US6042423A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Alignment adapters for post header
Assignee: Whitaker LLC
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Filing: 1998-01-21
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Granted: 2000-03-28
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Expires: 2018-01-21
Abstract
Abstract A header assembly (10) having an array of posts (12,14) extending through plastic bodies (16,18) with end portions extending beyond opposed header faces for connection with circuits of a pair of parallel, spaced circuit boards. Adapters (40) are securable at ends (32,34) of the assembly that self-secure to end posts (12) and include alignment posts (50) along one face (26), such that after the header assembly has been mounted onto a first circuit board, the alignment posts provide for blindmate alignment with a connector of the second circuit board (or directly with the second circuit board) for board-to-board interconnection.
Inventors
- 👤 Keith McQuilkin Murr
- 👤 John Thomas Larkin, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 07:58
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R12/00; H01R12/70; H01R12/7005; H01R12/50; H01R12/51; H01R12/52; H01R12/7082
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
147 words
An unshrouded header assembly comprising: a header subassembly having an array of elongate posts secured to a pair of transverse spaced-apart plastic bodies, said posts having opposed end portions extending beyond respective said plastic bodies and defining opposing first and second connection faces, with end posts located at opposed header ends; and an adapter at and along each said header end, each said adapter including a body section having first and second ends with an alignment post extending from said second end thereof, said body section including fastening projections proximate said first and second ends, said fastening projections extending toward said header subassembly and being self-securable to said end posts at a respective said header end upon assembly in a direction transverse to said end posts and immediately adjacent said plastic bodies, whereby said adapters provide for alignment with a mating connector along said second connection face.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
147 words
An unshrouded header assembly comprising: a header subassembly having an array of elongate posts secured to a pair of transverse spaced-apart plastic bodies, said posts having opposed end portions extending beyond respective said plastic bodies and defining opposing first and second connection faces, with end posts located at opposed header ends; and an adapter at and along each said header end, each said adapter including a body section having first and second ends with an alignment post extending from said second end thereof, said body section including fastening projections proximate said first and second ends, said fastening projections extending toward said header subassembly and being self-securable to said end posts at a respective said header end upon assembly in a direction transverse to said end posts and immediately adjacent said plastic bodies, whereby said adapters provide for alignment with a mating connector along said second connection face.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The header assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said fastening projections extend along inner surfaces of said plastic bodies.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
The header assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein each said fastening projection includes a post-receiving groove for each said end post and extending toward said body section from a post-proximate end.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The header assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein said post-receiving grooves include widened entrances having angled surfaces facilitating receipt of respective said end posts thereinto during assembly.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The header assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein said post-receiving grooves include inner end portions that form a force-fit with respective said end posts upon assembly of a said adapter with said header subassembly.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
The header assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein said post-receiving grooves include retention embossments that snap about a respective said end post upon seating thereof within said inner end portion of a respective said groove.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The header assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein each said fastening projection includes two said grooves, where said header subassembly has two rows of said posts.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
The header assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first ends of said adapters include locating posts extending therefrom for receipt into respective mounting holes of a circuit board.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
38 words
The header assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first ends of said adapters include buttresses extending laterally from opposed sides thereof to stabilize the header assembly on a circuit board along said first connection face.
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) | 2003-03-28 | 2003-09-27 | 2004-03-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-03-28 | 2007-09-27 | 2008-03-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-03-28 | 2011-09-27 | 2012-03-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |