Patent ID: 7707719
Filing Date: 2010-05-04
Classification: H01R,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for protecting contacts within a connector assembly having electrical components while said connector assembly is being mounted to a circuit board, said method comprising the steps of: inserting a body portion of a connector insert free of electrical components into an interior of a receptacle housing of said connector assembly without engaging the electrical components of the connector assembly, wherein the receptacle housing has at least one opening defining a resilient tab configured to retain a connector, wherein the connector assembly has a tongue portion interposed between electrical contacts, the tongue and electrical contacts extending over the at least one opening of the receptacle housing, and wherein the connector insert has a central opening configured to receive the tongue portion and electrical contacts; receiving the tongue portion and the electrical contacts of the connector assembly within the central opening of the connector insert so that the body portion of the connector insert blocks the at least one opening of the receptacle housing to preclude contaminants from passing from the exterior of the receptacle housing into the interior of the receptacle housing through the at least one opening; protecting the electrical contacts within said receptacle housing from the exterior environment surrounding said receptacle housing as a result of said connector insert being received within said receptacle housing; and mounting said connector assembly with said connector insert within said receptacle housing to a circuit board.