Electrical connector having living hinge and independent secondary terminal lock (isl), and method for operating thereof

A method for locking at least a terminal within a housing with at least an independent secondary terminal lock (ISL), comprising the steps of:

• inserting said terminal within a recess of said housing;
• closing a hinged cover onto said housing and over said terminal, said hinged cover having said ISL therein;
• and
• blocking said terminal by said ISL when said hinged cover is at a closed position.

An electrical connector, comprising:

• a housing for receiving therein at least one terminal;
• a hinged cover, operably coupled to said housing, for covering said terminal received by said housing;
• at least a hinged member operably coupled to said housing and said hinged cover;
• and
• an independent secondary terminal lock (ISL) within said hinged cover for locking said terminal within said housing when said hinged cover is at a closed position, said ISL blocks said terminal from being removed or dislodged from said housing,
• wherein said housing has a front portion, a rear portion, an upper portion, a bottom portion, and side portions, wherein said hinged cover is operably coupled to said upper portion of said housing,
• wherein said rear portion of said housing includes at least one recess for receiving therein said terminal,
• wherein said front portion of said housing includes at least one input port for receiving therein an external terminal for connecting with said terminal received by said housing through said rear portion thereof, and
• wherein at least said housing, said hinge cover, sand hinged member, and said ISL constitute a contiguous single piece that makes up said electrical connector.