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:
Jul. 17, 2007
Filed:
Apr. 12, 2006
James L. Cairns, Ormond Beach, FL (US);
Stewart M. Barlow, Ormond Beach, FL (US);
James L. Cairns, Ormond Beach, FL (US);
Stewart M. Barlow, Ormond Beach, FL (US);
Ocean Design, Inc., Daytona Beach, FL (US);
Abstract
A connector may include first and second connector portions movable between unmated and mated positions; first and second bladders carried by respective connector portions, and each having an end movable between a closed position and an open position; and an interlocking assembly including first and second portions carried by respective connector portions and being movable between a released position, permitting opposing ends of the bladders to move apart, and an interlocked position, holding the opposing ends of the bladders together. The interlocking assembly may hold the opposing ends of the bladders together as the opposing ends of the bladders move from the closed position to the open position and/or as the opposing ends of the bladders move from the open position to the closed position. Also, the interlocking assembly may provide a positive drawback between its first and second portions during movement from the interlocked position to the released position.