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:
Apr. 29, 1997
Filed:
Oct. 26, 1994
Christopher J Childs, Rochester Hills, MI (US);
Brian M Hood, Clinton Township, MI (US);
United Technologies Automotive, Inc., Dearborn, MI (US);
Abstract
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.