MXPA96005813A - Molded article that has a member or comprehensive members and method of - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a molded plastic article comprising a body member having receiving means comprising a hole formed within the body member, the hole having a longitudinal axis, and being dimensioned and configured to receive and retain in the same a mountable member having at least a portion thereof dimensioned and configured to be received within the bore, the mountable member having first coupling means formed therein, the first coupling means being dimensioned and configured to be engaged for seconds coupling means, whereby the mountable member is retained on the body member, at least one movable member having second coupling means formed therein, the movable means being integrally molded with the body member and connected thereto. by fragile band means, which retain the displaceable member in a first position, in which a displaceable member is aligned with but displaced from a locked position wherein the second engaging means of the displaceable member engage the first coupling means of the mountable member, the movable member being displaceable in a transverse direction to the axis longitudinal of the hole from its first position towards its locked position by applying force to the displaceable member to tear the fragile band means and move the movable member in such a direction to force the first and second coupling means into interlocking engagement between ell

Description

MOLDED ARTICLE THAT HAS A MEMBER OR INTEGRAL DISPLACABLE MEMBERS AND METHOD OF USE DESCRIPTION The present invention relates to parts of molded plastic having one or more displaceable members integrally molded therewith and which are movable by tearing a fragile band or bands which connect the movable member to the main body member. More particularly, the present invention is refers to a molded plastic connector block of the type used to connect and initiate the detonation of signal transmission lines, the connector block including an integrally molded displaceable member. The connecting blocks for flying systems Initiation is well known in the art, as illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 5,171,935 to R.J.

A "~ Michna et al., Issued December 15, 1992. This patent discloses a connector block having a channel formed therein to receive a low energy detonator. and an arcuate slot within which one or more signal transmission lines are held in juxtaposition of signal with the detonator. The European patent application 0 500 512 A2 of V.

Lindqvist et al., Describes a connector block for lines of signal transmission, which is of a cylindrical configuration and, as described in column 11, lines 16-20 and illustrated in Figure 6-A, provides a detonator compartment having a head portion 69 formed with a hole 70 therein for the insertion of a locking part, not shown in the drawing, which serves to prevent axial removal of the detonator. Connector devices, which include pins or other members that are integrally molded to the main body of the connector are shown in the prior art. For example, U.S. Patent No. 3,349,706 to E.J. Schaumann, issued October 31, 1967, shows a connector for placing a detonating wick and a delay device in operation in relation to each other, so that a detonation stimulus can be propagated from one to the other. The structure illustrated in the drawings of this patent shows a body of thermoplastic material having a central tubular portion 1 and includes tapered pins 4 integrally connected by a thin flexible band 5 to the main body, as described in column 2, line 38 and subsequent The thin connecting bands 5 retain the pins with the body, but are flexible enough to allow the pin to be rotated and inserted into an opening provided for the purpose. A similar construction is shown in U.S. Patent No. 4,424,747 of M.E. Yunan issued on January 10, 1984. As described in column 6, line 26 and subsequent, pins 22 and 23 are integrally connected to sections IB and IC of connector 1, by thin flexible plastic bands 24 and 25, respectively. U.S. Patent No. 4,248,152 of M.E. Yunan, issued on February 3, 1981, discloses an explosive charge capable of being connected to the donor and of receiving detonation cords, which include grooved half-knives 21 that appear to have an integrally molded hinge to allow the working means 21 to be rotated to form an enclosure with slot 17 to lock a main line in place. See Figure 2 and column 5, lines 60-62. According to the present invention, there is provided a molded plastic article comprising a body member having receiving means, which are dimensioned and configured to receive and retain therein a mountable member "having first coupling means formed about it. The body member includes at least one movable member having second coupling means formed thereon, the movable member being integrally molded with the body member and connected thereto by fragile band means. The band means retain the movable member in a first position, in which the displaceable member is aligned with, but displaced from a locked position. When the movable member is in its locked position, the second engaging means of the movable member couples the first coupling members of the mountable member. The movable member is movable from its first position to its locked position by applying force to the movable member to tear off the fragile band means and to move the movable member to force the first and second coupling members into an interlocking engagement therebetween. One aspect of the invention provides a combination of the molded plastic article with a mountable member received within the receiving means and wherein the fragile band means have been torn and the movable member is in its locked position. In another aspect of the present invention, the body member further comprises a passage formed therein for movement through the displaceable member from its first position towards its locked position. Another aspect of the present invention provides "that the receiving means of the body member comprises a bore formed within the body member and the mountable member comprises a cylindrical portion sized and configured to be received within the bore.

In a particular aspect of the present invention, the body member comprises a handle member, such as tool handles, and the mountable member comprises an arrow, such as the arrow of a tool, on which the handle member is mounted. . In another particular aspect of the present invention, the mountable member comprises a detonator and the first coupling means comprises a fold formed in the detonator. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the molded plastic article described above comprises a molded plastic connector block for retaining one or more signal transmission lines in a signal transfer relationship with a detonator. The connector block comprises the following components. A body member having a signal transmission end and a channel formed in the body member for receiving and retaining therein a detonator having an outlet end, the outlet end of the detonator disposed at the transmission end of the detonator. body member sign. Line retention means are disposed at the signal transmission end of the body member to retain therein at least one signal transmission line in a signal communication relationship with the output end of a detonator retained within the reception channel. A displaceable locking member is integrally molded with the body member and is connected to the same mid-brittle band means, which retains the movable locking member in a first position in which the locking member is aligned with, but displaced from, the locking member. , a locked position in which the locking member secures the detonator within the channel. The locking member is movable from its first position to its locked position by applying force to the locking member to tear the fragile band means and move the movable member to force the locking member into its locked position. Still, in another aspect of the present invention, the presence of a displaceable member as described above is independent. In this aspect, the line retaining means comprises a grip member separated from the line transmission end of the body member to form a slot between the grip member and the signal transmission end of the body member, the slot having an opening therein and being otherwise sized and configured to receive and retain therein a plurality of transmission lines in a signal communication relationship with the detonator disposed in the channel. The gripping member has a supported end extending from the body member and a distal end, which ends in a return curve end, which overlaps at least a portion of the length of the body member from its end. of signal transmission and is disposed on the side of the body member opposite the side from which the support end extends. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for mounting a mountable member having first coupling means thereon and a molded plastic body member, which comprises receiving means, which are dimensioned and configured to receive and retain the mountable member therein. The method comprises providing a molded plastic article comprising the body member and at least one movable member having second coupling means formed thereon. The movable member is integrally formed with the body member and connected thereto by fragile band means, which retain the movable member in a first position wherein the movable member is aligned with, but displaced from, a locked position in which the second coupling means of the displaceable member engage the first coupling means of the mountable member. The method also comprises tearing off the fragile band means and moving the displacement member along a path of travel to contact the mountable member in order to force the first and second coupling means into a lock engagement between they. According to a further aspect of the present invention, a connector block is provided to retain one or more signal transmission lines in a signal relationship with a detonator. The connector block comprises the following components. A body member having a signal transmitting end and a channel formed in the body member for receiving a detonator having an output end. Means are provided on the body member for retaining such a detonator within the channel with the outlet end of the detonator disposed at the transmission end of the body member. An elastic cantilever member comprises a rod which has a fixed end extending from one side of the body member to a support location on the body member which is remote from its signal transmitting end. The rod has an opposite end, which bears a grip member separate from the signal transmitting end of the body member to form a slot between the grip member and the signal transmitting end of the body member. The slot thus formed is dimensioned and configured to receive and retain therein a plurality of signal transmission lines in a signal communication relationship with a detonator disposed in the channel, as mentioned above. According to another aspect of the present invention, the gripping member has a supported end extending from the rod and a distal end, which ends at a return curve end, which extends along at least one portion of the length of the body member from its signal transmitting end. The return curve extremity is disposed on the side of the body member opposite the side from which the rod extends. In a further aspect of the present invention, the rod is separated from the body member and extends generally parallel thereto to define a groove extending between the stem and the body member. Other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector block according to an embodiment of the present invention, "having a movable member integrally molded therewith in its first position and showing a detonator aligned with the connector block in preparation for insert in it; Figure IA is an elongated top plan view in relation to Figure 1 of the line retention end of the connector block of Figure 1; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the connector block and the aligned detonator of Figure 1, taken at a different angle and showing the opposite side of the connector block; Figure 3 is a top view of the connector block and aligned detonator of Figures 1 and 2; Figure 3A-1 is an enlarged sectional view in relation to Figure 3 taken along line A-A of Figure 3, and showing the member movable in its first position; Figure 3A-2 is a view corresponding to Figure 3A-1, but showing the member movable in its locked position; Figure 3B is a partial sectional view taken along line B-B of Figure 3; Figure 3C is a view corresponding to that of Figure 3, but showing the detonator inserted within the connector block and retained therein with the displaceable member in its locked position, and a plurality of retained output signal transmission tubes by the connector block; Figure 3D is a side view of the connector block of Figure 3C; Figure 3E is an exploded perspective view of the displaceable member of the connector block of Figures 1-3; Figure 4 is a side view of the connector block of Figures 1-3; Figure 4A is an end view of the connector block of Figures 1-3; Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view, enlarged in relation to Figure 4, taken along line B-B of Figure 4; Figure 4C is a cross-sectional view, enlarged in relation to Figure 4, taken along the line C-C of Figure 4; Figure 4D is a perspective, partial view, with the parts separated from the body member portion of the connector block of Figures 1-3; Figure 5 is a side view of a connector block comprising another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5A is a top view of the connector block of Fig. 5; Figure 5B is a perspective end view of the connector block of Figure 5; Figure 5C is an end view of the connector block of Figure 5; Figure 5D is an exploded, perspective view of the displaceable member of the connector block of Figure 5; Figure 6 is a schematic end view of a connector block comprising another embodiment of the present invention showing a shiftable member of the wedge type; Figure 7 is a schematic side view of a connector block comprising another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7A is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 7; Figure 7B-1 is a sectional view, enlarged in relation to Figure 7, taken along line B-B of Figure 7 and showing the locking member movable in its first position; Figure 7B-2 is a view corresponding to the Figure 7B-1, but showing the movable member in its locked position; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the connector block of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a side view of the connector block of Figure 7; Figure 10 is an elevation view of an awl handle, and its associated awl arrow, in a disassembled condition, comprising another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 is a perspective view of the awl arrow and the handle of Figure 10; and Figure 12 is a view showing the components of Figure 10 assembled in an awl. Molded organic polymeric articles ("plastics") comprising a body member having a movable member integrally molded therewith, provides an efficient and less expensive way of assembling a mountable member on or towards the body member. One of the wide variety of devices in which such an article is useful are connecting blocks of the type used in blasting initiation systems. In blasting initiation systems, such connector blocks are typically used to have a low energy detonator mounted thereon and to receive and retain one or more signal transmission lines in juxtaposition of signal transmission with the detonator. As is well known, the detonator has a signal transmission line interlaced therein and an initiation line is transmitted through the signal transmission line to detonate the detonator, thereby initiating an output signal in one or more of the signal transmission lines retained within the connector block. These output signal transmission lines can terminate in detonators placed in various locations to either initiate signals on other signal transmission lines or to detonate the main explosive charges into which the detonators have been inserted. Typically, as is well known in the art, the main explosive charges will be contained within holes drilled in the ground or face of a mine and arranged to give a desired blast pattern. If distant detonators are to be used to initiate signals in other signal transmission lines, said distant detonators may be placed within other connector blocks, which receive and retain the next or following series of signal transmission lines. The connecting blocks are normally used on the surface and the use of low-energy detonators in the block connectors reduces the noise and the generation of shrapnel grenade. The shrapnel grenade can cut a signal transmission line on the surface before the signal reaches the point at which the line is cut, thus interrupting the transmission of the line and breaking the blast pattern. The detonators used within the connector blocks, sometimes referred to as signal detonators or low-energy detonators, and the detonators associated with explosive main loads, sometimes referred to as high-energy detonators or bottom-hole detonators, may include delay trains to provide a selected delay of milliseconds between the arrival of the signal in the detonator and the detonation of the charge contained within the detonator, all this as is well known in the art. A well-known way of construction is to provide a signal or low energy detonator within a connector block with a length of signal transmission tube entangled therein. A high-energy or bottom-hole detonator is entangled at the opposite end of the signal-transmission tube section. This construction provides an independent industry assembled unit, which is sealed against moisture and other environmental contaminants that enter the detonators. These assemblies can be easily connected to the field, to other similar assemblies or otherwise arranged to provide great flexibility in the establishment of blasting patterns. The signal transmission line is typically a signal transmission line comprising a hollow plastic pipe on the inside of which is contained either a reactive material such as an explosive mixture with a high breaking effect and an aluminum powder. ("shock tube") or a low speed signal transmission tube ("LVST") comprising a hollow plastic tube, the inner surface of which is coated with a deflagrating material. Any suitable signal transmission line can be used in conjunction with the connecting blocks of the present invention, such as a shock tube, an LVST tube or a low energy detonation cord. Such signal transmission lines are of course well known in the art. Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a molded plastic article comprising a connector 10 composed of a body member 12 having a signal transmitting end 12a, line retaining means 14 disposed at the end of signal transmission 12a of the body member 12, and a housing 16 at the opposite end of the body member 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving means comprises a channel 18 (best seen in Figures 4B and 4C), which it extends through the body member 12 and is dimensioned and configured to receive therein a mountable member comprising, in this case, a signal or low energy transmission detonator 20 (Figures 1 and 2). Preferably, the channel 18 is dimensioned relative to the detonator 20, so that the detonator 20 can be easily and slidably received within the channel 18 by a manual or machine assembly. The channel 18 has, in the embodiment of Figures 1-4D, a circular cross section, but may have any suitable cross sectional shape, eg, polygonal, provided that the detonator can be easily inserted and maintained within the channel. For example, the channel 18 may have a diameter considerably larger than the detonator 20, but formed with a plurality of ribs '- longitudinally extended arranged radially around of the cross section of the channel and sized to receive dimensionally and support the detonator. In any case, the channel 18 ends in an opening 18a (Figures 4B, 4C and 4D) at the signal transmitting end 12a of the body member 12. The opposite radial portions of the opening 18a, as seen in Figure 4D, extends longitudinally through the signal transmitting end 12a to provide a pair of opposed ignition notches 18c. The notches 18c serve to expose the shock tubes 45 (Figure 3C), which are retained in the opposite ends of the arcuate groove 44 directly to the outlet end 20a (the end containing the explosive, as described below) of the detonator 20. In this way, avoiding the protection of the impact tubes 45 placed on the end ( Figure 3C) of the small charge explosive of the output end 20a, the reliability of signal transmission to all the shock tubes 45 retained within the arcuate slot 44 is improved. The segments of the opening 18a between the ignition notches 18c define band segments, which they serve as a stop member 18b (Figures 4B, 4C and 4D) for the detonator 20, when this is inserted into the channel 18. The centrally placed shock tubes 45 are directly exposed to the outlet end 20a through the opening 18a. Such direct exposure is important in view of the small explosive charge contained in the detonators typically used in the connector blocks, as described below. The detonator 20 is of a conventional construction and comprises a cylindrical tube which can be made of a metal such as aluminum, or of a suitable plastic (an organic, synthetic polymeric material). The detonator 20 has an outlet end 20a, inside which an explosive charge 21 is received (Figure 3C), typically around 64.8 to 194.4 mg (1 to 3 grains) of an explosive such as lead acid, preferably no more of 324 mg (5 grains) of such an explosive. These are rather small explosive charges compared to the layers of the detonator conventionally used to detonate explosive main loads, which typically contain approximately 600 to 950 mg of explosive (9.25 to 14.6 grains). The detonator 20 can typically include a delay train of a suitable pyrotechnic material, interposed between the explosive charge 21 located at the output end 20a, and a signal transmission line 22, which is received within an elastic bushing 24, a sealing fold 26 is formed around it. The bushing 24 has an exposed end face 24a. The sealing fold 26 provides first coupling means on the mountable member which, in the illustrated embodiment, is provided by the detonator 20. It will be appreciated that the signal transmission line 22, which is on separate lines in Figures 1 and 2, can have a typical length of approximately 2.43 to 60.96 m (8 to 200 ft), and its end opposite the folded end to the detonator 20, can be interlaced to a high-energy detonator (not shown) suitable for use in the initiation of the detonation of an explosive main charge. This is the type of arrangement illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 3,987,732 of R. Spraggs et al., Issued October 26, 1976. Obviously, the connector block of the invention can also be used in any other suitable blasting system connection. A displaceable member comprises, in the illustrated embodiment, a displaceable locking member 28, which is integrally molded with the body member 12 and connected thereto by fragile band means 30a, 30b, as can be seen in Figure 3B . That is, the body member 12, the brittle bands 30a, 30b and the movable locking member 28 are all formed as an integral unit, individual in a suitable mold. The fragile band means 30a, 30b form an integral connection between the housing 16 and the movable locking member 28. As best seen in Figure 3E, the movable locking member 28 is somewhat configured in the form of a lightning bolt. "I" shape comprising a beam band member 32 and a pair of flanges 34a, 34b. The lightning band member 32 is cut in the pattern of a pair of intersecting segments of circles with a smaller circular segment 36a intersecting a larger circular segment 36b, the two circular segments cooperated to provide second member coupling means movable locking member 28. The circular segments 36a, 36b divide the movable locking member 28 into a pair of spaced apart ends 29a, 29b. The circular segments can, of course, be in any other suitable form, for example, they can be segments of polygonal openings, for example, octagonal and shaped. The housing 16 has formed therein a passage 38 (Figures 2, 4B and 4C), which is configured approximately congruent to the movable locking member 28, so that the latter can move therethrough in a sliding movement as far as possible. length of longitudinal axis LL (Figure 3E) of the movable locking member 28. In its first integrally molded position, the locking member 28 extends toward an initial segment of passage 38. Channel 18 divides passage 38 into two segments, of The passage 38 can be considered to have two passages aligned on radially opposite sides of the channel 18. In either case, the passage 38 provides a cavity, within which the locking member 28 is received and retained when moved to its locked position, as described below. The line retaining means 14 comprises, in the illustrated embodiment, a cantilever member "comprising a rod 40 (Figures 1, 2, 4B, and 4C) having a fixed end 40a (Figures 4B and 4C) extending from one side of the body member 12. The rod 40 is separated from the body member 12 to provide a longitudinal groove 46, which extends generally parallel to or at a small angle towards the longitudinal axis of the channel 18 for a portion of its length between the fixed end 40a and a point near the signal transmitting end 12a of the body member 12. A longitudinally extended band 48, best seen in the • Figure 4D, extends along the center of the slot 46 and connects the rod 40 with body member 12. Band 48 extends from fixed end 40a of rod 40 and terminates at a band end 48a which, as best seen 5 in Figures 4B and 4C, is located at the end internal of the arched slot 4 4. The rod 40 is supported on the body member 12 at a support location 40a which is located far away from the signal transmitting end 12a in a direction toward the housing 16.

The opposite end 40b of the rod 40 carries thereon a grip member 42, the inner portion of which is separated from the signal transmitting end 12a to form a slot 44 therebetween. The slot 44 is of an arcuate configuration, when see profile as shows in Figures 3C, 4B and 4C and, in the illustrated embodiment, generally has the "C" shape in profile having short portions extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the channel 18 and a slightly larger portion, which is extends transversely of the longitudinal axis of the channel 18. At the inlet end of the slot tube 44, the grip member 42 has a wedge-shaped barrier portion 44a (profiled as seen in Figures 3, 4B and 4C) which is extends along its width to provide a narrow gap entry towards the arcuate slot 44. The thickness of the grip member 42 helps to reduce or eliminate the awl produced by the detonation of the detonator 20. A plurality of signal transmission lines comprising, in the illustrated embodiment, shock tubes 45 are shown (Figures 3C and 3D) received within the arcuate slot 44. One or a plurality of signal transmission tubes can be inserted into the slot 44. It will be appreciated that only a short segment of shock tubes 45 are illustrated in Figure 3D, and the shock tubes 45 are only seen in cross section in Figure 3C. During practice, the shock tubes 45 may extend over greater or lesser distances, typically from a few meters to hundreds of meters or more. Since the shock tubes 45 may have a longer length, or they may be connected at their opposite ends to other components of a blasting system, the shock tubes 45 are conventionally unthreaded through the arcuate slot 44, like a thread through the eye of a needle, but rather are placed within the arcuate groove 44 being forced in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shock tube 45 through the narrow entry gap, as indicated by the arrows i in Figure 3D. Such an insertion is facilitated by the hook configuration of the grip member 42. Desirably, a gap g (Figure IA) is smaller than the depth d of the arcuate slot 44 to help retain the shock tubes 45 in place. In any case, the shock tubes 45 comprise part of a blasting system in which the ends of one or more of the impact tubes 45 can be interlaced in the layers of the detonator associated with the explosives or explosive main charges (Ni the detonator layers or the explosive charges are shown). Alternatively or in addition, one or more of the shock tubes 45 may, like the shock tube 22, be interleaved between the layers of signal transmitter detonator contained in other connector blocks (not shown) similar or identical to the connector block 10. It will be noted that the arcuate configuration of the slot 44 keeps each of the tubes in close proximity, the juxtaposition of the signal transmission with the explosive charge 21 contained in the • output end 20a of the detonator 20. It will also be noted that the end band 48a prevents the innermost part of the shock tubes 45 from entering the slot 46, where they may be far away from the outlet end 20a of the detonator 20 received within the channel 18 to ensure reliable initiation of the signal within the a shock tube 45. The barrier portion 44a narrows the inlet towards the arcuate slot 44 and closes that end of the slot 44 against the inadvertent removal or escape of a tube. bo shock 45 of it. The width of the opening in the barrier portion 44a is desirably a little smaller than the diameter of the shock tube 45, so that when the shock tube is forced beyond the narrow opening into the slot 44, the grip member 42 flexes slightly and diagonally or the shock tube is slightly compressed, to provide an entrance for fixing the tube forcefully beyond the barrier 44a. The shock tubes 45 in this way are secured against escape from the arcuate groove 44. This is especially important during the establishment of the blasting system, when significant stress forces can be imposed on the shock tubes 45, since they are placed in distant connections and under knocking when the earth and rock are changed, they can also impose significant tensile forces on the shock tubes 45. The grip member 42 terminates at a return curve extremity 42a, which overlaps a portion of the length of the body member 12 of its signal transmitting end 12a. The return curve limb 42a is disposed on the side of the body member 12 opposite the side from which the rod 40 extends and overlaps the transmission signal end 12a of the body member 20. As will be appreciated in the Figures 1, 2, 4B and 4C, the entire configuration of the cantilevered line holding means 14 has a J shape, approaching the shape of a hook.

Supporting the rod 40 in a location on the body member 12 which is located far away from its signal transmission signal end 12a, and reinforcing the rod 40 by connecting it by the band 48 to the body member 12, the amount of pivoting imposed on the grip member 42 by exploding the detonator 20 is limited. Even if the band 48 is broken by the detonation of the detonator 20, in this way some of the energy of the explosion will be absorbed. The pivoting movement of the gripping member 42 can also be limited by the overlap of the return curve extremity 42a around the signal transmitting end 12a of the body member 12. Limiting the pivoting of the gripping member 42 in response to detonation of the detonator 20, the shock tubes 45 are better retained in the juxtaposition of signal transmission with the output end 20a of the detonator 20. In order to mount the detonator inside the connector block 10, the detonator 20 is inserted into the channel 18 through the housing 16, as indicated by the arrows without number in Figures 1 and 2. As noted above, the channel 18 is dimensioned and configured to easily and slidably receive the detonator 20 therein, with the end of outlet 20a of the detonator 20 resting against the stop 18b provided by the annular band of the opening 18a, located at the signal transmitting end 12a of the body member 12. C When placed, the fold 26 of the detonator 20 will be aligned with the lightning band member 32. Figure 3A-1 shows the movable locking member 28 in its first integrally molded position. The largest circular segment 36b is approximately the same diameter as the external diameter of the detonator 20, so that the circular segment 36b is aligned with the walls of the channel 18 and the detonator 20 can slide further • • beyond the circular segment 36b greater so that it sits completely within the channel 18. The smaller circular segment 36a is approximately the same diameter as the fold 26 of the detonator 20. With the detonator 20 thus positioned by the stop member 18b, a force is applied against the displaceable locking member 28. in the direction towards detonator 20, as indicated by arrow F in Figure 3A-1. Applied force is sufficient to tear the means • and - * of fragile band 30a, 30b (Figure 3B) and forcing the movable locking member 28 to its locked position as shown in Figure 3A-2. The smallest circular segment 36a has a closed circumference, which is greater than 180 °, for example, approximately 275 °. Consequently, the open circumferential portion of the circle of which the segment 36a is a part, is less than 180 °, for example, 85 °, so that the vertices (flattened) formed in the The intersection of the segments 36a and 36b must flex outwards as the locking member 28 is forced over the fold 26 of the detonator 20, and the vertices spring back into place as the vertices pass over the radial center of the abutment. fold 26. In this way, the movable locking member 28 is forced into a quick-attach coupling on the center, with the fold 26 of the detonator 20, so that the locking member 28 is thus seated within the passage 38 and this, and the detonator 20 are firmly locked in their position within the block «that connector 10. The trajectory of the movable locking member 28 within the passage 38, is along a line coincident with the longitudinal axis LL (Figure 3E ) of the movable locking member 28. The passage 38 provides guiding means for guiding the movable locking member 28 to its place without the need to rotate or tap the movable locking member 28, or of or The way to deviate from its straight line trajectory. A comparison of Figures 3A-1 and 3A-2 shows the path distance of the movable locking member 28 within its first and its locked position. The transverse lines without numbers in Figures 3A-1 and 3A-2 indicate at their intersection, the location point of the central longitudinal axis of the detonator 20 and the coincident central longitudinal axis of the channel 18. The circle of the dotted line 26 'in Figure 3A-1 shows the external transverse diameter and the location of the detonator fold 26 20, when the detonator 20 is seated within the channel 18. The faded line circle 20 'in Figure 3A-2, shows the external transverse diameter and the location of the unfolded portion of the detonator 20 when it is seated within the channel 18. As shown in Figure 3A-2, the movable locking member 28 slightly exits the housing 16 when in its locked position, the locking member 28 can obviously be made shorter so that, in its locked position, it is levels with or depresses relative to the surface of the housing 16, as illustrated in the embodiment of Figure 7B-2, discussed below. It will be appreciated that by integrally molding the movable member 28 as part of the connector block 10, the movable member 28 is perfectly aligned with the passage 38, and the assembly of the movable locking member 28, in a locked engagement, with the detonator 20, is greatly facilitated as compared to a situation in which the locking member is a separate piece. If the locking member 28 were to be molded as a separate part, it could require the handling of a rather small part, which, if made of a plastic material such as high density or medium density polyethylene or some other Suitable synthetic organic material, it could be a bit slippery and difficult to handle. (High density or medium density polyethylene is a preferred material for connector block 10). The small, separate, interlocking piece could have to be properly positioned and aligned with the passage 38 and help position, while applying a force, as indicated by arrow F in Figure 3A-1. These difficulties are avoided by the integral molding of the movable member 28 as part of the connector block 10, the fragile band means 30a, 30b perfectly aligning and holding the movable locking member 28 in place relative to the passage 38 until a sufficient force to tear the brittle bands 30a, 30b and force the movable locking member 28 from its first position (Figure 3A-1) through the passage 38 to its locked position (Figure 3A-2). It should be appreciated that although the fold 26 on the detonator 20 (Figures 1 and 2) provide second convenient locking means for engaging by the movable member 28, it is not necessary to use that portion of the detonator as the second locking means, which are coupled by the first locking means on the movable member 28. The housing 16 of the connector block 10 can be designed, for example, to have a movable locking member 28 coupled to the signal transmission line 22 or the hub 24 in Place of fold 26.

For example, the displaceable locking member may engage the signal transmission line 22 and lean against the end face 24a of the hub 24 to retain the detonator 20 in place. Figures 5, 5A, 5B, and 5C show a connector block 10 'according to another embodiment of the present invention, comprising a body member 12', line retaining means 14 ', comprising a grip member 42 ', including a return curve extremity 42a', and a housing 16 '. The housing 16 'and the movable locking member 28' are configured differently from the corresponding parts of the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1-4B. In this case, as best seen in Figure 5D, the movable locking member 28 'does not have an I-beam configuration, but is a flat-bar type member, which has a smaller circular segment. 36a ', which intersects a larger circular segment 36b1 in a substantially identical manner to that of the movable locking member 28. The segments 36a' and 36b 'divide the locking member 28' into a pair of spaced apart limbs 29a ' , 29b '. The passage 38 'is generally of a rectangular configuration, as seen in the plan view of Figure 5A, with rounded corners that complement the rounded corners of the movable locking member 28', that is, the passage 38 'is generally configured and congruently to the displaceable locking member 28 '. In fact, as can best be seen in Figure 5B, the passage 38 'is interrupted by the channel 18' so that the passage 38 'can be considered as having a first portion or storage portion within which the member movable band 28 'is retained by the brittle bands 30a', 30b '. On the radially opposite side of the channel 18 ', the second portion of the passage 38' (the entrance of the half of which is visible in Figure 5B) is located in axial alignment with the first portion or storage portion of the passageway 38 '. , so that it can receive the forward end of the displaceable locking member 28 ', when the latter is forced from its first position towards its locked position. The displaceable locking member 28 'is retained in its first position by integrally molded webs 30a', 30b '(Figure 5A). In the embodiment of Figures 5-5D, the line retaining means 14 'is integrally molded at the signal transmitting end 12a' of the body member 12 ', together with a reinforcing joint 13, which helps to resist the tendency of the explosive force released by the detonation of a detonator 20 mounted within an enclosed channel 28 'to pivot the line retention means 14' around its point of attachment to the body member 12 ', in the area where booster meeting 13 is located.

It should be noted that the arcuate groove 44 'is of a configuration similar to that illustrated in the embodiment of Figures 1-4D, so that it can maintain a plurality, for example up to six signal transmission lines, for example, shock, in it, as illustrated in Figures 3C and 3D. As is the case with the other embodiments illustrated, it can be seen that the gripping member 42 'terminates at a return curve extremity 42a', which overlaps a portion of the length of the body member 12 ', at its end signal transmission 12a ', the return curve extremity 42a' disposed on the side of the body member 12 opposite the side of the body member 12 from which the grip member 42 'hangs. This hook-shaped arrangement of the grip member 42 'facilitates the insertion of shock tubes 45 therein, and helps resist inadvertent removal of the shock tubes from the arcuate slot 44' during the assembly of the blasting system or by the force of the initial explosions in a blasting sequence. The hook-shaped aspect of the gripping member and the integrally molded, moveable locking member are, in this way, aspects that may be present in a given connector block independently of one another. The connector block 10 'functions in exactly the same manner as described above with respect to the connector block 10. In this way, after the insertion of a detonator (not shown) into the channel 18' of the connector block 10 'and when the detonator is fully seated in the channel 18 ', a force is applied, as indicated by the arrow F in Figure 5, to the displaceable locking member 28' to tear off the fragile bands 30a ', 30b' and force the displaceable locking member 28 'of its first position, via the passage 38 ', towards its locked position in engagement with the sealing crease or other suitable second coupling means (none shown) provided on the detonator (not shown) received within the channel 18'. It will be appreciated that the connector blocks 10 and 10 'are well suited for the production line assembly. In this way, an operator can insert a suitable detonator 20 into the closed channel 18 or 18 ', the end of the channel 18 or 18' at the end of signal transmission 12a or 12a 'providing a stop, which will place the detonator with its sealing fold aligned with the beam band member or bar structure "containing the circular sections 36a, 36b or 36a ', 36b'. With the detonator in place, a foot pedal or other device operated by an operator can be operated, or an automatic device can be used to operate a punch which will apply the force indicated by the arrows F in Figures 3A-1 and 5 to a displaceable member (such as the displaceable locking member 28 or 28 ') for tearing the brittle bands and urging the movable locking member 28 or 28' through its respective passage 38 or 38 'and towards its locked position. , where it is coupled and locked to the detonator. It will be appreciated that the movable locking member can have any suitable configuration, for example, instead of the bifurcated construction illustrated in Figures 3E and 5D, as shown in Figure 6, the movable locking member can be of a configuration with wedge shape as illustrated by the displaceable locking member 28", which is secured in place by the fragile band means 30a" in the first position of a passage 38"formed within a body member 12 '' into which a detonator receiving channel 18 '' is formed. With the detonator received within the enclosed channel 18", a force applied in the direction of the arrow F in FIG. 6 will tear the fragile band 30a" and force the movable locking member 28"downwardly (as shown in FIG. see in Figure 6), so that the circular segment 36a'1 will be wedged against the fold of a detonator (not shown in Figure 6) received within the channel 18". The second portion or the lower portion, as seen in Figure 6, of the passage 38"is dimensioned so that a wedging action is obtained which forces the displaceable locking member 28" to a hermetic coupling in the fixing with the donor received within channel 18 '', thus keeping the detonator in place. Referring to Figures 7, 7A, 8 and 9, yet another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 7-9, a connector block 110 comprises a body member 112 having means for retaining lines 114 formed at its end, which are generally configured in a manner similar to the line retaining means of the other modalities, in order to provide an arcuate 144, better seen in Figure 9, for the retention of one or a plurality of signal transmission lines therein. In molding connector block 110, a series of radial inserts are provided within the mold to form a series of "windows" 113, 115 therein. Windows 113, 115 are at. quincunx with respect to its axial position, and the result is an interior structure with compartments, which is light, but rigid and strong. The overlapping open positions of the windows 113, 115 define a channel 118 (Figure 8) through which a detonator, such as the detonator 20 of Figures 1 and 2, can be inserted at the closed end or containing the detonator explosive. placed on the stop member 118b (Figure 9) formed at the signal transmitting end 112a of the body member 112.

A movable locking member 128 is supported within the passage 138 (Figures 7 and 7A) by fragile band means 130a, 130b. The use of connector block 110 is the same as that described above for the other embodiments of the invention, i.e., a suitable detonator (not shown in Figures 7-9) is inserted into channel 118 and the closed end of which is worn for abutment with the stop member 118b, which will align the fold 26 on the detonator 20 with the movable locking member 128. The second engagement means of the movable locking member 128 are composed of a tapered segment 136a, smaller, and a larger circular segment 136b, which intersects to define limbs 129a, 129b of the member 128. The distal ends of the ends 129a, 129b have on the same projections 129a 'and 129b'. In the illustrated embodiment of Figures 7B-1 and 7B-2, the interior walls of the passage 138 have a pair of detents 137a, 137b formed thereon. A force F is applied in the direction illustrated by the arrow in Figures 7 and 7B-1, for tearing the brittle bands 130a, 130b, and for forcing the displaceable locking member 128 from its first position (Figure 7B-1) toward its locked position (Figure 7B-2), to engage the detonator and lock it in place within the channel 118. In Figures 7B-1 and 7B-2, the circle in faded lines 126 'shows the transverse external diameter and location of the fold 26 of the detonator 20, when the detonator 20 sits within the channel 118. Since the movable locking member 128 is forced in the direction indicated by the arrow F in Figure 7B-1, the ends 129a, 129b thereof , are separated, since the width of the tapered segment 136a is narrower than the diameter of the fold 26 indicated by the faded circle 126 '. This forces the limbs 129a and 129b in the directions shown by, respectively, the arrows a and b in Figure 7B-2 and when the movable locking member 128 reaches its locked position, the projections 129a ', 129b' are forced towards the detents 137a, 137b, thereby firmly retaining the detonator 20 and the movable locking member 128 well within the body 112. It will be appreciated that in the construction and assembly method described above together with the connector and detonator blocks it is widely applicable to use with articles different to connecting blocks. The invention of this form embraces any structure comprising a body member having receiving means, ie, an aperture chamber or channel formed therein, which is sized and configured to receive and retain therein a mountable member and a displaceable locking member integrally molded therewith, and connected thereto by fragile band means. One of the other uses is illustrated in Figures 10, 11 and 12, where another embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the body member comprises a handle member 50, such as a handle suitable for an awl, beak or screwdriver. The handle member 50 has receiving means comprising a channel 52 (Figures 10 and 12) formed therein and terminated in the stop member comprising a channel end 52b within the interior of the handle member 50. Channel 52 it is sized and configured to receive a mountable member which, in the embodiment illustrated, comprises a awl blade 54 having a pointed end 54a and a mounting end 54b. The awl blade 54 also has first coupling means formed thereon "comprising a circumferential groove 56. The transverse profile of the channel 52 is preferably polygonal, for example, square in the illustrated embodiment, in order to prevent rotation of the the awl blade 54 relative to the handle member 50. At least that portion of the awl blade 54 (the mountable member) "which is to be received within the channel 52 (receiving means) is of a substantially congruent transverse configuration. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, this portion of the awl blade 54 between the circumferential groove 56 and the end and the mounting end 54b is, like channel 52, square in cross section, so that "when is mounted on the handle member 50, the awl blade 54 can not rotate relative thereto. A portion of the channel 52 of the handle member 50 lies within a handle arrow 52a, which has a radially extended passage 58 (Figure 12) formed therein and intercepted in the channel 52. A displaceable locking member 60 is mounted within a first section of passage 58 by fragile band means (not numbered and not clearly visible in Figures 10-12) which correspond to the fragile band means 30a, 30b, 30a ', and 30b' of the modes of the connector block. The movable locking member 60 is provided with larger and smaller circular segment cuts, analogous to those illustrated as the circular segments 36a 'and 36b' of the embodiment of Figure 5D. In order to assemble the tool, the awl blade 54 is inserted into the channel 52 as indicated by the arrow I in Figure 10 and, when the mounting end 54b of the awl blade 54 abuts the channel end 52b of the channel 52, the circumferential groove 56 is appropriately aligned with the displaceable locking member 60, so that, by applying a force as indicated by the arrow F in Figure 10, sufficient to tear the fragile band means (not shown in Figures 10-12) which hold the movable member 60 in place, the movable locking member is forced from its first position towards its locked position and the configuration about the center of the circular segments of the movable member 60 it is placed by jumping on the circumferential groove 56 in a manner analogous to that in which the displaceable locking member of the other embodiments engages the fold 26 of the detonator 20. The dimensions of the The circumferential groove 56, the passage 58 and the locking member 60, are such that the locking member 60 is forcedly fitted over the groove 56 and is placed under compression in the passage 58. In this way, the awl blade 54 is firmly secured in place within the handle 50 to provide a fully assembled handle tool. Obviously, the tip end 54a may be differently configured to provide a Philips-type driver or screwdriver, a chisel or any other desired tool configuration. The advantages of the integrally molded construction of the movable locking means 60 on the tool handle 50 are similar to those described above together with the aspects of the connector block of the invention, since the movable locking means 60 are perfectly placed and aligned with the passage 58 by virtue of being integrally molded therewith, and the need to handle, place and maintain a piece separately is eliminated by its integral construction.

Generally, and preferably, the passage within which the movable member is to be received, for example, the passages 38, 38 ', 58 and 138, is dimensioned and configured so that, when the movable member, for example, movable locking members 28, 28 ', 28", 60 is forced from its first position towards its locked position, the movable locking member will be placed under compression between the walls of the passage and the mountable member, such as the detonator 20 or the awl blade 54, so that both the movable member and the mountable member are firmly held in place. It will be appreciated that devices such as retainer means can be used, one-way tines or the like, to help ensure that the movable locking member, and thus the mountable member is permanently secured in place once the movable locking member is pushed into its locked position. Since the invention has been described along with its specific preferred embodiments, it will be apparent that the invention is applicable to a wide variety of articles and is not limited to block connectors and tool handles.

Claims (27)

1. CLAIMS 1. A molded plastic article comprising a body member having receiving means comprising a hole formed within the body member, the hole having a longitudinal axis, and being dimensioned and configured to receive and retain therein a mountable member having at least a part thereof dimensioned and configured to be received within the bore, the mountable member having first coupling means formed therein, the first coupling means being dimensioned and configured to be engaged by second means of coupling, whereby the mountable member is retained on the body member; at least one displaceable member having second coupling means formed therein, the displaceable means being integrally molded with the body member and connected thereto by fragile band means, which retain the displaceable member in a first position, in which a displaceable member is aligned with but displaced from a locked position wherein the second engaging means of the displaceable member engage the first coupling means of the mountable member, the movable member being displaceable in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the starting hole. from its first position towards its locked position by applying force to the movable member to tear the fragile band means and move the movable member in such a direction to force the first and second coupling means into locked engagement therebetween.
2. 2. The article in accordance with the claim 1, further characterized in that in combination with the mountable member, the mountable member is received within the receiving means.
3. 3. A molded plastic article characterized in that it comprises a body member having receiving means comprising a hole formed within the body member, the hole has a longitudinal axis and has a mountable member received therein, the mountable member has at least a portion thereof dimensioned and configured to be received within the hole and further has first coupling means formed thereon; at least one displaceable member having second coupling means formed thereon, the initially displaceable member has been integrally molded with the body member, so that it has been connected thereto by fragile band means, which retain the member movable in a first position in which the movable member is aligned with, but displaced from a locked position in which the second engaging means of the movable member engages the first coupling means of the mountable member, the fragile band means being torn at the displacement course of the displaceable member in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the hole from its first position towards its locked position by applying a force to the displaceable member to tear the fragile band means and move the displaceable member in such direction towards its locked position, where the first and second coupling means are in interlocking engagement between them.
4. The article according to claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3, further characterized in that the body member comprises a passage formed therein and extending transversely of the longitudinal axis of the hole to move a. through the movable member from its first position towards its locked position.
5. 5. A molded plastic article characterized in that it comprises a member body having receiving means, which are sized and configured to receive and retain therein a mountable member comprising a detonator, having thereon first engaging means comprising a fold formed in the detonator; at least one movable member having second coupling means formed thereon, the movable member being integrally molded with the body member and connected thereto by fragile band means, which retain the movable member in a first position, in wherein the displaceable member is aligned with, but displaced from a locked position, in which the second engaging means of the displaceable member engages the fold of the detonator, the displaceable member being moved from its first position to its locked position by the application of a force to the displaceable member for tearing the fragile band means and moving the displaceable member to force the crease and the second coupling means into a lock coupling therebetween.
6. The article according to any of claims 1, 2, 3 or 5, further characterized in that the body member comprises a passage formed therein for movement therethrough of the member movable from its first position to its position locked, the movable member being at least partially retained within the passage when in its locked position.
7. 7. A molded plastic connector block for retaining at least one signal transmission line in a signal transfer ratio with a detonator having an output end, the connector block characterized in that it comprises: a body member having a signal transmitting end and a channel formed in the body member for receiving and retaining therein such a detonator, with the output end thereof disposed at the signal transmission end of the member body; line holding means disposed at the signal transmission end of the body member for retaining therein at least one signal transmission line in a signal communication relationship with the output end of the detonator retained within the channel receiving: a displaceable locking member integrally molded with the body member and connected thereto by fragile band means, which retain the movable locking member in a first position, in which the locking member is aligned with, but displaced of a locked position, in which the locking member secures the detonator within the channel, the locking member being movable from its first position to its locked position by applying force to the locking member to tear away the fragile band means and moving the displaceable locking member to force the locking member into its locked position.
8. The connector block according to claim 7, further characterized in that the body member comprises a passage formed therein to move through the locking member movable from its first position to its locked position, the locking member being at least partially retained within the passage when it is in its locked position.
9. The connector block according to claim 7, further characterized in that the line retaining means comprises a grip member separated from the signal transmitting end of the body member to form a signal reception slot between the grip member and the signal transmitting end of the body member, the signal receiving slot having an opening therein and otherwise being dimensioned and configured to receive and retain therein at least one signal transmission line in a signal communication ratio with a detonator disposed in the channel as mentioned above, the grip member having a supported end extending from the body member and a distal end terminating at a return curve end, which overlaps at minus a portion of the length of the body member of its signal transmitting end and is disposed on the side of the body. a body opposite to the side from which the end supported extends.
10. 10. The connector block according to claim 9, further characterized in that the opening of the line receiving slot defines a gap, which is smaller in depth than the depth of the line receiving slot.
11. The connector block according to claim 7, claim 8, or claim 9, further characterized in combination with the detonator received within the channel with the outlet end of the detonator at the signal transmitting end of the body member.
12. The connector block according to claim 11, further characterized in that the detonator has a fold formed therein and the locking member has fold engaging means formed thereon, which engage the detonator fold when the means Movable latches are in their locked position.
13. The connector block according to claim 12, further characterized in that the fold engaging means of the moveable locking member comprises a pair of spaced apart end members, which define between them an opening "which is dimensioned and configured to be positioned elastically by jumping on the detonator fold.
14. The connector block according to claim 13, further characterized in that the fragile band connects each of the end members with the body member.
15. 15. The connector block according to claim 12, further characterized in that at least one signal transmission line comprises a plurality of signal transmission lines and line retention means are sized and configured to retain such a plurality of signal lines. signal transmission in a signal communication relationship with the detonator.
16. 16. A method for mounting a mountable member having first coupling means thereon and a molded plastic body member, said body member having receiving means comprising a channel formed within the body member having a longitudinal axis , the channel being dimensioned and configured to receive and retain the mountable member therein; the body member comprises at least one movable member "having second coupling means formed therein, the movable member being integrally molded with the body member and connected thereto by fragile band means, which retain the movable member. in a first position, in which the displaceable member is aligned with, but displaced from, a locked position in which the second coupling means of the displaceable member engage the first coupling means of the mountable member, the method characterized in that it comprises: tearing the fragile band means and moving the displaceable member along a path of travel, which is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the channel and makes contact with the mountable member, in order to force the first and second coupling means to interlocking link between them.
17. The method according to claim 16, further characterized in that it includes moving the displaceable member along a linear path of travel.
18. 18. The method according to claim 17, further characterized by including the movable member without the inclination or rotation thereof.
19. A method for mounting a detonator having first coupling means thereon in a molded plastic connector block having at least one movable locking member having second coupling means formed therein, the connector block comprising a body member having a channel, which is dimensioned and configured to receive and retain therein the detonator, the displaceable locking member being integrally molded with the body member and connected thereto by fragile band means, which retain the movable locking member in a first position in which the displaceable locking member is aligned with, but displaced from, a locked position in which the second engaging means of the displaceable locking member engage the first detonator engaging means , the method characterized in that it comprises: tearing the brittle band means and moving the member or displaceable engaging along a path of travel toward contact with the detonator to force the first and second coupling means into a lock engagement therebetween to thereby hold the detonator within the connector block.
20. The method according to any of claims 16, 17, 18, or 19, further characterized in that the body member comprises a passage formed therein for moving through the locking member movable from its first position to its position. locked, the locking member being at least partially retained within the passage when in its locked position.
21. 21. A connector block for retaining at least one signal transmission line in a signal transfer ratio with a detonator having an output end, the connector block characterized in that it comprises: a body member having a transmission end of signal and a channel formed in the body member to receive the detonator; means for bringing the body member to retain the detonator within the channel with the outlet end of the detonator disposed at the signal transmitting end of the body member; an elastic, cantilever member, comprising a rod having a fixed end extending from one side of the body member at a support location on the body member that is remote from its signal transmitting end, and an opposite end that it carries a grip member separate from the signal transmission end of the body member to form a line receiving slot between the grip member and the signal transmission end of the body member, the grip member being fixed relative to the body member through an opening towards the line receiving slot, the opening can not be closed by the grip member, the line receiving slot being dimensioned and configured to receive and retain therein at least one transmission line of signal in a signal communication relationship with the detonator arranged in the channel as mentioned above.
22. 22. The connector block according to claim 21, further characterized in that the gripping member has a supported end extending from the rod and a distal end terminating at a return curve end, which extends along the at least a portion of the length of the body member from its signal transmitting end and disposed on the side of the body member opposite the side from which the rod extends.
23. 23. A connector block for retaining at least one signal transmission line, in a signal transfer ratio with a detonator having an output end, the connector block characterized in that it comprises: a body member having an end of signal transmission and a channel formed in the body member to receive the detonator; means carried on the body member for retaining the detonator within the channel with the outlet end of the detonator disposed at the signal transmitting end of the body member; an elastic, cantilever member "comprising a rod having a fixed end extending from one side of the body member to a support location on the body member, which is remote from its signal transmitting end, and an opposite end carrying a grip member separated from the signal transmitting end of the body member to form a line receiving slot between the grip member and the signal transmitting end of the body member, the receiving slot of the body member. line being dimensioned and configured to and retaining therein at least one signal transmission line in a signal communication relationship with the detonator disposed in the channel as mentioned above, the rod being separated from the body member and generally extending parallel thereto to define a second groove extending between the rod and the body member; and the gripping member having a supported end extending from the rod and a distal end terminating at a return curve end, which extends along at least a portion of the length of the body member from its signal transmitting end and is disposed on the side of the body member opposite the side from which the rod extends.
24. 24. A connector block for retaining at least one signal transmission line in a signal transfer relationship with a detonator, the connector block characterized in that it comprises: a member having a signal transmitting end and a channel formed in the body member for receiving and retaining therein the detonator having an outlet end, with the exit end disposed at the signal transmission end of the body member; a grip member disposed adjacent and spaced from the signal transmission end of the body member to form a line receiving slot between the grip member and the signal transmission end of the body member, the grip member being fixed with relationship to the body member, whereby it provides an opening in the line receiving slot, this opening can not be opened by the grip member and is otherwise sized and configured to provide access to the line receiving slot for receiving and retaining therein at least one signal transmission line in a signal communication relationship with the detonator disposed in the channel as mentioned above, the grip member having a supported end extending from the body member and a distal end terminating at a return curve end, which overlaps at least a portion of the length of the body member from of its signal transmitting end and is disposed on the side of the body member opposite to the side from which the supported end extends.
25. 25. The connector block according to claim 24, further characterized in that the opening of the line receiving slot defines a gap that is smaller in depth than the depth of the line receiving slot.
26. 26. A molded plastic connector block in combination with a detonator having an output end, the connector block being adapted to retain at least one signal transmission line in a signal transfer relationship with the detonator, the connector block comprising a body member having a signal transmitting end and a channel formed in the body member, the detonator being retained within the channel, with the output end of the detonator disposed at the signal transmission end of the body member; line retention means disposed at the signal transmission end of the body member for retaining therein at least one signal transmission line in a signal communication relationship with the output end of the detonator; a displaceable locking member initially integrally molded with the body member and connected thereto by fragile band means, which retain the movable locking member in a first position, in which the locking member is aligned with but displaced from a locked position, wherein the locking member secures the detonator within the channel, the fragile band means have been torn to move the locking member from its first position to its locked position by applying a force to the locking member for tearing the fragile band means and moving the movable locking member to force the locking member towards its locked position.
27. 27. The combination according to claim 26, further characterized in that the detonator has first locking means thereon comprising a fold formed in the detonator and the movable locking member has thereon second locking means coupled with the fold. .