Patent ID: 6158111
Filing Date: 2000-12-12
Classification: H01R,H02G,Y10T

Abstract:
An installation clip for installing a plurality of electrical connector elements into a corresponding plurality of opposing connector elements arranged in a preselected pattern on a circuit board, the installation clip comprising;a handle portion, the handle portion having a gripping surface for gripping by a user's hand;a connector gripping portion spaced apart from said handle portion for gripping a plurality of connector elements and for holding them in place in a preselected orientation and at a preselected level within the connector gripping portion, said connector gripping portion including a plurality of elongated engagement arms extending away from said handle portion, the engagement arms being arranged on said connector gripping portion in discrete pairs of first and second engagement arms, said engagement arms terminating in free end portions, the free ends being separated by intervening spaces for receiving said connector elements therein and which separate said first engagement arms from said second engagement arms, said first and second engagement arm having shoulder portions formed thereon and spaced apart from said free ends for engaging opposing surfaces of said connector elements and for aligning said connector elements in said installation clip when said connector elements are inserted into said intervening spaces between said first and second engagement arms; andwherein each of said first engagement arms includes a polarizing slot formed therein for receiving a polarizing member formed on said connector elements, and each of said second engagement arms includes a channel for receiving latch members associated with said opposing connector elements, said second engagement arm channels having a width greater than that of said first engagement arm polarizing slots.