Method of using a flat flexible cable connector

Abstract

This invention results from the realization that a multiple conductor cable connector can be made more compact than previously available connectors by using a more narrow contact for each conductor in the cable, can be made more convenient by enabling all conductors contained in the cable to be connected with a single user motion, and can connect to cable without damaging the mechanical or electrical integrity of the cable conductors. This invention is an electrical connector for connecting multiple conductor cable, ideally flat flexible cable. The contacts are positioned substantially in parallel with each other and are located at least partially within the base of the electrical connector. Each contact has at least one cutting edge. The cutting edge is preferably a part of the contact with a sharp edge capable of removing insulation from flat flexible cable. The final part of the electrical connector, in its broadest form, is an actuator, interlockable with the base, for pressing the cable against the multiple contacts, which causes the insulation to be removed from the cable.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.