US 12,230,922 B2
Bi-directional header for multi-direction connector mating
Thomas Robert DeWitte, Troy, MI (US); Adam Price Tyler, Troy, MI (US); Lindsey Gatesman, Winston Salem, NC (US); and David James Rhein, Troy, MI (US)
Assigned to TE Connectivity Solutions GmbH, (CH)
Filed by TE Connectivity Solutions GmbH, Schaffhausen (CH)
Filed on Oct. 23, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/492,068.
Application 18/492,068 is a continuation of application No. 17/505,991, filed on Oct. 20, 2021, granted, now 11,916,336.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/109,818, filed on Nov. 4, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2024/0047924 A1, Feb. 8, 2024
Int. Cl. H01R 13/6582 (2011.01); H01R 13/58 (2006.01); H01R 13/639 (2006.01); H01R 13/02 (2006.01); H01R 13/04 (2006.01); H01R 13/502 (2006.01); H01R 13/52 (2006.01); H01R 13/629 (2006.01); H01R 13/64 (2006.01); H01R 13/645 (2006.01); H01R 24/00 (2011.01); H01R 24/52 (2011.01); H01R 25/00 (2006.01); H01R 33/76 (2006.01)
CPC H01R 13/6582 (2013.01) [H01R 13/5841 (2013.01); H01R 13/639 (2013.01); H01R 13/6395 (2013.01); H01R 13/02 (2013.01); H01R 13/04 (2013.01); H01R 13/502 (2013.01); H01R 13/5202 (2013.01); H01R 13/629 (2013.01); H01R 13/62905 (2013.01); H01R 13/62933 (2013.01); H01R 13/62938 (2013.01); H01R 13/62955 (2013.01); H01R 13/64 (2013.01); H01R 13/6456 (2013.01); H01R 24/005 (2013.01); H01R 24/52 (2013.01); H01R 25/006 (2013.01); H01R 33/76 (2013.01); H01R 33/7657 (2013.01); H01R 33/7671 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An electrical header, comprising:
a body adapted to mount to an object;
an opening formed through the body and receiving an electrical terminal; and
a plug defined on a first side of the body and adapted to separately mate with each of a first mating connector arranged in a first orientation with respect to the body and a second mating connector arranged in a second orientation with respect to the body and distinct from the first orientation when the first mating connector is not mated with the plug, the plug including at least one sidewall extending from the body, the at least one sidewall defining a circumferential wall arranged about the opening and including a pair of first opposing sidewalls extending from the body and a pair of second opposing sidewalls extending from the body, the at least one sidewall defining:
a locking feature adapted to engage with a corresponding locking feature of the first mating connector and the second mating connector; and
at least one keying element adapted to engage with at least one complementary keying element of the first mating connector and the second mating connector, wherein the circumferential wall and the at least one keying element are asymmetric about at least one of orthogonal planes bisecting the plug.