Connector assembly having snap-style connectors, and connector system incorporating same

Abstract

The ejectable connector assembly generally has an axis; a wall portion extending perpendicularly to the axis, and apertures extending through the wall portion and spaced apart from one another; hollow snap connectors mounted to the wall portion, each of the hollow snap connectors exposing a corresponding one of the apertures of the wall portion; and an ejector assembly having ejector pins slidingly engaged within the apertures of the wall portion along the axis, and a link member linking proximal ends of the ejector pins to one another, the link member movable along the axis to a withdrawn position in which distal ends of the ejector pins are withdrawn within the hollow snap connectors, and to an ejection position in which the distal ends of the ejector pins protrude from the hollow snap connectors.

Description

CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY HAVING SNAP-STYLE CONNECTORS, AND CONNECTOR SYSTEM INCORPORATING SAMEFIELD

[0001] The present improvements relate to the general field of battery powering, and more particularly, to connector assemblies which can be used as a replacement to batteries having snap-style connectors.BACKGROUND

[0002] An example of a battery having snap-style connectors is the PP3 battery, also referred to as the nine-volt battery, the 9-volt battery or the 9VDC battery (the latter term being arbitrarily chosen and used throughout this disclosure). The 9VDC battery has a cuboid shape with rounded edges and two polarized snap connectors on a top surface thereof. In a typical implementation of the 9VDC battery, the two polarized snap connectors include a smaller, circular (male) terminal which is positively polarized (+), and a larger, hexagonal or octagonal (female) terminal which is negatively polarized (-). The 9VDC battery generally supplies a nominal voltage of 9 volts. However, actual voltage can vary between 7.2 V and 9.6 V depending on battery chemistry. The 9VDC battery is commonly used to supply power in many electrical devices including smoke detectors, gas detectors, radios, clocks, toys, and musical instruments, to name a few examples. Each of these electrical devices has corresponding snap connectors matingly engaging with the snap connectors of the 9VDC battery when electrically connected thereto.

[0003] In at least some applications, and more specifically when extensive usage of 9VDC batteries is required, it was found convenient to replace the 9VDC battery with an external power source, such as small 110VAC to 9VDC power converters. Such an external power source is connectable to the snap connectors of an electrical device via a dedicated connector assembly electrically connected to the external power source. Such a connector assembly can generally fulfill the main objective of providing a means to interface with the external power source with the snap connectors of the electrical device requiring 9VDC powering. However, once connected, they can represent a challenge to disconnect as the snapping engagement between the snap connectors can be relatively strong. Indeed, using fingertips to pull the snapconnectors away from one another can be physically painful. Although existing connector assemblies interfacing between a 9VDC powered electrical device and an external power source are satisfactory to a certain degree, there always remain room for improvement.SUMMARY

[0001] Thus, there is a need on the market for an improved connector assembly for use with electrical devices having snap-style connectors which would at least partially avoid some of the aforementioned disadvantages. In a broad aspect of the present disclosure, there is described an ejectable connector assembly which can be used as a convenient replacement for batteries having snap-style connectors.

[0002] In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an ejectable connector assembly comprising: an axis; a wall portion extending perpendicularly to the axis, and first and second apertures extending through the wall portion and spaced apart from one another; first and second hollow snap connectors mounted to the wall portion, each of the first and second hollow snap connectors exposing a corresponding one of the first and second apertures of the wall portion; and an ejector assembly having first and second ejector pins slidingly engaged within the first and second apertures of the wall portion along the axis, and a link member linking proximal ends of the first and second ejector pins to one another, the link member movable along the axis to a withdrawn position in which distal ends of the first and second ejector pins are withdrawn within the first and second hollow snap connectors, and to an ejection position in which the distal ends of the first and second ejector pins protrude from the first and second hollow snap connectors.

[0003] Further in accordance with the first aspect of the present disclosure, when the first and second hollow snap connectors can for example be snappingly engaged to corresponding snap connectors of one of: an electrical device and an external power source, moving the link member in the ejection position includes urging the distal ends against the corresponding snap connectors until the corresponding snap connectors snappingly disengage from the first and second hollow snap connectors of the ejectable connector assembly.

[0004] Still further in accordance with the first aspect of the present disclosure, the ejector assembly can for example have a biasing element biasingly mounting the link member to thewall portion, the biasing element being at rest when the link member is at the withdrawn position and the biasing element being biased when the link member is at the ejection position.

[0005] Still further in accordance with the first aspect of the present disclosure, the biasing element can for example be a spring having a first end lying against the wall portion and a second end lying against the link element.

[0006] Still further in accordance with the first aspect of the present disclosure, the first end of the spring can for example be permanently mounted to the wall portion.

[0007] Still further in accordance with the first aspect of the present disclosure, the second end of the spring can for example be permanently mounted to the link element.

[0008] Still further in accordance with the first aspect of the present disclosure, in the ejection position, the distal ends of the first and second ejector pins can for example protrude from the first and second hollow snap connectors by a first axial dimension greater than a second axial dimension of the first and second hollow snap connectors.

[0009] Still further in accordance with the first aspect of the present disclosure, the wall portion can for example be a top wall portion of a housing.

[0010] Still further in accordance with the first aspect of the present disclosure, the housing further can for example have a first side wall portion, a second side wall portion opposite the first side wall portion, a front wall portion and a rear wall portion, the first side wall portion, the second side wall portion, the front wall portion and the rear wall portion mounted to corresponding edges of the top wall portion.

[0011] Still further in accordance with the first aspect of the present disclosure, the first and second side wall portions can for example define a guiding channel extending along the axis and in which the ejector assembly is slidingly engaged.

[0012] Still further in accordance with the first aspect of the present disclosure, the first and second side wall portions can for example have one or more stoppers protruding therefrom, the one or more stoppers preventing the link member from axial movement passed thewithdrawn position and thereby maintaining a sliding engagement between the first and second apertures and the first and second ejector pins.

[0013] Still further in accordance with the first aspect of the present disclosure, the front wall can for example have an access opening allowing finger access to the link member.

[0014] Still further in accordance with the first aspect of the present disclosure, the first and second hollow snap connectors can for example be spaced apart from one another to be in register with a standard distance between corresponding snap connectors of a standard 9VDC battery.

[0015] Still further in accordance with the first aspect of the present disclosure, the housing can for example have a size and shape corresponding to a size and shape of a standard 9DVC battery.

[0016] Still further in accordance with the first aspect of the present disclosure, each of the first and second apertures can for example include an electrically conductive region, the electrically conductive region of the first aperture electrically insulated from the electrically conductive region of the second aperture.

[0017] In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a connector system for use as a replacement for a battery having snap connectors, the connector system comprising: an ejectable connector assembly having an axis; a wall portion extending perpendicularly to the axis, and first and second apertures extending through the wall portion and spaced apart from one another; first and second hollow snap connectors mounted to the wall portion, each of the first and second hollow snap connectors exposing a corresponding one of the first and second apertures of the wall portion; and an ejector assembly having first and second ejector pins slidingly engaged within the first and second apertures of the wall portion along the axis, and a link member linking proximal ends of the first and second ejector pins to one another, the link member movable along the axis to a withdrawn position in which distal ends of the first and second ejector pins are withdrawn within the first and second hollow snap connectors, and to an ejection position in which the distal ends of the first and second ejector pins protrude from the first and second hollow snapconnectors; first and second electrical conductors electrically connected to a corresponding one of the first and second hollow snap connectors; and an external power source having first and second polarized terminals each electrically connected to the first and second hollow snap connectors via a corresponding one of the first and second electrical conductors.

[0018] Further in accordance with the second aspect of the present disclosure, each of the first and second electrical conductors can for example run through a corresponding one of the first and second apertures.

[0019] Still further in accordance with the second aspect of the present disclosure, each of the first and second apertures can for example include an electrically conductive region, the electrically conductive region of the first aperture electrically insulated from the electrically conductive region of the second aperture, the first and second electrical conductors electrically connected to the first and second hollow snap connectors via the electrically conductive regions.

[0020] In accordance with a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a assembly comprising an axis; a wall portion extending perpendicularly to the axis, and apertures extending through the wall portion and spaced apart from one another; hollow snap connectors mounted to the wall portion, each of the hollow snap connectors exposing a corresponding one of the apertures of the wall portion; and an ejector assembly having ejector pins slidingly engaged within the apertures of the wall portion along the axis, and a link member linking proximal ends of the ejector pins to one another, the link member movable along the axis to a withdrawn position in which distal ends of the ejector pins are withdrawn within the hollow snap connectors, and to an ejection position in which the distal ends of the ejector pins protrude from the hollow snap connectors.

[0021] In a broad aspect, the present invention provides an ejectable 9V battery connector.

[0022] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the ejectable 9V battery connector can for example comprise a housing defining opposed housing front and rear, top and bottom, and side lateral wall portions respectively.

[0023] Further in accordance with the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the housing can for example define a housing cavity extending inwardly and substantially towards the housing top portion so as to occupy substantially the whole interior space of the housing and, thus, defining a housing top wall.

[0024] Still further in accordance with the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the ejectable 9V battery connector can for example further comprise a pair of polarized positive and negative 9V battery terminals each rigidly engaged in a respective opening extending transversally through the housing top wall.

[0025] Still further in accordance with the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, each terminal in the pair can for example define a centered circular aperture extending axially centrally through out the terminal and is electrically isolated relative to the other terminal in the pair and the housing.

[0026] Still further in accordance with the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, each terminal in the pair can for example define a terminal engaging portion extending upwardly distally away from the housing top wall.

[0027] Still further in accordance with the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the ejectable 9V battery connector can for example further comprise an ejector element located within the housing cavity and including a pair of substantially rectilinearly elongated ejector pins extending parallelly relative to one another.

[0028] Still further in accordance with the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the ejector element further can for example include an ejector element link member extending between, and rigidly connecting to one another each ejector pin proximal end portions.

[0029] Still further in accordance with the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, each ejector pin distal end portion can for example be suitably distanced from the other ejector pin distal end portion so as to be axially extending in register toward the centered circular aperture of a respective one of in the pair of polarized positive and negative 9V battery terminals.

[0030] Still further in accordance with the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the ejector element can for example be suitably slidably engaged within the housing cavity so as to be slidably movable toward and away from the housing top wall, between an ejector element first position, and an ejector element second position.

[0031] Still further in accordance with the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, when in the ejector element is in the ejector element first position, the ejector element link member can for example be positioned sufficiently away from the housing top wall, such that the pair of ejector pin distal end portions is retracted within their respective one of in the pair of polarized positive and negative 9V battery terminals.

[0032] Still further in accordance with the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, when in the ejector element is in the ejector element second position, the ejector element link member can for example be positioned sufficiently adjacently the housing top wall 116, such that the pair of ejector pin distal end portions is at least partially distally protruding form their respective one of in the pair of polarized positive and negative 9V battery terminals.

[0033] Still further in accordance with the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the ejectable 9V battery connector can for example further comprise a spring biased arrangement connected between the housing and the movable ejector element, and is suitably sized and configured so as to effect one of a compression or tension biasing action urging the ejector element towards the ejector element first position. Thus, with a powered device's 9v battery connector engaged on the pair of polarized positive and negative terminals of the ejectable 9V battery connector, the latter may is easily released, or ejected, from the 9V battery connectors of the powered device by holding the housing with one hand and, using a finger, selectively push the ejector element from the first to the second position.

[0034] Other advantages, novel features and alternate embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following drawings and detailed description.

[0035] All technical implementation details and advantages described with respect to a particular aspect of the present invention are self-evidently mutatis mutandis applicable for all other aspects of the present invention.

[0036] Many further features and combinations thereof concerning the present improvements will appear to those skilled in the art following a reading of the instant disclosure.DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0037] In the figures,

[0038] Fig. 1 is an exploded view of an example of an ejectable connector assembly, showing a wall portion and an ejector assembly mounted to the wall portion, in accordance with one or more embodiments;

[0039] Fig. 1 A is a top plan view of the wall portion of Fig. 1 taken from viewpoint 1 A-1 A of Fig. 1 , showing first and second apertures of the wall portion, in accordance with one or more embodiments;

[0040] Fig. 2 is an oblique view of the ejectable connector assembly of Fig. 1 , showing the ejector assembly in a withdrawn position and snap connectors of an electrical device snappingly engaged with snap connectors of the ejectable connector assembly, in accordance with one or more embodiments;

[0041] Fig. 3 is an oblique view of the ejectable connector assembly of Fig. 1 , showing the ejector assembly in an ejection position, in accordance with one or more embodiments;

[0042] Fig. 4 is a front elevational view of the ejectable connector assembly of Fig. 1 , in accordance with one or more embodiments;

[0043] Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of the ejectable connector assembly of Fig. 1 , in accordance with one or more embodiments;

[0044] Fig. 6 is a rear elevational view of the ejectable connector assembly of Fig. 1 , in accordance with one or more embodiments;

[0045] Fig. 7 is a top plan view of the ejectable connector assembly of Fig. 1 , in accordance with one or more embodiments; and

[0046] Fig. 8 is a bottom plan view of the ejectable connector assembly in Fig. 1 , in accordance with one or more embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Fig. 1 shows an example of a connector assembly 100, in accordance with an embodiment. More specifically, the connector assembly 100 has an axis A, and a given wall portion 107 which extends perpendicularly to the axis A.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the given wall portion 107 is part of a housing 102. More specifically, in this specific embodiment, the housing 102 has a front wall portion 104, a rear wall portion 106, a top wall portion 108 corresponding to the given wall portion 107, a bottom wall portion 110 and side wall portions 112. As depicted, the front, rear, side wall portions 104, 106, and 112 are mounted to corresponding edges of the top wall portion 108 and of the bottom wall portion 110. As depicted, the housing 102 defines a housing cavity 114 extending inwardly and substantially towards the top wall portion 108 so as to occupy substantially the whole interior space of the housing 102.

[0049] It is intended that although the connector assembly 100 is shown with the housing 102 in this embodiment, the housing 102 can be omitted entirely in some other embodiments, as only the given wall portion 107 may be provided. The connector assembly 100 described in this disclosure is meant to replace a standard 9VDC battery. However, it is intended that the connector assembly described herein can be sized and shaped to replace any battery having snap connectors. Indeed, the housing 102 has a size and shape corresponding to, or slightly smaller than, a size and shape of a standard 9DVC battery in this example. The housing 102 can be sized differently depending on the type of battery to replace.

[0050] As best shown in Fig. 1A, which shows a top plan view of the connector assembly 100 along viewpoint 1A-1A of Fig. 1 , the connector assembly 100 has and first and second apertures 101 and 103 extending through the given wall portion 107. As depicted, the first and second apertures 101 and 103 are spaced apart from one another. In embodiments where the connector assembly 100 is meant to be used as a replacement for a standard 9VDC battery, the distance between the first and second apertures 101 and 103 can be made to be in register with a standard distance between corresponding snap connectors of a standard 9VDC battery.

[0051] As depicted, the connector assembly 100 is provided with first and second hollow snap connectors 122 and 120 which are both mounted to the given wall portion 107. Each of the first and second hollow snap connectors 122 and 120 expose a respective one of the first and second apertures 101 and 103 of the given wall portion 107.

[0052] In this specific embodiment, the second hollow snap connector 120 is provided in the form of a smaller, circular (male) terminal which is positively polarized (+), and the first hollow snap connector 122 is provided in the form of a larger, hexagonal or octagonal (female) terminal which is negatively polarized (-). The first and second hollow snap connectors 122 and 120 are made to fit with corresponding snap connectors of a battery-powered device, for instance.

[0053] In this embodiment, each of the first and second hollow snap connectors 122 and 120 is rigidly engaged in the respective one of the first and second apertures 101 and 103 through the given wall portion 107. Each of the first and second hollow snap connectors 122 and 120 defines a terminal engaging portion extending sufficiently upwardly distally away from the top wall portion 108 so as to be engageable with a compatibly shaped releasable snap connector, such as one of the polarized 9V battery connector of a battery-powered device or equivalent. Preferably, the first and second hollow snap connectors 122 and 120 are concentrically disposed with respect to the first and second apertures 101 and 103, respectively. However, a little offset may be permitted in some embodiments.

[0054] Also shown in Fig. 1A is the presence of electrically conductive regions in the given wall portion 107. More specifically, the given wall portion 107 has a first electrically conductive region 141 made integral thereto and surrounding the first aperture 101. Similarly, the given wall portion 107 has a second electrically conductive region 143 made integral thereto and surrounding the second aperture 103. The first and second electrically conductive regions 141 and 143 are electrically connected to the first and second hollow snap connectors 122 and 120, respectively, in this example. Moreover, the first and second electrically conductive regions 141 and 143 are electrically insulated from one another. Accordingly, the first and second hollow snap connectors 122 and 120 can be connected to corresponding terminals of an external power source via first and second conductors 151 and 153, which are collectively referred to as the conductors 150, as best shown in Fig. 1.

[0055] The external power source can be provided in the form of a 110VAC to 9VDC power converter, in order to provide a permanent power source to a 9VDC battery-powered device. Each of the electrical conductors 151 and 153 includes one end operatively connected to a respective one in the first and second hollow snap connectors 122 and 120, and extends distally away from the housing 102 for connection with an external power supply (not shown). Indeed, by electrically connecting the ends of the first and second conductors 151 and 153 to corresponding ones of the first and second electrically conductor regions 141 and 143 of the given wall portion 107, electricity can be conducted between the external power source and the first and second hollow snap connectors 122 and 120.

[0056] In some embodiments, the first and second electrically conductive regions 141 and 143 can be omitted. For instance, the first and second conductors 151 and 153 can run through the first and second apertures 101 and 103, respectively, for connection to a respective one of the first and second hollow snap connectors 122 and 120. In these latter embodiments, the first and second apertures 101 and 103 are big enough to let the first and second conductors 151 and 153 run through the first and second apertures 101 and 103 without impeding their respective functions, which are described below.

[0057] Still referring to Fig. 1 , the connector assembly 100 is also provided with an ejector assembly 130 having first and second ejector pins 131 and 133 slidingly engaged within the first and second apertures 101 and 103 of the given wall portion 107 along the axis A. As shown, the first and second ejector pins 131 and 133 are substantially rectilinearly elongated pins which extends parallelly relative to one another. However, the ejector pins can be sized, shaped or formed differently.

[0058] The ejector assembly 130 also has a link member 138 linking proximal ends 134 of the first and second ejector pins 131 and 133 to one another. The linking between the link member 138 and the first and second ejector pins 131 and 133 is preferably a rigid solidary connection.

[0059] It is intended that the link member 138 is movable along the axis A to a withdrawn position in which distal ends 136 of the first and second ejector pins 131 and 133 are withdrawn within the first and second hollow snap connectors 122 and 120, and to an ejection position inwhich the distal ends 136 of the first and second ejector pins 131 and 133 protrude from the first and second hollow snap connectors 122 and 120.

[0060] As shown, the ejector element 130 is located within the housing cavity 114. The ejector element 130, including the first and second ejector pins 131 and 133 and the link member 138, can be made of any sufficiently rigid material, or combination of materials, including none limitatively plastic, Teflon®, ABS, PVC, fiberglass, steel, aluminum, and the likes. Furthermore, the assembly of material or combination of materials of the ejector element 130 is suitably selected such that the first and second ejector pins 131 and 133 are electrically from one another and from the housing 102. The distal ends 136 of the first and second ejector pins 131 and 133 are suitably distanced from one another so as to be axially extending in register toward the corresponding aperture 101 , 103 of a respective one of in the first and second hollow snap connectors 122 and 120.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the ejector assembly 130 has a biasing element 140 biasingly mounting the link member 138 to the given wall portion 107. As a result, the biasing element 140 can be at rest when the link member 138 is at the withdrawn position whereas the biasing element 140 can be biased when the link member 138 is at the ejection position. In this specific embodiment, the biasing element 140 is provided in the form of a coil spring 160 which is centrally located with respect to the first and second ejector pins 131 and 133. However, any other types of biasing element can be used depending on the embodiment. Examples of such biasing elements can include, but are not limited to, a leaf spring, a wave spring, flat wire coil spring, to name a few examples. The biasing element is typically made of a resilient material regaining its shape after deformation. Examples of such resilient material can include, but are not limited to, metallic materials, rubber material, polymer material, composite materials, and the like. It is intended that the biasing element 140 can be omitted in some alternate embodiments.

[0062] The biasing element 140 can include at least one compression coil spring each having a substantially small diameter that is biasingly mounted along an inner side wall portion of the housing cavity 114, between the link member 138 and the top wall portion 108. In this specific embodiment, the coil spring 160 has a first end 160a lying against the given wall portion 107 and a second end 160b lying against the link element 138. In some embodiments,the first end 160a of the coil spring 160 is permanently mounted to an interior surface of the given wall portion 107. Additionally or alternately, the second end 160b of the coil spring 160 is permanently mounted to an interior surface of the link element 138. The mounting of the coil spring 160 with respect to the given wall portion 107 and the ejector assembly 130 can differ from one embodiment to another. For instance, these mountings can be made using fasteners or any other suitable removable or permanent mounting means.

[0063] Still referring to Fig. 1 , the side wall portions 112 define a guiding channel 117 extending along the axis A and in which the ejector assembly 130 is slidingly engaged. Accordingly, during use, the ejector assembly 130 can be moved in both directions of the axis A and stay its course within the guiding channel 117.

[0064] Additionally or alternately, in this embodiment, the side wall portions 112 have stoppers 119 inwardly protruding therefrom. It is intended that the stoppers 119 can prevent the link member 138 from axial movement passed the withdrawn position which can thereby maintain a sliding engagement between the first and second apertures 101 and 103 and the first and second ejector pins 131 and 133 at all times. In other words, an axial travel of the ejector assembly 130 is restricted by way of the stoppers 119 to ensure that the first and second ejector pins 131 and 131 remain within the first and second apertures 101 and 103.

[0065] As shown in this specific embodiment, the front wall portion 104 and the bottom wall portion 110 have a respective access opening allowing access to the link member 138. More specifically, the access openings of the housing 102 allows a finger such as a thumb to be inserted within the housing 102 to actuate the movement of the ejector assembly 130 between the withdrawn position and the ejected position. In some embodiments, the link member 138 is suitably sized and shaped so as to allow sufficient space between the latter and the bottom wall portion 110 for a user to engage the distal end of a finger along a lower edge portion of the link member 138.

[0066] An embodiment where the first and second hollow snap connectors 122 and 120 are snappingly engaged to corresponding snap connectors 300 of an electrical device is shown in Figs. 2 and 3. More specifically, Fig. 2 shows a situation where the ejector assembly 130 is in the withdrawn position whereas Fig. 3 shows a situation where the ejector assembly 130 ismomentarily in the ejection position. Still referring to Fig. 3, moving the link member 138 in the ejection position leads to the urging of the distal ends 136 against the corresponding snap connectors 300 of the electrical device until the corresponding snap connectors of the electrical device snappingly disengage from the first and second hollow snap connectors 122 and 120 of the ejectable connector assembly 100. It is intended that the electrical device and the external power source can be reversed in some other configurations of the connector assembly. For instance, in some other embodiments, the external power source can be connected to the first and second hollow snap connectors 122 and 120 whereas the conductors 150 may be connected to the electrical device.

[0067] To do so, it was found convenient to have the distal ends 136 of the first and second ejector pins 131 and 133 protrude from the first and second hollow snap connectors 122 and 120 by a first axial dimension d1 greater than a second axial dimension d2 of the first and second hollow snap connectors 122 and 120.

[0068] As a result, when in the ejector element 130 is in the withdrawn position, the link member 138 is positioned sufficiently away from the top wall portion 108, such that the distal ends 136 of the ejector pins 131 and 133 are retracted within their corresponding first and second hollow snap connectors 122 and 120. Moreover, when in the ejector element 130 is in the ejection position, the link member 138 is positioned sufficiently passed the top wall portion 108, such that the distal ends 136 of the ejector pins 131 and 133 are at least partially distally protruding from their corresponding first and second hollow snap connectors 122 and 120. As a result, a user may selectively push the ejector element 130 towards the ejection position in order to eject a powered device's snap connectors from the ejectable connector assembly 100.

[0069] The biasing element 140 is connected between the housing 102 and the ejector element 130, and is suitably sized and configured so as to effect one of a compression or tension biasing action urging the ejector element 130 towards the withdrawn position. Thus, with snap connectors of an electrical device engaged on the first and second hollow snap connectors 122 and 120 of the ejectable connector assembly 100, the latter may be easily released from the corresponding snap connectors of the electrical device by holding the housing 102 with one hand and, using a finger, selectively push the ejector element 130 fromthe withdrawn position to the ejection position. Further advantageously, the connector assembly 100 can allow a user to remove, or rather eject, the snap connectors 300 of a 9VDC battery-powered device in a significantly easier and painless way, compared to existing 9V power adaptors used for the same purpose. Advantageously, even if one of the first and second hollow snap connectors 122 and 120 is mechanically faulty, the first and second ejector pins 131 and 133 can apply an equal force on both of the corresponding snap connectors 300 of the ejected 9V battery connector and, thus, preventing the latter to be ejected sideways.

[0070] It is to be understood that multiple battery connectors 100 may just as well be mounted in a side-by-side relationship on a common support frame, and actuated through a suitably configured powered linear actuator operatively engaged with each ejector element 130 of the resulting assembly, so as to simultaneously or selectively eject one or more snap connectors of different battery-powered devices or, alternatively, one or more 9V batteries connected therewith. Such alternate assembly can be advantageously used in automated industries specialized in testing newly assembled battery powered devices, charging rechargeable 9V batteries, or the likes.

[0071] Figs. 4 to 9 inclusively illustrate various views of the connector assembly 100. More specifically, the connector assembly 100 is specifically sized and shaped to replace a 9VDC battery. As described above, the connector assembly 100 is typically usable, in cooperation with an external power supply, for powering a 9V battery-powered device such as, for example, a radio, a toy, an electric guitar with active pickups, or the likes. As described herein, it is to be understood that the ejectable connector assembly 100 may just as well be used in various automated industrial applications.

[0072] Advantageously, the top wall portion 108 of the housing 102 may have a thickness that is substantially equivalent to the thickness of a top panel used in the assembly of a standard 9V battery. Furthermore, the first and second hollow snap connectors 120 and 122 may be industry standard positive and negative 9V volts battery terminals having a substantially grommet-like configuration that can be rigidly engaged in suitably sized circular openings defined through the top wall portion 108 using a punch-press process. Furtheradvantageously, the grommet-like hollow snap connectors 120 and 122 each already defines a centered circular aperture 101 , 103 extending axially centrally throughout thereof.

[0073] As best shown in Fig. 8, the first and second electrical conductors 151 and 153 may have a length portion thereof extending through a suitably shaped and sized channel 152 extending through a wall portion of the housing 102. Other housing configurations for accommodating an elongated portion of the electrical conductors 151 and 153 are also possible. As is well known in the art of 110VAC to 9VDC power adaptors equipped with a compatible 9V battery terminal for supplying permanent DC power to a battery-powered device, each of the electrical conductors 151 and 153 has one of the standard red or black color code, and is directly, or indirectly connected to the output of a 110VAC to 9VDC power converter.

[0074] As exemplified in the figures, the housing 102 has an overall size and shape configuration that are substantially equivalent to, or smaller than, the body of a standard size 9V battery typically used in battery-powered devices. Furthermore, the link member 138 is suitably sized and shaped so as to allow sufficient space between the latter and the bottom wall portion 110 of the housing 102 for a user to introduce a fingertip therebetween. Furthermore, the housing 102 further includes a relatively small finger engaging cavity or ledge along the front wall portion 104 and substantially centrally proximally the top wall portion 108. Furthermore, the relatively small cavity or ledge is sufficiently sized or shaped for allowing a user to engage fingertip. Thus, a user may selectively move the ejector element 130 towards the ejection position by engaging, for example, an index and a thumb respectively along a lower edge portion of the link member 138 and the relatively small finger engaging cavity or ledge, in order to eject snap connectors of an electrical device from the ejectable connector assembly 100.

[0075] As can be understood, the examples described above and illustrated are intended to be exemplary only. In some embodiments other than the ones illustrated in this disclosure, the biasing element can be omitted. For instance, the biasing element can be removed and replaced by an electric motor moving the link member between the withdrawn position and the ejection position based on an actuation signal. In alternate embodiments, the biasing element and / or the electric motor can be omitted as well, as the biasing is not mandatory. In someother embodiments, the stoppers may not be necessary. For instance, the first and second ejector pins can be provided with stopping tips protruding radially outwardly from the first and second ejector pins. In these instances, the stopping tips have a first diameter which is greater than a diameter of the corresponding one of the first and second apertures. Accordingly, in the withdrawn position, the stopping tips prevent the first and second ejector pins from sliding away from the first and second apertures. The scope is indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An ejectable connector assembly comprising: an axis; a wall portion extending perpendicularly to the axis, and first and second apertures extending through the wall portion and spaced apart from one another; first and second hollow snap connectors mounted to the wall portion, each of the first and second hollow snap connectors exposing a corresponding one of the first and second apertures of the wall portion; and an ejector assembly having first and second ejector pins slidingly engaged within the first and second apertures of the wall portion along the axis, and a link member linking proximal ends of the first and second ejector pins to one another, the link member movable along the axis to a withdrawn position in which distal ends of the first and second ejector pins are withdrawn within the first and second hollow snap connectors, and to an ejection position in which the distal ends of the first and second ejector pins protrude from the first and second hollow snap connectors.

2. The ejectable connector assembly of claim 1 wherein when the first and second hollow snap connectors are snappingly engaged to corresponding snap connectors of one of: an electrical device and an external power source, moving the link member in the ejection position includes urging the distal ends against the corresponding snap connectors until the corresponding snap connectors snappingly disengage from the first and second hollow snap connectors of the ejectable connector assembly.

3. The ejectable connector assembly of claim 1 or 2 wherein the ejector assembly has a biasing element biasingly mounting the link member to the wall portion, the biasing element being at rest when the link member is at the withdrawn position and the biasing element being biased when the link member is at the ejection position.

4. The ejectable connector assembly of claim 3 wherein the biasing element is a spring having a first end lying against the wall portion and a second end lying against the link element.

5. The ejectable connector assembly of claim 4 wherein the first end of the spring is permanently mounted to the wall portion.

6. The ejectable connector assembly of claim 4 or 5 wherein the second end of the spring is permanently mounted to the link element.

7. The ejectable connector assembly of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein, in the ejection position, the distal ends of the first and second ejector pins protrude from the first and second hollow snap connectors by a first axial dimension greater than a second axial dimension of the first and second hollow snap connectors.

8. The ejectable connector assembly of any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the wall portion is a top wall portion of a housing.

9. The ejectable connector assembly of claim 8 wherein the housing further has a first side wall portion, a second side wall portion opposite the first side wall portion, a front wall portion and a rear wall portion, the first side wall portion, the second side wall portion, the front wall portion and the rear wall portion mounted to corresponding edges of the top wall portion.

10. The ejectable connector assembly of claim 9 wherein the first and second side wall portions define a guiding channel extending along the axis and in which the ejector assembly is slidingly engaged.11 . The ejectable connector assembly of claim 9 or 10 wherein the first and second side wall portions have one or more stoppers protruding therefrom, the one or more stoppers preventing the link member from axial movement passed the withdrawn position and thereby maintaining a sliding engagement between the first and second apertures and the first and second ejector pins.

12. The ejectable connector assembly of any one of claims 9 to 11 wherein the front wall has an access opening allowing finger access to the link member.

13. The ejectable connector assembly of any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the first and second hollow snap connectors are spaced apart from one another to be in register with a standard distance between corresponding snap connectors of a standard 9VDC battery.

14. The ejectable connector assembly of any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the housing has a size and shape corresponding to a size and shape of a standard 9DVC battery.

15. The ejectable connector assembly of any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein each of the first and second apertures includes an electrically conductive region, the electrically conductive region of the first aperture electrically insulated from the electrically conductive region of the second aperture.

16. A connector system for use as a replacement for a battery having snap connectors, the connector system comprising: an ejectable connector assembly having an axis; a wall portion extending perpendicularly to the axis, and first and second apertures extending through the wall portion and spaced apart from one another; first and second hollow snap connectors mounted to the wall portion, each of the first and second hollow snap connectors exposing a corresponding one of the first and second apertures of the wall portion; and an ejector assembly having first and second ejector pins slidingly engaged within the first and second apertures of the wall portion along the axis, and a link member linking proximal ends of the first and second ejector pins to one another, the link member movable along the axis to a withdrawn position in which distal ends of the first and second ejector pins are withdrawn within the first and second hollow snap connectors, and to an ejection position in which the distal ends of the first and second ejector pins protrude from the first and second hollow snap connectors;first and second electrical conductors electrically connected to a corresponding one of the first and second hollow snap connectors; and an external power source having first and second polarized terminals each electrically connected the first and second hollow snap connectors via a corresponding one of the first and second electrical conductors.

17. The connector system of claim 16 wherein each of the first and second electrical conductors runs through a corresponding one of the first and second apertures.

18. The connector system of claim 16 wherein each of the first and second apertures includes an electrically conductive region, the electrically conductive region of the first aperture electrically insulated from the electrically conductive region of the second aperture, the first and second electrical conductors electrically connected to the first and second hollow snap connectors via the electrically conductive regions.

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