Electrical connectors – With coupling movement-actuating means or retaining means in... – Retaining means
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-15
2001-05-29
Patel, Tulsidas (Department: 2839)
Electrical connectors
With coupling movement-actuating means or retaining means in...
Retaining means
C439S357000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06238230
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to locking devices and, more particularly, to latches for securing connectors in engagement.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Personal electronic devices such as radiotelephones and the like are becoming smaller and smaller. The reduction in the sizes of many components of these devices often results in a loss of strength and durability. Additionally, smaller devices tend to encourage portability and handling and, as a result, increased exposure to impacts and other stresses. Further, these smaller components may require greater dexterity to operate without damage.
Electrical connectors for personal electronic devices in particular have been steadily miniaturized to accommodate smaller housings, larger numbers of connector parts and aesthetic design demands. It is often very important that connectors such as electrical accessory connectors maintain a complete and reliable connection when in use. Unfortunately, such connectors are often subjected to repetitive, heavy-handed and, in some instances, damaging use by operators.
Latch mechanisms for securing connectors to personal electronic devices in particular are often subjected to abuse and repetitive use. The latch mechanisms should provide sufficient mechanical strength to keep the connector coupled to the device. For many applications, it is highly desirable that the latch mechanisms be of a passive locking design, i.e., allowing the user to disengage the connector by simply pulling it from an associated receptacle. However, passive locking latch mechanisms may be more prone to failure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to embodiments of the present invention, a latch assembly includes a body member defining a cavity and including at least two spaced apart, opposed, relatively displaceable arms. A latch structure is located on at least one of the arms. A deformable elastomeric core is disposed in the cavity to resist convergent displacement of the arms. The elastomeric core is responsive to convergent displacement of the arms to provide a spring force biasing the arms apart.
The latch structure may include a retention barb extending outwardly from at least one of the arms. Preferably, the elastomeric core is directly secured to the body member. The elastomeric core may be interposed between the arms.
According to embodiments of the present invention, a latch assembly includes a body member including first and second opposed arms. The arms are relatively movable from a first, spaced apart position to a second, more closely adjacent position. An elastomeric core is interposed between the arms such that, when the arms are moved from the first position to the second position, the elastomeric core is elastically deformed and exerts an expansive spring force biasing the arms to the first position. Preferably, the elastomeric core is directly secured to each of the arms. A latch structure may be located on at least one of the arms.
According to further embodiments of the present invention, an electrical connector assembly includes a connector body and an electrical contact mounted on the connector body. A latch assembly is mounted on the connector body. The latch assembly includes a body member defining a cavity and including at least two spaced apart, opposed, relatively displaceable arms. A latch structure is located on at least one of the arms. A deformable elastomeric core is disposed in the cavity to resist convergent displacement of the arms. The elastomeric core is responsive to convergent displacement of the arms to provide a spring force biasing the arms apart.
According to further embodiments of the present invention, an electrical connection assembly includes a receptacle and an electrical connector assembly. The receptacle includes a hole and a first electrical contact. The electrical connector assembly includes a connector body and a second electrical contact mounted on the connector body and adapted to engage the first electrical contact. A latch assembly is mounted on the connector body and is adapted to engage the receptacle. The latch assembly includes a body member defining a cavity and including at least two spaced apart, opposed, relatively displaceable arms. The arms are adapted for insertion into the hole of the receptacle. A latch structure is located on at least one of the arms. The latch structure is adapted to removably secure the latch assembly to the receptacle. A deformable elastomeric core is disposed in the cavity to resist convergent displacement of the arms. The elastomeric core is responsive to convergent displacement of the arms to provide a spring force biasing the arms apart.
According to further aspects of the present invention, a method of securing a latch assembly to a receptacle is provided. The latch assembly includes a body member defining a cavity and including at least two spaced apart, opposed, relatively displaceable arms, and further includes a deformable elastomeric core disposed in the cavity. The method includes inserting the arms into a hole in the receptacle such that the arms are compressed and the elastomeric core is thereby elastically deformed such that the elastomeric core exerts an expansion spring force on the arms. The method may include positioning the arms such that at least portions of the arms are disposed in the hole and a latch structure on at least one of the arms interlocks with a portion of the receptacle to resist removal of the latch assembly from the receptacle.
Objects of the present invention will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art from a reading of the Figures and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments which follow, such description being merely illustrative of the present invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3964364 (1976-06-01), Poe
patent: 4630983 (1986-12-01), Fischer
patent: 4830556 (1989-05-01), Nelson
patent: 4861208 (1989-08-01), Boundy
patent: 5848456 (1998-12-01), Sjöqvist
Patterson Gregory S.
Sadler John T.
Myers Bigel & Sibley & Sajovec
Patel Tulsidas
Telefonaktiebolaget L.M. Ericsson
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