Patent ID: 7258569

Claim:
A connector-alignment apparatus for facilitating mating of a first connector coupled to a first board with a second connector coupled to a second board, the apparatus comprising: a frame having a plurality of sides that encloses an area within which to receive the first connector closely; a guide cantilever extending from a first side of the frame; and an alignment cantilever extending from a second side of the frame opposite the first side of the frame, each cantilever having a first end and a second end, the first end of each cantilever having a retaining surface for coupling that cantilever to the first connector and for securing the frame to the first connector, and the second end of each cantilever providing a guide for aligning the second board with the first board such that the second connector is brought into mating alignment with the first connector when the first connector is disposed within the enclosed area of the frame.