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US5643003A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Housing latch with connector position assurance device

Assignee: Whitaker LLC
•
Filing: 1995-06-02
•
Granted: 1997-07-01
•
Expires: 2015-06-02
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Abstract

Abstract A connector assembly (10) includes a plug housing (20) with a housing latch (30) formed thereon that includes grooves (32) for slidably receiving a connector position assurance device (CPA) (40). The CPA (40) is inserted from a mating side face (25) of the housing (20) and is operable to assure that a further matable connector is fully mated to the housing (20). The CPA (40) includes a deflectable beam (41) and an embossment (44). The beam (41) will deflect below projections (34) of latch (30) as the CPA (40) is moved into its final position. When the CPA (40) is in its final position, the operator can readily observe that the housing (20) has been fully mated to the further matable connector.

Inventors

  • 👤 John Mark Myer
  • 👤 John Raymond Shuey

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-02 20:25
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/62; H01R13/627; H01R13/6271; H01R13/6272; H01R13/64; H01R13/641

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 79
Claim 1
Independent Claim 145 words
An electrical connector housing assembly which includes a connector position assurance device (CPA) and a connector housing with at least one contact receiving aperture therein which extends from a mating face of said housing, said assembly further includes: a deflectable housing latch formed on said connector housing, said housing latch includes at least one groove formed in a deflectable beam thereof for slidably receiving a respective portion of said CPA; said CPA respective portion comprises a flange, said CPA flange is slidably movable in said groove between first and second positions relative to said housing latch, and said CPA includes a deflectable, resilient beam; whereby, a deflecting force which, when applied to said housing latch, causes said housing latch to deflect relative to said housing, will also cause said CPA to be displaced relative to said housing when said CPA is in said first position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 145 words
An electrical connector housing assembly which includes a connector position assurance device (CPA) and a connector housing with at least one contact receiving aperture therein which extends from a mating face of said housing, said assembly further includes: a deflectable housing latch formed on said connector housing, said housing latch includes at least one groove formed in a deflectable beam thereof for slidably receiving a respective portion of said CPA; said CPA respective portion comprises a flange, said CPA flange is slidably movable in said groove between first and second positions relative to said housing latch, and said CPA includes a deflectable, resilient beam; whereby, a deflecting force which, when applied to said housing latch, causes said housing latch to deflect relative to said housing, will also cause said CPA to be displaced relative to said housing when said CPA is in said first position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 17 words
The assembly of claim 1, wherein said CPA deflectable beam includes an embossment and a stop member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 19 words
The assembly of claim 2, wherein said housing latch comprises at least one stop projection for engaging said embossment.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 31 words
The assembly of claim 1, wherein said housing latch includes a second deflectable beam with a second groove formed therein, thereby defining a latch space between said housing latch deflectable beams.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 53 words
The assembly of claim 4, wherein said CPA deflectable beam has a set width dimension, said latch space has a set width dimension, and said CPA beam width dimension is less than said latch space width dimension thereby permitting said CPA deflectable beam to flexibly deflect at least partially within said latch space.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 30 words
The assembly of claim 4, wherein said CPA includes a second flange slidably disposed in said second groove, and said second flange thereby defines a flange width between said flanges.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 44 words
The assembly of claim 6, wherein said CPA deflectable beam has a set width dimension, and said CPA beam width dimension is less than said flange width dimension, thereby permitting said CPA deflectable beam to flexibly deflect at least partially within said latch space.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 28 words
The assembly of claim 7, wherein an obtuse angle is defined between said CPA deflectable beam and said flanges when said deflectable beam is in said first position.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 34 words
The assembly of claim 1, wherein said housing latch includes a second deflectable beam and a bridge portion which extends between said housing latch deflectable beams, and said bridge portion has a bridge recess.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 33 words
The assembly of claim 9, wherein said CPA includes a base portion and a generally vertically extending support section which fits into said bridge recess when said CPA is in said first position.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 23 words
The assembly of claim 1, wherein said CPA deflectable beam resiles upwardly as said CPA moves from its first to its second position.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 202 words
An electrical connector assembly which includes a header, a connector position assurance device (CPA), and a connector housing with at least one contact receiving aperture therein which extends from a mating face of said housing, said assembly further includes: a deflectable housing latch formed on said connector housing, said housing latch includes at least one space formed in a beam thereof for slidably receiving a respective portion of said CPA; said CPA is slidably movable in said space between first and second positions relative to said housing latch, said CPA includes a deflectable, resilient beam, and said first position is defined in that said portion of said deflectable beam comprises an embossment on said CPA beam which is aligned for engagement with a back side of at least one stop projection formed on said housing latch for holding said CPA in the first position; and said header includes a projection for engaging a portion of said CPA deflectable beam; whereby, when said CPA is in said first position, said header projection engages a portion of said deflectable beam thereby deflecting the beam and thereby clearing said embossment of said stop projection and allowing said CPA to be released from said first position.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim 202 words
An electrical connector assembly which includes a header, a connector position assurance device (CPA), and a connector housing with at least one contact receiving aperture therein which extends from a mating face of said housing, said assembly further includes: a deflectable housing latch formed on said connector housing, said housing latch includes at least one space formed in a beam thereof for slidably receiving a respective portion of said CPA; said CPA is slidably movable in said space between first and second positions relative to said housing latch, said CPA includes a deflectable, resilient beam, and said first position is defined in that said portion of said deflectable beam comprises an embossment on said CPA beam which is aligned for engagement with a back side of at least one stop projection formed on said housing latch for holding said CPA in the first position; and said header includes a projection for engaging a portion of said CPA deflectable beam; whereby, when said CPA is in said first position, said header projection engages a portion of said deflectable beam thereby deflecting the beam and thereby clearing said embossment of said stop projection and allowing said CPA to be released from said first position.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim 83 words
The assembly of claim 12, wherein when said CPA is in said first position an operating section of said CPA is adjacent to a bridge of said housing latch, which bridge extends between a pair of deflectable beams of said housing latch, and a deflecting force which, when applied to said housing latch, causes said housing latch to deflect relative to said housing, will also cause said CPA to be moved relative to said housing when said CPA is in said first position.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim 64 words
The assembly of claim 12, wherein, when said CPA is in said second position an operating section of said CPA is disposed above a pair of plates formed on said header, a support section of said CPA which supports said operating section is disposed in a gap between said plates, and said second position thereby prevents inadvertent withdrawal of said housing from said header.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim 28 words
The assembly of claim 12, wherein a CPA beam deflects into defining an obtuse, angle relative to said CPA flange when said CPA is in said first position.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim 30 words
The assembly of claim 12, wherein said CPA is trapped between said stop projection and a bridge formed on said housing latch adjacent to a support section of said CPA.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim 46 words
The assembly of claim 12, wherein said second position is characterized in that said portion of said deflectable beam comprises an embossment on said CPA beam which is aligned for engagement with a front side of at least one stop projection formed on said housing latch.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim 30 words
The assembly of claim 17, wherein said CPA is trapped between said stop projection and a stop member formed on said CPA adjacent to a support section of said CPA.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim 31 words
The assembly of claim 17, wherein said CPA second position is further characterized by alignment of an operating section of said CPA with at least one plate formed on said header.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim 127 words
An electrical connector assembly which includes a first housing, a connector position assurance device (CPA), and a connector housing with at least one contact receiving aperture therein which extends from a mating face of said connector housing, said assembly further includes: a housing latch formed on said connector housing, said housing latch includes a space formed in a beam thereof for slidably receiving a respective portion of said CPA; said CPA respective portion is slidably movable in said space between operating positions relative to said housing latch; whereby, when said connector housing is mated to said first housing, said first housing is engageable with an operating section of said CPA to thereby push said CPA toward an operating position adjacent a wire exit face of said housing.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim 127 words
An electrical connector assembly which includes a first housing, a connector position assurance device (CPA), and a connector housing with at least one contact receiving aperture therein which extends from a mating face of said connector housing, said assembly further includes: a housing latch formed on said connector housing, said housing latch includes a space formed in a beam thereof for slidably receiving a respective portion of said CPA; said CPA respective portion is slidably movable in said space between operating positions relative to said housing latch; whereby, when said connector housing is mated to said first housing, said first housing is engageable with an operating section of said CPA to thereby push said CPA toward an operating position adjacent a wire exit face of said housing.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim 192 words
An electrical connector assembly which includes a header, a connector position assurance device (CPA), and a connector housing with at least one contact receiving aperture therein which extends from a mating face of said housing, said assembly further includes: a deflectable housing latch formed on said connector housing, said housing latch includes at least one space formed in a beam thereof for slidably receiving a respective portion of said CPA; said CPA is slidably movable in said space between first and second positions relative to said housing latch, and said CPA includes a deflectable, resilient beam; said header includes a projection for engaging a portion of said CPA deflectable beam; whereby, when said CPA is in said first position, said header projection engages a portion of said deflectable beam thereby deflecting the beam; and when said CPA is in said second position an operating section of said CPA is disposed above a pair of plates formed on said header, a support section of said CPA which supports said operating section is disposed in a gap between said plates, and said second position thereby prevents inadvertent withdrawal of said housing from said header.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim 192 words
An electrical connector assembly which includes a header, a connector position assurance device (CPA), and a connector housing with at least one contact receiving aperture therein which extends from a mating face of said housing, said assembly further includes: a deflectable housing latch formed on said connector housing, said housing latch includes at least one space formed in a beam thereof for slidably receiving a respective portion of said CPA; said CPA is slidably movable in said space between first and second positions relative to said housing latch, and said CPA includes a deflectable, resilient beam; said header includes a projection for engaging a portion of said CPA deflectable beam; whereby, when said CPA is in said first position, said header projection engages a portion of said deflectable beam thereby deflecting the beam; and when said CPA is in said second position an operating section of said CPA is disposed above a pair of plates formed on said header, a support section of said CPA which supports said operating section is disposed in a gap between said plates, and said second position thereby prevents inadvertent withdrawal of said housing from said header.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim 199 words
An electrical connector assembly which includes a header, a connector position assurance device (CPA), and a connector housing with at least one contact receiving aperture therein which extends from a mating face of said housing, said assembly further includes: a deflectable housing latch formed on said connector housing, said housing latch includes at least one space formed in a beam thereof for slidably receiving a respective portion of said CPA; said CPA is slidably movable in said space between first and second positions relative to said housing latch, and said CPA includes a deflectable, resilient beam; said header includes a projection for engaging a portion of said CPA deflectable beam; whereby, when said CPA is in said first position, said header projection engages a portion of said deflectable beam thereby deflecting the beam; said second position is defined in that said portion of said deflectable beam comprises an embossment on said CPA beam which is aligned for engagement with a front side of at least one stop projection formed on said housing latch; and wherein said CPA is trapped between said stop projection and a stop member formed on said CPA adjacent to a support section of said CPA.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim 199 words
An electrical connector assembly which includes a header, a connector position assurance device (CPA), and a connector housing with at least one contact receiving aperture therein which extends from a mating face of said housing, said assembly further includes: a deflectable housing latch formed on said connector housing, said housing latch includes at least one space formed in a beam thereof for slidably receiving a respective portion of said CPA; said CPA is slidably movable in said space between first and second positions relative to said housing latch, and said CPA includes a deflectable, resilient beam; said header includes a projection for engaging a portion of said CPA deflectable beam; whereby, when said CPA is in said first position, said header projection engages a portion of said deflectable beam thereby deflecting the beam; said second position is defined in that said portion of said deflectable beam comprises an embossment on said CPA beam which is aligned for engagement with a front side of at least one stop projection formed on said housing latch; and wherein said CPA is trapped between said stop projection and a stop member formed on said CPA adjacent to a support section of said CPA.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim 114 words
An electrical connector assembly which includes a header, a connector position assurance device (CPA), and a connector housing with at least one contact receiving aperture therein which extends from a mating face of said housing, said assembly further includes: a deflectable housing beam formed on said connector housing, said housing beam includes a space formed therein which space slidably receives a respective portion of said CPA; said CPA respective portion is slidably movable in said space relative to said beam; whereby, as said connector housing is mated to said header, a portion of said header is engageable with said CPA to thereby push and slidably displace said CPA respective portion relative to said beam.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim 114 words
An electrical connector assembly which includes a header, a connector position assurance device (CPA), and a connector housing with at least one contact receiving aperture therein which extends from a mating face of said housing, said assembly further includes: a deflectable housing beam formed on said connector housing, said housing beam includes a space formed therein which space slidably receives a respective portion of said CPA; said CPA respective portion is slidably movable in said space relative to said beam; whereby, as said connector housing is mated to said header, a portion of said header is engageable with said CPA to thereby push and slidably displace said CPA respective portion relative to said beam.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim 33 words
The assembly of claim 23, wherein said housing comprises a mating face and a wire exit face, and said CPA displacement is generally directed from said mating face toward said wire exit face.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim 57 words
The assembly of claim 23, when the header and housing are in the fully mated position with respect to each other, and said CPA is in a fully advanced position, a force tending to deflect said beam will create mechanical stress in a support section of said CPA as said support section resists deflection of said beam.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim 134 words
An electrical connector housing assembly with at least one contact receiving aperture therein which extends from a mating face of said housing toward a wire exit face of said housing, and a CPA associated with said housing, said assembly includes: a deflectable housing beam connected to said connector housing by attaching sections, said housing beam includes a space formed therein, which space slidably receives a respective portion of said CPA so that said CPA respective portion is slidably movable within said space relative to said beam during motion of said CPA between operating positions of said CPA; and said CPA comprises a CPA beam which is deflectable, said space comprises a space width, and said CPA beam is deflectable within said width as said CPA is moved in said space between said operating positions.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim 134 words
An electrical connector housing assembly with at least one contact receiving aperture therein which extends from a mating face of said housing toward a wire exit face of said housing, and a CPA associated with said housing, said assembly includes: a deflectable housing beam connected to said connector housing by attaching sections, said housing beam includes a space formed therein, which space slidably receives a respective portion of said CPA so that said CPA respective portion is slidably movable within said space relative to said beam during motion of said CPA between operating positions of said CPA; and said CPA comprises a CPA beam which is deflectable, said space comprises a space width, and said CPA beam is deflectable within said width as said CPA is moved in said space between said operating positions.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim 29 words
The assembly of claim 26, wherein said space is spanned by a bridge of said beam, said bridge is located toward an end thereof adjacent the wire exit face.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim 18 words
The assembly of claim 26, wherein said space comprises a groove for slidably receiving said CPA respective portion.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim 21 words
The assembly of claim 26, wherein said beam includes at least one blocking interface member for blocking movement of said CPA.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim 31 words
The assembly of claim 29, wherein said CPA includes at least one member formed thereon for cooperating with said blocking interface member of said beam for preventing movement of said CPA.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim 29 words
The assembly of claim 26, said CPA includes an operating section so that a directed pushing force applied to said CPA operating section is operable to deflect said beam.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim 19 words
The assembly of claim 26, wherein said CPA includes an operating section which covers a portion of said beam.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim 19 words
The assembly of claim 26, wherein said CPA engages only portions of said beam when it is operative therein.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim 25 words
The assembly of claim 26, wherein said CPA comprises a flange section disposed in said space which resists deflection as said CPA beam is deflected.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim 11 words
The assembly of claim 30, wherein said CPA comprises an embossment.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim 12 words
The assembly of claim 30, wherein said CPA comprises a stop member.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim 41 words
The assembly of claim 26, wherein said CPA comprises an embossment and a stop member, said embossment and said stop member are operative to trap a portion of said beam therebetween for inhibiting motion of said CPA relative to said beam.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim 30 words
The assembly of claim 26, wherein said beam comprises a portion which projects into said space adjacent a bridge formed on said beam, said bridge comprises a recess formed therein.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim 15 words
The assembly of claim 38, wherein said recess is located between sections of said CPA.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim 17 words
The assembly of claim 39, wherein said CPA sections comprise flange and operating sections of said CPA.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim 21 words
The assembly of claim 38, wherein at least a portion of a support section of said CPA passes through said recess.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim 101 words
An electrical connector housing assembly with at least one contact receiving aperture therein which extends from a mating face of said housing toward a wire exit face of said housing, and a CPA associated with said housing, said assembly includes: a deflectable housing beam connected to said connector housing; said housing beam includes a space formed therein, which space is open towards said mating face of said housing and slidably receives a respective portion of said CPA so that said CPA respective portion is slidably movable within said space relative to said beam during assembly of said CPA onto said beam.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim 101 words
An electrical connector housing assembly with at least one contact receiving aperture therein which extends from a mating face of said housing toward a wire exit face of said housing, and a CPA associated with said housing, said assembly includes: a deflectable housing beam connected to said connector housing; said housing beam includes a space formed therein, which space is open towards said mating face of said housing and slidably receives a respective portion of said CPA so that said CPA respective portion is slidably movable within said space relative to said beam during assembly of said CPA onto said beam.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim 29 words
The assembly of claim 42, wherein said space is spanned by a bridge of said beam, said bridge is located toward an end thereof adjacent the wire exit face.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim 18 words
The assembly of claim 42, wherein said space comprises a groove for slidably receiving said CPA respective portion.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim 21 words
The assembly of claim 42, wherein said beam includes at least one blocking interface member for blocking movement of said CPA.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim 31 words
The assembly of claim 45, wherein said CPA includes at least one member formed thereon for cooperating with said blocking interface member of said beam for preventing movement of said CPA.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim 29 words
The assembly of claim 42, said CPA includes an operating section so that a directed pushing force applied to said CPA operating section is operable to deflect said beam.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim 19 words
The assembly of claim 42, wherein said CPA includes an operating section which covers a portion of said beam.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim 19 words
The assembly of claim 42, wherein said CPA engages only portions of said beam when it is operative therein.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim 30 words
The assembly of claim 42, wherein said CPA comprises a CPA beam which is deflectable, said space comprises a space width, and said CPA beam is deflectable within said width.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim 25 words
The assembly of claim 50, wherein said CPA comprises a flange section disposed in said space which resists deflection as said CPA beam is deflected.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim 12 words
The assembly of claim 46, wherein said member CPA comprises an embossment.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim 13 words
The assembly of claim 46, wherein said member CPA comprises a stop member.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim 42 words
The assembly of claim 42, wherein said member CPA comprises an embossment and a stop member, said embossment and said stop member are operative to trap a portion of said beam therebetween for inhibiting motion of said CPA relative to said beam.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim 30 words
The assembly of claim 42, wherein said beam comprises a portion which projects into said space adjacent a bridge formed on said beam, said bridge comprises a recess formed therein.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim 15 words
The assembly of claim 55, wherein said recess is located between sections of said CPA.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim 17 words
The assembly of claim 56, wherein said CPA sections comprise flange and operating sections of said CPA.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim 21 words
The assembly of claim 55, wherein at least a portion of a support section of said CPA passes through said recess.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim 95 words
An electrical connector housing assembly with at least one contact receiving aperture therein which extends from a mating face of said housing toward a wire exit face of said housing, said housing comprising: a deflectable housing beam connected to said connector housing; said housing beam includes a space formed therein, which space comprises an opening towards said mating face of said housing for slidably receiving a respective portion of a CPA so that said CPA respective portion is slidably movable within said space relative to said beam during assembly of said CPA onto said beam.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim 95 words
An electrical connector housing assembly with at least one contact receiving aperture therein which extends from a mating face of said housing toward a wire exit face of said housing, said housing comprising: a deflectable housing beam connected to said connector housing; said housing beam includes a space formed therein, which space comprises an opening towards said mating face of said housing for slidably receiving a respective portion of a CPA so that said CPA respective portion is slidably movable within said space relative to said beam during assembly of said CPA onto said beam.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim 29 words
The assembly of claim 59, wherein said space is spanned by a bridge of said beam, said bridge is located toward an end thereof adjacent the wire exit face.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim 18 words
The assembly of claim 59, wherein said space comprises a groove for slidably receiving said CPA respective portion.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim 21 words
The assembly of claim 59, wherein said beam includes at least one blocking interface member for blocking movement of said CPA.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim 25 words
The assembly of claim 59, wherein said beam comprises a portion which projects into said space adjacent said bridge, said space thereby comprising a recess.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim 97 words
An electrical connector assembly comprising first and second connector housings, said assembly further comprising: a deflectable housing beam associated with said first connector housing, said beam comprises a CPA slidably connected thereto, and said CPA comprises an operating section aligned to be received by said second connector housing; said second connector housing comprises a CPA receiving section, whereby when said CPA is located at an advanced position said CPA receiving section receives said CPA operating section thereover, and said CPA receiving section thereby blocks movement of said CPA operating section and inhibits deflection of said deflectable beam.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim 97 words
An electrical connector assembly comprising first and second connector housings, said assembly further comprising: a deflectable housing beam associated with said first connector housing, said beam comprises a CPA slidably connected thereto, and said CPA comprises an operating section aligned to be received by said second connector housing; said second connector housing comprises a CPA receiving section, whereby when said CPA is located at an advanced position said CPA receiving section receives said CPA operating section thereover, and said CPA receiving section thereby blocks movement of said CPA operating section and inhibits deflection of said deflectable beam.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim 26 words
The assembly of claim 64, wherein said second connector housing CPA receiving section comprises a recess which receives a portion of said CPA operating section therein.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim 100 words
An electrical connector assembly comprising: a deflectable housing beam associated with a first connector housing, said beam comprises a CPA slidably associated therewith for movement between operating positions, said CPA comprises first and second opposed surfaces defining a trap section therebewteen, said trap section receives a stopping portion of said deflectable beam thereby inhibiting movement of said CPA; and said assembly comprises a second connector housing matable with said first connector housing, said second connector housing comprises a CPA cooperating section which is operative to displace said trap section away from said stopping portion thereby allowing movement of said CPA.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim 100 words
An electrical connector assembly comprising: a deflectable housing beam associated with a first connector housing, said beam comprises a CPA slidably associated therewith for movement between operating positions, said CPA comprises first and second opposed surfaces defining a trap section therebewteen, said trap section receives a stopping portion of said deflectable beam thereby inhibiting movement of said CPA; and said assembly comprises a second connector housing matable with said first connector housing, said second connector housing comprises a CPA cooperating section which is operative to displace said trap section away from said stopping portion thereby allowing movement of said CPA.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim 73 words
An electrical connector assembly comprising: a deflectable housing beam associated with a first connector housing, said beam comprises a CPA slidably associated therewith for movement between operating positions, said CPA comprises first and second opposed surfaces, said opposed surfaces comprise an embossment and a stop member formed on said CPA defining a trap section therebewteen, and said trap section receives a stopping portion of said deflectable beam thereby inhibiting movement of said CPA.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim 73 words
An electrical connector assembly comprising: a deflectable housing beam associated with a first connector housing, said beam comprises a CPA slidably associated therewith for movement between operating positions, said CPA comprises first and second opposed surfaces, said opposed surfaces comprise an embossment and a stop member formed on said CPA defining a trap section therebewteen, and said trap section receives a stopping portion of said deflectable beam thereby inhibiting movement of said CPA.

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 2000-06-30 2000-12-30 2001-07-01 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 2004-06-30 2004-12-30 2005-07-01 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2008-06-30 2008-12-30 2009-07-01 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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