Abstract: A method of preventing damage to the metal contacts of multiple contact connectors in wiring harnesses during shipment and preinstallation handling. The method comprises the steps of providing essentially identical connector bodies with complemental, multi-point mechanical interconnections so that the connector bodies can be segregated into pairs and releasably attached to one another in such a way that the connector body surfaces relative to which the metal contacts are most exposed are juxtaposed relative to one another. The mated connectors and the associated wiring harnesses are thereafter packaged and shipped to a location where they are assembled into the vehicle. The mated connector pairs are detached from one another so that they may be separately routed in the course of the installation process.

Abstract: A socket for operatively holding a wedge-base lamp has terminal guards positioned within a lamp receptacle to protect electrical terminals inside the receptacle from damaging contact by a lamp as it is inserted into the receptacle. The guards comprise a pair of terminal covers located between the terminals and the open end of the receptacle, the covers defining a gap which receives a base portion of the lamp and guides it into a proper position with respect to the terminals. The lamp base has a pair of lead wires which make contact with the terminals, and guide notches formed in the gap-defining edges of the guards engage the wires and draw them into contact with the terminals as the lamp base passes through the gap.

Abstract: A method of preventing damage to the metal contacts of multiple contact connectors in wiring harnesses during shipment and preinstallation handling. The method comprises the steps of providing essentially identical connector bodies with complemental, multi-point mechanical interconnections so that the connector bodies can be segregated into pairs and releasably attached to one another in such a way that the connector body surfaces relative to which the metal contacts are most exposed are juxtaposed relative to one another. The mated connectors and the associated wiring harnesses are thereafter packaged and shipped to a location where they are assembled into the vehicle. The mated connector pairs are detached from one another so that they may be separately routed in the course of the installation process.

Abstract: A pre-set lock system for a bolt-type electrical connector unit is disclosed which comprises a rotatable bolt having a bolt shaft, and first and second connector members seated in axially-opposing fashion along the longitudinal axis of the bolt shaft. At least the first connector member includes means for engaging the bolt shaft and moving relative to the longitudinal axis thereof between a first pre-set condition and a second assembled condition. The first connector member and the bolt shaft further include complementally engaging elements by which the bolt shaft and the first connector member are engaged in the first pre-set condition.