Patent ID: 6247960
Filing Date: 2001-06-19
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
A top access insulation displacement connector for receiving and retaining a first conductor for electrical connection with a second conductor, comprising:a housing having a top with outer and inner surfaces, at least one wall extending from the top and defining an interior space, a panel extending into said space at a predetermined distance from the inner surface of said top, said panel being movable in association with said housing, said housing top having at least one opening therein, said panel having at least one corresponding opening therein axially aligned with said top opening,a conductive terminal member having a base, said base having at least one corresponding tapered opening therein with the narrower part of said opening facing an end, said terminal member dimensioned to fit within said interior space of said housing and with said base disposed between said panel and said inner surface of said housing top, the larger part of each of said corresponding tapered opening, said corresponding housing top opening and said corresponding panel opening all being in axial alignment and dimensioned to receive the first conductor therein, and at least one terminal tail for connecting to the second conductor,a base plate having top and bottom surfaces with at least one opening for receiving said terminal tail, said housing slideable mounted on said top surface of said base plate and adapted to be slid a longitudinal distance from point 1 to point 2 and back, point 1 being where said top, panel and the larger part of said tapered openings are axially aligned and point 2 being where said top and panel openings are axially aligned with the narrower part of the tapered opening, said terminal tail extending from said base plate bottom surface;whereby placing the first connector into said corresponding top opening through tapered opening and into said panel opening when said housing is at point 1 and sliding said housing toward point 2 such that the first conductor is forced into said narrower part of said tapered opening for cutting through the insulation and making an electrical contact with the terminal member.