Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical... – For electronic systems and devices
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-22
2001-01-23
Gandhi, Jayprakash N. (Department: 2841)
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...
For electronic systems and devices
C361S800000, C174S034000, C206S719000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06178097
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a Radio Frequency (RF) shield having a removable cover.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In electronic device, selected components need to be shielded from RF interference (RF interference) in order to function properly. A Radio Frequency shield (RF shield) is a protective cover frequently installed in a device over a selected one of the electronic components in order to shield that electronic component from the interfering effects of RF produced by other components in the device. A typical RF shield may be constructed of metal and includes a plurality of sidewalls and an interconnecting top wall defining a generally five-sided enclosure or cavity. The cavity is sized to receive therein the selected electronic component, which is typically mounted on a substrate.
Unfortunately, the shielded electronic component may require maintenance during its service life, or the component may need to be completely replaced in the event of a total failure. In such circumstances, it is desirable to have access to the electronic component without having to completely remove the shield from the substrate. Consequently, RF shields having openable lids or removable covers have been developed. The design and operation of such RF shields varies greatly, with each design having its disadvantages.
Accordingly, there exists a continuing need for an improved RF shield having a removable cover in order to provide access to the electronic component shielded therewithin.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention an RF shield for shielding an electronic component comprises a plurality of sidewalls and an interconnecting top wall, with the sidewalls and the top wall enclosing a cavity adapted to receive therein the electrical component to be shielded. The top wall is constructed of a first thickness and includes a frangible connection generally circumscribing and defining a removable central portion. The frangible connection is defined in part by a plurality of score lines, with each of the score lines having a second thickness less than the first thickness. The frangible connection is severable in response to the application of a force on the central portion, thereby permitting removal of the central portion to form an access opening.
The central portion preferably includes one or more upwardly deflected corner portions defining a tool insertion aperture. Each of the corner portions may be defined by a pair of the score lines intersecting at a vertex. Further, each of the pair of score lines preferably includes an end portion disposed adjacent to the vertex, with each end portion penetrating fully through the first thickness.
A replacement cover or “on-sert” is preferably provided to cover the access opening. The top wall includes a plurality of outer edge portions, with each of the outer edge portions being defined in part by an adjacent one of the score lines. The replacement cover is adapted to engage the outer edge portions to thereby secure the replacement cover over the access opening.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an RF shield is adapted for connection to a substrate, and comprises a plurality of sidewalls and an interconnecting top wall. The sidewalls and the top wall, along with the substrate, form a cavity sized to receive therein an electrical component to be shielded. The top wall has a first thickness and includes a frangible connection generally circumscribing and defining a removable central portion. The frangible connection is defined in part by a plurality of score lines, with each of the score lines having a second thickness less than the first thickness. At least one upwardly deflected portion is formed in the central portion, with the upwardly deflected portion being defined in part by a score line extending fully through the first thickness. The frangible connection may be severed in response to the application of an upward force, such as a prying force, on the central portion, which thereby permits removal of the central portion to form an access opening.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, an RF shield comprises a plurality of sidewalls and an interconnecting top wall, with the sidewalls and the top wall forming a cavity sized to receive therein an electrical component to be shielded. The top wall is constructed of a first thickness and includes a frangible connection generally circumscribing a removable central portion. The frangible connection is defined in part by a plurality of shear lines, with each of the shear lines having a second thickness less than the first thickness. A tool insertion aperture is formed in the central portion, with the tool insertion aperture being defined in part by a score line penetrating fully through the first thickness. The tool insertion aperture is defined in part by an upwardly deflected portion formed in the central portion. The frangible connection and the tool insertion aperture thereby permit the separation of the central portion from the top wall to form an access opening upon the application of an upward prying force caused by a tool inserted into the tool insertion aperture.
According to still another aspect of the invention, an RF shield comprises a sidewall and an interconnecting planar top wall. The sidewall and the top wall form a cavity sized to receive therein an electrical component to be shielded. The top wall has a first thickness and includes a removable central portion being circumscribed by a line of separation. The line of separation is defined by a shear line having a second thickness less than the first thickness. Accordingly, the central portion is removable along the line of separation by applying a prying force, thereby creating an access opening.
These and other advantages and features of the invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following description.
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Dial Tool Industries, Inc.
Gandhi Jayprakash N.
Marshall O'Toole Gerstein Murray & Borun
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