US4575170A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Solderless connector
Assignee: Rogers Corp
•
Filing: 1985-01-04
•
Granted: 1986-03-11
•
Expires: 2005-01-04
Abstract
Abstract A solderless connector is presented wherein a pre-stressed elastomeric element is loaded inside a connector housing chamber or cavity so as to effect electrical contact between circuit devices. In essence, the instant invention employs the restoring forces of a stressed elastomeric material to exert forces in a compressive mode. Thus, in attempting to return to its restored (memory) position, a stretched elastomeric element exerts a pressure inside the connector housing channel which forces the terminal portions of the circuit devices into electrical contact.
Inventors
- 👤 F. Stevenson Gurley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 22:08
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/02; H01R13/22; H01R13/24; H01R13/2407; H01R13/2414; H01R4/00; H01R4/01
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
101 words
A solderless connector for effecting electrical contact between terminal portions of circuit devices, at least one of said devices being a flexible circuit device, comprising: rigid connector housing means, said housing means including a channel therein, said channel having a selected diameter; and stressed elastomeric element means being loaded in said channel, said element means having a first diameter which is less than said channel diameter in a stressed state and a second diameter which is greater than said channel diameter in a restored state; said stressed elastomeric element means urging said terminal portions of said circuit devices into electrical contact.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
101 words
A solderless connector for effecting electrical contact between terminal portions of circuit devices, at least one of said devices being a flexible circuit device, comprising: rigid connector housing means, said housing means including a channel therein, said channel having a selected diameter; and stressed elastomeric element means being loaded in said channel, said element means having a first diameter which is less than said channel diameter in a stressed state and a second diameter which is greater than said channel diameter in a restored state; said stressed elastomeric element means urging said terminal portions of said circuit devices into electrical contact.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The solderless connector of claim 1 wherein said housing is substantially C-shaped.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The solderless connector of claim 1 wherein said elastomeric element means is comprised of an elastomer selected from the group consisting of silicone rubber, polyurethane rubber or natural rubber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The solderless connector of claim 1 including: means for maintaining said elastomeric element in said stressed state after being loaded in said housing means channel.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The solderless connector of claim 4 wherein said maintaining means includes: stops positioned on elastomeric element means which engage said housing means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The solderless connector of claim 5 wherein: said stops are molded into said elastomeric element means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The solderless connector of claim 1 including: at least one terminal pin located through said housing, said terminal pin connecting the outside of said housing with said channel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The solderless connector of claim 1 wherein said terminal pin includes: a contact pad on one end thereof.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The solderless connector of claim 1 wherein said housing includes: means for accurately aligning said flexible circuit device within said channel.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
The solderless connector of claim 9 wherein said aligning means comprises: at least one locating pin extending from said channel and adapted to mate with a corresponding opening on said flexible circuit device.
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) | 1989-03-10 | 1989-09-09 | 1990-03-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-03-10 | 1993-09-09 | 1994-03-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-03-10 | 1997-09-09 | 1998-03-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |