parts engage with each other. FIG. 12 shows the first core member part 106A separated from the various components surrounding the first core member part 106A. The housing 150 is shown separated from the second core member part 106B. The housing 150 includes a housing cavity 200. When the male welding lead connector 100 is fully assembled, the second core member part 106B is assembled within the housing cavity 200. The first core member part 106A includes an expansion section 202 that includes a shoulder 204. The expansion section 202 is configured to fit into a spacer cavity 206 with the shoulder 204 abutting against the spacer cavity wall 208. The first core member part 106A extends through a spacer 210, an end piece 198, a spring 196, a first spring clamp 160A, a first lock ring 158A, a first turntable 156A, a second spring clamp 160B, a second lock ring 158B, a second turntable 156B, a third spring clamp 160C, a third lock ring 158C, a third turntable 156C, a pressure plate 186, a setting turntable 184, and into a first cavity 212 of the second core member part. The first core member part 106A includes a first core member part pin seat 214. Along the first cavity of the second core member part is a second core member part pin seat 216. A pin 218 is inserted into the second core member part pin seat 216 and extends into the first core member part pin seat 214 to hold the first core member part 106A against the second core member part 106B, including all of the above parts on the first core member part 106A between the shoulder 204 and the second core member part 106B. Once the second core member part 106B is inserted into the housing cavity 200, the pin 218 is held in place by the housing member 150. Although the term "pin" is mentioned herein, it should be understood that other fastening devices may be used, including screws, bolts, or other fastening devices known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0101] The male welding lead connector 100 preferably includes a dust cover 220 that is slidable from Figure 1 and Figure 2 the open position shown in Figure 26 to the closed position shown in, where in the open position the dust cover 220 covers the spacer 210 and when the dust cover 220 is in the closed position, the dust cover 220 covers and protects the multi-turntable combination lock 152 from dust or other debris. The dust cover preferably includes a male latch member 222 that is configured to slide along the outer surface of the setting turntable 184 into a female latch member 224.

[0102] The male welding lead connector 100 engages with the welding wire by inserting the wire into the housing end hole 226. The wire extends into the second cavity 228 of the second core member component. The housing 150 includes a handle attachment hole 230 and a set screw attachment hole 232. The handle attachment hole 230 is aligned with the second core member attachment hole 234, both preferably threaded. A fastening device such as a screw can be inserted through these holes to securely attach the housing 150 to the second core member component 106B. The set screw handle attachment hole 232 is aligned with the second core member set screw hole 236, both preferably threaded. A fastening device such as a screw can be inserted through these holes to securely attach the welding lead cable to the second core member component 106B.

[0103] Figures 27 to 35Another embodiment of a simplified male soldering lead connector 300 is shown that is very similar to the male soldering lead connector 100. The male soldering lead connector 300 has many of the same features as the male soldering lead connector 100 described above, but the male soldering lead connector 300 is simplified by not including the multi-turn dial combination lock and all of the components associated with such a lock. As such, the length of the male soldering lead connector 300 is generally shorter than the length of the male soldering lead connector 100 described above. Although many of the components of the male soldering lead connector 300 are the same as those of the male soldering lead connector 100 in view of the length and the dial combination lock features, some of the same numbers are used to denote these features. The male soldering lead connector 300 includes a male soldering lead connector core member 302 that is very similar to the male soldering lead connector core member 102, but is generally shorter in length. The male soldering lead connector core member 302 includes a first end 304A and a second end 304B, and includes a first core member part 306A and a second core member part 106B. The first end 307 of the first core member part 306A is configured to fit into the first cavity 212 of the second core member part to join the first core member part 306A to the second core member part 106B. The male soldering lead connector core member 302 also includes an annular space 108 that is partially defined by an annular channel 110 near the second end 304B of the male soldering lead connector core member 302. The male soldering lead connector core member 302 also includes a slot 312 that extends at least partially along the male soldering lead connector core member 302 to the second end 304B of the male soldering lead connector core member 302. The male soldering lead connector core member 302 also includes an annular ring 114 along the second end 304B of the male soldering lead connector core member 302 and directly adjacent to the annular channel 110. The ring 114 includes a flat edge 116 that includes a notch 118 that defines the second end 320B of the slot 312. The annular channel 110 terminates near the flat edge 116, but the annular space 108 as defined herein extends completely around the second end 304B of the core member 302 in an annular or circular shape. Return reference Figure 18C and Figure 18D A side view thereof can be seen, showing similar parts of the male soldering lead connector 100. The first end 320A of the slot 312 is preferably near the first end 307 of the first core member part.

[0104] The male soldering lead connector 300 also includes a slidable member 322, preferably made of metal, that includes a first end 324A and a second end 324B. The slidable member 322 engages in the slot 312 and moves along the slot 312 from a first position (at Figure 27 and Figures 29 to 31shown) is slid to a second position (in Figure 28 and Figures 32 to 34 shown). When the slidable member 322 is in the first position, the annular space 108 is unobstructed. When the slidable member 322 is in the second position, the second end 324B of the slidable member 322 blocks a portion of the annular space 108 so that if the male soldering lead connector 300 is engaged with the female soldering lead connector 128 (e.g., see Figures 17A to 17D and Figures 18A to 18D ), the female soldering lead connector 128 is fixed to the male soldering lead connector 300. The slidable member 322 is very similar to the slidable member 122, the only difference being the length, i.e., the length of the slidable member 322 is generally shorter than that of the slidable member 122 because the male soldering lead connector 300 does not include a plurality of turn-dial combination lock features. Similarly, the slot 322 is similar to the slot 112 except for the length of the slot. The features along the second end 304B of the core member 302 interact with the female soldering lead connector 128 in the same manner as the similar features of the male soldering lead connector 100 described above. This interaction is shown, for example, in Figures 17A to 17D and Figures 18A to 18D shown and has been discussed above.

[0105] The male welding lead connector 300 preferably includes a slide button 126 that is connected near the first end 324A of the slidable member 322. For example, the slide button 126 can be moved by the user's thumb to move the slidable member 322 to the second position and secure the female welding lead connector to the male welding lead connector 300. The slidable member 322 preferably includes a protrusion 345 that includes a first end 346A and a second end 346B, wherein the protrusion 345 is shaped to slide within an elongate cavity 347 in the first core member component 306A. In the embodiments shown in the figures, the protrusion 345 is cylindrical and the elongate cavity 347 is also shaped cylindrically. Although specific shapes of these features are shown and described, other shapes are also possible and contemplated by the present disclosure. The slidable member 322 is preferably biased to the second position by a spring 148 that is located between the first end 346A of the protrusion 345 and the inner wall 149 along the second core member component 106B. The male welding lead connector 300 also includes a male welding lead connector housing 150 that is preferably made of plastic, rubber, or other non-conductive material. The parts of the male welding lead connector 300 are held together in a manner very similar to the way the parts of the male welding lead connector 100 are held together, including the expansion section 202 of the first core member component 306A, the shoulder 204 of the expansion section 202, the spacer 210, the spacer cavity 206, and the spacer cavity wall 208. Preferably, pins are used to secure the first core member component 306A to the second core member component 106B, as generally shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 for the male welding lead connector 100.

[0106] In addition to the US female welding lead connector, another common type of welding lead connector (hereinafter referred to as the “international female welding lead connector”) is used in the US and internationally, including Dinse brand female welding lead connectors available from Dinse Corporation of Wood Dale, Illinois. TM Thus, although the welding lead connectors 100 and 300 secure well to the US welding lead female connector, different versions of the male welding lead connector are needed to secure to the international female welding lead connector. Figures 36 to 4The male solder pin connector 400 shown in FIG. 5 is configured to engage, secure, and lock to an international female solder pin connector. The male solder pin connector 400 has many of the same features as the male solder pin connector 100 described above. Since many of the parts of the male solder pin connector 400 are the same as the parts of the male solder pin connector 100 described above, some of the same numbers are used to denote these features. The key differences are in the first core member component 106A and the slidable member 122. More specifically, the male solder pin connector 400 includes a core member 402 that includes a first end 404A and a second end 404B, where the second end 404B is configured to be inserted into and rotated within the international female solder pin connector (described in more detail below). The core member 402 preferably includes a first core member component 406A and a second core member component 106B. The first end 407 of the first core member component 406A is configured to fit into the first cavity 212 of the second core member component to engage the first core member component 406A to the second core member component 106B. The male solder pin connector core member 402 also includes a slot 412 that extends at least partially along the male solder pin connector core member 402. Different from the slot 112 shown in the specific examples described above with respect to the male solder pin connector 100 and the male solder pin connector 300, the slot 412 preferably does not extend all the way to the second end 404B of the male solder pin connector core member 402. The male solder pin connector core member 402 includes a protrusion 414 that extends outwardly near the second end 404B of the male solder pin connector core member 402. Preferably, the protrusion 414 extends radially outward from the first core member component 406A at a first radial position that is approximately 45 degrees relative to a second radial position defined by the position of the second end 424B of the slidable member 422. This relationship is shown in Figure 37 and includes a radial virtual arc 418. The male solder pin connector 400 also includes a slidable member 422 preferably made of metal, which includes a first end 424A and a second end 424B. The slidable member 422 engages within the slot 412 and slides along the slot 412 from a first position (shown in Figures 38 to 40 ) to a second position (shown in Figures 41 to 43 ).

[0107] The slidable member 422 includes the same features as the slidable member 122, including a protrusion 445, a plurality of teeth 462, a set turn dial protrusion 464, and a slide button extension 466. The protrusion 445 is shaped to slide within an elongate cavity 447 in the first core member component 406A. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the protrusion 445 is cylindrical and the elongate cavity 447 is also shaped as a cylinder. Although specific shapes of these features are shown and described, other shapes may also exist and be contemplated in the present disclosure. The slidable member 422 is preferably biased to a second position by a spring 148 located between the first end 446A of the protrusion 445 and the inner wall 149 along the second core member component 106B.

[0108] The male soldering lead connector 400 preferably includes a slide button 426 that is connected near the first end 424A of the slidable member 422. For example, the slide button 426 can be moved by the user's thumb to move the slidable member 422 to the second position and secure the female soldering lead connector to the male soldering lead connector 400, as discussed in more detail below. The male soldering lead connector 400 also includes a male soldering lead connector housing 150 preferably made of plastic, rubber, or other non-conductive material.

[0109] As shown in FIGS. 44A to 44F and Figures 45A to 45C as shown, the second end 404B of the male soldering lead connector core member 402 is configured to slide into the female soldering lead connector core member 430 and rotate within the female soldering lead connector core member 430. Figure 45A and Figure 45B A close-up perspective view of the core member 430 of the international female soldering lead connector is shown. FIG. 44A shows the male soldering lead connector 400 and the female soldering lead connector core member 430 (which represents a specific part of the complete international female soldering lead connector). The female soldering lead connector core member 430 includes a female soldering lead connector core member cavity 436, a first longitudinal section 437, and a gap 438. The female soldering lead connector core member cavity 436 is configured to receive the second end 404B of the male soldering lead connector core member 402. The gap 438 is directly adjacent to the first longitudinal section 437 along the side portion 439 of the female soldering lead connector core member 430. The first longitudinal section 437 includes an inlet hole 440 and a first longitudinal section slot 442. The inlet hole 440 defines an inlet to the female soldering lead connector core member cavity 436 along the first end 441A of the first longitudinal section 437. The first longitudinal section slot 442 extends from the first end 441A of the first longitudinal section 437 to the second end 441B of the longitudinal section 437. FIGS. 44C to 44F and Figure 45CThe first longitudinal section 437 itself is shown to better illustrate how the male soldering lead connector 400 can be fixed to and locked with the female soldering lead connector core member 430. FIG. 44D shows the second end 404B of the male soldering lead connector 400 inserted into the first longitudinal section 437 of the female soldering lead connector core member 430. The protrusion 414 mates through the first longitudinal section slot 442 and enters the clearance 438 at the junction 443 where the first longitudinal section slot 442 intersects the clearance 438. FIGS. 44D to 44F show the first longitudinal section 437, with the first side 437A removed for illustrative purposes so that the interaction between the second end 404B of the male soldering lead connector 400 and the female soldering lead connector core member 430 can be seen more clearly. Since the protrusion 414 has traversed the length of the first longitudinal section slot 442 and the protrusion 414 is now in the clearance 438, the male soldering lead connector 400 can rotate relative to the female soldering lead connector core member 430 (the protrusion 414 moves through the clearance 438) such that the first longitudinal section slot 442 aligns with the slidable member 422 (FIG. 44E). For prior art male soldering lead connectors, the protrusion in the clearance 438 abutting the second end 442 of the first longitudinal section 437 holds the male and female soldering lead connectors engaged. However, these devices still rotate freely relative to each other and may easily become disengaged. In contrast, for the male soldering lead connector 400, since the slidable member 422 is biased to the second position by the spring 148, when the first longitudinal section slot 442 aligns with the slidable member 422, the second end 424B of the slidable member 422 pops into the first longitudinal section slot 441 (FIG. 44F), thereby fixing the male soldering lead connector 400 to the female soldering lead connector core member 430 and preventing the female soldering lead connector core member 430 from rotating relative to the male soldering lead connector 400. Thus, any international female soldering lead connector (which includes the female soldering lead connector core member 430) can be fixed to the male soldering lead connector 400.

[0110] The male welding lead connector 400 includes a multi-turn dial combination lock 152, having all the features and functions of the multi-turn dial combination lock 152 used in the male welding lead connector 100. More specifically, the locking function and the combination reset function of the multi-turn dial combination lock 152 of the male welding lead connector 400 are the same as the locking function and the combination reset function of the male welding lead connector 100. Thus, these components and functions are not repeated herein, and reference may be made to the above discussion of these features and functions used in the male welding lead connector 100. When the male welding lead connector is in the locked configuration, the slidable member 422 is in the second position, and the second end 424B of the slidable member 422 extends into the first longitudinal section slot 441. The slidable member 422 will remain in the second position unless and until the correct combination is selected, and the slide button 126 is used to move the slidable member 422 back to the first position, thereby releasing the female welding lead connector core member 430 to rotate relative to the male welding lead connector 400 so that the two devices can be disengaged.

[0111] The parts of the male welding lead connector 400 are held together in a manner very similar to the way the parts of the male welding lead connector 100 are held together, including the expansion section 202 of the first core member part 406A, the shoulder 204 of the expansion section 202, the spacer 210, the spacer cavity 206, and the spacer cavity wall 208. Preferably, pins are used to hold the first core member part 406A to the second core member part 106B, as in the configuration of the male welding lead connector 100 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13.

[0112] Figures 46 to 51Another embodiment of a simplified male soldering lead connector 500 that is very similar to the male soldering lead connector 400 is shown. The male soldering lead connector 500 has many of the same features as the male soldering lead connector 400 described above, but the male soldering lead connector 500 is simplified by not including the multi-turn dial combination lock and all parts associated with such a lock. Thus, the length of the male soldering lead connector 500 is generally shorter than the length of the male soldering lead connector 400 described above. Although many parts of the male soldering lead connector 500 are the same as those of the male soldering lead connector 400 in view of the length and the dial combination lock feature, some of the same numbers are used to denote these features. The male soldering lead connector 500 includes a male soldering lead connector core member 502 that is very similar to the male soldering lead connector core member 402, but is generally shorter in length. The male soldering lead connector core member 502 includes a first end 504A and a second end 504B and includes a first core member part 506A and a second core member part 106B. The first end 507 of the first core member part 506A is configured to fit into the first cavity 212 of the second core member part to engage the first core member part 506A to the second core member part 106B. The male soldering lead connector core member 502 also includes a slot 512 that extends at least partially along the male soldering lead connector core member 502. The male soldering lead connector core member 502 includes a protrusion 414 that extends outwardly near the second end 504B of the male soldering lead connector core member 502. Preferably, the protrusion 414 extends radially outward from the first core member part 506A at a first radial position that is approximately 45 degrees relative to a second radial position defined by the position of the second end 524B of the slidable member 522. This relationship is the same as the relationship of the male soldering lead connector 400 including the radially arcuate dashed line 418 shown in Figure 37 The same as that shown in the male soldering lead connector 400 including the radially arcuate dashed line 418 shown in

[0113] The male soldering lead connector 500 also includes a slidable member 522 preferably made of metal, the slidable member 522 including a first end 524A and a second end 524B. The slidable member 522 engages in the slot 512 and slides along the slot 512 from a first position (shown in Figure 46 Shown) to a second position (in Figures 47 to 50(as shown). When the slidable member 522 is in the first position, the second end 524B of the slidable member 522 is recessed into the spacer 210 and away from the second end 504B of the male solder lug connector core member 502. When the slidable member 522 is in the second position, if the female solder lug connector core member 430 engages with the male solder lug connector 500, the second end 524B of the slidable member 522 extends into the first longitudinal section slot 441 of the female solder lug connector core member 430, thereby fixing the female solder lug connector to the male solder lug connector 500 (for example, see FIGS. 44A to 44F and Figures 45A to 45C ). The slidable member 522 is very similar to the slidable member 422, and the only difference is the length, that is, the length of the slidable member 522 is generally shorter than that of the slidable member 422 because the male solder lug connector 500 does not include a plurality of turndial combination lock features. Similarly, except for the length of the slot, the slot 522 is similar to the slot 422. The features along the second end 504B of the core member 502 interact with the female solder lug connector in the same manner as the similar features of the male solder lug connector 400 described above. This interaction is shown, for example, in FIGS. 44A to 44F and has been discussed above.

[0114] The male solder pin connector 500 preferably includes a slide button 126 that is connected near the first end 524A of the slidable member 522. For example, the slide button 126 can be moved by the user's thumb to move the slidable member 522 to a second position and secure the female solder pin connector to the male solder pin connector 500. The slidable member 522 preferably includes a protrusion 545 that includes a first end 546A and a second end 546B, where the protrusion 545 is shaped to slide within an elongate cavity 547 in the first core member part 506A. In the embodiments shown in the figures, the protrusion 545 is cylindrical and the elongate cavity 547 is also shaped cylindrically. Although specific shapes of these features are shown and described, other shapes can also exist and be contemplated in the present disclosure. The slidable member 522 is preferably biased to the second position by a spring 148 that is located between the first end 546A of the protrusion 545 and the inner wall 149 along the second core member part 106B. The male solder pin connector 500 also includes a male solder pin connector housing 150 that is preferably made of plastic, rubber, or other non-conductive material. The parts of the male solder pin connector 500 are held together in a manner very similar to the way the parts of the male solder pin connector 100 are held together, including the expansion section 202 of the first core member part 506A, the shoulder 204 of the expansion section 202, the spacer 210, the spacer cavity 206, and the spacer cavity wall 208. Preferably, pins are used to secure the first core member part 506A to the second core member part 106B, similar to the configuration of the male solder pin connector 100 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13.

[0115] The various male welding lead connectors described herein can be used to give male welding lead connectors built-in features to secure such connectors to female welding lead connectors. Embodiments including multi-turn dial combination locks provide further protection against someone unlocking and disconnecting the welding lead connectors without entering the correct combination code. These features are highly advantageous because the ability to secure the male welding lead connectors to the female welding lead connectors limits the potential for accidental electrocution deaths, as the male welding lead connectors described herein prevent the welding lead connectors from inadvertently or easily disconnecting from each other. Since the ability to secure the male welding lead connectors to the female welding lead connectors, as described herein, is built into the male welding lead connectors themselves, there is no need to purchase separate additional components or equipment to attempt to secure and potentially lock existing technology male welding lead connectors to female welding lead connectors. Embodiments of male welding lead connectors including multi-turn dial combination locks, as described herein, provide an additional level of security to prevent anyone from disconnecting the male welding lead connectors from the female welding lead connectors without knowing and entering the correct combination of the multi-turn dial combination lock.

[0116] For purposes of illustration and description, the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above. The preferred embodiments described are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications or variations that are obvious in light of the above teachings are possible. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to provide the best illustration of the principles of the disclosure and its practical application, thereby enabling one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the concepts disclosed in the disclosure in various embodiments and make various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the disclosure as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth, legality and fairness to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.

Claims

1. A male welding lead connector, comprising: A core member, the core member including a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is configured to be inserted into a female welding lead connector and rotate therein, and the core member further includes: i. An annular space, the annular space being partially defined by an annular channel near the second end of the core member; ii. A slot, the slot at least partially extending along the core member to the second end of the core member; and iii. An annular ring, the annular ring along the second end of the core member, the ring including a flat edge, the flat edge including a notch defining the second end of the slot; and A slidable member, the slidable member including a first end and a second end, the slidable member engaging in the slot and configured to slide from a first position to a second position, in the first position the annular space being unobstructed, and in the second position the second end of the slidable member blocking a portion of the annular space; Wherein the male welding lead connector further includes: A sliding button; The slidable member, wherein the first end of the slidable member is connected to the sliding button for moving the slidable member to the first position or the second position or moving the slidable member from the first position or the second position, and the slidable member further includes a plurality of teeth arranged in series along the slidable member; and A multi-turn dial combination lock, the multi-turn dial combination lock including a plurality of rotatable disks, the plurality of rotatable disks being configured to rotate around the core member and including alphanumeric characters along the outer surface of the disks, wherein the plurality of disks are configured to selectively align with the plurality of teeth of the slidable member based on the rotational positions of the plurality of rotatable disks, wherein when the plurality of disks selectively align with the plurality of teeth, the slidable member freely moves from the second position to the first position, and wherein when at least one of the plurality of disks is not aligned with the plurality of teeth of the slidable member, the plurality of disks prevent the slidable member from moving from the second position to the first position.

2. The male welding lead connector according to claim 1, including the plurality of rotatable disks, the plurality of rotatable disks further including: A first rotatable disk, the first rotatable disk further including a first slot; A second rotatable disk, the second rotatable disk further including a second slot; And A third rotatable disk, the third rotatable disk further including a third slot, wherein when the first slot, the second slot, and the third slot are aligned with the plurality of teeth of the slidable member, the plurality of rotatable disks are in an unlocked position such that the slidable member can move to the first position or the second position or such that the slidable member can move from the first position or the second position, and wherein when at least the first slot, the second slot, or the third slot is not aligned with the plurality of teeth of the slidable member, the plurality of rotatable disks are in a locked position, thereby prohibiting the slidable member from moving from the second position to the first position.

3. The male welding lead connector according to claim 1, comprising: The core member, the core member further including an elongated cavity, the elongated cavity including an end wall; The slidable member, the slidable member further including a protrusion near a first end of the slidable member, the protrusion being configured to slide within the elongated cavity; And A spring, the spring being engaged between a first end of the protrusion and the end wall, wherein the spring biases the slidable member toward the second position.

4. The male welding lead connector according to claim 1, further comprising a housing that covers a portion of the core member along a first end of the core member.

5. The male welding lead connector according to claim 1, further comprising a hollow cylindrical sheath slidably attached along an outer surface of the male welding lead connector, wherein the sheath is configured to slide from an uncovered position near a second end of the core member to a covered position in which the sheath covers the plurality of rotatable disks.

6. A method of fixing a male welding lead connector to a female welding lead connector, the method comprising: Providing the male welding lead connector, the male welding lead connector including: i. A sliding button; ii. A core member having a first end and a second end, the core member further including: An annular space, the annular space being partially defined by an annular channel near the second end of the core member; A slot, the slot extending at least partially along the core member to the second end of the core member; and An annular ring along the second end of the core member, the ring including a flat edge, the flat edge including a notch defining a second end of the slot; and iii. A slidable member engaged in the slot and configured to slide from a first position to a second position, in the first position the annular space being unobstructed, in the second position a second end of the slidable member blocking a portion of the annular space, wherein a first end of the slidable member is connected to the sliding button for moving the slidable member to the first position or the second position or for moving the slidable member from the first position or the second position; and Provided is a female welding lead connector, the female welding lead connector comprising: i. a cavity defined by an inner surface of the female welding lead connector, the cavity being configured to receive a second end of the core member; and ii. a protrusion along the inner surface of the cavity; Insert the second end of the core member of the male welding lead connector into the cavity of the female welding lead connector by a distance sufficient for the protrusion to pass over the flat edge of the annular ring of the core member such that the protrusion is aligned with a portion of the annular space; Rotate the female welding lead connector relative to the male welding lead connector such that the protrusion of the female welding lead connector enters the annular channel; Move the sliding button such that the slidable member moves from the first position to the second position, thereby blocking the annular channel with a second end of the slidable member and preventing rotation of the female welding lead connector relative to the male welding lead connector, thereby locking the female welding lead connector to the male welding lead connector; Wherein the provided male welding lead connector further comprises: The slidable member, the slidable member further comprising a first end and a plurality of teeth arranged in series near the first end of the slidable member; and A multi-turn dial combination lock including a plurality of rotatable disks configured to rotate about the core member and including alphanumeric characters along an outer surface of the disks, wherein the plurality of disks are configured to selectively align with the plurality of teeth of the slidable member based on a rotational position of the plurality of rotatable disks, wherein when the plurality of disks are selectively aligned with the plurality of teeth, the slidable member freely moves from the second position to the first position, and wherein when at least one of the plurality of disks is not aligned with the plurality of teeth of the slidable member, the plurality of disks prevent the slidable member from moving from the second position to the first position.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the step of moving the sliding button further comprises rotating at least one of the rotatable disks such that the at least one of the rotatable disks is not aligned with the plurality of teeth of the slidable member, thereby preventing the slidable member from moving back to the first position to unlock the female welding lead connector from the male welding lead connector.

8. A male welding lead connector, comprising: A core member including a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is configured to be inserted into and rotate within a female welding lead connector, the core member further comprising: i. a slot extending at least partially longitudinally along the core member; and ii. a protrusion extending radially outward near the second end of the core member; and A slidable member, the slidable member including a first end and a second end, the slidable member being engaged in the slot and configured to slide from a first position to a second position, in the first position the second end of the slidable member being further away from the second end of the core member, and in the second position the second end of the slidable member being closer to the second end of the core member; Wherein the protrusion is at a first radial position on the core member, the first radial position being approximately 45 degrees relative to a second radial position defined by the second end of the slidable member on the core member; Wherein the male welding lead connector further comprises: A sliding button; The slidable member, wherein the first end of the slidable member is connected to the sliding button for moving the slidable member to the first position or the second position or for moving the slidable member from the first position or the second position, the slidable member further comprising a plurality of teeth arranged in series along the slidable member; and A multi-turn dial combination lock, the multi-turn dial combination lock including a plurality of rotatable disks configured to rotate about the core member and including alphanumeric characters along the outer surface of the disks, wherein the plurality of disks are configured to selectively align with the plurality of teeth of the slidable member based on the rotational positions of the plurality of rotatable disks, wherein when the plurality of disks selectively align with the plurality of teeth, the slidable member is free to move from the second position to the first position, and wherein when at least one of the plurality of disks is not aligned with the plurality of teeth of the slidable member, the plurality of disks prevent the slidable member from moving from the second position to the first position.

9. The male welding lead connector according to claim 8, including the plurality of rotatable disks, the plurality of rotatable disks further comprising: A first rotatable disk, the first rotatable disk further including a first slot; A second rotatable disk, the second rotatable disk further including a second slot; And A third rotatable disk, the third rotatable disk further including a third slot, wherein when the first slot, the second slot and the third slot are aligned with the plurality of teeth of the slidable member, the plurality of rotatable disks are in an unlocked position such that the slidable member can move to the first position or the second position or such that the slidable member can move from the first position or the second position, and wherein when at least the first slot, the second slot or the third slot is not aligned with the plurality of teeth of the slidable member, the plurality of rotatable disks are in a locked position, thereby prohibiting the slidable member from moving from the second position to the first position.

10. The male welding lead connector according to claim 8, further comprising: The core member, the core member further including an elongated cavity, the elongated cavity including an end wall; The slidable member, the slidable member further including a protrusion near a first end of the slidable member, the protrusion being configured to slide within the elongated cavity; and a spring, the spring being engaged between a first end of the protrusion and the end wall, wherein the spring biases the slidable member toward the second position.

11. The male soldering lead connector according to claim 8, further comprising a housing that covers a portion of the core member along a first end of the core member.

12. The male soldering lead connector according to claim 8, further comprising a hollow cylindrical sheath slidably attached along an outer surface of the male soldering lead connector, wherein the sheath is configured to slide from an uncovered position near a second end of the core member to a covered position in which the sheath covers the plurality of rotatable disks.

13. A method of fixing a male soldering lead connector to a female soldering lead connector, the method comprising: providing a male soldering lead connector, the male soldering lead connector including: i. a sliding button; ii. a male soldering lead connector core member having a first end and a second end, the male soldering lead connector core member further including: a male soldering lead connector core member slot that extends at least partially longitudinally along the male soldering lead connector core member; and a protrusion that extends radially outward near a second end of the male soldering lead connector core member; and iii. a slidable member having a first end and a second end, the slidable member being engaged in the male soldering lead connector core member slot and configured to slide from a first position in which a second end of the slidable member is further away from the second end of the male soldering lead connector core member to a second position in which the second end of the slidable member is closer to the second end of the male soldering lead connector core member; providing a female soldering lead connector, the female soldering lead connector including a female soldering lead connector core member, the female soldering lead connector core member further including: i. a cavity that extends into the female soldering lead connector core member, the cavity being configured to receive the second end of the core member; ii. a first longitudinal section of the female soldering lead connector core member, the first longitudinal section further including: an inlet hole that defines an inlet to the cavity along a first end of the first longitudinal section; and a first longitudinal section slot that extends from a first end of the first longitudinal section to a second end of the longitudinal section; iii. A gap that is directly adjacent to the first longitudinal section along a side portion of the female solder lug connector core member, wherein the first longitudinal section slot extends to a junction where the first longitudinal section slot intersects the gap, and wherein the gap extends around the side portion of the female solder lug connector core member beyond the junction; Insert the second end of the male solder lug connector core member into the cavity of the female solder lug connector for a distance sufficient to cause the protrusion to move through the first longitudinal section slot and into the gap; Rotate the female solder lug connector relative to the male solder lug connector such that the protrusion moves along the gap beyond the junction; and Move the sliding button such that the slidable member moves from the first position to the second position to cause the second end of the slidable member to enter the first longitudinal section slot, thereby preventing rotation of the female solder lug connector core member relative to the male solder lug connector core member and thereby locking the female solder lug connector to the male solder lug connector; wherein the provided male solder lug connector further comprises: The slidable member, the slidable member further comprising a first end and a plurality of teeth arranged in series adjacent to the first end of the slidable member; and A multi-turn dial combination lock, the multi-turn dial combination lock comprising a plurality of rotatable disks configured to rotate around the male solder lug connector core member and comprising alphanumeric characters along an outer surface of the disks, wherein the plurality of disks are configured to selectively align with the plurality of teeth of the slidable member based on a rotational position of the plurality of rotatable disks, wherein when the plurality of disks selectively align with the plurality of teeth, the slidable member freely moves from the second position to the first position, and wherein when at least one of the plurality of disks is misaligned with the plurality of teeth of the slidable member, the plurality of disks prevent the slidable member from moving from the second position to the first position.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the step of moving the sliding button further comprises rotating at least one of the rotatable disks such that the at least one of the rotatable disks is misaligned with the plurality of teeth of the slidable member, thereby preventing the slidable member from moving back to the first position and unlocking the female solder lug connector from the male solder lug connector.

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