Abstract: A releasable lever-mounted lock mechanism for securing an electrical connector lever in a pre-set position on a connector body. The lever has cam slots and is located on a first connector. The lock in a preferred form comprises an L-shaped, deflectable arm formed in the sidewall of the lever. A free end of the arm has a ramp-shaped stop portion. The second end of the arm is joined to the lever sidewall in cantilever fashion such that the arm deflects relative to the lever. A flat surface of the stop snaps behind an edge of the first connector in the preset position, with the arm in an undeflected position. The lever is thereby locked in the pre-set position, allowing a second connector with cam posts to be brought into initial mating contact with the first connector. The cam posts enter the slots of the lever. A release projection on the L-shaped lock arm is contacted by the shroud of the second connector. This deflects the lock arm, releasing the stop from the edge of the first connector.

Abstract: An electrical connector for wiring harnesses and other electrical devices has a lock member to hold the connector in engagement with a mating connector and a latch to guard against inadvertent release of the lock member. The latch is connected by means of a living hinge to a terminal retainer holding a plurality of terminals within the connector and is movable by a worker between a latched position inhibiting movement of the lock member to an unlocked condition and an unlatched position offering no obstruction to movement of the lock member. When in the latched position the latch also serves to prevent wires or other foreign objects from becoming entangled with the lock member during shipping and handling.