Electricity: conductors and insulators – Boxes and housings – Hermetic sealed envelope type
Reexamination Certificate
1998-06-29
2001-02-06
Kincaid, Kristine (Department: 2831)
Electricity: conductors and insulators
Boxes and housings
Hermetic sealed envelope type
C361S809000, C248S213200, C174S061000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06184462
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for retaining a printed circuit board and, more particularly, to an apparatus for retaining a printed circuit board including a flexible shell structure for enclosing the printed circuit board and mounting it on a frame.
BACKGROUND
Currently, microprocessors are embedded in an increasing variety of devices. Hardware components associated with the microprocessors, such as printed circuit boards, must be placed in a variety of differently sized and shaped locations. Packaging means adaptable for use in a variety of spaces is desired. In spaces that do not allow easy access, packaging means that do not require fasteners is also desired. Further, it is desirable to provide means for insulating the hardware from vibration, shock, and electro-static discharges.
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for retaining a printed circuit board includes a hollow shell structure having an inner slot and an aperture for receiving the printed circuit board and a mounting bracket including a frame portion for receiving the shell structure. A rim extends around the perimeter of the aperture and flexible flanges extend from at least a portion of the rim. The flexible flanges include a neck portion and a lower tab that provide means to retain the shell structure in the mounting bracket. The inner slot is sized to fit snugly around the perimeter of the printed circuit board when the printed circuit board is inserted in the shell structure. The shell structure is constructed of dielectric material that electrically insulates the printed circuit board from electro-static discharge and/or other types of electrical damage or interference, as well as shock and vibrations. The present mounting bracket optionally includes support structure for mounting additional hardware components within a device and a mounting tab for attaching the mounting bracket within a device.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 357947 (1995-05-01), Richer
patent: 4424553 (1984-01-01), Marsocci et al.
patent: 4748441 (1988-05-01), Brzezinski
patent: 5659334 (1997-08-01), Yaniger et al.
patent: 5838551 (1998-11-01), Chan
CTS Corporation Series 105 Pointing Device Technical Data Sheet—developed in 1994; press release Sep. 3, 1996.
Interlink Electronics Micro Joystick Information—Jun. 3, 1996.
Measurement Systems (MS), Minature Joysticks Catalog MJ-81—before 1990.
Measurement Systems (MS), Positioning and Tracking Controls for the Human Operator, Catalog CS 85—before 1990.
Bellur Ashok
Boucher Val G.
Piasse Paul J.
Rector Stephen W.
Caterpillar Inc.
Haverstock Garrett & Roberts
Kincaid Kristine
Ngo Hung V
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