US4721470A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Keys for electrical connectors
Assignee: FCI Americas Technology LLC
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Filing: 1987-04-13
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Granted: 1988-01-26
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Expires: 2007-04-13
Abstract
Abstract A dual sided key is described for securing together electrical connectors. The key is comprised of a male and a female part with the male part having a breakaway guide stud so that when the parts of the key are sufficiently stressed, the guide stud breaks away leaving the connection complete.
Inventors
- 👤 David T. Humphrey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 04:18
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/64; H01R13/645; H01R13/6453
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
141 words
A dual sided key adapted to secure header and shroud connectors together on opposite sides of a printed circuit board, the key adapted to fit in respective aligned polygonal recesses formed in each header and shroud, the key comprising: an integral elongated male part having a longitudinal axis, an interconnected head, shaft, and guide stud, all located on the axis, the head having a polygonal cross-section adapted to fit in one of the header and shroud recesses and a bore lying on the axis, the shaft being knurled, the guide stud having a portion of reduced diameter to define a breakaway point where it joins the shaft, and a female part polygonal in cross-section adapted to fit in the other of the header and shroud recesses, the female part having a bore, sized to receive the shaft with an interference fit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
141 words
A dual sided key adapted to secure header and shroud connectors together on opposite sides of a printed circuit board, the key adapted to fit in respective aligned polygonal recesses formed in each header and shroud, the key comprising: an integral elongated male part having a longitudinal axis, an interconnected head, shaft, and guide stud, all located on the axis, the head having a polygonal cross-section adapted to fit in one of the header and shroud recesses and a bore lying on the axis, the shaft being knurled, the guide stud having a portion of reduced diameter to define a breakaway point where it joins the shaft, and a female part polygonal in cross-section adapted to fit in the other of the header and shroud recesses, the female part having a bore, sized to receive the shaft with an interference fit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
A dual sided key of claim 1 wherein the head and female part are octagonal in cross-section.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
A dual sided key of claim 1 wherein the guide stud has a diameter less than the diameter of the bore in the female part.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
A dual sided key of claim 3 wherein the head and female part are octagonal in cross-section.
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) | 1991-01-25 | 1991-07-27 | 1992-01-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-01-25 | 1995-07-27 | 1996-01-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-01-25 | 1999-07-27 | 2000-01-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |