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:
Dec. 28, 1999
Filed:
Dec. 08, 1998
Jeffrey M Hickox, Middlefield, OH (US);
General Motors Corporation, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
A connector mechanical assist system incorporating a mating tool and a connector configured for being squeezably interfaced with the mating tool. The connector is composed of first and second components having a conventional interlock mechanism, wherein a passage is provided in each of the first and second components which align when the first and second components are initially mated to form a passageway through the connector. The mating tool is composed of a head and two blades pivotally mounted on a common pivot in a cammed and slidable relation to the head. The blades have opposingly oriented hooks at the distal end portions thereof, wherein the hooks are retracted when the blades are mutually parallel. Each blade has a cam surface which interfaces with a respective boss of the head. With the connector pre-staged and the blades parallel, the blades are inserted through the passageway of the connector so that the distal end portions project therefrom at an exit side of the connector. Next, the blades are rearwardly drawn in relation to the head, whereupon the blades mutually cross and the hooks become opposingly exposed so as to contact the connector. Further rearward movement of the blades results in a mating force being applied which forces the first and second components into full mating.