With Connector Retaining Means In Addition To Contact Of Connector Patents (Class 439/144)
  • Patent number: 11413765
    Abstract: A robotic device includes a first robotic device including a first articulated arm, a first clamping mechanism, and a blow-out portion. The first clamping mechanism includes a first clamping claw and a second clamping claw. The first clamping claw is attached to the first articulated arm, and has a first support surface. The second clamping claw has a second support surface to face the first support surface in a first axial direction orthogonal to the first support surface. The second clamping claw is movable in the first axial direction relative to the first clamping claw. The blow-out portion is provided to any one of the first clamping claw or the second clamping claw. The blow-out portion is capable of blowing out fluid in a second axial direction orthogonal to the first axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinichi Takeyama, Hirokuni Beppu, Hideaki Masamura
  • Patent number: 11390256
    Abstract: A brake controller is provided as an inline plug between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle or trailer. The electronics including an accelerometer and wireless communication radio are potted within a brake controller housing package. There is no conventional display or input controls on the exterior of the brake controller package. Input settings, and possibly output messages, are communicated through a smartphone or similar software or hardware application. The brake controller can identify a hazard lighting condition and avoid braking the towed vehicle during the hazard lighting condition, and can also distinguish when braking during signaling a turn, using the turn signals of the towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: CURT Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Lange, III, Joecyl Sanchez, Harsh Desai
  • Patent number: 11258201
    Abstract: An unlocking bracket includes a fastener and an unlocking member. The fastener includes a fixing case and a support rod provided on the fixing case. The support rod is configured to bear on a connector. The fixing case is configured to sleeve on the connector. The unlocking member includes a cantilever and an unlocking block. The cantilever is configured to be rotationally mounted on the fixing case. The unlocking block is configured to abut a locking clip of the connector. The cantilever is configured to drive the unlocking block to rotate to push a locking clip of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: HONGFUJIN PRECISION ELECTRONICS(TIANJIN)CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yi-Pei Hsiao, Hsiang-Yu Lien, Ya-Ting Lin, Tung-Ho Shih
  • Patent number: 10923867
    Abstract: A plug assembly for a vehicle-trailer wiring connector assembly includes a plug housing, six connector cavities, and a first and second electrical connectors. The plug housing is positionable in a receptacle assembly. The six connector cavities are defined in and radially disposed around a connecting face of the plug housing in compliance with the Society of Automotive Engineers J2863 standard. The first electrical connector is positioned with respect to a first connector cavity of the cavities. A first contact surface of the first electrical connector is contactable within the first connector cavity. The second electrical connector is positioned with respect to the plug housing. A second contact surface of the second electrical connector is substantially aligned with an outer surface of the plug housing and externally contactable. The second electrical connector is positioned relative to the first electrical connector such that the second electrical connector is electrically insulated therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: R&S Shaeffer Properties LLC
    Inventors: Ricky David Shaeffer, Jared Tanner Shaeffer
  • Patent number: 10707611
    Abstract: An electrical connector comprises a first housing member that engages a second housing member engages to form an enclosure. In the enclosure, a substrate supports a central set of conductive members in a second tubular portion. A first arm is pivotably attached to the second housing member. The first arm is resiliently biased inwardly toward the second base portion. A second arm is pivotably attached to the second housing member and spaced apart from the first arm. The second arm is resiliently biased inwardly toward the second base portion. In accordance with one aspect, the arms support automatic latching of the connector portion to a mating connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Gregory K. Harmelink, Jon T. Jacobson, Michael A. Hajicek
  • Patent number: 10348041
    Abstract: A connector structure installed in the electric vehicle includes a plurality of connectors, an inter-connector conductive member configured to electrically connect the plurality of connectors, and a connector casing configured to house the inter-connector conductive member. A cover is attached to the unused connector of the plurality of connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Miharu Kiyuna, Yusuke Ozaki, Tomoyuki Suzuki, Ayumu Uno, Yasuhisa Kume, Makoto Kawahara
  • Patent number: 10326236
    Abstract: An electrical connector comprises a first housing member that engages a second housing member engages to form an enclosure. In the enclosure, a substrate supports a central set of conductive members in a second tubular portion a peripheral set of conductive members within the first hollow support. A first arm is pivotably attached to the second housing member. The first arm is resiliently biased inwardly toward the second base portion. A second arm is pivotably attached to the second housing member and spaced apart from the first arm. The second arm is resiliently biased inwardly toward the second base portion. In accordance with one aspect, the arms support automatic latching of the connector portion to a mating connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Gregory K. Harmelink, Jon T. Jacobson, Michael A. Hajicek
  • Patent number: 10164393
    Abstract: A mounting assembly (100) for mounting a plug (10) of a bayonet circular connector, the plug (10) having a circular core (11) which supports a plurality of electric contacts (12) engageable with corresponding complementary electric contacts of a receptacle (13) of the bayonet circular connector and a bayonet blocking ring (14) which is mounted in a rotating manner on the core (11) and which is suitable for cooperating with blocking elements (15) arranged in the receptacle (13) in the mounting assembly (100). A tubular body (16) for supporting the core (11) is provided where the tubular body (16) is insertable in an opening (17) of a panel (18) or a wall, with fixing means for fixing the tubular body (16) to the panel (18) or to the wall, and maneuvering means (19) for maneuvering the bayonet blocking ring (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: ATLAS COPCO BLM S.R.L.
    Inventor: Massimo Usuelli
  • Patent number: 10027072
    Abstract: A plug assembly for a vehicle-trailer wiring connector assembly includes a plug housing, six connector cavities, and a first and second electrical connectors. The plug housing is positionable in a receptacle assembly. The six connector cavities are defined in and radially disposed around a connecting face of the plug housing in compliance with the Society of Automotive Engineers J2863 standard. The first electrical connector is positioned with respect to a first connector cavity of the cavities. A first contact surface of the first electrical connector is contactable within the first connector cavity. The second electrical connector is positioned with respect to the plug housing. A second contact surface of the second electrical connector is substantially aligned with an outer surface of the plug housing and externally contactable. The second electrical connector is positioned relative to the first electrical connector such that the second electrical connector is electrically insulated therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: R&S Schaeffer Properties LLC
    Inventors: Ricky David Shaeffer, Jared Tanner Shaeffer
  • Patent number: 9960537
    Abstract: A connector assembly includes an electrical connector and a shipping cap. The electrical connector includes a housing and a lever pivotably coupled to the housing. The lever is pivotable relative to the housing between an open position and a closed position. The lever has a guideway configured to receive a guide journal of a mating connector that mates to the electrical connector. The shipping cap is removably mounted to a mating end of the housing when the electrical connector is not mated to the mating connector. The shipping cap includes a lid that covers a mating opening of the housing. The shipping cap further includes a blocking tab that is received in the guideway of the lever when the lever is in the open position. The blocking tab in the guideway engages the lever to block the lever from pivoting to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: TE CONNECTIVITY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Adam Price Tyler
  • Patent number: 9887528
    Abstract: A safety cover system for a household electrical switch or outlet is provided. A wall plate is provided having an aperture for an electrical device such as an outlet or switch. The wall plate has a rim with upper and lower locking lips. A cover plate is provided that is pivotally connected to the wall plate by hinges for covering the wall plate. There is provided upper, lower and side release mechanisms. Each release mechanism includes a release button with a portion of the release button exposed to an exterior of the cover plate through an aperture in the cover plate. The release also includes a latch connected with the button having an arm overlapping the wall plate rim lip to prevent the cover plate from being pivoted open from the wall plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventors: George D. Melistas, Kaliopi E. Melistas
  • Patent number: 9887482
    Abstract: A connector structure adapted to an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing with an open slot. The connector structure comprises a tongue-shaped portion, a covering component, and a connecting member. The tongue-shaped portion is pivotally connected to the housing and disposed in the open slot. The covering component is pivotally connected to the housing and for covering the open slot. The connecting member is disposed inside the open slot and connecting the tongue-shaped portion and the covering component. When the covering component drives the tongue-shaped portion to rotate simultaneously via the connecting member, a gap is formed between the tongue-shaped portion and the covering component to expose the open slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.
    Inventors: Jack Lam, Hao-Siang Min
  • Patent number: 9819115
    Abstract: A plug for an electrical plug-and-socket connection comprising a plug body having plug contacts embedded in the plug body. The contacts being connectable with wires leading to the electrical circuit of a vehicle. The plug including one or more plug openings in a front face of the plug body surrounding the plug contacts for inserting contacts of a socket into the one or more plug openings providing an electrical connection between the contacts of the socket and the plug contacts. A plug protrusion extending from the plug body and placed such that a pawl protruding form an inner surface of a socket cover engages behind the plug protrusion when the plug is inserted into a plug-in opening of the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Erich Jaeger GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Klaus Markefka
  • Patent number: 9768541
    Abstract: A plug receptacle comprises a receptacle housing having a passage configured to receive at least a part of a plug of a plug connector, a front side having a first opening and a top side having a second, elongated opening that intersects the first opening, the passage opening to the front side via the first opening and to the top side via the second opening. The plug receptacle comprises at least one plug receptacle cover that is configured to move between a cover position and an elevated position. In the cover position, the at least one plug receptacle cover covers the second opening at least partially. In the elevated position, the at least one plug receptacle cover is elevated outwards along its entire length, so that the at least the part of the plug partially extends through the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Niko Eiden, Ville Vehkaperä
  • Patent number: 9762011
    Abstract: An engine block heater cord set. The cord set comprises an electrical power cord engagable with the engine block heater. A connector includes a plurality of power contacts, where the number of power contacts is four or more and a multiple of two. Each of the power contacts is electrically bonded to one of first and second electrical conductors. The power contacts are positioned symmetrically relative to one another on the connector with diagonally opposite contacts having a different polarity and spaced apart by a distance generally equal to the distance between the electrical terminals of the engine block heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Electrical Components International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ping-Chung Wong, Daniel P. McNaught
  • Patent number: 9700029
    Abstract: A fishing lure representing a typical fish is formed from plastic or polymer. Embedded therein is provided a dynamic motion actuator utilized to attract fish by the continuous or random motion effected thereby. The device is powered by an onboard battery connected to a vibrational motor. A control circuit detects the water activation of the fishing lure and enables the motor and a lighting system for a predetermined sequence of activation and deactivation. An auxiliary control circuit senses connection of a USB to barrel connector power wire through a charging dock mounted in the frame of the fishing lure. Checking both a charging state and the number of times the device has been charged, the auxiliary control circuit enables a steady state light for signaling charging and a flashing light if the number of charges is above a certain level by using a counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Mann
  • Patent number: 9653842
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a USB connection system for an open cab vehicle such as a golf car, turf-care vehicle, small maintenance vehicle, shuttle vehicle, cargo vehicle, all-terrain vehicle, utility terrain vehicle, motorcycle, and/or other utility vehicle, and/or other outdoor/off-road vehicle. The USB connection system comprises a module structured and operable to receive and retain at least one USB port, a water protected circuit board located remotely from the USB port(s) and electrically and communicatively connected to the USB port(s). The USB connection system additionally comprises a laterally rotatable slide-away cover that is pivotally connected to the module via a pivot pin longitudinally disposed within a module housing such that the cover can be laterally rotated, between an opened and a closed position about the pivot pin. Furthermore, in various implementations, the module includes at least one water drainage channel structured and operable to drain water away from the USB port(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary Ronald Savage, John Ledden, Arthur James Harvey, John Frederick Criss, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9478926
    Abstract: A multi-access RJ45 adaptor is provided, which includes an RJ45 plug, at least two RJ45 sockets, and a mobile piece that can move between the at least two RJ45 sockets. The mobile piece is configured to allow insertion of an RJ45 plug into any of the RJ45 sockets and simultaneously to prevent the insertion of another RJ45 plug into the other of the RJ45 sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: FRANCE TELECOM
    Inventors: Hervé Le Cozic, Pierrick Guillas, Olivier Bouffant
  • Patent number: 9325099
    Abstract: Coupling system housings including a receptacle housing with a domed protective door and a male coupler housing that may be used to actuate the receptacle housing door are disclosed. The receptacle housing may be mounted in a receiving structure. The receptacle housing is configured with a dome-shaped door that conceals and protects the connectors of an assembled receptacle when in the closed position. The receptacle housing also includes a biasing mechanism that urges the door to a closed position and maintains the door in its closed position when a male coupler is not mated to the receptacle. The male coupler housing is configured with an ergonomic handle suitable for one handed operation of the male coupler. The male coupler housing may be used to actuate the receptacle housing door during insertion and mating of and assembled male coupler to an assembled receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Hypertronics Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher D. Coughlan, David E. Salomon, Arkady Shinder-Lerner, Eric R. Stauble
  • Patent number: 9231329
    Abstract: Configuration of a hinge for avoiding likely collection of water provides a connector to prevent difficulty of opening or closing a cover by freezing of the hinge. A connector mounted in an electric vehicle and connected with a connector of a charging cable is provided with a housing, a cover rotatively pivoted about the housing so as to open or close the cover, and a shaft. The cover is provided with a pair of cover side mounting plates including a shaft hole passing the shaft therethrough, and the housing is provided with a pair of housing side mounting plates including a shaft hole passing a shaft therethrough, and positioning the pair of cover side mounting plates therebetween. The pair of cover side mounting plates is provided with a boss cylindrically upstanding from each of faces opposite to the pair of housing side mounting plates, and passing the shaft therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kojima, Takashi Tsukamoto, Michitake Masuda
  • Patent number: 8986023
    Abstract: A slim type electronic connector for receiving a plug therein includes a half socket, a covering lid, a holding seat, and a recovering element. The covering lid has a main body, a sheltering portion extended from the main body, and a pair of rotating axles formed at one end of the main body. An inserting space is formed between the half socket and the holding seat. When the covering lid rotates to a covered position, the sheltering portion extends beyond a front edge of the holding seat. When the covering lid rotates to an opening position, the sheltering portion moves away the front edge of the holding seat to allow for inserting the plug. When the plug is inserted between the half socket and the holding seat, the recovering element pushes the sheltering portion to engage the plug for preventing from moving outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Wistron Corp.
    Inventors: Wei-Yi Lee, Tien-Chung Tseng
  • Patent number: 8888516
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes a base with a number of contacts, a cover pivotally mounted to the base, a pair of supporting components for mating with the cover, and a reinforce piece fixed to the cover. The reinforce piece is fixed to the cover and includes a pair of opposite engaging projections extending into the front opening The cover and the pair of supporting components are mateable with each other in condition that one of the cover and the pair of supporting components pivots clockwise while a remaining one of the cover and the pair of supporting components pivots anti-clockwise. The cover and the supporting components are pivotal between an opening location and a closed location for receiving a plug connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Alltop Electronics (Suzhou) Ltd.
    Inventors: Wang-I Yu, Chun-Hsien Wu, Hung-Chi Tai
  • Patent number: 8882519
    Abstract: A dust cap (100) for covering a jack recess (206) in a telecommunications jack (200) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the dust cap (100) includes a cover portion (110) attached to a hinge base (150). The cover portion (110) is rotatable from a closed position, wherein the cover portion (110) covers the jack recess (206), to an open position, wherein the jack recess (206) is exposed. The cover portion (110) may include a securing feature (114, 116) configured to engage with the jack recess (206) to retain the cover portion (110) in the closed position. The front face (110a) of the cover portion (110) may also include a handle (112). The dust cap (100) may also include an adhesive (156) located on a rear face (150b) of the hinge base (150) that is configured to engage with a front face (204) of the telecommunications jack (200) to secure the dust cap (100) to the telecommunications jack (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics UK Ltd.
    Inventor: Gordon John White
  • Patent number: 8827726
    Abstract: An electric connector assembly is disclosed. The electric connector assembly comprises a shell, a plurality of terminals, a spacer, a support plate, a housing, and a door. The spacer comprises a plurality of first openings. The support plate comprises a plurality of second openings. The spacer is positioned on the support plate. Each of the second openings is corresponding to one of the first openings. Each of the terminals is inserted in a corresponding first hole and a corresponding second hole. The shell is fixed to the support plate. The housing comprises two opposite sides. The shell is fixed to the housing. The door is locked to the sides. A sliding mechanism slides on the sides so that the door is closed or pulled out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Energy Full Electronics
    Inventor: Chih-jung Chen
  • Patent number: 8808014
    Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to a plug connector for inserting into at least one hole of an electrical outlet. The plug includes a plug body, a switch, a pushing member, at least one conductive member, and at least one locking member. The plug body is constructed of at least one shell defining a via hole, where the via hole penetrates entirely through the shell. The switch has a connecting end inserted through the via hole for connecting pivotally to the pushing member. The conductive member protrudes from the plug body, and the locking member is arranged in close to the conductive member. Thus, when the switch is operated, the connecting end is driven to push the pushing member to move with respect to the conductive member, and the locking member is pushed by the pushing member to deform or move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Powertech Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-Hui Hsu, Chen-Teng Hsu
  • Patent number: 8808015
    Abstract: An exemplary electronic device includes a front wall and a protecting member. The font wall includes a socket used to engagingly receive a plug and a fixing member used to fix the front wall to a side wall associated with the electronic device. The protecting member is located between the socket and the fixing member and slidably attached to the front wall to selectively shield at least part of the socket or shield the fixing member. When the protecting member shields at least part of the socket, the fixing member is exposed to allow the front wall to be disassembled from the side wall. When the protecting member shields the fixing member, the socket is entirely exposed to allow the plug to be inserted into the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sheng-Yen Lin, Feng-Liang Liao
  • Patent number: 8758032
    Abstract: A connector mechanism includes a first casing, a second casing, a rotary cover, a circuit board, a socket, a base, a rotary fastener and a resilient component. The rotary cover is connected to the second casing in a rotable manner. The rotary fastener is pivoted to the base. The rotary fastener is pressed by the rotary cover when the rotary cover rotates to a close position. The rotary fastener fastens a plug when the rotary cover rotates to an open position so as not to press the rotary fastener and when the plug is inserted into the socket. The resilient component is connected to the rotary fastener for driving the rotary fastener to fasten the plug when the rotary cover rotates to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Chen-Yi Liang, Jiann-Shiun Lin, Cheng-Hsiang Chuang
  • Patent number: 8622759
    Abstract: A safety cover for a socket or switch has a frame arranged to extend on three sides of a rectangular faceplate of the socket or switch and a cover panel hinged to the frame for pivotal movement towards and away from a position in which the cover panel conceals the faceplate. The frame is of U-shape and defines an opening in which the faceplate is received. The frame has inwardly directed lips contiguous with a rear face of the frame that locate behind the faceplate on opposite sides of the opening clear of the fixing screws used to secure the faceplate to a mounting box. The safety cover can be fitted by partially releasing the screws and sliding the lips under the faceplate as the frame is positioned around the faceplate and then tightening the screws to secure the faceplate and hold the frame in place by securing the lips under the faceplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Dormina UK Limited
    Inventors: Michelle Clare O'Connell, Michael Ioannou, Ian O'Connell
  • Patent number: 8604344
    Abstract: A cable clamp includes a board and a cover. The board forms a block on a top surface and at a first end of the board, and an L-shaped inserting portion on a bottom surface. A hook extends out from a second end of the board. The cover has a first end pivotably connected to the second end of the board, and a second end detachably engaged with the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun-Hui Wang, Kun Li
  • Patent number: 8535071
    Abstract: Disclosed is a plug-type connection having a plug and a socket with a plug-in opening for the plug. The socket includes a socket housing and at least one retaining element connected to the socket housing and movable about a first pivot axis. The retaining element secures the plug plugged into the plug-in opening against slipping out of the plug-in opening. A means is provided to displace the retaining element about the first pivot axis out of the position securing the plug against slipping out, thereby releasing the plug, if a specific force acting on the plug opposite to the plug-in direction is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Schaltbau GmbH
    Inventor: Benno Mueller
  • Patent number: 8500468
    Abstract: A connector, comprises a connector assembly; a main housing having an internal chamber for receiving therein the connector assembly; and a housing cover which mates with the main housing to cover the internal chamber. The main housing includes an opening at one end of the main housing with a removable and retractable cover permitting access to the internal chamber. A mating connector is connected to the connector assembly, the mating connector including a fastening tab; and the fastening tab including a main tab that is interlocked with the removable cover to prevent the mating connector from unintentionally disconnecting from the connector assembly. A protective housing assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventors: Sandra Lorraine Gravolin, Dennis Ronald Gravolin
  • Patent number: 8496488
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing and a cover. The housing can include a surface to receive a terminal block to transmit power to an electrical component. A shroud to be inserted within the electrical component can extend away from the housing surface. The cover can have an end for hingedly attaching to the housing. Another cover end can be configured to releasably lock to the housing. The housing and the cover can have notches. The cover is pivotable relative to the housing between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the cover and the housing together form an enclosure for the terminal block, and the notches of the housing and the cover cooperatively define passageways configured to receive external wires to connect to the terminal block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Don Grimm, Edward John Kliewer, Kwok Keung Lee, Sam David Blackwell
  • Patent number: 8475176
    Abstract: An integrated electrical connector comprises one or more terminals housed within a connector body. The connector body is configured and arranged to structurally join an auxiliary component to a host vehicle to which the integrated electrical connector is mechanically fixed and electrically coupled. The connector body is configured to facilitate electrically coupling electrical circuitry of the auxiliary component to the host vehicle. The connector body is configured to facilitate transmission of information among the auxiliary component and the host vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Joel M. Maguire, Andrew J. Farah, Edward D. Tate, Jr., Steven A. Tarnowsky
  • Publication number: 20130084722
    Abstract: An exemplary electronic device includes a front wall and a protecting member. The font wall includes a socket used to engagingly receive a plug and a fixing member used to fix the front wall to a side wall associated with the electronic device. The protecting member is located between the socket and the fixing member and slidably attached to the front wall to selectively shield at least part of the socket or shield the fixing member. When the protecting member shields at least part of the socket, the fixing member is exposed to allow the front wall to be disassembled from the side wall. When the protecting member shields the fixing member, the socket is entirely exposed to allow the plug to be inserted into the socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
  • Patent number: 8398415
    Abstract: An assembly may include a first connector, a second connector, a third connector, a fourth connector, and a staged-release member. The second connector may be configured to matingly engage the first connector. The fourth connector may be configured to matingly engage the third connector. The staged-release member may include first and second portions. The first portion may be secured relative to the first and third connectors. The second portion may be movable relative to the first portion between a first position restricting axial separation of the second connector from the first connector and a second position allowing axial separation of the second connector from the first connector. The fourth connector may restrict movement of the second portion from the first position to the second position while the fourth connector is matingly engaged with the third connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Yazaki North America, Inc.
    Inventor: James T. Jetton
  • Patent number: 8152542
    Abstract: An electrical connector enclosure which includes a framework having at least one wall, and which at least partly defines an internal cavity; and a moveable panel mounted on the framework, the panel being moveable between an open position and a closed position relative to the internal cavity, and wherein the at least one wall and the moveable panel cooperate to define a conductor aperture when the moveable panel is located in the closed position relative to the internal cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Pantrol, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Kucera, Paul N. Poshusta, Jonathan E. Gessele
  • Patent number: 8152543
    Abstract: An outlet cover for an electrical outlet which prevents unintentional disconnection of an electrical plug from the electrical outlet. The outlet cover includes a plate having at least one opening sized and positioned to receive the electrical plug and a lid hingedly attached to the plate so that the lid can be moved between an open position that allows access to the electrical outlet and a closed position wherein the electrical outlet is covered by the lid. The lid includes a base, a prong having a proximal portion connected to, and extending outwardly from, the base, and a distal portion that is spaced from the base by the proximal portion. The electrical cord is positioned between the prong and the base such that the prong and base cooperate together to secure the electrical cord such that the electrical plug is not unintentionally disconnected from the electrical outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: StayConnect, LLC
    Inventor: Michael J. Schutte
  • Patent number: 8063304
    Abstract: A cable protection cover for an enclosure is disclosed. The cable protection cover includes a cover shroud, a pivot bracket for attaching to the enclosure, and a pivot pin for pivotally attaching the cover shroud to the pivot bracket. The pivot bracket and the cover shroud form a cable access aperture providing a through access to an interface of the enclosure for one or more cables. The cable protection cover forms a protective barrier with the cover shroud in a closed position preventing the one or more cables from being disconnected from the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Martell, Michael J. Wayman
  • Patent number: 8021174
    Abstract: An outlet cover for an electrical outlet which prevents unintentional disconnection of an electrical plug of an electrical cord from the electrical outlet. The outlet cover includes a plate having at least one opening sized and positioned to receive the electrical plug and a lid hingedly attached to the plate so that the lid can be moved between an open position that allows access to the electrical outlet and a closed position wherein the electrical outlet is covered by the lid. The lid includes a base having an outward facing surface, a prong having a proximal portion connected to, and extending outwardly from, the base, and a distal portion that is spaced from the base by the proximal portion, and at least one bump extending outwardly from the outward facing surface of the base. The electrical cord is positioned between the prong and the base, and also between the prong and the at least one bump such that the electrical cord engages the prong and the at least one bump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: StayConnect, LLC
    Inventor: Michael J. Schutte
  • Patent number: 7950936
    Abstract: An electrical connector adapted for being mounted on a printed circuit board includes a base member loaded with a plurality of contacts therein and defining a mounting face confronting with the printed circuit board on which the base member is mounted, a cover member pivotally supported at a rear end of the base member and rotating between a closed position and an opened position. The cover member covers on the base member in a closed position and rotates to the opened position to define a mating cavity adapted for receiving a counter connector. The mating cavity includes a first mating face defined on the base member and parallel to the mounting face and a second mating face defined on the cover member defined on the cover member and parallel to the mounting face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Ning Wang, Chun-Sheng Li
  • Patent number: 7887343
    Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a plurality of electrical devices is provided. The control apparatus includes a first body member, a second body member hingedly attached to the first body member, a power outlet strip, a power key lock, and an electronic timer. The control apparatus is capable of assuming one of a plurality of positions between an open position and a closed position. The power outlet strip includes a plurality of electrical receptacles and each of the plurality of electrical receptacles is capable of receiving an electric socket of an electrical device of the plurality of electrical devices. The power key lock and the electronic timer are disposed on the first body member. The electronic timer is capable of activating the power key lock for controlling power supply to the plurality of electrical devices connected to the plurality of electrical receptacles of the power outlet strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Charles Jeffrey Ryan
  • Patent number: 7850371
    Abstract: A cable interface housing cover is disclosed. The cable interface housing cover is connected to a cable interface portion of a cable interface housing. The cable interface housing cover includes a U-shaped portion and a hinged portion connected to a rotating axis. The hinged portion is configured to rotate about the rotating axis upon being handled by the end user to expose the cable interface housing to allow a cable to be inserted into the cable interface housing once the housing cover is lifted via a lifting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc.
    Inventors: Mike C Riley, Anthony P Noto, Clifford T Jones
  • Patent number: 7841876
    Abstract: Provided is an electrical connector including an insulative base defining a mounting face thereof. A plurality of terminals are secured in said insulative base and each has a contacting section projecting upwards thereof. A detachable cover is pivotally assembled on the insulative base and rotates to an opened position where a mating cavity is defined for receiving a mating plug therein and a closed position where the mating cavity is not large enough for receiving said mating plug. At least one resilient tang is located under said cover for providing a supporting force no matter the cover is in the opened position or in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Lung Lin, Wei-Chung Lin, Kuo-Chun Hsu
  • Hub
    Patent number: 7803002
    Abstract: The present invention is available in hub technique field and provides a hub, which comprises a circuit board, a plug coupled to the circuit board, an upper cover and a bottom cover. The upper cover and the bottom cover cooperatively package the circuit board therein. The circuit board comprises at least one board socket facing toward the upper cover. The upper cover defines a first insertion opening disposed to be aligned with the board socket. The hub further comprises a rotating cover. The rotating cover is interposed between the upper cover and the circuit board and is coupled to and rotatable about the upper cover. The rotating cover defines a second insertion opening disposed to be aligned with the board socket. The rotating cover covers the board socket when the rotating cover is positioned at a first position. The first and the second insertion openings are in communication with each other to expose the board socket when the rotating cover is positioned at a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventor: Yi Tan
  • Publication number: 20100227486
    Abstract: Provided is an electrical connector including an insulative base defining a mounting face thereof. A plurality of terminals are secured in said insulative base and each has a contacting section projecting upwards thereof. A detachable cover is pivotally assembled on the insulative base and rotates to an opened position where a mating cavity is defined for receiving a mating plug therein and a closed position where the mating cavity is not large enough for receiving said mating plug. At least one resilient tang is located under said cover for providing a supporting force no matter the cover is in the opened position or in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: KUO-LUNG LIN, WEI-CHUNG LIN, KUO-CHUN HSU
  • Patent number: 7753699
    Abstract: A safety socket adapted for receiving a terminal of a plug includes a socket housing with a plurality of electrodes being mounted thereon, a socket cover coupled with the socket housing and an insulating case mounted between the socket housing and the socket cover. The socket cover has a plurality of insertion holes corresponding to the electrodes. And the insulating case is located above the electrode for holding the terminal separated from the electrode and has a through hole aligned with the electrode and the insertion hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Well Shin Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jui-Hsiung Wu
  • Patent number: 7744388
    Abstract: An electrical connector including a housing having a socket shaped to at least partially receive a mating plug; a plurality of electrically conductive contact elements at least partially extending into said socket for effecting electrical connection with corresponding electrically conductive contacts of the plug; and a door element coupled to the housing, wherein the door element is mounted for slidable movement along a nonlinear path between an open position whereby the socket is laid open for engagement by the mating plug and a closed position whereby access to the socket is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: ADC GmbH
    Inventor: Scott David Lee
  • Patent number: 7575450
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly, such as for use with a tractor-trailer, comprises a socket and a plug. The plug can comprise a resilient seal configured to surround mating electrical terminals on the socket and the plug. A coupler can be configured to retain the plug in the socket and compress the resilient seal against the socket. The plug can further comprise a knob having a bulbous portion sized to fit in a palm of a user's hand for ease of grasping by the user. The knob can include a drip edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: BLD Products, Ltd
    Inventors: Libby Williams, Anthony Karafa, Christopher Terryn, Todd M. Kuipers, Christopher R. Helmer
  • Patent number: 7544074
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical plug connector assembly comprising a first connector (2), a second connector (29), a third connector (3) and a fourth connector (33). The first and the second connector (2, 29) form a first pair of connectors. The third and the fourth connector (3, 33) form a second pair of connectors. The first connector (2) and the third connector (3) are arranged on a housing (1). A locking element (7) is provided on the housing (1). The locking element (7) is configured as a slide and is displaceably mounted on the housing (1). In a starting position, the locking element (7) blocks at least partially an insertion opening (15) on the housing (1) for inserting the fourth connector (33) into the third connector (3). The second connector (29) has a guide bolt (30). The locking element (7) has guide surface (37, 52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Tyco Electroncis AMP GmbH
    Inventors: Carsten Buck, Rolf Jetter, Alexander Stokowski
  • Publication number: 20090017656
    Abstract: An electrical connector including a housing having a socket shaped to at least partially receive a mating plug; a plurality of electrically conductive contact elements at least partially extending into said socket for effecting electrical connection with corresponding electrically conductive contacts of the plug; and a door element coupled to the housing, wherein the door element is mounted for slidable movement along a nonlinear path between an open position whereby the socket is laid open for engagement by the mating plug and a closed position whereby access to the socket is inhibited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: ADC GmbH
    Inventor: Scott David Lee