Panel for supporting a pair of elongated mating connectors and

Abstract

A panel for selectively locking pairs of elongated mating connectors together in a connected relationship including a pair of symmetrically shaped plates that are rigidly supported in a spaced-apart and parallel relationship by a pair of channels extending therebetween. One connector of each pair is rigidly attached to first legs of the two channels by screws. The other connector of each pair is plugged into an associated one connector and has an elongated surface that is spaced from the latter. Generally rectangularly shaped holes in the plates are positioned and shaped to receive the ends of a locking bar and support it between the plates such that rotation of the bar in one direction provides over-center cam action which forces the bar into contact with the elongated surfaces of the other connectors to hold them in place. Disconnection of connectors is accomplished by rotating the locking bar in the opposite direction and removing a second connector from a first connector and the panel. The ends of the locking bar are bent over parallel to the plates in order to keep the bar from slipping out of the openings. Slots in the front of the plates extend into the openings so that the locking bar may be removed therefrom.