The Whitaker Corporation

Donnie B Collins

Warren A Bates

Robert D Irlbeck

An electrical connector comprises a dielectric housing having a slot and an elastomeric connector of uniform width disposed in the slot. The slot has a primary section with a width dimensioned such that the elastomeric connector is held relatively loosely in the primary section, and a reduced width section wherein the elastomeric connector is held relatively securely by an interference fit,

Retention of elastomeric connector in a housing

This invention is directed to an improved elastomeric connector. The connector typically includes an elongated elastomeric core, having a substantially uniform cross section throughout its length, and a flexible film having electrical circuitry thereon for electrically interconnecting a pair of members having complementary electrical circuitry on its surface. The flexible film is wrapped about and supported by the elastomeric core to form the connector. In use the connector may be subjected to a compressive force to effect the electrical interconnection. The improved feature hereof is the provision of the wrapped and supported film defining a predetermined planar area, and that the area of the elastomeric core within the planar area is no more than about 90% of the planar area. The elastomeric core may assume a variety of regular or irregular cross sections under the guidelines of this invention, provided, however, there is sufficient peripheral support to the overlying flexible film at the location(s) for electrically interconnecting to the planar electronic devices.

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King, NC, United States of America

Donnie B Collins