Patent ID: 7914313
Filing Date: 2011-03-29
Classification: G01R,H01R

Abstract:
1. A socket assembly for receiving an IC component and providing an electrical connection to the IC component, the socket assembly comprising: an IC socket; a fixed frame for securing said IC socket therein, said fixed frame having a first end and a second end with said IC socket disposed between said first and said second end of said fixed frame; two spaced apart moveable arms having pivot ends and free ends, said pivot ends pivotally secured to said second end of said fixed frame at moveable arm pivot points, and said free ends distally disposed from said first ends, wherein said moveable arms pivot from a open position, extending outward of said frame and said socket, to a closed position, extending across said frame to an opposite side of said socket from respective ones of said pivot ends of said moveable arms; two spaced apart clamp arms having formed ends and grip ends, said formed ends pivotally secured to said free ends of said moveable arms at clamp pivot points and said grip ends spaced apart from said clamp pivot points, said formed ends of said clamp arms each having an opening which extends from an outward edge of a respective one of said clamp arms to self-latching positions, wherein said clamp arms are moveable relative to said moveable arms from unlatched positions to latched positions, in which said self-latching positions of said openings are disposed between respective ones of said pivot ends of said moveable arms and projections from said clamp pivot points disposed at said free ends of said moveable arms, with said projections extend substantially perpendicular to respective axes of said movable arms which extend from said pivot ends to said self-latching positions; and wherein, when said moveable arms are disposed in said closed positions, said clamp arms are configured for disposing in said unlatched positions and receiving said first end of said fixed frame and then rotating about said clamp pivot points to said latched positions, which disposes said first end of said fixed frame in said self-locking positions, such that upward forces applied to said moveable arms engage said first end of said fixed frame against said clamp arms and urges said clamp arms into said latched positions.