David John Rowland

US Patent:

6407353, Jun 18, 2002

Filed:

Nov 4, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/433909

Inventors:

Daniel D. Fritzinger - Grabill IN 46741
David J. Rowland - Fort Wayne IN 46835

International Classification:

H01H 2700

US Classification:

200334, 200 4304, 200537, 200 6114

Abstract:

A breakaway switch assembly for detecting the unintended separation of a pair of connected vehicles or the like, of the type having a housing enclosure which slidably receives a pin-type actuator that operates an internal switch when pulled from the housing upon separation of the connected vehicles etc. , incorporates a fully assembled, self-contained switch unit of a commercially known type, rather than a special switch assembly having long, resilient contact-carrying spring arms that must be carefully and tediously mounted in specially designed housings, as was the most prevalent practice heretofore. The self-contained switch unit so utilized preferably has an enclosing outer housing or body which protects the interior switch mechanism, contacts, etc. , from the elements and also provides protruding flanges or the like which facilitate easy and fast mounting of the entire unit within the housing. Instead of being disposed between the conventional spring-arm electrical contact carriers, and retained in place thereby, the pull-pin operator is self-retained within a tubular receiver passage extending through the housing wall, preferably by resiliently deformable elastomer members such as O-rings, or by spring arms extending from the side of the pull-pin and integrally made as a part thereof.

US Patent:

6802725, Oct 12, 2004

Filed:

Feb 17, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/779972

Inventors:

David J. Rowland - Fort Wayne IN
Daniel D. Fritzinger - Milford IN

Assignee:

Theodore Bargman Company - Albion IN

International Classification:

H01R 1344

US Classification:

439144, 439371

Abstract:

An electrical connector assembly includes a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector. The first electrical connector includes a door for protecting contacts of the first electrical connector from environmental conditions when the first electrical connector is in an unmated condition. The second electrical connector includes an integral elongated strap and an integral clasp positioned approximate an outer shell of the second electrical connector. The strap is shaped to contact the door of the first electrical connector and interlock with the clasp to interlock the first and second electrical connectors when the first and second electrical connectors are mated.

US Patent:

6851958, Feb 8, 2005

Filed:

Nov 27, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/306152

Inventors:

David J. Rowland - Fort Wayne IN, US
Daniel D Fritzinger - Milford IN, US

Assignee:

Theodore Bargman Company - Albion IN

International Classification:

H01R013/44

US Classification:

439142

Abstract:

An electrical connector assembly includes a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector. The first electrical connector includes a recess formed in an outer shell of the first electrical connector. The second electrical connector includes an integrated elongated spring clip extending from the second electrical connector. The recess is shaped to receive a portion of the elongated spring clip, which interlocks the first and second electrical connectors when positioned in the recess.