Abstract:
An electrical connector has one or more body portions in which is disposed an electrical terminal having at least one contact pad interface for coupling to a contact pad of at least one printed circuit board (PCB). The body has an associated fastening device which is used to mechanically and electrically couple the electrical connector to the at least one PCB. The electrical connector may be provided with a full or partial hourglass-like shape, when viewed from the side and/or from above, to facilitate its use with a PCB that carries a source of light, such as an LED.

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The following generally relates to electrical connectors and more particularly to electrical connectors for use with printed circuit boards. 
     BACKGROUND OF RELATED ART 
     Connectors, and, more particularly, connectors capable of electrically connecting printed circuit boards (“PCBs”) to one another are generally known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,892,022, entitled “Jumper Connector for a Lighting Assembly,” describes a connector for electrically connecting PCBs on which are mounted a plurality of light emitting diodes (“LEDs”). The described connector includes a connector body having a mating surface configured to engage more than one PCB. The connector body is configured to be secured to a substrate by a fastener. The connector body additionally includes a conductor and the conductor is configured to be electrically connected to the PCBs during the same step in which the connector body is secured to the substrate. In this manner, the connector body engages the outer surface of the PCBs and simultaneously forces the inner surface of the PCBs into thermal contact with the substrate. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,462,036, entitled “Printed Circuit Board Connector for Back Light Unit and Chassis Using the Same,” also describes a connector for electrically connecting PCBs on which are mounted a plurality of light emitting diodes (“LEDs”). The described connector includes a horizontal supporter, a vertical supporter that divides the horizontal supporter into first and second areas, and at least one connecting terminal formed on the horizontal supporter which is partially exposed in each of the first and second areas of the horizontal supporter. The connecting terminal functions to electrically connect PCBs each having one end placed on the first and second areas, respectively. 
     U.S. Published Application No. 2011/0207372, entitled “Electrical Connector With Push-in Termination,” describes an edge connector having a first portion adapted to receive an edge of a PCB and a second portion adapted to receive a least one conductor of a stripped end of a wire. The first portion includes at least one terminal assembly and the terminal assembly includes a retention member adapted to engage the conductor via a push-in type wire termination. The second portion includes a terminal portion adapted to releasably engage a contact on a PCB. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,025,507, entitled “Connector,” describes a connector for a printed circuit board having a guide hole and a locking hole to receive the connector. The connector includes a housing which is mounted on the printed circuit board, a guide inserted into the guide hole, and a locking unit inserted into the locking hole. Each of the guide and locking unit protrude from the bottom of the housing. In one example, the guide slides into the guide hole and locks into place over the PCB. In another example, the connector snaps into the PCB. In either instance, to remove the PCB from the support structure underlying the connector, the connector must be removed from the PCB and from the support structure in order to provide access the PCB, thus presenting an oftentimes labor-intensive task. 
     While the connectors described in each of these publications, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, generally work for their intended purpose, the following describes improved connectors for use with PCBs. 
     SUMMARY 
     Described hereinafter are improved connectors for use with PCBs. By way of example, the electrical connector has a body that is positionable over a top surface of the at least one PCB. The body has a first body portion in which is disposed a first electrical terminal having at least a first contact pad interface, a second body portion in which is disposed a second electrical terminal having at least a second contact pad interface, and an intermediate body portion which connects the first body portion to the second body portion. A width and/or a height of the intermediate body portion is preferably less than a respective width and/or a height of the first body portion and the second body portion. The first and second contact pad interfaces are electrically coupled to contact pads of the at least one PCB when the body is coupled to the at least one PCB. 
     A fastening element is also preferably associated with the body. The fastening element has a first side having a first element and second side having a second element. The first and second sides are arranged to be positionable adjacent to respective first and second sides of the at least one PCB. The first element of the first side and the second element of the second side are further arranged to inwardly extend from the respective first side and second side to resiliently engage a bottom surface of the at least one PCB to thereby mechanically and electrically couple the body and the at least one PCB without use of/need for an additional fastening element. 
     In a further described example, the body portion is provided with a single body portion having an electrical terminal. The single body portion is linked to a holding element that is cooperable with a corresponding element formed in one or more PCBs. A fastening element is also provided. The fastening element and the holding element (operating in cooperation with the corresponding element formed in the one or more PCBs) function to mechanically and electrically couple the body to the one or more PCBS. The holding element and corresponding element formed in the one or more PCBs also function inhibit movement of the body portion is at least two planar directions. The body can be arranged as above to prevent light interference with any LEDs carried by the PCBs, to be used as a jumper or a wire connector, etc. 
     While the foregoing provides a general description of the subject assemblies for holding a source of LED light and some advantages thereof, a better understanding of the objects, advantages, features, properties, and relationships of the subject assemblies will be obtained from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings which set forth illustrative examples and which are indicative of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary connector constructed according to the description which follows wherein the exemplary connector is connected to PCBs; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the exemplary connector of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the exemplary connector of  FIG. 1  showing how a PCB may be arranged therein; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the exemplary connector of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the exemplary connector of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional side view of the exemplary connector of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional side view of the exemplary connector of  FIG. 1  with a PCB arranged therein; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an exemplary method for connecting the exemplary connector of  FIG. 1  with PCBs; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a further exemplary method for connecting the exemplary connector of  FIG. 1  with PCBs; 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  together illustrate an exemplary method for releasing the exemplary connector of  FIG. 1  from PCBs; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the exemplary connector of  FIG. 1  and PCBs as attached to a mounting surface; 
         FIGS. 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B, 14A, and 14B  illustrate exemplary methods for adapting a mounting surface for use with the exemplary connector of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an exemplary end connector constructed according to the description which follows; 
         FIGS. 16 and 17  are perspective views of an exemplary connector constructed according to the description which follows; 
         FIG. 18  is a side view of the connector of  FIGS. 16 and 17 ; and 
         FIGS. 19, 20, and 21  are perspective views of a further exemplary connector constructed according to the description which follows. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description of exemplary connectors and methods for using the same are not intended to limit the scope of the description to the precise form or forms detailed herein. Instead the following description is merely intended to be illustrative so that others may follow its teachings. 
     Turning now to the figures, wherein like elements are referenced using common identifiers, illustrated are exemplary connectors for use in connection with one or more printed circuit boards (“PCBs”). By way of non-limiting example, the PCBs  10 , examples of which are illustrated in  FIG. 1 , may have mounted thereon one or more light emitting diodes (“LEDs”)  11  which are, in turn, electrically coupled to one or more contact pads  12  formed on a top side of the PCBs  10 . The PCBs  10  are also provided with PCB apertures, slots, or the like  102  for use in receiving a fastener that is intended to be used to securely fasten the PCBs  10  to a mounting surface  22 , such as a heat sink. 
       FIG. 1  also illustrates an exemplary connector  16  for use in electrically and mechanically coupling the PCBs  10  that are to be mounted upon the mounting surface  22 . The exemplary connector  16  includes a housing  18  and an attachment element  20 . The housing  18  is preferably formed using an electrically insulating material, such as plastic, while the attachment element  20  is preferably formed using stainless steel or the like. Regardless of the material used to construct the attachment element  20 , in some embodiments it is preferred that at least the ends of the attachment element  20  be formed from a resilient material that can be temporarily deflected and which will thereafter restore. 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the housing includes a bottom surface  28  that will be placed over the top side of the PCBs  10  and the attachment element  20  includes a top surface  30 , having a depressed center portion  32 , and two side walls  34 ,  36  whereby the attachment element  20  follows the elevations and overall “hour glass” like shape (shown in  FIG. 5 ) of the housing  18 , i.e., the center portion  32  is provided with a height that is less than a height that is provided to the two housing portions  24 ,  26 . As will be appreciated, the depressed center portion  32  and overall shape provided to the connector  16  functions to give the connector  16  a low profile to thereby prevent the connector  16  from shadowing light emitted by the LEDs  11 . The two domed portions  24 ,  26  that are arranged parallel to each other carry electrical terminals. 
     For use in coupling the connector  16  with a PCB, as will be described hereinafter, one or both of the side walls  34 ,  36  may optionally include a tool receiving slot  38 . The tool receiving slot  38  may be of sufficient size and shape to permit a tool to be inserted into the slot  38  whereby the tool can be used to interact with a release tab  39  provided therein for the purpose of providing a means for allowing a user remove the attachment element  20  from and/or couple the attachment element  20  PCBs  10 . Considering the description which follows, one having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the tool slot  38  may be configured to accommodate a wide range of appropriate tools, including, for example, a screwdriver. 
     While the above connector  16  is described as having a single housing element  18  having a pair of domed elements for use in carrying the electrical terminals, it will be appreciated that plural housing elements can be used for this same purpose. A also described hereinafter, a connector having a single domed housing element is also contemplated. Furthermore, while the connector  16  is described as having a housing element  18  and a separate attachment element  20 , it will be appreciated that the housing element  18  and the attachment element  20  can be unitarily formed. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the above described connector  16  can be provided with alternative constructions that will still be capable of performing some or all of the functions described herein. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the attachment element  20  of the connector  16  is further provided with sandwiching elements  40 ,  42 . The sandwiching elements  40 ,  42  (which may comprise one or more elements arranged as described hereinafter) are specifically provided for use in maintaining the connector  16  in electrical and mechanical engagement with the PCBs  10 . As illustrated, the sandwiching elements  40 ,  42  are arranged to inwardly extend from a bottom of respective side walls  34 ,  36  in a direction that is generally parallel to the top  30  of the attachment element  20 . The sandwiching elements  40 ,  42  include a top surface  44  and a bottom surface  46 . In this manner, when the exemplary connector  16  is connected to the PCBs  10 , i.e., when the PCBs are inserted into gaps  200  formed between the housing  18  and the sandwiching elements  40 ,  42  of the attachment element  20 , the top surface  44  of the sandwiching elements  40  will engage the bottom surface of the PCBs  10  and the top surface of the PCBs  10  will engage with the bottom  28  of the housing, particularly the electrical terminals carried therein, such that the PCBs  10  will be “sandwiched” within the connector  16  between the housing  18  and the sandwiching elements  40 ,  42 . Preferably, the sandwiching elements  40 ,  42  are resilient such that, when the sandwiching elements  40 ,  42  are placed into engagement with the underside of the PCBs  10 , the sandwiching elements  40 ,  42  will force the PCBs  10  against the underside of the housing  18 , e.g., the gap  200  is preferably sized no larger than the width of the PCB  10  that is to be placed therein. 
     In one example of the disclosed connector, the housing  18  may optionally include an alignment feature  50  for keeping the PCBs  10  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) centered and for preventing movement of the PCBs  10  relative to the connector  16 , e.g., left and right and up and down sliding is a plane that is defined by the PCBs. To this end, the alignment feature  50  is configured to fit snugly within an alignment space that is formed when the alignment slots  100  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) of two PCBs  10  are positioned together. The alignment feature  50  of the illustrated example is cylindrical in shape. However, one having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the alignment feature  50  may be formed into any appropriate three-dimensional shape that will generally correspond to a shape that will be formed by any alignment slots provided to the PCBs  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the example connector  16  of  FIG. 2  is shown with a PCB  10  arranged therein. As discussed above, the configuration of the example connector  16  functions so that the ends  48 ,  49  of the PCB  10  are “sandwiched” between the tops  44  of the sandwiching elements  40 ,  42  and the bottom  28  of the housing  18 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the exemplary connector  16  includes a pair of electrical terminals  52 . The conductors  52  include a base portion  300  having two opposed, resilient arms  302 ,  304 . While not required, the electrical terminals  52  are preferably housed entirely within the length of the domes  24 ,  26  to thereby prevent inadvertent contact with the electrical terminals  52  when the connector  16  is installed on the mounting surface  22  with the PCBs  10 . The resilient arms  302 ,  304  define first and second contact pad interfaces  310 ,  312 , respectively, of the electrical terminal  52 . The contact bad interfaces  310 ,  312  are preferably biased towards engagement with the corresponding electrical contact pads provided to the PCBs  10  and, as such, will function to electrically couple the electrical contract pads of the PCBs  10  to which the connector  16  is mated. The electrical terminals  52  can be molded into the housing  18 , can be engaged with holding elements provided to the housing  18 , etc. as desired for any particular purpose. Thus, it is to be understood that other forms for the electrical terminals  52  and/or for the housing  18  are contemplated and that the illustrated example is not intended to be limiting. 
     More particularly, the first contact pad interface  310  is configured and arranged to electrically engage a contact pad  12  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) of one PCB  10  while the second contact pad interface  312  is configured and arranged to electrically engage a contact pad  12  of an adjacent PCB  10 . As such, the electrical terminal  52  creates an electrical path or bridge between the two PCBs  10 . The resilient arms  302 ,  304  are arranged so as to be caused to deflect upward toward the plane defined by the base  300  during mating with the PCBs  10  and, in this manner, will be biased into engagement with the contact pads of the PCBs  10 . To facilitate a good electrical connection with the contact pads of the PCBs  10 , the electrical terminals  52  may be arranged to emerge slightly from the domes  24 ,  26  such that the contact pad interfaces  310 ,  312  are normally exposed below the bottom  28  of the housing  18  for engagement with the contact pads  12  of the PCBs  10 . By way of example only, to hold the electrical terminals  52  within the housing  18 , the electrical terminals  52  may include two pointed flanges  306 ,  308  that are intended to be engaged with corresponding features provided to the housing  18  when the electrical terminals  52  are placed within the respective housing domes as shown in  FIGS. 5-7 . As noted above, other means for arranging the electrical terminals  52  relative to the housing  18  are also contemplated. 
       FIG. 6  is a cross section view of one example of the connector  16  illustrating the electrical terminals  52  emerging slightly from the domes  24 ,  26  such that the contact pad interfaces  310 ,  312  are normally exposed below the bottom  28  of the housing  18 .  FIG. 7  illustrates the example connector  16  of  FIG. 6  with a PCB  10  inserted into the connector  16  with the contact pad interfaces being biased into electrical connection with the PCBs  10 .  FIGS. 6 and 7  also illustrate the example pointed flanges  306 ,  308  that are provided to keep the electrical terminals  52  immobilized within the domes  24 ,  26  of the housing  18 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there is illustrated an example sliding installation method for the example connector  16 . In the example method, a user may arrange the first PCB  10  so that the PCB aperture  102  aligns with a corresponding mounting surface aperture  800 . Once the first PCB  10  is aligned, the user slides one or both of the connector  16  and the first PCB  10  towards each other until the first PCB  10  reaches approximately the mid-point of the connector  16 , or until the alignment slot  100  contacts the alignment feature  50  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). Once the connector  16  is coupled to the first PCB  10 , the user uses a sliding motion to arrange a second PCB  10  within the opposite side of the connector  16  until the second PCB  10  is located at approximately the mid-point of the connector  16 , or until the alignment slot  100  contacts the alignment feature  50 . To remove the PCBs  10 , the user may reverse these installation method steps. It will also be understood that these steps may be performed in a different order as desired to achieve the same objective of mounting the assembly to the mounting surface  22 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a rotational installation method for the example connector  16 . In the example method, two PCBs  10  are provided together in alignment. The user aligns the connector  16  above the PCBs  10  along the axis  900  designated by the intersection of the two PCBs  10 . The user then places the sandwiching element  40  of the first side  36  of the connector  16  at least partially under a first end  48  of the PCBs  10  and raises the second side  34  of the connector  16  above the PCBs  10 . Next, the user moves the sandwiching element  40  of the second side  34  outwardly so that the sandwiching element  40  is positioned to allow the attachment element to be positioned over a second end  49  of the PCBs  10  without dislodging the sandwiching element  40  of the first side  36  from under the first end  48  of the PCBs  10 . In the illustrated example, the user deflects the second side  34  by placing an appropriate tool, for example, a screwdriver, into the tool slot  38  of the second side  34  of the connector  16  while interacting with the tab  39  to move the sandwiching element  40  away from the housing  16 . One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the connector  16  may be provided with tool slots  38  on one side  34  or both sides  34 ,  36  of the connector  16 . Additionally, one having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the entirety of the connector  16  may be made of a resilient material such that the sandwiching element(s)  40  may be manually bent outwards so that the PCBs  10  may be positioned therewithin. In such a case, the need for providing the slots  38  and tab  39  may be eliminated. With the second side  34  deflected outwardly, the user rotates the connector  16  downwardly towards the second end  49  of the PCBs  10 . Once the sandwiching element  40  of the second side  34  can be positioned under the surface of the PCBs  10 , the user allows the sandwiching element  40  of the second side  34  to return to a position under the second end  49  of the PCBs  10 . The user may then remove the tool from the tool slot  38 . 
     While  FIG. 9  illustrates a rotational installation method which relies upon the user actively deflecting one of the sides  34  and  36 , it will be understood that the both of the sides  34  and  36  can be actively deflected by a user to thereby facilitate a vertical installation method, i.e., a method in which the connector  16  is moved in a downward direction when being coupled to the PCBs  10 . In such a method, it is contemplated that the user would again align the connector  16  above the PCBs  10  along the axis  900  designated by the intersection of the two PCBs  10 . The user can then bend the connector  16  (or otherwise manipulate the connector  16 ) to thereby move each of the sandwiching element  40  of the second side  34  and the sandwiching element  42  of the first side  36  outwardly so that the sandwiching elements  40  and  42  are spaced apart a distance that is greater than the width of the PCBs  10 . The connector  16  can then be moved in a downward direction that is tangential to axis  900  until the connector  16  is positioned upon the PCBs  10  as desired. The mechanical manipulation that is provided to the connector  16  for the purpose of actively deflecting the sandwiching elements  40  and  42  can then be released whereupon the sandwiching elements  40  and  42  will restore to their natural position which will now be underlying the PCBs  10 . Once installed in this manner, the connector  16  will have the same mechanical and electrical coupling with the PCBs  10  as described above. 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate an additional example removal method for the connector  16 . In the illustrated example, the user deflects the side  34  of the connector  16  by placing an appropriate tool, for example, a screwdriver, into the tool slot  38 . Using leverage upon the tab  39  within the tool slot  38 , the user deflects the side  34  outwardly. The user continues to deflect the side  34  until the sandwiching element  40  may be removed from under the end  48  of the PCBs  10 . Once the sandwiching element  40  has been removed from under the end  48  of the PCBs  10 , the user may simply slide the connector  16  off of the other end  49  of the PCBs  10 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an example of the connector  16  and two PCBs  10  mounted on the mounting surface  22 . In the illustrated example, the PCBs  10  are securely fastened to the mounting surface  22  with screws  1100 . The screws  1100  are to be passed through the PCB aperture  102  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and placed into engagement with the mounting surface, for example by being screwed into a threaded aperture  800  provided to the mounting surface  22 , (shown in  FIG. 8 ). One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other types of fasteners and fastening arrangements can be used for this same purpose. Once attached in this manner the connector  16 , particularly the sandwiching elements thereof, will be, in effect, trapped between the PCBs  10  and the mounting surface  22  thus further securing the connector  16  to the PCBs  10 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 3 , there is illustrated an example mounting configuration wherein the bottoms  46  of the sandwiching elements  40 ,  42  rest directly on the mounting surface  22  so that the PCBs  10  are raised slightly above the mounting surface  22 . In this embodiment, space is provided under the PCBs  10  through which air may pass. It will also be appreciated that a heat conductive element can be inserted within the space as desired. Turning to  FIGS. 12A and 12B , there is illustrated a second example mounting configuration wherein the sandwiching elements  40 ,  42  are placed into parallel extruded channels  1200  running the length of the mounting surface  22  so that the PCBs  10  will be positioned so as to lie directly on the mounting surface  22 , e.g., so that the PCBs are placed into direct thermal engagement with the mounting surface  22 . Turning to  FIGS. 13A and 13B , there is illustrated a third example mounting configuration wherein the sandwiching elements  40 ,  42  are recessed into cut slots  1300  formed out of the mounting surface  22  so that the PCBs  10  will be positioned so as to lie directly on the mounting surface  22 . Turning to  FIGS. 14A and 14B , there is illustrated a fourth example mounting configuration wherein the sandwiching elements  40 ,  42  are recessed into wells  1400  formed into the mounting surface  22  so that the PCBs  10  will be positioned so as to lie directly on the mounting surface  22 . In any of these arrangements, it is preferred that any slots, grooves, or the like provided to the mounting surface  22  are such that it will be difficult to remove the sandwiching elements of the connector  16  from between the PCBs  10  and the mounting surface  22 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 15 , there is illustrated an example end connector  1500  which, like the example connector  16  in  FIGS. 1-14 , includes a housing  1502  formed using an electrically insulating material such as, for example, plastic or the like, and an attachment element  1504 . It will be understood that the end connector  1500  is intended to have the same general components and arrangement of components as described above so that the end connector  1500  is capable of being engaged with a PCB  10  using any of the methods described above. The example housing  1502 , however, has conductor elements wherein one end of the conduct element is provided with the above described contact pad interface and wherein the other end of the conductor element is in the form of, or is coupled to, a wiring connection terminal  1506 . One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the wiring connection terminal  1506  may be, for example, a push-in type wiring connection terminal, a crimpable type wiring connection terminal, a solderable type wiring connection terminal, or the like. Thus, in this example, the end connector  1500  may be connected to power wires to thereby provide power to the PCBs that are placed into electrical engagement therewith. 
     Turning to  FIG. 15 , there is illustrated an example end connector  1500  which, like the example connector  16  in  FIGS. 1-14 , includes a housing  1502  formed using an electrically insulating material such as, for example, plastic or the like, and an attachment element  1504 . It will be understood that the end connector  1500  is intended to have the same general components and arrangement of components as described above so that the end connector  1500  is capable of being engaged with a PCB  10  using any of the methods described above. The example housing  1502 , however, has electrical terminals wherein one end of the electrical terminal is provided with the above described contact pad interface and wherein the other end of the electrical terminal is in the form of, or is coupled to, a wiring connection  1506 . One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the wiring connection  1506  may be, for example, a push-in type wiring connection, a crimpable type wiring connection, a solderable type wiring connection, or the like. Thus, in this example, the end connector  1500  may be connected to power wires to thereby provide power to the PCBs that are placed into electrical engagement therewith. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 16-18 , there is illustrated an example single pole connector  1600  which, like the example connector  16  in  FIGS. 1-14 , includes a housing  1602  formed using an electrically insulating material such as, for example, plastic or the like, and an attachment element  20 ′. It will be understood that the connector  1600  is intended to have the same general components and arrangement of components as described above excepting that the connector  1600  is provided with a single domed housing element  1604  carrying a corresponding electrical terminal  52 . Because the single pole connector  1600  need not span the entire width of the PCBs  10 , the housing  1600  may terminate at the location of the alignment feature  50 . As before, the alignment feature  50  is intended to cooperate with aperture  100  provided to the PCBs to inhibit relative movement of the connector  1600  relative to the PCBs  10 . Similarly, because the single pole connector  1600  need not span the width entire width of the PCBs  10 , the attachment element  20 ′ may also terminate (i.e., be attached to the housing to the extent it is provided as a separate element) at the location of the alignment feature  50 . As will be appreciated from the figures, the connector  1600  is mechanically and electrically coupled to the PCBs  10  via the attachment element  20 ′ sandwiching the PCBs  10  as described above and via the PCBs  10  being further sandwiched between the alignment feature  50  and the end wall of the attachment element  20 ′. The connector  1600  can be attached to the PCBs  10  using the previously described rotational of vertical attachment methods. The connector  1600  can also be attached to the PCBs  10  by being slid thereon in a direction indicated by the arrow A of  FIG. 16 . In this sliding method of attachment, the edges of the PCBs  10  would be positioned within the attachment element  20 ′ and the alignment feature  50  would be snap fit into the aperture  100 . The alignment feature  50  may be provided with a profiled surface  50 A to facilitate its insertion into the aperture  100  when this installation method is preferred. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 19-20 , there is illustrated an example connector  1900  which is constructed similarly to the example connector  1600  in  FIGS. 16-14  excepting that the connector  1900  includes an electrical terminal  52  wherein one end of the electrical terminal  52  is provided with the above described contact pad interface and wherein the other end of the electrical terminal is in the form of, or is coupled to, a wiring connection. As before, one having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the wiring connection may be, for example, a push-in type wiring connection, a crimpable type wiring connection, a solderable type wiring connection, or the like. It will also be appreciated that the housing  1602  in this example may be provided with an opening  1902  to facilitate the coupling of a wire and the electrical terminal  52 . 
     Although certain example methods and apparatus have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not intended to be limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent is intended to cover all methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.