Importance

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Abstract

A connector assembly includes a floatable mounting apparatus that enables the connector assembly to correct for misalignment between mounting structures. The connector assembly also includes a connector housing having peripheral surfaces with an outer contour shaped to loosely fit in an inner contour of a mounting structure, such as a card, panel, circuit board, bulk head, rack assembly and the like. The connector housing is slidably inserted into the opening through the mounting structure. A chamber is provided in the connector housing adapted to securely retain contacts. At least one latch beam is formed with the connector housing and aligned to engage the mounting structure. A float gap is located between the inner contour of the opening through the mounting structure and the outer contour of the connector housing to enable relative movement therebetween. Guide pins are provided on a receptacle connector and guide pockets are provided on a plug connector to facilitate alignment therebetween during a mating operation. At least one of the receptacle and plug connectors are provided with a pattern of contact receiving cavities therein, in which the cavities are formed in staggered overlapping rows to afford a compact connector envelope while enabling large blades and large wire gauges to be used.

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First Claim