US3601760A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrical connector
Assignee: Ford Motor Co
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Filing: 1969-03-17
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Granted: 1971-08-24
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Expires: 1989-03-17
Abstract
Abstract An electrical connector includes both a terminal having an annular recess therearound intermediate portions of the terminal of larger cross section and a block of nonconductive material having an aperture therein for receiving the terminal. A flexible wall forms a portion of the terminal block and this wall extends along and defines at least a portion of the length of the block''s terminal receiving aperture. A locating tab, secured to the flexible wall, enters the annular recess of the terminal to position it within the receiving aperture. A locking device is attached to the block to prevent the free flexing of the flexible wall when the tab has positioned the terminal within the aperture.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas M Cairns
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 22:16
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/40; H01R13/42; H01R13/436; H01R13/4361; H01R13/64
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
263 words
In an electrical connector which includes at least a plurality of pairs of cylindrical, electrical terminals, each terminal having an annular recess therein about the circumference thereof intermediate portions of the terminal of larger diameter, and a block of nonconductive material having a plurality of pairs of apertures for receiving the terminals therein, the improvement comprising: a first flexible wall associated with one of each pair of apertures and secured to the block of nonconductive material and defining at least a portion of the length of the one terminal-receiving aperture of each pair of apertures; a second flexible wall associated with the other of each pair of apertures and secured to the block of nonconductive material and defining at least a portion of the length of the other terminal-receiving aperture of each pair of apertures, said first flexible wall and said second flexible wall of each pair of apertures being in juxtaposition with one another with a space therebetween and the pairs of terminal-receiving apertures being aligned in a side by side relationship with said space between each pair of apertures being aligned; locating means secured to each of said flexible walls and extending into its associated terminal-receiving aperture, said locating means for entering the annular recess of the terminal inserted into the associated aperture for positioning the terminal properly within that aperture; and locking means comprising a single member insertable within said aligned spaces between said flexible walls of said pairs of apertures for preventing the free flexing of said flexible walls when terminals have been located within their associated terminal-receiving apertures.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
263 words
In an electrical connector which includes at least a plurality of pairs of cylindrical, electrical terminals, each terminal having an annular recess therein about the circumference thereof intermediate portions of the terminal of larger diameter, and a block of nonconductive material having a plurality of pairs of apertures for receiving the terminals therein, the improvement comprising: a first flexible wall associated with one of each pair of apertures and secured to the block of nonconductive material and defining at least a portion of the length of the one terminal-receiving aperture of each pair of apertures; a second flexible wall associated with the other of each pair of apertures and secured to the block of nonconductive material and defining at least a portion of the length of the other terminal-receiving aperture of each pair of apertures, said first flexible wall and said second flexible wall of each pair of apertures being in juxtaposition with one another with a space therebetween and the pairs of terminal-receiving apertures being aligned in a side by side relationship with said space between each pair of apertures being aligned; locating means secured to each of said flexible walls and extending into its associated terminal-receiving aperture, said locating means for entering the annular recess of the terminal inserted into the associated aperture for positioning the terminal properly within that aperture; and locking means comprising a single member insertable within said aligned spaces between said flexible walls of said pairs of apertures for preventing the free flexing of said flexible walls when terminals have been located within their associated terminal-receiving apertures.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
73 words
The improved electrical connector as defined in claim 1 wherein said locating means on each of said flexible walls is a projection which extends into its associated terminal-receiving cavity; and wherein said block of nonconductive material is provided with means for aligning said locking means in said space between said pairs of associated apertures in such a position that the locking means is adjacent said inwardly directed projections formed on said flexible walls.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
124 words
The improved electrical connector as defined in claim 2 wherein said aligning means on the nonconductive block consist of both surfaces formed between adjacent pairs of associated terminal-receiving apertures and surfaces at both extremities of the associated pairs of apertures, said surfaces at said extremities and said surfaces between each pair of apertures being positioned on opposite sides of said locking means when said locking means is inserted in its position between said flexible walls; and wherein said locking means is a bar of nonconductive material which is insertable into said space between said associated pairs of apertures by being moved laterally across said space from one extremity of said associated pairs of apertures to said other extremity of said associated pairs of apertures.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
49 words
The improved electrical connector as defined in claim 3 further comprising: projecting portions on said locking bar for engagement with at least one of said surfaces between adjacent pairs of associated terminal-receiving apertures for stabilizing said locking bar in a prescribed attitude within the connectoR after being inserted therein.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
The improved electrical connector as defined in claim 2 wherein said locking bar comprises a piece of nonconductive material insertable between said flexible walls by movement inwardly along the length of the space between said pairs of associated walls.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
66 words
The improved electrical connector as defined in claim 5 wherein one of the sidewalls of the block of nonconductive material is provided with an aperture; and wherein said locking bar is provided with a detent which enters said aperture when said locking bar is in a fully inserted position whereby said locking bar is held in a fixed position relative to said flexible walls after insertion.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
73 words
The improved electrical connector as defined in claim 6 wherein one of the walls between an associated pair of terminal-receiving apertures extends into the space between said flexible walls to provide a guide; and wherein said locking bar has a notch along the length thereof, said notch and said projecting wall cooperating to properly position said locking member during its movement into and along said space between said associated pairs of flexible walls.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-08-23 | 1975-02-22 | 1975-08-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-08-23 | 1979-02-22 | 1979-08-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-08-23 | 1983-02-22 | 1983-08-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |