US5360347A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Laminated surface mount interconnection system
Assignee: Whitaker LLC
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Filing: 1993-06-17
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Granted: 1994-11-01
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Expires: 2013-06-17
Abstract
Abstract A compressible connector assembly which employs a plurality of discrete compressible connectors (10-1 . . .n) bonded together in an array and arranged within a simplified frame housing (12). The bonded structure securely adheres discrete compressible connectors (10-1 . . .n) together using intermediate spacers (14-1 . . .n) which minimize the risk of shorts. In addition, the connector assembly eliminates the expensive conventional molded framework (FIG. 1 ) which is required in existing compressible connector assemblies, and it facilitates close-pitch connections having tighter centerlines than possible in the prior art.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert D. Irlbeck
- 👤 Warren A. Bates
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 12:25
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/02; H01R13/22; H01R13/24; H01R13/2407; H01R13/2414; H01R12/00; H01R12/50; H01R12/59; H01R12/62; H01R12/70; H01R12/71; H01R12/712; H01R12/714
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
94 words
A connector assembly for connecting circuit elements of a first electronic device to respective circuit elements of a second electronic device, said connector comprising: a housing framing a central opening; a plurality of compressible connectors bonded together and arrayed side-by-side in rows across the central opening of said housing; and a plurality of non-conductive spacers each adhered between a bonded pair of said compressible connectors for providing electrical insulation therebetween; whereby said connector assembly may be sandwiched between said first and second electronic devices to complete multiple electrical connections therebetween via said compressible connectors.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
94 words
A connector assembly for connecting circuit elements of a first electronic device to respective circuit elements of a second electronic device, said connector comprising: a housing framing a central opening; a plurality of compressible connectors bonded together and arrayed side-by-side in rows across the central opening of said housing; and a plurality of non-conductive spacers each adhered between a bonded pair of said compressible connectors for providing electrical insulation therebetween; whereby said connector assembly may be sandwiched between said first and second electronic devices to complete multiple electrical connections therebetween via said compressible connectors.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The connector assembly according to claim 1 wherein adjacent compressible connectors are bonded together by a first adhesive layer between one compressible connector and said non-conducting spacer, and by a second adhesive layer between the adjacent compressible connector and said non-conducting spacer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The connector assembly according to claim 1 wherein said housing is a rectilinear frame and that said central opening is defined thereby as an uninterrupted rectilinear central opening.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The connector assembly according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of non-conductive spacers is formed from non-conductive plastic.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The connector assembly according to claim 4 wherein said non-conductive plastic is silicon-based plastic.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The connector assembly according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of compressible connectors and said plurality of non-conductive spacers are bonded with a silicon-based glue.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The connector assembly according to claim 1 wherein said first electronic device is a lead-less integrated circuit, and said second electronic device is a surface-mount printed circuit board.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
120 words
A connector assembly for connecting circuit elements of a first electronic device to respective circuit elements of a second electronic device, said connector comprising: a housing framing a central opening; a plurality of compressible connectors bonded together across the central opening of said housing, said compressible connectors each further comprising an elongate elastomeric core member and a flexible circuit wrapped around said core member to expose conductive circuit traces on opposing sides of said housing; and a plurality of non-conductive spacers each adhered between a bonded pair of said compressible connectors for providing electrical insulation therebetween; whereby said connector assembly may be sandwiched between said first and second electronic devices to complete multiple electrical connections therebetween via said compressible connectors.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
120 words
A connector assembly for connecting circuit elements of a first electronic device to respective circuit elements of a second electronic device, said connector comprising: a housing framing a central opening; a plurality of compressible connectors bonded together across the central opening of said housing, said compressible connectors each further comprising an elongate elastomeric core member and a flexible circuit wrapped around said core member to expose conductive circuit traces on opposing sides of said housing; and a plurality of non-conductive spacers each adhered between a bonded pair of said compressible connectors for providing electrical insulation therebetween; whereby said connector assembly may be sandwiched between said first and second electronic devices to complete multiple electrical connections therebetween via said compressible connectors.
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) | 1997-10-31 | 1998-05-02 | 1998-11-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-10-31 | 2002-05-02 | 2002-11-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-10-31 | 2006-05-02 | 2006-11-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |