United Technologies Automotive Inc.

Lear Corporation

Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc.

Ut Automotive Dearborn, Inc.

Brian M Hood

Peter Kowtun

Zenon Hotra

Brent A Kuhn

Christopher J Childs

A power distribution box may include a first support module having interconnectable elements provided on a plurality of sides thereof, and a second support module having interconnectable elements provided on a plurality of sides thereof. An interconnectable element on the first support module may be interconnected with an interconnectable element on the second support module to connect the first and second support modules together to form a body of the power distribution box having one of a plurality of possible configurations which define different footprints.

Power distribution box having interlocking support modules

A device for retaining an electrical component such as a fuse relative to a circuit includes a retainer body portion that receives and supports the electrical component. A cover maintains the component in position on the retainer body portion. A housing that surrounds the circuit includes a guide member that guides the retainer and maintains it in proper alignment with the housing. The retainer is moveable between a first position where the component engages a connection terminal in the circuit and a second position where the component is disconnected from the circuit. The retainer includes structure that maintains the component in the disconnected position until the retainer is specifically manipulated to allow the component to be reinserted into the connection terminal.

Component retaining device

A connector for holding at least one terminal includes a housing and a separate finger assembly. The housing defines a channel and a slot there below. Upon insertion of the finger assembly into the slot, a flexible finger extends into the channel. Upon insertion into the channel, the terminal contacts the finger and causes the finger to flex out of the channel into the slot. Upon full insertion of the terminal, the finger rebounds back into the channel and securely holds the terminal within the housing.

Connector

An interlock plate is received on an electrical connector which includes a latch to be received in a channel on a mating electrical connector. The plate is selectively movable between locked and unlocked positions, and prevents movement of the latch outwardly of the channel when in the locked position. The electrical connection is made by connecting the two electrical connectors, with the latch moving into the channel. During this initial connection, the plate is received on the electrical connector in the unlocked position. The plate is then moved to the locked position, where it remains while the electrical connection is maintained. At that position, abutments on the plate and the connector prevent movement of the latch outwardly of the channel. Should it be desired to disconnect the electrical connection, the plate is initially moved back to its unlocked position, and the connectors may then be separated. The plate is configured such that it will force the latch into the channel when moved to the locked position should the latch not be fully received within the channel. In addition, the plate prevents connection of the first and second electrical connectors when in the locked position. Finally, structure on the electrical connector and plate insures that the plate is securely retained on the electrical connector during assembly and shipment.

Connector latch interlock plate

A battery terminal connector cover and method of assembly where the connector cover has a hinged top wall and a bottom wall forming an enclosure with a battery post receiving aperture in the bottom wall and an attachment assembly for force-fit securement of a connector to the bottom wall in alignment with the post receiving aperture.

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Clinton Township, MI, United States of America

Brian M Hood