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:
May. 09, 2000
Filed:
Feb. 25, 1998
Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Yokkaichi, JP;
Abstract
A connector is provided in order to enhance a tactile sensation by providing a restoring force to a lock piece and further to attain an original locking function at the fitting of both a male and female connector housing. A dome covering the upper edge of a lock piece is formed on a female housing, and an arm which protrudes rearwardly and which can be elastically deformed is affixed to the dome. A projecting contact part protrudes downwardly at the end of the arm and closely contacts the upper edge of the lock piece. When the male and female housings are interfitted, a gaff part on the lock piece engages a protrusion on the male housing and swings upwardly, and in accordance with it, elastically deforms the arm by pushing the projecting contact part. When the male and female housings are normally interfitted, the lock piece restores to its original position and is locked by engagement of the gaff part with the backside of the protrusion. The lock piece forcefully restores to its original position by receiving the restoring elastic force of the arm, therefore causing the end of the gaff part to snap onto the upper face of the male housing to generate a loud sound and an enhanced tactile sensation.