Patent ID: 6338642
Filing Date: 2002-01-15
Classification: H01R,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of forming blanks for forming electrical contact elements, the method comprising the steps of:forming a lead frame with a strip defining substantially stamped out but interconnected contact blanks with first and second lengthwise extending rows of the contact blanks having side by side adjacent first portions, positioned at respective first and second edge portions of the strip adjacent respective first and second lengthwise edges of the strip, the first portions each defining respective first and second bifurcated contact parts which are spaced apart in the lengthwise direction of the strip, the first and second contact parts of each first portion joining at a base part of the respective first portion, the base parts of the first portions being joined to elongate portions of the respective contact blanks, and the elongate portions of the contact blanks extending away from the respective first portions transversely of the strip at an angle to the edges of the strip, and such that the elongate portions of the contact blanks having the first portions thereof at one said side edge portion are parallel to and interposed between the elongate portions of the contact blanks having the first portions thereof at the other said side edge portion; and one of deforming so produced contact blanks to form the contact elements and deforming the contact blanks so that the first portions thereof extend substantially normally to the respective elongate portions with the first and second contact parts thereof angularly disposed with respect to each other.