Patent Publication Number: US-2005128726-A1

Title: System and method for protecting pins of an integrated circuit

Description:
BACKGROUND  
      Integrated circuits are semiconductor wafers on which thousands or millions of tiny resistors, capacitors, and transistors may be fabricated. An integrated circuit may function as an amplifier, oscillator, timer, counter, computer memory, or a microprocessor, as examples.  
      Integrated circuits are advantageous for many reasons, including their small size. However, the small size may cause integrated circuits to be fragile. Most integrated circuits, such as microprocessors, contain pins. A pin is a pronged contact attached to, for example, the microprocessor that operates to provide a signal interface for the microprocessor to other devices. The pronged contacts are part of a male connector that plugs into various female connectors. For instance, these pins allow microprocessors to connect to sockets of a circuit board, such as a mother board in a computer, in order for the microprocessor to receive signals from the mother board and interact with other components.  
      The pins of integrated circuits are typically small and fragile and, therefore, are easily and frequently damaged. Damage to the pins often occurs during packaging, shipment or general handling of the integrated circuits. Unfortunately, damage to the pins often leads to permanent damage of the integrated circuit.  
     BRIEF SUMMARY  
      In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for protecting pins of an integrated circuit comprises a cover member; and at least one securing mechanism for securing the cover member to an assembly that includes at least one integrated circuit having pins, wherein the cover member covers at least the pins.  
      In another embodiment, a protector for protecting pins of a microprocessor comprises a rectangular shaped top face; a rectangular shaped bottom face; a plurality of sides; a plurality corners; a plurality of securing mechanisms attached to the corners projecting downward from the corner away from the top face; two label viewing sections formed in two opposing sides of the plurality of sides wherein the label viewing sections provide visibility for at least one label on the microprocessor; two installation cutout sections taken from two opposing sides of the plurality of sides not containing the label viewing sections wherein the installation cutout sections provide ease of installation and removal of the protector; at least two alignment sections; and at least two ribs operating to strengthen the protector.  
      In another embodiment, a shipping assembly for shipping an integrated circuit having pins comprises a base mechanism; a connection device for securing the integrated circuit to the base mechanism; and a pin protector installed over the pins of the integrated circuit, wherein the pin protector comprises a cover member; and at least one securing mechanism for securing the pin protector to the base mechanism wherein the pin protector covers the pins.  
      In another embodiment, a method of protecting the pins of an integrated circuit comprises providing a protector mechanism having a top face, a bottom face, a plurality of sides, a plurality of corners, at least one alignment section, at least one rib, and at least one securing mechanism; positioning the protector over the integrated circuit such that the protector extends over the pins; and attaching the protector to the integrated circuit.  
      In another embodiment, a mechanism for protecting the pins of an integrated circuit comprises a means for covering pins of an integrated circuit; a means for aligning the covering means to an assembly including an integrated circuit; and a means for securing the covering means to the assembly.  
      In another embodiment, a method for protecting the pins of an integrated circuit comprises positioning a cover member over the portion of the integrated circuit containing the pins; and urging the cover member into a snap fit attachment with the integrated circuit. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIGS. 1A-1C  show a top, bottom, and cross sectional view, respectively, of one embodiment of a pin protector;  
       FIG. 2  illustrates a processor shipping configuration;  
       FIG. 3  is an exploded view of  FIG. 2  including one embodiment of a pin protector;  
       FIG. 4  is a non-exploded view of  FIG. 3 ;  
       FIG. 5  is an upside down view of the exemplary arrangement of  FIGS. 3 and 4 ;  
       FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view of  FIG. 5 ;  
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating an application of an embodiment for protecting pins of an integrated circuit; and  
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart illustrating a method of protecting pins of an integrated circuit.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       FIGS. 1A-1C  illustrate a top, bottom, and side view, respectively, of one embodiment of a pin protector. A typical installation of pin protector  100  entails pin protector  100  being placed over an integrated circuit, such as computer memory or a microprocessor, and secured to the integrated circuit or accompanying hardware to cover and protect the integrated circuit&#39;s pins.  
      As illustrated in  FIG. 1A , pin protector  100  includes a top face  120 , a peripheral skirt  135  which in this embodiment comprises sides  140  and corners  150 , and at least one securing mechanism  180 . Top face  120  is a flat planar section that makes up the top of pin protector  100 . Sides  140  are located around the perimeter of top face  120  and extend downward from top face  120 . Comers  150  are located at the four corners of top face  120 . Comers  150  are illustrated in  FIG. 1A  as rounded, however pin protector  100  may be arranged so that the corners are not rounded. In a circular shaped embodiment (not shown), the corners  150  may be entirely eliminated. Securing mechanism  180  may be positioned at corner  150  as illustrated in  FIG. 1A .  
      Securing mechanism  180  may be used to secure pin protector  100  to the integrated circuit that is being protected or it may be used to secure pin protector  100  to any other accompanying hardware. For example, securing mechanism  180  may be used to secure pin protector  100  to a heat sink that accompanies a microprocessor whose pins are being protected. Securing mechanism  180  may be a snap, clip, latch or any mechanism suitable for securing pin protector  100  to an integrated circuit or its accompanying hardware.  
       FIG. 1B  illustrates a bottom view of pin protector  100 . The bottom view illustrates bottom face  130 , alignment sections  160 , ribs  170 , installation cutout sections  190 , label recessed sections  195 , and securing mechanisms  180 . Bottom face  130  is a flat planar section that is the underside of top face  120 .  
      When “attached” is used in conjunction with describing the location of the various components of pin protector  100 , it is used to imply that the various components are located as described as a result of a molding or other forming process. “Attached” does not imply that the various components are separate physical components that are separately connected to form pin protector  100 . Although a pin protector which is formed from separate components is within the scope of the claimed invention.  
      Alignment sections  160  are attached to bottom face  130  and project outward from bottom face  130  away from top face  120 . Alignment sections  160  are located on opposite sides of one another and run parallel to one another as illustrated in  FIG. 1B . However, pin protector  100  may be arranged such that alignment sections  160  are not parallel to one another. For example, alignment sections  160  may be positioned diagonal or perpendicular to one another. Also, alignment sections  160  could be arcuate. Alignment sections  160  aide in aligning pin protector  100  with various types of hardware that are used to secure integrated circuits to various connection devices. For example, alignment sections  160  may be used to align pin protector  100  to the various types of snaps or connectors that are often used to attach a processor to a heat sink. Thus, alignment sections  160  provide reference points for engaging complementary features on an integrated circuit to be protected to aid in aligning pin protector  100  properly on such integrated circuit.  
      Ribs  170  are also attached to bottom face  130  and project outward from bottom face  130  away from top face  120 ; Ribs  170  are located on opposite sides of one another and run parallel to one another and perpendicular with respect to alignment sections  160  as illustrated in  FIG. 1B . However, pin protector  100  may be arranged such that ribs  170  are aligned parallel with alignment sections  160  or arranged such that ribs  170  are positioned diagonal or in arcuated relationship to one another. Ribs  170  operate to stiffen and strengthen pin protector  100 . When pin protector  100  is manufactured, cutout sections  190  are cutout of sides  140 . As a result of creating cutout sections  190 , pin protector  100  is weakened. Ribs  170  are therefore provided to stiffen and strengthen pin protector  100  and reduce the weakness resulting from cutouts  190 . Ribs  170  also operate to strengthen protector  100  to help prevent bottom face  130  from easily being pressed down upon the pins of the integrated circuit being protected even if protector  100  does not include cutouts  190 . For example, if someone or something accidentally presses down on top face  120  while protector  100  is protecting pins, the ribs add strength to the protector to help prevent top face  120  from deflecting downward thereby preventing bottom face  130  from contacting any pins that are being protected by pin protector  100 .  
      Installation cutout sections  190  are cutout of the center of two sides  140 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 B , installation cutout sections  190  are located on opposite sides. Installation cutout sections  190  provide users with an easily accessible ergonomic gripping point. The gripping point is useful during installation and removal so that users will not interfere or damage the integrated circuit being protected while removing or installing pin protector  100 . For example, if a user wishes to remove pin protector  100  from a processor, for example, when the user wishes to install the processor into a socket of a motherboard, the user can easily grip installation cutouts  190  and remove pin protector  100  without touching or interfering with the processor. By reducing interference with the processor, damage resulting from installation and removal is ultimately reduced.  
      Label viewing sections  195  are recessed wall portions of the two sides  140  that are not used for installation cutout sections  190  and are located opposite of one another as illustrated in  FIG. 1B . The recessed label viewing sections  195  provide label visibility and allow users to read labels that may be near the integrated circuit or may be attached to the integrated circuit that is being protected.  
      Securing mechanisms  180  shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  are attached to corners  150  and protrude downward from top face  120 . Securing mechanisms  180  may attach pin protector  100  to the integrated circuit or to any accompanying hardware. For example, securing mechanisms  180  would attach pin protector  100  to a processor board of a processor that is being protected. Securing mechanisms  180 , in this embodiment, are resilient members that protrude downward from top face  120  and extend beyond sides  140  as illustrated by the cross sectional view of pin protector  100  in  FIG. 1C . The end of securing mechanisms  180  may comprise a pointed end with an extending segment that operates as a hook to secure pin protector  100  to an integrated circuit or accompanying hardware. However, securing mechanisms  180  may include any type of fastening means, e.g. snap lock, tab, bolt, resistance fit pin, etcetera, that is capable of securing pin protector  100  to an integrated circuit or accompanying hardware, such as a heat sink.  
      Pin protector  100  is preferably made of some type of static-resistive plastic resin so that there is no static damage to the integrated circuit. However, pin protector  100  may be made from any static-resistant material.  
       FIG. 2  illustrates a typical shipping configuration of a heatsink/processor combination  200 , which is one example of an integrated circuit that pin protector  100  may be used to protect, as described further in  FIGS. 3-5 . However, pin protectors, as taught herein, are not limited to protecting pins of an integrated circuit in this configuration. For example, pin protectors in accordance with this disclosure may be used to protect a stand alone integrated circuit that is not connected to a circuit board. Combination  200  is comprised of processor  210 , heatsink  220 , retaining clips  230 , and alignment shroud  240 . Processor  210  includes processor chip  211 , processor board  212 , and processor pins  213 . Heatsink  220  includes heatsink frame  222  and heatsink fins  225 . The view of processor/heatsink combination  200  illustrated in  FIG. 2  is an upside down view. When processor/heatsink combination  200  is mounted to a socket, the processor/heatsink combination  200  will be flipped over so that processor  210  can be mounted to a mounting socket through processor pins  213 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , pins  213  on the underside of processor  210  are not covered, and heatsink  220  is connected to the top of processor  210 .  
      Retaining clips  230  are used to attach heatsink  220  to the top of processor  210 . Alignment shroud  240  is also shipped with the heatsink/processor combination  200  and is positioned around the perimeter of processor chip  211 . Alignment shroud  240  is often used to insure proper alignment of processor  210  to a socket during installation.  
      As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , pins  213  are exposed and are typically shipped without protection. This lack of protection often subjects pins  213  to various types of damage that usually occur during packaging, shipping, and handling. As illustrated in  FIGS. 3, 4 , and  5 , pin protector  100  will protect pins  213  from damage that may otherwise occur during packaging, shipment, and general handling.  
       FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded view of pin protector  100 .  FIG. 3  shows the heatsink/processor combination wherein pin protector  100  is used to protect pins  213 . Similar to  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3  also shows processor  210  in an upside down orientation as illustrated by heatsink  220  shown underneath processor  210 . Heatsink  220  is attached to the top of processor  210  by retaining clips  230 . Processor board  212  is shown extending beyond retaining clips  230 . Alignment shroud  240  is shown around the perimeter of pins  213 . Pin protector  100  is shown elevated above processor  210  to clearly represent the location of pin protector  100  and the portion of processor  210  that pin protector  100  will cover.  
      As shown in  FIG. 3 , pin protector  100  covers at least a portion of processor chip  211  including pins  213 . Pin protector  100  also extends over alignment shroud  240  and retaining clips  230 . Pin protector  100  does not cover the entire processor board  212 , but in alternative arrangements, pin protector  100  may be arranged to cover a larger processor area such as the entire processor board  212  or arranged to cover a smaller area. Pin protector  100  may also be implemented in certain embodiments to cover the pins of a plurality of integrated circuits that are included in an assembly. By covering pins  213 , pin protector  100  protects pins  213  from the damage that usually occurs from shipping, handling, an packaging.  
       FIG. 4  illustrates a non-exploded view of  FIG. 3 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , pin protector  100  includes installation cutouts  190  and label recess sections  195 . Pin protector  100  is snapped in place over processor chip  211  thereby covering and protecting the processor pins. Pin protector  100  is secured to processor  210  by the use of securing mechanisms  180  that attach to the underside of processor board  212 . To use pin protector  100 , a user may grip cutout sections  190  and push pin protector  100  down over processor  210  until securing mechanisms  180  latch onto processor board  212 . Thus, it uses a complimentary feature(s) of the assembly for securing thereto. After securing mechanisms  180  latch onto processor board  212 , pin protector  100  is secured to processor  210  thereby covering and protecting the processor pins. By covering and protecting the processor pins, the heatsink/processor combination may be shipped, packaged, or handled without damage to the processor pins.  
      Processors usually contain one label. Therefore, only one cutout label section  195  may be included in certain embodiments of pin protector  100 . Yet, pin protector  100  contains two label cutout sections  195  in this example. Sections  195  are symmetrical so that pin protector  100  can be attached to processor  210  with either label cutout section  195  positioned near the label. The symmetry of pin protector  100  ultimately-leads to less assembly instructions for manufacturing.  
       FIG. 5  illustrates an underneath view of processor  210  and pin protector  100  without a heatsink.  FIG. 5  shows how pin protector  100  aligns and snaps to processor  210 . Alignment occurs when alignment sections  160  align pin protector  100  with the retaining clip  230 . Thus, it uses a complimentary feature(s) of assembly  200  for aligning therewith for proper coupling.  FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view of  FIG. 5  and illustrates the alignment of alignment sections  160  with retaining clip  230 . Pin protector  100  snaps to processor board  212  by securing mechanism  180  that extends past processor board  212  so that the pointed end of securing mechanism  180  initially resiliently deflects outwardly and then snaps back to hook to processor board  212  as shown at connection-points  510 . Once pin protector  100  is attached to processor  210 , the processor pins are protected. Therefore, pin protector  100  will be secured to the heatsink/processor combination by securing mechanism  180  so that the pins are covered and protected throughout the shipping, handling, and packaging process. When the heatsink/ processor combination is ready for installation, a user can easily remove pin protector  100  by gripping the installation cutout sections and pulling pin protector  100  off of the heatsink/ processor combination which will expose the processor pins so that processor  210  is ready for installation.  
      Although pin protector  100  has been illustrated as protecting the pins of a processor, other similar pin protectors can function to protect other integrated circuit devices. By covering an integrated circuit device, pin protectors will operate to prevent a wide array of damage that may occur from shipping, handling, or packaging.  
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating an application of a pin protector, such as the example embodiment described above. Flow  700  illustrates a method for protecting the pins of an integrated circuit. In step  701 , a protector mechanism having a top face, a bottom face, at least one alignment section, at least one rib, and at least one securing mechanism for securing to an assembly is provided. In an alternative arrangement, the protector mechanism may also have at least one installation cutout section and at least one label viewing section. In step  702 , the protector mechanism is positioned over the integrated circuit so that the protector extends over the pins. Optionally, flow  700  may include step  703  wherein an alignment section is aligned with hardware that secures the integrated circuit to an assembly such as a heat sink. Alignment may also entail aligning a label viewing section with a label on the integrated circuit. After alignment, the protector is attached to the integrated circuit or accompanying assembly in step  704 . Attachment may also entail gripping the protector by an installation cutout section and pressing down on the protector until the securing mechanism of the protector latches onto the integrated circuit or other portion of the assembly.  
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart illustrating an application of a pin protector. Flow  800  illustrates a method for protecting the pins of an integrated circuit. In step  801 , a cover member is positioned over a portion of the integrated circuit containing pins, and in step  802 , the cover member is urged into a snap fit attachment with the integrated circuit.  
      Although the pin protector has been described as shown in a rectangular shape, it should be understood that the pin protector is not limited to the specific embodiment described above, but may be implemented in various ways as described herein. For instance, pin protector  100  is not limited to the shape illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1C  and  3 - 5 . Pin protector  100  may take the form of various shapes such as a rectangular, circle, octagon, or triangle. The pin protector may also be arranged such that it may take the form of any other shape that is complimentary to (or substantially mimics) the shape of an integrated circuit to be protected or the shape of an assembly that contains the integrated circuit to be protected. For example, if an integrated circuit were in the shape of a circle, then the pin protector could be in the shape of a circle in order to protect the integrated circuit&#39;s pins. Although securing mechanisms  180  are shown attached to corners  150 , pin protector  100  may be situated so that securing mechanisms  180  are not positioned at corner  150 , but may be positioned anywhere on pin protector  100  so as not to interfere with the protection of an integrated circuit&#39;s pins.  
      Pin protector  100  is shown in  FIG. 1B  with two ribs  170  and two alignment sections  160 . However, an alternative embodiment of pin protector  100  may be arranged so that a pin protector does not include any ribs or alignment sections or a pin protector may include more or less than two ribs and two alignment sections. In addition, the ribs and alignment sections are not limited to the positions illustrated in  FIG. 1B , as they may be positioned in different places of a pin protector depending on the shape and layout of the integrated circuit to be protected.  FIG. 1B  also illustrates pin protector  100  with two installation cutout sections  190  and two label recess sections  195 . However, in alternative embodiments, a pin protector may have no such installation cutout or label recess sections, it may include greater or fewer than two installation or label viewing sections, and the label viewing and installation sections may be positioned in different locations. Similarly, although pin protector top and bottom faces  120 ,  130  are shown as flat surfaces in the illustrated embodiment, other configurations, e.g. an upwardly projecting dome configuration, may be employed. In such a dome shaped assembly, the top and bottom faces and the skirt could be continuous and have the same curvature such that the entire pin protector is dome shaped.