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:
Jan. 04, 2011
Filed:
Oct. 13, 2009
Randall G. Stone, McHenry, IL (US);
Joseph F. Murphy, Highland Park, IL (US);
Jimmy E. Adjunta, Lincolnshire, IL (US);
Randall G. Stone, McHenry, IL (US);
Joseph F. Murphy, Highland Park, IL (US);
Jimmy E. Adjunta, Lincolnshire, IL (US);
Woodhead Industries, Inc., Lincolnshire, IL (US);
Abstract
An electrical connector assembly includes first male and second female connectors having respectively a generally annular locking spring with inwardly directed flexible tines and an outer cylindrical coupling member. The tines are deflected outwardly by the outer coupling member when the second connector is inserted into the first connector for coupling the connectors. A locking clip having a pair of identical, semi-cylindrical mating sections adapted for mutual engagement and manual assembly about the coupled first and second connectors locks the two connectors together to prevent inadvertent disconnection. An uncoupling tool adapted for insertion in respective opposed slots in the two connected mating sections of the lock clip engages and axially displaces a release sleeve in one of the connectors, which, in turn, engages and outwardly deflects the locking clip's tines permitting the non-destructive separation of the two connectors.