US4362414A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Quick release connector assembly
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1981-03-16
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Granted: 1982-12-07
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Expires: 2001-03-16
Abstract
Abstract A connector assembly by which a user may detachably connect a tool (e.g. a flashlight, a screwdriver, or a chemical spray container) or a tool holder to a wall or to an article of clothing, such as a belt, or the like. The instant connector assembly comprises a hollow recepticle member, which may be interfaced with the user's clothing, and a plug member, which is interfaced with the tool or tool holder. The front face of the recepticle member is provided with an entry slot, through which the plug member is inserted. The underside of the front face is provided with a drop slot or groove, into which the plug member can be seated. Ramp portions are formed between the entry and drop slots for reliably guiding the plug member from the entry slot into engagement with the drop slot. The recepticle member also includes a slideable locking plate located therewithin. The plate is spring-biased, so as to be adapted for movement into contact with the plug member to thereby prevent the plug member from becoming accidentally unseated from the drop slot. Sufficient force may be exerted on the plug member in order to move the locking plate against the bias of the spring and, accordingly, permit the plug member to be removed from the drop slot, whereby to detach the plug member from the recepticle member via the entry slot.
Inventors
- 👤 Fritz Volz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 00:52
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16B; F16B21/00; F16B21/02; F16B21/04; A; A45; A45F; A45F5/00; A45F5/02; A45F5/1566; A45F5/1575; F21; F21L; F21L4/00; F21L4/005; F21V; F21V21/00; F21V21/08; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T403/00; Y10T403/70; Y10T403/7005; Y10T403/7007
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
287 words
A detachable connector assembly comprising: a plug member connected at one end thereof to an arcuate plate which is secured to a utilization means, the other end of said plug member having an elongated head portion formed thereat parallel to the axis of curvature of said arcuate plate, a recepticle member including a hollow housing and a face portion attached to one end of said housing, said face portion having an entry opening for receiving therethrough the head portion of said plug member, the underside of said face portion which is located at the interior of said housing having a slot formed therein, said slot being spaced from said entry opening and dimensioned to receive and seat the head portion of said plug member when said plug member is inserted through said entry opening and moved into engagement with said slot, locking means located within the interior of said housing and being positionable adjacent the underside of said face portion, at least one rising surface formed at the underside of said face portion and inclining between said entry opening and one end of said slot for guiding the head of said plug member from said entry opening into receipt by said slot, at least one stop portion formed at the underside of said face portion, said stop portion being located adjacent the other end of said slot and extending above said rising surface, so as to prevent the head portion of said plug member from being guided beyond said slot, and resilient means located within the interior of said housing for biasing said locking means into contact with the head portion of said plug member, in order to removably connect said utilization means to said recepticle member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
287 words
A detachable connector assembly comprising: a plug member connected at one end thereof to an arcuate plate which is secured to a utilization means, the other end of said plug member having an elongated head portion formed thereat parallel to the axis of curvature of said arcuate plate, a recepticle member including a hollow housing and a face portion attached to one end of said housing, said face portion having an entry opening for receiving therethrough the head portion of said plug member, the underside of said face portion which is located at the interior of said housing having a slot formed therein, said slot being spaced from said entry opening and dimensioned to receive and seat the head portion of said plug member when said plug member is inserted through said entry opening and moved into engagement with said slot, locking means located within the interior of said housing and being positionable adjacent the underside of said face portion, at least one rising surface formed at the underside of said face portion and inclining between said entry opening and one end of said slot for guiding the head of said plug member from said entry opening into receipt by said slot, at least one stop portion formed at the underside of said face portion, said stop portion being located adjacent the other end of said slot and extending above said rising surface, so as to prevent the head portion of said plug member from being guided beyond said slot, and resilient means located within the interior of said housing for biasing said locking means into contact with the head portion of said plug member, in order to removably connect said utilization means to said recepticle member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The connector assembly recited in claim 1, wherein said utilization means is a tool holder.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The connector assembly recited in claim 1, wherein said utilization means is a tool.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The connector assembly recited in claim 1, wherein said locking means includes a plate that is slideable through the interior of the housing of said recepticle member, the position of said plate being controlled by said resilient means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
The connector assembly recited in claim 1, wherein said resilient means is a spring, said spring being interfaced with said locking means for controlling the position of said locking means within the interior of the housing of said recepticle member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
The connector assembly recited in claim 1, wherein the head portion of said plug member includes at least one appendage and a base, said appendage extending outwardly from said base.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The connector assembly recited in claim 1, wherein said entry opening and said slot are aligned substantially perpendicular to one another at the underside of said face portion.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
49 words
The connector assembly recited in claim 1, wherein said rising surface is formed completely below the surface of the underside of said face portion, so that a guide ridge is established above said rising surface for directing the head portion of said plug member into receipt by said slot.
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) | 1985-12-06 | 1986-06-07 | 1986-12-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-12-06 | 1990-06-07 | 1990-12-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-12-06 | 1994-06-07 | 1994-12-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |