Abstract: An electric connector includes an insulation housing formed with a plurality of terminal slots, two positioning slots formed at two sides of the insulation housing, a plurality of terminals inserted into the terminal slots of the insulation housing, respectively, and two lateral fasteners arranged along and rotatable about a horizontal axis, each of which including a main body having a first end engaged with the corresponding positioning slot of the insulation housing. The first end of the main body is formed with an engagement structure. The insulation housing is formed with resilient members within the positioning slots. Each of the resilient members is formed with an engagement block. When the lateral fastener is inserted into the positioning slot, the engagement block engages with the engagement structure of the lateral fastener.

Abstract: A modular terminal block with one or more built in surge protectors is disclosed. The terminal block contains all of the surge protection devices for a security or other type of system. The connectors of the terminal block also have indicia on the connector pairs of the terminal block that match the connectors of the terminal block with the connectors of the system to which the surge protector is to be connected. The identifying indicia on the connectors pairs provides for the easy identification of the proper interconnections between the terminal block and the system it is designed to protect.

Abstract: A connector system with a printed wiring board to which a board mounted jack module is attached, and a back plane. The printed wiring board is attached almost perpendicularly to the back plane. Each jack attached to the wiring board has a rotatable end and when engaged with a corresponding plug, a fulcrum is created. The plug when rotated around the fulcrum point achieves a connection, and the ease of the snap-in and the hinging mechanism enable simple and reliable connections to be made. Also included on the jack is a label surface that is on the outward facing surface with all the cord connections occurring behind the label surface.

Abstract: An electrical connector (1) comprises an insulative housing (2) and a plurality of upper and lower terminals (3,4) received in the insulative housing. The insulative housing includes a plurality of retention walls (205). Every two adjacent retention walls define a narrow upper passageway (206) and a wide lower passageway for receiving a corresponding upper terminal. Each of the terminals comprises a mounting plate (30, 40, 50, 60), a resilient arm (32, 42, 52, 62) with a contacting portion (320, 420, 31, 41a) at a free end thereof. The upper and lower passageways are wider than the terminals so that different media may be inserted into the insulative housing for tuning differential impedance of the connector.

Abstract: A connector assembly is provided for use with a handheld computing system. The connector assembly includes a first connector including a plurality of contact elements. The first connector is adapted to reside on a handheld computer. A first coupling structure resides on the handheld computer and includes a first aperture. A second connector includes a second plurality of contact elements. The second connector is configured to reside on a cradle for a portable computer and is matable to the first connector. A latch member is configured to extend from the cradle into the first aperture to couple the cradle to the handheld computer. The latch member may bias to engage the first aperture. The latch member is positioned relative to the first connector and the second connector to create a moment that directs at least a portion of the handheld computer towards remaining on the cradle.

Abstract: A supporting device includes a housing for receiving one or more batteries. A spring blade has a middle flap and an end limb secured to the board, and includes a bent segment for engaging with the batteries. Another spring blade is engaged through the board for attaching to the circuit board, and includes a panel for detachably securing the battery to the housing. The board has two legs for spacing the board from the circuit board.

Abstract: A backshell for forming an electrical connection with a cabinet, the backshell including at least one electrical connector, a deflection arm coupled to one end of the backshell for engaging a cam on a cabinet which holds a receiving connector, and a fastener on the opposite end of the backshell from the deflection arm. The deflection arm provides a clamping force when the fastener is fully engaged, and helps form a strong mechanical connection.

Abstract: The docking station includes one or more ramps which receive the computer during docking. The ramps are elevated so as to shield a docking connector of the docking station during reception of the computer. With the computer positioned on the ramps, the ramps are lowered to bring the computer into engagement with the station's docking connector. The computer is secured in the docked position by any of a coupling force between docking connectors, a latching action applied to the ramps, or a latching action applied to the computer.

Abstract: A battery holder structure for a flat battery allows the battery, when it is to be inserted into the battery holder, to be readily inserted and, at the same time, to be firmly engaged and to be prevented from springing out of the case or its contacts from becoming disconnected when any vibration or impact from outside is suffered. In a case 1 having in its top face an opening 1d through which a battery 2 is to be inserted, protruding barriers 1h are formed toward one end of the opening 1d to engage with the top face of the inserted battery 2 to prevent the battery 2 from coming off, and a battery holding section 3 having elastically deformable elastic arms 1g is formed toward the other end of the opening 1d in the case 1 opposite these protruding barriers 1h, the arms 1g turning toward the bottom plate 1b along with the insertion of the battery 2 and pressing the peripheral face 2a of the battery 2 toward the peripheral wall 1c.

Abstract: The present invention is a power distribution assembly for distributing power about a rack mounted server system. In particular, each chassis of a rack mounted server system is provided power through a power distribution assembly that is hinged to a back of the rack of the server system. Each of the power distribution assemblies may be in either an open position or a closed position. In a closed position, each of the power distribution assemblies is rotated to lie very close to a backplane board of a chassis of the server system. In an open position, each of the power distribution assemblies is swung around so that full access may be had to the backplane boards of the chassis in the server system.

Abstract: A lever type connector is provided with a male housing (39), a rotatable lever (41) in which a portion between one side and another side in a longitudinal direction is connected to the male housing (39), a connection portion (43) for connecting the lever (41) to the male housing (39), and a female housing (45) in which the male housing (39) is received and fitted. Further, the connection portion (43) is constituted by projection portion (51) provided to either one of the male housing (39) and the lever (41), and engagement hole (75) provided in another of the male housing (39) and the lever (41), engaging with the projection portion (51), and formed to be long toward one side of the lever (41) with respect to the projection portion (51). The lever (41) can be displaced to another side with respect to a fitting position in a fitting state between the male housing (39) and the female housing (45) in a normal state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an integrated circuit package is provided. The integrated circuit package is designed for coupling an integrated circuit to a printed circuit board. The integrated circuit package includes a base having a bottom and a side. A flex circuit having traces therein is coupled to the base. The traces in the flex circuit are designed to couple to the leads of the integrated circuit. The traces further are designed to couple to traces on the printed circuit board.

Abstract: An electrical connector mountable to a substrate, including: a frame mountable to the substrate; a housing supported by the frame; and a plurality of contacts extending through said housing and mountable to the substrate. A socket for connecting an electrical component to a substrate, including: a housing; a frame; and a cover. The housing includes: a contact mountable to the substrate and adapted to engage a terminal of the electrical component, and guidance structure. The frame is mountable to the substrate and supports the housing. The cover movably secures to the frame and includes: guidance structure that corresponds to the guidance structure on the housing so that the cover aligns with the housing and can move between a first and a second position; and an opening so that the contact can engage the terminal of the electrical component.

Abstract: An electrical connection system for making patch cord connections that uses a hinged plug and jack mating system, wherein the system utilizes contact/engagement implementations that permit the plug and jack to mate on an arc. Specifically, blade and spring clip connectors are used that also result in low insertion forces and enhanced side to side stability for the patch cord connectors. The blade and spring clip connectors provide improved electrical performance and allow faster and more reliable connections. Moreover, a rotatable end structure is added adjacent to a jack cavity/engagement portion of a modular jack. A complementary rotatable end structure for the plug is also added. The plug is provided with curved engagement surfaces which permit the modular jack to mate in an arc with the plug.

Abstract: When an electrical connection box body is installed on a vehicle body, for a temporary pivotable mounting of the box body on the vehicle body, one of the box body and the vehicle body has a shaft and the other has a bracket to receive the shaft at a predetermined location, so as to allow pivoting of the box body about the shaft axis. Locating guide surfaces position the box body relative to the vehicle body during mounting, prior to receipt of the shaft at said predetermined location on the bracket. This makes the operation of installing the box easier and more precise and avoids looseness of the box body during assembly operations carried out on the box.

Abstract: A latching insulated electrical connector apparatus has a first electrically insulating housing having a plurality of abutting electrical insulating members mounted therein and having an electrical contact mounted between each pair of adjacent insulating members. The first housing has a hinge cutout therein. A second electrically insulating housing has an open end and a plurality of protruding electrical contacts mounted therein, each of which aligns with one of the electrical contacts mounted between each pair of insulating members. The second housing has a hinge pin attached thereto across said open end thereof and a pair of locking lugs thereon. The hinge pin is positioned to align with the first housing hinge cutout and one of the locking lugs.

Abstract: An electrical connector, comprising: a frame; and a plurality of modules retained by the frame. Each module has: a housing; a plurality of contacts in the housing; and a plurality of fusible elements secured to the contacts for mounting the connector to a substrate. An electrical connector, comprising: a frame having a plurality of walls defining a perimeter of the connector and defining at least one opening; and a plurality of modules positioned within the at least one opening. Each module has: a housing; a plurality of contacts in the housing; and a plurality of fusible elements secured to the contacts for mounting the connector to a substrate.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a first connector having a body mounting a plurality of terminals, with a locking shoulder on the body. A second connector includes a body mounting a plurality of terminals engageable with the terminals of the first connector. The second connector is mateable with the first connector in a given mating direction. A flexible latch arm is mounted on the body of the second connector and includes a latch hook engageable with the locking shoulder of the first connector when the two connectors are mated in the given mating direction. The locking shoulder is located in an open-sided cavity in the body of the first connector to allow the latch hook to be lifted away from the locking shoulder in response to tilting the first connector relative to the second connector transversely of the given mating direction.

Abstract: An extension plug-in unit comprising a female connector (2) coupled to a first cable (1) and a male connector (4) coupled to a second cable (3), which connectors (2, 4) comprise contacts (7, 8) arranged to establish an electrical connection, the connectors forming a hinge joint when connected together. The extension plug-in unit is characterized in that the hinge joint (11) enables the coupling of the contacts by means of a lateral turning movement that makes the connectors parallel to one another, the connectors comprising stepped inner surfaces (9) whose opposite mating surfaces are provided with the contacts (7, 8), so that during the turning movement the flexibly supported wedge-shaped contact pins (7) of the male connector (4) press into the contact recesses (8) of the female connector (2) to establish an electrical connection.

Abstract: An electrical connector with reduced insertion force comprising a base (10) provided with a blind recess (22) for receiving a plug (12). The base and the plug are connected to a flexible circuit (14, 16) of the type comprising a layer of electrical cables (18, 20). The electrical connector comprises sliding introduction guide means (38, 40) and means (84, 86) for locking in translation to permit a first orientation in which the plug can be displaced in translation and a second orientation in which the plug is immobilized by relative swinging of the plug and the base.

Abstract: An electrical coupling device for a vehicle that includes a tub having side ends defining an upwardly facing perimeter edge surrounding an open interior. A plurality of female connectors are mounted within the tub open interior and arranged in axially extending and predetermined spaced apart fashion. Electrical components extend from the top surface of an electrical center and electrically communicate with male connectors constructed to the bottom surface of the electrical center. A lever pivotally engages with the tub and is rotated from a first disengaged position over and across the top surface of the electrical center to a second and electrically engaged position proximate the first end, and so that each of the male connectors is drawn in successive and engaging electrical contact, and with a significant minimization of mating force with the female connectors.

Abstract: An electrical connection system is provided that makes patch cord connections with snap-in jack modules using a hinged plug and jack mating system which results in simple connections with low insertion forces and enhanced side to side stability for the patch cord connectors. The hinged connector keeps the label area clear of cordage while troughs between adjacent rows of connectors accommodate the patch cords and facilitate efficient cable management.

Abstract: A connector frame including a first component and a second component. The frame components substantially surround first and second connector halves, each half including an insulative housing and a plurality of contacts secured to the insulative housing. The frame components engage in order to progressively mate the contacts of the connector. A method of mating a connector including the steps of engaging the first and second components of the connector frame; and progressively connecting the contacts of the first and second connector halves.

Abstract: In a structure for connecting a battery terminal to a battery post of a battery, a terminal body has a U-shaped curved portion which is formed between a distal end portion and a proximal end portion of the battery terminal. A retaining portion, at which the distal end portion of the battery terminal is retained, is provided in the vicinity of the battery post. Locking members lock the proximal end portion of the battery terminal in a position where the proximal end portion has been pivoted in a leverage manner while the distal end portion is retained in the retaining portion as a fulcrum, and while the U-shaped curved portion is press-fitted onto an outer periphery of the battery post.

Abstract: An electrical connection system for making patch cord connections that uses a hinged plug and jack mating system which results in low insertion forces and enhanced side to side stability for the patch cord connectors. This system allows the jack and most of the mated plug to be positioned behind the label and have the cordage exit the jack towards the back plane and into the troughs that are between adjacent rows of connectors, instead of out from the connector field. This keeps the label area clear of visual obstructions like cordage and connectors.

Abstract: An electronically controlled locking apparatus uses a latch, a latch locking clip and a solenoid to lock a circuit pack face plate to an equipment chassis based on activity in the circuit pack. The latch is pivoted so that one end engages the chassis while the other end is locked by the latch locking clip. The solenoid and plunger are deployed so that the plunger can selectively prevent the latch locking clip from disengaging the latch, thereby preventing the latch from being opened. Circuitry for indicating activity on the circuit pack controls the solenoid and plunger, thereby preventing the removal of an active circuit pack. Additional override circuitry permits an operator to override the solenoid should the circuit pack need to be removed in emergencies.

Abstract: A plurality of terminals (15, 16) have contact sections (15A, 16A) projecting from the terminal support (19) of a connector housing (14) to abut against the terminal (34) of a mobile device (30). A pair of mount guiding columns (17) are provided on the connector housing (14) on opposite sides of the terminal support (19) so as to enter the mount recesses 38 of the mobile device (30). The mount guiding column (17) has such a shape and size as to allow the mobile device to rotate to an inclined position with the terminals (15, 16, 34) being in contact. A rotation guiding face (21A) is provided on the connector housing (14) for guiding the mobile device (30) to the inclined position.

Abstract: A plurality of terminals (15, 16) have contact sections (15A, 16A) projecting from the terminal support (19) of a connector housing (14) to abut against the terminal (34) of a mobile device (30). A pair of mount guiding columns (17) are provided on the connector housing (14) on opposite sides of the terminal support (19) so as to enter the mount recesses 38 of the mobile device (30). The mount guiding column (17) has such a shape and size as to allow the mobile device to rotate to an inclined position with the terminals (15, 16, 34) being in contact. A rotation guiding face (21A) is provided on the connector housing (14) for guiding the mobile device (30) to the inclined position.

Abstract: A screened electrical plug connector for surface mounting on printed circuit boards, consisting of an insulating plug housing (1), in which electrical connection elements are arranged, which are provided for making contact with contacts of a complementary plug connector, with terminals for connection to printed conductors of a printed circuit board, wherein at least one side of the plug housing is provided with a screening plate (2) that has a contact edge (6) for making contact with grounded printed conductors (13) of a printed circuit board (12), is characterised in that the screening plate (2) has a retaining edge (30; 32) opposite the contact edge (6), for attachment to the plug housing (1), and that the screening plate (2) is locked to the plug housing (1) at a distance from the retaining edge (30; 32).

Abstract: A computing device with an expansion module that may be removed and replaced in an expansion slot is disclosed. The computing device includes computer circuitry to which the expansion module may be electrically connected by means of electrical connectors. The expansion module is coupled to a removable portion of the housing so that when said portion is swung open with assistance of mechanical force, the expansion module is simultaneously disengaged from the computer circuitry. Thereafter, the expansion module can be further removed from said portion.

Abstract: A structure for mounting a circuit card. The structure includes a track in which the circuit card may slide and pivot. The card slides into the track and then pivots to engage electrical contacts on the body of the circuit card, rather than on the edge of the card, to mating contacts on the main circuit board in the computer, printer or other electronic device.

Abstract: Docking of a notebook computer having an underside docking connector is facilitated by a depressible ramp at a docking station. The computer is slid onto the ramp and guided into a prescribed position. The user then actuates a lever which lowers the ramp and computer. As the computer and ramp move downward, the computer's docking connector mates to a docking connector in the docking station. The computer includes guide tracks and an alignment member along the undersurface of the computer housing. The docking station includes rails and an alignment member corresponding to the guide tracks and alignment member of the computer. Alternative to moving a ramp, is a rotatable docking connector moved by a lever.

Abstract: A low insertion force electrical connector comprising at least a plug and a base provided with a blind recess for receiving the plug. The base has pin contacts. The plug is connected to a bundle of electrical cables by means of electrical contacts. The base and the plug comprise conjugal means on the base and plug, which conjugal means include the base having a guide groove opening into a swing and lock hole formed in the base. The conjugal means permit a displacement in translation, with the plug in a first orientation, and when the plug is completely inserted at the end of the blind recess of the base a swinging displacement of the plug relative to the base, from the first to a second orientation, in which the plug is immobilized in translation by first locking means on the base and plug.

Abstract: A bracket (40) supports an opening-closing connector (20) in a manner to allow this connector to move upward, downward, right and left before a housing (31) of a block connector (30) is held by the opening-closing connector (20). Therefore, when the housing (31) of the block connector (30) is to be inserted between housings (21, 22) of the opening-closing connector (20), the opening-closing connector (20) can be easily positioned relative to the block connector (30). After the housing (31) of the block connector (30) is held by the opening-closing connector (20), the bracket (40) is fixedly secured to the block connector (30) by bolts passing respectively through through holes (42) formed respectively through lock plates (41). Therefore, the connected condition of the connector (10) is maintained simultaneously when the connector (10) is fixed to an auxiliary equipment (33).

Abstract: A module carrier with a plug module (2) can be moved into and out of a rear final position (10) with an insertion and removal grip (5). A spring-actuated lock (12) at the front side (7), which secures the insertion and removal grip in the rear final position, actuates a switching element (11) for an active switching of the plug module after an effective locking position has been reached. A pressing down of the lock (12) effects a passive switching in the locked state before the insertion and removal grip (5) is unlocked after a further displacement distance of the lock and mechanically stores the unlocking in cooperation with lock (12).

Abstract: Docking of a notebook computer having an underside docking connector is facilitated by a depressible ramp at a docking station. The computer is slid onto the ramp and guided into a prescribed position. The user then actuates a lever which lowers the ramp and computer. As the computer and ramp move downward, the computer's docking connector mates to a docking connector in the docking station. The computer includes guide tracks and an alignment member along the undersurface of the computer housing. The docking station includes rails and an alignment member corresponding to the guide tracks and alignment member of the computer. Alternative to moving a ramp, is a rotatable docking connector moved by a lever.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector lock for locking a first electrical connector to a second electrical connector. The connector lock comprises a first mounting bracket adapted to mount to the first electrical connector and a second mounting bracket adapted to mount to the second electrical connector. The second mounting bracket is pivotally displaceable with respect to the first mounting bracket such that the second mounting bracket can be pivoted relative to the first mounting bracket to align mating portions of the first and second electrical connectors.

Abstract: A deskstand for a radio telephone handset or battery pack therefor, the deskstand having a retention mechanism including pivot members which allow an inserted handset or battery pack to be tilted into a locking position with respect to the deskstand, and to be located in relation to the deskstand.

Abstract: A connector for electrically connecting an electrical component having a plurality of conductive elements extending therefrom to a substrate. The connector comprises a first base and a second base. The first base has at least one aperture therein and a hinge assembly. The second base comprises a plurality of contacts that correspond to the conductive elements in the electrical component and a hinge assembly. The hinge assemblies of the first and second bases allow movement of the first base relative to the second base. A method of securing the electrical component to the substrate including the steps of: inserting the component into a cassette; mounting the housing to the substrate; connecting a portion of the conductive elements of the electrical component with a portion of the contacts; and connecting the remainder of the conductive elements of the electrical component with the remainder of the contacts. A contact having a retention portion, a tail portion and a pair of beams.

Abstract: Docking of a notebook computer having an underside docking connector is facilitated by a depressible ramp at a docking station. The computer is slid onto the ramp and guided into a prescribed position. The user then actuates a lever which lowers the ramp and computer. As the computer and ramp move downward, the computer's docking connector mates to a docking connector in the docking station. The computer includes guide tracks and an alignment member along the undersurface of the computer housing. The docking station includes rails and an alignment member corresponding to the guide tracks and alignment member of the computer. Alternative to moving a ramp, is a rotatable docking connector moved by a lever.

Abstract: To prevent damage to the electrical connections between PLC modules and a backplane during seismic and other vibrational disturbances, a bracket is used having two parallel side members attached to the backplane and a lower support bar connected between the side members to support the PLC modules in the vertical direction. An upper support bar may also be provided between the side plates to hold the PLC modules in the bracket and further prevent vertical movement. The upper and lower support bars may also provide vertical members or a rest in contact with the PLC modules and having a high coefficient of friction to prevent lateral movement of the PLC modules with respect to the backplane.

Abstract: A connector having a first element and a second element. Each element includes an insulative housing and a plurality of contacts secured to the insulative housing. The elements engage to progressively mate the contacts. A method of mating a connector including the steps of: engaging the first and second elements; and progressively connecting the first and second element contacts.

Abstract: A connector structure includes an electric appliance; a member to be mounted which is to be mounted with the electric appliance; a first connector provided on the electric appliance side; a second connector provided on the member to be mounted side; a retaining portion provided on the member to be mounted, the retaining portion serving as a rotating fulcrum when the electric appliance is mounted onto the member to be mounted; and an engaging portion provided at a position of the electric appliance opposing the retaining portion, the engaging portion supported by the retaining portion. In the construction, the second connector is located at a position spaced by a prescribed distance from the retaining portion of the member to be mounted. Furthermore, the electric appliance is rotated toward the member to be mounted using the retaining portion as a fulcrum so that one side terminals of the first connector and the other side terminals of the second connector can be freely contactable with each other.

Abstract: A board-to-board connector block for horizontally and electrically engaging a secondary board with a source board includes an insulative housing defining a plurality of passageways therethrough for receiving a corresponding plurality of resilient contacts therein, positioning means for properly aligning the connector block onto the source board, a U-shaped lever pivotably engaged with the housing, stabilizing means for holding the lever in place when in a locked position, and fastening means for securing the lever onto the housing. A force from the lever acting on the resilient contacts of the connector block results in a reactive force from each contact acting on a corresponding contact pad of the source board thereby securely and electrically engaging the two boards together.

Abstract: A connector comprises a casing (2) inside which is mounted a conducting piece (9) having a slit (10) for retaining an electrical wire (16). Mounted so as to pivot inside this casing is a cage (8) having a cavity (13) for the engagement of a maneuvering rod and a cavity (15) for the engagement of the conducting wire (16). During the pivoting movement of the cage (8), the wire (16) is stripped locally and introduced into the slit (10), and the cage sits over that end of the conducting piece (9) which has the slit.

Abstract: A holder of a portable device includes a depression for accepting a portable device detachably, a clamp mechanism for clamping the portable device in the depression, a terminal pin provided in the depression for electrical contact with the portable device, and a movable protective cover provided in the depression so as to cover the terminal pin, the movable protective cover being adapted to engage the portable device when it held in the depression properly and is constructed so as to be movable in an elongating direction of the terminal element between a first position covering the terminal element and a second position exposing the terminal element, the movable protective cover being urged to the second position when the portable device is mounted upon the depression.

Abstract: A rapid action engagement interface connection system includes a receiver electrically connected to the device under test and including at least one receiver electrical connector. The receiver includes a receiver main body section accommodating the at least one receiver electrical connector. The receiver includes a pivot tab, connected to, or integral with, the lower receiver section of the receiver main body section, first and second guides, connected to, or integral with, the first and second receiver sides, and a locking latch mechanism disposed on the upper receiver section of the receiver main body section. The rapid action engagement interface connection system also includes an interchangeable test adaptor including at least one test electrical connector. The interchangeable test adaptor includes a test main body section accommodating at least one test electrical connector, and a pivot tab receiver, connected to, or integral with, the lower test section of the test main body section.

Abstract: A modular system (10) is disclosed for use, e.g. in infusion systems. The system includes a base unit (20) and one or more modules (30). A mechanical/electrical connecting system (21 to 24) is disclosed enabling safe connection of the various units in the system while enabling easy disconnection of any of the modules (30). A signal processing arrangement is also disclosed enabling the number of modules (30) in the system to be sensed by the base unit (20).

Abstract: An electrosurgical electrode connector instrument for use in rapidly and easily connecting/disconnecting a disposable electrosurgical tip to and from a non-disposable mounting body. The non-disposable body includes a rod-like extension equipped with a pair of specially shaped projecting pins each having ramps and a curved surface. These pins are positioned on opposite sides of the rod-shaped extension. The disposable electrosurgical tip is provided at its proximal end with a tunnel-like recess having a pair of longitudinally disposed slots to define a pair of bifurcated cantilevered springy wall members each fitted with a small pin-locking aperture, thus adapting the disposable tip for telescopic engagement with the rod-like extension so that the recess of the disposable tip can be slid onto the rod-like extension with the specially shaped pins spreading the springy wall members slightly.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for facilitating connection between a first housing and a second housing. The locking mechanism mounted in the mounting region of the second housing and includes a plunger mounted for movement up to an extended position, a biasing device urging the plunger toward the extended position, a catch spring, and a release button having a ramp, such release button being mounted on the second housing for back and forth movement in a direction transverse to the direction of the plunger and along a path that brings the ramp into contact with the catch spring when the release button is moved forward.