Patent Publication Number: US-10312608-B2

Title: Insulation displacement connector

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is the U.S. National Stage of and claims priority to and the benefit of International Patent Application Number PCT/US2016/019283, entitled “INSULATION DISPLACEMENT CONNECTOR” filed on Feb. 24, 2016, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/127,415, entitled “INSULATION DISPLACEMENT CONNECTOR” filed on Mar. 3, 2015. The entire contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Insulation displacement connectors (IDCs) are configured to electrically connect one or more electrical cables to a complementary electrical component, such as a printed circuit board. For instance, insulation displacement connectors include at least one insulation displacement contact having a mating portion configured to be mate with the complementary electrical component, and a cable piercing end that is configured to at least partially receive an electrical cable. Electrical cables typically include at least one electrically insulative layer and an electrical conductor that is disposed inside the electrically insulative layer. The insulation displacement contact of the insulation displacement connector is configured to pierce the outer layer of insulation of the electrical cable so as to make contact with the electrical conductor, thereby placing the electrical conductor in electrical communication with the complementary electrical component. Insulation displacement connectors can be desirable, as they allow for connection to an insulated cable without first stripping the electrical insulation from the conductor. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with one embodiment, an insulation displacement contact is configured to receive an electrical cable. The insulation displacement slot can include a base that is configured to mounted onto a substrate so as to place the insulation displacement contact in electrical communication with the substrate. The insulation displacement contact can include at least one arm that extends out with respect to the base. The first art can include first and second opposed portions that face each other so as to define a first insulation displacement slot therebetween. Each of the first and second opposed portions is configured to move away from the other in response to insertion of the electrical cable in the first insulation displacement slot. The insulation displacement contact can further include at least one stop member spaced from the at least one arm. The at least one stop member can be configured to abut one of the first and second opposed portions when the first and second opposed portions move away from each other in response to insertion of the electrical cable in the first insulation displacement slot. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of example embodiments of the application, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which there is shown in the drawings example embodiments for the purposes of illustration. It should be understood, however, that the application is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an electrical connector assembly, including a printed circuit board, a plurality of insulation displacement contacts mounted to the printed circuit board, and a connector housing that is configured to retain the insulation displacement contacts so as to deliver the insulation displacement contacts to the printed circuit board; 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of an insulation displacement contact as illustrated in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1C  is a perspective view of the connector housing illustrated in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1D  is a side elevation view of the connector housing illustrated in  FIG. 1C ; 
         FIG. 2A  is a schematic end elevation view of the insulation displacement contact illustrated in  FIG. 1B , shown aligned to be mated with an electrical cable; 
         FIG. 2B  is a schematic end elevation view of the insulation displacement contact illustrated in  FIG. 2A , but shown mated with the electrical cable; 
         FIG. 2C  is another schematic end elevation view of the insulation displacement contact illustrated in  FIG. 1B , shown aligned to be mated with the electrical cable; 
         FIG. 2D  is a schematic end elevation view of the insulation displacement contact illustrated in  FIG. 2C , but shown mated with the electrical cable; 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a blank of sheet metal configured to be bent so as to fabricate the insulation displacement contact illustrated in  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of the sheet metal illustrated in  FIG. 3A , but bent so as to produce certain structure of the insulation displacement contact illustrated in  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 3C  is a perspective view of the sheet metal illustrated in  FIG. 3B , but further bent so as to produce certain additional structure of the insulation displacement contact illustrated in  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of an insulation displacement contact constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment; 
         FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of a blank of sheet metal configured to be bent so as to fabricate the insulation displacement contact illustrated in  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 4C  is a perspective view of the sheet metal illustrated in  FIG. 4B , but showing a first stage in forming of the insulation displacement contact illustrated in  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 4D  is a perspective view of the sheet metal illustrated in  FIG. 4C , but showing another stage in forming of the insulation displacement contact illustrated in  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of an insulation displacement contact constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment; and 
         FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of a blank of sheet metal configured to be bent so as to fabricate the insulation displacement contact illustrated in  FIG. 5A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1A-2B , an electrical connector assembly  20  can include at least one insulation displacement contact  22  such as a plurality of insulation displacement contacts  22  that define a mating portion  24  and a mounting portion  26 . The electrical connector assembly  20  can further include at least one electrical cable  28  such as a plurality of electrical cables  28  that are configured to mate with a respective one of the insulation displacement contacts  22  at the mating portion  24 , and a complementary electrical component  30  such as a substrate, tier instance a printed circuit board. The insulation displacement contacts  22 , and in particular the mounting portions  26 , are configured to be mounted to the substrate so as to place the insulation displacement contacts  22  in electrical communication with the substrate. The electrical connector assembly  20  can further include at least one dielectric or electrically insulative connector housing  77  configured to support at least one of the insulation displacement contacts  22 , such as a plurality of the insulation displacement contacts  22 . For instance, the connector housing  77  can be configured to retain a plurality of the insulation displacement contacts  22 , and deliver the insulation displacement contacts  22  to the complementary electrical component  30 . 
     The insulation displacement contacts  22 , and in particular the respective mounting portions  26 , are configured to be mounted to a respective electrical terminal  32  of the complementary electrical component  30 , which for instance can be configured as a mounting pad. Thus, the mounting portions  26  are each configured to be surface mounted, for instance soldered, welded, or the like, onto the complementary electrical component  30 , for instance to the electrical terminal  32 . Alternatively, the mounting portion  26  can include at least one mounting tail as a projection that is configured to be inserted into an aperture of the complementary electrical component so as to mount the insulation displacement contact to the complementary electrical component  30 . For instance, the mounting tail can be press-fit into the aperture of the complementary electrical component  30 . The apertures can be electrically conductive plated vias, or can be apertures that are configured to receive the projections so as to locate the mounting portions  26  with the mounting pad. When the insulation displacement contact  22  is mounted to the complementary electrical component  30  and mated with the respective electrical cable  28 , the electrical cable  28  is placed in electrical communication with the complementary electrical component  30 . It should be appreciated that the complementary electrical component  30 , and all complementary electrical components described herein, can be a printed circuit board or any suitable constructed alternative electrical component  30  as desired. 
     The insulation displacement contacts  22 , and all insulation displacement contacts described herein, can be made from any suitable electrically conductive material, such as a metal. Each insulation displacement contact  22  can include an electrically conductive contact body  23  that defines both the mating portion  24  and the mounting portion  26 , which can be monolithic with the mating portion  24 . The mating portion  24  can include at least one slot that extends into the contact body  23 , and at least one piercing member  37  that at least partially defines the slot such that, when the slot receives the electrical cable  28 , the piercing member  37  pierces an outer electrically insulative layer  39  of the electrical cable  28  and contacts an electrical conductor  41  of the electrical cable  28  that is disposed inside the outer electrically insulative layer  39 . For instance, the piercing member  37  can bite into the electrical conductor  41 . The outer electrically insulative layer  39 , and all outer electrically insulative layers as described herein, can be made of any suitable electrically insulative material as desired. The electrical conductor  41 , and all electrical conductors as described herein, can be made from any suitable electrically conductive material as desired. 
     The electrically conductive contact body  23  can include a base  40  that defines an outer surface and an inner surface  44  that faces opposite the outer surface along a transverse direction T. In particular, the inner surface  44  can be said to be spaced above, or up from, the outer contact surface  42  along the transverse direction T, and the outer contact surface  42  is spaced below, or down from, the inner surface  44  along the transverse direction T. The outer surface is configured to face the electrical terminal, and can be configured as an outer contact surface  42  that is configured to contact the electrical terminal  32 . For instance, the outer contact surface  42  can be surface mounted, such as soldered or welded, to the electrical terminal  32  in the manner described above. It should be appreciated that the mounting portion  26  can be defined by the base  40 , and in particular the outer contact surface  42 . When the outer contact surface  42  is in contact with the electrical terminal  32 , either directly or indirectly, the electrical terminal  32  is placed in electrical communication with the mounting portion  26 , and thus the mating portion  24 . 
     The mating portion  24  can include a first arm  50  that extends from the mounting portion  26 , and in particular from the base  40 . The first arm  50  includes a first at least one surface  50   a  that defines a first insulation displacement slot  51  extending through the first arm  50 , for instance along a longitudinal direction L that is perpendicular to the transverse direction T. The first at least one surface  50   a  can include a first pair of opposed surfaces  50   a  and  50   b  that are opposite each other along a lateral direction A that is perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction A and the transverse direction T. The at least one surface  50   a  can further define a piercing member  37  that pierces the outer electrically insulative layer  39  of the electrical cable  28  and contacts the electrical conductor  41  when the electrical cable  28  is disposed in the first insulation displacement slot  51 . The mating portion  24  can further include a second arm  52  that also extends out with respect to the mounting portion  26 , and in particular from the base  40 . The first and second arms  50  and  52  can be spaced from each other along the longitudinal direction L. It should be appreciated that both the first arm  50  and the second arm  52  can extend directly out from the base  40 , and thus directly from the mounting portion  26 . The first and second arms  50  and  52  can be monolithic with the base  40 , and thus can be monolithic with each other. 
     The first insulation displacement slot  51  can be referred to as a first insulation displacement slot, and the second arm  52  includes a second at least one surface  52   a  that defines a second insulation displacement slot  53  that extends through the second arm  52 , for instance along the longitudinal direction L. The second at least one surface  52   a  can include a second pair of opposed surfaces  52   a  and  52   b  that are opposite each other along the lateral direction A. Thus, the contact body  23  includes first and second insulation displacement slots  51  and  53  that extend through the mating portion  24 . The second at least one surface  52   a  can further define a piercing member  37  that pierces the outer electrically insulative layer  39  of the electrical cable  28  and contacts the electrical conductor  41  when the electrical cable  28  is disposed in the second insulation displacement slot  53 . The first and second insulation displacement slots  51  and  53  are aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction L, such that the electrical cable  28  can be inserted into each of the first and second insulation displacement slots  51  and  53 . 
     The first and second insulation displacement slots  51  and  53  can define any distance along the lateral direction A as desired. For instance, the first pair of opposed surfaces  50   a  and  50   b  that define the first insulation displacement slot  51  can abut each other prior to insertion of the electrical cable into the first insulation displacement slot  51 . Alternatively, the first pair of opposed surfaces that define the first insulation displacement slot  51  can be spaced from each other any suitable distance along the lateral direction A greater than zero as desired prior to insertion of the electrical cable into the first insulation displacement slot  51 . In one example, the distance is no greater than the cross-sectional dimension of the electrical conductor  41  of the electrical cable  28  in the lateral direction A. For instance, the distance can be less than the cross-sectional dimension of the electrical conductor  41  of the electrical cable  28  in the lateral direction A. It is appreciated that the cross-sectional dimension of the electrical conductor  41  of the electrical cable  28  in the lateral direction A can be circular, such that the cross-section is a diameter, or any alternative shape as desired. Accordingly, insertion of the electrical cable  28  into the first insulation displacement slot  51  causes the opposed surfaces  50   a  and  50   b  to move away from each other along the lateral direction A such that the electrical cable  28  is disposed in the first insulation displacement slot  51 . In particular, the respective piercing members  37  of the opposed surfaces  50   a  and  50   b  can pierce through the outer electrically insulative layer  39  of the electrical cable so as to contact the electrical conductor  41 . For instance, the piercing members  37  of the opposed surfaces  50   a  and  50   b  can bite into the electrical conductor. Further, the opposed surfaces  50   a  and  50   b  can torsionally move away from each other so that they extend along respective lines that converge along a direction away from the base  40 . Thus, the orientations of the opposed surfaces  50   a  and  50   b  prevent the electrical cable  28  from moving up away from the base  40  and out of the first insulation displacement slot  51  during operation, for instance when the insulation displacement contact  22  is under vibration. 
     Similarly, the second pair of opposed surfaces  52   a  and  52   b  that define the second insulation displacement slot  53  can abut each other prior to insertion of the electrical cable  28  into the second insulation displacement slot  53 . Alternatively, the second pair of opposed surfaces  52   a  and  52   b  that define the second insulation displacement slot  53  can be spaced from each other any suitable distance along the lateral direction A greater than zero as desired prior to insertion of the electrical  28  cable into the second insulation displacement slot  53 . In one example, the distance is no greater than the cross-sectional dimension of the electrical conductor  41  of the electrical cable  28  in the lateral direction A. For instance, the distance can be less than the cross-sectional dimension of the electrical conductor  41  of the electrical cable  28  in the lateral direction A. It is appreciated that the cross-sectional dimension of the electrical conductor  41  of the electrical cable  28  in the lateral direction A can be circular, such that the cross-section is a diameter, or any alternative shape as desired. Accordingly, insertion of the electrical cable  28  into the second insulation displacement slot  53  causes the opposed surfaces  52   a  and  52   b  to move away from each other along the lateral direction A such that the electrical cable  28  is disposed in the second insulation displacement slot 1   53 . In particular, the respective piercing members  37  of the opposed surfaces  52   a  and  52   b  can pierce through the outer electrically insulative layer  39  of the electrical cable  28  so as to contact the electrical conductor  41 . For instance, the piercing members  37  of the opposed surfaces  52   a  and  52   b  can bite into the electrical conductor  41 . Further, the opposed surfaces  52   a  and  52   b  can torsionally move away from each other so that they extend along respective lines that converge toward each other along a direction away from the base  40 . Thus, the orientations of the opposed surfaces  52   a  and  52   b  prevent the electrical cable  28  from moving up away from the base  40  and out of the second insulation displacement slot  53  during operation, for instance when the insulation displacement contact  22  is under vibration. 
     The first arm  50  can define a first or outer region  70   a  and a second or inner region  70   b . The outer and inner regions  70   a  and  70   b  are located such that the inner region  70   b  is disposed between the outer region  70   a  and the second arm  52 . In accordance with one embodiment, the outer region  70   a  can extend out from the base  40 . The inner region  70   b  can extend from the outer region  70   a  toward the base  40  at a location spaced from the outer region  70   a  along the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the first arm  50  can define an inverted, or downward facing, concavity as it extends along the longitudinal direction L. The concavity can thus face the base  40 . The concavity can be configured as a U-shape or any suitable alternative shape as desired. The concavity can be defined at an interface of the outer region  70   a  and the inner region  70   b.    
     Similarly, the second arm  52  can define a first or outer region  71   a  and a second or inner region  71   b . The outer and inner regions  71   a  and  71   b  are located such that the inner region  71   b  is disposed between the outer region  71   a  and the first arm  50  with respect to the longitudinal direction L. This, it should be appreciated that the inner regions  70   b  and  71   b  are disposed between the outer regions  70   a  and  71   a  with respect to the longitudinal direction L. The outer region  71   a  can extend out from the base  40 . In accordance with one embodiment, the inner region  71   b  can extend from the outer region  71   a  toward the base  40  at a location spaced from the outer region  71   a  along the longitudinal direction L. Accordingly, the second arm  52  can define an inverted, or downward facing, concavity along the longitudinal direction L. The concavity can face the base  40 . The concavity can be configured as a U-shape or any suitable alternative shape as desired. The concavity can be defined at an interface of the outer region  71   a  and the inner region  71   b . It will be appreciated that the inner region  71   b  of the second arm  52  can be disposed between the inner region  70   b  of the first arm  50  and the outer region  71   a  of the second arm  52 . Similarly, the inner region  70   b  of the first arm  50  can be disposed between the inner region  71   b  of the second arm  52  and the outer region  70   a  of the first arm  50 . Thus, the first and second arms  50  and  52  of the insulation displacement contact  22  can combine to substantially define an M-shape. At least one or both of the inner regions  70   b  and  71   b  of the first and second arms  50  and  52  can be angled toward the respective outer regions  70   a  and  71   a  as it extends upward along the transverse direction T, that is away from the mounting portion  26 , and in particular from the base  40 . 
     It should be appreciated that the inner region  70   b  of the first arm  50  can define both of the opposed surfaces  50   a  and  50   b  that face each other so as to define the first insulation displacement slot  51 . Thus, the first insulation displacement slot  51  can extend through the first arm  50  along the transverse direction T. For instance, the inner region  70   b  can include a first portion  75   a  and a second portion  75   b  that is disposed adjacent the first portion  75   a  along the lateral direction A. The first portion  75   a  can define the first surface  50   a , and the second portion  75   b  can define the second surface  50   b  opposite the first surface  50   a . The inner region  71   b  of the second arm  52  can define both of the opposed surfaces  52   a  and  52   b  that face each other so as to define the second insulation displacement slot  53 . Thus, the second insulation displacement slot  53  can extend through the inner region  70   b  of the first arm  50  along the transverse direction T. For instance, the inner region  71   b  can include a first portion  95   a  and a second portion  95   b  that is disposed adjacent the first portion  95   a  along the lateral direction A. The first portion  95   a  can define the first surface  52   a , and the second portion  95   b  can define the second surface  52   b  opposite the first surface  52   a.    
     The insulation displacement contact  22  can further include at least one strain relief aperture, such as a first strain relief aperture  73 , that extends through the mating portion  24 . In particular, the first strain relief aperture  73  can extend through at least one of the first and second arms  50  and  52 . In accordance with one embodiment, the first strain relief aperture  73  can extend through the first arm  50 . For instance, the first strain relief aperture  73  can extend through the outer region  70   a  of the first arm  50 . Thus, the outer region  70   a  of the first arm  50  can define opposed surfaces  73   a  that cooperate so as to define the first strain relief aperture  73 . In particular, the opposed surfaces  73   a  can be opposite each other along the lateral direction A. The strain relief aperture  73  can extend down into the outer region  70   a  of the first arm toward the base  40 , but can terminate in the outer region  70   a  without extending entirely through the outer region  70   a  in the transverse direction T. The first strain relief aperture  73  extends through the outer region  70   a  in the longitudinal direction L. 
     The opposed surfaces  73   a  can be configured to constrain the outer electrically insulative layer  39  when the electrical cable  28  extends through the first strain relief aperture  73 . For instance, smaller gage cables may be sized such that the distance between the opposed surfaces  73   a  along the lateral direction A is greater than the outer diameter of the outer electrically insulating layer  39 . Thus, the smaller gauge cable might not define an interference fit with the opposed surfaces  73   a , but can nevertheless be constrained by the opposed surfaces  73   a  so as to be limited with respect to movement in the lateral direction A with respect to the insulation displacement contact  22 . In one example, the opposed surfaces  73  can be spaced apart along the lateral direction A a distance less than the cross-sectional dimension of the outer electrically insulative layer  39  along the lateral direction A, but greater than the cross-sectional dimension of the electrically conductor  41  along the lateral direction A. Thus, the opposed surfaces  73   a  can be configured to grip the outer electrically insulative layer  39  without extending completely through the outer electrically insulative layer  39  to the electrical conductor  41  when the electrical cable  28  extends through the first strain relief aperture  73 . In one example, the opposed surfaces  73   a  can cut into the outer electrically insulative layer  39  so as to grip the electrical cable  28  without contacting the electrical conductor  41 . 
     The insulation displacement contact  22  can further include a second strain relief aperture  81  that extends through the mating portion  24 . In particular, the second strain relief aperture  81  can extend through the other of the first and second arms  50  and  52  with respect to the first strain relief aperture  73 . In accordance with one embodiment, the second strain relief aperture  81  can extend through the second arm  52 . For instance, the second strain relief aperture  81  can extend through the outer region  71   a  of the second arm  52 . Thus, the outer region  71   a  of the second arm  52  can define opposed surfaces  81   a  that cooperate so as to define the second strain relief aperture  81 . In particular, the opposed surfaces  81   a  can be opposite each other along the lateral direction A. The second strain relief aperture  81  can extend down into the outer region  71   a  of the second arm  52  toward the base  40 , but can terminate in the outer region  71   a  without extending entirely through the outer region  71   a . The second strain relief aperture  81  extends through the outer region  71   a  in the longitudinal direction L. 
     The opposed surfaces  81   a  can be configured to constrain the outer electrically insulative layer  39  when the electrical cable  28  extends through the second strain relief aperture  81 . For instance, smaller gage cables may be sized such that the distance between the opposed surfaces  81   a  along the lateral direction A is greater than the outer diameter of the outer electrically insulating layer  39 . Thus, the smaller gauge cable might not define an interference fit with the opposed surfaces  81   a , but can nevertheless be constrained by the opposed surfaces  81   a  so as to be limited with respect to movement in the lateral direction A with respect to the insulation displacement contact  22 . In one example, the opposed surfaces  81   a  can be spaced apart along the lateral direction A a distance less than the cross-sectional dimension of the outer electrically insulative layer  39  along the lateral direction A, but greater than the cross-sectional dimension of the electrically conductor  41  along the lateral direction A. Thus, the opposed surfaces  81   a  can be configured to grip the outer electrically insulative layer  39  without extending completely through the outer electrically insulative layer  39  to the electrical conductor  41  when the electrical cable  28  extends through the second strain relief aperture  81 . In one example, the opposed surfaces  81   a  can cut into the outer electrically insulative layer  39  so as to grip the electrical cable  28  without contacting the electrical conductor  41 . 
     The first strain relief aperture  73  can be aligned with the first and second insulation displacement slots  51  and  53  along the longitudinal direction L. Further, the first strain relief aperture  73  is positioned such that one of the first and second insulation displacement slots  51  and  53  is positioned between the other of the insulation displacement slots  51  and  53  and the first strain relief aperture  73  with respect to the longitudinal direction L. In particular, the first insulation displacement slot  51  can be positioned between the second insulation displacement slot  53  and the first strain relief aperture  73 . The first strain relief aperture  73  can be aligned with the first strain relief aperture  81  and the first and second insulation displacement slots  51  and  53  along the longitudinal direction L. The second strain relief aperture  81  is positioned such that the second insulation displacement slot  53  is disposed between the first insulation displacement slot  51  and the second strain relief aperture  81  with respect to the longitudinal direction L. Thus, each of the first and second insulation displacement slots  51  and  53  is positioned between the first and second strain relief apertures  73  and  81 . 
     The outer region  70   a  can define a first outer lead-in to the first strain relief aperture  73  along the transverse direction T. The first outer lead-in is configured as an opening having a width along the lateral direction A that is greater than that of the first strain relief aperture  73 . For instance, the width of the first outer lead-in in the lateral direction A can be greater than the cross-sectional dimension of the electrical cable  28  along the lateral direction A. The outer region  71   a  can define a second outer lead-in to the second strain relief aperture  81  along the transverse direction T. The second outer lead-in is configured as an opening having a width along the lateral direction A that is greater than that of the second strain relief aperture  81 . For instance, the width of the second outer lead-in can be greater than the cross-sectional dimension of the electrical cable  28  along the lateral direction A. The width of the first outer lead-in can be equal to the width of the second outer lead-in along the lateral direction A. 
     The inner region  70   b  can define a first inner lead-in to the first insulation displacement slot  51  along the transverse direction T. The first inner lead-in is configured as an opening that extends through the inner region  70   b  along the longitudinal L direction, and defines a width along the lateral direction A that is greater than that of the first insulation displacement slot  51 . For instance, the width of the first inner lead-in can be greater than the cross-sectional dimension of the electrical cable  28  along the lateral direction A. The inner region  71   b  can define a second inner lead-in to the second insulation displacement slot  53  along the transverse direction T. The second inner lead-in is configured as an opening having that extends through the inner region  71   b  along the longitudinal direction L, and defines a width along the lateral direction A that is greater than that of the second insulation displacement slot  53 . For instance, the width of the second inner lead-in can be greater than the cross-sectional dimension of the electrical cable  28  along the lateral direction A. The width of the first inner lead-in can be equal to the width of the second inner lead-in along the lateral direction A. 
     During operation, the electrical cable  28  is inserted into the first and second insulation displacement slots  51  and  53  and the first and second strain relief apertures  73  and  81  in the downward direction toward the base  40  along the transverse direction T. For instance, the electrical cable  28  can be inserted into the first and second outer lead-ins and the first and second inner lead-ins along the transverse direction, and then into the first and second insulation displacement slots  51  and  53  and the first and second strain relief apertures  73  and  81 . For example, the electrical cable  28  can be inserted into the first and second insulation displacement slots  51  and  53  substantially simultaneously with insertion into the first and second strain relief apertures  73  and  81 . As the electrical cable  28  is inserted into the first and second strain relief apertures  73  and  81 , the opposed surfaces  73   a  and  81   a  bite into the outer electrically insulative layer  39  so as to retain the outer electrically insulative layer  39  and prevent the outer electrically insulative layer  39  from moving along the longitudinal direction L in response to application of a tensile force to the outer electrically insulative layer  39  from a location outboard of the insulation displacement contact  22 . 
     As the electrical cable  28  is inserted into the first insulation displacement slot  51 , the electrical cable  28  contacts the opposed surfaces  50   a  and  50   b , and applies a force the opposed surfaces  50   a  and  50   b  in the lateral direction A that biases the respective first and second portions  75   a  and  75   b  of the inner region  70   b  to move away from each other along the lateral direction A. For instance, the first and second portions  75   a  and  75   b  can flex away from each other in the lateral direction A. Similarly, as the electrical cable  28  is inserted into the second insulation displacement slot  53 , the electrical cable  28  contacts the opposed surfaces  51   a  and  51   b , and applies a force the opposed surfaces  51   a  and  51   b  in the lateral direction A that biases the respective first and second portions  95   a  and  95   b  of the inner region  71   b  to move away from each other along the lateral direction A. For instance, the first and second portions  95   a  and  95   b  can flex away from each other in the lateral direction A. 
     In order to ensure that the piercing members  37  of the opposed surfaces create and maintain reliable contact with the electrical conductor  41  of the electrical cable  28 , the insulation displacement contact body  23 , and thus the insulation displacement contact  22 , can include one or more step members  99 . The at least one stop member  99  is positioned outboard of a respective one of the first and second portions of the inner region along the lateral direction A. The at least one stop member  99  can extend from the base  40  in the transverse direction T. The at least one stop member  99  defines an abutment surface that is positioned to contact the respective one of the first and second portions. Accordingly, when the respective one of the first and second portions moves away from the other of the first and second portions in the lateral direction, the moved one of the first and second portions will abut the stop member  99 . Thus, the stop member  99  will prevent further movement of the at least one of the first and second portions away from the other of the first and second portions along the lateral direction A. In particular, the stop member  99  is offset from the piercing member  37  of the other of the first and second surface portions a first distance in the lateral direction A. The first distance is no greater than a combined cross-sectional dimension of the electrical conductor  41  in the lateral direction A plus the distance between abutment surface of the stop member  99  and the piercing member  37  of the respective one of the first and second portions along the lateral direction A when the respective one of the first and second portions is in contact with the abutment surface of the stop member  99 . 
     The at least one stop member  99  can include a first stop member  99  and a second stop member  101 . The first stop member  99  can be positioned outboard of the first portion  75   a  along the lateral direction A, such that the first portion  75   a  is disposed between the second portion  75   b  and the first stop member  99  along the lateral direction A. Similarly, the first stop member  99  can be positioned outboard of the first portion  95   a  along the lateral direction A, such that the first portion  95   a  is disposed between the second portion  95   b  and the first stop member  99  along the lateral direction A. The second stop member  101  can be positioned outboard of the second portion  75   b  along the lateral direction A, such that the second portion  75   b  is disposed between the first portion  75   a  and the second stop member  101  along the lateral direction A. Similarly, the second stop member  101  can be positioned outboard of the second portion  95   b  along the lateral direction A, such that the second portion  95   b  is disposed between the first portion  95   a  and the second stop member  101  along the lateral direction A. Each of the first and second portions  75   a  and  75   b  can be disposed above the base  40  along the transverse direction T so that they are free to flex generally along the lateral direction A without abutting the inner surface  44 . Similarly, each of the first and second portions  95   a  and  95   b  can be disposed above the base  40  along the transverse direction T so that they are free to flex generally along the lateral direction A without abutting the inner surface  44 . The first and second stop members  99  and  101  can be aligned with the respective pairs of first and second portions  75   a  and  75   b  along the lateral direction A, such that a first line oriented in the lateral direction A passes through both the first and second stop members  99  and  101  and the first and second portions  75   a  and  75   b . Similarly, the first and second stop members  99  and  101  can be aligned with the respective pairs of first and second portions  95   a  and  95   b  along the lateral direction A, such that a second line oriented in the lateral direction A passes through both the first and second stop members  99  and  101  and the first and second portions  95   a  and  95   b . The first and second lines can be spaced above the inner surface  44  of the base  40 . 
     In one example, the first and second stop members  99  and  101  can each extend up from the base  40 . In one example, the first and second stop members  99  and  101  can each be monolithic with the base  40 , and thus also monolithic with the first and second arms  50  and  52 . Alternatively, the first and second stop members  99  and  101  can be attached to the base  40  in any suitable manner desired. For instance, the insulation displacement contact body  23 , and thus the contact  22 , can include a first pair of opposed stand off members  103  that are spaced from each other in any suitable direction as desired, and extend up from the base  40 . For instance, in one example, the stand off members  103  can be spaced from each other substantially along the longitudinal direction L. The stand off members  103  can extend upward along the transverse direction T as they extend toward each other. The first stop member  99  can extend between the opposed standoff members  103 . Thus, the first stop member  99  is attached to the base  40  at both ends. For instance, the first stop member  99  can be monolithically attached to the base  40  at both ends. The first stop member  99  can extend along a plane that is defined by the lateral direction A and the longitudinal direction L. Similarly, the base  40  can include a second pair of opposed standoff members  105  that are spaced from each other in any suitable direction as desired. For instance, in one example, the stand off members  105  can be spaced from each other substantially along the longitudinal direction L. The stand off members  105  can extend upward along the transverse direction T as they extend toward each other. The second stop member  101  can extend between the opposed stand off members  105 . Thus, the second stop member  101  is attached to the base  40  at both ends. For instance, the second stop member  101  can be monolithically attached to the base  40  at both ends. The second stop member  101  can extend along a plane that is defined by the lateral direction A and the longitudinal direction L. The standoff members  103  and  105  can have a width in the lateral direction A as desired. For instance, the width of the stand off members  103  can be greater than the thickness of the stock material that defines the insulation displacement contact  22 , as described in more detail below. 
     The first stop member  99  can define a first abutment surface that is configured to abut the first portion  75   a  of the inner region  70   b  and the first portion  95   a  of the inner region  71   b . Similarly, the second stop member  101  can define a second abutment surface that is configured to abut the second portion  75   b  of the inner region  70   b  and the second portion  95   b  of the inner region  71   b . The first and second abutment surfaces can be spaced from each other a distance along the lateral direction A such, when the first and second portions  75   a  and  75   b  abut the respective first and second abutment surfaces, the distance between the piercing members  37  of the first and second portions  75   a  and  75   b  along the lateral direction A is less than the cross-sectional dimension of the electrical conductor  41  along the lateral direction A. Accordingly, the piercing members  37  of the first and second portions  75   a  and  75   b  can maintain reliable contact with the electrical conductor  41  when the electrical cable  28  is disposed in the first insulation displacement slot  51 . In one embodiment, the first and second stop members  99  and  101  can be substantially rigid, so as to prevent further movement of the first and second portions  75   a  and  75   b  away from each other along the lateral direction once the first and second portions  75   a  and  75   b  abut the first and second stop members  99  and  101 , respectively. Similarly, when the first and second portions  95   a  and  95   b  abut the respective first and second abutment surfaces, the distance between the piercing members  37  of the first and second portions  95   a  and  95   b  along the lateral direction A is less than the cross-sectional dimension of the electrical conductor  41  along the lateral direction A. Accordingly, the piercing members  37  of the first and second portions  95   a  and  95   b  can maintain reliable contact with the electrical conductor  41  when the electrical cable  28  is disposed in the second insulation displacement slot  53 . In one embodiment, the first and second stop members  99  and  101  can be substantially rigid, so as to prevent further movement of the first and second portions  95   a  and  95   b  away from each other along the lateral direction once the first and second portions  95   a  and  95   b  abut the first and second stop members  99  and  101 , respectively. The first and second abutment surfaces can have a thickness in the transverse direction T that is equal to the thickness of the stock material that defines the insulation displacement contact  22 , which will now be described. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 3A-3C , the entirety of the insulation displacement contact  22  can be made from a single monolithic blank sheet of stock material  74 , such as a metal. For instance, a method of fabrication can include the step of stamping the sheet so as to define the first and second lead ins, the first and second strain relief apertures  73  and  81 , and the first and second insulation displacement slots  51  and  53 . The method of fabrication can further include the steps of bending the sheet along various bend lines to produce the mating and mounting portions  24  and  26 . The sheet of stock material  74 , and the stock material that comprises all insulation displacement contacts as described herein, can have any suitable dimension as desired. For instance, the stock material  74  and the stock material that comprises all insulation displacement contacts as described herein can have a thickness between 0.1 mm and 2 mm. For instance, the thickness can be approximately 0.3 mm. As will be described in more detail below, the sheet of stock material  74 , and the stock material that comprises all insulation displacement contacts as described herein, can be bent along respective bend lines that are perpendicular to the thickness of the stock material so as to form the respective insulation displacement contact. It will be appreciated that the following bending steps can be performed in any order as desired. 
     The sheet of stock material  74  can be bent along first and second bend lines  76   a  and  76   b  that are parallel to each other and spaced from each other, so as to create the stand off members  103  and  105 , and thus also the first and second stop members  99  and  101 . In one example, the stock material  74  can be punched in the transverse direction T so as to define the first and second stop members  99  and  101  and the respective bend lines  76   a  and  76   b . The first and second bend lines  76   a  and  76   b  can be spaced from each other along the longitudinal direction L, and can be oriented along the lateral direction A. The first bend line  76   a  can partially define both the first and second stop members  99  and  101 . The second bend line  76   b  can also partially define both the first and second stop members  99  and  101 . The stock material  74  can further be bent about a third bend line  76   c  so as to define the first arm  50 . The third bend line  76   c  can be oriented along the lateral direction A and spaced from the stop members  99  and  101  along the longitudinal direction L. The stock material  74  can further be bent about at least one fourth bend line  76   d  so as to define the outer region  70   a  and the inner region  70   b  of the first arm  50 . The at least one fourth bend line  76   d  can be configured as a pair of fourth bend lines  76   d  or a single bend line. The bend lines of the pair of fourth bend lines  76   d  can be oriented parallel to each other. The fourth bend lines  76   d  can be oriented along the lateral direction A, spaced from each other along the longitudinal direction L, and can be defined by the first arm  50 . The stock material  74  can be bent in a first rotational direction about the respective third and fourth bend lines  76   c  and  76   d  so as to define the first arm  50 , and the outer and inner regions  70   a  and  70   b . The stock material  74  can further be bent about a fifth bend line  76   e  so as to define the second arm  52 . The fifth bend line  76   e  can be oriented along the lateral direction A and spaced from the stop members  99  and  101  along the longitudinal direction L, such that the stop members  99  and  101  are disposed between the third and fifth bend lines  76   c  and  76   e  along the longitudinal direction L. The stop members can be equidistantly spaced from the third and fifth bend lines  76   c  and  76   e  along the longitudinal direction L. The stock material  74  can further be bent about at least one sixth bend line  76   f  so as to define the outer region  71   a  and the inner region  71   b . The at least one sixth bend line  76   f  can be configured as a pair of bend lines or a single bend line. The at least one sixth bend line  76   f  can be configured as a pair of sixth bend lines  76   f . The bend lines of the pair of sixth bend lines  76   f  can be oriented parallel to each other. The sixth bend lines  76   f  can be oriented along the lateral direction A, and can be defined by the second arm  52 . The stock material  74  can be bent in a second rotational direction about the respective fifth and sixth bend lines  76   e  and  76   f  so as to define the second arm  52 , and the outer and inner regions  71   a  and  71   b . The second rotational direction can be opposite the first rotational direction. The first and second portions  75   a  and  75   b  of the inner region  70   b  of the first arm  50  can be bent toward each other so as to move the opposed surfaces of the first insulation displacement slot  51  toward each other, thereby defining the first insulation displacement slot  51 . For instance, the opposed surfaces that define the first insulation displacement slot  51  can be brought into contact with each other. Alternatively, the first insulation displacement slot  51  can be defined by the stamping operation without bringing the opposed surfaces of the first insulation displacement slot  51  toward each other. Similarly, the first and second portions  95   a  and  95   b  of the inner region  71   b  of the second arm  52  can be bent toward each other so as to bring the opposed surfaces of the define the second insulation displacement slot  53 , thereby defining the second insulation displacement slot  53 . For instance, the opposed surfaces that define the second insulation displacement slot  53  can be brought into contact with each other. Alternatively, the second insulation displacement slot  53  can be defined by the stamping operation without bringing the opposed surfaces of the first insulation displacement slot  53  toward each other. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1A-1D , the electrical connector assembly  20  can include one or more of the insulation displacement contacts  22  and a dielectric or electrically insulative connector housing  77  that is configured to support the one or more insulation displacement contacts  22 . The connector housing  77  can be configured to retain a plurality of the insulation displacement contacts  22 , and deliver the insulation displacement contacts  22  to the complementary electrical component  30 . The connector housing  77  can further define an electrically insulative cover for the insulation displacement contacts  22  until such time as the electrical cables  28  are to be mated with the insulation displacement contacts  22 . The connector housing  77  includes a dielectric or electrically insulative housing body  79  that defines an inner surface  79   a  and an outer surface  79   b  opposite the inner surface  79   a . As will now be described, the insulation displacement contacts  22  are received in an interior of the connector housing  77  that is defined by the inner surface  79   a . The housing body  79  includes an upper wall  85  and first and second outer walls  87   a  and  87   b  that extends down from the upper wall  85  along the transverse direction T. The first and second outer walls  87   a  and  87   b  are spaced from each other along the longitudinal direction L. The connector housing  77  is configured to receive the insulation displacement contacts such that the first and second arms  50  and  52  of the insulation displacement contact  22  are configured to be received between the first and second outer walls  87   a  and  87   b . In particular, the inner surface  79   a  of the first and second outer walls  87   a  and  87   b  faces each of the insulation displacement contacts  22  when the insulation displacement contacts  22  are supported by the connector housing  77 . The housing body  79  can further include a third wall  87   c  that extends down from the upper wall  85  at a location between the first and second outer walls  87   a  and  87   b . Thus, the third wall  87   c  can be referred to as a middle wall. The third wall  87   c  can be equidistantly spaced between the first and second outer walls  87   a  and  87   b  along the longitudinal direction L. 
     The inner surface  79   a  of the housing body  79  at the upper wall  85 , the first outer wall  87   a , and the third wall  87   c  can combine to define a first inverted, or downward facing, concavity along the longitudinal direction L. The inner surface  79   a  of the housing body  79  at the upper wall  85 , the second outer wall  87   b , and the third wall  87   c  can combine to define a second inverted, or downward facing, concavity along the longitudinal direction L. The first, second, and third walls  87   a - c  and the upper wall  85  can all be monolithic with each other. For instance, the housing body  79  can be elongate along the lateral direction A. In accordance with one embodiment, the housing body  79  can be formed from extruded plastic or other suitable electrically insulative material. When the insulation displacement contact  22  is received by the connector housing  77 , the first and second arms  50  and  52  are received by the first and second concavities, respectively. The third wall  87   c  is received between the inner regions  70   b  and  71   b  along the longitudinal direction L. 
     One or both of the connector housing  77  and the insulation displacement contacts  22  can include a respective engagement member that engages the other of the connector housing  77  and the insulation displacement contacts  22  when the insulation displacement contacts  22  are supported by the connector housing  77 . For instance, engagement with the engagement member can assist in retention of the insulation displacement contacts  22  in the connector housing  77 . For instance, the connector housing  77  can include at least one engagement member  91  that projects the out from the inner surface  79   a  and into a respective one of the concavities. For instance, the at least one engagement member  91  can project out from the inner surface  79   a  of the third wall  87   c.    
     Thus, when the insulation displacement contacts  22  are supported by the connector housing  77 , the projections defined by the engagement members  91  bear against the insulation displacement contacts  22 , thereby retaining the insulation displacement contacts  22  in the connector housing  77 . When the insulation displacement contacts  22  are supported in the connector housing  77 , the first and second arms  50  and  52  of the insulation displacement contacts  22  are disposed between the first and second walls  87   a  and  87   b  of the connector housing  77  with respect to the longitudinal direction L. Further, when the insulation displacement contacts  22  are supported by the connector housing  77 , the third wall  87   c  of the connector housing  77  is disposed between the first and second arms  50  and  52  of the insulation displacement contacts  22 , and in particular is disposed between the first and second inner regions  70   b  and  71   b . The insulation displacement contacts  22  can include respective engagement members that can be configured as recesses that are recessed into the contact body  23 , and are sized so as to receive the projections  91  of the connector housing  77 . The connector housing  77  can be elongate along the lateral direction A so as to receive a plurality of insulation displacement contacts  22  spaced from each other along the lateral direction A. The projections  91  can be elongate along the lateral direction A, or can be segmented into a respective plurality of projections  91  that are spaced from each other along the lateral direction A. 
     During operation, the insulation displacement contacts  22  are supported in the connector housing  77  in the manner described above. The insulation displacement contacts  22  supported by the connector housing  77  can be spaced from each other any distance along the lateral direction A as desired. The connector housing  77  can then be moved toward the underlying complementary electrical component  30  until the base  40 , and in particular the outer contact surface  42 , is placed adjacent the respective electrically conductive mounting pad of the complementary electrical component  30 . A solder reflow can then attach the base  40  to the mounting pads of the complementary electrical component  30 . An upward removal force can be applied to the connector housing  77  in the upward direction, which causes the connector housing  77  to be removed from the insulation displacement contacts  22 . 
     The electrical cables  28  can then be inserted into the insulation displacement slots  51  and  53  and strain relief apertures  73  and  81  of respective ones of the insulation displacement contacts  22  so as to place the electrical cable  28  in electrical communication with the complementary electrical component  30 . The first and second portions  75   a  and  75   b  of the first arm  50  can abut the first and second stop members  99  and  101  so as to limit movement of the first and second portions  75   a  and  75   b  away from each other in response to insertion of the electrical cable  28  in the first insulation displacement slot  51 . Similarly, the first and second portions  95   a  and  95   b  of the second arm  52  can abut the first and second stop members  99  and  101  so as to limit movement of the first and second portions  95   a  and  95   b  away from each other in response to insertion of the electrical cable  28  in the second insulation displacement slot  53 . The method of placing the electrical cable  28  in electrical communication with the complementary electrical component  30  can include the steps of placing the mounting portion  26  of the insulation displacement contact  22  in electrical communication with the complementary electrical component  30 . The method can include the step of applying electrical current between the electrical cable  28  and the complementary electrical component  30 . A method can further be provided for selling the one or more insulative displacement contacts  22  or the electrical connector assembly  20 . The method can include the steps of teaching to a third party one or more up to all of the method steps described herein, and selling to the third party the insulative displacement contact  22  or the electrical connector assembly  20 . 
     Further, a method can be provided for selling one or more of the insulation displacement contacts  22 , the electrical connector assembly  20 , the method including the steps of teaching to a third party one or more method steps of using or assembling one or more of the insulation displacement contacts  22  and the electrical connector assembly  20 , and selling to the third party at least one or more of the insulation displacement contacts  22  and the electrical connector assembly  20 , either with the insulation displacement contacts  22  supported by the connector housing  77  or separate from the connector housing  77 . 
     It should be appreciated that the insulation displacement contacts  22  can be constructed in accordance with any suitable alternative embodiment as desired. For instance, the first and second stop members  99  and  101  can be constructed in accordance with any suitable alternative embodiment so long as they are configured to abut the inner regions  70   b  and  71   b  of the first and second arms  50  and  52  as the respective first and second portions  75   a  and  75   b , and  95   a  and  95   b , move away from each other along the lateral direction A. For instance, referring to  FIGS. 4A-4D , the first and second stop members  99  and  101  can have a thickness in the lateral direction A that is equal to the thickness of the stock material that defines the insulation displacement contact  22 . Further, the base  40  can include stand off members  103  and  105  that extends up from the inner surface  44  along the transverse direction T to the first and second stop members  99  and  101 , respectively. The stop members  99  and  101  can each define a first end that extends out from the stand off members  103  and  105 , respectively. The stop members  99  and  101  can each define a second free end that is opposite the first end. For instance, the second free end can be offset from the first end along the transverse direction T. Thus, it can be said that the first end of each of the stop members  99  and  101  is attached to the base  40  and the second end of each of the stop members  99  and  101  is a free end. 
     It should be appreciated that the stop members  99  and  101  can be rigidly attached to the base  40 . Accordingly, the first portions  75   a  and  95   a  of the inner regions  70   b  and  71   b , respectively, are unable to move away from each other in the lateral direction A after abutting the respective stop members  99  and  101 . Alternatively, the stop members can be resiliently flexible. Accordingly, the first portions  75   a  and  95   a  of the inner regions  70   b  and  71   b , respectively, are able to move away from each other in the lateral direction A after abutting the respective stop members  99  and  101 , against the spring force of the stop members  99  and  101 . The insulation displacement contact  22  defines a plane that 1) is defined by the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A, and 2) intersects each of the first portions  75   a  and  95   a  along the lateral direction A. 
     With continuing reference to  FIGS. 4A-4D , the entirety of the insulation displacement contact  22  can be made from a single monolithic blank sheet of stock material  74 , such as a metal. For instance, a method of fabrication can include the step of stamping the sheet so as to define the first and second lead ins, the first and second strain relief apertures  73  and  81 , the first and second insulation displacement slots  51  and  53 , and first and second tabs that define the first and second stop members  99  and  101 , respectively. The method of fabrication can further include the steps of bending the sheet along various bend lines to produce the mating and mounting portions  24  and  26 . The sheet of stock material  74 , and the stock material that comprises all insulation displacement contacts as described herein, can have any suitable dimension as desired. For instance, the stock material  74  and the stock material that comprises ail insulation displacement contacts as described herein can have a thickness between 0.1 mm and 2 mm. For instance, the thickness can be approximately 0.3 mm. As will be described in more detail below, the sheet of stock material  74 , and the stock material that comprises all insulation displacement contacts as described herein, can be bent along respective bend lines that are perpendicular to the thickness of the stock material so as to form the respective insulation displacement contact. It will be appreciated that the following bending steps can be performed in any order as desired. 
     The sheet of stock material  74  can be bent along first and second bend lines  76   a  and  76   b  that are parallel to each other and spaced from each other, so as to create the stand off members  103  and  105 , and thus also the first and second stop members  99  and  101 . The first bend line  76   a  can define the first stop member  99 , and the second bend line  76   b  can define the second stop member  101 . The first and second bend lines  76   a  and  76   b  can be spaced from each other along the lateral direction A, and can be oriented along the longitudinal direction L. The stock material  74  can further be bent about a third bend line  76   c  so as to define the first arm  50 . The third bend line  76   c  can be oriented along the lateral direction A and spaced from the stop members  99  and  101  along the longitudinal direction L. The stock material  74  can further be bent about at least one fourth bend line  76   d  so as to define the outer region  70   a  and the inner region  70   b  of the first arm  50 . The at least one fourth bend line  76   d  can be configured as a pair or fourth bend lines  76   d  or a single bend line. The bend lines of the pair of fourth bend lines  76   d  can be oriented parallel to each other. The fourth bend lines  76   d  can be oriented along the lateral direction A, and can be defined by the first arm  50 . The stock material  74  can be bent in a first rotational direction about the respective third and fourth bend lines  76   c  and  76   d  so as to define the first arm  50 , and the outer and inner regions  70   a  and  70   b . The stock material  74  can further be bent about a fifth bend line  76   e  so as to define the second arm  52 . The fifth bend line  76   e  can be oriented along the lateral direction A and spaced from the stop members  99  and  101  along the longitudinal direction L, such that the stop members  99  and  101  are disposed between the third and fifth bend lines  76   c  and  76   e  along the longitudinal direction L. The stop members can be equidistantly spaced from the third and fifth bend lines  76   c  and  76   e  along the longitudinal direction L. The stock material  74  can further be bent about at least one sixth bend line  76   f  so as to define the outer region  71   a  and the inner region  71   b . The at least one sixth bend line  76   f  can be configured as a pair of bend lines or a single bend line. The at least one sixth bend line  76   f  can be configured as a pair of sixth bend lines  76   f . The bend lines of the pair of sixth bend lines  76   f  can be oriented parallel to each other. The sixth bend lines  76   f  can be oriented along the lateral direction A, and can be defined by the second arm  52 . The stock material  74  can be bent in a second rotational direction about the respective fifth and sixth bend lines  76   e  and  76   f  so as to define the second arm  52 , and the outer and inner regions  71   a  and  71   b . The second rotational direction can be opposite the first rotational direction. The first and second portions  75   a  and  75   b  of the inner region  70   b  of the first arm  50  can be bent toward each other so as to define the first insulation displacement slot  51 . Alternatively, the first insulation displacement slot  51  can be defined by the stamping operation without bending the first and second portions  75   a  and  75   b  of the inner region  70   b  of the first arm  50  toward each other. Similarly, the first and second portions  95   a  and  95   b  of the inner region  71   b  of the second arm  52  can be bent toward each other so as to define the second insulation displacement slot  53 . Alternatively, the second insulation displacement slot  53  can be defined by the stamping operation without bending the first and second portions  95   a  and  95   b  of the inner region  71   b  of the second arm  52  toward each other. 
     With continuing reference to  FIGS. 4A-4D , the abutment surfaces of the stop members  99  and  101  can extend in the longitudinal direction L a sufficient length so as to define first and second locations that are aligned with each of the first and second portions  75   a  and  95   a  along the lateral direction A. The first and second locations can be defined by the same abutment surface. Thus, a first line oriented along the lateral direction A can pass through the first location of the first stop member  99 , the first location of the second stop member  99 , and the first portion  75   a . Similarly, a second line oriented along the lateral direction A can pass through the second location of the first stop member  99 , the second location of the second stop member  99 , and the first portion  95   a . Further, the first stop member  99  can include a first continuous line that extends from the first location of the first stop member  99  to the second location of the first stop member  99 , wherein the continuous line lies in the plane. Similarly, the second stop member  101  can include a second continuous line that extends from the first location of the second stop member  101  to the second location of the second stop member  101 , wherein the continuous line lies in the plane. 
     Alternatively, referring now to  FIGS. 5A-5B , the first stop member  99  can define a first gap  104  that extends along the longitudinal direction L between the first and second locations of the first stop member  99 . For instance, the first stop member  99  can define a first recess  106  that is disposed between the first and second locations. The recess  106  can be any shape as desired, such as arc-shaped. Thus, the first and second locations of the first stop member  99  can be discrete from each other with respect to the longitudinal direction L. The first and second locations of the first stop member  99  can be defined by respective first and second abutment surfaces of the first stop member  99 . Similarly, the second stop member  101  can define a second gap  108  that extends along the longitudinal direction L between the first and second locations of the second stop member  101 . For instance, the second stop member  101  can define a second recess  110  that is disposed between the first and second locations. The recess  110  can be any shape as desired, such as arc-shaped. Thus, the first and second locations of the second stop member  101  can be discrete from each other with respect to the longitudinal direction L. It should be appreciated that the first and second stop members  99  and  101  are oriented as illustrated above in  FIG. 4A  during operation, but are illustrated as flat to show fabrication of the insulation displacement contact  22 . The first and second locations of the second stop member  101  can be defined by respective first and second abutment surfaces of the second stop member  101 . 
     With continuing reference to  FIGS. 5A-5B , the entirety of the insulation displacement contact  22  can be made from a single monolithic blank sheet of stock material  74 , such as a metal. For instance, a method of fabrication can include the steps described above with respect to  FIGS. 4A-4D . The method to create the insulation displacement contact  22  of  FIGS. 5A-5B  differs from the method described with respect to  FIGS. 4A-4D  only insofar as the step of stamping the sheet to define the first and second stop members  99  and  101  further includes creating the first and second gaps  104  and  106 . 
     The foregoing description is provided for the purpose of explanation and is not to be construed as limiting the invention. While various embodiments have been described with reference to preferred embodiments or preferred methods, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Furthermore, although the embodiments have been described herein with reference to particular structure, methods, and embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein. For instance, it should be appreciated that structure and methods described in association with one embodiment are equally applicable to all other embodiments described herein unless otherwise indicated. Thus, each insulation displacement contact can include one or more up to all features, including structure and methods, alone or in combination, as the other insulation displacement contacts as described herein. Those skilled in the relevant art, having the benefit of the teachings of this specification, may effect numerous modifications to the invention as described herein, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, for instance as set forth by the appended claims.