US5971817A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Contact spring for a plug-in connector
Assignee: TE Connectivity Solutions GmbH
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Filing: 1998-03-27
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Granted: 1999-10-26
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Expires: 2018-03-27
Abstract
Abstract A contact spring for a plug-in connector includes spring legs (2,3) which are disposed and constructed in such a way that they are capable of exerting a compressive force from opposite sides on a contact blade (20) inserted in between and of thereby establishing contact with the contact blade. The spring legs (2,3) are disposed laterally offset with respect to each other in such a way that they do not overlap each other in the respective directions of compressive force.
Inventors
- 👤 Jacques Longueville
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 23:44
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/02; H01R13/10; H01R13/11; H01R13/112; H01R13/113
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
141 words
A contact spring for a plug-in connector, comprising: a common supporting portion having a first region and a second region laterally offset from said second region, said common portion having a substantially Z-like staggered shape, said first region and said second region forming opposite ends of said substantially Z-like staggered shape; and spring legs including a first spring leg extending from said first region of said common supporting portion, and a second spring leg extending from said second region of said common supporting portion; said spring legs disposed and constructed for contacting a contact blade inserted between said spring legs and for exerting a compressive force in given respective directions from opposite sides upon the contact blade, and said spring legs extending mutually laterally offset for preventing a mutual overlap of said spring legs in said respective directions of compressive force.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
141 words
A contact spring for a plug-in connector, comprising: a common supporting portion having a first region and a second region laterally offset from said second region, said common portion having a substantially Z-like staggered shape, said first region and said second region forming opposite ends of said substantially Z-like staggered shape; and spring legs including a first spring leg extending from said first region of said common supporting portion, and a second spring leg extending from said second region of said common supporting portion; said spring legs disposed and constructed for contacting a contact blade inserted between said spring legs and for exerting a compressive force in given respective directions from opposite sides upon the contact blade, and said spring legs extending mutually laterally offset for preventing a mutual overlap of said spring legs in said respective directions of compressive force.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The contact spring according to claim 1, wherein said spring legs each have one end connected to said common supporting portion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The contact spring according to claim 1, wherein said spring legs are elongate elements with a relatively large width and a comparatively small thickness.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The contact spring according to claim 3, wherein said spring legs have mutually facing broad sides inclined toward each other.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The contact spring according to claim 4, wherein said spring legs have free ends and lateral projections each widening said broad side at a respective one of said free ends.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
57 words
The contact spring according to claim 5, wherein said lateral projections are each constructed to be guided and held in a guide slot in a spring chamber of a plug-in connector housing associated with the contact spring, with said free end of a respective one of said spring legs bearing against a wall of the spring chamber.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
39 words
The contact spring according to claim 2, wherein said spring legs are inclined initially in said respective direction of compressive force and are then inclined counter to said respective direction of compressive force, starting from said common supporting portion.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-10-25 | 2003-04-26 | 2003-10-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-10-25 | 2007-04-26 | 2007-10-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-10-25 | 2011-04-26 | 2011-10-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |