Inventors:
Alan J. Janis - Green Valley CA, US
Folkert Fred Koch - San Ramon CA, US
Wolfgang Ott - Antioch CA, US
Christopher Robin Drake - Fairfield CA, US
Brian Michael Piety - Vacaville CA, US
Mark David Resendes - Dixon CA, US
Assignee:
Illinois Tool Works Inc. - Glenview IL
International Classification:
F16L 37/20
B65B 1/04
US Classification:
285312, 285311, 285358, 141383
Abstract:
In certain embodiments, a PCA connector has a nylon body, wherein the nylon is durable, corrosion resistant, and exhibits excellent strength over a large range of temperature and moisture conditions. The nylon body may be described as a single structure with integral features, such as a bearing portion, a latch housing portion, a latch guide portion, and so forth. Thus, the number of parts is significantly reduced by the one-piece design of the body. In addition, the PCA connector may include a latching mechanism configured to secure the PCA connector to an aircraft. For example, the latching mechanism may include a pair of levers, which engage a pair of latches on opposite sides of the nylon body. In some embodiments, the levers may be rotated in opposite directions relative to one another to impart movement of the latches in the same direction, e. g. , an axial direction.