Electrical adapter and method of making and using the same

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an electrical adapter and methods of making and using the same. For example, some electrical adapters include a housing that receives a female shovel terminal and a push-in terminal. And the concave shovel-shaped terminal is electrically connected with the push-in wiring terminal.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related patent applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 393,663, filed on July 29, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to electrical adapters. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to electrical adapters for electrically connecting loads, such as in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) applications and other applications. Background Art

[0004] It is desirable to have an electrical adapter between a first electrical connector of a first configuration and a second electrical connector of a second configuration different from the first configuration. However, such an electrical adapter is not known to exist to date. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure provides various electrical adapters and methods of making and using the same. The electrical adapters are adapted between a first electrical connector of a first configuration and a second electrical connector of a second configuration different from the first configuration.

[0006] In one embodiment, there is an apparatus that includes an electrical adapter having a housing that accommodates female spade terminals and push-in terminals, wherein the female spade terminals are electrically coupled to the push-in terminals.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method is provided, comprising: enabling an end user to: access an electrical adapter having a housing that houses a female spade terminal and a push-in terminal, wherein the female spade terminal is electrically coupled to the push-in terminal; extend a male spade terminal in the female spade terminal and extend an electrical conductor in the push-in terminal; and energize the male spade terminal while the male spade terminal is extending in the female spade terminal, or energize the electrical conductor while the electrical conductor is extending in the push-in terminal.

[0008] In one embodiment, a method is provided, comprising: manufacturing an electrical adapter having a housing that accommodates a female spade terminal and a push-in terminal, wherein the female spade terminal is electrically coupled to the push-in terminal so that a male spade terminal can extend in the female spade terminal and an electrical conductor can extend in the push-in terminal, and the male spade terminal can be energized while the male spade terminal extends in the female spade terminal, or the electrical conductor can be energized while the electrical conductor extends in the push-in terminal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an electrical adapter according to the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 According to the present disclosure Figure 1 An outline view of an embodiment of an electrical adapter is shown.

[0011] Figure 3 According to the present disclosure Figure 1-2 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an electrical adapter is shown.

[0012] Figure 4 According to the present disclosure Figure 1-3 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an electrical adapter is shown.

[0013] Figure 5 According to the present disclosure Figure 1-4 An outline view of an embodiment of an electrical adapter is shown in FIG. 1 , with cross-section lines.

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 1-5 A front view of one embodiment of an electrical adapter is shown showing female spade terminals in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 7 yes Figure 1-6 A front view of one embodiment of an electrical adapter is shown showing push-in terminals according to the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 8 According to the present disclosure Figure 1-7 An isometric view of an illustrative embodiment of an electrical adapter is shown.

[0017] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1-8 A perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of an electrical adapter shown in that engages a pair of wires extending from a first device and a male spade terminal extending from a second device.

[0018] Fig.10 is a perspective view of a pair of schematic embodiments of electrical adapters according to the present disclosure, each electrical adapter being Figure 1-8 As shown, each accommodates a pair of wires, and each mates with a male spade terminal.

[0019] Fig.11 is a perspective view of a set of embodiments of a set of electrical adapters according to the present disclosure, each electrical adapter having a Figure 1-8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the number of spade terminals or the number of push-in terminals are different from each other.

[0020] Fig.12 According to the present disclosure Figure 1-8 A perspective view of an embodiment of an electrical adapter is shown.

[0021] Fig.13 According to the present disclosure Figure 1-8 12 and 13 are perspective views of embodiments of an electrical adapter.

[0022] Fig.14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an electrical adapter according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] As described above, the present disclosure implements various electrical adapters and methods of manufacture and use thereof. These electrical adapters are adapted between a first electrical connector of a first configuration and a second electrical connector of a second configuration different from the first configuration. The present disclosure is now described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. However, the present disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as necessarily being limited to the various embodiments disclosed herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided to make the present disclosure full and complete and to fully convey the various concepts of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Note that the same number or similar numbering scheme may always refer to the same or similar elements.

[0024] Various terms used herein may imply an action or inaction, direct or indirect, full or partial, temporary or permanent. For example, when an element is referred to as being "on," "connected," or "coupled" to another element, the element may be directly on, connected, or coupled to the other element, or there may be intervening elements, including indirect or direct variations. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements.

[0025] The various singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are also intended to include the various plural forms (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, tens, hundreds, thousands), unless the specific context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0026] When used in this specification, various existential verbs “comprise”, “include” and “include” specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components or combinations thereof.

[0027] As used herein, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or", that is, unless specified otherwise or clear from the context, "X employs A or B" is intended to mean any of a set of natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A, X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then in any of the foregoing cases, "X employs A or B" is satisfied.

[0028] As used herein, the term "or other," "combination," "in conjunction with," or "combinations thereof," or another conceptually similar term, refers to all permutations and combinations of the items listed preceding the term. For example, "A, B, C, or a combination thereof" is intended to include at least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important in a particular context, BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, combinations containing repetitions of one or more items or terms are expressly included, such as BB, AAA, AB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, etc. Those skilled in the art understand that, unless otherwise apparent from the context, there is generally no limit to the number of items or terms in any combination.

[0029] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. Various terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with that in the relevant technical context and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0030] Relative terms such as "below," "lower," "above," and "upper" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element to another, as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to the orientation depicted in a set of drawings, such relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the technology shown. For example, if the device in the set of drawings is turned over, various elements described as being on the "lower" side of other elements will be oriented on the "upper" side of other elements. Similarly, if the device in one drawing is turned over, various elements described as being "below" or "below" other elements will be oriented to be "above" other elements. Therefore, various example terms "below" and "lower" can cover both above and below orientations.

[0031] As used herein, the term "about" or "substantially" refers to a + / - 10% variation relative to the nominal value / term. Such variation is always included in any given value / term provided herein, whether or not such variation is specifically mentioned.

[0032] Although the terms first and second can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers or parts are not necessarily limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or part from another element, component, region, layer or part. Therefore, without departing from the various teachings of the present disclosure, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or part.

[0033] Features described with respect to certain exemplary embodiments may be combined and subcombined in or with various other exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, different aspects or elements of the exemplary embodiments as disclosed herein may also be combined and subcombined in a similar manner. Furthermore, some exemplary embodiments, either individually or collectively, may be components of a larger system, where other processes may take precedence over or otherwise modify their application. Additionally, as disclosed herein, multiple steps may be required before, after, or concurrently with the exemplary embodiments. Note that, at least as disclosed herein, any or all methods or processes may be performed, at least in part, via at least one entity in any manner.

[0034] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the present disclosure. As such, variations in the various illustrated shapes due to, for example, manufacturing techniques or tolerances are to be expected. Thus, the various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure should not be construed as necessarily limited to the various specific shapes illustrated herein, but rather include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

[0035] As disclosed herein, any or all of the elements may be formed from identical, structurally continuous parts, such as being integral or monolithic, or may be separately manufactured or connected, such as being components or modules. As disclosed herein, any or all of the elements may be manufactured by any manufacturing process, whether additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, or any other type of manufacturing. For example, some manufacturing processes include three-dimensional (3D) printing, laser cutting, computer numerical control routing, milling, pressing, stamping, vacuum forming, hydroforming, injection molding, photolithography, chiseling, cutting, etc.

[0036] Therefore, all granted patents, published patent applications and non-patent publications mentioned or quoted in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes, to the same extent as each individual granted patent, published patent application or non-patent publication is specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. For greater clarity, all incorporations by reference particularly include those incorporated publications, as those specific publications are copied and pasted herein, as if originally included in the disclosure for all purposes of the disclosure. Therefore, as mentioned above, any reference to the contents disclosed herein includes all themes incorporated by reference. However, if any disclosure is incorporated herein by reference and these disclosures conflict with the disclosure in part or in whole, then within the scope of the conflict or broader disclosure or broader definition of terms, the disclosure shall prevail. If such disclosures conflict with each other in part or in whole, then to the extent of the conflict, the later disclosure shall prevail.

[0037] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an electrical adapter according to the present disclosure. Figure 8 According to the present disclosure Figure 1-7 An isometric view of an illustrative embodiment of an electrical adapter is shown in FIG. Fig.12 According to the present disclosure Figure 1-8 A perspective view of an embodiment of an electrical adapter is depicted in FIG. Fig.13 According to the present disclosure Figure 1-8 1 and 12. Specifically, electrical adapter 100 includes housing 102, female spade terminals 104, and push-in terminals 106.

[0038] The housing 102 may receive (e.g., house) the female spade terminals 104 and the push-in terminals 106, whether internally or externally, whether permanently or temporarily (e.g., removably, detachably). The housing 102 may receive (e.g., house) an electrical conductor (or a suitable set of circuits), whether internally or externally, whether permanently or temporarily (e.g., removably, detachably), such that the electrical conductor electrically couples (e.g., connects) the female spade terminals 104 with the push-in terminals 106, and vice versa, whether internally or externally of the housing 102, whether permanently or temporarily (e.g., removably, detachably).

[0039] The housing 102 may be a sleeve, a tube, a box, or another suitable enclosure that may be constructed of an electrically insulating material, such as plastic, rubber, ceramic, a composite polymer, glass, or another suitable material that may inhibit at least some transfer of charge from the interior of the housing 102 to the exterior of the housing 102, and vice versa. However, it should be noted that the housing 102 may be constructed of an electrically conductive material, such as a metal, an alloy, copper, aluminum, gold, or another suitable material that may have properties that enable the flow of electrons.

[0040] The housing 102 may include an optically transparent portion, but such a configuration is not required, and the portion may be optically translucent or optically opaque, whether the portion is all or less than all (e.g., a side) of the housing 102. Although the housing 102 may be rigid (e.g., not manually bendable by hand), such a configuration is not required, and the housing 102 may also be flexible (e.g., able to be manually bendable by hand). For example, the housing 102 may be constructed of a rigid material (e.g., hard plastic, hard metal, hard alloy) or a flexible material (e.g., pliable rubber, soft metal, shape memory material), and the rigid material may allow the female spade terminal 104 and the push-in terminal 106 to be permanently spaced apart from each other, and the flexible material may allow the female spade terminal 104 and the push-in terminal 106 to be dynamically spaced apart from each other as needed (e.g., manually bendable between 0 degrees and 180 degrees), and remain in this state as needed. Note that when the housing 106 includes a pivot point (e.g., a hinge, a mechanical hinge, a living hinge), the female spade terminals 104 and the push-in terminals 106 can also be dynamically spaced apart from each other as desired and maintained in that state as desired, wherein the housing 102 can be adjusted accordingly about the pivot point.

[0041] The housing 102 may be sized and dimensioned to be hand-held during use. For example, when the female spade terminals 104 are mated with corresponding male spade terminals, the housing 102 may be sized and dimensioned to be hand-held. For example, when the push-in terminals 106 receive solid electrical conductors (e.g., wires), stranded (e.g., braided) electrical conductors (e.g., wires), solid electrical conductors and stranded electrical conductors, or a combination or hybrid of solid electrical conductors and stranded electrical conductors, the housing 102 may be sized and dimensioned to be hand-held. Note, however, that such a form factor is not required, and the housing 102 may not be sized and dimensioned to be hand-held, portable, or mobile.

[0042] The housing 102 can have a first end that receives (e.g., by fastening, mating, adhering, friction fitting, magnetizing, bonding) a female spade terminal 104 and a second end that receives a push-in terminal 106. The first end can be directly opposite the second end along a common plane (e.g., vertical, horizontal, diagonal). However, such a configuration is not required, and the first end and the second end may not be directly opposite the second end along a common plane (e.g., at an angle of less than 180 degrees to each other, including all angles between 0 and 180 degrees), or there may be more than two ends, whether at an angle of 180 degrees or less to each other, including all angles between 0 and 180 degrees. For example, the housing 102 can be L-shaped, U-shaped, V-shaped, J-shaped, W-shaped, M-shaped, N-shaped, T-shaped, Y-shaped, H-shaped, S-shaped, F-shaped, K-shaped, C-shaped, X-shaped, or any other suitable shape. Whether open or closed, whether symmetrical or asymmetrical, whether polygonal, spherical, toroidal, cubic, cuboid, pyramidal, conical or any other suitable shape. Thus, the housing 102 can have an end with a single or multiple (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, dozens, hundreds) concave spade terminals 104 or a single or multiple (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, dozens, hundreds) push-in terminals 106. For example, the housing 102 can have a one-to-many correspondence between the spade terminals 104 and the push-in terminals 106, or vice versa. For example, the housing 102 can have a many-to-many correspondence between the spade terminals 104 and the push-in terminals 106, or vice versa. For example, the housing 102 can have a many-to-one correspondence between the spade terminals 104 and the push-in terminals 106, or vice versa. For example, the housing 102 can have a one-to-one correspondence between the spade terminals 104 and the push-in terminals 106, or vice versa. For example, the housing 102 can have the same ratio or number (e.g., two-to-two, three-to-three, four-to-four, even-to-even, odd-to-odd) of female spade terminals 104 or push-in terminals 106, or different ratios or numbers (e.g., even-to-odd, odd-to-even, two-to-three, four-to-two, eight-to-one, etc., whether female spade terminals 104 to push-in terminals 106 or vice versa).

[0043] The female spade terminal 104 (e.g., a receiving or recessed electrical portion of a FASTON connector) can be configured to establish a secure but removable connection with a corresponding male spade terminal (e.g., an inserting or protruding electrical portion of a FASTON connector) of a power source, such as a circuit breaker, a contactor, or another suitable power source or electrical load electrically connected to a power grid. For example, the corresponding male spade terminal can include a plate having a hole (e.g., O-shaped, 0-shaped, D-shaped) therethrough, wherein the plate is composed of a conductive material (e.g., a metal, an alloy, copper, aluminum, gold). The female spade terminal 104 is disposed or otherwise positioned or located at a first end of the housing 102. When the corresponding male spade terminal and the female spade terminal 104 are electrically connected and mechanically mated, an electrical connection is formed. The female spade terminal 104 can include a first electrical connection area 104A and a second electrical connection area 104B. Each of the first electrical connection area 104A and the second electrical connection area 104B can be configured to physically contact the conductive component of the corresponding male spade terminal when the female spade terminal 104 is mated with the corresponding male spade terminal. For example, the first electrical connection area 104A and the second electrical connection area 104B can be designed to ensure physical contact formed by mating through a crimping action or a welding action that can make the physical contact more mechanically or electrically durable. For example, the first electrical connection area 104A and the second electrical connection area 104B can be configured to ensure physical contact using a fastening member, such as a screw, a bolt, a nut, a clip, a bracket, a latch, a mechanical connector, or another suitable mechanical retention, fastening, mating, interlocking, adhering, magnetizing, or fixing mechanism.

[0044] The housing 102 has a structure for receiving (e.g., by fastening, mating, adhering, friction fitting, magnetizing, bonding) a push-in terminal 106 (e.g., Wago PUSH The push-in terminal block 106 may be directly or indirectly opposite to the concave spade terminal 104 disposed at the first end of the housing 102. The push-in terminal block 106 may include a socket configured to receive a solid electrical conductor (e.g., a wire), a twisted (e.g., a braided) electrical conductor (e.g., a wire), a solid electrical conductor and a twisted electrical conductor, or a combination or hybrid of a solid electrical conductor and a twisted electrical conductor. The solid electrical conductor may be a single solid piece, such as a wire comprising copper, aluminum, gold, or another suitable metal, alloy, or conductive material. The solid electrical conductor may be used in applications where strength and durability are preferred over flexibility. The twisted electrical conductor may be composed of many smaller individual conductors that are braided or woven together, such as by twisting, winding, or braiding strands together, which may be in a spiral shape. The twisted electrical conductor may be used in applications where flexibility is preferred over strength and durability.

[0045] Figure 2 It shows that according to the present disclosure Figure 1 An outline view of an embodiment of an electrical adapter is shown. Figure 4 According to the present disclosure Figure 1-3 . In particular, the electrical adapter 100 includes a housing 102 that partially or completely accommodates or internally surrounds the female spade terminals 104 or push-in terminals 106. However, such a configuration is not required, and the female spade terminals 104 or push-in terminals 106 may be partially or completely received externally by the housing 102.

[0046] A cross-sectional cut line 4-4 is shown, which depicts the housing 102 as being cut in cross section along the cross-sectional cut line 4-4 to depict Figure 4 Therefore, if Figure 4 As shown, the push-in terminal 106 may have a projection or protrusion 116 extending therefrom (eg, radially) within the housing 102, but this feature may be omitted. Figure 4 As shown, the housing 102 may include a terminal retention area 108 (e.g., a side, a wall) that is configured to engage (e.g., latch) the terminal retention area 108 via a protrusion or projection 116 to physically (e.g., mechanically) retain the push-in terminal 106 so that the push-in terminal 106 remains positioned within or received by the housing 102, but this configuration may be omitted. For example, the terminal retention area 108 may receive the protrusion or projection 116, such as Figure 4 As shown. Thus, by receiving the protrusion or projection 116, the terminal retention area 108 prevents the push-in terminal 106 from being disengaged from the housing 102. The protrusion or projection 116 (e.g., an acute angle portion) is depicted as being engaged against the terminal retention area 108 to secure the push-in terminal 106 within the housing 102. Although the protrusion or projection 116 is depicted as one on each side (left and right), this configuration is not required, and there may be a single protrusion or projection (e.g., a spike, a collar), or there may be multiple protrusions or projections (e.g., extending radially or spirally).

[0047] Figure 3 According to the present disclosure Figure 1-2 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an electrical adapter is shown. Figure 5 According to the present disclosure Figure 1-4 The embodiment of the electrical adapter shown in FIG. 1 has a profile view of cross-sectional lines. In particular, there is a cross-sectional cut line 3-3, which depicts the housing 102 as being cut in cross section along the cross-sectional cut line 5-5 to depict Figure 3The female spade terminal 104 includes a first electrical connection region 104A and a second electrical connection region 104B that are configured to receive a corresponding male spade terminal.

[0048] The housing 102 has a second end portion that receives (e.g., accommodates) a push-in terminal 106A and a push-in terminal 106B, but fewer push-in terminals 106 (e.g., one) or more push-in terminals 106 (e.g., three, four, five) are possible, whether per single end portion or distributed in multiple ends. The push-in terminal 106A includes a first socket 110A (e.g., a passage, a cavity) that is configured to receive and accommodate (e.g., permanently, temporarily, removably, detachably) a first electrical conductor (e.g., a solid wire, a stranded wire). The push-in terminal 106B includes a second socket 110B (e.g., a passage, a cavity) that is configured to receive and accommodate (e.g., permanently, temporarily, removably, detachably) a second electrical conductor (e.g., a solid wire, a stranded wire). The first socket 110A may be positioned to receive or receive the first electrical conductor in parallel with the second socket 110B that receives or receives the second electrical conductor, but this configuration is not required, and the first socket 110A may be positioned to receive or receive the first electrical conductor non-parallel with the second socket 110B that receives or receives the second electrical conductor. Although the first socket 110A and the second socket 110B may be co-located at the second end of the housing 102, this configuration is not required, and the first socket 110A and the second socket 110B may be located at different ends of the housing 102 (e.g., Y-shaped, T-shaped).

[0049] The housing 102 may include a tapered portion 112 (e.g., a pyramidal portion, a conical portion). Thus, the tapered portion 112 may include a second end that receives the push-in terminal 106A with the first socket 110A and receives the push-in terminal 106B with the second socket 110B. Thus, when the first electrical conductor is received in the first socket 110A, the tapered portion 112 may receive (e.g., accommodate) the first electrical conductor, and when the second electrical conductor is received in the second socket 110B, the tapered portion 112 may receive (e.g., accommodate) the second electrical conductor. Note that the housing 102 may omit the tapered portion 112. For example, the housing may be shaped as a cube, a cuboid, an oval, a sphere, or another suitable shape.

[0050] The housing 102 can receive (e.g., house) an electrical connector 114 (e.g., contact, wiring, switch) that electrically connects (e.g., bridges) the female spade terminal 104 and the push-in terminal 106A or the push-in terminal 106B, whether directly or indirectly, whether internally or externally, whether permanently or temporarily (e.g., detachably, removably), to provide a common electrical path between the female spade terminal 104 and the push-in terminal 106A or the push-in terminal 106B. The electrical connector 114 can be received by fastening, mating, adhering, friction-fitting, magnetizing, bonding, or otherwise fixing with the housing 102, whether internally or externally, whether permanently or temporarily (e.g., detachably, removably). Thus, the electrical connector 114 can enable a first socket 110A that receives a first electrical conductor or a second socket 110B that receives a second electrical conductor to be electrically connected to a corresponding male spade terminal that mates with the female spade terminal 104, and vice versa. Note that the configuration may vary, and the electrical connector 114 may provide multiple electrical paths between the female spade terminal 104 and the push-in terminal 106A or the push-in terminal 106B. For example, the electrical connector 114 may electrically connect the first socket 110A to the first electrical connection area 104A, and the second socket 110b may be electrically connected to the second electrical connection area 110B. For example, the housing 102 may receive (e.g., house) an electrical switch that may switch between multiple electrical paths between the female spade terminal 104 and the push-in terminal 106A or the push-in terminal 106B, whether such switching is manual or automatic.

[0051] Figure 6 yes Figure 1-5 A front view of an embodiment of an electrical adapter is shown, showing a female spade terminal according to the present disclosure. Specifically, the housing 102 can receive a female spade terminal 104 having a first electrical connection area 104A and a second electrical connection area 104B, where an electrical connector 114 electrically connects (e.g., bridges) the female spade terminal 104 and the push-in terminal 106, whether directly or indirectly, whether inside or outside the housing 102, whether permanently or temporarily (e.g., detachably, removably). As described above, the electrical connector 114 provides a common electrical path between the push-in terminal 106 and the female spade terminal 104, and enables electrons (e.g., current) to flow from the female spade terminal 104 to the push-in terminal 106, and vice versa.

[0052] The female spade terminal 104 includes a base, a first spade coupler 118A, and a second spade coupler 118B. The base has a first lateral side and a second lateral side; the first spade coupler 118A (e.g., a bend, an L-shaped piece, a J-shaped piece) extends from the first lateral side, and the second spade coupler 118B (e.g., a bend, an L-shaped piece, a J-shaped piece) extends from the second lateral side, so that the base, the first spade coupler 118A, and the second spade coupler 118B define a cavity that is configured to receive a corresponding male spade terminal to mate with the female spade terminal 104. The first spade coupler 118A and the second spade coupler 118B can define a first electrical connection area 104A and a second electrical connection area 104B, respectively. Although the female spade terminal 104 is a single female spade terminal 104, such a configuration is not required, and the housing 102 can receive (e.g., accommodate) multiple female spade terminals 104, whether an odd or even number, whether on a single end or distributed between multiple ends.

[0053] Figure 7 yes Figure 1-6 A front view of one embodiment of an electrical adapter is shown, showing a push-in terminal according to the present disclosure. Specifically, the housing 102 can receive a push-in terminal 106A having a first socket 110A configured to receive and accommodate a first electrical conductor and a push-in terminal 106 having a second socket 110B configured to receive and accommodate a second electrical conductor, and the second electrical conductor can be received in the second socket 110B parallel to the first conductor received in the first socket 110A, but this form of orientation is not required and non-parallel orientation is also possible. Although the push-in terminal 106A includes the first socket 110A and the push-in terminal 106B includes the second socket 110B, this configuration is not required and the housing 102 can receive (e.g., accommodate) a single push-in terminal 106 or three or more push-in terminals 106, whether in an odd number or an even number. For example, there may be two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, dozens, one hundred, hundreds, one thousand or thousands of push-in terminals 106 as needed.

[0054] Fig. 9 According to the present disclosure Figure 1-8 A perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of an electrical adapter is shown that will engage a pair of electrical leads extending from a first device and a male spade terminal extending from a second device. In particular, electrical adapter 100 can be used with first device 200 and second device 300.

[0055] The first device 200 can be an electronic ballast, but other suitable electronic devices are also possible. For example, the first device 200 can include an electrical load (e.g., a motor, an actuator, a pump, a heating element, a fan, a blower, a valve, a sensor, a light source, a sound source, a vibration source, a fluid source), an electrical switch, a power source (e.g., a battery, a capacitor, an electrical outlet), an electrical contactor, an electrical transformer, a generator, or another suitable electrical device. The first device 200 can receive a pair of electrical wires 202 extending therefrom, whether solid wire, twisted wire, a mixture of solid wire and twisted wire, or other suitable conductors. For example, the first device 200 can be a component of an HVAC system, but other applications are also possible (e.g., manufacturing systems, electrical systems, plumbing systems, vehicle systems).

[0056] The second device 300 can be an electrical contactor, but other suitable electrical devices are possible. For example, the second device 300 can include an electrical load (e.g., a motor, an actuator, a pump, a heating element, a fan, a blower, a valve, a sensor, a light source, a sound source, a vibration source, a fluid source), an electrical switch, a power source (e.g., a battery, a capacitor, an electrical outlet), an electronic ballast, an electrical transformer, a generator, or another suitable electrical device. The second device 300 can receive a male spade terminal 302 extending therefrom. For example, the second device 300 can be a component of an HVAC system, but other applications are possible (e.g., manufacturing systems, electrical systems, plumbing systems, vehicle systems).

[0057] As described above, the electrical adapter 100 can have a housing 102 that receives a pair of push-in terminals 106A and 106B and a female spade terminal 104. Thus, as described above, the pair of push-in terminals 106A and 106B can receive and accommodate a pair of wires 202 (one-to-one). Likewise, the female spade terminal 104 can receive and accommodate a male spade terminal 302. Note that the order of actions can be reversed, and the female spade terminal 104 can receive and accommodate the male spade terminal 302 before the pair of push-in terminals 106A and 106B can receive and accommodate a pair of wires 202 (one-to-one). Regardless of the order, the electrical adapter 100 provides electrical adaptation between the first device 200 and the second device 300 because the electrical connector 114 electrically connects (e.g., bridges) the pair of push-in terminals 106 and the female spade terminal 104. For example, electrical adapter 100 may be a component of an HVAC system, although other applications are possible (eg, manufacturing systems, electrical systems, plumbing systems, vehicle systems).

[0058] In some cases, the first device 200 may include a resistive load having in-phase current and voltage, such as a lighting device, a heater, a small appliance, and other suitable resistive loads that do not affect or sufficiently affect the associated power factor. Other examples include inductive loads, which may have a current that is offset behind the voltage due to the generation of a magnetic field, such as by a motor, a transformer, or other type of industrial equipment that causes a power factor change. Other examples may include capacitive loads, which may have a current that is offset ahead of the voltage due to energy stored in an electric field (e.g., by a capacitor or other type of energy storage). Although the first device 200 is described as a single device, the first device 200 may include an electrical network of multiple load devices, which may include any combination of resistive, inductive, and capacitive loads.

[0059] Fig.10 is a perspective view of a pair of schematic embodiments of electrical adapters according to the present disclosure, each electrical adapter being Figure 1-8 As shown, each electrical adapter receives a pair of wires and mates with male spade terminals, respectively. Specifically, there may be a first electrical adapter 100A, a second electrical adapter 100B, a first pair of electrical conductors 400, a second pair of electrical conductors 500, and an electrical contact 600.

[0060] Each of the first electrical adapter 100A and the second electrical adapter 100B may be configured as described above.

[0061] The first pair of electrical conductors 400 may include a first electrical conductor 402 of a first specification and a second electrical conductor 404 of a second specification that is the same as the first specification, but it is possible to be different from the first specification, whether larger or smaller. The first electrical conductor 402 may be a first wire of the first specification that may be sheathed by a first electrically insulating jacket 406, wherein the first wire may be a solid wire. The second electrical conductor 404 may be a second wire of the second specification that may be sheathed by a second electrically insulating jacket 408, wherein the second wire may be a solid wire. The first electrical conductor 402 may extend parallel to the second electrical conductor 404, but this form of orientation is not required and non-parallel orientations are possible.

[0062] The second pair of electrical conductors 500 may include a first electrical conductor 502 of a first gauge and a second electrical conductor 504 of a second gauge that is different from the first gauge, but may also be the same gauge as the first, whether larger or smaller. The first electrical conductor 502 may be a first wire of a first gauge that may be sheathed by a first electrical insulating jacket 506, wherein the first wire may be a stranded wire. The second electrical conductor 504 may be a second wire of a second gauge that may be sheathed by a second electrical insulating jacket 508, wherein the second wire may be a stranded wire. The first electrical conductor 502 may extend parallel to the second electrical conductor 504, but this form of orientation is not required, and non-parallel orientations are possible.

[0063] The electrical contact 600 may include a first male spade terminal 602 and a second male spade terminal 604 .

[0064] The first electrical adapter 100A includes a housing 102A that receives a push-in terminal 106A, a push-in terminal 106B, and a female spade terminal 104.1. The push-in terminal 106A may have a first socket 110A that receives and receives a first electrical conductor 402, which may include a first electrically insulating sheath 406, and the push-in terminal 106B may have a second socket 110B that receives and receives a second electrical conductor 404, which may include a second electrically insulating sheath 408. The female spade terminal 104.1 may receive and receive a first male spade terminal 602, such that the female spade terminal 104.1 mates with the first male spade terminal 602.

[0065] The second electrical adapter 100B includes a housing 102B that receives a push-in terminal 106A, a push-in terminal 106B, and a female spade terminal 104.2. The push-in terminal 106A may have a first socket 110B that receives and receives a first electrical conductor 502, which may include a first electrically insulating sheath 506, and the push-in terminal 106B may have a second socket 110B that receives and receives a second electrical conductor 504, which may include a second electrically insulating sheath 508. The female spade terminal 104.2 may receive and receive a first male spade terminal 604, such that the female spade terminal 104.2 mates with the first male spade terminal 604.

[0066] Based on the above, the first electrical adapter 100A electrically and mechanically connects the first pair of electrical conductors 400 to the first male spade terminal 602, and the second electrical adapter 100B electrically and mechanically connects the second pair of electrical conductors 500 to the second male spade terminal 604. Fig.10Solid conductors and stranded conductors are depicted in different electrical adapters 100, but note that a single electrical adapter 100 can receive a mixture of stranded and solid conductors. In addition, a single electrical adapter 100 can receive conductors of different gauges into push-in terminals 106.

[0067] Fig.11 is a perspective view of a set of embodiments of a set of electrical adapters according to the present disclosure, each electrical adapter having a Figure 1-8 As shown in FIG. 1 , they differ from each other in the number of spade terminals or the number of push-in terminals. In particular, a set of electrical adapters 100 includes electrical adapter A, electrical adapter B, electrical adapter C, electrical adapter D, and electrical adapter E, which can be configured as described above.

[0068] The electrical adapter A has a housing 102 that receives a female spade terminal 104 and two push-in terminals 106 .

[0069] The electrical adapter B has a housing 102 that receives three female spade terminals 104 and three push-in terminals 106 .

[0070] The electrical adapter C has a housing 102 that receives two female spade terminals 104 and four push-in terminals 106 .

[0071] The electrical adapter D has a housing 102 that receives three female spade terminals 104 and six push-in terminals 106 .

[0072] The electrical adapter E has a housing 102 that receives four female spade terminals 104 and eight push-in terminals 106 .

[0073] As is apparent from the above, any electrical adapter 100 may have a housing 102 that receives either female spade terminals 104 or push-in terminals 106 in the same ratio or quantity (e.g., two-to-two, three-to-three, four-to-four, even-to-even, odd-to-odd), or in different ratios or quantities (e.g., even-to-odd, odd-to-even, two-to-three, four-to-two, eight-to-one, etc., whether female spade terminals 104 versus push-in terminals 106, or vice versa).

[0074] Fig.14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an electrical adapter according to the present disclosure. In particular, there can be an electrical adapter 700 that can have a housing 702 that receives (e.g., houses) female spade terminals 104 and push-in terminals 106. Different from how the housing 102 is shaped, note that the housing 702 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and the tapered portion 112 is omitted.

[0075] Regardless of how the housing 102 or 702 is shaped, the housing 102 or 702 may receive indicia (e.g., media, paper, graphics) on the outside (e.g., printed, embossed, adhered) thereon to instruct the user on how to use the electrical adapter 100 or 700. In addition, the spade adapter 100 or 700 (or variations thereof or components thereof) may be supplied to the user (or provided or sent in a packaged or unpackaged form by mail or courier) and then instructed on its manufacture or use. For example, such form of instructions may include a printed manual, presentation, PDF file, wizard, web page, mobile app, video content, audio content, augmented reality (AR) content, or another suitable instruction form factor, which may be provided simultaneously with or separately from the spade adapter 100 or 700. For example, there may be a package containing an electrical adapter 100 or an electrical adapter 700 or a set of electrical adapters 100, whether each component is structurally identical or different, or there may be a set of electrical adapters 700, whether each component is structurally identical or different, whether or not instructional content (e.g., manuals, charts, diagrams, schematics) is included therewith. For example, a user may be able to access an electrical adapter 100 or an electrical adapter 700, extend a male terminal in a female spade adapter 104 and extend an electrical conductor in a push-in terminal 106, and energize the male spade terminal while the male spade terminal is extended (e.g., mated) in the female spade terminal 104, or energize the electrical conductor while the electrical conductor is extended in the push-in terminal 106. For example, the electrical adapter 100 or the electrical adapter 700 can be manufactured by the following assembly method: the female spade terminals 104 are inserted or attached to the housing 102, or the push-in terminals 106 are inserted or attached to the housing 102, so that the female spade terminals 104 and the push-in terminals 106 are electrically coupled (e.g., connected) via the housing 102, whether internally or externally, which can be via the electrical connector 114 received by the housing 102 (whether internally or externally).

[0076] Although various embodiments have been depicted and described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions, substitutions, etc. may be made without departing from the present disclosure. Therefore, these modifications, additions, substitutions, etc. are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A device comprising: An electrical adapter having a housing that receives female spade terminals and push-in terminals, wherein the female spade terminals are electrically coupled to the push-in terminals.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing has an end portion that receives the female spade terminal.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing has an end portion that receives the push-in terminal.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing has a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion receives the female spade terminal, and wherein the second end portion receives the push-in terminal.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The first end and the second end are opposite to each other.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The push-in terminal is a first push-in terminal, wherein the housing receives a second push-in terminal.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein: The female spade terminal is electrically connected to the second push-in terminal.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein: The female spade terminal is electrically coupled with the first push-in terminal and the second push-in terminal via a common electrical path.

9. The device according to claim 6, wherein: The housing has a side that receives the first push-in terminal and the second push-in terminal.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein: The housing has an end portion having the side portion.

11. The device according to claim 9, wherein: The side portion receives an odd number of push-in terminals, the odd number of push-in terminals including the first push-in terminal and the second push-in terminal, wherein the concave spade terminal is electrically coupled to the odd number of push-in terminals.

12. The device according to claim 9, wherein: The side portion receives an even number of push-in terminals, the even number of push-in terminals comprising the first push-in terminals and the second push-in terminals, wherein the even number of push-in terminals comprises four, wherein the concave spade-shaped terminal is electrically connected to the even number of push-in terminals.

13. The device according to claim 6, wherein: The housing receives an odd number of push-in terminals, the odd number of push-in terminals including the first push-in terminal and the second push-in terminal, wherein the concave spade terminal is electrically coupled to the odd number of push-in terminals.

14. The device according to claim 6, wherein: The housing receives an even number of push-in terminals, the even number of push-in terminals comprising the first push-in terminals and the second push-in terminals, wherein the even number of push-in terminals comprises four, wherein the concave spade-shaped terminal is electrically connected to the even number of push-in terminals.

15. The device according to claim 6, wherein: The first push-in terminal and the second push-in terminal are of the same type or operating mode.

16. The device according to claim 1, wherein The housing receives the female spade terminals internally.

17. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing externally receives the female spade terminals.

18. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing receives the push-in terminal internally.

19. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing receives the push-in terminal externally.

20. The device according to claim 1, wherein The housing receives the female spade terminal internally and receives the push-in terminal internally.

21. The device according to claim 1, wherein The housing receives the female spade terminals internally and the push-in terminals externally.

22. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing receives the female spade terminals externally and the push-in terminals internally.

23. The device according to claim 1, wherein The housing externally receives the female spade terminals and externally receives the push-in terminals.

24. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing does not receive any female spade terminals other than the female spade terminals.

25. The device according to claim 1, wherein The female spade terminal is a first spade terminal, wherein the housing receives a second spade terminal, wherein the second spade terminal is electrically coupled to the push-in terminal.

26. The device according to claim 1, wherein The housing is formed in the shape of a cube or a cuboid.

27. The device according to claim 1, wherein The housing is shaped like a pyramid or a cone.

28. The device according to claim 1, wherein The shell is shaped into a spherical or oval shape.

29. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: A package comprising the electrical adapter.

30. The device according to claim 29, wherein: The package contains a set of electrical adapters including the electrical adapter.

31. The device according to claim 30, wherein Each electrical adapter in the set of electrical adapters includes a housing that receives the female spade terminal and the push-in terminal, wherein the female spade terminal is electrically coupled to the push-in terminal.

32. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing is hand-held.

33. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing includes a portion including an electrically insulating material.

34. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing includes a portion comprising a transparent or translucent material.

35. The device according to claim 1, wherein The push-in terminal can receive a solid electrical conductor, a stranded electrical conductor, a solid electrical conductor-stranded electrical conductor, or a combination or a hybrid of a solid electrical conductor and a stranded electrical conductor.

36. A method comprising: Enable end users to: accessing an electrical adapter having a housing that receives a female spade terminal and a push-in terminal, wherein the female spade terminal is electrically coupled to the push-in terminal; extending a male spade terminal in the female spade terminal and an electrical conductor in the push-in terminal; as well as The male spade terminal is energized while the male spade terminal is extending in the female spade terminal, or the electrical conductor is energized while the electrical conductor is extending in the push-in terminal.

37. A method comprising: An electrical adapter is manufactured, the electrical adapter having a housing that receives a female spade terminal and a push-in terminal, wherein the female spade terminal is electrically coupled to the push-in terminal, such that a male spade terminal can extend in the female spade terminal and an electrical conductor can extend in the push-in terminal, and the male spade terminal can be energized while the male spade terminal extends in the female spade terminal, or the electrical conductor can be energized while the electrical conductor extends in the push-in terminal.

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