The Whitaker Corporation

Michael D Sarkady

William Vito Pauza

James R Fetterolf, Sr

Jason M Reisinger

James E Connell, Jr

A self-sacrificing latching system for a pair of intermatable electrical connectors, such as a plug and receptacle, which incorporates a mechanism for unlatching same by the application of a maximum predetermined separating force, such as may be the result of an accident to the plug and receptacle. A first electrical connector includes a pair of flexible arms projecting axially therefrom, where the free end includes a bifurcated portion, while the second electrical connector includes a forward ramp surface against which the flexible arms initially ride to effect mating of the connectors. Further, there is a rearward surface slightly angled, i.e. on the order of about 4.degree. to 10.degree., from a base toward the ramp surface, and a metal spring arm mounted within the second electrical connector in close proximity to the base of the rearward surface. To effect unmating under a maximum predetermined separating force, the bifurcated end will deform or separate allowing the respective connectors to freely unmate.

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Crystal Lake, IL, United States of America

Michael D Sarkady