US6071141A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Connector latches
Assignee: FCI Americas Technology LLC
•
Filing: 1998-05-14
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Granted: 2000-06-06
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Expires: 2018-05-14
Abstract
Abstract Electrical connectors having latches for holding the connectors in mated condition employ relatively long latch arms with a point of flexure near a rear end of the connector. The latches extend into locating posts positioned forwardly of the mating face of the connector. If multiple latch arms are used, they are interconnected by a commonly actuated cross bar. Latch arms may be formed by integrally molding the arms with covers of the connectors. Effective latching properties and a long life are achieved with such latch structures. Manufacturing costs may be reduced by integrally molding latches with covers of the connector.
Inventors
- 👤 Ralph A. E. M. Semmeling
- 👤 Andrew G. Meller
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 09:14
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/62; H01R13/627; H01R13/6275; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S439/00; Y10S439/953
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
154 words
A connector for establishing an electrical connection with a mating connector comprising: a terminal housing having a front face for mating with the mating connector and a rear portion in opposed relation to the front face; a plurality of contact terminals disposed along said front face; a projection extending forwardly from said front face for engaging guidance structure in the mating connector; at least two biased latch arms joined by a cross member insuring common and simultaneous activation of both arms, each arm having a distal portion with a latch pawl disposed in said projection, an intermediate portion extending along said housing and a proximal portion forming a fulcrum for the latch arm disposed at said rear portion; a cover overlying said housing and an actuator means associated with the latch arm for moving the latch pawl to a disengaging position and wherein the fulcrum of the latch arm is secured on the cover.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
154 words
A connector for establishing an electrical connection with a mating connector comprising: a terminal housing having a front face for mating with the mating connector and a rear portion in opposed relation to the front face; a plurality of contact terminals disposed along said front face; a projection extending forwardly from said front face for engaging guidance structure in the mating connector; at least two biased latch arms joined by a cross member insuring common and simultaneous activation of both arms, each arm having a distal portion with a latch pawl disposed in said projection, an intermediate portion extending along said housing and a proximal portion forming a fulcrum for the latch arm disposed at said rear portion; a cover overlying said housing and an actuator means associated with the latch arm for moving the latch pawl to a disengaging position and wherein the fulcrum of the latch arm is secured on the cover.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The connector as in claim 1, wherein the latch arm is integral with the cover.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The connector as in claim 2, wherein the cover and the latch arm integrally molded.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
90 words
The connector as in claim 1, wherein said projection comprises a first projection and said front face includes a second forwardly extending projection laterally spaced from the first projection and a second latch arm having a distal portion with a latch pawl disposed in the second projection, an intermediate portion extending along the housing and a proximal portion forming fulcrum for the second latch arm secured on the cover; and an actuating means secured to the first and second latch arms for moving the latch pawls to a disengaging position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The connector as in claim 4, wherein the cover is formed of a moldable material and the first and second latch arms are integrally molded with the cover.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The connector as in claim 5, wherein the actuating means is integrally molded with the first and second latch arms and the cover.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
110 words
A connector for establishing an electrical connection with a mating connector comprising: a terminal housing having a front face for mating with the mating connector and a rear portion in opposed relation to the front face; a plurality of contact terminals disposed along said front face; at least two biased latch arms joined by a cross member insuring common and simultaneous activation of both arms, each arm having a distal portion with a latch pawl positioned to engage the mating connector and a proximal portion forming a fulcrum for the latch arm; and a cover overlying said housing, wherein the fulcrum of the latch arm is secured on the cover.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
110 words
A connector for establishing an electrical connection with a mating connector comprising: a terminal housing having a front face for mating with the mating connector and a rear portion in opposed relation to the front face; a plurality of contact terminals disposed along said front face; at least two biased latch arms joined by a cross member insuring common and simultaneous activation of both arms, each arm having a distal portion with a latch pawl positioned to engage the mating connector and a proximal portion forming a fulcrum for the latch arm; and a cover overlying said housing, wherein the fulcrum of the latch arm is secured on the cover.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The connector as in claim 7, wherein the latch arm is integral with the cover.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The connector as in claim 8, wherein the cover and the latch arm are integrally molded.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
63 words
The connector as in claim 7 and further comprising a second latch arm having a distal portion with a latch pawl positioned to engage the mating connector along a proximal portion forming fulcrum for the second latch arm secured on the cover; and an actuating means secured to the first and second latch arms for moving the latch pawls to a disengaging position.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
The connector as in claim 10, wherein the cover is formed of a moldable material and the first and second latch arms are integrally molded with the cover.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
The connector as in claim 11, wherein the actuating means is integrally molded with the first and second latch arms and the cover.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-06-06 | 2003-12-06 | 2004-06-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-06-06 | 2007-12-06 | 2008-06-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-06-06 | 2011-12-06 | 2012-06-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |