Means for polarizing a connector assembly

Claim 1

Means for polarizing a multiple-contact connector assembly for accommodating printed circuit boards whereof the assembly block portion has a discrete board-receiving recess formed therein to open on the face thereof, said recess having a plurality of open channels of fixed width, depth and length dimensions aligned as spaced-apart pairs of facing channels disposed on either side of the recess to provide a plurality of polarizing channel means each having a defined span and oriented in spaced relationship to contact members positioned in separate channels adjacent thereto, said polarizing means comprising: at least one body member formed as an insert key having flexural characteristics to facilitate insertion into and removal thereof from said polarizing channel means, said key being of resilient material having a flexural longitudinal section including sidemembers and at least one opening therein, said key being dimensioned to have a basic lateral breadth and length and a compatible edge-defined thickness formed to be slidably acceptable in said polarizing channel means, said longitudinal section of said key being flexurally formed to have a prior-to-insertion twist to effect a resilient dimension exceeding said polarizing channel width to effect sufficient resilient force against the sides of said channel means upon insertion to promote the resilient retentiOn of said insert key therein and provide polarization of said connector assembly.