System, method, and apparatus for clamping

A protective mechanism comprising:

• a guide member;
• a connector;
• an actuation member configured to have a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion of the actuation member pivotally coupled to the guide member;
• a cover member pivotally coupled to the guide member and configured to interact with the actuation member so as to pivot to uncover the connector when the actuation member pivots in a first direction and to pivot to cover the connector when the actuation member pivots in a second direction, wherein the guide member defines a recess disposed on a guide member face, the recess of the guide member configured to receive a portion of the actuation member;
• and
• first and second rail projections, each including a respective web portion and a respective head portion, the respective web portion configured to couple the respective head portion to a guide member face, the first and second rail projections disposed on opposite sides of the recess of the guide member.

A protective mechanism comprising:

• a guide member;
• a connector;
• an actuation member configured to have a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion of the actuation member pivotally coupled to the guide member;
• and
• a cover member pivotally coupled to the guide member and configured to interact with the actuation member so as to pivot to uncover the connector when the actuation member pivots in a first direction and to pivot to cover the connector when the actuation member pivots in a second direction, wherein the guide member defines a recess disposed on a guide member face, the recess of the guide member configured to receive a portion of the actuation member;
• wherein:
• the actuation member includes a sloped face,
• the sloped face defines a sloped portion of the actuation member such that a cross-sectional area of the sloped portion of the actuation member increases from the first end portion of the actuation member to a point between the first and the second end portions of the actuation member where the sloped face ends,
• when the actuation member is in a first position, the sloped face protrudes from the plane of a guide member face, and
• when the actuation member is in a second position, the sloped face lies substantially in the plane of the guide member face.

A protective mechanism comprising:

• a guide member;
• a connector;
• an actuation member configured to have a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion of the actuation member pivotally coupled to the guide member;
• a cover member pivotally coupled to the guide member and configured to interact with the actuation member so as to pivot to uncover the connector when the actuation member pivots in a first direction and to pivot to cover the connector when the actuation member pivots in a second direction, wherein the guide member defines a recess disposed on a guide member face, the recess of the guide member configured to receive a portion of the actuation member;
• a latch member configured to have a first end portion and a second end portion, the latch member pivotally coupled to the guide member at a pivot point between the first and the second end portions of the latch member;
• and
• at least one latch spring, wherein:
• each of the at least one latch spring has a respective first end and a respective second end,
• the respective first end of the at least one latch spring is coupled to the guide member,
• the respective second end of the at least one latch spring is coupled to the latch member at a respective point between the pivot point and the second end portion of the latch member, and
• the at least one latch spring is configured to bias the latch member to a latched position.

A protective mechanism comprising:

• a guide member having a guide member face;
• a backstop member disposed on the guide member and approximately perpendicular the guide member face, the backstop member configured to have a backstop member face;
• a connector disposed on the backstop member face;
• an actuation member configured to have a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion of the actuation member pivotally coupled to the guide member;
• and
• a protective member configured to have a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion of the protective member pivotally coupled to one of the guide member and the backstop member, the second end portion of the protective member including a cover portion configured to cover the connector, the protective member adapted to engage with the actuation member, wherein:
• the cover portion includes a perimeter rib adapted to seal against a compliant gasket when the actuation member is in a protective position and the connector is covered by the cover portion,
• pivotal movement of the actuation member in a first direction from a first position to a second position causes the protective member to pivot from the protective position to a non-protective position, thereby uncovering the connector, and
• pivotal movement of the actuation member in a second, opposite direction from the second position to the first position causes the protective member to pivot from the non-protective position to the protective position, to thereby cover the connector.

A protective mechanism comprising:

• a guide member;
• a connector;
• an actuation member configured to have a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion of the actuation member pivotally coupled to the guide member;
• a cover member pivotally coupled to the guide member and configured to interact with the actuation member so as to pivot to uncover the connector when the actuation member pivots in a first direction and to pivot to cover the connector when the actuation member pivots in a second direction;
• a first compliant gasket coupled to a backstop member, said first compliant gasket configured to encompass the connector;
• and
• a second compliant gasket coupled to the backstop member,
• wherein the cover member includes a perimeter rib adapted to seal against the second compliant gasket when the actuation member is in a second position and the connector is uncovered.