Abstract:
The present device, system, and method pertain to locking and/or latching mechanisms that utilize canted coil springs and specific groove geometries in connecting parts to achieve locking and/or latching. In specific locking and/or latching embodiments. built in release features are provided to enable unlatching even after being locked, such as by moving in the opposite direction as when moving the connector to lock. Unlatching can implemented by rotating the spring to permit moving in the opposite direction.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is a continuation-in-part application of co-pending application Ser. No. 12/792,648, filed Jun. 2, 2010, which is a regular application of provisional application Ser. No. 61/184,624, filed Jun. 5, 2009, the contents of each of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF ART 
       [0002]    The present device, system, and method pertain to locking and/or latching mechanisms that utilize canted coil springs and specific groove geometries in connecting parts to achieve locking and/or latching. In specific locking and/or latching embodiments, built in release features are provided to enable unlatching even after being locked, such as by moving in the opposite direction as when moving the connector to a lock position, as further discussed below. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Conventional connection mechanisms utilize a canted coil spring and specific groove geometries between a first connector component and a second connector component, such as a housing and a pin, to achieve locking or latching, see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,678,210 and 5,082,390. In the case of a locking device, the device becomes permanently locked, which means the device cannot reverse direction without permanently damaging the canted coil spring. In the case of a latching device, the device can be unlatched, i.e., reverse direction, without damaging the spring. This is permitted by incorporating a groove geometry that allows the minor axis to compress. 
         [0004]    Locking is achieved between two mating parts (e.g., cylindrical part or shaft and housing) where a tapered bottom groove exists in the housing and holds an axial spring and where the tapered bottom groove aligns with a corresponding groove on the cylindrical part which accepts the spring. The tapered bottom groove is configured in such a way that the spring compresses along the minor axis upon insertion to permit installation but not upon removal when moving in the reverse direction. Because the spring does not compress along the minor axis upon removal, it does not unlatch and remain locked. The spring is forced to compress along the major axis when attempting to remove the cylindrical part, which does not materially or significantly compress, to ensure locking. As such, removal of a “locked” device causes permanent damage to the spring if forced to disassemble. Again, this is due to the characteristic of a canted coil spring only being allowed a minimal compression along the major axis. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The present device, system, and method make it possible for a locking connection to be disconnected when moving in the reverse or opposite direction, which previously was not possible without damaging the spring, as discussed above. In one example, the device, system, and method include incorporating or providing a sufficiently deep secondary groove in addition to a primary groove to allow the canted coil spring to rotate back to its relaxed vertical position. Unlike when in the primary groove, the spring is not held when in the secondary groove against rotation and has room to rotate in the opposite direction that it experienced during insertion. The leading edge of the secondary groove makes contact with the canted coil spring and rotates it in the tapered bottom groove of the secondary groove along the minor axis towards the shallow end, thus allowing for removal of the canted coil spring from the secondary groove and back into the first groove, but being rotated for removal or unlocking. Here the canted coil spring is orientated so that the cylindrical part can be completely unlatched. 
         [0006]    Thus, once the cylindrical part is inserted into the housing and engages the primary groove, the canted coil spring experiences a removal lock, i.e. it cannot be removed by moving the cylindrical part in the reverse direction without damaging the spring, also referred to as a single step lock. To unlock the assembly, essentially by converting a locking device into a latching device that permits unlocking or unlatching, the spring is rotated to permit reversal of the cylindrical part. In an example, the cylindrical part is further inserted into the housing in the same direction as the original direction for locking to permit spring rotation. During the further insertion step, the spring engages a secondary groove, which is larger than the primary groove. By larger, it is understood to mean wider, deeper, or both wider and deeper than the primary groove. Because the secondary groove is larger, the spring is not so constrained and permitted to rotate. Preferably, the secondary groove does not restrain the spring. From this point with the secondary groove, the device can be unlatched by moving the cylindrical part in the removal direction. Thus, the device is capable of dual directional latching. 
         [0007]    The combination primary and secondary grooves may optionally be incorporated in the housing or the cylindrical part. In other words, the same component, i.e. housing or cylindrical part, has both the primary groove and the secondary groove and the spring moves between the two grooves to unlatch after locking. 
         [0008]    In addition to allowing dual directional latching, the larger secondary groove following the primary groove can provide a lower removal force as compared to removal from the primary groove in latching applications. 
         [0009]    Thus, once the cylindrical part is inserted into the housing and engages the primary groove, the canted coil spring experiences a removal lock. To unlatch, the cylindrical part is first inserted further into the housing. In one example, when the pin is further inserted, a secondary groove located on the pin moves into the housing so that the spring engages the secondary groove. In a specific example, the second groove is larger than the first groove. Once in the larger second groove, the spring is able to rotate and be unlatched by moving the cylindrical part in the removal direction, opposite the insertion direction. By larger, the groove can have a larger groove depth, a larger volumetric space, or both. 
         [0010]    A still further feature of the present device. system, and method is understood to include a connector comprising a pin located inside a bore of a housing by inserting the pin into the bore of the housing in a first direction; preventing the pin from moving in a second direction, opposite the first direction, by positioning a spring located inside a groove defined by a housing groove and a primary groove on the pin; and wherein the pin is permitted to move in the second direction by first further moving the pin in the first direction before it could be moved in the second direction. In a particular embodiment, the canted coil spring located inside the first groove of the pin is rotated and moves to a second groove on the pin before the pin is able to move in the second direction. 
         [0011]    An exemplary connector provided herein is understood to comprise a housing comprising a bore comprising a housing groove comprising a housing groove depth. A pin comprising a pin groove comprising a pin depth is disposed in the bore of the housing. A canted coil spring is retained within a connector groove defined by the housing groove and the pin groove in a first spring position. The connector further comprises a second groove for accommodating the canted coil spring located adjacent at least one of the housing groove and the pin groove. 
         [0012]    An exemplary method provided herein is understood to comprise a method for mating a pin in a bore of a housing. In certain examples, the method comprising the steps of moving the pin, which comprises a first pin groove and a second pin groove, in a first direction and locking the pin to the housing by preventing withdrawal of the pin in a second direction, which is opposite the first direction. The housing comprising a housing groove. The method further comprising positioning a canted coil spring concurrently in the first pin groove and the housing groove at a first turn angle so that a major axis of the canted coil spring is compressed to move the pin in the second direction. The method further comprising moving the pin in the first direction into the bore of the housing from a first position relative to the housing to a second position relative to the housing to locate the canted coil spring in the second pin groove. The method still further comprising moving the pin in the second direction after positioning the canted coil spring in the second pin groove so that the canted coil spring is re-positioned in the first pin groove. 
         [0013]    The device is further understood to include a connector comprising a housing comprising a bore and a housing groove and a pin comprising a first pin groove having a first groove depth and a second pin groove comprising a second groove depth, which is larger than the first groove depth. The connector wherein a canted coil spring is engageable with the first pin groove to lock the pin to the housing, and wherein the canted coil spring is engageable with the second pin groove to permit rotation of the canted coil spring to allow separation of the pin from the housing. 
         [0014]    Thus, aspects of the present device, system, and assembly are understood to include a structure having a combination primary groove and secondary groove, located next to the primary groove, and wherein the primary groove is shaped with a first dimension for locking and preventing rotation of a spring major axis and the secondary groove is shaped with a second larger dimension to permit rotation of the spring major axis. In other examples, one or more grooves may be located between or adjacent the primary groove and the secondary groove. When other grooves are incorporated in addition to the primary and secondary grooves, the connector is understood to include multiple grooves wherein a larger groove following a relatively smaller groove is provided to permit rotation of the spring to enable reversing direction of movement of the pin or the housing for unlatching following locking. 
         [0015]    The canted coil spring discussed herein is preferably an axially canted coil spring. In other embodiments, the spring is a radially canted coil spring. When a radially canted coil spring is incorporated, the grooves are understood to be correspondingly modified to require compressing the coil along an appropriate axis to lock and unlatch. 
     
    
     
       SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The various embodiments of the present connectors, systems, and associated methods now will be discussed in detail with an emphasis on highlighting the advantageous features. These embodiments depict the novel and non-obvious connector shown in the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only. These drawings include the following FIG.s, in which like numerals indicate like parts: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a dual direction connector, which shows a pin moving into a bore of a housing. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of the dual direction connector of  FIG. 1  in which the pin is secured in the housing by positioning a canted coil spring in a groove defined by the housing and the pin. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of the dual direction connector of  FIG. 2  wherein the spring is moved to a second groove defined by the housing and the pin and rotated. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of the dual direction connector of  FIG. 3  wherein the pin is moved in a second direction and the spring moves from the second pin groove back into the first pin groove in the direction of the arrow. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a partial cut-away perspective view of an implantable medical device comprising a sealed housing and an in-line connector located in a header. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an alternative connector at the start of its insertion or connection step. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the connector of  FIG. 6  showing a first connector element further inserted into a second connector element and capturing a spring in between two grooves. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the connector of  FIG. 6  showing the first connector element further inserted into the second connector element, beyond the position shown in  FIG. 7 , so that the spring is now located in between the first groove and the second groove of the first connector element but still retained in the groove of the second connector element. 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the connector of  FIG. 6  showing the first connector element still further inserted into the second connector element, beyond the position shown in  FIG. 8 , so that the spring is now captured between the second groove of the first connector element and the groove of the second connector element. 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the connector of  FIG. 6  showing the first connector element reversing direction to separate from the second connector element. 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is a schematic cross-sectional side view and end view of an alternative connector. 
           [0028]      FIG. 11A  is a schematic cross-sectional side view and end view of yet another alternative connector. 
           [0029]      FIG. 11B  is a schematic cross-sectional side view and end view of yet another alternative connector. 
           [0030]      FIG. 11C  is a schematic cross-sectional side view and end view of yet another alternative connector. 
           [0031]      FIG. 11D  is a schematic cross-sectional side view and end view of yet another alternative connector. 
           [0032]      FIG. 11E  is a schematic cross-sectional side view and end view of yet another alternative connector. 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  is a schematic cross-sectional side view and end view of yet another alternative connector. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0034]    The following detailed description describes the present embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, reference numbers label elements of the present embodiments. These reference numbers are reproduced below in connection with the discussion of the corresponding drawing features. 
         [0035]    The embodiments of the present connectors, systems, and associated methods are described below with reference to the figures. These figures, and their written descriptions, indicate that certain components of the apparatus are formed integrally, and certain other components are formed as separate pieces. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that components shown and described herein as being formed integrally may in alternative embodiments be formed as separate pieces. Those of ordinary skill in the art will further appreciate that components shown and described herein as being formed as separate pieces may in alternative embodiments be formed integrally. Further, as used herein the term integral describes a single unit or a unitary piece and whereas a unitary piece means a singularly formed single piece, such as a singularly formed mold or cast. Still further, the terms “first” and “second” used herein are understood as identifiers only to distinguish between similar but different components. Thus, unless the context indicates otherwise, “first” and “second” are not limiting terms. 
         [0036]      FIG. 1  shows a partial cross-sectional side view of a connector provided in accordance with aspects of the present device, system and method, which is generally designated  10 . The connector is symmetrical about a center line of the pin  12 . In one example. the pin  12 . also referred to as a shaft or a cylindrical insert, comprises a primary groove  14  and a secondary groove  16 . The pin preferably incorporates a tapered nose section  11  to facilitate insertion of the pin into a bore of the connector housing  18 . In the example shown, the primary groove  14  comprises a bottom wall having a depth measured from the pin outer surface of D 1  and the secondary groove  16  comprises a bottom wall having a depth measured from the pin outer surface of D 2 . In a particular example, the secondary groove  16  is larger than the primary groove  14  and D 2  is greater than D 1 . The bottom wall of the primary groove may be flat or tapered, as further discussed below. Similarly, the bottom wall of the secondary groove may be flat or tapered. 
         [0037]    The pin  12  is shown being inserted into the stationary housing  18 . which has a housing groove  20  and a canted coil spring  22  being disposed therein. The spring  22  is angled and compressed upon insertion caused by contact with the entry  11  of the cylindrical insert  12 . The spring  22  has a major axis, defined by the larger axis of the coil, and a minor axis, defined by the smaller axis of the coil, which is perpendicular to the major axis. In one example, the pin has a round cross-section. In other embodiments, the pin has a square cross-section, an oval cross-section, or a polygon cross-section. 
         [0038]    The housing groove  20  comprises a first sidewall  30 . a second sidewall  32 . and a bottom wall  34 , which is preferably tapered or angled relative to either of the two sidewalls. In one example, the bottom wall  34  tapers downwardly in the direction of insertion, also sometimes referred to as the first direction. 
         [0039]      FIG. 2  shows the spring  22  located in the initial or primary groove  14  in the cylindrical part  12  and the housing groove  20 . In this position, as in traditional locking applications, removal of the cylindrical part  12  would require the spring  22  to compress along the major axis, which if carried out would require a relatively large force and cause the spring to be permanently damaged. In one example, the spring  22  is rotated so that its major axis, defined by the longer dimension of the spring, faces the tapered wall surface  36  of the primary groove  14  and between sidewall  32  and tapered bottom surface  34  of the housing groove  20 . In this configuration, the normally non-compressible major axis needs to collapse in order to permit removal of the pin  12  in a second direction, opposite to the first direction  24  ( FIG. 1 ). However, such compression is not possible without damaging the spring. 
         [0040]      FIG. 3  shows the spring  22  being moved beyond the initial groove  14  by moving the cylindrical part  12  further into the housing  18  in the direction of the arrow  24  of  FIG. 1 , i.e., further in the first direction. As the spring  22  is already turned in the first direction in its normal operating turn angle, further insertion of the pin in the first direction  24  is permitted. In one example, the second tapered wall surface  38  of the primary groove  14  is angled to exert a force in the direction of the minor axis of the spring, which is orthogonal to the major axis, to permit further movement in the first direction. In one example, the primary groove  14  comprises a V-groove. The spring  22  now latches into the secondary groove  16  and the housing groove  20 . The secondary groove  16 , being deeper and larger than the initial groove  14 , does not maintain contact with the spring  22  and the spring is allowed to relax and straighten out. In other embodiments, the secondary groove  16  does contact the spring but also provides sufficient depth for the spring to relax and straighten out. From this point, the cylindrical part  12  can be removed since the spring  22  has room to rotate in the opposite direction, similar to performing an insertion in the opposite direction, and properly compress along the minor axis back into the first groove  14  as the pin is withdrawn.  FIG. 4  shows the spring rotated in a correct orientation that allows the assembly to unlatch when moving in the second direction  26 , which is opposite the first direction. Further movement of the pin in the second direction  26  from the perspective of  FIG. 4  will permit complete removal from the housing  18 . 
         [0041]    Thus, an aspect of the present device, system and method is understood to include a connector comprising a cylindrical insert comprising a first groove having a first groove depth and a second groove comprising a second groove depth, which is larger than the first groove depth, and wherein a spring is engageable with the first groove to lock the cylindrical insert with a housing comprising a housing groove, and wherein the spring is engageable with the second groove to permit rotation of the spring to allow separation of the cylindrical insert from the housing. 
         [0042]    A further aspect of the present device, system, and method is understood to include a method for inserting a cylindrical insert into a bore of a housing in a first direction and locking the cylindrical insert to the housing by preventing withdrawal of the cylindrical insert in a second direction, opposite the first direction. Said method comprising inserting said cylindrical insert, which comprises a first groove and a second groove, into the housing in a first direction to position a spring in the first groove and preventing removal of the cylindrical insert in the second direction by turning the spring to require compressing the spring along a major axis. The method further comprising moving the cylindrical insert in the first direction into the housing from a first position relative to the housing to a second position relative to the housing to position the spring in the second groove. The method further comprising moving the cylindrical insert in a second direction to re-position the spring in the first groove and removing the cylindrical insert from said housing such that the cylindrical insert is no longer located in a bore of the housing. 
         [0043]    A further aspect of the present device, system, and method is a cylindrical insert comprising an insertion end, a first groove located proximate the insertion end, and a second groove located proximate the first groove and further away from the insertion end than the first groove, and wherein the first groove comprises a first depth and the second groove comprises a second depth, which is deeper than the first depth. Depth is a relative term and is understood to mean with reference to the outer surface of the pin along a nominal outer diameter of the pin. 
         [0044]    A still further aspect of present device, system, and assembly is a connector comprising a pin comprising a first groove and a second groove and a housing comprising a housing groove. The pin is configured to be inserted into a bore of the housing when moving in a first direction. The device, system, and assembly wherein a spring is configured to be positioned between the first groove and the housing groove in a first position, between the second groove and the housing groove in a second position, and between the first groove and the housing groove in a third position. The device, system, and method wherein when the spring is in the first position, the pin is locked to the housing and removal of the pin from the housing by moving the pin in a direction opposition to the first direction is prevented without compressing the spring along its major axis. The device, system, and method wherein when the spring is in the second position, the spring is rotated from a turned angle from when the spring is in the first position. The device, system, and method wherein when the spring is in the second position, the spring does not contact the housing groove. In one example, the spring is in a second turned angle when in the second position. The device, system. and method wherein when the spring is in the third position, the spring is rotated to a third turned angle. 
         [0045]    In yet another aspect of the present device, system, and method. a pin is provided comprising a single groove comprising a tapered bottom surface and two sidewall surfaces that are parallel to one another. The device, system. and method further comprising a housing comprising bore comprising a first housing groove located near an inlet opening and a second housing groove located adjacent the first housing groove and further away from the inlet opening than the first housing groove. The device, system, and method, wherein the second housing groove is larger than the first housing groove. In one example, the first housing groove has a depth D 1  and the second housing groove has a depth D 2 . both measured relative to an inside nominal diameter of the bore; and wherein D 2  is deeper or larger than D 1 . In an embodiment, the first housing groove incorporates the groove geometry of the primary pin groove  14  and the second housing groove incorporates the groove geometry of the secondary pin groove  16 . 
         [0046]    In one example, the housing  18  is made from a metallic material. In another example, the metallic material, which may be a highly conductive metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper, copper alloys, noble metals, noble metal alloys, or silver, is coated with an outer conductive material. For example, the inner metal layer may be coated or plated with an outer stainless steel layer, which has high tensile strength than the inner metal layer. In another embodiment, the inner conductive layer is made from a high tensile strength material, such as stainless steel, and the out coated or plated material is made from a highly conductive material, such as aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper, copper alloys, noble metals. noble metal alloys, or silver. In another embodiment, the canted coil spring  22  and optionally the pin  12  are made from multi-metallic materials having material combinations discussed herein. Exemplary bi-metallic and multi-metallic connectors are disclosed in co-pending application Ser. No. 12/767,421, filed Apr. 26, 2010, and US Publication No. 2008/0254670, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. In another application, for non-electrical transmission, the housing  18  is made from a thermoplastic or an engineered plastic material. 
         [0047]    Exemplary applications for the connectors disclosed herein include aerospace industry, for automotive industry, for oil and gas industry, for consumer electronics industry, for medical device industry, and for green technology, such as for wind mill and solar panel applications. For these industries, the disclosed system, device, and method may be used to connect wires or cables together. 
         [0048]    Turn now to  FIG. 5 , a schematic partial cut-away perspective view of an implantable medical device (IMD) is shown, which can include implantable cardio defibrillators. pacemakers, and programmable neurostimulator pulse generators. The IMD comprises a sealed housing  42 , which is known in the industry as a can or canned housing, and a header  44  comprising an in-line connector  46 . The in-line connector  46  comprises a plurality of alternating seal elements  48  and conductive elements  50 , of which only three alternating sets are shown. Canted coil springs  52  are also incorporated, one in contact with each of the conductive elements  50 . The header housing  54 , the springs  52 , the conductive elements  50 , and the seal elements  48  have a common bore for receiving a lead cable  56 . The lead cable  56  has terminal ends (not shown) that are positioned near an area to be treated, such as near the heart for a cardiac heart pacemaker application. The cable  56  is configured to carry signals away from the canned housing  42  or vice versa for a therapeutic monitoring application. Additional information regarding IMDs and in-line connectors are disclosed in US Publication numbers 2008/0246231 and 2008/0255631, which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. Other IMDs and in-line connectors are also disclosed in co-pending application Ser. Nos. 12/717,732, filed Mar. 4, 2010, and 12/618,493, filed Nov. 13, 2009, the contents of each of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0049]    To secure the lead cable  56  within the bore of the header, a retention block  58  is used, which comprises a set screw  60  for fastening against a corresponding surface  62  on the lead cable, which is analogous to a pin groove. The retention block  58  may be located at the inlet of the header  44 , as shown, or at the far end of the header. In accordance with an aspect of the present device, system, and method, the connector  10  of  FIGS. 1-4  is used in place of a combination retention block  58  and pin groove  62  on a lead cable  56  of a header of an IMD. For example, the housing  18  of  FIGS. 1-4  may be used in place of the retention block  58  of  FIG. 5  and instead of a single pin groove  62 , a primary groove and a secondary groove are used for the lead cable, similar to that shown on the pin  12  of  FIGS. 1-4 . Furthermore, the connector may be placed near the inlet as shown in  FIG. 5  or at the far end of the header. Still furthermore, the modified retention mechanism may incorporate a single pin groove on the lead cable and two housing grooves for the retention block, as discussed above in the alternative configuration. 
         [0050]      FIG. 6  shows a connector  70  provided in accordance with aspects of the present device, system. and method, which includes a housing  72  and a cylindrical part  74 , such as a pin, rod, or shaft. The housing  72  has a housing groove  76  and an enclosed end  78 , which may optionally be opened. The groove  76  has two side walls and a bottom wall located therebetween. The groove  76  is preferably non-tapered or square with two generally parallel sidewalls and a bottom wall that is roughly right angle to the sidewalls. Said differently, the bottom wall has a bottom surface or wall that is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the housing. If the groove is located on the cylindrical part, the flat bottom wall is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical part. Optionally, one or both sidewalls may be angled, i.e., not right angle, relative to the bottom wall. 
         [0051]    The cylindrical part  74  has a primary groove  80 , a secondary groove  82 , and a leading edge  84 , which is preferably tapered. The primary and secondary grooves are shown with the cylindrical part. In another example, the cylindrical part  74  has a single groove, with a flat bottom wall, and the housing incorporates a primary groove and a secondary groove. The primary groove, the secondary groove, or both are shaped like a truncated “V” with the apex of the “V” being a flat bottom wall. In another embodiment, the secondary groove has a single tapered wall but the groove is sufficiently deep to permit rotation of the spring, as further discussed below. The single tapered wall is preferably the wall closer to the primary groove. Although the bottom wall of the secondary groove is shown with a flat bottom, it may be tapered. 
         [0052]      FIG. 6  shows a spring  86  being rotated and temporarily fixed at a certain angle relative to the housing groove  76 . The leading edge  84  of the cylindrical part compresses the spring  86  upon insertion of the cylindrical part  74  in the direction of the arrow  90  into the bore  88  of the housing  72 . The housing  72  and the cylindrical part  74  may be referred to as a first connector component and a second connector component, wherein the terms “first” and “second” merely identify the components as being two separate connector components and therefore can be used in the reverse sense. For example, the first connector component can be the cylindrical part and the second connector component can be the housing. 
         [0053]      FIG. 7  shows the spring  86  in the primary or initial groove  80  in the cylindrical part  74 . In this position, the minor axis of the spring could not be compressed by moving the cylindrical part in the direction of the removal arrow  92 , which is opposite or reverse of the insertion arrow  90 . As such, any attempt to move the cylindrical part  74  in the direction of the removal arrow  92 , as in traditional locking applications, would require compressing the spring along the major axis to provide clearance for moving the cylindrical part relative to the housing. However, this would require a much larger force than compressing the minor axis of the spring as the major axis does not materially compress. Accordingly, any attempt to remove the cylindrical part would cause permanent damage to the spring  86 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 8  shows the cylindrical part  74  further moved into the bore  88  of the housing  72  in the direction of the insertion arrow  90 . This is possible due to the position or angle of the major axis relative to the direction of movement of the cylindrical part  74 . When moving in the direction of the insertion arrow  90 , the primary groove  80  lifts the spring  86 , i.e., compresses the spring along the minor axis, to permit the spring to pass over the primary groove  80 . In contrast, as discussed with reference to  FIG. 7 , moving the cylindrical part  74  when engaged to the primary groove along the removal arrow  92  is not possible because it would require lifting or compressing the major axis. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the spring  86  is positioned against a flat surface on the cylindrical part. between the primary groove  80  and the secondary groove  82 . In this position, the spring is said to be holding the housing and the cylindrical part by its spring force, which is also dependent on surface friction. Thus, aspects of the present device, system, and method, include a connector that has spring located in a first groove for locking, the spring being moved to a location adjacent the first groove for holding, and the same spring being movable to a second groove for latching, and wherein a housing groove has a flat bottom wall located between two side walls. In another example, a connector is provided that has spring located in a first groove for locking, the spring being moved to a location adjacent the first groove for holding, and the same spring being movable to a second groove for latching. and wherein a cylindrical part comprises a groove with a flat bottom wall located between two side walls. 
         [0055]      FIG. 9  shows the spring  86  latched between the housing groove  76  and the secondary groove  82 . In the example shown, the secondary groove  82  is sufficiently deep and does not maintain contact with the spring  86 . Thus, the spring  86  is allowed to relax and straighten out. From this point of the moving cycle, the cylindrical part  74  can be removed since the spring has room to rotate in the opposite direction of insertion. Once rotated in the opposite direction, such as when moving the cylindrical part in the direction of the removal arrow  92  from the position shown in  FIG. 4 , the spring can properly compress along the minor axis in the housing groove  76 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 10  shows the spring  86  rotated in a correct orientation that allows complete removal of the cylindrical part. Thus, even though the spring  86  will eventually move back into the primary groove  80  upon moving the cylindrical part in the direction of the removal arrow  92 , the rotated major axis permits the spring to compress against the primary groove  80  and allow the cylindrical part to be completely removed. Said differently. when the canted coil spring is located in the primary groove for a second time, after being separated from the primary groove, it can compress along a minor access to permit unlatching. Thus, aspects of the present device, system, and method, include a connector that has spring located in a first groove for locking, the spring being movable to a location adjacent the first groove for holding, and the same spring being movable to a second groove for latching, and wherein a housing groove has a flat bottom wall located between two side walls. The connector further comprises provisions or steps for returning the spring to the first groove but permitting the spring to compress to unlock the cylindrical part and the housing from one another. 
         [0057]    In another example, a connector is provided that has spring located in a first groove for locking, the spring being movable to a location adjacent the first groove for holding, and the same spring being movable to a second groove for latching, and wherein a cylindrical part comprises a groove with a flat bottom wall located between two side walls. 
         [0058]      FIG. 11  shows a side and cross sectional view of a connector  100  having a pin  104 , a housing  102 , and a spring  106 . The pin and the housing have a generally circular cross section. The connector  100  may lock and unlatch or unlock in the some manner as discussed above for the connector  70  of  FIGS. 6-10 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 11A  shows a side and cross sectional view of a connector  110  having a pin  114 , a housing  112 , and a spring  116 . The pin and the housing have a generally square cross section. The connector  110  may lock and unlatch or unlock in the same manner as discussed above for the connector  70  of  FIGS. 6-10 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 11B  shows a side and cross sectional view of a connector  120  having a pin  124 , a housing  122 , and a spring  126 . The pin and the housing have a generally rectangular cross section. The connector  120  may lock and unlatch or unlock in the same manner as discussed above for the connector  70  of  FIGS. 6-10 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 11C  shows a side and cross sectional view of a connector  130  having a pin  134 , a housing  132 , and a spring  136 . The pin and the housing have a generally elliptical cross section. The connector  130  may lock and unlatch or unlock in the some manner as discussed above for the connector  70  of  FIGS. 6-10 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 11D  shows a side and cross sectional view of a connector  140  having a pin  144 , a housing  142 , and a spring  146 . The pin and the housing have a generally triangular cross section. The connector  140  may lock and unlatch or unlock in the same manner as discussed above for the connector  70  of  FIGS. 6-10 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 11E  shows a side and cross sectional view of a connector  150  having a pin  154 , a housing  152 , and a spring  156 . The pin and the housing have a generally hexagonal cross section. The connector  150  may lock and unlatch or unlock in the same manner as discussed above for the connector  70  of  FIGS. 6-10 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 12  shows a side and cross sectional view of a connector  160  having a flange or plate  162 , analogous to a cylindrical part, and a housing  164  with both components having a generally rectangular cross section, which is similar to the connector  120  of  FIG. 11B  with a few exceptions. The present connector  160  has a much wider profile relative to its height. Also, whereas the spring in  FIG. 11B  is connected or continuous, the present spring are made of at least two separate spring components  166 .  168  that are spaced apart from one another. As the springs are separate components, the primary and secondary grooves may optionally incorporate separate sections although continuous grooves are acceptable. The connector  160  may lock and unlatch or unlock in the same manner as discussed above for the connector  70  of  FIGS. 6-10 . When the part to be inserted into a housing for latching/locking is not a cylindrical part, it is still equivalent to the function of the cylindrical part described herein. The cylindrical part and objects equivalent thereto may generically be referred to as an inserted part. 
         [0065]    The various connectors disclosed herein may be used in a number of mechanical applications for locking and unlocking/unlatching where locking and then removal between a first connector component and a second connector component is contemplated. As examples, the connectors may be used to hang objects, to connect objects together, and to secure objects together. As specific examples, the connectors disclosed herein may be used as substitute for screws, such as for assembling cabinets, desks, chairs, etc. Alternatively, the connectors may be used for electrical applications with locking and then unlocking/unlatching. As examples, a first electrical source, such as a car starter, may be connected to the housing and a second electrical source, such as a car battery, may be connected to the cylindrical part and wherein electrical communication between the first electrical source and the second electrical source passes through the housing, the cylindrical part and the spring. 
         [0066]    For use in electrical applications, the housing and the inserted part, or first and second connector components. should be made of or at least have sub-parts that are made from a conductive material, such as a copper or copper alloy, brass, or high tensile strength steel, such as stainless steel, with optional plating with a highly conductive material. Likewise. the canted coil spring should be made from a conductive material. 
         [0067]    Thus, features of the present device, system, and method include a locking and/or latching mechanism between two bodies, particularly insertion of an inserted part into a housing, which uses a canted coil spring to achieve such locking and/or latching, that consists of at least two grooves (primary and secondary, following one another) in one of the bodies to accept a canted coil spring. In an example, the secondary groove is deeper than the primary groove. In another example, the secondary groove is both deeper and wider than the primary groove. 
         [0068]    The locking and/or latching mechanism preferably provides a lock in a reverse direction to prevent removal of the housing and the cylindrical part from one another upon engagement of the canted coil spring into the primary groove. However, upon moving the spring away from the primary groove and later returning to the primary groove, the connector permits unlatching in the reverse direction. 
         [0069]    The locking and/or latching mechanism is understood to include a secondary groove that allows the spring to relax and untwist within the housing groove. In an example, the secondary groove does not hold or contain the spring and allow the spring to relax and rotate its major axis. 
         [0070]    The locking and/or latching mechanism is understood to include a secondary groove having a shape that allows for a lower removal force as compared to the unlock force to remove the spring when in the primary groove. 
         [0071]    The locking and/or latching mechanism may incorporate an inserted part having a cross section of the pin or the housing being rectangular, elliptical, triangular, hexagonal, or polygonal. 
         [0072]    The locking and/or latching mechanism may include a spring that is separated into two separate pieces to have two spring sections each with two ends located on different housing sections or inserted part sections. 
         [0073]    The above description presents the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present connectors, systems, and associated methods, and of the manner and process of making and using them, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use these connectors, systems, and associated methods. These connectors, systems, and associated methods are, however, susceptible to modifications and alternate constructions from that discussed above that are fully equivalent. Consequently, these connectors, systems, and associated methods are not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. On the contrary, these connectors, systems, and associated methods cover all modifications and alternate constructions coming within the spirit and scope of the connectors, systems, and associated methods as generally expressed by the following claims, which particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter of the connectors, systems, and associated methods.