Elongated elastomeric connector and method

Abstract

Recesses are located along an elongated elastomeric member. Electrical contacts are associated with the elastomeric member in registration with the recesses. The elastomeric member expands or compresses along its length to receive one of the closely spaced plates in each of the plurality of recesses and to thereby register the electrical contacts with a corresponding contact point on the plates. The elastomeric strip is confined under compression between two adjacent members which may be parts of two plates or of a single plate. The adjacent members define a recess, including locking protrusions, adapted to resist removal of the connector from within the retention recess unless the elongated elastomeric strip is compressed. An associated method optionally includes allowing the compressed elastomeric strip to push against adjacent members to generate a force which pushes the contact points against the one of the closely spaced plates.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.