Zero insertion force connector clip assembly

Claim 1

A zero insertion force electrical connector clip for connecting spaced-apart film conductors on a film to spaced-apart circuit board conductors on a circuit board, said zero insertion force electrical connector clip being of the type comprising a stamped and formed member having a rectangular clip bar, said clip bar having oppositely directed first and second major surfaces, having mounting and supporting means extending from the ends thereof and having first and second side edges extending between said ends, and a plurality of spaced apart cantilever springs extending from said first side edge, said springs having spring arm portions and having bearing portions on said spring arm portions which are between said mounting means and are spaced from said first major surfaces, said clip being characterized in that: said springs extend from said bearing portions towards said clip bar and beyond said second major surface of said clip bar, said springs having free end portions which are proximate to said second major surface, and spring lifting means on said second major surface extending between said free ends of said springs and said second major surface, said lifting means comprising a member movably mounted relative to said clip bar and effective upon movement to move said free ends away from said second major surface whereby, upon mounting said clip on said circuit board in straddling relationship to said circuit board conductors, said bearing portions of said springs will bear against said circuit board conductors, and said springs can be lifted from said circuit board by said lifting means to permit positioning of said film beneath said springs whereby upon return of said springs to their normal positions, said film conductors will be pressed against said circuit board conductors by said springs.