Bi-Directional Header For Multi-Direction Connector Mating

Abstract

An electrical header for use in an electrical connector assembly includes a body for mounting to an object and having an opening formed therethrough for receiving an electrical terminal. The body further defines a plug on a first side thereof for engaging with a mating electrical connector of the assembly. The plug includes a pair of first opposing sidewalls extending from the body a first height and defining a locking feature for engaging with a corresponding locking feature of the mating connector, and a pair of second opposing sidewalls extending from the body at a second height, less than the first height. The first and second pairs of opposing sidewalls are adapted to mate with a first mating connector oriented in a first direction with respect to the header, and mate with a second mating connector oriented in a second direction with respect to the header and distinct from the first direction.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.