Patent ID: 7244132

Claim:
A connector comprising: first and second connector portions movable between unmated and mated positions; first and second bladders carried by respective first and second connector portions, and each having an end movable between a closed position and an open position; and an interlocking assembly comprising first and second portions carried by respective first and second connector portions and being movable between a released position, permitting opposing ends of said first and second bladders to move apart, and an interlocked position, holding the opposing ends of said first and second bladders together as the opposing ends of said first and second bladders move from the closed position to the open position; said interlocking assembly being moved to the interlocked position as said first and second connector portions are moved from the unmated position to the mated position, and being moved to the released position as said first and second connector portions are moved from the mated position to the unmated position.