Patent ID: 7329139
Filing Date: 2008-02-12
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
1. A socket, comprising: a socket housing; an insulator disposed within said socket housing; a first contact, wherein the insulator is configured to electrically insulate the first contact from the socket housing; a lock ring disposed about a distal end of said socket housing; and a shroud disposed about said distal end of said socket housing and said lock ring and moveable relative to said socket housing between a first position and a second position, said shroud having an outer wall and an inner wall, wherein, said shroud and said lock ring are configured so that when said shroud moves from said first position to said second position, said inner wall contacts said lock ring and causes said lock ring to flex outwardly, wherein the socket is configured such that when a plug is inserted into the distal end of the socket and locked in place by the lock ring, the lock ring exerts an axial force on the plug, but the axial force does not cause a front surface of the plug to press against any (a) electrically conductive surface of the socket or (b) electrically conductive component of the socket.