The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 19, 1990
Filed:
Aug. 25, 1988
Michael J Gardner, Palatine, IL (US);
Lawrence E Geib, Carol Stream, IL (US);
Molex Incorporated, Lisle, IL (US);
Abstract
An improved electrical connector includes a housing extending in an axial direction between a rear conductor entry end and a forward mating end. A plurality of terminal receiving recesses extend between the ends of the housing. A plurality of electrical terminals are slideably insertable into the recesses from the conductor entry end. A terminal lock is supported for movement on the housing between a terminal load position in which the terminal lock does not obstruct the recesses and a lock position in which the terminal lock engages terminals in the recesses. The improvement in accordance with which the terminal lock includes a forward portion disposed adjacent the forward end of the housing and permitting mating of the mating end of the housing only when the terminal lock is in the lock position. An electrical connection assembly includes in combination first and second electrical connectors releasably mateable with one another. Each of said connectors includes a housing supporting a plurality of electrical terminals. The first connector includes a terminal lock movable relative to the housing of the first connector between a released position and a locked position in which the terminal lock engages the terminals of the first connector. The improvement in accordance with which the lock includes a portion engageable with the housing of the second connector, and the second connector housing includes a portion engaged by the portion of the lock for preventing mating of the connectors unless the lock is in the lock position.