Daniel W Bentley

US Patent:

56116950, Mar 18, 1997

Filed:

Nov 22, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/343176

Inventors:

Daniel L. Bentley - Brownstown MI

Assignee:

United Technologies Automotive, Inc. - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

H01R 3300

US Classification:

439 35

Abstract:

A connector for supplying electrical connections to a towed vehicle includes a housing structure that encloses the electrical connections in a stowed position. The electrical connections are thus protected from the environment. The connector is secured to the towing vehicle, and properly positions the electrical connections. When it is desired to attach a towed vehicle to the electrical connector, the electrical connector is easily moved to an access position where access is provided to the electrical connections. The connector preferably includes a moving plate which is secured to a fixed base, and carries the wires between the stowed and access positions. Further, the moving plate preferably includes a locking wedge which snaps onto the moving plate to bias locking fingers to lock the wires into the connector at their appropriate positions.