Abstract: A high contact force, high elastic response range pin-receiving electrical contact is provided in a pin-receiving contact including a base portion and a pair of spaced apart cantilever beams which extend forwardly from the base to a pin-receiving end. A pair of inwardly directed contact surfaces are defined on each cantilever beam facing the opposed beam for slideably, electrically engaging an inserted pin terminal. In accordance with the invention, a resilient beam support member extends from and interconnects the pin-receiving ends of the cantilevered beams. The resilient beam support member provides a significantly improvement in the elastic response range of the pin-receiving contact by enabling each cantilevered beam to endure a greater outward displacement before a minimum yield in the beam occurs while providing a greater normal force against the pin.

Abstract: A low profile shielded jack is provided with a shield disposed substantially entirely within the nonconductive housing of the jack. The shield comprises a plurality of peripheral walls dimensioned to closely engage the internal walls of the plug receiving cavity in the jack housing. The peripheral walls include a plurality of inwardly extending spring contacts for electrically engaging the shield on a plug. The shield further comprises board contact structures for extending into electrical contact with a ground on the board. The housing of the jack is provided with slots for receiving the board contact structures of the shield. The slots are disposed to enable the shield to be slidably inserted into the plug receiving cavity from the mating face of the jack.