A structure including a concealed, releasable barcode or QR code (registered trademark) for indicating the mating or non-mating of two elements, and a method for operating it.

Abstract

A concealed releasable barcode or QR code for indicating mating or non-mating of two elements, comprising a concealing feature indicating non-mating of two elements and a display feature indicating mating of two elements. The concealing feature and the display feature are one and the same structure with no relative motion between the concealing feature and the display feature. The same structure on which the concealing feature and the display feature are located is a rotatable platter, the concealing feature being the top surface of the rotatable platter and the display feature being the bottom surface of the platter having a barcode or QR code on its surface. When the rotatable platter becomes unblocked, a spring (i.e. torsion spring, coil spring, combinations thereof, etc.) or mechanical linkage rotates the platter from the top surface of the platter (concealing feature) to the bottom surface of the platter containing the barcode or QR code on its surface (display feature).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross-Reference to Related Application] This patent application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 395,249 filed on August 4, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference as part of the present specification.

Background Art

[0002] The connector 10 of the connector system 100 in U.S. Patent No. 9,583,860 is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 of that document. A lever 134 is pivotally coupled to a housing 118, and the lever 134 has a segment 204 that seals or conceals a barcode label 112 attached, affixed, or drawn on a side portion of the housing 118. Illustrated in Figure 6 of U.S. Patent No. 9,583,860 is a structural arrangement in which the housing 118 is not completely mated with a mating connector (e.g., the second connector 104 shown in Figure 3). Since the barcode label 112 is concealed by the segment 204 of the lever 134, it is shown in phantom lines in Figure 6. When the lever 134 is pivoted to a closed position such that the recess 206 of the lever 134 is aligned with the barcode label 112 and the barcode label 112 on the housing 118 is exposed, the structural arrangement in which the housing 118 is completely mated with the mating connector 104 is as shown in Figure 7. The barcode label 112 thus becomes visible through the recess 206 of the lever 134.

[0003] In other words, U.S. Patent No. 9,583,860 specifically defines a “concealing function,” which consists of a segment 204 of a lever 134 that conceals the barcode label 112 when the housing 118 is not fully mated with the mating connector 104. As described in U.S. Patent No. 9,583,860, this so-called “concealing function” consists of a segment 204 of a lever 134 that conceals the barcode label 112 when the housing 118 is not fully mated with the mating connector 104. As described in U.S. Patent No. 9,583,860, this so-called “concealing function” consists of a segment 204 of a lever 134, which is structurally and functionally separate or independent from the barcode label 112 that it conceals.

[0004] The present invention provides a rotatable barcode platter. The concealing function of the present invention is on the upper surface of the rotatable barcode platter, while the display function of the present invention is on the lower surface of the barcode platter having a barcode or QR code (registered trademark) on its surface. Since the upper surface of the platter and the lower surface of the platter containing the barcode or QR code are on the same platter, the concealing and display functions of the present invention are located in the same structure.

[0005] Furthermore, in U.S. Patent No. 9,583,869, the display function (i.e., the barcode label 112) and the concealment function (i.e., the segment 204 of the lever 134) are movable between the concealed position and the exposed position. However, as described above, since the top surface and the bottom surface containing the barcode or QR code are on the same rotatable platter, in the present invention the concealment function (i.e., the top surface of the rotatable barcode platter) and the display function (i.e., the bottom surface of the rotatable barcode platter having the barcode or QR code on its surface) are one and the same structure and do not move relative to each other. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 9,583,860 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 9,583,869 [Overview of the Initiative] [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The concealed, releasable barcode or QR code for indicating the mating or unmating of two elements of the present invention comprises a rotatable barcode or QR code platter, where the rotatable barcode or QR code platter constitutes the concealment function of the present invention. It should be noted that the barcode platter and the QR code platter are interchangeable depending on whether a barcode or QR code is mounted on the platter surface. The rotatable barcode or QR code platter almost always incorporates a display function (i.e., the bottom surface of the platter has a barcode or QR code on its surface) because the top surface of the platter and the bottom surface (containing the barcode or QR code) are provided on the same barcode or QR code platter. In other words, in the present invention, the concealment function (i.e., the top surface of the rotatable barcode or QR code platter) and the display function (i.e., the bottom surface of the rotatable platter with a barcode or QR code on its surface) are one and the same structure or element and do not move relative to each other, because the top surface of the platter and the bottom surface containing the barcode or QR code are part of the same rotatable barcode or QR code platter. The driving of a rotatable barcode or QR code platter is not limited to the use of the type of spring used and described in the present invention, but the rotatable barcode or QR code platter is driven or made operable by a spring (e.g., a torsion spring) operably connected to the platter and the CPA device. Alternatively, a coil spring or combination of coil springs operably coupled to the platter and the CPA device may be used as the spring in the present invention.

[0008] Alternatively, instead of the springs of the type used and described in this invention, and the coil springs or combinations of coil springs described above, mechanical linkages operably coupled to the platter and the CPA device may be used.

[0009] A rotatable barcode or QR code platter is mounted, for example, on a female housing assembly and positioned in a concealed location below a portion of the connector position assurance (CPA) device. When the male housing assembly is mated to the female housing assembly and the mated state is in the pre-locked (or pre-mated) position, the CPA device cannot move forward (i.e., move forward toward the locked position), and therefore the rotatable barcode or QR code located below the portion of the CPA device remains in the concealed position. Once the male and female connector assemblies are fully mated, the CPA can then move forward, allowing the male and female connector assemblies to be positioned in the fully locked (or mated) position. The forward movement of the CPA device positions the CPA device in the locked position, allowing the rotatable barcode or QR code to be released from its concealed position, and the spring-driven barcode or QR code can then rotate, revealing the barcode or QR code on the underside of the barcode or QR code platter. Alternatively, instead of a spring-driven barcode platter, the barcode or QR code platter may be rotated by a mechanical linkage between the CPA device and the barcode or QR code platter, similarly allowing the barcode or QR code platter to rotate when the CPA device moves to a locked position and the male-female connector assembly is positioned or engaged in a fully locked (or mated) position. When the barcode or QR code platter rotates by the mechanical linkage between the CPA device and the barcode or QR code platter, the rotation of the barcode or QR code platter releases it from its concealed position, thereby exposing the barcode or QR code on the underside of the barcode or QR code platter. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a female housing assembly equipped with a barcode (or QR code) platter and platter drive spring, along with a CPA device, in which the platter and spring are positioned so that the female housing assembly is in a temporary locked or pre-fitted position with the male housing assembly, and the CPA device cannot move forward toward the locked position. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a female housing assembly with the CPA device, barcode (QR code) platter, and platter drive spring attached and assembled. The female housing assembly is in a temporary locked or pre-fitted position with the male housing assembly, the CPA device cannot move forward toward the locked position, and the top surface of the platter is visible. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a top view of the female housing assembly with the CPA device, barcode (QR code) platter, and platter drive spring attached and assembled. The female housing assembly is in a temporary locked or pre-fitted position with the male housing assembly, the CPA device cannot move forward toward the locked position, and the top surface of the platter is visible. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the platter drive spring of the present invention in a position ready for assembly and coupling to the upper surface of a barcode (or QR code) platter. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the top surface of a barcode (or QR code) platter, which has grooves for receiving part of the platter drive spring of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a female housing assembly equipped with a barcode (or QR code) platter and platter drive spring, along with a CPA device, where the platter and platter drive spring are positioned in a locked or mated position with the male housing assembly, with the CPA device moved forward toward the locked position. [Figure 7]Figure 7 is a perspective view of a female housing assembly with the CPA device, barcode (or QR code) platter, and platter drive spring attached and assembled. The female housing assembly is in a locked or mated position with the male housing assembly, and the CPA device moves forward toward the locked position, showing the bottom view with the platter rotated and the barcode displayed on its surface. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a top view of a female housing assembly with the CPA device, barcode (or QR code) platter, and platter drive spring attached and assembled, the female housing assembly in a locked or mated position with the male housing assembly, the CPA device moving forward toward the locked position, and the bottom view showing the platter rotating so that the barcode is displayed on its surface. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the platter drive spring of the present invention, in which the lower surface of the platter is rotated to a position that exposes or reveals the barcode or QR code on its surface. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a barcode (or QR code) platter, rotated to show the bottom surface with the barcode on it. [Figure 11A] Figure 11A is a schematic block box diagram illustrating the use of mechanical linkage between the CPA device and the barcode (or QR code) platter when the rotatable barcode (or QR code) platter shows its top surface (concealing function). [Figure 11B] Figure 11B is a schematic block box diagram illustrating the use of mechanical linkage between a CPA device and a barcode (or QR code) platter, with the rotatable barcode (or QR code) platter showing its underside, thereby revealing or exposing the barcode on its surface (display function). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a female housing assembly equipped with a CPA device 8 along with a barcode (or QR code®) platter 10 and a platter drive spring 12 of the present invention, wherein the platter 10 and spring 12 are positioned such that the female housing assembly 5 takes a temporary lock or temporary mating position (i.e., a temporary lock or temporary mating position with the male housing assembly 25) in which the CPA device 8 cannot move forward toward the locked position.

[0012] As will be described in more detail below, the platter drive spring 12 includes portions 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d that form a substantially U-shape, and additional extensions 12e and 12f that extend substantially perpendicularly from portions 12c and 12d, respectively. The free ends of the extensions 12e and 12f of the spring 12 are substantially U-shaped ends 12g (see Figure 4).

[0013] A CPA device retainer 23 is provided on the upper surface 20 of the female housing assembly 5. A slot portion 28 for housing the spring 12 and the platter 10 is also provided on the upper surface 20 of the female housing assembly 5. As shown in Figure 1 and described in more detail below, the slot portion 28 is substantially composed of a slot portion 28a and a slot portion 28b.

[0014] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a female housing assembly 5 with the CPA device 8, barcode (or QR code) platter 10, and platter drive spring 12 attached and assembled, where the female housing assembly 5 is in a temporary locked or pre-fitted position with the male housing assembly 25 (i.e., a temporary locked or pre-fitted position with the male housing assembly 25), the CPA device 8 cannot move forward toward the locked position, and the top surface 30 of the platter 10 is visible. Here, when the CPA device 8 cannot move forward toward the locked position, in the present invention, the barcode 50 concealment function is such that the barcode 50 (see Figures 6-8) is concealed and remains concealed, as the rotatable barcode platter 10 shows its top surface 30, and it is part of the same structure as the display mechanism (i.e., the barcode 50 is on the bottom surface 60 of the platter 10), as will be described later. As will be further explained later, the concealment function (i.e., the platter 10) and the display function (i.e., the barcode 50) of the present invention are one and the same structure, and since the barcode 50 is part of the rotatable barcode platter 10, it does not move relative to one another (i.e., there is no relative movement between the two).

[0015] Figure 3 is a top view of the assembled female housing assembly 5 with the CPA device 8, a bar code (or QR code) platter 10, and a platter drive spring 12 mounted thereon, wherein the female housing assembly 5 is in a pre-lock or pre-mating position (that is, the pre-lock or pre-mating position relative to the male housing assembly 25), the CPA device 8 cannot move forward toward the lock position, and the top surface 30 of the platter 10 is shown. As exemplified in Figure 3, when the CPA device 8 is in the pre-lock position, the CPA device 8 covers the top surface 30 of the platter 10 and, more importantly, blocks the spring-driven bar code platter 10 from rotating from the slot portion 28b toward the slot portion 28b that is not yet occupied by the platter 10. As shown in Figure 3, since the spring-driven bar code platter 10 is blocked by the CPA device 8, the bar code platter 10 functions as the concealing function of the present invention (that is, a function for concealing the bar code 50). This concealing function of the present invention indicates that the CPA device 8 cannot yet move forward toward the lock position and the CPA device 8 remains in the pre-lock position, which means that the female housing assembly 5 and the male housing assembly 25 are in the pre-lock or pre-mating position. Although not shown in the figures, the slots, holes, or openings of the slot portion 28b respectively accommodate the portions 12a and 12b of the spring 12, so that the spring portions 12c and 12d fit snugly or firmly stay within the slot portion 28b.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the spring 12 of the present invention in a position ready to be assembled onto the upper surface 30 of a barcode (or QR code) platter 10. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the spring 12 includes portions 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d forming a substantially U-shaped configuration, and is provided with additional extension portions 12e, 12f extending substantially perpendicularly from the portions 12c, 12d respectively. The free ends of the extension portions 12e, 12f are substantially U-shaped ends 12g. In the present invention, the spring 12 is segmented such that the extension portions 12e, 12f of the spring 12 are rotatable relative to the portions 12c, 12d from which they extend. That is, the extension portions 12e, 12f can rotate about the respective axes of the portions 12c, 12d, as indicated by arrow A (see FIG. 4).

[0017] The restoring property or elasticity of the spring 12 results from the elastic portions 12c, 12d (that is, the elastic parts 12c, 12d). More specifically, the restoring property or elasticity of the spring 12 is provided by the torsion of the elastic portions 12c, 12d of the spring 12. That is, each of the elastic portions 12c, 12d functions as a "torsion" spring. Therefore, when in the concealed position (that is, when the present invention is assembled, the upper surface 30 of the barcode (or QR code) platter 10 is blocked by the CPA device 8), the elastic portions 12c, 12d are twisted, and remain in the twisted state until the CPA device 8 moves forward to bring the present invention into the exposed position (that is, the lower surface 60 of the platter 10 including the barcode 50 on its surface is exposed as exemplified in FIGS. 7 and 8).

[0018] Alternatively, the resilience or elasticity of the extensions 12e and 12f relative to the portions 12c and 12d can be achieved, for example, by internal springs (e.g., coil springs, etc.) (not shown) inside portions 12c and 12d, with their respective ends attached to portions 12c and extensions 12e, or portions 12d and extensions 12f. The extensions 12e, 12f, and end 12g of the spring 12 are housed in the slot portion 40 of the upper surface 30 of the platter 10, as shown in Figure 5. The extensions 12e, 12f, and end 12g of the spring 12 are fixed in the slot portion 40 of the upper surface 30 of the platter 10 by press-fitting, adhesive, or the like. When the extensions 12e, 12f and end portion 12g of the spring 12 are fixed within the slot portion 40 of the upper surface 30 of the platter 10, portions 12c and 12d of the spring 12 may or may not come into contact with the side portion 33 (see Figure 5) of the platter 10.

[0019] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a female housing assembly equipped with a CPA device 8 along with a barcode (or QR code) platter 10 and a platter drive spring 12 of the present invention, wherein the platter 10 and spring 12 are in a fully mated position (i.e., fully mated position with the male housing assembly 25) when the female housing assembly 5 is moved forward toward the locked position. A CPA device retainer 23 is provided on the upper surface 20 of the female housing assembly 5. The upper surface 20 of the female housing assembly 5 also includes slot portions 28a and 28b that house the spring 12 and the platter 10, as will be described in more detail below.

[0020] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a female housing assembly 5 with the CPA device 8, barcode (or QR code) platter 10, and platter drive spring 12 attached and assembled, where the female housing assembly 5 is in the fully mated position (i.e., fully mated with the male housing assembly 25), and the CPA device 8 is moving forward toward the locked position, exposing or displaying the lower surface 60 of the platter 10. More specifically, the barcode 50 appears when the CPA device 8 moves forward. In this invention, the display function (barcode 50) is the same structure as the concealment function (rotating barcode platter 10). In other words, the concealment function (i.e., platter 10) and the display function (i.e., barcode 50) of this invention are one and the same structure, and since the barcode 50 is part of the rotatable barcode platter 10, it does not move relative to each other (i.e., there is no relative movement between the two). As the CPA device 8 moves forward, the upper surface 30 of the platter 10 (see Figures 2 and 3), which was previously partially covered, is exposed or unlocked, thereby freeing or driving the platter 10 and allowing it to rotate from slot 28b to slot 28a on the upper surface 20 of the female housing assembly 5. The rotatable movement of the platter 10 from slot 28b to slot 28 is made possible, as described above, by mounting the extensions 12e, 12f and end 12g of the spring 12 within the slot 40 on the upper surface 30 of the platter 10, as shown in Figure 5, and by allowing the extensions 12e and 12f to rotate around the longitudinal axes of the portions 12c and 12d of the spring 12, respectively.

[0021] Figure 8 is a top view of the female housing assembly 5 with the CPA device 8, barcode (or QR code) platter 10, and platter drive spring 12 attached and assembled, the female housing assembly 5 in the fully locked or fully mated position (i.e., fully locked or fully mated with the male housing assembly 25), and the CPA device 8 has moved forward toward the locked position, revealing the bottom surface 60 of the platter 10. As illustrated in Figure 8, the CPA device 8 no longer covers the top surface 30 of the platter 10 (see Figure 3), and more importantly, no longer blocks or prevents the spring-driven barcode platter 10 from rotating from slot 28b to slot 28a of the slot 28 on the top surface 20 of the female housing assembly 5, thereby enabling or driving the platter 10 to rotate from slot 28b to slot 28a of the top surface 20 of the female housing assembly 5. When the CPA device 8 no longer blocks the barcode platter 10, thereby releasing the barcode platter 10, the spring-driven barcode platter 10 rotates from slot 28b to slot 28a on the upper surface 20 of the female housing assembly 5, revealing the barcode 50 on the lower surface 60 of the platter 10, and the barcode functions as the display function of the present invention. This display function of the present invention indicates that the CPA device 8 moves forward toward the locked position, indicating that the CPA device 8 is in the fully locked position, which means that the female housing assembly 5 and the male housing assembly 25 are fully mated and in the fully locked or mated position.

[0022] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the spring 12 of the present invention, in which the extensions 12e, 12f and end 12g of the spring 12 are elastically rotating inward as shown in Figure 9. In this position, as shown in Figure 9, the extensions 12e, 12f and end 12g of the spring 12 rotate the platter 10, revealing the barcode 50 on the lower surface 60 of the platter 10. That is, in the present invention, the extensions 12e and 12f of the spring 12 are rotatable with respect to the portions 12c and 12d to which they extend, respectively (see arrow A in Figure 4).

[0023] As described above, the resilience or elasticity of the spring 12 is due to the elastic portions 12c and 12d (i.e., the elastic parts 12c and 12d). More specifically, the resilience or elasticity of the spring 12 is brought about by the twisting of the elastic parts 12c and 12d of the spring 12. That is, each of the elastic parts 12c and 12d acts as a "torsion" spring. Therefore, when in the concealed position (i.e., when the present invention is assembled, the upper surface 30 of the barcode (or QR code) platter 10 is blocked by the CPA device 8), the elastic parts 12c and 12d are twisted and remain twisted until the CPA device 8 moves forward and the present invention is in the exposed position (i.e., the lower surface 60 of the platter 10, which includes the barcode 50 on its surface, is exposed as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8).

[0024] Alternatively, the resilience or elasticity of the extensions 12e and 12f relative to the portions 12c and 12d can be made possible, for example, by internal springs (e.g., coil springs, etc.) (not shown) inside portions 12c and 12d, with their respective ends attached to portions 12c and extension 12e, or to portions 12d and extension 12f. That is, the extensions 12e and 12f can rotate around their respective axes, as indicated by arrow A in Figure 4. Once rotated, the barcode 50 appears on the slot 28a, thereby enabling the barcode (on the lower surface 60 of the platter 10) (see Figure 10). When the barcode 50 appears, this state or position indicates or suggests that the CPA device 5 of the present invention has moved completely forward toward the locked position, thereby positioning the female housing assembly 5 and the male housing assembly 25 in a fully locked or mated position toward each other.

[0025] The driving of the rotatable barcode or QR code platter 10 is not limited to the use of the type of spring 12 used and described herein, however the rotatable barcode or QR code platter 10 is driven or made operable by the spring 12 described herein (and illustrated in Figures 4 and 9). Alternatively, a coil spring or combination of coil springs operably coupled to the platter 10 and the CPA device 8 may be used as the spring in this invention. In addition, a mechanical linkage 80 operably coupled to the platter 10 and the CPA device 8 may be used instead of the type of spring used and described herein, or the above-mentioned coil spring or combination of coil springs.

[0026] Figure 11A is a schematic block box diagram illustrating the use of a mechanically connected CPA device 8 and the barcode or QR code platter 10 (instead of the platter drive spring 12) when the rotatable barcode or QR code platter 10 is showing its top surface (concealing function). Figure 11B is a schematic block box diagram illustrating the use of a mechanically connected CPA device 8 and the barcode or QR code platter 10 when the rotatable barcode or QR code platter 10 is showing its bottom surface and the barcode on its surface is revealed or exposed, and the mechanically connected mechanical linkage 80 is used to rotate the platter 10 from concealing to displaying function.

[0027] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various design and configuration changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A concealment function that displays the non-fitting of two elements, It is characterized by including a display function that shows the fitting of the two elements, The concealment function and the display function are characterized by being one and the same structure with no relative movement between them. The same structure in which the concealment function and the display function are located is a rotatable platter and is rotatably housed in one of the two elements, The concealment function is the upper surface of the rotatable platter, The display function has a barcode or QR code on the lower surface of the rotatable platter. A structure comprising a concealed, releasable barcode or QR code disposed on a rotatable platter, which indicates the mating of two elements when the releasable barcode or QR code is exposed, or indicates the dismatting of two elements when the releasable barcode or QR code is concealed.

2. The structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the same structure is a rotatable platter driven by a spring.

3. The structure according to claim 2, characterized in that the rotatable platter is mounted on the upper surface of the female housing assembly.

4. The structure according to claim 3, characterized in that the two elements are composed of a female housing assembly and a male housing assembly.

5. The structure according to claim 4, characterized in that the rotatable platter is mounted on the upper surface of the female housing assembly together with the spring which is operably connected to the rotatable platter.

6. The structure according to claim 5, characterized in that the concealment function is maintained by preventing the CPA device on the upper surface of the rotatable platter from moving forward toward the locked position.

7. The structure according to claim 6, characterized in that when the CPA device cannot move forward toward the locked position, the upper surface of the rotatable platter is blocked, and the spring prevents the rotatable platter from rotating from the upper surface toward the lower surface which includes the barcode or QR code.

8. The structure according to claim 6, characterized in that when the CPA device is permitted to move forward toward the locked position, the upper surface of the rotatable platter is released, and the spring rotates the rotatable platter from the upper surface to the lower surface which includes the barcode or QR code.

9. The structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the two elements consist of a female housing assembly and a male housing assembly, and the rotatable platter is mounted on the upper surface of the female housing assembly together with a mechanical linkage that is operably connected between the CPA device and the rotatable platter.

10. The structure according to claim 9, characterized in that the concealment function is maintained by preventing the CPA device on the upper surface of the rotatable platter from moving forward toward the locked position.

11. The structure according to claim 10, characterized in that when the CPA device cannot move forward toward the locked position, the upper surface of the rotatable platter is blocked, and the mechanical linkage prevents the rotatable platter from rotating from the upper surface toward the lower surface which includes the barcode or QR code.

12. The structure according to claim 11, characterized in that when the CPA device is permitted to move forward toward the locked position, the upper surface of the rotatable platter is released, and the mechanical linkage rotates the rotatable platter from the upper surface to the lower surface which includes the barcode or QR code.

13. A step of providing a concealment function to display the non-fitting of two elements, The step of providing a display function that shows the fitting of the two elements, The invention is characterized by comprising the step of providing a spring or mechanical linkage for driving a rotatable platter, A method for operating a structure including a concealed, releaseable barcode or QR code disposed on a rotatable platter for indicating the mating or non-matting of two elements, characterized in that the concealing function and the display function are one and the same structure with no relative movement between the concealing function and the display function, the same structure is a rotatable platter driven by the spring or mechanical linkage and rotatably housed in one of the two elements, the concealing function is the upper surface of the rotatable platter and the display function is the lower surface of the rotatable platter having a barcode or QR code on its surface.

14. The two elements include a female housing assembly and a male housing assembly, The method according to claim 13, wherein the step of providing the concealment function includes preventing the CPA device from moving forward toward a locked position, and the concealment function includes the step of indicating that the female housing assembly and the male housing assembly are in a temporary locked or temporary mated position.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the step of providing the indicator function includes the step of allowing the CPA device to move forward toward a locked position, and the indicator function indicates that the female housing assembly and the male housing assembly are in a fully locked or fully mated position.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the step of providing the display function includes the step of allowing the CPA device to move forward toward a locked position, and allowing the rotatable platter to rotate from the upper surface of the rotatable platter to the lower surface having the barcode or QR code on its surface.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that the spring is for rotating the rotatable platter from the upper surface to the lower surface having the barcode or QR code on its surface.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein the spring is for rotating the rotatable platter from its upper surface to its lower surface having the barcode or QR code on its surface, and the spring is at least one of a combination of a torsion spring, a coil spring, and a coil spring operably coupled to the CPA device and the rotatable platter.

19. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that the step of providing the display function includes the step of providing a mechanical linkage for rotating the rotatable platter from the top surface to the bottom surface having the barcode or QR code on its surface.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that the mechanical linkage is operably coupled to the CPA device and the rotatable platter.

Images