Patent ID: 7134554

Claim:
A connector and transport assembly for receiving an electronic component in place within the connector and for transporting the connector and component to a location for further assembly, the assembly comprising: a connector having an insulative body including a base portion and a plurality of side walls that cooperate with the base to define a receptacle that receives an electronic component therein, the receptacle having a preselected perimeter and the connector including at least two distinct engagement arms disposed in proximity to the perimeter on different ones of the connector side walls, the engagement arms having free ends that are cantilevered out from said side walls and are deflectable between first and second operative position, said engagement arm free ends extend into said receptacle and engage an electronic component received in said receptacle and in said second operative position, said engagement arm free ends do not extend into said receptacle, said connector insulative body further including a plurality of openings disposed in said base proximate to said engagement arms, portions of said engagement arms extending into said openings; and, a carrier member for supporting said socket connector, the carrier member having a base and a first latch for retaining said socket connector on the carrier member for reciprocal movement on said carrier member, the base further including means for activating said engagement arms to said first and second operative positions, the engagement arm activating means projecting from said carrier member base into said socket connector openings adjacent said engagement arms, whereby relative movement between said socket connector and carrier member moves said engagement arms between said first and second operative positions.