Connection device and method for connecting printed circuit boards oriented in non-parallel planes

A circuit board connection device and method for use in an assembly having a first portion and a second portion, wherein a first circuit board is contained within the first portion of the assembly and a second circuit board is contained within the second portion of the assembly. A flat cable is connected to the second circuit board. The flat cable is flexible, yet is rigid enough to support its own weight. Consequently, the flat cable extends upwardly from surface second circuit board and terminates at a free end. A flat cable connector is provided on the first circuit board. The flat cable connector is sized to receive the free end of the flat cable. An alignment collar is placed over the flat cable connector. The alignment collar receives the free end of the flat cable and guides the free end of the flat cable into the flat cable connector as the first portion of the assembly is assembled to the second portion of the assembly. If the free end of the flat cable is not aligned with the flat cable connector, the alignment collar realigns the flat cable to the proper orientation.