Adjustable angle assembly to ensure a transition from a cable to a connector

Abstract

An assembly adjustable to different angular positions for passing cable structures (e.g., wires, optical fibers) from a cable to a connector. Figure for abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Adjustable angle assembly for ensuring a transition from a cable to a connector

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 572,084, filed on March 29, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 600,399, filed on November 17, 2023, which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0003] The invention relates to the technical field of assemblies for guiding and protecting cable structures such as wires.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Backshell assemblies provide a transition between a cable and an electrical connector. Strain relief backshell assemblies particularly provide a clamping force on the cable wire bundle to prevent damage to the wire termination at the electrical connector. Various configurations of backshell assemblies are known. For example, 0°, 45°, and 90° backshell assembly configurations are known, wherein the configurations are defined by the angle between the cable and the backshell assembly. Some examples of an insulator housing assembly for guiding wires are disclosed in patents: US9444180, US9780483, US20190190190, US5380219, CN211958088, CN211670377, US20120133750, US6419519, US8313340, US7544085, US7862369, US8435066, US9627800 and KR1020120126899.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a device for receiving one or more cable structures (e.g., electrical wires, optical fibers) suitable for carrying data signals and / or power. In one example, the device is a backshell for providing an angle-adjustable transition from a cable to a connector. The device includes an assembly having a first end and a second end. The assembly defines a passageway that extends through the assembly from the first end to the second end, where the first end defines a first end axis, and the second end defines a second end axis. The passageway is configured to receive the one or more cable structures. The assembly is pivotally adjustable about a pivot axis to adjust an angle that is defined between the first end axis and the second end axis.The assembly comprises a first body which defines the first end. of the assembly, and the first body includes a ball through which the passage extends. The first body may also include a first passage defining portion that extends along the first end axis from the ball to the first end of the assembly. The assembly includes a second body defining the second end of the assembly. The second body includes a nesting structure that mounts to the ball of the first body and the second body also includes a second passage defining portion that extends along the second end axis from the nest to the second end of the assembly. The nesting structure and the ball define a pivot interface when the nesting structure is mounted to the ball.The pivot interface may be adapted to allow relative pivoting movement between the first and second bodies about the pivot axis to adjust the angle defined between the first and second end axes of the assembly. The second body further defines a nesting expansion slot that extends through a portion of the second passage defining portion of the second body, wherein the nesting expansion slot is configured to allow expansion of the nesting structure. An angular retention arrangement is included within the assembly and the angular retention arrangement is defined between the ball and the nesting structure. The angular retention arrangement allows the assembly to be positioned at a plurality of different angular positions. The angle defined between the first and second end axes of the assembly is different at each angular position of the assembly.The assembly further includes a locking mechanism for placing the assembly in a locked state in which expansion of the nesting structure is limited such that the assembly is locked in a selected one of the angular positions. When the assembly is not in the locked state, the angular position of the assembly may be adjusted about the pivot axis.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a backshell device for connection to a connector to relieve strain and control bending of a cable connected to the connector. The backshell device may include a pivotable backshell assembly having a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to connect to the connector and the second end is configured to receive the cable. The first end is defined by a backshell body, and the second end is defined by a cable management structure. The backshell body and the cable management structure are pivotally movable about a pivot axis relative to each other between a plurality of different angular positions.The pivoting insulator shell assembly also includes an angular retention arrangement allowing the insulator shell assembly. pivotable to be placed at a selected angular position of the different angular positions. The angular retention arrangement comprises at least one projection and a plurality of receptacles. The plurality of receptacles are positioned about the pivot axis and the at least one projection is received in different receptacles of the receptacles to vary the angular position of the pivotable insulator shell assembly. The angular retention arrangement is resiliently movable in an orientation along the pivot axis between a first state in which the angular position of the pivotable insulator shell is adjustable and a second state in which the at least one projection is received within a corresponding receptacle of the receptacles to lock the pivotable insulator shell assembly in a selected angular position of the angular positions.The insulator housing body and the cable management structure have a corresponding pivot guide arrangement for guiding the pivoting movement of the pivoting insulator housing assembly about the pivot axis. The pivot guide arrangement is integrally integrated with the insulator housing body and the cable management structure.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a backshell device for connection to a connector to relieve strain and control bending of a cable connected to the connector. The backshell device includes a pivotable backshell assembly having a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to connect to the connector and the second end is configured to receive the cable. The first end is defined by a backshell body, and the second end is defined by a cable management structure. The backshell body and the cable management structure are pivotally movable about a pivot axis relative to each other between a plurality of different angular positions.The pivoting insulator housing assembly having an angular retention arrangement allowing the pivoting insulator housing assembly to be positioned at a selected one of the different angular positions. The angular retention arrangement having a first set of openings defined by the insulator housing body about the pivot axis and a second set of openings defined by the cable management structure about the pivot axis. The openings of the first and second sets of openings align with each other when the pivoting insulator housing is in the different angular positions. A locking hub having a plurality of pins that extend through the aligned sets of first and second openings to lock the pivoting insulator housing assembly in an angular position. chosen, the locking hub being held within the openings by a snap-in connection.

[0010] Various other inventive aspects will be set forth in the following description. The inventive aspects may relate to individual features and combinations of features. It is understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are given solely by way of example and explanation and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts underlying the embodiments disclosed herein. Brief description of the drawings

[0011] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of the assembly;

[0012] [Fig.2] is an exploded view of the assembly of [Fig.l];

[0013] [Fig.3] is a perspective view from above of the whole of [Fig.l] in a online position;

[0014] [Fig.4] is a perspective view from below of the assembly of [Fig.l];

[0015] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of the whole of [Fig.l] in a position at right angle;

[0016] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of the whole of [Fig.l] in an intermediate position;

[0017] [Fig.7] is a side view of the whole of [Fig.l] in an intermediate position;

[0018] [Fig.8] is a side perspective view of the first body of [Fig.l];

[0019] [Fig.9] is a side view of a first body of the embodiment of the [Fig.l];

[0020] [Fig. 10] is a side view of a second body of the embodiment of [Fig.l];

[0021] [Fig. 11] is a sectional view of a second body of the embodiment of [Fig.l];

[0022] [Fig. 12] is a sectional view of the embodiment of [Fig. 1];

[0023] [Fig. 13] is a top perspective view of the assembly with a range of 180 degree rotation;

[0024] [Fig. 14] is a perspective view from below of the assembly of [Fig. 13];

[0025] [Fig. 15] is a sectional view of the embodiment of [Fig. 13];

[0026] [Fig. 16] is a side view of a first body of the embodiment of the [Fig.13] ;

[0027] [Fig. 17] is a top view of a first body of the embodiment of [Fig. 13];

[0028] [Fig. 18] is a side view of a second body of the embodiment of the [Fig.13] ;

[0029] [Fig. 19] is a top view of a second body of the embodiment of [Fig. 13];

[0030] [Fig.20] is a sectional view of a second body of the embodiment of [Fig.13];

[0031] [Fig.21] is a top perspective view of the assembly with a rotation range of 135 degrees;

[0032] [Fig.22] is a sectional view of the embodiment of [Fig.21];

[0033] [Fig.23] is a side view of a first body of the embodiment of the [Fig.21] ;

[0034] [Fig.24] is a top view of a first body of the embodiment of [Fig.21];

[0035] [Fig.25] is a side view of a second body of the embodiment of [Fig.21];

[0036] [Fig.26] is a top view of a second body of the embodiment of [Fig.21];

[0037] [Fig.27] is a sectional view of a second body of the embodiment of [Fig.21];

[0038] [Fig.28] is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment;

[0039] [Fig.29] is a sectional view of the embodiment of [Fig.28];

[0040] [Fig.30] is an exploded view of the embodiment of [Fig.28];

[0041] [Fig.31] is a side view of a first body of the embodiment of the [Fig.28] ;

[0042] [Fig.32] is a top view of a first body of the embodiment of [Fig.28];

[0043] [Fig.33] is a side view of a second body of the embodiment of [Fig.28];

[0044] [Fig.34] is a front view of a second body of the embodiment of [Fig.28];

[0045] [Fig.35] is a sectional view of a second body of the embodiment of [Fig.28];

[0046] [Fig. 36] is a perspective view of the inserts of the embodiment of [Fig. 28]

[0047] [Fig.37] is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of throttling devices;

[0048] [Fig.38] is an exploded view of the embodiment of [Fig.37];

[0049] [Fig.39] is a side view of a second body of the embodiment of the [Fig.37] ;

[0050] [Fig.40] is a sectional view of the embodiment of [Fig.37];

[0051] [Fig.41] is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the throttling device;

[0052] [Fig.42] is a second perspective view of the alternative embodiment of [Fig.41];

[0053] [Fig.43] is a top view of the assembly of [Fig.41];

[0054] [Fig.44] is a bottom view of the assembly of [Fig.41];

[0055] [Fig.45] is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of throttling devices;

[0056] [Fig.46] is a second perspective view of the alternative embodiment of [Fig.45];

[0057] [Fig.47] is a perspective view from below of the embodiment of the [Fig.45] ;

[0058] [Fig.48] is a top view of the embodiment of [Fig.45];

[0059] [Fig.49] is a bottom view of the embodiment of [Fig.45];

[0060] [Fig.50] is a side view of the first body for an alternative mode of implementation of the retention arrangement;

[0061] [Fig.51] is a sectional view of the second body of the embodiment of the [Fig.50] ;

[0062] [Fig.52] is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of throttling devices;

[0063] [Fig.53] is a side view of the second body of the embodiment of [Fig.52]

[0064] [Fig.54] is a perspective view of a locking strip for the method of realization of [Fig.52];

[0065] [Fig.55] is a side view of the locking strip for the mode of realization of [Fig.52].

[0066] [Fig.56] illustrates another embodiment of an insulator casing capable of pivot from this disclosure.

[0067] [Fig.57] is a top view of the embodiment of [Fig.56].

[0068] [Fig.58] is an exploded view of the embodiment of [Fig.56].

[0069] [Fig.59] is a side view of the embodiment of [Fig.56].

[0070] [Fig.60] shows another alternative embodiment of an envelope pivotable insulator of the present disclosure.

[0071] [Fig.61] is a top view of the embodiment of [Fig.60].

[0072] [Fig.62] is an exploded view of the embodiment of [Fig.60].

[0073] [Fig.63] is an exploded top view of the embodiment of [Fig.60].

[0074] [Fig.64] is another alternative embodiment of an insulator casing able to pivot from this disclosure.

[0075] [Fig.65] is an exploded view of the embodiment of [Fig.64].

[0076] [Fig.66] is another alternative embodiment of a pivotable insulator shell of the present disclosure.

[0077] [Fig.67] is a top view of the embodiment of [Fig.66].

[0078] [Fig.68] is an exploded top view of the embodiment of [Fig.66].

[0079] [Fig.69] is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of [Fig.66].

[0080] [Fig.70] is another alternative embodiment of an insulator casing able to pivot from this disclosure.

[0081] [Fig.71] is a top view of the embodiment of [Fig.70].

[0082] [Fig.72] is an exploded top view of the embodiment of [Fig.70].

[0083] [Fig.73] is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of [Fig.70].

[0084] [Fig.74] is another alternative embodiment of an insulator casing able to pivot from this disclosure.

[0085] [Fig.75] is a top view of the embodiment of [Fig.74].

[0086] [Fig.76] is an exploded top view of the embodiment of [Fig.74].

[0087] [Fig.77] is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of [Fig.74]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0088] Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to an assembly having an adjustable construction for providing a transition between a cable and a connector. In some instances, the device may be an insulator backshell for guiding cable structures (e.g., electrical wires, optical fibers) through the transition. In some examples, the assembly includes first, second, and third portions, where the first and second portions are pivotally joined to allow for multiple angular positions. In some examples, the positions may be a coaxial alignment (e.g., in-line, 180 degrees with zero angular offset) of the first and second portions. In some examples, the position may be a position where the first and second portions are positioned at a 90-degree angle relative to each other.In other examples, the first and second portions are inclined to intermediate or other angular positions. The third portion may tighten on the second portion to tighten the second portion on the first portion and thereby lock the assembly in a desired position. In some examples, the assembly allows the angular position between the first and second portions to be securely locked in place by the constriction provided by the third portion, while . simultaneously allowing the angular position to be adjusted without removing / detaching the first part from the second part by simply loosening the constriction of the third part.

[0089] [Figs. 1] to 12 illustrate an exemplary device 2 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. In one example, the device 2 is an insulator jacket for providing a transition between a cable and a connector. The device 2 may be configured to relieve strain to prevent cable structures (e.g., electrical wires, optical fibers) of the cables from being torn from the connector. The device 2 may be configured to guide the cable structures through the transition. As shown, the device 2 includes an assembly 5 having a first end 12 defining a first port 14 and a second end 22 defining a second port 24 (best illustrated in [Fig. 7]). The assembly 5 defines a passage 66 (best illustrated in [Fig.12]) that extends through the assembly 5, from the first end 12 to the second end 22, where the first end 12 defines a first end axis A1 (illustrated in [Fig.7]), and the second end 22 defines a second end axis A2 (illustrated in [Fig.7]). The passage 66 is adapted to receive the cable structures. The assembly 5 is pivotally adjustable about a pivot axis A3 (illustrated in [Fig.7]) to adjust an angle between the first end axis A1 and the second end axis A2. [Fig.9] shows that the assembly includes a first body 10 that defines the first end 12 of the assembly 5 and the first body 10 includes a ball 16 through which the passage 66 extends. In some examples, the first body may be referred to as a backshell body. The first body 10 may further comprise a first passage defining part 35 (illustrated in [Fig.12]) which extends along the first end axis A1, from the ball 16 to the first end 12 of the assembly 5. As shown in [Fig. 4] to 6 and 10, the assembly 5 also includes a second body 20 defining the second end 22 of the assembly 5. In some examples, the second body 20 may be referred to as a cable management structure. The second body 20 includes a nesting structure 26 which mounts to the ball 16 of the first body 10 and the second body 20 also includes a second passage defining portion 54 which extends along the second end axis a2, from the nesting structure 26 to the second end 22 of the assembly. As shown in [Fig. 5] to 7, the interlocking structure 26 and the ball 16 define a pivoting interface 64 when the interlocking structure 26 is mounted on the ball 16.The pivoting interface 64 is adapted to allow relative pivoting movement between the first and second bodies 10, 20 about the pivot axis a3 allowing adjustment of the angle defined between the axes of the first and second ends a1, a2 of the assembly. The second body 20 defines in . furthermore a nesting expansion slot 28 (best illustrated in [Fig.l] and 6) which extends through a portion of the second passage defining portion 54 of the second body 20, wherein the nesting expansion slot 28 (best illustrated in [Fig.6]) allows for expansion of the nesting structure 26. [Fig.2], 9, 11, and 12 show that an angular retention arrangement 30 (best illustrated in [Fig.2]) is included within the assembly 5 and that the angular retention arrangement 30 is defined between the ball 16 and the nesting structure 26. The angular retention arrangement 30 allows the assembly to be placed at a plurality of angular positions. The angle defined between the first and second end axes a1, a2 of the set is different at each angular position of the set 5. As shown in [Fig.In addition, the assembly 5 further includes a locking mechanism 32 for placing the assembly 5 in a locked state in which the constriction of the expansion slot 28 limits (e.g., restricts, prevents) the expansion of the nesting structure 26. When the nesting structure 26 is in the locked state, the assembly 5 can be locked in a selected angular position among the angular positions. When the assembly 5 is not in the locked state, the nesting structure 26 can expand to allow adjustment of the angular position of the assembly 5 about the pivot axis a3. In some examples, the unlocked state can be described as a first state and the locked state as a second state.Further, in some examples, the first body is a backshell body and the second body is a cable management structure, wherein the angular retention arrangement is resiliently biased to the second state by a construction of the backshell body and / or a construction of the cable management structure. Further, the angular retention arrangement is resiliently biased to the first state by a construction of the backshell body and / or a construction of the cable management structure, and wherein a retainer is used to retain the angular retention arrangement in the second state.

[0090] In one example, rather than providing universal pivoting motion, the assembly 5 is configured to allow pivoting motion between the first and second bodies 10, 20 only about the pivot axis a3. For example, a circular bearing structure may be provided at the pivoting interface (e.g., between the ball 16 and the nesting structure 26) to limit pivoting motion between the first and second bodies 10, 20 relative to pivoting motion about the pivot axis a3. In one example, the bearing structure may include a raised ring 70 (illustrated in [Fig. 1 1]) defined by one of the ball 16 and the nesting structure 26 that fits within a circular groove 74 (illustrated in [Fig. 9]) defined by the other of the ball 16 and the nesting structure 26. The raised ring 70 and the groove circular 74 are preferably coaxially aligned with the pivot axis a3. In the illustrated example, first and second circular bearing structures having the same construction as described above are provided about the pivot axis a3 on diametrically opposite sides of the ball 16.

[0091] In one example, the first end 12 of the assembly 5 may be adapted to mechanically couple (e.g., via a fastening arrangement) to the rear end of a connector (e.g., an electrical connector) and the second end 22 of the assembly may be adapted to mechanically couple to a cable (e.g., a jacketed portion of a cable, a wire harness, etc.). Cable structures (e.g., electrical wires, optical fibers) of the cable or wire harness are routed through the passageway 66 from the second end 22 to the first end 12 and are coupled to the connector adjacent the first end 12. In some examples, the assembly 5 is strain relieving, thereby transferring tension from the cable to the rear end of the connector to prevent tension from being applied to the cable structures routed through the passageway 66 and terminating at the connector.In some examples, the device 2 does not include a removable pivot that articulates between the pivot arrangement of the first and second bodies.

[0092] [Fig. 2] shows that the nesting expansion slot 28 of the second body 20 may have an end 29 that opens into an angular adjustment slot 58 that is defined by the nesting structure 26. As illustrated, the second body 20 defines two nesting expansion slots 28 positioned on diametrically opposite sides of the nesting structure 26. The expansion slots 28 have ends 29 that open into the angular adjustment slot 58 at opposite ends 58a, 58b (shown in [Fig. 2]) of the angular adjustment slot 58. The ball 16 is positioned in a socket defined by the nesting structure 26 to define the pivot interface 64. The first passage defining portion 35 projects through the slot 58 angular adjustment.The angular adjustment slot 58 has a length that extends circumferentially about the pivot axis A3 between the opposite ends 58a, 58b of the angular adjustment slot 58. The angular adjustment slot 58 is configured to define a permissible range of pivotal movement between the first and second bodies 10, 20. For example, the first body 10 can only rotate over the length between the opposite ends 58a, 58b of the angular adjustment slot 58. The ball 16 defines a ball slot 50 (see [Fig.l 1] and 12) configured to overlie the angular adjustment slot 58. The ball slot 50 is configured to provide clearance within the assembly 5 to allow the cable structures to pass from the second body 20 to the first body 10 when the cable structures . extend through the passage 66. The ball slot 50 has a length that extends circumferentially about the pivot axis a3 between the first and second ends 50a, 50b of the ball slot 50. In the preferred embodiment, the ball slot 50 curves at an angle of approximately 90 degrees (illustrated in [Fig. 9] and 12) between the ends 50a, 50b. In some cases, the angle of curvature of the ball slot 50 and the angle adjustment slot 58 may be greater than 90 degrees (illustrated in [Fig. 13]) to allow for a greater degree of rotation within the pivot interface 64.

[0093] The pivot interface 64 can be rotated to change the angle between the first and second ends 12, 22 to a desired angle and the passage 66 can thus guide objects through the passage 66 at the desired angle. As can be seen in [Fig. 1], the second body 20 may be placed in the locked state by the locking mechanism 32. The locking mechanism 32 includes a throttling portion 68 and a throttling device 34. The throttling device 34 (illustrated in [Fig. 1] and 14) may engage the second passage defining portion 54 (illustrated in [Fig. 6] and 10) of the second body 20 at the throttling portion 68. The throttling portion 68 and the throttling device 34 may have a tapered configuration that causes the nesting structure 26 to be throttled upon tightening of the throttling device 34.

[0094] [Figs.l] and 5-7 illustrate the assembly in different angular positions. The different angular positions may include an in-line position (illustrated in [Fig.l]), a right-angle position (illustrated in [Fig.5]), and one of a plurality of intermediate positions (illustrated in [Fig.6]) between the in-line position and the right-angle position. In the in-line position, the pivot interface 64 may be configured such that the first end axis a1 and the second end axis a2 are coaxial. In the right-angle position, the pivot interface 64 may be configured such that the angle between the first end axis a1 and the second end axis a2 is perpendicular to each other. In an exemplary intermediate position, the pivot interface 64 may be designed such that the angle between the first end axis a1 and the second end axis a2 is 135 degrees.The assembly 5 preferably has several intermediate positions each having a different angle.

[0095] [Figs. 7] to 9 and 12 illustrate the first body 10 of [Fig. 1]. The first passage defining portion 35 of the first body 10 may also define an inner circumferential surface 40 (illustrated in [Fig. 12]). The first end 12 may be adapted to mate with the rear end of a connector (e.g., using a fastener such as a nut).

[0096] In some cases, the angular retention arrangement 30 may include a plurality of retention projections defined by one of the ball 16 or the nesting structure 26 and a plurality of projection receptacles 76 (e.g., depressions, slots, notches) defined by the other of the ball 16 and the nesting structure 26. The arrangement of retention projections and projection receptacles 76 may be configured to surround the pivot axis a3. In the illustrated example, the retention arrangement includes first and second retention regions 48a, 48b (illustrated in [Fig. 8] and 9) positioned on diametrically opposite sides of the ball 16. Each of the retention regions 48a, 48b includes a plurality of protrusion members 72 provided within the nesting structure 26 that are circumferentially spaced (e.g., uniformly spaced) about the pivot axis A3.The protrusion members 72 may be incorporated into the raised rings 70 (see one of the raised rings 70 in [Fig. 11]). The raised rings 70 encircle the pivot axis a3 and are configured to protrude inwardly from a major interior surface of the nesting structure 26. The raised rings 70 are coaxial with the pivot axis A3 and concentric with the openings 56 defined through a wall of the nesting structure 26. As illustrated in [Fig. 11], the protrusion members 72 may be positioned on the raised rings 70 and may have lengths that extend radially with respect to the pivot axis A3. Each of the first and second retention regions 48a, 48b also includes a plurality of protrusion receptacles 76 located on an exterior of the ball 16 (see [Fig. 8] and 9).The protrusion receptacles 76 are configured to receive the protrusion members 72 to position the assembly 5 at a desired angular position. The protrusion receptacles 76 of each retention region 48a, 48b are circumferentially spaced (e.g., uniformly spaced) about the pivot axis a3. The protrusion receptacles 76 may be within the grooves 74. The protrusion receptacles 76 may be defined between pairs of raised ridges 77 positioned within the grooves 74. When the assembly 5 is not in the locked state, the interlocking structure 26 may elastically expand and contract to allow the protrusion members 72 to deploy in and out of the protrusion receptacles 76 as the assembly 5 is manually rotated into the various angular positions.Once the assembly 5 has been moved into a desired angular position and the protrusion members 72 are received within the protrusion receptacles 76, the assembly 5 can be locked by means of the restriction device 34 (illustrated in [Fig.l], 13, 37, 41, 44, 50, and 54) such that the expansion of the nesting structure 26 is restricted and the protrusion members 72 are thereby prevented from extending out of the protrusion receptacles 76. In this manner, the assembly 5 can be locked in the . desired angular position. As illustrated, the retention arrangement has established eight different angular positions. In other examples, it is possible to vary the number of angular positions by plus or minus eight.

[0097] The number of protrusion receptacles 76 may correspond to the number of protrusion members 72. The plurality of protrusion receptacles 76 are equidistantly spaced about the circular groove 74, such that each of the protrusion members 72 may fit within one of the protrusion receptacles 76 when in a locked state. When the ball 16 is rotated, the protrusion members 72 are placed in a different receptacle 76, such that the first body 10 is rotated in predefined increments between angular positions (e.g., 45-degree increments). When engaged within the receptacles 76, the protrusion members 72 pre-place the nesting structure 26 in a desired angular position.Once the assembly 5 is pre-positioned in the desired angular position, the throttling device 34 can be tightened to lock the assembly 5 in the desired angular position. The fact that the wire passage 66 can change angle allows the wires to be positioned with reduced wear or damage, such as crimping. In addition, there is no need for multiple assemblies of different designs to achieve a single angle between the first and second bodies. Moreover, in some examples, the angle can be adjusted by simply loosening the assembly rather than requiring disassembly of the assembly.

[0098] [Fig.l], 2, 7 and 10 to 12 illustrate the second body 20 of [Fig.l]. In some cases, the second passage defining portion 54 may be tapered at both the inner 55a and outer 55b circumferential surfaces (illustrated in [Fig.l 1] and 12). In other cases, the second passage defining portion 54 may be a cylinder with straight sides. The nesting expansion slot 28 extends at least partially through a portion of the second passage defining portion 54 and longitudinally into the nesting structure 26 on at least one side of the second body 20. The nesting expansion slot 28 may be designed in a V-shaped cutout of the second body 20. In other cases, the nesting expansion slot 28 may have other shapes, such as a straight cut. At least one nesting expansion slot 28 may be constricted at the constriction portion 68 (illustrated in [Fig.l] and 12) of the second passage defining portion 54 to limit expansion of the nesting structure 26. In some cases, at least two slots 28 may be provided on the second body 20 to be tightened. In the example shown, the nesting expansion slots 28 comprise first and second nesting expansion slots 28 positioned on diametrically opposite sides of the second passage defining portion 54. and the first and second nesting expansion slots 28 are aligned along a reference plane oriented perpendicular to the pivot axis.

[0099] [Figs. 13] through 20 illustrate an alternative embodiment of [Fig.l], where the pivot interface 64 has a greater range of motion, and the first end axis a1 may be rotated at least 315 degrees about the axis a3 relative to the second end axis a2. The pivot interface 64 may now be rotated to a second right-angle position, which is 90 degrees relative to the first position, in a rotational direction opposite that of the right-angle position. For example, the first end 12 of the first body may be rotated 90 degrees, from the in-line position to the fourth side of the nesting structure 26. The increased range of motion allows for only one axis of rotation. Further, the plurality of intermediate positions may be positioned between the in-line position and the second right-angle position.As explained previously, the retention positions may define distinct predefined angular positions by predetermined angular increments. In one example, the plurality of retention positions allows the first end axis al to be positioned at least 90, 135, 180, 225, 270, and 315 degrees relative to the second end 22.

[0100] [Fig. 21] to 27 illustrate another alternative embodiment of [Fig. 1], where the first end axis a1 may be rotated at least 225 degrees about the axis a3 relative to the second end axis a2. The assembly may now be rotated a maximum of to a final position which is rotated 45 degrees relative to the in-line position in a rotational direction opposite that of the right-angle position. In one example, the plurality of retention positions allows the first end axis A1 to be positioned in positions of at least 90, 135, 180, and 225 degrees relative to the second end axis a2.

[0101] [Fig. 28] to 36 illustrate an alternative assembly 105 having an alternative angular retention arrangement 130. Here, the angular retention arrangement 130 may include angular retention regions 148a, b positioned on opposite sides of a ball 116. Each of the angular retention regions may include protrusions 147 and receptacles 148. In one example, the ball 116 may include the receptacles 148 and the nesting structure 126 may include the protrusions 147, but as in the other examples disclosed herein, this situation may be reversed. [Fig.24] to 26 illustrate the ball 116 having a planar surface 101 on opposite sides of the ball 116. The planar surface 101 further has a toothed region 115 and a cylindrical surface 110.The toothed region 115 and the cylindrical surface 110 extend outwardly from the exterior of the ball and the toothed region 115 is positioned between the flat surface 101 and the cylindrical surface 110. The flat surface . 101, the toothed region 115, and the cylindrical surface 110 are coaxially aligned. The planar surface 101 having a larger diameter than the toothed region 115 and the cylindrical region 110 having a smaller diameter than the toothed region. The receptacles 148 are defined between the teeth of the toothed region 115.

[0102] A nesting structure 126 of the assembly 105 has openings 156 that allow the cylindrical surface 110 and the toothed region 115 of the ball 116 to be inserted through each of the respective openings 156. The flat inner annular surfaces 152 of the nesting structure 26 oppose the flat surfaces 101 of the ball 16 when the ball 16 is installed within the nesting structure 126.

[0103] In some cases, projection-defining inserts 120 mount within the openings 156. The projection-defining inserts 120 define projections 147 adapted to fit within receptacles 148 defined between the teeth of the toothed region 115. In some cases, the openings 156 may also include a plurality of pin holes 175 (illustrated in [Fig. 33]) positioned at equidistant locations around the entire circumference of the two openings 56. The pin holes 175 receive pins 135 of the inserts 120 for securing the inserts 120 within the openings 156. The projections 147 of the insert 120 engage the toothed region 115 to lock the assembly 105 in the locked state and prevent the rotation of the ball 116 within the nesting structure 126.The inserts 120 are positioned within the two openings 56 such that, when the second interlocking structure 126 is tightened, the inserts encompass the first and second retention regions 148a, b, causing the protrusions 147 to mate with the toothed region 115. However, when the interlocking structure 126 is in the expanded state, the inserts 120 are positioned with the opening 156 and around the cylindrical surface 110. For example, three inserts 120 may be equidistantly spaced around the circumference; however, more or fewer inserts 120 may be used.

[0104] The throttling portion 68 and the throttling device 34 of [Fig. 1] to 32 may be used with any embodiment of the retention arrangement 30. For example, as shown in [Fig. 1] and 13, the throttling portion 68 may be a segment of the second passage defining portion 54 that allows the throttling device 34 to engage the second body 20 to constrict the nesting expansion slot 28. For example, in the embodiment of [Fig. 4], the throttling portion 68 includes a helical cutout 78 extending about a longitudinal direction of the outer circumferential surface of the second passage defining portion 54. The throttling device 34 may be a locking strip 80 with an interior projection 82 (best illustrated in the [Fig. 13]) which can be inserted on the second end 22 within the helical cutout 78. The constriction portion 68 further includes an end 84 of the helical cutout 78 adjacent the nesting structure 26 which defines an indentation 84a (illustrated in [Fig. 10]) for locking the inner projection 82 of the locking strip 80 in place on the second passage defining portion 54 when the nesting structure 26 has reached the locking position around the ball 16. When inserted on the second end 22, the inner projection 82 can be positioned within the helical cutout 78 such that the locking strip 80 can be twisted to follow the helical cutout 78 longitudinally toward the nesting structure 26 to the indentation 84a.When the locking band 80 engages toward the interlocking structure 26, the locking band 80 constricts the interlocking expansion slot 28 of the interlocking structure 26 toward a locked state (illustrated in [Fig. 1]). In the locked state, the interlocking structure 26 is constricted to engage the ball 16 at the retention arrangement 30 and the projection of the locking band 80 is positioned within the indentation 84a. In some instances, a diameter of the helical cutout 78 may be enlarged to correspond to a different interior projection 82 of the locking band 80. In other embodiments, the helical cutout 78 may be a plurality of helical cutouts 78 and the locking band 80 may have a plurality of interior projections 82.The plurality of interior projections 82 are each rotatable through a respective helical cutout 78 to constrict the second passage defining portion 54. In some examples, alternative threaded interfaces may be provided between the throttling device 34 and the second end of the assembly 5.

[0105] In the embodiment of [Fig. 37] to 40, the constriction portion 68 may be an engagement surface 210 around the outer circumference of the second passage defining portion 54. In [Fig. 37], the constriction device 34 is a locking strap 205, which may be inserted over the second end 22 up to the engagement surface 210. The engagement surface 210 may have a smaller outer circumferential area than the remainder of the second passage defining portion 54. The locking strap 205 may be pulled to tighten around the outer circumference of the engagement surface 210 and restrict the nesting expansion slot 28. When tightened, the strap 205 may lock into clamping positions.The locking strap 205 is inserted into the smaller outer circumferential area and cannot perform longitudinal movement along the second end axis A2 when tightened. When the nesting expansion slot 28 is tightened, the nesting structure 26 of the . second body 20 is moved to engage the ball 16 of the first body 10 at the retention arrangement 30.

[0106] In the embodiment of [Fig. 41] to 44, the throttle portion 68 may include two flange portions 405a, b extending radially outward from the outer surface 415 of the second passage defining portion 54. In [Fig. 41], a first flange 405a may be positioned on the first side 62a of the nesting expansion slot 28, and the second flange 405b may be positioned on the second side 62b of the nesting expansion slot 28. Both the first and second flanges 405a, b include an opening 410. The openings 410 of the first and second flanges 405a, b align coaxially at a position radially outward of the outer surface 415 and perpendicular to the second end axis A2. The opening 410 allows a fastener to be inserted through the first and second flange portions.When the fastener is tightened within the first and second flanges 405a, b, the first and second flanges 405a, b move together, thereby tightening the interlocking expansion slot 28. When the slot is tightened, the second body 20 transitions to the locked state and the interlocking structure 26 of the second body 20 is moved to engage the ball 16 of the first body 10 at the retention arrangement 30. In some cases, the interlocking expansion slot 28 may extend through the entire second body 20. Further, in some cases, the second end 22 may also contain a pair of protrusions 420 extending from the second end 22 for coupling to a cable (e.g., a wire harness or a conduit). Each projection 420 may further include a hole for inserting a fastener for attaching a cable clamp to clamp the cable to the insulator housing assembly.

[0107] As shown in [Fig. 45] through 49, the constriction portion 68 may be an assembly of fasteners 505 (e.g., arms, links, extensions, etc.) with a nesting expansion slot 28 extending through one of the fasteners 505. A cable clamp 510 (e.g., a saddle-type cable clamp as shown) may be attached to the fasteners 505 to simultaneously clamp a cable to the backshell assembly and constrict the slot 28 to limit expansion of the nesting structure 26. Each of the fasteners 505 has an opening 520. The cable clamp 510 has two clamp bodies 512. Each clamp body 512 has a first flange area 512a, a semicircular region 512b, and a second flange area 512c. The first and second flange areas 512a, c define openings 515 for receiving fasteners.The fasteners may be inserted through the openings 515 of the flange areas and the openings 520 of the fasteners 505 to together restrict the fastener 505 and the expansion slot. 28. When the spigot expansion slot 28 is tightened, the spigot structure 26 of the second body 20 is moved to engage the ball 16 of the first body 10 at the retention arrangement 30. The fasteners are configured to secure another structure (e.g., a clamp) to the pivot assembly (e.g., the insulator shroud assembly) and / or to secure the pivot assembly to another structure.

[0108] [Fig. 50] and 51 illustrate an alternative embodiment where the protrusion receptacles 676 on a ball 616 may include circular receptacles (e.g., apertures, depressions) defined within flat circular surfaces on opposing faces of the ball 16. The flat circular surfaces 610 may be aligned coaxially with the pivot axis a3 and perpendicular to the first end axis a1. The receptacles 676 may be spaced along a circle concentric with the pivot axis a3. As non-limiting examples, the receptacles may be spherical, conical, or cylindrical. The protrusions 672 of a nesting structure 626 may be similarly spaced along a circle concentric with the pivot axis a3. The projections 672 may be projections shaped to match the shape of the projection receptacles 676.As non-limiting examples, the projections 672 may be spherical, conical or cylindrical and correspond to the respective shape of the projection receptacles 676.

[0109] In the embodiment of [Fig. 52] to 55, the throttling portion 68 may include pegs 705 extending radially outward from the outer circumference of the second passage defining portion 54. The pegs 705 may preferably be three projections; however, the number of projections may be more or less. As shown in [Fig. 50], the pegs 705 are located proximate the nesting structure 26 of the second housing. The throttling device 34 may be a locking strip 710 (illustrated in [Fig. 52]) with cutouts 715 formed to mate with the projections. In some cases, the pegs 705 may be square-shaped and the cutout 715 may be L-shaped. In other cases, the pegs 705 may have another polygonal shape or means for clamping the cutout 715.A first end 720 of the cutout allows the peg 705 to be slid into a first end of the strip 710. The strip 710 may be twisted such that the peg 705 is slid to a second end 725 (best illustrated in [Fig. 53]) of the L-shaped cutout 715, and the second end of the L-shaped cutout 715 may have a smaller bottom width than the square peg 705. When slid into the second end 725 of the cutout 715, the peg 705 fits into the second and the larger diameter of the peg 705 prevents the peg 705 from moving. When twisted and securely fixed in the longitudinal position. locked, the band 710 has a smaller inner circumferential area than the outer circumferential area of ​​the second passage defining portion 54, which constricts the nesting expansion slot 28. When the nesting expansion slot 28 is constricted, the nesting structure 26 of the second body 20 is moved to engage the ball 16 of the first body 10 at the retention arrangement 30. In some examples, the retention projections and corresponding retention receptacles, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, may function as detents.

[0110] [Fig. 56] through 59 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a pivoting backshell device 800. Referring to [Fig. 56], the backshell device 800 provides connection to a connector to relieve strain and control the bending of a cable connected to the connector. The exemplary backshell device 800 may include a pivoting backshell assembly 810 having a first end 812 and a second end 814. The first end 812 is configured to connect to the connector and the second end 814 is configured to receive the cable. The first end is defined by a backshell body 820 and the second end 814 is defined by a cable management structure 840.The insulator housing 820 and the cable management structure 840 are pivotally movable relative to each other about a pivot axis A3 between a plurality of different angular positions. In some cases, the insulator housing 820 may be a unitary body formed in one piece. In the present example, the cable management structure 840 is formed by distinct first and second fixing arms 842a, b, connected by a cable clamp 860. In other examples, the cable management structure 840 may be formed of a single unitary body. The first and second fixing arms 842a, b each comprise an opening 858 for fixing the cable clamp 860 by means of fasteners. The opening 858 may be positioned at the second end 814 of the pivoting insulator enclosure assembly 810.In some examples, the pivoting insulator shroud device does not include a removable pivot that articulates between the pivot arrangement of the first and second bodies.

[0111] The pivoting insulator shroud assembly 810 also includes an angular retention arrangement 870 allowing the pivoting insulator shroud assembly 810 to be placed at a selected one of the different angular positions. Although discussed separately, the pivoting insulator shroud assembly 810 includes angular retention arrangements 870 on opposite sides of the assembly 810 about the pivot axis A3. The angular retention arrangement 870 includes at least one projection 876 (illustrated in [Fig. 58]) and a plurality of receptacles 878 (illustrated in [Fig. 58]). The plurality of receptacles 878 being positioned about the pivot axis A3 (illustrated in [Fig. 56]) and the at least one protrusion 876 being received in different ones of the receptacles 878 to vary the angular position of the pivoting insulator shroud assembly 810. The angular retention arrangement 870 being resiliently movable in an orientation along the pivot axis between a first state in which the angular position of the pivoting insulator shroud 810 is adjustable and a second state in which the at least one protrusion 876 is received within a corresponding one of the receptacles 878 to lock the pivoting insulator shroud 810 in a selected one of the angular positions. The insulator housing body 820 and the cable management structure 840 include a corresponding pivot guide arrangement 830 (illustrated in [Fig.59]) for guiding the pivoting movement of the pivoting insulator housing assembly 810 about the pivot axis. The corresponding pivot guide arrangement may include a central pivot axis 832 (illustrated in [Fig. 59]) and a corresponding pivot opening 834 (illustrated in [Fig. 59]). The pivot guide arrangement 830 being integrally integrated with the insulator housing body 820 and the cable management structure 840.

[0112] The cable management structure 840 includes the first and second separate attachment arms 842a, b (illustrated in [Fig. 56] and 58) that pivotally couple to the insulator shell body 820. The angular retention arrangement 870 includes a first angular retention arrangement 870a (illustrated in [Fig. 56]) between the first attachment arm 842a and the insulator shell body 820 and a second angular retention arrangement 870b (illustrated in [Fig. 56]) between the second attachment arm 842b and the insulator shell body 820. The first and second angular retention arrangements 870a, b each include an insertion portion 872 (best illustrated in [Fig. 57]) that inserts within a receiver 874. The insertion portion 872 is defined by first and second extensions 872a, b (illustrated in [Fig.58]) which insert within the receiver 874.Each of the receiver 874 and the first or second extensions 872a, b may include deflection surfaces that facilitate insertion of the extensions into the receiver 874. The first extension 872a and the second extension 874b may be moved between the first and second states to allow rotation of the insulator backshell body 820 to different angular positions. For example, one of the first extensions 872a may be resiliently flexed toward the other of the first and second extensions 872a, b within the receiver 874 to move the corresponding arrangement of the first and second angular retention arrangements 870a, b from the second state to the first state.

[0113] In the exemplary embodiment, the first and second angular retention arrangements 870a, b each include a plurality of the protrusions 876 positioned about the pivot axis A3. The protrusions 876 are integrally integrated with one of the first or second extensions 872a, b of each of the first and second angular retention arrangements 870a, b. Preferably, the protrusions 876 are integral with the first extension 872a.

[0114] Referring to [Fig.58] and 59, each pivot guide arrangement 830 may include a central pivot 832. The central pivots 832 align with the pivot axis and are integrally integrated with one of the first and second extensions 872a, b, of each of the first and second angular retention arrangements 870a, b. The central pivots 832 may have corresponding pivot openings 834 for receiving the central pivots 832 are defined within the receiver 874 of each arm 842a, b for each of the first and second angular retention arrangements 870a, b.

[0115] The plurality of projections 876 may circumferentially surround the central pivot 832 about the pivot axis A3. The receptacles 878 are defined within the receivers 874 of each of the first and second angular retention arrangements. The receptacles 878 may circumferentially surround the central pivot openings 834 about the pivot axis A3. The receptacles 878 receive the projections 876 to retain the first extension in the second state. The central pivot opening 834 receives the central pivot 832 to guide rotation. Thus, a different angular position of the pivot insulator shell 810 is formed when the receptacles 878 receive a different projection 876. In the exemplary embodiment, the first extension 872 may be deflected to allow the first and second extensions 872a, b to be positioned within the receiver and placed in the second state.Thus, the center pivot 832 may engage the center pivot opening 834 of the first extension and the projection 876 may engage the receptacles 878 to place the cable management structure 840 in the second state. The first extension 872a may be deflected to adjust the angular position of the backshell body 820 relative to the cable management structure 840. When deflected, the first extension changes the angular position of the backshell body 820 by being pivoted to position the projection 876 within a different receptacle 878 at a different angular position.

[0116] [Fig. 60] through 65 illustrate another embodiment of the pivoting insulator shroud device 900. With reference to [Fig. 60], the exemplary insulator shroud device 900 may include a pivoting insulator shroud assembly 910 having a first end 912 and a second end 914. The first end 912 is configured to connect to the connector and the second end 914 is adapted to receive the cable. The first end 912 is defined by a backshell body 920 and the second end 914 is defined by a cable management structure 940. The backshell body 920 and the cable management structure 940 are pivotally movable about a pivot axis A3 relative to each other between a plurality of different angular positions. In some cases, the backshell body 920 may be a unitary body formed as a single piece. In the present example, the cable management structure 940 is formed by first and second separate attachment arms 942a, b connected by a cable clamp 860 (illustrated in [Fig. 56]). In other examples, the cable management structure 940 may be formed as a single unitary body. The first and second fixing arms 942a, b each have an opening 958 for fixing the cable clamp 860 by means of fasteners.The opening 958 may be positioned at the second end 914 of the pivoting insulator housing assembly 910.

[0117] The pivoting insulator shroud assembly 910 also includes an angular retention arrangement 970 allowing the pivoting insulator shroud assembly 910 to be placed at a selected one of the different angular positions. Although discussed separately, the pivoting insulator shroud assembly 910 includes angular retention arrangements 970 on opposite sides of the assembly about the pivot axis A3. The angular retention arrangement 970 includes at least one projection 976 (illustrated in [Fig. 62]) and a plurality of receptacles 978 (illustrated in [Fig. 62]). The plurality of receptacles 978 being positioned about the pivot axis A3 (illustrated in [Fig.60]) and the at least one projection 976 being received in different receptacles of the receptacles 978 to vary the angular position of the pivoting insulator shell assembly 910.The angular retention arrangement 970 being resiliently movable in an orientation along the pivot axis A3 between a first state (illustrated in [Fig. 63]) in which the angular position of the pivoting insulator housing assembly 910 is adjustable and a second state (illustrated in [Fig. 61]) in which the at least one projection 976 is received within a corresponding one of the receivers 974 (illustrated in [Fig. 61]) to lock the pivoting insulator housing assembly 910 in a selected one of the angular positions. The insulator housing body 920 and the cable management structure 940 include a corresponding pivot guide arrangement 930 for guiding the pivoting movement of the pivoting insulator housing assembly 910 about the pivot axis.The pivot guide arrangement 930 being integrally integrated with the insulator housing body 920 and the cable management structure 940.

[0118] In the present example, the cable management structure 940 includes the first and second separate attachment arms 942a, b (illustrated in [Fig. 61] and 63) that pivotally couple to the insulator shell body 920. The angular retention arrangement 970 includes a first angular retention arrangement 970a between the first attachment arm 942a and the insulator shell body 920 and a second angular retention arrangement 970b between the second attachment arm 942b and the insulator shell body 920. The first and second angular retention arrangements 970a, b each include an insertion portion 972 (best illustrated in [Fig. 61]) that inserts within a receiver 974 (illustrated in [Fig. 63]). Each of the receiver 974 and the first or second extensions 972a, b may include deflection surfaces that facilitate insertion of the insertion portion 972 into the receiver 974.The insertion portion 972 is defined by first and second extensions 972a (best illustrated in [Fig. 63]) that insert within the receiver 974. The first extension 972a and the second extension 972b may be moved between the first and second states to allow rotation of the insulator shell body 920 to different angular positions. For example, one of the first extensions 972a may be resiliently flexed toward the other of the first and second extensions 972a,b within the receiver 974 to move the corresponding arrangement of the first and second angular retention arrangements 970a,b from the second state to the first state.

[0119] In the present example, the projections 976 of each of the first and second angular retention arrangements 970a, b include a rib 977 (illustrated in [Fig. 62]) that extends radially outward from the pivot axis. The projections 976 are integrally integrated with one of the first and second extensions 972a, b of each of the first and second angular retention arrangements 970a, b. Preferably, the projections 976 are integral with the first extension 972a. In some examples, the rib 977 may have a rectangular cross-sectional profile (illustrated in [Fig. 62]) and in other examples, the rib 977 may have a rounded cross-sectional profile (illustrated in [Fig. 65]). The receptacles 978 are radial slots defined within the receiver 974 of each of the first and second angular retention arrangements 970a, b.The radial slots may have a cross-sectional profile that matches the cross-sectional profile of the rib 977. The pivot guide arrangement 930 includes central pivots 932 located at the ends of the ribs 977 and aligned with the pivot axis A3 and integrally integrated with one of the first and second extensions of each of the first and second angular retention arrangements. Further, corresponding pivot openings 934 for receiving the pivots. central 932 are defined within the receiver 974 of each of the first and second angular retention arrangements.

[0120] In some examples, the central pivot 932 located at one end of the rib 977 may prevent radial movement of the rib 977 when received by the central pivot opening 934. The corresponding pivot openings 934 that receive the central pivots 932 of the rib 977. The plurality of receptacles 978 define the radial slots that receive the rib 977. Thus, a length of the rib 977 received within the radial slots allows the first extension 972a of each angular retention arrangement 970 to be placed at a desired angular position and the central pivot 932 is received in the pivot openings 934. Further, in some examples, the first extension 972a may be resiliently flexed to move the rib 977 out of the receptacles 978 and the central pivot 932 out of the central pivot opening 934 in order to change the angular position of the pivoting insulator shell assembly 910.

[0121] [Fig. 66] to 69 illustrate another alternative embodiment of a pivoting backshell device 1000 of the present disclosure. The exemplary backshell device 1000 may include a pivoting backshell assembly 1010 having a first end 1012 and a second end 1014. The first end 1012 is configured to connect to the connector and the second end 1014 is configured to receive the cable. The first end 1012 is defined by a backshell body 1020 and the second end 1014 is defined by a cable management structure 1040. The backshell body 1020 and the cable management structure 1040 are pivotally movable about a pivot axis A3 relative to each other between a plurality of different angular positions. In some cases, the insulator shell body 1020 may be a unitary body formed from a single piece.In this example, the cable management structure 1040 is formed from a unitary body formed as a single piece. In other examples, the cable management structure 1040 may be one of first and second separate attachment arms, connected together by a cable clamp 860 (illustrated in [Fig. 56]). The cable management structure 1040 has apertures 1058 for securing the cable clamp 860 via fasteners. The apertures 1058 may be positioned at the second end 1014 of the pivoting insulator cover 1010.

[0122] The pivoting insulator shroud assembly 1010 also includes an angular retention arrangement 1070 allowing the pivoting insulator shroud assembly 1010 to be placed at a selected one of the different angular positions. Although discussed separately, the pivoting insulator shroud assembly 1010 includes angular retention arrangements 1070 on opposite sides ofthe assembly around the pivot axis. The angular retention arrangement 1070 includes at least one projection 1076 and a plurality of receptacles 1078. The plurality of receptacles 1078 are positioned about the pivot axis A3 and the at least one projection 1076 is received in different ones of the receptacles 1078 to vary the angular position of the pivoting insulator shell assembly 1010. The angular retention arrangement 1070 is resiliently movable in an orientation along the pivot axis A3 between a first state in which the angular position of the pivoting insulator shell 1010 is adjustable and a second state in which the at least one projection 1076 is received within a corresponding one of the receptacles 1078 to lock the pivoting insulator shell 1010 in a selected one of the angular positions.The insulator shroud body 1020 and the cable management structure 1040 include a corresponding pivot guide arrangement 1030 for guiding the pivoting movement of the pivoting insulator shroud assembly 1010 about the pivot axis. The pivot guide arrangement 1030 being integrally integrated with the insulator shell body 1020 and the cable management structure 1040. The pivot guide arrangement 1030 includes a disc 1032 aligned with the pivot axis A3 and integrally integrated with one of the insulator shell body 1020 or the cable management structure 1040. Each of the first and second attachment arms 1042a, b may define a disc 1032. The disc 1032 fits within a guide recess 1034 defined by the other of the insulator shell body 1020 or the cable management structure 1040. The receptacles 1078 are defined around the circumference of the disc 1032.For example, the insulator shell body 1020 includes the guide recess 1034 and the cable management structure 1040 includes the disc 1032.

[0123] The cable management structure 1040 includes first and second attachment arms 1042a, b (illustrated in [Fig. 67] and 68) that pivotally couple to the insulator shell body 1020. The angular retention arrangement 1070 includes a first angular retention arrangement between the first attachment arm 1042a and the insulator shell body 1020 and a second angular retention arrangement 1040b between the second attachment arm 1042b and the insulator shell body 1020.

[0124] The first and second angular retention arrangements each include an insertion portion 1072 (best illustrated in [Fig. 68]) that fits within a receiver 1074. Each receiver 1074 may be defined by the first and second attachment arms 1042a, b. In this example, the receiver 1074 is the disc 1032 that receives the first extension 1072a. The insertion portion 1072 may be defined by a first extension 1072a (best illustrated in [Fig. 68]) that fits within the receiver 1074. The first extension 1072a may define the guide recess 1034 which receives the disc 1032 of the respective first and second securing arms 1042a, b. The first extension 1072a may be moved between the first and second states to allow rotation of the insulator shell body 1020 into different angular positions. For example, the first extensions 1072a may be resiliently flexed away from the receiver 1074 to transition the corresponding arrangement of the first and second angular retention arrangements 1070a, b from the second state to the first state.

[0125] Each first extension 1072 may include the projections 1076, which may be a resilient cantilever arm 1077. The first extension may include a projection 1079 aligned with the resilient cantilever arm 1077 along a longitudinal axis of the insulator shell body 1020. The receptacles 1078 may be defined around the circumference of the disc 1032 of each of the first and second attachment arms 1042a, b. One of the receptacles 1078 may receive the resilient cantilever arm and another receptacle may receive the projection to position the insulator shell body 1020 in the desired angular position. The resilient cantilever arm may be resiliently flexed away from the receptacles 1078 of the disc 1032 to pivot the first extension and change the angular position of the insulator shroud body 1020 relative to the cable management structure 1040.

[0126] [Fig. 70] to 73 illustrate another alternative embodiment of the pivoting backshell device 1100 of the present disclosure. The exemplary backshell device 1100 may include a pivoting backshell assembly 1110 having a first end 1112 and a second end 1114. The first end 1112 is configured to connect to the connector and the second end 1114 is configured to receive the cable. The first end 1112 is defined by a backshell body 1120 and the second end 1114 is defined by a cable management structure 1140. The backshell body 1120 and the cable management structure 1140 are pivotally movable about a pivot axis A3 relative to each other between a plurality of different angular positions. In some cases, the insulator shell body 1120 may be a unitary body formed from a single piece.In this example, the cable management structure 1140 is formed by separate first and second attachment arms 1142a, b that are connected by a cable clamp 860 (illustrated in [Fig. 56]). In other examples, the cable management structure 1140 may be formed as a single unitary body. The first and second attachment arms 1142a, b each have an opening for securing the cable clamp 860 via fasteners. The opening 1158 may be positioned at the second end 1114 of the pivoting insulator housing assembly 1110.

[0127] The pivoting insulator shroud assembly 1110 also includes an angular retention arrangement allowing the pivoting insulator shroud assembly 1110 to be placed at a selected one of the different angular positions. Although discussed separately, the pivoting insulator shroud assembly 1110 includes angular retention arrangements on opposite sides of the assembly about the pivot axis. The angular retention arrangement includes at least one projection and a plurality of receptacles 1178. The plurality of receptacles 1178 are positioned about the pivot axis A3 and the at least one projection 1176 is received in different ones of the receptacles 1178 to vary the angular position of the pivoting insulator shroud assembly 1110.The angular retention arrangement 1170 being resiliently movable in an orientation along the pivot axis A3 between a first state in which the angular position of the pivotable insulator shroud 1110 is adjustable and a second state in which the at least one protrusion 1176 is received within a corresponding one of the receptacles 1178 to lock the pivotable insulator shroud 1110 in a selected one of the angular positions. In some cases, the receptacles 1178 may be a first and second set of receptacles 1184, 1186. The insulator shroud body 1120 and the cable management structure 1140 include a corresponding pivot guide arrangement 1130 for guiding pivotal movement of the pivotable insulator shroud assembly 1110 about the pivot axis.The pivot guide arrangement 1130 being integrally integrated with the insulator housing body 1120 and the cable management structure 1140.

[0128] In the present example, the cable management structure 1140 includes the first and second separate attachment arms 1142a, b that pivotally couple to the insulator shell body 1120. The angular retention arrangement includes a first angular retention arrangement 1140a between the first attachment arm 1142a and the insulator shell body 1120 and a second angular retention arrangement 1140b between the second attachment arm 1142b and the insulator shell body 1120. The first and second angular retention arrangements 1140a, b each include an insertion portion 1172 that inserts within a receiver 1174. The insertion portion 1172 may also define a guide recess on a first side. The insertion portion 1172 may define a first extension 1172a that inserts within the receiver 1174.The projections 1176 of each of the first and second retention arrangements 1170 include a flexible cantilever 1177 integrally integrated with each insertion portion 1172, and the receptacles 1178 include radial slots defined within the receiver 1174. The flexible cantilever 1177 integrally integrated with each insertion point may be a . tab. The insertion portion 1172 may also include a projection 1179 on a side opposite the first side and the flexible cantilever 1177. Each receiver 1174 may include a first receiver wall 1180 and a second receiver wall 1182. The first receiver walls 1180 include teeth 1183 that define a first set of receptacles 1184 that can receive the flexible cantilever 1177. The teeth 1183 may be spaced about an interior side of each of the first receiver walls 1180. The second receiver wall 1182 defines a second set of receptacles 1186. The second set of receptacles 1186 are the radial slots that receive the projection 1179. The pivot arrangement 1130 includes the flexible cantilever 1177 and a receptacle central 1188. The flexible cantilever may further comprise an edge 1187 (illustrated in [Fig.72] and 73) receivable within a central receptacle 1188 (illustrated in [Fig.73]) on the first receiver wall 1180. The central receptacle 1188 may be circumferentially surrounded by the first set of receptacles 1184. The flexible cantilever may be inserted within the receiver 1174 within one of the first set of receptacles 1178 and the protrusion 1179 is received within one of the radial slots on the second receiver wall to place the assembly within the second state. The assembly may be moved to the unlocked state by deflecting the flexible cantilever and ridge 1187 out of respective receptacles 1184 and 1188. Thus, the first extension 1172a may be pivoted to adjust the angular position of the insulator shroud body 1120 by inserting the flexible cantilever 1177 and protrusion 1179 within a different respective receptacle and radial slot.

[0129] [Fig. 74] through 77 illustrate another alternative embodiment of the pivoting insulator shroud device 1200. The pivoting insulator shroud device provides a connection to a connector for relieving strain and controlling the bending of a cable connected to the connector. The insulator shroud device includes a pivoting insulator shroud assembly 1210 having a first end 1212 and a second end 1214. The first end 1212 is configured to connect to the connector and the second end 1214 is configured to receive the cable. The first end 1212 being defined by a backshell body 1220 and the second end 1214 being defined by a cable management structure 1240. The backshell body 1220 and the cable management structure 1240 being pivotally movable about a pivot axis A3 (best illustrated in [Fig.75]) relative to each other between a plurality of different angular positions. In some cases, the insulator shell body 1220 may be a unitary body formed as a single piece. In the present example, the cable management structure 1240 is formed by separate first and second attachment arms 1242a, b that are connected by a cable clamp 860 (illustrated in . [Fig. 56]). In other examples, the cable management structure 1240 may be formed from a single unitary body. The first and second attachment arms 1242a, b each have an opening for securing the cable clamp 860 via fasteners. The opening may be positioned at the second end 1214 of the pivoting insulator housing assembly 1210.

[0130] The pivoting insulator shroud assembly 1210 includes an angular retention arrangement allowing the pivoting insulator shroud assembly 1210 to be placed at a selected one of the different angular positions. The angular retention arrangement includes a first set of openings 1272 (illustrated in [Fig. 77]) defined by the insulator shroud body 1220 about the pivot axis A3 and a second set of openings (illustrated in [Fig. 77]) defined by the cable management structure 1240 about the pivot axis A3 (illustrated in [Fig. 74]). The openings of the first and second sets of openings 1272, 1274 align with each other when the pivoting insulator shroud assembly 1210 is in the different angular positions. In some examples, the insulator shroud body 1220 may align with an interior side of the assembly relative to the cable management structure 1240.In other examples, the insulator shroud body 1220 may align with an outer side of the assembly relative to the cable management structure 1240.

[0131] The insulator shroud device may also include a locking hub 1290. The locking hub includes a plurality of pins 1292 that extend through the aligned sets of first and second apertures 1272, 1274 to lock the pivoting insulator shroud assembly 1210 in a selected angular position. The locking hub 1290 may be held within the apertures by a snap-fit ​​connection. Further, the plurality of pins 1292 may include hooked regions 1294 that hold the locking hub against one of the backshell body 1220 or the cable management structure 1240. The locking hub 1290 may be removed from the snap-in configuration by deflecting the hooked region 1294 to allow removal of the pins 1292 from the aligned first and second openings 1272, 1274.

[0132] When the locking hub 1290 is removed from the aligned sets of first and second openings 1272, 1274, the backshell body 1220 may be rotated to align the first set of openings 1272 with respective different openings of the second set of openings 1274. The locking hub 1290 may be inserted through the new alignment of the first set of openings 1272 and the second set of openings 1294 to secure the backshell assembly 1210 in a different angular position.

[0133] One aspect of the invention is to provide an assembly that can be designed in multiple positions to allow for guiding wires to a coupler at different angles such as a straight position, a right angle position, or a plurality of intermediate angle positions. By providing a design allowing for multiple angular positions for guiding wires, the assembly allows for simplifying the assembly process.

[0134] One aspect of the invention is to reduce the risk of foreign object debris (FOB) when repositioning the angle. The assembly does not need to be separated to change its angular position, which reduces the risk of accidentally leaving parts behind when reconfiguring the angle of the assembly, as well as the risk of damaging the threads.

[0135] Another aspect of the disclosure is to simplify the steps in the manufacturing process by using additive manufacturing. By using additive manufacturing, the number of steps in manufacturing the product can be reduced. The product can be manufactured as a single part. The single part can then be divided into individual parts to complete the manufacture of the device and allow mobility between the parts. In addition, the possibility of incorrect assembly can be reduced by additively manufacturing the assembly as a single part, with the parts then being divided to allow mobility between the parts without the need to disassemble them to change the angular position.

[0136] The various examples described above are provided for illustration purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize the various modifications and changes that may be made without following the examples and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0137] ASPECTS OF THE PRESENT DESCRIPTION

[0138] Aspect 1. An insulator jacket device for connection to a connector for relieving strain and controlling bending of a cable connected to the connector, the insulator jacket device comprising:

[0139] a pivoting insulator housing assembly having a first end and a second end, the first end being adapted to be connected to the connector and the second end being adapted to receive the cable, the first end being defined by an insulator housing body and the second end being defined by a cable management structure, the insulator housing body and the cable management structure being pivotally movable about a pivot axis relative to each other between a plurality of different angular positions; and

[0140] the pivoting insulator shroud assembly comprising an angular retention arrangement allowing the pivoting insulator shroud assembly to be placed at a selected one of the different angular positions, the angular retention arrangement comprising at least one projection and a plurality of receptacles, the plurality of receptacles being positioned about the pivot axis, the at least one projection being received in different ones of the receptacles to vary the angular position of the pivoting insulator shroud assembly,the angular retention arrangement being resiliently movable in an orientation along the pivot axis between a first state in which the angular position of the pivotable insulator shroud is adjustable and a second state in which the at least one projection is received within a corresponding one of the receptacles to lock the pivotable insulator shroud assembly in a selected one of the angular positions, and wherein the insulator shroud body and the cable management structure comprise a matching pivot guide arrangement for guiding pivotal movement of the pivotable insulator shroud assembly about the pivot axis, the pivot guide arrangement being integrally integrated with the insulator shroud body and the cable management structure.

[0141] Aspect 2. The insulator shroud device according to aspect 1, wherein the angular retention arrangement is resiliently biased toward the second state by a construction of the insulator shroud body and / or a construction of the cable management structure.

[0142] Aspect 3. The insulator shroud device according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the angular retention arrangement is resiliently biased towards the first state by a construction of the insulator shroud body and / or a construction of the cable management structure, and wherein a retainer is used to retain the angular retention arrangement in the second state.

[0143] Aspect 4. The insulator shroud device according to aspects 1 to 3, wherein the cable management structure comprises a socket, wherein the insulator shroud body comprises a ball which fits within the socket, and wherein the angular retention arrangement is defined between the ball and the socket.

[0144] Aspect 5. The insulator housing device according to aspects 1 to 4, wherein the pivot guide arrangement comprises an annular ring which fits into an annular recess, wherein the annular ring is defined by one of the ball or the socket and the annular recess is defined by the other of the ball and the socket, and wherein the annular retention is integrated with the annular ring and the annular recess.

[0145] Aspect 6. The insulator jacket device according to aspects 1 to 5, wherein the cable management structure comprises a sleeve.

[0146] Aspect 7. The insulator wrap device according to aspects 1 to 6, wherein the cable management structure comprises a cable clamp support.

[0147] Aspect 8. The insulator jacket device according to aspects 1 to 7, wherein the cable clamp support comprises first and second fixing arms integrated into a single piece.

[0148] Aspect 9. The insulator shroud device according to aspects 1 to 8, wherein the cable management structure comprises first and second distinct attachment arms that pivotally couple to the insulator shroud body, wherein the angular retention arrangement comprises a first angular retention arrangement between the first attachment arm and the insulator shroud body, and a second angular retention arrangement between the second attachment arm and the insulator shroud body, wherein the first and second angular retention arrangements each comprise an insertion portion that fits within a receiver, wherein the insertion portion is defined by first and second extensions that fit within the receiver,and wherein one of the first extensions is resiliently flexed toward the other of the first and second extensions within the receiver to move the corresponding arrangement of the first and second angular retention arrangements from the second state to the first state.

[0149] Aspect 10. The insulator shroud device according to aspects 1 to 9, wherein the first and second angular retention arrangements each include a plurality of the projections positioned about the pivot axis, wherein the projections are integrally integrated with one of the first and second extensions of each of the first and second angular retention arrangements, and wherein the receptacles are defined within the receivers of each of the first and second angular retention arrangements.

[0150] Aspect 11. The insulator enclosure device according to aspects 1 to 10, wherein the pivot guide arrangement comprises central pivots aligned with the pivot axis and integrally integrated with one of the first and second extensions of each of the first and second angular retention arrangements, and wherein corresponding pivot openings for receiving the central pivots are defined within the receivers of each of the first and second angular retention arrangements.

[0151] Aspect 12. The insulator shell device according to aspects 1 to 11, wherein the projection of each of the first and second angular retention arrangements comprises a rib which extends radially outwardly from the pivot axis, wherein the projections are integrally integrated with one of the first and second extensions of each of the first and second angular retention arrangements, and wherein the receptacles are radial slots defined within the receivers of each of the first and second angular retention arrangements.

[0152] Aspect 13. The insulator enclosure device according to aspects 1 to 12, wherein the pivot guide arrangement comprises central pivots located at the ends of the ribs and aligned with the pivot axis and integrally integrated with one of the first and second extensions of each of the first and second angular retention arrangements, and wherein corresponding pivot openings for receiving the central pivots are defined within the receivers of each of the first and second angular retention arrangements.

[0153] Aspect 14. The insulator shell device according to aspects 1 to 13, wherein the ribs have a rectangular cross-sectional profile.

[0154] Aspect 15. The insulator shell device according to aspects 1 to 14, wherein the ribs have a rounded cross-sectional profile.

[0155] Aspect 16. The insulator jacket device according to aspects 1 to 15, wherein the cable management structure comprises first and second fixing arms integrated as a single piece, and wherein the projection comprises a resilient cantilever arm.

[0156] Aspect 17. The insulator shell according to aspects 1 to 16, wherein the pivot guide arrangement comprises a disc aligned with the pivot axis and integrally integrated with one of the insulator shell body or the cable management structure, wherein the disc fits within a guide recess defined by the other of the insulator shell body or the cable management structure, and wherein the receptacles are defined around a circumference of the disc.

[0157] Aspect 18. The insulator shroud device according to aspects 1-17, wherein the cable management structure comprises first and second separate attachment arms that pivotally couple to the insulator shroud body, wherein the angular retention arrangement comprises a first angular retention arrangement between the first attachment arm and the insulator shroud body and a second angular retention arrangement between the second attachment arm and the insulator shroud body, wherein the first and second angular retention arrangements each comprise an insertion portion that fits within a receiver, wherein the projection of each of the first and second retention arrangements comprises a flexible cantilever integrally integrated with each insertion portion, and wherein the receptacles comprise radial slots defined within the receivers.

[0158] Aspect 19. An insulator backshell device for connection to a connector to relieve strain and control bending of a cable connected to the connector, the insulator backshell device comprising:

[0159] a pivoting insulator housing assembly having a first end and a second end, the first end being adapted to be connected to the connector and the second end being adapted to receive the cable, the first end being defined by an insulator housing body and the second end being defined by a cable management structure, the insulator housing body and the cable management structure being pivotally movable about a pivot axis relative to each other between a plurality of different angular positions; and

[0160] The pivoting insulator enclosure assembly having an angular retention arrangement allowing the pivoting insulator enclosure assembly to be placed at a selected angular position out of the different angular positions, the angular retention arrangement comprising a first set of openings defined by the insulator enclosure body around the pivot axis and a second set of openings defined by the cable management structure around the pivot axis, the openings of the first and second sets of openings being aligned with each other when the pivoting insulator enclosure assembly is in the different angular positions; and

[0161] a locking hub having a plurality of pins that extend through the aligned sets of first and second apertures to lock the pivoting insulator housing assembly in a selected angular position, the locking hub being held within the apertures by a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0162] Aspect 20. A device for receiving one or more cable structures, the device comprising:

[0163] an assembly having a first end and a second end, the assembly defining a passage extending through the assembly from the first end to the second end for receiving the one or more cable structures, the first end defining a first end axis and the second end defining a second end axis, the assembly being pivotally adjustable about a pivot axis to adjust a defined angle between the first end axis and the second end axis;

[0164] the assembly comprising a first body defining the first end of the assembly, the first body comprising a ball through which the passage extends, the first body also comprising a first passage defining portion which extends along the first end axis from the ball to the first end of the assembly;

[0165] the assembly comprising a second body defining the second end of the assembly, the second body comprising a nesting structure that mounts to the ball of the first body, the second body also comprising a second passage defining portion that extends along the second end axis from the nesting structure to the second end of the assembly, the nesting structure and the ball defining a pivot interface when the nesting structure is mounted on the ball, the pivot interface being adapted to allow relative pivoting movement between the first and second bodies about the pivot axis to allow adjustment of the angle defined between the first and second axes of the assembly, the second body defining a nesting expansion slot that extends through a portion of the second passage defining portion of the second body,the nesting expansion slot being designed to allow expansion of the nesting structure; ,

[0166] the assembly comprising an angular retention arrangement defined between the ball and the nesting structure for placing the assembly in a plurality of different angular positions, wherein the angle defined between the first and second axes of the assembly is different at each angular position of the assembly; and

[0167] a locking mechanism for placing the assembly in a locked state in which expansion of the nesting structure is limited such that the assembly is locked in a selected one of the angular positions, and wherein, when the assembly is not in the locked state, the angular position of the assembly can be adjusted about the pivot axis.

[0168] Aspect 21. The device of claim 1, wherein the angular positions of the assembly include an in-line position and a right-angle position.

[0169] Aspect 22. The device according to aspect 21, wherein the angular positions comprise a plurality of intermediate angular positions between the in-line position and the right-angle position.

[0170] Aspect 23. The device according to aspects 20 to 22, wherein the angular retention arrangement surrounds the pivot axis.

[0171] Aspect 24. The device according to aspects 20 to 23, wherein the nesting expansion slot extends into the nesting structure.

[0172] Aspect 25. The device according to aspects 20 to 24, wherein the nesting expansion slot has an end which opens into an angular adjustment slot defined by the nesting structure, wherein the first body projects through the angular adjustment slot.

[0173] Aspect 26. The device according to aspects 20 to 25, wherein the angular adjustment slot has a length that extends circumferentially about the pivot axis, and wherein the ends of the angular adjustment slot define a permitted range of pivotal movement between the first and second bodies.

[0174] Aspect 27. The device according to aspects 20 to 26, wherein the nesting expansion slot comprises first and second nesting expansion slots positioned on diametrically opposite sides of the second passage defining portion, the first and second nesting expansion slots being aligned along a reference plane oriented perpendicular to the pivot axis.

[0175] Aspect 28. The device according to aspects 20 to 27, wherein the angular retention arrangement comprises a plurality of angular retention projections carried by one of the ball or the nesting structure, and a plurality of angular retention receptacles carried by the other of the ball or the nesting structure, wherein the angular retention projections are adapted to be received within the angular retention receptacles, and wherein the angular retention projections and the angular retention receptacles are spaced about the pivot axis.

[0176] Aspect 29. The device according to aspects 20 to 28, wherein one of the ball or the nesting structure defines a ring, and the other of the ball and the nesting structure defines an annular groove which receives the ring, the ring and the annular groove being coaxial with the pivot axis.

[0177] Aspect 30. The device according to aspects 20 to 29, wherein the angular retention projections are defined by inserts installed within openings defined by the nesting structure.

[0178] Aspect 31. The device according to aspects 20 to 30, wherein the ball has toothed sections which insert into the apertures and engage the angular retention projections, and the inserts have snaps which engage the toothed sections when in the locked state.

[0179] Aspect 32. The device according to aspects 20 to 31, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a locking strip and at least one helical cutout positioned circumferentially around the second passage defining portion.

[0180] Aspect 33. The device according to aspects 20 to 32, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a locking strap which tightens around the second passage defining portion.

[0181] Aspect 34. The device according to aspects 20 to 33, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a locking strip with an L-shaped cutout and at least one peg positioned on the second passage defining portion, wherein the peg is inserted into one end of the L-shaped cutout.

[0182] Aspect 35. The device according to aspects 20 to 34, wherein the nesting expansion slot extends through a cable securing flange provided at the second end of the assembly, and wherein the locking mechanism comprises a fastener adapted to engage the securing flange.

[0183] Aspect 36. The device according to aspects 20 to 35, wherein the pivot interface is adapted to allow adjustment of the angle between the first end axis and the second end axis is at least 225 degrees.

[0184] Aspect 37. The device according to aspects 20 to 36, wherein the pivot interface is adapted to allow adjustment of the angle between the first end axis and the second end axis is at least 315 degrees.

[0185] Aspect 38. The device according to aspects 20 to 37, wherein the angular retention arrangement comprises protrusion receptacles positioned in the annular groove and retention protrusions positioned on the ring.

Claims

1. Claims A backshell device for connection to a connector to relieve strain and control bending of a cable connected to the connector, the backshell device comprising: a pivotable backshell assembly having a first end and a second end, the first end being adapted to be connected to the connector and the second end being adapted to receive the cable, the first end being defined by a backshell body and the second end being defined by a cable management structure, wherein the backshell body and the cable management structure are pivotally movable about a pivot axis relative to each other between a plurality of different angular positions; and the pivoting insulator shroud assembly comprising an angular retention arrangement allowing the pivoting insulator shroud assembly to be placed at a selected one of the different angular positions, the angular retention arrangement comprising at least one projection and a plurality of receptacles, the plurality of receptacles being positioned about the pivot axis, the at least one projection being received in different ones of the receptacles to vary the angular position of the pivoting insulator shroud assembly,the angular retention arrangement being resiliently movable in an orientation along the pivot axis between a first state in which the angular position of the pivotable insulator shell is adjustable and a second state in which the at least one projection is received within a corresponding one of the receptacles to lock the pivotable insulator shell assembly in a selected one of the angular positions, and wherein the insulator shell body and the cable management structure comprise a corresponding pivot guide arrangement for guiding pivotal movement of the pivotable insulator shell assembly about the pivot axis, the pivot guide arrangement being integrally integrated with the insulator shell body and the cable management structure.,

2. The insulator shroud device of claim 1, wherein the angular retention arrangement is resiliently biased toward the second state by a construction of the insulator shroud body and / or a construction of the cable management structure.

3. The insulator backshell device of claim 1, wherein the angular retention arrangement is resiliently biased toward the first state by a construction of the insulator backshell body and / or a construction of the cable management structure, and wherein a retainer is used to retain the angular retention arrangement in the second state.

4. The insulator backshell device of claim 1, wherein the cable management structure comprises a socket, wherein the insulator backshell body comprises a ball that fits within the socket, and wherein the angular retention arrangement is defined between the ball and the socket.

5. An insulator housing device according to claim 4, wherein the pivot guide arrangement comprises an annular ring which fits into an annular recess, wherein the annular ring is defined by one of the ball or the socket and the annular recess is defined by the other of the ball and the socket, and wherein the annular retention arrangement is integral with the annular ring and the annular recess.

6. The insulator jacket device of claim 1, wherein the cable management structure comprises a sleeve.

7. The insulator jacket device of claim 1, wherein the cable management structure comprises a cable clamp support.

8. The insulator jacket device of claim 7, wherein the cable clamp bracket includes first and second integrally formed securing arms.

9. The insulator backshell device of claim 8, wherein the cable management structure comprises separate first and second securing arms that pivotally couple to the insulator backshell body, wherein the angular retention arrangement comprises a first angular retention arrangement between the first securing arm and the insulator backshell body, and a second angular retention arrangement between the second securing arm and the insulator backshell body, in wherein the first and second angular retention arrangements each include an insertion portion that inserts within a receiver, wherein the insertion portion is defined by first and second extensions that insert within the receiver, and wherein one of the first extensions is resiliently flexed toward the other of the first and second extensions within the receiver to move the corresponding one of the first and second angular retention arrangements from the second state to the first state.

10. The insulator shroud device of claim 9, wherein the first and second angular retention arrangements each include a plurality of the projections positioned about the pivot axis, wherein the projections are integrally integrated with one of the first and second extensions of each of the first and second angular retention arrangements, and wherein the receptacles are defined within the receivers of each of the first and second angular retention arrangements.

11. The insulator housing device of claim 10, wherein the pivot guide arrangement includes central pivots aligned with the pivot axis and integrally formed with one of the first and second extensions of each of the first and second angular retention arrangements, and wherein corresponding pivot openings for receiving the central pivots are defined within the receivers of each of the first and second angular retention arrangements.

12. Insulator envelope device according to claim 9, wherein the projection of each of the first and second angular retention arrangements has a rib that extends radially outward from the pivot axis, wherein the projections are integrally formed with one of the first and second extensions of each of the first and second angular retention arrangements, and wherein the receptacles are radial slots defined within the receivers of each of the first and second angular retention arrangements.

13. Insulator envelope device according to claim 12, wherein the pivot guidance arrangement has central pivots located at the ends of the ribs and aligned with the pivot axis and integrally formed with one of the first and second extensions of each of the first and second angular retention arrangements, and wherein corresponding pivot openings for receiving the central pivots are defined within the receivers of each of the first and second angular retention arrangements.

14. An insulator jacket device according to claim 12, wherein the ribs have a rectangular cross-sectional profile.

15. An insulator jacket device according to claim 12, wherein the ribs have a rounded cross-sectional profile.

16. The insulator cover device of claim 1, wherein the cable management structure comprises first and second integrally integrated securing arms, and wherein the projection comprises a resilient cantilever arm.

17. The insulator shroud device of claim 16, wherein the pivot guide arrangement comprises a disc aligned with the pivot axis and integrally integrated with one of the insulator shroud body or the cable management structure, wherein the disc fits within a guide recess defined by the other of the insulator shroud body or the cable management structure, and wherein the receptacles are defined around a circumference of the disc.

18. The insulator backshell device of claim 1, wherein the cable management structure comprises first and second separate attachment arms that pivotally couple to the insulator backshell body, wherein the angular retention arrangement comprises a first angular retention arrangement between the first attachment arm and the insulator backshell body and a second angular retention arrangement between the second attachment arm and the insulator backshell body, wherein the first and second angular retention arrangements each comprise an insertion portion that fits within a receiver, wherein the projection of each of the first and second retention arrangements comprises a flexible cantilever integrally integrated with each insertion portion, and wherein the receptacles comprise radial slots defined within the receivers.

19. An insulator jacket device for connection to a connector for relieving strain and controlling bending of a cable connected to the connector, the insulator jacket device comprising: a pivotable backshell assembly having a first end and a second end, the first end being adapted to be connected to the connector and the second end being adapted to receive the cable, the first end being defined by a backshell body and the second end being defined by a cable management structure, wherein the backshell body and the cable management structure are pivotally movable about a pivot axis relative to each other between a plurality of different angular positions; and the pivoting insulator housing assembly comprising an angular retention arrangement allowing the pivoting insulator housing assembly to be positioned at a selected one of the different angular positions, the angular retention arrangement comprising a first set of openings defined by the insulator housing body about the pivot axis and a second set of openings defined by the cable management structure about the pivot axis, the openings of the first and second sets of openings aligning with each other when the pivoting insulator housing assembly is in the different angular positions; and a locking hub having a plurality of pins that extend through the aligned sets of first and second apertures to lock the pivoting insulator housing assembly in a selected angular position, the locking hub being held within the apertures by a snap-fit ​​connection.

Images