Quick-install banana plugs

Abstract

A banana plug includes a body, a male portion, a female portion, and a lever. The male portion is configured to extend from the body to electrically connect to a receptacle. In one example, the receptacle is an audio / video (AV) device. The female portion is configured to receive wires and / or other electrical components. The lever is configured to actuate between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the lever is configured to actuate an internal spring to receive the wire. In the closed position, the lever is configured to release the internal spring to secure and / or hold the wire via a compression force.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 268,825, filed on March 3, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference. This application is also a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 935,359, filed on September 26, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 935,359, filed on September 26, 2022, claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 268,825, filed on March 3, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] A common problem that electricians and do-it-yourselfers (DIYers) often face when working with electrical equipment is loose or faulty electrical connections. For example, when connecting audio / video (AV) components such as stereo systems, speakers, TVs, etc., loose connections can result in poor or intermittent signal quality, leading to an overall poor audio and / or video experience. These loose connections can also cause electrical shorts, which can be very dangerous.

[0004] Therefore, improvements are needed in this area. Summary of the invention

[0005] Banana plugs are commonly used to connect AV systems. However, banana plugs typically require the user to unscrew the housing, insert the wire, tighten the set screw to secure the wire, and then screw the housing back in. It should be understood that this process is time consuming and difficult, especially for DIYers. Unfortunately, there is currently no way to quickly and easily make a secure wire connection when using banana plugs.

[0006] A unique banana plug design has been developed to enable quick and safe electrical connections. The banana plug includes a body configured to hold and secure wire. The body further includes a lever configured to actuate an internal spring. In one example, the spring is made of aluminum. In another example, the spring is made of stainless steel. The lever typically moves the spring from a first or open position configured to receive the wire to a second or closed position configured to hold the wire. In one example, the spring includes a hole configured to receive the wire when the lever is in the open position. The hole is further configured to surround and hold the wire when the lever is in the closed position. The size of the spring hole is set to receive wires in a size range of 12-24 American wire gauge (AWG). In another example, the lever is perpendicular to the body of the banana plug in the open position and parallel to the body of the banana plug in the closed position. In the open position, the lever applies a compressive force to the spring. Typically, the compressive force moves the spring hole vertically (e.g., downward). Therefore, the spring hole is exposed and can receive the wire. In the closed position, the lever does not contact the spring.

[0007] The banana plug further includes a busbar configured to transmit power through the plug. For example, the wire transmits power along the busbar into the plug and into the device. In one example, the busbar is made of a highly conductive material (such as copper). In another example, the busbar is gold-plated. In one embodiment, the busbar extends through the hole of the spring. For example, the busbar and the spring hole are configured to form a sandwich arrangement with the wire. It should be understood that this arrangement clamps the wire between the spring and the busbar in a fixed connection.

[0008] In an exemplary use case, the user starts by rotating the lever to the open position. As described above, the lever applies force to the spring in the open position, thereby exposing the spring hole. The user then inserts the wire into the spring hole via the wire opening in the body. Once the wire is in the spring hole, the user rotates the lever to the closed position. As described above, the lever does not apply force to the spring in the closed position, so the spring hole moves vertically upward to clamp the wire between the spring hole and the busbar. It should be understood that once the wire contacts the busbar, the electrical connection is completed. For example, a banana plug can then be inserted for use. In order to remove the banana plug from the wire, the user rotates the lever to the open position and pulls the wire out of the spring hole.

[0009] The systems and techniques described and illustrated herein involve many unique and inventive aspects. Some, but by no means all, of these unique aspects are summarized below.

[0010] Aspect 1 generally relates to a system that includes a banana plug connector.

[0011] Aspect 2 relates generally to the system of any preceding aspect, wherein the banana plug connector facilitates tool-less connection of the wires.

[0012] Aspect 3 relates generally to the system of any preceding aspect, wherein the banana plug includes a lever configured to actuate an internal spring.

[0013] Aspect 4 relates generally to the system of any preceding aspect, wherein the control rod actuates the spring from a first position configured to receive the wire to a second position configured to retain the wire.

[0014] Aspect 5 relates generally to the system of any preceding aspect, wherein the spring includes a hole configured to receive the wire in the first position.

[0015] Aspect 6 relates generally to the system of any preceding aspect, wherein the aperture is configured to surround and retain the wire in the second position.

[0016] Aspect 7 relates generally to the system of any preceding aspect, wherein the spring aperture is configured to direct the wire vertically upward into contact with the busbar when in the second position.

[0017] Aspect 8 relates generally to the system of any preceding aspect, wherein one side of the wire is contacted at the second location via the busbar.

[0018] Aspect 9 relates generally to the system of any preceding aspect, wherein an opposite side of the wire is contacted via an edge of the spring hole in the second position.

[0019] Aspect 10 relates generally to the system of any preceding aspect, wherein the control lever applies a compressive force to the spring in the first position.

[0020] Aspect 11 relates generally to the system of any preceding aspect, wherein the compressive force is configured to compress the spring to allow access to the spring hole in the first position.

[0021] Aspect 12 relates generally to the system of any preceding aspect, wherein the banana plug includes a body portion defining an integral channel.

[0022] Aspect 13 relates generally to the system of any preceding aspect, wherein the control lever is configured to rest within the integral channel when in the second position to prevent unintended rotation of the control lever.

[0023] Aspect 14 relates generally to the system of any preceding aspect, wherein the spring includes a hole configured to retain the wire within the banana plug connector.

[0024] Aspect 15 relates generally to the system of any preceding aspect, wherein the aperture comprises an edge configured to direct the wire vertically upward into contact with a busbar in a sandwich arrangement.

[0025] Aspect 16 relates generally to the system of any preceding aspect, wherein the mezzanine arrangement is configured to retain the wire within the banana plug connector.

[0026] Aspect 17 relates generally to the system of any preceding aspect, wherein the banana plug comprises a busbar configured to transmit power through the plug.

[0027] Aspect 18 relates generally to the system of any preceding aspect, wherein the busbar extends through the aperture of the spring.

[0028] Aspect 19 relates generally to the system of any preceding aspect, wherein the busbar and the spring hole are configured to form a sandwich arrangement with the wire when in the second position.

[0029] Aspect 20 relates generally to the system of any preceding aspect, wherein the sandwich arrangement is configured to securely hold the wire in the second position.

[0030] Aspect 21 relates generally to the system of any preceding aspect, wherein the banana plug receives 12-24 American Wire Gauge (AWG) wire.

[0031] Aspect 22 generally relates to a method of using or making a system according to any preceding aspect.

[0032] Other forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description and accompanying drawings provided hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 is a side view of a banana plug including wires according to one example.

[0034] Figure 2 Yes Insert Figure 1 An exploded view of the wires in the banana plugs.

[0035] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a banana plug with wires connected to it.

[0036] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a banana plug according to another example.

[0037] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Side view of a banana plug with the lever in the closed position.

[0038] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Side view of a banana plug with the lever in the open position.

[0039] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 Top view of a banana plug.

[0040] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 A magnified end view of a banana plug.

[0041] Fig. 9 yes Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of a banana plug with the lever in the closed position.

[0042] Fig.10 yes Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of a banana plug.

[0043] Fig.11 yes Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of a banana plug.

[0044] Fig.12 yes Figure 4 Cross-section view of a banana plug with the lever in the open position.

[0045] Fig.13 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of a portion of a banana plug.

[0046] Fig.14 is a top view of the terminal system.

[0047] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 Rear perspective view of the terminal system.

[0048] Fig.16 yes Fig.14 Front perspective view of the terminal system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, and specific language will be used to describe these embodiments. However, it should be understood that this is not meant to limit the scope of the present invention. Any changes and further modifications in the described embodiments and any further applications of the principles of the present invention described herein are considered to be what would normally occur to a person skilled in the art to which the present invention relates. An embodiment of the present invention is shown in great detail, but it will be clear to a person skilled in the art that some features not related to the present invention may not be shown for the sake of clarity.

[0050] The reference numbers in the following description are intended to help the reader quickly identify the figure in which various components are first shown. In particular, the figure in which an element first appears is generally indicated by the leftmost digit in the corresponding reference number. For example, an element identified by a "100" series reference number may first appear in Figure 1 Components identified by a "200" series reference number will likely appear first in Figure 2 In, etc.

[0051] Figure 1 A side view of a banana plug 100 according to an example is shown. The banana plug 100 can be used to make electrical connections for a variety of electrical devices (such as AV devices). The banana plug 100 includes a body 105 having a lever 110 configured to be able to manually connect and disconnect wires without using tools. In order to reduce the risk of electrical short circuits, in one version, the body 105 is made of an electrically insulating material (such as plastic or other polymer materials). In another version, the body 105 is made of a conductive material (such as a metal material) to facilitate grounding. When made of a conductive material, the insulating material is positioned to electrically insulate the body 105 of the banana plug 100 from other conductive materials. In the example shown, the body 105 has an elongated cylindrical shape to save space. In other examples, the body 105 may be different in shape. For example, the body 105 may have a rectangular and / or polygonal shape.

[0052] The lever 110 extends from the body 105 and is configured to alternate between one or more positions. In one position, the lever 110 is configured to receive the wire 120. In another position, the lever 110 is configured to secure the wire 120 to the body 105. To facilitate the connection between the banana plug 100 and the wire 120, the wire 120 is inserted into the concave portion 124 of the body 105 located on the first end 122 of the body 105. In one example, the size of the concave portion 124 is set to receive a wire 120 of 0-40 American wire gauge (AWG). In another example, the size of the concave portion 124 is set to receive a wire 120 of 12-24 AWG.

[0053] Located on the second end 125 of the body 105 is a male portion 130. The male portion 130 includes a pin 135 having one or more reeds 140. The male portion 130 is configured to be inserted into a receptacle so as to transmit power from the wire 120 to the receptacle. The reed 140 is configured to fix the male portion 130 in the receptacle via a biasing force. For example, the reed 140 is used as a leaf spring and / or another form of spring. In another example, the male portion 130 does not include any reeds 140, and the interior of the receptacle includes one or more reeds. The male portion 130, the pin 135 and the reed 140 are made of a conductive material. In one example, the male portion 130, the pin 135 and the reed 140 are made of copper. In another example, the male portion 130, the pin 135 and the reed 140 are gold-plated. In yet another example, the male portion 130 , the prongs 135 , and the reed 140 are made of another conductive material. In one version, the male portion 130 is removable and / or replaceable within the body 105 of the banana plug 100 .

[0054] Figure 2 An example of inserting the wire 120 into the banana plug 100 via the concave portion 124 is shown. As shown by arrow 205, the wire 120 is first inserted into the concave portion 124 of the body 105. The wire 120 includes an uninsulated portion 210 and an insulated portion 215. The uninsulated portion 210 is inserted into the concave portion 124 of the banana plug 100 to facilitate a strong electrical connection between the wire 120 and the banana plug 100. The insulated portion 215 is configured to protect the wire 120 and prevent electrical shorts and / or undesirable electrical contact. Once the wire 120 is inserted into the concave portion 124, the lever 110 is actuated to the fixed position to lock the wire 120 in the body 105. In the illustrated example, the attachment of the banana plug 100 to the wire 120 is completed without the use of tools.

[0055] Figure 3A cross-sectional view of the banana plug 100 is shown, showing the internal components of the body 105. The body 105 includes a busbar 305 and a spring 310. The busbar 305 is configured to enable power to flow from the uninsulated portion 210 of the wire 120 via the busbar 305 into the male portion 130. The spring 310 is configured to secure the wire 120 within the body 105 via a compressive force applied to the wire 120. The spring 310 is configured to compress the uninsulated portion 210 of the wire 120 between the busbar 305 and the spring 310. Actuation of the spring 310 is achieved via the lever 110. In one example, a small amount of the insulating portion 215 is inserted into the female portion 124 to prevent unwanted external contact with the uninsulated portion 210. It should be understood that the uninsulated portion 210 is conductive and the insulating portion 215 is non-conductive. Thus, the uninsulated portion 210 is configured to transmit power from the wire 120 into the bus bar 305 and through the male portion 130 into the receptor.

[0056] Figure 4 A banana plug 400 according to another example is depicted. The banana plug 400 has a lever 110 pivotally coupled to a body 405. Figure 4 and Figure 5 4 shows a banana plug 400 with the lever 110 in a second or closed position 410. The closed position 410 is configured to secure and / or lock the wire 120 within the body 405 of the banana plug 400. Thus, in the closed position 410, a compressive force is generated on the wire 120 via the spring 310. Figure 5 As shown, the male portion 130 includes a detent 505 located at the end of the male portion 130. The detent 505 is configured to provide additional security to retain the banana plug 400 within the receptacle. The detent 505 is configured to cooperate with a corresponding opening in the receptacle to further secure the male portion 130 within the receptacle. In other variations, the banana plug 400 does not have a detent 505.

[0057] Go to Figure 6, a banana plug 400 is shown with the lever 110 in a first or open position 605. When the lever 110 is in the open position 605, the banana plug 400 is configured to enable the wire 120 to be inserted into the body 405. In the closed position 410 described above, the wire 120 is blocked from fully entering the body 405. However, in the open position 605, the wire 120 is able to fully enter the body 405. It should be understood that by actuating the lever 110 from the closed position 410 to the open position 605, the banana plug 400 facilitates manual or tool-free connection to the wire 120. Tool-free connection can save time and cost. In addition, tool-free connection facilitates easy replacement of the wire 120 and / or the banana plug 400 in the event of a failure.

[0058] Figure 7 and Figure 8 An alternative view of the banana plug 400 is shown with the lever 110 in the closed position 410. As shown, the body 405 includes a channel 705. The channel 705 is configured to retain the lever 110 when in the closed position 410. The channel 705 is configured to prevent accidental actuation of the lever 110. It should be appreciated that preventing accidental actuation of the lever 110 extends the life of the banana plug 400.

[0059] Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of the banana plug 400 is shown with the lever 110 in the closed position 410. When the lever 110 is in the closed position 410, the spring 310 is in a rest position 905. In the rest position 905, no external force is applied to the spring 310. When the lever 110 is in the closed position 410, the spring 310 is in a natural and / or rest state. The spring 310 includes a base 907 configured to surround a portion of the busbar 305. The base 907 is bent into a fulcrum 910, which is configured to serve as a pivot point for an arm 915 of the spring 310. The arm 915 includes a bend 920 that extends into a leg 925. In one example, the bend 920 defines an angle of 15-180 degrees.

[0060] Fig.10 Another cross-sectional view of banana plug 400 is shown. As can be seen, spring 310 defines a hole 1005 through which busbar 305 extends. Hole 1005 is defined on all sides by legs 925 of spring 310 such that hole 1005 forms a window. Hole 1005 is configured to receive wire 120 when lever 110 is in open position 605.

[0061] The hole 1005 defines a gap 1010 between the busbar 305 and the edge of the spring 310. The gap 1010 is configured to expand and / or contract based on the position of the lever 110. The gap 1010 is configured to expand when the lever 110 is in the open position 605 to receive the wire 120. The gap 1010 is configured to contract when the lever 110 is in the closed position 410 to clamp the wire 120 between the busbar 305 and the spring 310.

[0062] Fig.11 Another view of the banana plug 400 is shown. It can be seen that a gap 1010 is formed in the hole 1005 of the spring 310 between the edge 1105 of the spring 310 and the bus bar 305. The wire 120 is pressed against the bus bar 305 via the edge 1105 when the control lever 110 is in the closed position 410 to form a secure connection between the banana plug 400 and the wire 120. In addition, the wire 120 is configured to maintain contact with the bus bar 305 via the upward pressure of the edge 1105 to prevent shorting of the electrical connection. Therefore, electricity can flow through the banana plug 400 without interference. In the illustrated embodiment, the edge 1105 is configured to contact one side of the wire 120, and the bus bar 305 is configured to contact the opposite side of the wire 120 to form a sandwich arrangement.

[0063] Fig.12 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a banana plug 400, wherein the lever 110 is in the open position 605. When the lever 110 is in the open position 605, the spring 310 is in the compressed position 1205. When the lever 110 moves from the closed position 410 to the open position 605, the lobes 1212 of the lever 110 are configured to engage with the arms 915 of the spring 310 to apply a compressive force to the spring 310. The force causes the arms 915 to pivot about the fulcrum 910. When the arms 915 pivot about the fulcrum 910, the legs 925 of the spring 310 move downward in the -Y direction shown with reference to the axis 1210. The legs 925 further include a tongue 1215 at one end. It should be understood that the downward movement of the legs 925 and the tongue 1215 expands the gap 1010 to receive the wire 120. In one example, the gap 1010 is adjusted based on the size of the wire 120. For example, gap 1010 is adjusted to receive 12-24 AWG wire.

[0064] When the lever 110 moves from the open position 605 to the closed position 410, the lobes 1212 lose contact with the arms 915 of the spring 310 when the force on the spring 310 is removed. When the force is removed, the arms 915 begin to pivot upward in the +Y direction about the fulcrum 910. As a result, the legs 925 and tongue 1215 move upward on the +Y axis as shown by the reference axis 1210. As the legs 925 and tongue 1215 move upward, the edges 1105 contact the underside of the wire 120 and push the wire 120 on the +Y axis until the wire 120 contacts the busbar 305.

[0065] The edge 1105 of the spring 310 then applies a constant compressive force and / or biasing force to the wire 120 by sandwiching the wire 120 between the edge 1105 and the busbar 305. The biasing force is configured to retain the wire 120 within the banana plug 400. To remove the wire 120, the user moves the lever 110 from the closed position 410 to the open position 605, such that the gap 1010 is expanded and the edge 1105 loses contact with the wire 120. The user then pulls the wire 120 out of the concave portion 124 of the banana plug 400.

[0066] Fig.13 The male portion 130 is shown integrally connected to the busbar 305 and the spring 310. In one example, the busbar 305 and the spring 310 are connected to the male portion 130 via the flange 1310. In another example, the busbar 305 is connected to the male portion 130 via the flange 1310, and the spring 310 is an integral component of the male portion 130.

[0067] The busbar 305 further includes a guide 1305. The guide 1305 is configured to extend through the hole 1005 of the spring 310. The guide 1305 is configured to guide the wire 120 into the hole 1005 of the spring 310. The busbar 305 extends through the hole 1005 to make contact between the busbar 305 and the wire 120 during use. In one version, the busbar 305 is an integral component of the spring 310, so that the busbar 305 and the spring 310 are fixed together in a single component. For example, the busbar 305 is configured to rest on the base 907 of the spring 310 and / or partially rest in the base of the spring. In one example, the busbar 305 is made of a conductive material, and the spring 310 is made of a non-conductive material. In another example, the busbar 305 and the spring 310 are both made of a conductive material.

[0068] Fig.14An example of a terminal post system 1400 is shown. The terminal post system 1400 is configured to enable a user to connect electrical components, such as wires, banana plugs, spade connectors, and / or other electrical connectors. The terminal post system 1400 is configured for use with an outlet cover 1405 and an outlet 1410. The terminal post system 1400 includes one or more terminal posts 1415 that are integral with the outlet 1410. In another example, the outlet 1410 includes a series of terminal posts 1415, such as two (2), four (4), six (6), eight (8), and / or other numbers of terminal posts 1415.

[0069] The terminal 1415 includes a body 1417 having a first end 1420 and a second end 1425. The first end 1420 includes a lever 1430 to facilitate a tool-free connection between the first end 1420 of the terminal 1415 and the wire 1435. The lever 1430 of the terminal 1415 is configured to operate similarly to the lever 110 of the banana plug 100 described above. For example, the lever 1430 is configured to actuate from an open position configured to receive the wire 1435 to a closed position configured to hold the wire 1435. Opposite the first end 1420, the second end 1425 is configured to receive the banana plug 400 via a male connector. In another version, the second end 1425 is configured to directly receive the wire without the banana plug 400. It should be understood that the terminal system 1400 facilitates the flow of power from the wire 120 to the wire 1435 via the banana plug 400 and the terminal 1415.

[0070] Fig.15 Another example of a terminal system 1400 is shown. The first end 1420 of the terminal 1415 shown includes a concave portion 1505. The concave portion 1505 is configured to receive wires, banana plugs, and / or other electrical connectors to facilitate tool-free connection between the terminal system 1400 and the electrical connector. For example, a user inserts a wire and / or banana plug into the concave portion 1505 of the terminal 1415 and then actuates a lever 1430 to secure the wire and / or banana plug within the concave portion 1505. The lever 1430 is designed to function in a manner similar to the lever 110 of the banana plug 100. In one version, the concave portion 1505 is configured to accept a 12-24 AWG wire.

[0071] Fig.16Yet another view of the terminal system 1400 is shown. The second end 1425 of the terminal 1415 shown includes a concave portion 1605. The concave portion 1605 is configured to receive wires, banana plugs, spade connectors, and / or other electrical connectors. However, the second end 1425 of the terminal 1415 does not include a lever 1430, so that the function of the second end 1425 of the terminal 1415 is different from the function of the first end 1420 of the terminal 1415. In another version, the first end 1420 and the second end 1425 of the terminal 1415 both include independent levers 1430, which are configured to enable tool-free connection of one or more electrical connectors. The concave portion 1605 is configured to accept 12-24 AWG wires.

[0072] Glossary

[0073] Except as expressly defined below, the language used in the claims and specification has only its plain and ordinary meaning. These defined words have only their plain and ordinary meaning. Such plain and ordinary meaning encompasses all consistent dictionary definitions in the most recent editions of Webster's Dictionary and Random House Dictionary. As used in the specification and claims, the following definitions apply to these terms and their common variations as identified below.

[0074] "About" in relation to a numerical value generally refers to ±10% of the numerical value. For example, if the numerical value is 4.375, then using the term "about 4.375" generally means a range between 3.9375 and 4.8125.

[0075] "Adhesive" generally refers to any non-metallic substance applied to one or both surfaces of two separate components to bond them together and prevent their separation. For example, an adhesive can join two mating surfaces by specific bonding (e.g., molecular attraction), by mechanical anchoring (e.g., by flowing into the pores of a porous surface), and / or by melting (e.g., partial dissolution of the two surfaces in the adhesive or its solvent carrier). Some non-limiting examples of adhesives include liquid adhesives, film adhesives, resin adhesives, rubber adhesives, silicone-based adhesives, adhesives, metal-to-metal adhesives, plastic adhesives, rubber adhesives, sprayable adhesives, and hot melt adhesives, to name a few.

[0076] "American Wire Gauge (AWG)" usually refers to the logarithmically graded standardized wire gauge system and refers to the diameter of round solid non-ferrous wire. The sizes of wire are given in ASTM standard B258. Increasing gauge numbers represent decreasing wire diameter. The AWG table applies to single solid round conductors. The AWG of stranded wire is determined by the cross-sectional area of ​​the equivalent solid conductor. Since there are also smaller gaps between the strands, the overall diameter of stranded wire is usually slightly larger than the diameter of solid wire with the same AWG.

[0077] "Banana plug" or "banana connector" generally refers to an electrical connector comprising a body and a cylindrical metal pin with one or more springs and / or reeds oriented longitudinally along the pin. The reed is biased to protrude and / or bend outward from the pin. The reed is configured to apply pressure to the inside of the socket and / or the receptacle when the banana plug is inserted. The pressure from the reed improves the electrical connection between the plug and the socket. In an alternative version, the pin does not include any reed, but the receptacle and / or the socket includes a reed configured to engage the pin. In contrast to the pin, the banana plug includes a hole that is configured to receive a wire and / or another banana plug pin in a "stackable plug" configuration. The wire and / or pin are held in the hole via one or more fasteners, solder, crimping, screws and / or via a snap-fit ​​connector. In some applications, the banana plug includes an insulating sheath configured to surround the pin. The sheath is configured to prevent accidental electric shock and / or electric shock. In some examples, the banana plug is configured to be used with a five-way and / or universal binding post. Other examples of banana plugs include: a PL-259 plug, a mini banana connector, a pinpoint jack, a floating plug, and / or other similar types of electrical connectors.

[0078] A "cantilever spring" generally refers to a spring that is fixed at only one end. In one non-limiting example, a cantilever spring is in the form of a flat spring that is anchored at one end and extends freely away from the anchored end at the other end.

[0079] A "channel" generally refers to a long, narrow groove on the surface of an object.

[0080] "Conductor" or "conductive material" generally refers to a material and / or object that allows electric charge to flow freely in one or more directions, so that under normal operating conditions, under the influence of an electric field, a relatively large current will flow through the material. As non-limiting examples, conductors include materials with low resistivity, such as most metals (e.g., copper, gold, aluminum, etc.), graphite, and conductive polymers.

[0081] "Contact" generally refers to a situation and / or state in which at least two objects physically touch. For example, contact requires at least one position where the objects touch directly or indirectly, with or without any other component materials in between.

[0082] A "brake" or "brake mechanism" generally refers to a device configured to position and hold a mechanical part relative to another mechanical part so that the device can be released by a force applied to one part. Some non-limiting examples of brakes include a detent, a pawl, or a spring-operated ball.

[0083] An "electrical connection" generally refers to a connection between two objects that allows electrical current and / or electrical signals to flow.

[0084] "Fastener" generally refers to a hardware device that mechanically joins or adheres two or more objects together. By way of non-limiting example, fasteners may include bolts, dowels, nails, nuts, pegs, pins, rivets, screws, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, and snap-on fasteners, to name a few.

[0085] "Female" generally refers to a structure that connects to another structure that includes a hollow portion for receiving a portion of a corresponding male connector.

[0086] "Gauge" generally refers to the cross-sectional size of the standard American Wire Gauge ("AWG") or its equivalent cross-sectional area. For example, 14 gauge or AWG14 corresponds to a circle with a diameter of 1.63 mm. For example, 15 gauge or AWG15 corresponds to a circle with a diameter of 1.45 mm.

[0087] A "hole" generally refers to a hollow portion through a solid, wall, or surface. A hole can be of any shape. For example, a hole can be, but is not limited to, circular, triangular, or rectangular. Holes can also have varying depths and can extend completely through a solid body or surface, or can extend through only one side of a solid body.

[0088] "Insulator" or "insulating material" generally refers to a material and / or object within which electric charge cannot flow freely, so that under normal operating conditions, almost no current can flow through the material under the influence of an electric field. As non-limiting examples, insulator materials include materials with high resistivity, such as glass, paper, ceramics, rubber, and plastic.

[0089] A "leaf spring" generally refers to a spring that is made from one or more strips of elastic material. In one form, multiple strips of elastic material are laminated together to form a leaf spring, while in other forms, a single strip of elastic material (such as metal and / or plastic) forms the leaf spring. Leaf springs may be curved or substantially straight. Leaf springs may further include a frame to which the ends of the strips are attached.

[0090] A "control lever" generally refers to a simple machine that includes a beam, a connecting rod, or other structure (such as a hinge) that pivots at a fulcrum. In one form, a control lever is a rigid body that can rotate on one point of itself. Based on the location of the fulcrum, the load, and / or the applied force, control levers can generally be divided into three categories. In a Class 1 control lever, the fulcrum is located in the middle, so that the force is applied on one side of the fulcrum, and the resistance or load is applied on the other side. For a Class 1 control lever, its mechanical advantage may be greater than, less than, or equal to 1. Some non-limiting examples of Class 1 control levers include a seesaw, a crowbar, and a pair of scissors. In a Class 2 control lever (sometimes called a force multiplier control lever), the resistance or load is generally located near the middle of the control lever, so that the force is applied on one side of the resistance, and the fulcrum is located on the other side. For a Class 2 control lever, its load arm is less than the force arm, and the mechanical advantage is generally greater than 1. Some non-limiting examples of Class 2 control levers include a wheelbarrow, a nutcracker, a bottle opener, and a car brake pedal. In a Class 3 type joystick (sometimes called a speed joystick), the force is typically located near the middle of the joystick, so that the resistance or load is on one side of the force and the fulcrum is on the other side. For a Class 3 type joystick, the moment arm is less than the load arm, and the mechanical advantage is typically less than 1. Some non-limiting examples of Class 3 type joysticks include a pair of tweezers and a human mandible.

[0091] "Male" generally refers to a structure that connects to another structure including a portion that fills or fits within the hollow portion of a corresponding female connector.

[0092] “Manual” generally refers to work done by human hands rather than by machines, tools, and / or electronic equipment.

[0093] "Metallic" generally refers to a material that includes metal or is primarily metal (50% or more by weight). The metallic substance can be a single pure metal, an alloy of two or more metals, or any other suitable combination of metals. The term can be used to refer to a material that includes non-metallic substances. For example, a metal cable can include one or more strands of copper wire that are primarily coated with a polymer or other non-conductive material.

[0094] "Plastic" generally refers to a group of synthetic, semi-synthetic and / or natural materials that can be shaped when soft and then hardened to retain a given shape. Plastics are polymers. A polymer is a substance composed of many repeating units. Plastics are usually insulators.

[0095] "Polymer" generally refers to a material characterized by a molecular structure formed by repeating subunits bonded together. Examples include, but are not limited to, plastic or rubber.

[0096] "Snap fastener" generally refers to a fastening device that includes a male portion and a female portion. The male portion generally includes a protrusion or ball on a component, and the female portion generally includes a notch or socket configured to receive and secure the male portion. Typically, snap fasteners are mated together by a push force and separated by a pull force.

[0097] "Tool-free" generally refers to an activity that does not have and / or requires tools to perform the activity. Typically, the action can be performed manually by an individual.

[0098] "Wire" generally refers to an elongated conductive metal. This includes single strands, strands (twisted, braided, and / or non-braided), traces, ribbons, and other cross-sectional geometries. In some examples, the wire is an uninsulated wire, such as a bare wire without a coating and / or plating. In other examples, the wire is an insulated wire with a coating of non-conductive material around it. In some examples, the insulated wire is coated with a plastic, fluoropolymer, and / or rubber material.

[0099] It should be noted that the singular forms "a", "an", "the", etc. used in the specification and / or claims include plural forms unless explicitly discussed otherwise. For example, if the specification and / or claims refer to "a device" or "the device", it should include one or more such devices.

[0100] It should be noted that directional terms, such as "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal", "radial", "circumferential", "horizontal", "vertical", etc., are used herein only for the convenience of the reader to help the reader understand the illustrated embodiments, and the use of these directional terms is not intended to limit the described, illustrated and / or claimed features to a specific direction and / or orientation in any way.

[0101] Although the present invention has been described in detail and in the accompanying drawings and the foregoing description, the present invention should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that only preferred embodiments are shown and described, and all changes and modifications within the spirit of the present invention as defined by the appended claims should be protected. All publications, patents and patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference, just as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually pointed out to be incorporated by reference and fully set forth herein.

[0102] Reference numerals

[0103] 100 Banana plug 122 First end

[0104] 105 main body 124 concave portion

[0105] 110 control rod 125 second end

[0106] 120 Wire 130 Convex part

[0107] 135 pin 1305 guide

[0108] 140 reed 1310 flange

[0109] 205 Arrow 1400 Binding Post System

[0110] 210 Uninsulated part 1405 Exit cover

[0111] 215 Insulation part 1410 Exit

[0112] 305 busbar 1415 terminal

[0113] 310 Spring 1417 Main Body

[0114] 400 Banana plug 1420 First end

[0115] 405 body 1425 second end

[0116] 410 closed position 1430 lever

[0117] 505 brake 1435 wire

[0118] 605 open position 1505 concave part

[0119] 705 groove 1605 concave part

[0120] 905 static position

[0121] 907 Base

[0122] 910 Fulcrum

[0123] 915 Arm

[0124] 920 Bend

[0125] 925 Legs

[0126] 1005 holes

[0127] 1010 Gap

[0128] 1105 Edge

[0129] 1205 compression position

[0130] 1210 Reference axis

[0131] 1212 convex corner

[0132] 1215 Tongue

Claims

1. A system comprising: Banana plug connector; and The banana plug connector facilitates tool-free connection of wires.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The banana plug includes a lever configured to actuate an internal spring.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein: The lever actuates the spring from a first position configured to receive a wire to a second position configured to retain the wire.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein: The spring includes a hole configured to receive the wire in the first position.

5. The system according to claim 3, wherein: The aperture is configured to surround and retain the wire in the second position.

6. The system according to claim 3, wherein: The spring hole is configured to guide the wire vertically upward into contact with the busbar when in the second position.

7. The system according to claim 3, wherein: The control rod applies a compressive force to the spring in the first position.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein: The compressive force is configured to compress the spring to allow access to the spring hole in the first position.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The banana plug includes bus bars configured to transmit power through the plug.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein: The busbar extends through the hole of the spring.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein: The busbar and the spring hole are configured to form a sandwich arrangement with the wire when in the second position.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein: The sandwich arrangement is configured to securely hold the wire in the second position.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein: At the second position, one side of the wire is contacted via the busbar.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein: In the second position, the opposite side of the wire is contacted via the edge of the spring hole.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein: The banana plug includes a body portion defining an integral channel.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein: The control lever is configured to rest within the integral channel when in the second position to prevent unintentional rotation of the control lever.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein: The banana plugs accept 12-24 American Wire Gauge (AWG) wire.

18. A system comprising: Banana plug connector; wherein the banana plug includes a lever configured to actuate an internal spring; wherein the spring includes a hole configured to retain the wire within the banana plug connector; wherein the hole comprises an edge configured to direct the wire vertically upwardly into contact with a busbar in a sandwich arrangement; and Wherein the sandwich arrangement is configured to retain the wire within the banana plug connector.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein: The banana plug connectors facilitate tool-less connection of the wires.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein: The control rod actuates the spring from a first position configured to receive the wire to a second position configured to retain the wire; The control rod applies a compressive force to the spring in the first position; and The compressive force is configured to compress the spring to allow access to the spring hole in the first position.

21. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The banana plug includes a lever configured to actuate an internal spring.

22. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The lever actuates the spring from a first position configured to receive a wire to a second position configured to retain the wire.

23. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The spring includes a hole configured to receive the wire in the first position.

24. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The aperture is configured to surround and retain the wire in the second position.

25. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The spring hole is configured to guide the wire vertically upward into contact with the busbar when in the second position.

26. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The control rod applies a compressive force to the spring in the first position.

27. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The compressive force is configured to compress the spring to allow access to the spring hole in the first position.

28. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The banana plug includes bus bars configured to transmit power through the plug.

29. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The busbar extends through the hole of the spring.

30. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The busbar and spring hole are configured to form a sandwich arrangement with the wire when in the second position.

31. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The sandwich arrangement is configured to securely hold the wire in the second position.

32. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein: At the second position, one side of the wire is contacted via the busbar.

33. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein: In the second position, the opposite side of the wire is contacted via the edge of the spring hole.

34. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The banana plug includes a body portion defining an integral channel.

35. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The control lever is configured to rest within the integral channel when in the second position to prevent unintentional rotation of the control lever.

36. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The banana plugs accept 12-24 American Wire Gauge (AWG) wire.

37. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The banana plug connectors facilitate tool-less connection of the wires.

38. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The control rod actuates the spring from a first position configured to receive the wire to a second position configured to retain the wire; The control rod applies a compressive force to the spring in the first position; and The compressive force is configured to compress the spring to allow access to the spring hole in the first position.

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