Appeal No. 2003-1192 Page 2
Application No. 09/660,888
INTRODUCTION
The claims in this and the related application are each directed to a receptacle connector.
In the related application on appeal, Appellants claim the combination of the insulative housing
of the connector with an overlying metal shell member. In the instant application, the claims
further limit the connector to one with a retainer shield in addition to the insulative housing and
metal shell member.
Claim 17 is illustrative of the subject matter on appeal:
17. A receptacle connector for providing electrical connection between an opposing plug
connector with a circuit board, the opposing connector having an insertion end for mating with
the receptacle of said connector, comprising:
an insulative housing, the connector housing supporting a plurality of conductive
terminals, the connector housing having distinct top and bottom wall portions defining an
interior receptacle in which said terminals are supported, the receptacle being sized to receive
said plug connector insertion end when said plug connector is mated to said receptacle
connector, the housing not having any sidewalls interconnecting the top and bottom wall
portions together;
a retainer shield for shielding a portion of said connector housing and for engaging a
plurality of exterior surfaces of said plug connector insertion end, the retainer shield including a
body portion that is bent to overlie at least three distinct sides of said connector housing, said
retainer shield further including at least two retention members formed therewith and projecting
into said connector housing interior receptacle, said two retention members being oriented in
distinct vertical horizontal planes so as to exert a retaining force from two different directions on
two different surfaces of said plug connector insertion end when inserted into said receptacle,
and
a metal shell extending partially over the retainer shield, the retainer shield being retained
in its place upon the housing by the metal shell.
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Last modified: November 3, 2007