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 of a uniform thickness having a flexural longitudinal section dimensioned to have a basic uniform lateral breadth and length and an effective resilient thickness dimension defined by at least one curve-like formation extending laterally across said longitudinal section, said polarizing means being slidably acceptable in said polarizing channel means, said longitudinal section of said key being flexurally formed to effect a resilient dimension exceeding said material thickness and the widths of the respective polarizing channels to effect sufficient resilient force across said fixed widths of, said polarizing channel means to promote the resilient retention of said insert key therein and provide polarization of said connector assembly.