Patent ID: 7364448
Filing Date: 2008-04-29
Classification: G02B,H01R

Abstract:
1. A connector comprising: first and second connector portions being movable between unmated and mated conditions; first and second bladders in respective first and second connector portions, each bladder having an end portion having an aperture which communicates with a chamber in the bladder in an open condition, at least one of the ends of said first and second bladders defining a generally rectangular aperture when in the open position; the first and second bladders cooperating with the connector portions so that opposing ends of said first and second bladders are urged together and at least one bladder end portion is moved from a first position to a second position as said first and second connector portions are moved from the unmated position to the mated position; and at least one of said first and second connector portions defining a circular constriction which constricts the end portion of the respective bladder into a closed position in which the aperture is sealed shut when said first and second connector portions are in the unmated position; the end portions of the bladders being spaced from the circular constriction in the mated position whereby the bladder end portion is released and expands into an open position in which the aperture is open to allow communication with the chamber in the bladder.