Patent ID: 6315584
Filing Date: 2001-11-13
Classification: H01R,Y10S

Abstract:
A protective cover for attachment to an electrical connector having a pair of spaced, parallel upstanding walls with a plurality of exposed electrical contacts disposed therebetween, each upstanding wall having an inner surface adjacent the electrical contacts and an opposite outer surface, the protective cover comprising:a generally planar top wall having a peripheral edge, wherein the top wall is continuous so as to be free from any openings; anda pair of spaced, parallel generally planar side walls extending outwardly from the peripheral edge of the top wall, with each of the planar side walls having a lower free edge opposite the peripheral edge of the top wall, wherein each lower free edge is curved outwardly and has a free end that is perpendicular to its respective planar side wall so as to form a plurality of lead-in features that aid in aligning and sliding the protective cover onto the pair of upstanding walls of the electrical connector, wherein the pair of side walls are sized to engage and form a tight interference fit with the outer surfaces of the upstanding walls of the electrical connector, and wherein the tight interference fit alone acts to removably secure the protective cover to the electrical connector, the protective cover having a mounted state, wherein the protective cover is mounted to the electrical connector such that the protective cover enshrouds the electrical contacts to protect the electrical contacts from damage, prevent accumulation of dust particles on the electrical contacts, and prevent access to the electrical contacts and thereby use of the electrical connector, and a removed state, wherein the protective cover is removed from the electrical connector to allow access to the electrical contacts and thereby use of the electrical connector.