Patent US5529512A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5529512A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Connector with low insertion force
Assignee: Methode Electronics Inc
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Filing: 1994-12-30
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Granted: 1996-06-25
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Expires: 2014-12-30
Abstract
Abstract A connector is provided particularly for use as an automobile airbag squib connector wherein locking members are provided in a resting position allowing for a low insertion force of the connector into a receptacle or airbag inflation canister. The locking members are rotated into a mated orientation upon sliding engagement of deflector pins to deflect the locking members into a locked position providing for securement of the connector within a receptacle having a retaining force of greater than thirty pounds.
Inventors
- 👤 Kenneth P. Mlyniec
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 19:04
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/62; H01R13/627; H01R13/6271; H01R13/02; H01R13/193
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
An electrical connector comprising: a housing having contacts therein and a locking member in a resting position adjacent said housing forming a gap; a deflector pin coupled and slidable on said housing and insertable within the gap wherein the electrical connector with the locking member in said resting position is received within a receptable and is moved from said resting position to a locked position by sliding the pin within the gap between the locking member and the housing for engaging the locking member with a lip of the receptacle to secure the connector within the receptacle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
97 words
An electrical connector comprising: a housing having contacts therein and a locking member in a resting position adjacent said housing forming a gap; a deflector pin coupled and slidable on said housing and insertable within the gap wherein the electrical connector with the locking member in said resting position is received within a receptable and is moved from said resting position to a locked position by sliding the pin within the gap between the locking member and the housing for engaging the locking member with a lip of the receptacle to secure the connector within the receptacle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The electrical connector of claim 1 wherein said locking member includes a detente for engaging said lip of said receptacle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The electrical connector of claim 1 wherein said housing includes a pair of locking members and a pair of deflector pins.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The electrical connector of claim 1 wherein said locking member in said resting position provides a width of the housing at the locking member is less than the width of the opening of said receptacle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
An electrical connector of claim 1 wherein a pair of deflector pins are connected by a top member being slidingly retained within said housing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
45 words
The electrical connector of claim 5 wherein said deflector pins include a protrusion for maintaining said deflector pins in an open position and upon insertion of said deflector pins within said housing, moving said deflector pins into a closed position and deflecting said locking member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The electrical connector of claim 1 wherein said locking members are in a locked position providing for a retention force of thirty pounds or greater.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
80 words
A method of retaining an electrical connector in a receptacle including the steps of: inserting a connector into a receptacle having locking tabs in a resting position which provides for a low insertion force of the connector; inserting a deflector pin coupled and slidable on said connector in a gap adjacent the locking tab after the connector is received within the receptacle for causing the locking tab to rotate into a locked position to retain the connector within the receptacle.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
80 words
A method of retaining an electrical connector in a receptacle including the steps of: inserting a connector into a receptacle having locking tabs in a resting position which provides for a low insertion force of the connector; inserting a deflector pin coupled and slidable on said connector in a gap adjacent the locking tab after the connector is received within the receptacle for causing the locking tab to rotate into a locked position to retain the connector within the receptacle.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 8 wherein the insertion force is less than the retaining force.
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) | 1999-06-25 | 1999-12-25 | 2000-06-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-06-25 | 2003-12-25 | 2004-06-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-06-25 | 2007-12-25 | 2008-06-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |