Electrical connectors – With coupling movement-actuating means or retaining means in... – Having push-pull contacts spaced along only one planar side...
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-12
2001-11-27
Paumen, Gary (Department: 2833)
Electrical connectors
With coupling movement-actuating means or retaining means in...
Having push-pull contacts spaced along only one planar side...
C439S447000, C439S352000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06322386
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to electrical connectors, and more particularly to devices adapted for the actuation of locking latches.
Background of the Invention
Electrical connectors typically have a multiplicity of terminal contacts positioned in an insulating housing, and arranged so as to be connected to a complementary connector to form a connector pair. It is well known to use mechanical latching mechanisms for maintaining the connection between the two connectors. The latching mechanism will ensure that the mating connectors maintain an electrical connection. Typically, the connector includes an integral latch member which is secured to the housing by a leg or biased hinge, or a connection point with the housing of the connector. The mating connector has a catch or a lug which will engage the latch mechanism when the two connectors are interengaged thereby ensuring that the connectors remain secured together. Examples of connectors utilizing such devices may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos.: 6,089,898; 6,071,141; 5,947,776; 5,941,726; 5,785,540; 5,725,324; 5,399,109; 5,255,154; 5,207,593; 4,995,826; 4,647,128; and 4,272,145.
These arrangements are not always satisfactory, especially when they are used in conjunction with multiple, but separate connectors that are positioned side-by-side. There is a need in the art for connectors that can be released from one another when latching mechanism is located in a remote position, or in an arrangement with other connector pairs that provides little or no space for actuation. This need in the art has become acute in connection with many “high density” interconnection systems, where unlatching must take place under difficult circumstances, e.g., in a blind space where several such connectors are arranged in a stacked configuration.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a connector boot having an integral latch release for engaging an operative portion of a latching mechanism of a connector to switch the latching mechanism between a latched position and an unlatched position. In one embodiment, the boot includes a housing having exterior walls that define an internal cavity sized to accept a portion of the connector. The boot includes a latch release cowl that is integrally formed on one of the exterior walls of the housing. The release cowl comprises side walls and an outer wall that joins the side walls to form the cowl. Slots are formed in each of the side walls so as to form a cantilevered beam in a portion of the outer wall. Thus, when the connector is positioned within the internal cavity of the boot, the cantilevered beam of the release cowl is positioned in operative relation over the latching mechanism of the connector.
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Scarano Timothy Mark
Tharp Keith Franklin
Duane Morris & Heckscher LLP
Paumen Gary
The JPM Company
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