Hermaphroditic connector

• US 20070178732A1
• Filed: 01/23/2007
• Published: 08/02/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 01/27/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Universal Trim Supply
• Original Assignee: Universal Trim Supply
• Inventors: Yang, Shih-Sheng, Khalifa, Aly
• Granted Patent: US 7,395,584 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 439/157
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/28 Contacts for sliding cooperation with identically-shaped contact, e.g. for hermaphroditic coupling devices H01R24/84 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/84 Hermaphroditic coupling devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/4522 Sliding or rotating element

Abstract

A connection system for securing two articles to each other having two connectors, each of connectors includes a base plate with a center point and identical inter-engaging sections with at least one male component and at least one female component. Also provided is a connection region for securing the connector to an article. Male and female components are radially disposed equidistant around the center point of the base plate and the connection region is disposed circumferentially around the male and female components. The connectors are engaged by rotating each connector such that the male and female components of each connector interlock with each other.

Claims

1. A connection system for securing two articles to each other comprising:

two connectors, each having;

a base plate with a center point;

substantially identical inter-engaging sections with at least one male component and at least one female component; and

a connection region for securing to an article.

2. The connection system according to claim 1 wherein the male and female components are radially disposed equidistant around the center of the base plate and the connection region is disposed circumferentially around the male and female components.

3. The connection system of claim 2 wherein the male component comprises a curved ramp member having an interior surface and the ramp having a radially inwardly oriented section towards a center of the connector;

and

the female component comprises a curved ramp member having an interior surface and the ramp terminating at the end of the arc of the ramp.

4. The connection system of claim 1 wherein one of the connectors further comprises an outer connection collar disposed around the entire base plate, the collar having a greater radius from the center point than the male and female components and the connection region.

5. The connection system of claim 4 wherein in the outer connection collar comprises a series of pre-cut slots.

6. The connection system of claim 1 wherein each of the connectors further comprises an outer connection tab disposed around a portion of the base plate.

7. The connection system of claim 6 wherein in the outer connection tab includes a pre-cut slot and a release flange, wherein the pre-cut slot of each connector align when the connectors are locked, and the release flange extends beyond the tab of the other connector to facilitate disengagement of the connectors.

8. The connection system of claim 7 wherein the release flange includes at least one elongated raised hatching region.

9. The connection system of claim 8 wherein the connection tab includes a ramp having a lower engagement end and a raised locking end for connecting to the other connector.

10. The connection system of claim 8 wherein the connection tab includes a lip disposed in the area of the lower engagement end for releasably locking with the raised locking end such that when the connectors are rotated the raised locking end snaps into place at the lower engagement end with the lip.

11. The connection system of claim 3 wherein the male component further comprises a positive locking element.

12. The connection system of claim 3 wherein the female component further comprises a positive locking element.

13. The connection system of claim 11 wherein the female component further comprises a negative locking element for engagement with the positive locking element on the male component.

14. The connection system of claim 1 wherein the inter-engaging section further comprises at least one ramp for facilitating connection of the connectors.

15. The connection system of claim 1 wherein the each connector includes a series of concave curved surfaces along an outside edge of the base plate.

16. The connection system of claim 14 wherein each connector includes a series of curved cutouts along an outside edge of the base plate between each curved surface, wherein the cutouts and curved surfaces align when the connectors are engaged.

17. The connection system of claim 14 wherein each connector includes a flexible locking arm comprising a convex surface for mating with the concave surface on the connectors and a locking cylindrical element for engagement with the aligned cutouts of the connector.

18. The connection system of claim 2 wherein the male component comprises an elongated member having a stem portion and a head portion;

and

the female component comprises a receiving volume having a widened area and a narrowed area, wherein the head portion of the male connector fits into the widened area of the female component for engagement and the first and second connectors are rotated to slide the stem portion into the narrowed area of the female connection for locking.