Positive latching connector with delatching mechanism
First Claim
1. A connector for mating with an electrical apparatus, the connector comprising:
- a housing having formed therein a plurality of cavities, each of which is dimensioned to receive an electrical conductor assembly, the housing having a front portion having formed therein a plurality of apertures, each of which is dimensioned to receive a contact pin of the electrical apparatus, the housing defining a pair of lateral portions, each lateral portion having formed thereon a latching member;
a handle assembly having a gripping portion and an attaching portion, the attaching portion being defined, at least in part, by a pair of arms which each terminate with an engaging head member, the handle assembly being moveably attachable with the housing, the handle assembly being moveable, back and forth, from a first delatching position to a second latching position; and
a latch assembly defined by at least one base portion and a pair of arms, each arm defining a first receiving portion for receiving a respective latching member and a second receiving portion for receiving a respective engaging head member.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An improved electrical connector is provided for selectable mating with an electrical apparatus. The improved electrical connector is defined by a latch assembly, a connector housing, and a handle assembly. The latch assembly is mounted to the electrical apparatus. The connector housing includes physical features which allow for positive latching to the latch assembly, and which allow for the moveable attachment of the handle assembly to the connector housing. To intentionally disengage the electrical connector from the electrical apparatus, a user applies a pulling force on the handle assembly, whereupon the connector housing disengages from the latch assembly. However, if a pulling force is applied to the connector housing, or individual electrical cables, unintentional disengagement of the connector housing from the latch assembly is prevented.
61 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A connector for mating with an electrical apparatus, the connector comprising:
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a housing having formed therein a plurality of cavities, each of which is dimensioned to receive an electrical conductor assembly, the housing having a front portion having formed therein a plurality of apertures, each of which is dimensioned to receive a contact pin of the electrical apparatus, the housing defining a pair of lateral portions, each lateral portion having formed thereon a latching member; a handle assembly having a gripping portion and an attaching portion, the attaching portion being defined, at least in part, by a pair of arms which each terminate with an engaging head member, the handle assembly being moveably attachable with the housing, the handle assembly being moveable, back and forth, from a first delatching position to a second latching position; and a latch assembly defined by at least one base portion and a pair of arms, each arm defining a first receiving portion for receiving a respective latching member and a second receiving portion for receiving a respective engaging head member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification