Abstract: A printer frame assembly having snap-together parts includes a base member, two side frame members, resilient cushions and an impact platen. The base member has locating receptacles to position the side frame members and interlocking flexure latches to snap-lock with corresponding locking surfaces located on the two side frame members. The interlocking flexure latches provide a bias to align the side frame members in a front-to-back direction and lateral alignment channels to prevent lateral displacement. The resilient cushions are positioned between the bottoms of the side frame members and the base member to urge the interlocking flexure latches and locking surfaces into secure engagement and to eliminate any clearances between the side frame members and the base member. The impact platen serves as a structural member of the frame and is positioned intermediate the two side frame members.

Abstract: The invention is a zero insertion force printed circuit board edge connector that ensures electrical connection under a worst-case accumulation of mechanical tolerances while precluding the short circuiting of connector contact pins in the absence of a board within the connector. The contact pins of the connector are formed so that the contact regions of the contact pins lie in at least two horizontal planes. The longer pins located on one side of the connector are located opposite the shorter pins on the other side of the connector. When the connector is actuated in the absence of a printed circuit board, the short pins will move under the opposing long pins but the pins will not short circuit. During actuation, the pins will move more than half way across the connector opening thereby guaranteeing connection to any card regardless of dimensional tolerance or of card position within the connector opening.