US3581272A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Miniature connector
Assignee: Amphenol Corp
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Filing: 1968-12-23
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Granted: 1971-05-25
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Expires: 1988-12-23
Abstract
Abstract Pin contact, of a miniature connector, made as a stamping from a single piece, having a pair of cantilever contact elements together forming a pin member.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert S Yopp
- 👤 Melvin G Kraft
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 08:54
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/02; H01R13/04; H01R13/05; H01R13/052
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
240 words
A pin contact of the character disclosed including a stamping providing a single integral piece incorporating the elements and relationships recited hereinafter, the pin contact being of overall generally tubular shape, and including a body portion generally round in cross section and having a longitudinal parting line at one side, a pair of cantilever contact elements together forming a pin member extending longitudinally from the body portion, the contact elements together being of substantially less circumferential extent than the body portion, and extending from opposed elements of the body portion on opposite sides of the parting line, the contact elements being generally cylindrical in cross section, the contact elements being generally cylindrical in cross section, the contact elements being self biased outwardly to a position in which they diverge outwardly, and having inturned inclined elements at their outer ends, the inclined elements being of a length substantially less than the overall length of the contact elements thereby forming high points for electrical engagement closely adjacent the outer ends of the contact elements, the inclined elements being disposed at an acute angle to the main portion of the contact elements and extending toward each other but being offset from each other angularly of the device and their inner ends effectively overlapping in radial direction, forming a tapered tip at the outer end of the pin member effective for camming the pin member into a socket from a position slightly misaligned therefrom.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
240 words
A pin contact of the character disclosed including a stamping providing a single integral piece incorporating the elements and relationships recited hereinafter, the pin contact being of overall generally tubular shape, and including a body portion generally round in cross section and having a longitudinal parting line at one side, a pair of cantilever contact elements together forming a pin member extending longitudinally from the body portion, the contact elements together being of substantially less circumferential extent than the body portion, and extending from opposed elements of the body portion on opposite sides of the parting line, the contact elements being generally cylindrical in cross section, the contact elements being generally cylindrical in cross section, the contact elements being self biased outwardly to a position in which they diverge outwardly, and having inturned inclined elements at their outer ends, the inclined elements being of a length substantially less than the overall length of the contact elements thereby forming high points for electrical engagement closely adjacent the outer ends of the contact elements, the inclined elements being disposed at an acute angle to the main portion of the contact elements and extending toward each other but being offset from each other angularly of the device and their inner ends effectively overlapping in radial direction, forming a tapered tip at the outer end of the pin member effective for camming the pin member into a socket from a position slightly misaligned therefrom.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A pin contact according to claim 1 in conjunction with a contact sleeve of uniform cylindrical and fixed construction.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
165 words
A pin contact including an elongated body portion and a pair of cantilever cOntact elements free of connection to each other extending longitudinally from the body portion, the contact elements together forming a pin member and being independently self-biased radially apart, and normally spaced apart and movable toward and from each other effectively about transverse axes at their inner ends at their points of connection with the body portion, the contact elements at their extended ends having inwardly inclined elements together forming a tapered point, and forming high points for electrical engagement adjacent thereto, the inclined elements being short relative to the overall length of the contact elements and the high points being thereby positioned closely adjacent the extended ends of the pin member, and the inclined elements effectively overlapping each other considered diametrically of the pin member but being offset angularly whereby to enable free inward movement of the outer ends of the contact elements toward each other substantially without reference from each other.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
165 words
A pin contact including an elongated body portion and a pair of cantilever cOntact elements free of connection to each other extending longitudinally from the body portion, the contact elements together forming a pin member and being independently self-biased radially apart, and normally spaced apart and movable toward and from each other effectively about transverse axes at their inner ends at their points of connection with the body portion, the contact elements at their extended ends having inwardly inclined elements together forming a tapered point, and forming high points for electrical engagement adjacent thereto, the inclined elements being short relative to the overall length of the contact elements and the high points being thereby positioned closely adjacent the extended ends of the pin member, and the inclined elements effectively overlapping each other considered diametrically of the pin member but being offset angularly whereby to enable free inward movement of the outer ends of the contact elements toward each other substantially without reference from each other.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
133 words
A pin contact having a longitudinal axis and including an elongated body portion and a pair of cantilever contact elements free of connection to each other extending longitudinally from the body portion and being independently self-biased radially apart at their extended ends, and also at their extended ends having elements inclined toward each other and forming a tapered point, said elements being relatively offset circumferentially and overlapping in radial direction, the interfacing surfaces of said elements being disposed closely adjacent a diametrical line whereby to enable said elements to effectively bypass each other in generally radially inward movements in response to contracting movements of the contact elements in radial direction, and thereby eliminate positive stop therebetween and enable maximum such movement of the said elements and corresponding contracting movements of the contact elements.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
133 words
A pin contact having a longitudinal axis and including an elongated body portion and a pair of cantilever contact elements free of connection to each other extending longitudinally from the body portion and being independently self-biased radially apart at their extended ends, and also at their extended ends having elements inclined toward each other and forming a tapered point, said elements being relatively offset circumferentially and overlapping in radial direction, the interfacing surfaces of said elements being disposed closely adjacent a diametrical line whereby to enable said elements to effectively bypass each other in generally radially inward movements in response to contracting movements of the contact elements in radial direction, and thereby eliminate positive stop therebetween and enable maximum such movement of the said elements and corresponding contracting movements of the contact elements.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
A pin contact according to claim 4 wherein the contact elements at their extended ends adjacent the inclined portions thereof are curved in circumferential direction about the central longitudinal axis of the pin contact.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-05-24 | 1974-11-23 | 1975-05-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-05-24 | 1978-11-23 | 1979-05-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-05-24 | 1982-11-23 | 1983-05-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |