Patent Publication Number: US-11641070-B2

Title: Amplifier fast connector

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     This disclosure generally relates to devices and systems for connecting power, signal, or other types of cables with an electronic device, such as an amplifier. 
     Related Art 
     An electronic signal amplifier, such as those used for home or vehicle audio systems, generally includes one or more connectors for electrically connecting the amplifier with speakers, signal sources, power or other peripheral devices. The connectors can facilitate connection between bare wires or cables and one or more ports within the amplifier. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to a first aspect, an amplifier fast connector includes a housing with a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a first opening within the housing. The first opening provides access to a positive terminal. The positive terminal includes a first movable jaw member, first fixed jaw member, and a first wire-receiving space between the first movable jaw member and the first fixed jaw member. The first movable jaw member is biased away from the first fixed jaw member by a first elastic member. A second opening within the housing provides access to a negative terminal. The negative terminal includes a second movable jaw member. A second fixed jaw member. and a second wire-receiving space between the second movable jaw member and the second fixed jaw member. The second movable jaw member is biased away from the second fixed jaw member by a second elastic member. The second portion includes a positive contact conductively coupled with the positive terminal, and a negative contact conductively coupled with the negative terminal. The positive contact includes an outer cylindrical portion protruding from the housing and coaxially mounted about an inner cylindrical portion of the negative contact. The inner cylindrical portion protrudes from the housing. 
     A locking sleeve is slideably disposed about the housing and is movable in a first direction relative to the housing from an unlocked position to a locked position. The locking sleeve includes a slide member, a first wedge coupled with the slide member with a first ramp surface aligned with the first movable jaw member in the first direction, and a second wedge coupled with the slide member with a second ramp surface aligned with the second movable jaw member in the first direction. A locking mechanism includes a catch member on the housing and a slot on the locking sleeve. The slot receives the catch member. 
     In a first configuration, the locking sleeve is in an unlocked position and the first and second movable jaw members are open to each allow a cable end to be received through the respective first and second openings and into the respective first and second wire-receiving spaces. In a second configuration, the locking sleeve is in a locked position with the catch member coupled within the slot. The first wedge engages with the first movable jaw member to close the first wire-receiving space, and the second wedge engages with the second movable jaw member to close the second wire-receiving space such that the cable ends are retained within the respective positive and negative terminals. 
     According to another aspect, a connector includes a housing with a first portion. The first portion includes a first opening and a second opening within the housing. A positive terminal within the first opening includes first and second paired jaw members with a first wire-receiving space therebetween. A negative terminal within the second opening includes third and fourth paired jaw members with a second wire-receiving space therebetween. A locking sleeve couples with the housing. In a first configuration. the first and second jaw members of the positive terminal are open to receive a first cable end within the first wire-receiving space and the third and fourth jaw members of the negative terminal are open to receive a second cable end within the second wire-receiving space. In a second configuration, the locking sleeve is in a locked position. The locking sleeve engaged with at least one of the first and second jaw members to close the first and second jaw members about the first cable end. The locking sleeve engages with at least one of the third and fourth jaw members to close the third and fourth jaw members about the second cable end such that the first and second cable ends are retained within the respective positive and negative terminals. 
     According to another aspect, the first jaw member is a movable jaw member. According to another aspect, the second jaw member is a fixed jaw member. According to another aspect, the movable jaw member is pivotable about a first pin. According to another aspect, the movable jaw member is movable about a compliant portion thereof. According to another aspect, the movable jaw member is biased away from the second jaw member in an open configuration. The movable jaw member is coupled with a spring member. According to another aspect, the locking sleeve includes a first wedge and a second wedge. According to another aspect, in the locked position, the first wedge of the locking sleeve is engaged with the movable jaw member to close the first and second jaw members about the first cable end. The second wedge of the locking sleeve is engaged with the at least one of the third and fourth jaw members to close the third and fourth jaw members about the second cable end. According to another aspect, the first and second wedges are independently actuatable. According to another aspect, the first wedge includes a first ramp surface aligned with the movable jaw member in a first direction. The locking sleeve moves from an unlocked position to the locked position in the first direction. In another aspect, the first ramp surface has an angled profile. In another aspect, the first ramp surface has a stepped profile. According to another aspect, the first jaw member and the second jaw member include a plurality of teeth. 
     In another aspect, a locking mechanism fixes the locking sleeve in the locked position relative to the housing. In another aspect, the locking mechanism includes a projection and an aperture. The aperture receives the projection such that in the second configuration the locking sleeve is in the locked position with the projection coupled within the aperture. According to another aspect, the projection is on the housing and the aperture is on the locking member. According to another aspect, the locking member includes a slide member. The first and second wedges are positioned on the slide member. According to another aspect, the housing includes a second portion. The second portion includes a positive contact conductively coupled with the positive terminal and a negative contact conductively coupled with the negative terminal. According to another aspect, the positive contact includes an outer cylindrical portion protruding from the housing and is coaxially mounted about an inner cylindrical portion of the negative contact. According to another aspect, the first wire-receiving space includes an inner transverse profile. According to another aspect, the inner transverse profile is cylindrical. In another aspect, the inner transverse profile includes one or more transverse teeth extending into the first wire-receiving space. In another aspect, the inner transverse profile includes one or more circumferential teeth extending into the first wire-receiving space. In another aspect, the inner transverse profile is uniform from a front end to a second end of the first wire-receiving space. 
     The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting. Other aspects, features, and advantages of the systems, devices, and methods and/or other subject matter described in this application will become apparent in the teachings set forth below. The summary is provided to introduce a selection of some of the concepts of this disclosure. The summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of any subject matter described herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various examples are depicted in the accompanying drawings for illustrative purposes, and should in no way be interpreted as limiting the scope of the examples. Various features of different disclosed examples can be combined to form additional examples, which are part of this disclosure. 
         FIG.  1    shows a side view of an amplifier connector including a locking member; 
         FIG.  2    shows a front view of the amplifier connector; 
         FIG.  3    shows a cross section of the amplifier connector in an unlocked configuration and further including two cables; 
         FIG.  4    shows a cross section of the amplifier connector in the unlocked configuration with the two cables received within respective pairs of jaw members; 
         FIG.  5    shows a cross section of the amplifier connector in a locked configuration; 
         FIG.  6 A  shows another arrangement for the locking member; 
         FIG.  6 B  shows another arrangement for the locking member; 
         FIG.  6 C  shows another arrangement for the locking member; 
         FIG.  6 D  shows another arrangement for the locking member; 
         FIG.  6 E  shows another arrangement for the locking member; 
         FIG.  6 F  shows another arrangement for the locking member; 
         FIG.  7 A  shows another arrangement for a pair of jaw members; 
         FIG.  7 B  shows another arrangement for a pair of jaw members; 
         FIG.  7 C  shows another arrangement for a pair of jaw members; 
         FIG.  7 D  shows another arrangement for a pair of jaw members; 
         FIG.  8 A  shows a transverse cross-sectional profile for another arrangement of a pair of jaw members; 
         FIG.  8 B  shows a transverse cross-sectional profile for another arrangement of a pair of jaw members; 
         FIG.  8 C  shows a transverse cross-sectional profile for another arrangement of a pair of jaw members; 
         FIG.  8 D  shows a transverse cross-sectional profile for another arrangement of a pair of jaw members; 
         FIG.  9 A  shows a locking mechanism for securing the locking member in an unlocked configuration 
         FIG.  9 B  shows the locking mechanism shown in  FIG.  9 A  in a locked configuration; 
         FIG.  9 C  shows a locking mechanism for securing the locking member in an unlocked configuration. 
         FIG.  9 D  shows the locking mechanism shown in  FIG.  9 C  in a locked configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The various features and advantages of the systems, devices, and methods of the technology described herein will become more fully apparent from the following description of the examples illustrated in the figures. These examples are intended to illustrate the principles of this disclosure, and this disclosure should not be limited to merely the illustrated examples. The features of the illustrated examples can be modified, combined, removed, and/or substituted as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the principles disclosed herein. 
     Traditional cable connectors used with amplifiers are used to connect two or more cables with a port on the amplifier. Traditional cable connectors also generally include screw terminals for providing a secure connection with the bare ends of power or signal cables. The screw terminals generally include a slot or aperture into which a bare end (e.g., having a portion of the sheath removed) of a cable is received. Each of the receiving slots can include a screw member. Once the bare end of the cable is installed within the slot, the screw member can be tightened against the bare end to secure the cable within the slot. This solution provides a secure connection between the cable and the connector and has been used reliably in the past. However, assembly of this type of screw connection can be time consuming, especially during an installation process (e.g., for a home or vehicle sound system) that requires assembly of multiple connectors. Screw terminal connectors also require the use of a tool, such as a screw driver or Allen wrench. Commonly, the amplifier itself is packaged with such a tool to ensure that the user has the required tool on hand during installation of the amplifier. Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to an improved amplifier connector. The improved amplifier connector can be assembled without the use of tools, which also providing a secure attachment with the cable ends. 
       FIGS.  1 - 2    illustrate an amplifier fast connector  110 . The connector  110  can include an outer housing  120 . The outer housing  120  can comprise an insulative material such as a plastic, silicone, or rubber. The outer housing  120  can encapsulate an interior space containing various inner components of the connector  110 , as described further below. The housing  120  can have an outer profile comprising various shapes. 
     The outer housing  120  can include a first end  121  and a second end  122 . The first end  121  can include an end wall  123 . The end wall  123  can be a planar wall or comprise one or more contours. The second end  122  can include positive and negative terminals in the form of an electrical plug, socket, or jack  130 . The jack  130  can be on an opposite side of the housing  120  as the first end  121 . The jack  130  can include one or more electrical contacts for forming a conductive connection with an amplifier or other electronic device. The jack  130  can include a coaxial connector with an inner contact  132  and an outer contact  134 . The inner contact  132  can be a post coaxially mounted within a cylindrical member of the outer contact  134 . 
     The outer housing  120  can include one or more apertures in an interior portion of the housing  120 . The apertures can have include an outer profile having any desirable shape, such as round or rectangular (as illustrated). The one or more apertures can include a first aperture  125  and a second aperture  127 . The apertures  125 ,  127  can be positioned on the end wall  123 . 
     The connector  110  can include a locking member  140 . The locking member  140  can be a sleeve disposed about an outer periphery of the housing  120 . The sleeve can be fully or partially disposed about the circumference of the housing  120 . The locking member  140  can be slidable in relation to the housing  120 . As shown in the cross-section of  FIG.  3 - 5   , the locking member  140  can be movable along the housing  120  between a locked configuration ( FIG.  5   ) and an unlocked configuration ( FIGS.  3 - 4   ). 
     The housing  120  can include one or more grooves or slots within which a portion of the locking member  140  can be inserted. The grooves or slots can include slot  129 . The locking member  140  can be movable along the slot  129 . The locking member  140  can be coupled with the housing  120  within the slot  129 . The sliding motion can be along a single direction, such as along or parallel with a longitudinal axis of the housing  120 . 
     The locking member  140  can include one or more internal wedges or protrusions. The wedges can be located within the slot  129 . The wedges can be trapezoid shaped. The wedges can include a frontward-facing side and an inward facing side. The frontward-facing side can be angled or ramped relative to the direction of travel of the locking member  140  along the slot  129 . The inward facing side can be parallel with the direction of travel. The wedges can be movable along with the locking member  140  between the locked and unlocked configurations. The wedges can include a first wedge  142  and a second wedge  144 . 
     The housing  120  can include positive and negative terminals. The housing  120  can include one or more pinching members, trapping members, or jaw members as the positive or negative terminals. The jaw members can be located within the housing  120  and aligned with a respective one of the apertures. A first pair of jaw members  152  can be aligned with the first aperture  125  as a first terminal. A second pair of jaw members  156  can be aligned with the second aperture  127  as a second terminal. 
     The first pair of jaw members  152  can include a fixed member  153  and a movable member  154 . The movable member  154  can be aligned with respect to the fixed member  153  about a wire-receiving space  151 . The jaw members  152  can be in the first end  121 . The wire-receiving space  151  can be aligned with the first aperture  125 . 
     A cable  112  can include a conductor  112   a  and an insulator  112   b . The wire-receiving space  151  can be sized to receive a bare end  113  of the cable  112 . A length and diameter (e.g., height and width) of the wire-receiving space  151  (and the jaw members  152 ) can be sized to receive the bare end  113  of the cable having a corresponding length (e.g., between 3-10 mm or 7 mm) and diameter (e.g., between 10 and 28 gauge). 
     The movable jaw member  154  can be movable relative to the fixed jaw member  153 . The movable jaw member  154  can be coupled on a pin  154   a . The pin  154   a  can be positioned on an opposite side of the movable jaw member  154  from the aperture  125 . The movable jaw member  154  can be biased away from the fixed jaw member  153 . The movable jaw member  154  can include an elastic member or spring. The movable jaw member  154  can be biased away from the fixed jaw member in a manner that provides access into the wire-receiving space  151  in the unlocked configuration of the locking member  140 . 
     One or both of the fixed member  153  and the movable member  154  can include one or more grooves or teeth, such as teeth  159 . The teeth  159  can extend inwardly towards the wire receiving space  151 . The teeth  159  can extend transversely to an insertion direction of the bare cable end  113  through the aperture  125  into the wire-receiving space  151 . In the locked configuration, the teeth  159  can engage with the bare cable end to prevent removal of the bare cable end from the wire-receiving space  151 . Alternatively, the jaw members  152  include only a single, movable jaw member. In another alternative, both of the jaw members can be movable. The teeth  159  can be dull or sharp with the serrations or other friction-enhancing surfaces for engagement with the cable end  113 . In certain implementations the teeth  159  can mesh with teeth on the opposite jaw member. Alternatively the teeth  159  can be aligned with opposing teeth on the opposite jaw member. The teeth  159  can comprise rubber, glass, plastic, metal or other conductive material or insulative material. The teeth  159  can extend into the wire-receiving space  151 . 
     The jaw members  152  can be electrically coupled with the jack  130 . One or both of the jaw members  152  can include a conductive material. The conductive material can be a metal (e.g., copper) plate fixed within jaw members  152  and positioned to face the wire-receiving space  151  and contact the bare end. The conductive material can be on the teeth  159  or another portion of the jaw members  152 . The conductive material can be connected with an electrical conduit path  126 . The electrical conduct path  126  can extend within the interior portion of the housing  120 . The electrical conduct path  126  can connect with the jack  130  of the connector  110 , such as the inner contact  132 . 
     The second pair of jaw members  156  can include a fixed member  157  and a movable member  158 . The movable member  158  can be aligned with respect to the fixed member  157  about a wire-receiving space  155 . The jaw members  156  can be in the first end  121 . The wire-receiving space  155  can be aligned with the second aperture  127 . A second cable  114  can include a conductor  114   a  and an insulator  114   b . The wire-receiving space  155  can be sized to receive a bare end  115  of the cable  114 . 
     The movable jaw member  158  can be movable relative to the fixed jaw member  157 . The movable jaw member  158  can be coupled on a pin  158   a . The pin  158   a  can be positioned on an opposite side of the movable jaw member  158  from the aperture  127 . The movable jaw member  158  can be biased away from the fixed jaw member  157 . The movable jaw member  158  can include an elastic member or spring. The movable jaw member  158  can be biased away from the fixed jaw member in a manner that provides access into the wire-receiving space  151  in the unlocked configuration of the locking member  140 . One or both of the fixed member  157  and the movable member  158  can include one or more grooves or teeth, such as teeth  159 . 
     The jaw members  156  can be electrically coupled with the jack  130 . One or both of the jaw members  156  can include a conductive material. The conductive material can be connected with an electrical conduit path  128 . The electrical conduct path  128  can connect with the jack  130  of the connector  110 , such as the outer contact  134 . 
     The wedges of the locking member  140  can be aligned with respective pairs of jaw members. The movable jaw members can extend into the slot  129  in the unlocked configuration. In the locked configuration, the wedges of the locking member  140  can engage with the jaw members to force the movable jaw members towards the fixed jaw members or otherwise to close the wire-receiving spaces about the respective cable ends. In the locked configuration, the movable jaw members can be held in the closed configuration by inward facing sides of the wedges. 
     The frontward-facing side of the wedge member  142  can include a ramped surface. The ramped surface can engage with the movable jaw member  154  when the locking sleeve is moved in a first direction (from the unlocked configuration towards the locked configuration). The ramp surface of the wedge  142  can engage with an upper surface or corresponding ramp surface of the movable jaw member  154 . Continued sliding of the wedge  142  into the locked configuration can securely shut the movable jaw member  154  in relation to the fixed jaw member  153 . Similarly, the wedge  144  can shut or actuate the jaw member  158  of the jaw members  156 . 
     Alternatively, the wedges  142 ,  144  can be independently actuatable between the unlocked and locked configurations. The locking member  140  can include individually movable components or parts on which the wedges are mounted. Accordingly, the wedges can be used to secure and close pairs of locking members independently. This can facilitate a piece-meal assembly of the cables  112 ,  114  within the connector  110  (e.g., one at time). 
       FIGS.  6 A- 6 F  illustrate various potential profiles for the wedges of a locking member  240 , like the locking member  140 . In each of the locking members  240 , any number of wedges can be included, such as one, two, or more wedges. In addition, the wedges can be oriented in various locations or positions to correspond to the jaws of the connector  110 . As illustrated the wedges of the locking members  240  are facing inwardly towards each other from the connection point with the locking member  240 . 
       FIG.  6 A  shows a first pair of wedges  242   a  in the locking member  240   a . The wedges  242   a  can include a forwardly angled ramp surface in the form of a triangular profile. The angled incline can be approximately within between 90° and 0° and preferably between 15° and 85° and more preferably between 30° and 60°.  FIG.  6 B  shows wedges  242   b  in a locking member  240   b . The wedges  242   b  have a rectangular profile surface being at approximately 90° with respect to the central axis of the locking member  240   b .  FIG.  6 C  includes locking wedges  242   c  of the locking member  240   c . The locking wedges  242   c  can include a ramped surface generally in the shape of a semicircle or hemisphere. In  FIG.  6 D , the wedges  242   d ,  244   d  can include a ramped surface having a faceted profile in the locking member  240   d . The faceted profile can alternatively be a convex curved profile.  FIG.  6 E  shows wedges  242   e  in a locking member  240   e . The wedges  242   e  can include a ramp surface in the shape of an equilateral triangular member.  FIG.  6 F  shows wedges  242   f  in the locking member  240   f  The ramp surface in the wedges  242   f  can include a stepped surface including a plurality of steps. 
       FIGS.  7 A- 7 D  show various embodiments of jaw members, like the jaw members  152 ,  156  for use within the connector  110 . The jaw members can each include one or a pair of jaws where one or both of the jaw members are movable with respect to a housing and/or each other.  FIG.  7 A  shows a pair of jaw members  220   a . The jaw members  220   a  can include a first movable jaw member  224   a  and a second movable jaw  222   a . The first movable jaw member  224   a  can be mounted on a pivot  227   a . The second movable jaw member  222   a  can be mounted on a pivot  226   a . The pivots  226   a ,  227   a  can comprise an axle or other pivot point for the jaw member  220   a . The one or both of the jaw members  222   a ,  224   a  can include one or more teeth  225   a.    
       FIG.  7 B  shows a pair of jaws  220   b , including a movable jaw member  222   b  and a fixed jaw member  224   b . The movable jaw member  222   b  can be mounted along a pair of sliders  226   b . Movement of the locking member can slide the movable jaw member  222   b  along the sliders  226   b  to secure on the bare cable ends. 
       FIG.  7 C  shows another pair of jaw members  220   c  including a fixed jaw  224   c  and a movable jaw  222   c . The movable jaw  222   c  can be coupled with the jaw  224   c  via an elastic member  226   c . The elastic member  226   c  can be a portion of material of the jaws  222   c ,  224   c  or an elastic material attached thereto. The elastic material  226   c  can bias the movable jaw  222   c  away from the fixed jaw  224   c . The elastic material  226   c  can be formed out of a metal, rubber, or plastic material or other type of material. One or both of the jaw members  220   c  can include teeth  225   c.    
       FIG.  7 D  shows another pair of jaws  220   d , including a movable jaw  222   d  and a fixed jaw  224   d . The movable jaw  222   d  is movable and pivotable about a pin  226   d . A plurality of teeth  225   d  can be disposed on the fixed jaw  224   d , but not on the movable jaw  222   d . One or both of the jaw members  220   d  can include teeth  225   d.    
       FIGS.  8 A- 8 D  show various embodiments of inner transverse profiles of the jaw members that define the rib-receiving space. The inner transverse profiles can define the wire-receiving space between each of the jaw members of any of the jaw members described above. In certain implementations, the inner profiles of each of the jaw members can extend from a first end (such that the front end of the jaw members) to a rear end (such as an inner end of the jaw members). The inner profiles can be uniform from the first to the second end of the jaw members. 
       FIG.  8 A  shows a transverse cross sectional profile showing a pair of jaw members  320   a  in a closed position, including a jaw  322   a  and a jaw  324   a . The jaw  322   a  can include a first inner profile  323   a . The first inner profile  323   a  can be concave include a curvature. The jaw  324   a  can a similar inner transverse profile  325   a . Together the inner profiles  323   a ,  325   a  can define the wire-receiving space. 
       FIG.  8 B  shows the pair of jaws  320   b  including jaw member  322   b , and jaw member  324   b . Jaw member  322   b  can include an inner profile  323   b . The inner profile  323   b  can comprise a concave profile with one or more straight segments. Here, the two straight segments are aligned at a 90° angle. Similarly, the jaw  324   b  can include a concave inner profile  325   b  formed of one or more straight lines. The concave inner profile  325   b  can include lines that are at 90°. Together the inner profile  323   b  and the inner profile  325   b  can form an enclosed space in the shape of a rectangle or square. Together the inner profiles  323   b ,  325   b  can define the wire-receiving space. 
       FIG.  8 C  shows the jaw members  320   c , including jaw member  322   c  and jaw member  324   c . The jaw member  322   c  can include a first inner profile  323   c  and a second inner profile  327   c . The first and second profiles  323   c  and  327   c  can alternate and be offset from each other in an axial direction (e.g., in and out of the page shown in  FIG.  8 C ). The pattern of the second inner profile  327   c  can be an inner circumferential tooth portion of the inner profile. The second inner profile  326   c  can include one or more of the inwardly extending portions (e.g., alternating with the first inner profile  323   c ). The second inner profile  327   c  can be curved. It can be curved the same as the first inner profile  323   c . Similarly, the jaw member  324   c  can include a first inner profile  325   c  and a second inner profile  326   c.    
       FIG.  8 D  shows the jaw members  320   d , including jaw member  322   d  and jaw member  324   d . The jaw member  322   d  can include a first inner profile  323   d  and a second inner profile  327   d . The first and second profiles  323   d  and  327   d  can alternate and be offset from each other in an axial direction (e.g., in and out of the page shown in  FIG.  8 D ). The pattern of the first inner profile  323   d  can be an inner circumferential curve. The pattern of the second inner profile  327   d  can be an inner horizontal tooth portion of the inner profile. The second inner profile  327   d  can include one or more of the inwardly extending portions (e.g., alternating with the first inner profile  323   d ). Similarly, the jaw member  324   d  can include a first inner profile  325   d  and a second inner profile  326   d.    
       FIGS.  9 A and  9 B  show a first implementation of a locking mechanism for securing a locking member  440 , like the member  140 , with respect to a housing  420 , like the housing  120 . The housing  420  can include a protrusion  421 . The protrusion  421  may be a curved or projecting member extending outwardly from the housing  420 . The projection  421  may be compliantly resilient or flexible. The locking sleeve  440  can include an aperture  441 . The aperture  441  can be sized to receive a protrusion  421  as shown in the transition from  9 A to  9 B. The sliding of the locking member  440  in a first direction can position the groove  441  over the protrusion  421 . This can secure, at least temporarily or permanently, the locking sleeve  440  within the slot. In certain implementations maybe there is a hole in the top of the locking sleeve that provides access into the aperture for bending the projection  421  to release the locking member  440  from the projection  421  and slide back into the unlocked configuration. 
       FIGS.  9 C and  9 D  show a second implementation of a locking mechanism for securing a locking member  540 , like the member  140 , with respect to a housing  520 , like the housing  120 . The locking member  540  can include a protrusion  521 . The protrusion  521  may be a curved or projecting member extending outwardly from the locking member  540 . The projection  521  may be compliantly resilient or flexible. The housing  520  can include an aperture  541 . The aperture  541  can be sized to receive a protrusion  521  as shown in the transition from  9 C to  9 D. The sliding of the locking member  540  in the first direction can position the protrusion  521  in the groove  541 . This can secure, at least temporarily or permanently, the locking sleeve  540  within the slot. In certain implementations maybe there is a hole in housing that provides access into the aperture for bending the projection  521  to release the projection  521  and slide the locking member  540  back into the unlocked configuration. 
     Certain Terminology 
     Terms of orientation used herein, such as “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” “inner,” “outer,” and “end,” are used in the context of the illustrated example. However, the present disclosure should not be limited to the illustrated orientation. Indeed, other orientations are possible and are within the scope of this disclosure. Terms relating to circular shapes as used herein, such as diameter or radius, should be understood not to require perfect circular structures, but rather should be applied to any suitable structure with a cross-sectional region that can be measured from side-to-side. Terms relating to shapes generally, such as “circular,” “cylindrical,” “semi-circular,” or “semi-cylindrical” or any related or similar terms, are not required to conform strictly to the mathematical definitions of circles or cylinders or other structures, but can encompass structures that are reasonably close approximations. 
     Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain examples include or do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more examples. 
     Conjunctive language, such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain examples require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z. 
     The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, in some examples, as the context may dictate, the terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially,” may refer to an amount that is within less than or equal to 10% of the stated amount. The term “generally” as used herein represents a value, amount, or characteristic that predominantly includes or tends toward a particular value, amount, or characteristic. As an example, in certain examples, as the context may dictate, the term “generally parallel” can refer to something that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 20 degrees. All ranges are inclusive of endpoints. 
     SUMMARY 
     Several illustrative examples of connectors have been disclosed. Although this disclosure has been described in terms of certain illustrative examples and uses, other examples and other uses, including examples and uses which do not provide all of the features and advantages set forth herein, are also within the scope of this disclosure. Components, elements, features, acts, or steps can be arranged or performed differently than described and components, elements, features, acts, or steps can be combined, merged, added, or left out in various examples. All possible combinations and subcombinations of elements and components described herein are intended to be included in this disclosure. No single feature or group of features is necessary or indispensable. 
     Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation also can be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. 
     Further, while illustrative examples have been described, any examples having equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, and/or combinations are also within the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, although certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein, not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular example. For example, some examples within the scope of this disclosure achieve one advantage, or a group of advantages, as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages taught or suggested herein. Further, some examples may achieve different advantages than those taught or suggested herein. 
     Some examples have been described in connection with the accompanying drawings. The figures are drawn and/or shown to scale, but such scale should not be limiting, since dimensions and proportions other than what are shown are contemplated and are within the scope of the disclosed invention. Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of the devices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/or rearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with various examples can be used in all other examples set forth herein. Additionally, any methods described herein may be practiced using any device suitable for performing the recited steps. 
     For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantages and features of the inventions have been described herein. Not all, or any such advantages are necessarily achieved in accordance with any particular example of the inventions disclosed herein. No aspects of this disclosure are essential or indispensable. In many examples, the devices, systems, and methods may be configured differently than illustrated in the figures or description herein. For example, various functionalities provided by the illustrated modules can be combined, rearranged, added, or deleted. In some implementations, additional or different processors or modules may perform some or all of the functionalities described with reference to the examples described and illustrated in the figures. Many implementation variations are possible. Any of the features, structures, steps, or processes disclosed in this specification can be included in any example. 
     In summary, various examples of connectors have been disclosed. This disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed examples to other alternative examples and/or other uses of the examples, as well as to certain modifications and equivalents thereof. Moreover, this disclosure expressly contemplates that various features and aspects of the disclosed examples can be combined with, or substituted for, one another. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed examples described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims.