Locking connector exhibiting audio-tactile didacticism

• US 5,370,550 A
• Filed: 12/13/1993
• Issued: 12/06/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 12/13/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: OSRAM Sylvania Inc. (Ams-Osram AG)
• Original Assignee: OSRAM Sylvania Inc. (Ams-Osram AG)
• Inventors: Pratt, Gregory R., Seymour, Douglas G., Johnson, Bradley G., Alwine, K. Troy
• Primary Examiner(s): Schwartz, Larry I.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Vu, Hien D.
• Application Number:
  US08/166,127
• Time in Patent Office: 358 Days
• Field of Search: 439/350, 439/351, 439/352, 439/353, 439/354, 439/355-358, 439/489, 439/488
• US Class Current: 439/352
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6272 comprising a single latching arm
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/641 by indicating incorrect coupling; by indicating correct or full engagement

Abstract

A connector, for example an electrical connector, comprises first and second slidably engaging portions (12) (14) having a lock (16) distributed therebetween. The lock (16) comprises a locking tongue (18) having a fixed end (20) attached to the first portion, and a free end (22) extending therefrom. First and second spaced apart side walls (28, 30) are positioned adjacent the free end. A keeper (24) is formed on the second portion, and has a roof (31 ) and first and second spaced apart side walls (34, 36), and a depending lug (38) on the interior of the keeper roof. The free end (22) of the tongue (18) is formed to engage the lug (38) on the keeper roof. A lock disabler (26) having two operative positions with respect to the locking tongue is provided. A first position allows disengagement of the free end of the locking tongue from the keeper and a second position prevents disengagement of the free end of said locking tongue from the keeper.

Claims

1. A connector comprising:

first and second slidably engaging portions;

a lock distributed between said first and second slidably engaging portions, said lock comprising;

a locking tongue having a fixed end attached to said first portion, and a free end extending therefrom, said fixed end of said locking tongue including at least one upstanding leg;

first and second spaced apart side walls positioned adjacent said free end; and

a keeper on said second portion, said keeper having a roof and first and second spaced apart side walls, and a depending lug on the interior of said keeper roof, said free end being formed to engage said lug on said keeper roof; and

a lock disabler having two operative positions with respect to said locking tongue, a first position allowing disengagement of said free end of said locking tongue from said keeper and a second position preventing disengagement of said free end of said locking tongue from said keeper, said lock disabler including primary and secondary legs and a locking tongue disabler and, in said first position, said primary leg engages said upstanding leg, said secondary leg has a first area which engages said first wall and said locking tongue disabler is in guiding relation with said second wall.

2. The connector of claim 1 wherein said lock disabler has a second area formed with said secondary leg and in said second position said second area being in engagement with said first wall of said keeper, and said locking tongue engager being positioned beneath said locking tongue whereby said locking tongue cannot be disengaged from said keeper.