Metal working – Means to assemble or disassemble – Overedge assembling means
Reexamination Certificate
1997-11-21
2001-01-30
Rosenbaum, I Cuda (Department: 3726)
Metal working
Means to assemble or disassemble
Overedge assembling means
C029S243500, C029S278000, C029S270000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06178611
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention is directed toward an apparatus for installing and removing a mechanical clip, and more specifically for installing and removing a clip having two opposing securing members connected to an intermediate member.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Heat sinks are used to dissipate heat from CPUs, memory devices and other electronic components. One conventional method for attaching the heat sink to an electronic component is to use RIV screws or other self-tapping screws. The screws are installed and removed using an Allen wrench in a conventional manner. One difficulty with RIV screws and similar attachment means is that the wrenches used to install and remove the screws may be difficult to maneuver, particular near the heat sink fins. As a result, the user may lose control of the screws and/or the wrench while installing or removing the screws. The screws may be difficult to retrieve from between the fins of the heat sink, or may become lodged in the electronic component, potentially damaging the component if they are not removed.
One method for avoiding the above drawbacks is to removably clip the heat sink to the electronic component with a unitary heat sink clip. The clip includes two opposing securing members which engage the component and which are connected to an intermediate member. The clip clamps the heat sink and the component between the intermediate member and the securing members. One drawback of the unitary heat sink clip is the difficulty in installing and removing it. To install the clip, a user must generally simultaneously manipulate two screw drivers to spread apart the securing members of the clip prior to attaching the clip. Then, while holding the clip in a spread-apart position, the user may be required to exert considerable downward force to engage the clip with the heat sink and the component to which the heat sink is attached. The user may lose control of one or both of the screwdrivers during either of the above steps, making installation of the clip difficult. Furthermore, if the user loses control of the screwdrivers while exerting a downward force on the clip, he may cause the screwdrivers to slip and damage either the heat sink or the component to which the heat sink is attached. Screwdrivers must often be manipulated in a similar manner to remove the clip if it becomes necessary to do so after installation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an apparatus for installing and removing a retaining clip. The retaining clip has first and second spaced apart and opposing securing members. Each securing member is connected to and movable relative to an intermediate member. In one embodiment, each securing member also has a tab portion projecting away therefrom and the tool comprises a first engaging member having an engaging portion with a first aperture therein sized and shaped to releasably engage the tab portion of the first securing member. The tool further comprises a second engaging member having an engaging portion with a second aperture therein sized and shaped to releasably engage the tab portion of the second securing member. A guide structure is coupled to the first and second engaging members and allows the engaging portion of at least one of the engaging members to move along a motion path toward and away from the engaging portion of the other of the engaging members.
In one embodiment, the guide structure comprises a pivot member positioned intermediate the first and second engaging members. The first engaging member is pivotable about a first axis relative to the pivot member and the second engaging member is pivotable about second axis relative to the pivot member which is different than the first axis.
In another embodiment, the first engaging member is pivotally connected to the second engaging member. Each engaging member is elongated and has a handle portion at one end adapted to be engaged by a user's hand and an engaging portion at an opposite end adapted to engage one of the securing members of the retaining clip.
In yet a further embodiment, the guide structure comprises at least one guide member. At least one of the first and second engaging members is slidable toward and away from the other of the first and second engaging members along the guide member. The first and second engaging members may be biased away from each other or the tool may further comprise a driving member which extends between the engaging members to move at least one of the engaging members toward and away from the other engaging member.
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Blount Steve
Cuda Rosenbaum I
Micron Electronics Inc.
Perkins Coie LLP
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