Patent ID: 6485317
Filing Date: 2002-11-26
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
A connector assembly, comprising:at least one first connector housing; at least one second connector housing slidably engaging within said first connector housing, said second connector housing comprising a multi-surface first cam projection; and a lever pivotally supported on said first connector housing by at least one pivot element extending through a wall of said first connector housing, said pivot element comprising a first region that comprises a multi-surface second cam projection, said first and second cam projections being structured and arranged so that (a) at least a first surface area of said first cam projection will engage at least a first surface area of said second cam projection, when said first and second connector housings are in a misalignment mode thereby preventing pivoting of said lever in an engagement direction, (b) at least a second surface area of said first cam projection will mate with at least a second complimentary surface area of said second cam projection when said first and second connector housings are in a first stage of an alignment mode thereby permitting pivoting of said lever in said engagement direction, and (c) at least a third surface area of said first cam projection will mate with said first surface area of said second cam projection when said lever is pivoted in an engagement direction or in an opposite disengagement direction, respectively, in a second stage of said alignment mode, to urge said first and second connector housings towards or away from each other, respectively.