Patent ID: 7258559
Filing Date: 2007-08-21
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
1. A plug-and-socket connection device for use in connecting a pair of vehicles including a towing vehicle and a trailer, said plug and socket connection device comprising: a first connector element mountable to one of the pair of vehicles; a second connector element mountable to the other of the pair of vehicles and being configured to connect together with said first connector element; a flange secured to said first connector element and being arranged to be interposed between said first connector element and the one of the pair of vehicles for mounting said first connector element to the one of the pair of vehicles; a drive coupled to said second connector element and configured to move said second connector element between an advanced position and a retracted position; and a plurality of springs connected between said first connector element and said flange to yieldingly hold said first connector element in an equilibrium position and, upon lateral displacement of said first connector element relative to said flange, to supply a restoring force that opposes the lateral displacement and biases said first connector element back to said equilibrium position; wherein said first connector element constitutes one of a plug and a socket, and said second connector element constitutes the other of a plug and a socket.