Patent ID: 6860741

Claim:
A retaining device for connectors, the retaining device being configured for reversibly holding the sides of an electrical connector and facilitating placement of the electrical connector upon a circuit board, the retaining device comprising: (a) a frame, the frame having a plurality of Interconnected walls, said interconnected walls having an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter, wherein said inner perimeter is adapted for engaging sides of said electrical connector, said frame adapted for holding a plurality of electrical connectors, wherein said retaining device comprises a plurality of windows, each of said windows being adapted to receive an electrical connector therein, said windows being bounded by interconnected walls, further wherein a plurality of ribs positioned upon said inner perimeter of said walls are adapted for resilient engagement with said plurality of electrical connectors; (b) a holding mechanism, said holding mechanism being adapted for securing said electrical connector in a fixed position relative to said interconnected walls, wherein said holding mechanism comprises ribs projecting from the inner perimeter of said interconnected walls, said ribs being adapted for resilient engagement with said first electrical connector; and (c) at least one tab connected to said walls, said tab oriented generally perpendicular to said walls and positioned to facilitate retention of at least one of said electrical connectors within a first said window of said frame.