Cover for electronic components and method of using same during component assembly

A cover connectable to an electric component is provided for assisting a tool in assembling the electrical component to another structure. The cover includes a body section configured to form a vacuum seal with a tool and a component retention member connected to the body section for releasably securing the body section to an electrical component. The component retention member may include a release arm normally biased toward an electrical component and deflectable away from an electrical component. The component retention member may further include a catch surface configured to be secured to a bottom of an electric component to retain the body section on an electric component. The component retention member may also include a stop beam that extends from an end of the body section at an acute angle to the top surface and is configured maintain an electrical component a desired distance from the body section.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a cover for transporting and protecting electronic components. More particularly, certain embodiments of the present invention relate to a removable cover securable to a socket for transporting the socket during assembly to a motherboard where the socket is soldered to the motherboard.

Electronic sockets are small, fragile devices including hundreds or thousands of metal pins secured within a body. Electronic sockets may easily be damaged or contaminated when handled, manipulated, or transported. Airborne dust and debris also pose a threat to the integrity of sockets. Manufacturers of electronic circuits often buy sockets configured to be soldered to motherboards. A motherboard is a printed circuit board with an interconnecting assembly to which other electronic components may be connected. Because the sockets are so sensitive, the sockets are difficult to transport and position on a motherboard by hand. Therefore, manufacturers prefer to use tools to transport and position sockets. However, even using machines to handle sockets does not eliminate the risk of damaging the socket.

In order to address the problems of handling and transporting an electronic socket, some socket cover devices have been proposed to both protect a socket and facilitate transportation of a socket. For example, a Mylar tape or film has been used as a socket cover by applying the tape to the top of a socket, covering the pins and body. The tape protects the socket from airborne contaminants and contact with any other entities. The tape also allows for the socket to be transported. An automated socket manipulation tool may be used to carry and move the socket and tape cover so as to position the socket onto a motherboard. The vacuum tool attaches to the socket by forming a vacuum seal with the tape cover which is, in turn, adhered to the socket. Once the socket is soldered to the motherboard, the tape is then removed from the socket.

The Mylar tape cover suffers from several drawbacks. First, the tape does not provide a rigid surface. Because the tape is extremely thin and pliable, the tape may sag and expose the socket pins or easily be indented or punctured so as to cause damage to the socket pins. Also, the pliable nature of the tape prevents the tape from forming a strong vacuum seal with the socket manipulation tool as air seeps through indentations and punctures in the tape. Therefore, the use of a tape cover increases the risk that the vacuum between the tape and a socket manipulation tool could be interrupted during transportation, causing the socket to fall from the tool.

Secondly, the tape is difficult to remove from the socket. It is time consuming to loosen a corner or side of the tape from the surface of the socket and then grip the corner or side of the tape for removal. The removal process is inconvenient and causes the socket to be manipulated in various directions. The force of the manipulations may damage the socket itself or the soldered joints that connects the socket to the motherboard. The tape also requires a significant amount of force be applied before it can be removed from the surface of the socket. The force used to remove the tape may damage the socket or the solder connection between the socket and the motherboard.

Finally, the adhesive on the tape may leave a residue on the socket. The residue may retain passing airborne contaminants, cause the sockets to be sticky, or seep into the sockets and contaminate or damage the socket pins.

In addition to tape, a hardcover has been proposed. The cover is H-shaped and is snappably connected to a socket. The H-shaped cover comprises two long thin rectangular covers connected to each other by a thin rectangular bar. The entire H-shaped cover is molded as one piece. The H-shaped cover includes an underside that comprises grooves. The H-shaped cover is built to conform to a particular electronic component having ridges in its top side. The H-shaped cover may be positioned over the electronic component so that the grooves may be “snapped” onto the ridges of the electronic component thus connecting the electronic component to the H-shaped cover. Once the H-shaped cover is snapped on to the electronic component, the H-shaped cover may be used to transport the electronic component. The H-shaped cover may be removed from the electronic component by pulling on the H-shaped cover until the grooves disengage from the ridges and the H-shaped cover thus “snaps” off of the electronic component.

However, the H-shaped cover contains drawbacks as well. For example, the H-shaped cover is extremely small and the H-shaped cover cannot be effectively molded in a larger size. Therefore, the H-shaped cover may only be used with electronic components of a similar small size. Electronic components that are larger require a larger cover other than an H-shaped cover. Secondly, removing the H-shaped cover requires a significant amount of force to disengage the ridges of the electronic component from the grooves of the H-shaped cover. The force needed to remove the H-shaped cover may damage the electronic component or anything attached to the electronic component.

Thus a need has long existed for an electronic component cover that is rigid and that may be secured to and removed from an electronic component without damaging the electronic component.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with at least one embodiment, a cover connectable to an electronic component is provided for assisting in automated assembly of the electronic component to another structure. The cover includes a body section having a top surface configured to form a vacuum seal with a tool and a component retention member connected to the body section for releasably securing the body section to an electronic component. The component retention member includes a release arm normally biased toward an electronic component positioned under the body of the cover. The release arm is deflectable in a second direction opposite to, and away from, an electronic component positioned under the body of the cover in order to release an electronic component. The release arm is oriented at a retention angle to, and extending downward from, the top surface. The component retention member includes a lever extending upward from the top surface. The component retention member also includes a catch surface configured to be secured to a bottom of an electronic component to retain the body section on the electric component. The component release member may include a release arm that is formed with and bent downward from the body section. The release arm has a lower ledge bent inward to hold an electronic component when the release arm is in a normally biased position. The release arm extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the body section and normally, in an unbiased position, forms an angle approximately ninety degrees with the top surface. The release arm is deflectable to an obtuse angle with respect to the body section to release the electronic component.

Optionally, the cover may include a stop beam that extends from an end of the body section at an acute angle close to 90 degrees to the top surface. The stop beam is configured to engage an electrical component under the body section and hold an electrical component a desired distance from the body section. The body section may be injection molded with opposite ends molded integral with end walls of the component retention member. The end walls extend in a direction transverse to a plane containing the top surface. The end walls extend laterally along opposite ends of the body section.

Optionally, the component retention member may include a release beam oriented parallel to a plane containing the body section. The release beam extends laterally along an end of the body section. The component retention member may be formed integral with an end of the body section. The top surface is rigid and planar to facilitate the formation of a vacuum seal. The cover includes an end flange that extends away from a peripheral edge of the body section. The end flange is configured to prevent the movement in at least one direction of an upper end of an electrical component parallel to the top surface.

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1illustrates an isometric view of an electronic component cover10formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The cover10includes a body12that is generally of a uniform rectangular planar shape. The body12includes a top surface14and a bottom surface15. The body12has lateral side edges18and end edges20. The body12is formed of a rigid material to enable and facilitate the formation of a vacuum seal between a socket manipulating tool (generally denoted by dashed lines17) and the top surface14. Optionally, only the portion of the top surface14adapted to engage the tool17may be planar, while the remainder of the top surface14may be contoured. The cover10may be stamped and formed from a single sheet of material, such as a metal sheet and the like. The overall size and shape of the cover10may be as large or small as desired depending upon the electronic component to which it is intended to be attached. As the size of the cover10increases, the thickness of the body12may be increased to afford added support. The bottom surface15is configured to enclose (and may optionally fit against) an electronic component19. The body12includes two side flanges22that may be formed integral with the body12, curve downward away from the top surface14and extend in a direction generally perpendicular to the top surface14. The side flanges22are provided along a majority of the length of the side edges18. The side flanges22are located opposite from each other on the body12. The side flanges22are configured to enclose the side walls23of an electronic component19secured to the cover10.

The cover10includes four end flanges24. The end flanges24may be formed integral with the body12, curve downward away from the top surface14, and extend in a direction generally perpendicular to the top14. The end flanges24are positioned at opposite ends of the body12and are generally perpendicular to the side flanges22. The end flanges24extend across portions of the end edges20, but do not extend to the corners21where the end edges20and side edges18interconnect. Preferably, a set of two end flanges24is situated on each end edge20. The end flanges24are configured to enclose the end walls25of an electronic component19secured to the cover10.

The cover10includes an alignment dimple26that is a slight protrusion in the top surface14of the body12to facilitate the correct alignment of the electronic component19secured to the cover10and a motherboard (not shown) when the cover10and tool17are used to position the electrical component19on a motherboard.

The cover10includes two component retention members28formed with and extending generally perpendicularly downward from the end edges20. While the illustrated component retention members28are located opposite one another on opposite ends of the cover10, they may be positioned elsewhere. Optionally, only one or more than two component retention members28may be used. Each opposing component retention member28is situated between a set of two end flanges24along one of the end edges20. The component retention members28secure the electronic component19to the cover10.

FIGS. 2 and 3illustrate a side view of the cover10and the component retention member28in more detail. The cover10includes two rectangular release arms30. The release arms30are formed with, and curve downward away from, the body12in a direction generally perpendicular to the body12similarly to the end flanges24. The release arms30extend a distance Dr downward from the bottom surface15, while the end and side flanges24and22extend a distance Df downward from the bottom surface15. Each release arm30is positioned in the center of one of the end edges20between two end flanges24and located opposite another release arm30. The release arms30are normally biased to a position (as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3) generally perpendicular (or at a slight acute angle) to the bottom surface15of the body12. Alternatively, the release arms30may normally rest at an acute or obtuse angle to the bottom surface15depending upon the contour of the electronic component19. The release arm30shown inFIG. 3is deflectable in the direction of arrow A away from the body12when the electronic component19(FIG. 1) is being attached to the cover10or released from the cover10. Each release arm30includes at least one hook-shaped catch32that is formed on a lower end of the release arm30. The catches32bend inward toward one another and have catch surfaces33that extend generally parallel to the bottom surface15. Each catch32may be oriented opposite another catch32across the body12. The catches32are configured to encase the electronic component19when the release arms30return to their normally undeflected position thereby enclosing the electronic component19.

The cover10also includes two generally rectangular release levers34that are formed integral with, and extend upward from, the release arms30to a point above the top surface14. The release levers34are oriented opposite each other across the body12. The release levers34shown inFIG. 3is deflectable in the direction of arrow B. When one or both of the release levers34are deflected toward each other, the corresponding release arms30are deflected away from each other in order that the electronic component19may be positioned between the release arms30or released from the cover10. The release levers34include rectangular grip aids36that are formed with the release levers34and curve out at the top of the release levers34in a direction away from the body12. The grip aids36improve the grip of the operator on the release levers34when the operator deflects the release levers34. As illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3, the release levers34normally rest in a position generally perpendicular to the body12. The release levers34are oriented to lie in the same plane as the release arms30. Alternatively, the release levers34may be angled to normally lie at an acute or obtuse angle to the release arms30.

The cover10includes rectangular stop beams38that are formed integral with and extend downward from the end flanges24. The end flanges24slightly deflect in toward the bottom surface15. The stop beams38may be positioned on both sides of the release arms30and release levers34. The stop beams38include securing ends40spaced a distance Ds below the bottom surface15. The stop beams38are located on opposite ends of the body12. The stop beams38ensure that an electronic component19is not positioned any closer to the bottom surface15than the vertical distance Ds. The stop beams38and the release arms30define a vertical extend42there between that is measured as the distance between the catches32and the securing ends40. The electronic component19is positioned within the vertical extent42when the electronic component is secured under the cover10.

Each stop beam38extends in a direction forming an acute angle with a plane of a corresponding release arm30. The stop beams38may be flexed slightly with respect to the release arms30. The securing ends40of the stop beams38continue to engage the top of an electronic component19even when the release arms30are deflected away from each other to retain the electronic component19away from the body12.

An operator or automatic tool17(FIG. 1) may secure the cover10to the electronic component19by applying pressure, causing the release levers34to deflect inward toward each other and toward the body12. As the release levers34are deflected inward, the release arms30are deflected away from each other and the body12. When the release arms30are deflected away from each other, the electronic component19may be positioned under the cover10with the sides of the electronic component19aligned with the side flanges22until the top of the electronic component19abuts against the securing ends40of the stop beams38. When the operator releases the pressure on the release levers34, the release levers34are returned to their unbiased positions generally perpendicular to the top surface14. As the release levers34are moved back to unbiased positions, the release arms30are likewise moved back to unbiased positions perpendicular to the top surface14. As the release arms30are returned to unbiased positions, the catches32extending from the release arms30slide under the electronic component19. When the release levers34and release arms30are completely returned to their normal resting positions, the electronic component19is held between the securing ends40and the catches32within the vertical extent42. The electronic component19is also pinched end-wise between the release arms30. The electronic component19is thus secured to the cover10. The securing ends40, catches32, and release arms30contact a very small portion of the electronic component19.

The tool17may then be used to form a vacuum with the top surface14of the cover10. The cover10and electronic component19may then be transported by use of the tool17to another structure, such as a motherboard, where the electronic component19is soldered to the motherboard. The electronic component19may be released from the cover10by applying pressure to the release levers34so that the release arms30are deflected outward away from the electronic component19. As the release arms30are deflected away from the electronic component19, the catches32move out from under and release the electronic component19.

FIG. 4illustrates an isometric view of an electronic component cover50formed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The cover50includes a body52that is generally of a uniform rectangular planar shape. The body52includes a top surface54, a bottom surface55, end edges58, and side edges60. The body52is formed of a rigid material to enable and facilitate the formation of a vacuum seal between a socket manipulating tool (generally denoted by dashed lines57) and the top surface54. Optionally, only the portion of the top surface54adapted to engage the tool57may be planar, while the remainder of the top surface54may be contoured. The bottom surface55is configured to be located over and enclose an electronic component59.

The cover50includes two component retention members62formed with and extending generally perpendicularly downward from the end edges58. While the illustrated component retention members62are located opposite one another on opposite ends of the cover50, they may be positioned elsewhere. Optionally, only one or more than two component retention members62may be used. The component retention members62secure the electronic component59to the cover50.

FIG. 5illustrates a top plan view of the cover50of FIG.4. The body52includes generally narrow rectangular apertures64positioned along each of the end edges58where the component retention members62meet the body52. The apertures64are oriented in a row alongside each end edge58, and the opposed sets of apertures64are located opposite each other across the body52. The apertures64are used when molding the cover50.

FIG. 6illustrates a cutaway view of an end section of the cover50ofFIG. 5taken along section line6—6in FIG.5. The cover50includes similar structure on both ends. As shown inFIG. 6, a generally rectangular release arm66is formed with and extends downward from the end edge58away from the body52and oriented opposite the other release arm66and positioned generally perpendicular to the body52. The release arm66shown inFIG. 6is deflectable in the direction of arrow C away from the other release arm66so that the release arms66may be manipulated to enclose or release the electronic component59. Each release arm66includes an interior side68that faces in the direction of the opposing release arm66and a bottom side70that faces downward away from the bottom surface55.

Each release arm66includes a rectangular stop projection72that is formed with and extends inward from the interior side68. Each stop projection72includes a securing surface74facing downward away from the bottom surface55. The stop projections72prevent the electronic component59from contacting the bottom surface55by spacing the electronic component59a distance Ds from the bottom surface55. The stop projections72also are configured to secure the top of the electronic component59when the release arms66remain in an undeflected position and retain the electronic component59under the body52.

Each release beam66also includes a wedge-shaped catch76formed with and extending generally inward from the interior side68. The catches76are located proximate the bottom end70of each release arm66. The catches76are located a distance Dr below the bottom surface55. Each catch76includes a securing topside78forming an obtuse angle with the interior side68of the release arm66and generally facing toward the bottom surface55. The catches76are configured to engage the underside of the electronic component59when the release arms66are in an undeflected position and retain the electronic component59under the body52. The electronic component19is held in a gap80between the catches76and the stop projections72.

An operator or automatic tool57(FIG. 4) may secure the cover50to an electronic component59by positioning the cover50over, and pressing downward onto, the electronic component59so that the release arms66press against the electronic component59and are deflected away from each other. As the release arms66are deflected, the catches76slide under the electronic component59so that the electronic component59is held against the securing surfaces74of the stop projections72between the catches76and the stop projections72within the gap80. The securing surfaces74, catches76, and release arms66contact a very small portion of the electronic component59.

The tool57(FIG. 4) may then be used to form a vacuum with the top surface54of the cover50. The cover50and the electronic component59may then be transported by use of the tool57to another structure, such as a motherboard, where the electronic component59is soldered to the motherboard. The electronic component59may be released from the cover50by pulling the cover50away from the electronic component59causing the catches76to slide out from under the electronic component59and the release arms66to be deflected outward away from each other and away from the electronic component59. As the release arms30are deflected away from the electronic component59and the catches76move out from under and the electronic component59, the electronic component59is released.

FIG. 7illustrates an isometric view of an electronic component cover100formed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The cover100includes a body102that is generally of a uniform rectangular planar shape. The body102includes a top surface104, a bottom surface105, end edges108, and side edges110. The body102is formed of a rigid material to enable and facilitate the formation of a vacuum seal between a socket manipulating tool (generally denoted by dashed lines107) and the top surface104. Optionally, only the portion of the top surface104adapted to engage the tool107may be planar, while the remainder of the top surface104may be contoured. The bottom surface105is configured to be located over and enclose an electronic component109.

The cover100includes four rectangular support ledges112and two component retention members114. The support ledges112are formed integral with and extend from the side edges110along the top surface104. The support ledges112extend across portions of the side edges110, but do not extend to the corners113where the side edges110and end edges108interconnect. Preferably, a set of two support ledges112is situated on each side edge110. The support ledges112support the component retention members114.

The component retention members114are formed with, and extend generally perpendicularly downward from, the two support ledges112. While the illustrated component retention members114are located opposite one another on opposite ends of the cover100, they may be positioned elsewhere. Optionally, only one or more than two component retention members114may be used. The component retention members114secure the electronic component109to the cover100.

The cover100includes two release arms116having generally rectangular wall segments118connected together by bowed, generally rectangular retention strips120. The release arms116are formed with, and extend downward away from, the support ledges112in a direction generally perpendicular to the support ledges112. The release arms116are located opposite each other. The retention strips120curve inward toward the side edges110. The release arms116are normally biased to a position (as shown inFIG. 7) generally perpendicular (or at a slight acute angle) to the bottom surface105of the body102. Alternatively, the release arms may normally rest at an acute or obtuse angle to the bottom surface105depending upon the contour of the electronic component109. The left release arm123is deflectable in the direction of arrow D away from the body102and the right release arm125is deflectable in the direction of arrow E away from the body152when the electronic component109is being attached to the cover100or released from the cover100. The retention strips120frictionally engage and retain an electronic component109positioned between the release arms116. The release arms116include interior sides122that face toward each other and bottom sides124that face in the direction downward away from the bottom surface105.

FIG. 8illustrates a top plan view of the cover100of FIG.7. The support ledges112include generally rectangular molding apertures126. The molding apertures126are oriented in a row alongside each side edge108, and the opposed sets of molding apertures126are located opposite each other across the body102. The molding apertures126are used when molding the cover100. The body102includes two square component retention member rests128that are formed with and extend from the side edge110away from the body102. The component retention member rests128are positioned between the support ledges112on the side edges110opposite each other. The component retention member rests128prevent the component retention members114from being deflected toward the side edges110so that the component retention members114contact the side edges110. Also, the component retention members114are pivoted about the component retention member rests128when the component retention members114are deflected toward each other.

FIG. 9illustrates a side view of the component retention members114ofFIG. 7in greater detail. Each release arm116includes two rectangular stop projections132that are formed with, and extend inward from, the interior sides122of the wall segments118. Each stop projection114includes a securing surface134facing downward away from the bottom surface105. The stop projections132prevent the electronic component109(FIG. 7) from contacting the bottom surface105by spacing the electronic component109a distance Ds from the bottom surface105. The stop projections132also are configured to secure the top of the electronic component109when the release arms116remain in an undeflected position and retain the electronic component109under the body102.

The cover100includes two generally rectangular release levers136that are formed integral with, and extend upward from, the release arms116to a point above the top surface104. The release levers136are oriented opposite each other across the body102. The left release lever135is deflectable in the direction of arrow F toward the body102and the right release lever137is deflectable in the direction of arrow G toward the body102, but the release levers136may only be deflected to the point where the release levers136engage the component retention member rests128(FIG.8). When one or both of the release levers136are deflected toward each other, the corresponding release arms116are deflected in the direction of their respective arrows in order that the electronic component109may be positioned between the release arms116or released from the cover100. The release levers136include triangular grip aids138formed with the release levers136and that extend out at the top of the release levers136in a direction away from the body102. The grip aids138improve the grip of the operator on the release levers136when the operator deflects the release levers136. As illustrated inFIG. 9, the release levers136normally rest in a position generally perpendicular to the body102. The release levers136are oriented to lie in the same plane as the release arms116. Alternatively, the release levers136may be angled to normally lie at an acute or obtuse angle to the release arms116.

Unlike the previous embodiments, the cover100ofFIGS. 7-9does not include catches positioned on the interior sides122of the release arms116. The cover100retains the electronic component109by holding the electronic component109under the securing surfaces134of the stop projections132and between the release arms116. The stop projections132prevent the electronic component109from being positioned closer to the bottom surface105than the vertical distance Ds between the securing surfaces134and the bottom surface105. The release arms116frictionally engage the electronic component109and secure the electronic component109to the cover100.

An operator or automatic tool107may secure the cover100to the electronic component109by applying pressure in the direction of arrow F to the left release lever135and in the direction of arrow G to the right release lever137, causing the release levers136to deflect inward toward each other and toward the body102. As the release levers136are deflected inward, the left release arm123is deflected in the direction of arrow D and the right release arm125is deflected in the direction of arrow E. When the release arms116are deflected away from each other, the electronic component109may be positioned under the cover100until the top of the electronic component109abuts against the securing surfaces134of the stop projections132. When the operator releases the pressure on the release levers136, the release levers136are returned to their unbiased positions generally perpendicular to the top surface104. As the release levers136are moved back to unbiased positions, the release arms116likewise are moved back to unbiased positions perpendicular to the top surface104. As the release arms116are returned to unbiased positions, the release arms116frictionally engage the sides of the electronic component109, securing the electronic component109between the release arms116. When the release levers136and release arms116are completely returned to their normal resting positions, the electronic component109is held against the securing surfaces134of the stop projections132and the electronic component is pinched end-wise between the release arms116. The electronic component109is thus secured to the cover100. The securing surfaces134and release arms116contact a very small portion of the electronic component109.

The tool107may then be used to form a vacuum with the top surface104of the cover100. The cover100and electronic component109may then be transported by use of the tool107to another structure, such as motherboard, where the electronic component109is soldered to the motherboard. The electronic component109may be released from the cover100by applying pressure to the release levers136so that the release arms116are deflected outward away from the electronic component109. As the release arms136are deflected away from the electronic component109, the release arms116no longer contact the electronic component109, and the electronic component109is released.

FIG. 10illustrates a bottom isometric view of an electronic component cover150formed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The cover150includes a body152that is generally of a uniform rectangular planar shape. The body152includes a top surface154, a bottom surface155, end edges158, and side edges160. The body152is formed of a rigid material to enable and facilitate the formation of a vacuum seal between a socket manipulating tool (generally denoted by dashed lines157) and the top surface154. Optionally, only the portion of the top surface154adapted to engage the tool157may be planar, while the remainder of the top surface154may be contoured. The bottom surface155is configured to be located over and enclose an electronic component159.

The cover150includes two component retention members162. The component retention members162are formed with and extend generally perpendicularly downward from the two side edges160. While the illustrated component retention members162are located opposite one another on opposite ends of the cover150, they may be positioned elsewhere. Optionally, only one or more than two component retention members162may be used. The component retention members162secure the electronic component159to the cover150.

The cover150includes two release arms164comprising generally rectangular wall segments166connected together by thin, bowed, generally rectangular retention strips168. The release arms164are formed with and extend downward away from the side edges160in a direction generally perpendicular to the body152. The release arms164are located opposite each other. The retention strips168curve inward toward the side edges160. The release arms164are normally biased to a position (as shown inFIG. 10) generally perpendicular (or at a slight acute angle) to the bottom surface155of the body152. Alternatively, the release arms164may normally rest at an acute or obtuse angle to the bottom surface155depending upon the contour of the electronic component159. The left release arm163is deflectable in the direction of arrow H away from the body152and the right release arm165is deflectable in the direction of arrow I away from the body152when the electronic component159is being attached to the cover150or released from the cover150. The retention strips168frictionally engage and retain an electronic component159positioned between the release arms164.

Each release arm164includes two rectangular stop projections174that are formed integral with, and extend inward from, the interior sides170of the wall segments166. Each stop projection174includes a securing surface176facing downward away from the bottom surface155. The stop projections174prevent the electronic component159from contacting the bottom surface155by spacing the electronic component159a distance Ds from the bottom surface155. The stop projections174also are configured to secure the top of the electronic component159when the release arms164remain in an undeflected position and retain the electronic component159under the body152.

The cover150also includes two rectangular release levers178that are formed integral with, and extend upward from, the rectangular retention strips168of the release arms164to a point above the top surface154. The release levers178are oriented opposite each other across the body152. The left release lever177is deflectable in the direction of arrow J toward the body152and the right release lever179is deflectable in the direction of arrow K toward the body152. When one or both of the release levers178are deflected toward each other, the corresponding release arms164are deflected in the direction of their respective arrows H and I in order that the electronic component159may be positioned between the release arms164or released from the cover150. As illustrated inFIG. 10, the release levers178normally rest in a position generally perpendicular to the body152. The release levers178are oriented to lie in the same plane as the release arms164. Alternatively, the release levers178may be angled to normally lie at an acute or obtuse angle to the release arms164.

FIG. 11illustrates a top plan view of the cover150ofFIG. 10in more detail. The retention strips168curve inward toward each other. The retention strips168include gripping teeth180that are formed with, and extend inward from, the interior sides170of the retention strips168. The retention strip168and gripping teeth180retain the electronic component159(FIG. 10) by frictionally engaging the electronic component159when the electronic component159is positioned between the release arms164. Additionally, the release levers178are deflectable toward the body152only to the point where the release levers178contact the side edges160.

Like the previous embodiment shown inFIGS. 7-9, the cover150ofFIGS. 10-11does not include catches positioned on the interior sides170of the release arms164. The cover150retains the electronic component159by holding the electronic component159under the securing undersides176of the stop projections174and between the grip teeth180of the release arms164. The stop projections174prevent the electronic component159from being positioned closer to the bottom surface155than the vertical distance Ds between the securing surfaces176and the bottom surface155. The gripping teeth180of the release arms164frictionally engage the electronic component159and secure the electronic component159to the cover150.

An operator or automatic tool157may secure the cover150to the electronic component159by applying pressure in the direction of arrow J to the left release lever177and in the direction of arrow K to the right release lever179, causing the release levers178to deflect inward toward each other and toward the body152. As the release levers178are deflected inward, the left release arm163is deflected in the direction of arrow H and the right release arm165is deflected in the direction of arrow I. When the release arms164are deflected away from each other, the electronic component159may be positioned under the cover150until the top of the electronic component159abuts against the securing surfaces176of the stop projections174. When the operator releases the pressure on the release levers178, the release levers178are returned to their unbiased positions generally perpendicular to the top surface154. As the release levers178are moved back to unbiased positions, the release arms164likewise are moved back to unbiased positions perpendicular to the top surface154. As the release arms164are returned to unbiased positions, the gripping teeth180of the release arms164encounter and frictionally engage the electronic component159, catching and securing the electronic component159between the release arms164. When the release levers178and release arms164are completely returned to their normal resting positions, the electronic component159is held against the securing surfaces176of the stop projections174and the electronic component159is pinched endwise between the release arms164. The electronic component159is thus secured to the cover150. The securing surfaces176and release arms164contact a very small portion of the substrate.

The tool157may then be used to form a vacuum with the top surface154of the cover150. The cover150and the electronic component159may then be transported by use of the tool157to another structure, such as a motherboard, where the electronic component159is soldered to the motherboard. The electronic component159may be released from the cover150by applying pressure to the release levers178so that the release arms164are deflected outward away from the electronic component159and the electronic component159is released.

The cover of certain embodiments of the present invention greatly improves a manufacturer's ability to handle and transport an electronic component. First, the top surface of the cover serves as a flat, rigid surface that may be used in conjunction with a tool so as to create a vacuum between the top surface and the tool. The tool then may be used to conveniently transport the cover and the electronic component so that the electronic component is not touched anywhere but on a body by component retention members. By allowing the use of a vacuum tool for transporting the electronic component and minimizing the contact of the electronic component with other entities during transportation, the cover significantly reduces the risk of the electronic component being damaged. Secondly, because the component retention members only pinch the sides of the electronic component body and may be deflected away from the sides of the body, the component retention members do not have to be “snapped” on or off of the electronic component body. Therefore, the component retention members do not pull or press the electronic component so as to damage the component or anything attached to the component. Thus, the component retention members limit the chance of an electronic component being damaged during the process of attaching the cover to the electronic component or releasing the electronic component from the cover. Finally, the cover affords a significantly large surface area and prevents dust and other contaminants from compromising the integrity of the electronic component.