Patent ID: 6361374
Filing Date: 2002-03-26
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
A connector assembly comprising:a plurality of individual connector elements, each of the connector elements including a connector body portion, each connector body portion having a plurality of distinct sides, said individual connector elements being arranged in a block of connectors in side-by-side order such that said distinct sides of said connector body portions of said individual connector elements cooperatively define distinct sides of said block of connectors, each of the individual connector elements further including a plurality of cables extending from a first one of said connector element body portion sides, and a plurality of conductive terminals disposed along a second of said connector element body portion sides, said terminals being electrically connected to said cables, and each of said individual connector elements further including first and second recesses formed along a third side thereof and spaced apart from each other in a preselected spacing; at least one retainer for retaining said connector modules together as said block of connectors, the retainer having a body portion with a distinct engagement surface, the retainer body portion having a predetermined width that is no greater than a corresponding width of said block of connectors, said retainer further including at least first and second engagement members that extend for approximately said width of said body portion and which extend out from said engagement surface, the retainer first and second engagement members being spaced apart from each other in a preselected spacing that matches said preselected spacing between said connector element first and second recesses, said first and second engagement members being respectively insertable into and removable from said connector element first and second recesses, said first and second engagement members holding said individual connector elements together as a block when said retainer is engaged with said connector elements.