US4498725A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrical connector
Assignee: TE Connectivity Corp
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Filing: 1984-06-14
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Granted: 1985-02-12
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Expires: 2004-06-14
Abstract
Abstract The invention disclosed herein relates to a contact element having upwardly extending, spaced apart arms capable of being twisted about a horizontal axis to provide torsional forces and converging fingers extending laterally from the arms to receive between the free ends a pin or lead from an electronic package or device to establish electrical contact therebetween. The free ends of the fingers, being spaced apart a distance less than the pin diameter or lead thickness, exert compressive forces against the pin or lead which, along with the torsional forces being exerted by the arms, provides an enhanced electrical contact.
Inventors
- 👤 Edward J. Bright
- 👤 Gary R. Marpoe, Jr.
- 👤 Klaus D. Schuemann
- 👤 Wilmer L. Sheesley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 07:48
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05K; H05K7/00; H05K7/02; H05K7/10; H05K7/1007; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/02; H01R13/193; H01R12/00; H01R12/70; H01R12/82; H01R12/85; H01R12/89
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
114 words
An electrical connector comprising a housing in which a plurality of contact elements are positioned, said elements having a pair of generally converging, horizontal fingers in between which a pin from an electronic device is laterally inserted, characterized in that the fingers are attached to upper ends of vertically extending, parallel arms such that each arm and attached finger define a figure seven shape, the arms being attached at their lower ends to a channel-shaped strap and being of sufficient length such that, upon laterally inserting a pin in between the fingers and thereby spreading them apart, the arms are twisted about their vertical axis to exert a torsional force against the inserted pin.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
114 words
An electrical connector comprising a housing in which a plurality of contact elements are positioned, said elements having a pair of generally converging, horizontal fingers in between which a pin from an electronic device is laterally inserted, characterized in that the fingers are attached to upper ends of vertically extending, parallel arms such that each arm and attached finger define a figure seven shape, the arms being attached at their lower ends to a channel-shaped strap and being of sufficient length such that, upon laterally inserting a pin in between the fingers and thereby spreading them apart, the arms are twisted about their vertical axis to exert a torsional force against the inserted pin.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
An electrical connector according to claim 1 characterized in that the width of the vertically extending arms decrease upwardly towards the upper ends.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-02-12 | 1988-08-13 | 1989-02-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-02-12 | 1992-08-13 | 1993-02-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-02-12 | 1996-08-13 | 1997-02-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |