Patent ID: 6115263
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: H05K

Abstract:
Apparatus for retaining a printed circuit board carrier assembly in a mounting position, said printed circuit board carrier assembly including a printed circuit board having a first edge and a plurality of modular device carriers mounted to said printed circuit board along said first edge and having predetermined carrier centerline spacings, wherein said printed circuit board carrier assembly has a predetermined height and said carriers have a frontal portion, said apparatus comprising:a panel having a plurality of openings arranged in at least one row wherein each such opening is defined generally by a top edge, a bottom edge and two side edges, and wherein said panel has an inner housing surface and an outer housing surface, said openings having opening centerline spacings corresponding to said predetermined carrier centerline spacings;at least one lower finger integral with said panel and extending generally orthogonally from said inner surface adjacent to said lower edge of each one of said plurality of openings in said at least one row;at least one upper finger integral with said panel and extending generally orthogonally from said inner surface adjacent to said upper edge of each one of said plurality of openings in said at least one row;said at least one upper and lower fingers being vertically spaced apart substantially by said predetermined height to capture said printed circuit board carrier assembly between said at least one upper and lower fingers when said printed circuit board carrier assembly is disposed in said mounting position.