Connector with integrated living hinge and resettable spring
US6231373A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 15, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 21, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01R13/506
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A latching mechanism for an insulation displacement connector comprises a cap section, a base section, a latch member and a biasing member preferably configured as a type of spring. The cap section is movable between an open position and a closed position and includes a finger-grip member. The base section is connected to the cap section and includes a latch retaining portion. The latch member contains a latch-engaging portion, a living hinge and a latch base. The latch member is movable between an engaged position and disengaged position. The latch member maintains the cap section in the closed position when the latch member is in the engaged position and the latch engaging portion is confrontingly engaged with the latch retaining portion in this closed position. The biasing member may be formed as an elastically deformable member that has a bend point and is connected to the cap section proximate the finger grip member. Additionally, the biasing member is connected to the latch member at the latch base. The biasing member is forced to bend at the bend point by the latch member when the latch member pivots about the living hinge as it is moved to the disengaged position. This tens…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.