Leadless chip socket

Claim 1

A leadless chip socket comprising, a body having a hollow therein, said body having a top having a substantially flat outside top surface, a bottom having a substantially flat bottom surface and sides, said hollow in said body being defined by a relatively flat inside bottom surface and a relatively flat inside top surface, spaced first openings extending through said top from said hollow to the outside of said body, spaced second openings in said bottom and extending from said hollow to the outside of said body, a plurality of accordion pleated springs in said hollow, each said spring being made up of a continuous piece of material of generally uniform cross section, each said piece of material having an intermediate accordion pleated portion and a straight upper end contact member and a straight lower end contact member, each said upper contact member extending upwardly through a said first opening a substantial distance, said lower contact members extending through said second openings in said bottom a substantial distance, a cover having a generally flat bottom surface, means supporting said cover on said body with a space therebetween for receiving a plate-like chip carrier with said upper contact members engaging the lower side of said chip carrier, thereby deflecting said accordion pleated portion of said springs whereby generally uniform force is exerted on said chip carrier, said cover being adapted to swing to an open position with said cover generally perpendicular to said outside top surface whereby a chip carrier can be removed from said space, latch means on said cover for holding said cover in closed position with a chip carrier in said space.