Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates generally to devices for securing a circuit board to a socket for electrical connection. In particular, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to a clamping device for securing a circuit board within a socket of a computer bus.  
         [0003]     2. Background  
         [0004]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a conventional circuit board  100  situated for placement into a connector socket  140  located on a baseboard  110 , such as a “motherboard”, of a computer. The circuit board  100  includes circuit elements  120  (i.e., processors, resistors, capacitors, or the like) and can also include one or more plug connectors  160  for external connection connected through a mounting bracket  150 . The typical circuit board  100  includes one or more connectors  130  and  130 ′ (connector  130  shown with electrically conductive leads  135 ) shown slightly elevated from the connector socket  140  (hereinafter “socket”) which is the mate for connector  130 . While connector  130 ′ is shown as a pronged connector, other types of connectors could also be employed.  
         [0005]      FIG. 1B  shows an end view of the conventional circuit board  100  shown in  FIG. 1A , with the circuit board  100  (shown in dashed lines) and associated connector  130  (not shown) inserted into the socket  140 . Specifically, this view illustrates how the additional connector  130 ′ is able to provide additional circuit connections. A connector  170  can be connected to the connector  130 ′ and provided to other elements in the computer via a ribbon cable or the like.  
         [0006]     Proper positioning of circuit boards, like the one illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , firmly within sockets of computers is vital to efficient operation of the computer. Normally, a plurality of circuit boards, such as interface cards, are placed as securely as possible, into sockets (i.e., electrical connectors) that are electrically connected to other elements within the computer that enable the computer, via a communications bus or the like, to properly operate. Nearly all computers have numerous sockets that enable manual placement of various circuit boards within the computer. The plurality of sockets allow, for example, a computer owner to “upgrade” a computer&#39;s processing capability, modem, display capabilities etc., by merely exchanging one circuit board for a newer updated circuit board.  
         [0007]     While the use of numerous sockets enables an efficient and cost effective way of upgrading a computer, this increases the possibility of computer malfunction due to improperly seated circuit boards. For example, a circuit board can become lose due to vibration or shock and be damaged or fail to achieve reliable electrical connection.  
         [0008]     Additionally, the constant miniaturization processing chips and thus the reduction of the space required for PC boards has positive spatial effects but can lead to problems associated with excessive heat generation by components. With regard to circuit boards, the constant heating and cooling of the circuit boards, especially in the continual reduction of space for placement of circuit boards, leads to the loosening of the fit of the board in the socket. As a result, even a minor movement of the computer can cause disconnection of a circuit board and malfunction of the computer. Finally, as more components are placed on PC boards, the length of the board is often extended. Accordingly, the weight of the board can cause a torque on the card that tends to cause the card to be unseated from the socket.  
         [0009]     There have been numerous attempts to solve such problems through the employment of a support mechanism to reduce the chances that the circuit board will break off at the connector or fall out of positioning within the socket. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,793 to Hsu, discloses an adjustable height and position retainer for releasably retaining a printer circuit card in a circuit card edge connector. The retainer comprises an elongated base member for attachment to the side of a circuit card edge connector, an elongated retaining post, and a clamp assembly slideably attached to the retaining post and positionable at any selected position along the length of the retaining post.  
         [0010]     This device however, is impractical for several reasons. For example, the device includes a base having separate pieces. This reduces the effectiveness of the card retainer in several ways. Initially, as indicated by the open ends in the elongated base member, this can lead to the post falling away from the base thereby rendering the retainer ineffective. Additionally, since the post is moveable with regard to the base, ineffective retaining of the circuit board can result, if for example, the post is installed in a non-orthogonal manner with respect to the circuit board. Moreover, the device is very complex and is not easy to use. For example, the clamping device requires at least two fingers of a hand to properly release the clamping device as two levers are required to be released from separate sets of teeth.  
         [0011]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,962 to Chang discloses card retainer having a holder body including a slot which rests against an outer edge of a circuit board. The holder body has a channel into which a post is inserted. The post has a series of teeth which form a ratchet with a pawl. A pair of leaf springs having a head is attached to the top of the post. The leaf spring provides an outward bias to the head against the inner surface of the central processing unit cover which urges the circuit board to the edge connector. To assure that the holder body stays in a desired position on the circuit board, a pair of tie down straps which pass through the holder body and around the inside of the circuit board are provided. This device, like the device described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,793, has deficiencies in that it provides a complicated and mechanically intensive device to restrain circuit boards. For example, this device relies upon the cover for securing a circuit card. Any movement (i.e., through shifting, buckling or bending) of the cover impacts effectiveness of the card retainer.  
         [0012]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,603,628 to Schapiro, Jr. discloses a card retainer device which utilizes a pair of tie members which connect to anchors located on or attached to the card housing bus. The anchors can be fabricated directly into the bus connectors into which computer cards are contemplated to be installed. This device also has several disadvantageous effects. The retainer device requires a special connecter having catches to secure an end of the card retainer device. Additionally, the device is difficult to pull tight between boards that are closely arranged. Moreover, the edge of the circuit board could wear against the strap and cause damage to both the card and the strap.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013]     Accordingly, what is needed is a device that offers practical advantages over the prior art, including a simpler clasp design and engagement mechanism which can be manufactured at reduced costs and adopted for use with all conventional connectors and cards.  
         [0014]     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a securing device for securing a card to a socket within a computer is provided where the card and the socket are communicatively coupled. The device includes a unitary base member comprising a foundation portion dimensioned to receive a stationary socket and an arm portion orthogonally positioned relative to the foundation. A first engaging means is formed on at least one side of the arm member. The device also includes a clasp assembly that includes an opening for slideably receiving the arm portion of the unitary base member, a recess for receiving a non-connecting end of a card, and a second engaging means for securely engaging the first engaging means. The clasp assembly secures the card to the socket with the socket received in the foundation portion and edge of the card is received in the recess.  
         [0015]     In accordance with a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, further comprising a second arm portion orthogonally positioned relative to the foundation is provided where teeth are formed on at least one side of the second arm member. Additionally, the device further comprises a second clasp assembly including an opening for slideably receiving the second arm portion of the unitary base member.  
         [0016]     In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a securing device for securing a card to a socket within a computer is provided where the card and the socket are communicatively coupled. The device includes a unitary base member comprising a foundation portion and an arm portion orthogonally positioned relative to said foundation. A first engaging means is formed on at least one side of the arm member. The device includes an affixing element to attach the foundation portion of the unitary base member to the socket. The device also includes a clasp assembly that includes an opening for slideably receiving the arm portion of the unitary base member, a recess for receiving a non-connecting end of a card, and a second engaging means securely engaging the first engaging means. The clasp assembly secures the card to the socket with the socket attached to the foundation portion and edge of the card is received in the recess.  
         [0017]     In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an article of manufacture is provided. The article of manufacture includes a unitary base member comprising a foundation portion and an arm portion orthogonally positioned relative to said foundation. A first engaging means is formed on at least one side of said arm member an affixing element to attach the foundation portion of the unitary base member to the socket. Each of a plurality of clasp assemblies comprise an opening for slideably receiving the arm portion of said unitary base member and a second engaging means for securely engaging said first engaging means, wherein said clasp assemblies attach to the unitary base member.  
         [0018]     In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, a ridge, formed at the juncture of the arm and the foundation is provided that facilitates orthogonal positioning of the securing device on the side edge of a card socket. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0019]     The above and other aspects, features and advantages of this invention will be described in relation to the following figures in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views:  
         [0020]      FIG. 1A  is a view of a circuit board and connector socket of a known computer system;  
         [0021]      FIG. 1B  is a end view of a circuit board and connector socket of a known computer system;  
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a view of a circuit board that is held to the socket by the securing device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 3A  is a view of the base unit of the securing device shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0024]      FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of the base unit of the securing device shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 3C  is a side view of the tabs employed in the base unit of the securing device shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0026]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an exemplary clasp assembly associated with the securing device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0027]      FIG. 5  is a view of a base unit of a securing device in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 6  is a end view of a securing device in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention;  
         [0029]      FIG. 7  is view of the base unit of the securing device illustrated in  FIG. 6  in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  are side and front views, respectively, of the clasp assembly of the securing device illustrated in  FIG. 6  of the present invention;  
         [0031]      FIG. 9  is an end view of a securing device in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention;  
         [0032]      FIG. 10  is a view of the base unit of the securing device illustrated in  FIG. 9  in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0033]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  are side views of a clasp assembly and release tab assembly of the clasp assembly of the securing device illustrated in  FIG. 9  of the present invention;  
         [0034]      FIG. 11C  is another view of the a clasp assembly illustrated in  FIG. 11A  of the present invention; and  
         [0035]      FIGS. 12A and 12B  are views, of a second clasp assembly of the securing device illustrated in  FIG. 9  of the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0036]     An exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to a securing device. Although specific embodiments will be illustrated and described herein with regard to securing a circuit card to an edge connector, such as a bus connector, motherboard socket, or the like, in environments subject to physical vibration and shock, it should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that such a system and method would also be advantageous, for example, in applications in which any card-type element needs to be secured. Additionally, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention that generally relate to securing circuit boards.  
         [0037]     In the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical and/or electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detail description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense.  
         [0038]      FIG. 2  illustrates a view of a circuit board  100  in which the connector  130  (illustrated in  FIG. 1 ) is held in place within socket  140  and by a securing device  200 , provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The securing device  200  includes of a base unit  300  and a clasp assembly  400 , which is removable and repositionable.  
         [0039]     As illustrated in more detail in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the base unit  300  of the securing device  200  includes a foundation  310  and an orthogonally extending arm  320  attached to the foundation  310 . The foundation  310  and the arm  320  can be formed as a unitary structure that comprises the unitary base unit  300 . The unitary characteristic of the base unit, manufactured using any well known molding procedure, provides a sturdy and strong support structure which can provide support for a circuit board  100 . Additionally, the unitary securing device  200  can be made of any sturdy material such as plastic (e.g., PVC material or the like), so long as the material does not adversely affect the normal electrical operation of the circuit board and computer.  
         [0040]     The foundation  310  also includes tabs  330 ,  335  and  340  (illustrated in  FIG. 3A ) and tabs  330 ′,  335 ′ and  340 ′ (illustrated in  FIG. 3B  showing a perspective view of the base unit  300 ) as well as an end cross element  352 , at least one sizing element  350  and a notch  370  (illustrated in  FIG. 3A ). The arm  320  includes a plurality of teeth  360  extending horizontally across the arm  320  in a stacked fashion along a portion of the length of the arm  310  provided for reception and interlocking with the clasp assembly  400 .  
         [0041]     The tabs  330 ,  330 ′,  335 ,  335 ′,  340  and  340 ′ of the foundation  310  are rectangular elements attached (in a unitary fashion) to the bottom of the foundation that each include a pawl to securely wrap around the bottom edge of a socket and provide additional support for the securing device  200 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3C  each tab includes a pawl that is able to fit under the bottom edge of a socket  140  to provide further support for the securing device.  FIG. 3C  illustrates tab  330  and pawl  331 , which are exemplary of the remaining tabs in located on the foundation.  
         [0042]     The sizing element  350  of the foundation  310  includes a cross element  355 . The sizing element can optionally include a tab as illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . Additionally, the sizing element need not include a tab as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . While a single sizing element  350  is shown in  FIG. 5 , the securing device of the present invention can be manufactured with additional sizing elements so as to accommodate different connectors. The sizing portion  350  provides an ability for the foundation to be modified to fit around multiple different sized sockets  140 . If, for example, a socket  140  is small in size, the sizing element  350  and cross element  355  can be manually removed to enable the base unit  300  to more easily fit within the computer. Specifically, a knife, or the like, can be employed to remove the sizing element  350  at the end cross element  352 . If a socket is larger in size, the end cross element  352  can be removed thereby enabling the base unit to fit the larger socket. Again, a knife or the like can be employed to remove the end cross connect  352 . Moreover, the foundation can be produced so as to include multiple sizing elements attached at the end cross connect  352 . A notch  370 , located on an and of the base opposite to the sizing element  350 , provides a recess for any section of the circuit card  100  that extends below the top edge of the socket  140 . Additionally, notches, breakaways other mechanisms can be provided to permit easy removal of the sizing elements and/or cross end elements.  
         [0043]     As illustrated in more detail in  FIG. 4 , the clasp assembly  400  includes a main opening  410  dimensioned to receive the arm  320  of the base unit  300 . On a side of the clasp assembly opposite to the main opening  410 , laterally-extending shoulders  420  and  425  project from the clasp to form a recess  430 , within which the upper edge of a card is positioned. A pawl  440  extends into the interior of the main opening  410  of the clasp assembly  400 , such that when the clasp assembly  400  is slid onto the arm  320 , the pawl  440  and teeth  360  engage in a ratchet-like fashion. In accordance with one embodiment, the teeth  360  can be angled in a downward fashion to permit the pawl to more securely attach to the teeth. A release tab  450  extends from the clasp assembly, which when depressed (i.e., moved toward the main opening  410 ), moves the pawl  440  out from an engagement with the teeth  360  of the arm  320 , to enable the free upward movement of the clasp on the arm.  
         [0044]     To secure a card in a socket using the embodiment of the invention described above with regard to  FIGS. 2-4 , the base  300  of the securing device is placed over the socket and forced downward until the pawls of the tabs  330 ,  330 ′,  335 ,  335 ′,  340  and  340 ′ engage the lower edge of the socket  140  in order to retain the base of the securing device around the socket  140 . In this position, the foundation  310  surrounds the periphery of the socket and the arm  320  extends orthogonally from the foundation  310 . The circuit board to be secured is then attached to the socket in a conventional manner. The arm  310  now extends along the side of the circuit board to be secured. The clasp assembly  400  is positioned on the arm  720  and pushed downwards thereon until the upper edge of the card is securely positioned within the recess  430  of the clasp assembly  400 . To loosen the device, the clasp assembly  400  is moved upward while depressing the release tab  450 . Advantageously, only one finger is needed to actuate the release tab  450 . Moreover, the size of the recess  430  can be easily varied during manufacture to accommodate circuit boards of various thicknesses.  
         [0045]     In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the securing device can include a base unit  500  with an additional orthogonally extending arm  510  and teeth  520  as well as an additional clasp assembly (discussed with regard to  FIG. 4  above). Otherwise, the remaining parts of the base unit  500  are the same as described above with regard to  FIG. 3 . The additional arm  510  and associated clasp assembly provide an additional manner of securing the card.  
         [0046]      FIG. 6  illustrates an end view of another securing device  600  in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention. The securing device  600  includes of a base unit  700  and a clasp assembly  800  that is removable and repositionable. As discussed above with regard to the previous exemplary embodiments, the unitary securing device  600  can be made of any sturdy material such as plastic (e.g., PVC material) or the like, so long as the material does not adversely affect the normal electrical operation of the circuit board and computer.  
         [0047]     As illustrated in more detail in  FIG. 7 , the base unit  700  includes a foundation  710  and an orthogonally extending arm  720  attached to the foundation  710 . The foundation and the arm are a unitary component. The orthogonally extending arm  720  includes a plurality of teeth  730  extending horizontally across at least part of the orthogonally extending arm  720  in a vertical direction for reception and interlocking with the clasp assembly  800 . The foundation  310  includes an affixing element  750  (also shown in  FIG. 6 ) for securing the device to a socket  130 . The affixing element  750  can include adhesives such as glue or epoxy as well as adhesive pads and the like. On the side opposite to the affixing element, a ridge  740  (shown in broken line) is formed at the juncture of the arm  720  and the foundation  710 , which facilitates the quick and easy orthogonal positioning on the side edge of a card socket.  
         [0048]     As illustrated in more detail in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the clasp assembly  800  includes a main opening  810  dimensioned to receive the arm  720 . Laterally-extending shoulder  820  projects from the clasp assembly  800  to form a recess  830 , within which the upper edge of a card is positioned. A pawl  840  extends into the interior of the main opening of the clasp assembly, such that when the clasp assembly is slid onto the arm  720 , an end  850  of the pawl  840  and teeth  730  engage in a ratchet-like fashion. A release tab  860 , which can be the opposite end of the pawl  840 , when depressed, moves the pawl  840  out from an engagement with the teeth  730  of the arm  720 , so as to enable the free movement of the clasp  800  on the arm.  
         [0049]     To secure a card in a socket using the securing device  600  of the present invention, the securing device  700  is adhesively affixed the base of the connector within which a card is positioned. Note that the card can also be placed into the socket after installation of the securing device  700 . The ridge  740  at the juncture of the foundation  710  and the orthogonally extending arm  720  are horizontally aligned with the upper edge of the connector to orthogonally position the card holder relative to the slot. In this position, the arm  720  extends orthogonally along the side of the card to be secured. The clasp assembly  800  is next positioned on the arm  720  and pushed downwards thereon until the upper edge of the card is securely positioned within the socket. To loosen the device, the clasp assembly  800  is moved upward while depressing the release tab  860 . Advantageously, only one finger is needed to actuate the release tab  860 . Moreover, the size of the recess  830  can be easily varied during manufacture to accommodate circuit boards of various thicknesses.  
         [0050]      FIGS. 9-12  provide yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 9  illustrates a side view of a securing device  900  that includes of a base unit  1000  and a plurality of clasp assemblies  1100  and  1200  that are each individually removable and repositionable. The clasp assemblies can be configured to fit on various cards. For example, clasp assembly  1100  is configured to receive a connector such as the connector  130 ′ and  170  of  FIG. 1B . As discussed above with regard to the previous exemplary embodiments, the unitary securing device  900  can be made of any sturdy material such as plastic (e.g., PVC material) or the like, so long as the material does not adversely affect the normal electrical operation of the circuit board and computer.  
         [0051]     As illustrated in more detail in  FIG. 10 , the base unit  1000  includes a foundation  1010  and an orthogonally extending arm  1020  attached to the foundation  1010 . The foundation and the arm are a unitary component. The orthogonally extending arm  1020  includes a plurality of teeth  1030  extending horizontally across the orthogonally extending arm  1020  in a vertical direction for reception and interlocking with the clasp assembly  800 . However, as opposed to the previous embodiment, the set of teeth are set within the extending arm and do not extend completely from one end to the other end of the arm  1020 . Instead, the teeth are bounded by a wall  1035  in place in the orthogonally extending arm  1020 . In other words, the teeth in accordance with the present invention, reside inside the structure of the orthogonally extending arm  1020  of the base unit  1000 . The foundation  1010  includes, on the same side as the teeth  1030 , an affixing element  1050  (also shown in  FIG. 9 ) for securing the device to a socket  130 . The affixing element  1050  can include adhesives such as glue or epoxy as well as adhesive pads and the like. On the side opposite to the affixing element  1050 , a ridge  1040  (shown in broken line) is formed at the juncture of the arm  1020  and the foundation  1010 , which facilitates the quick and easy orthogonal positioning on the side edge of the socket.  
         [0052]     As illustrated in more detail in  FIGS. 11A, 11B  and  11 C the clasp assembly  1100  (identical to the clasp  800  shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B ) includes a main opening  1110  dimensioned to receive the arm  1020 . Laterally-extending shoulder  1120  project from the clasp assembly  1100  to form a recess  1130 , within which the upper edge of a card is positioned. The recess in the clasp  1100  is efficiently able to fit over a circuit board as well as any component (i.e., connector  130 ′ of  FIG. 1B ) located near the top of the circuit board. A pawl  1140  (also shown from the side in  FIG. 11B ) extends into the interior of the main opening of the clasp assembly such that, when the clasp assembly is slid onto the arm  1020 , an end  1150  of the pawl  1140  and teeth  1030  engage in a ratchet-like fashion. A release tab  1160 , which can be the opposite end of the pawl  1140 , when depressed into an opening in the laterally extending shoulder  1120 , pivots and moves the pawl  1140  out from an engagement with the teeth  1030  of the arm  1020 , so as to enable the free upward movement of the clasp  1100  on the arm.  FIG. 11C  illustrates a front view of the clasp assembly  1100 .  
         [0053]     As illustrated in more detail in  FIGS. 12A and 12B , the clasp assembly  1200  includes a main opening  1210  dimensioned to receive the arm  1020 . Laterally-extending shoulder  1220  project from the clasp assembly  1200  to form a recess  1230 , within which the upper edge of a card is positioned. A pawl  1240  extends into the interior of the main opening of the clasp assembly, such that when the clasp assembly is slid onto the arm  1020 , an end  1250  of the pawl  1240  and teeth  1030  engage in a ratchet-like fashion. A release tab  1250 , which can be the opposite end of the pawl  1240 , when depressed, pivots moves the pawl  1240  out from an engagement with the teeth  1030  of the arm  1020 , so as to enable the free upward movement of the clasp  1200  on the arm.  
         [0054]     When viewed from the front as illustrated in  FIG. 12B , the clasp assembly is structurally different from the clasp assemblies previously discussed. Instead of a structurally uniform shoulder  1220 , the clasp assembly  1200  employs a rake-like shoulder with individual front finger elements  1225  and rear finger elements  1227  that form recess  1230  and help restrain movement of a circuit card assembly inserted into the recess.  
         [0055]     To secure a card in a socket using the securing device  900  of the present invention, the securing device  900  is adhesively affixed the base of the connector within which a card is positioned. Note that the card can also be placed into the socket after installation of the securing device  900 . The ridge  1040  at the juncture of the foundation  1010  and the orthogonally extending arm  720  are horizontally aligned with the upper edge of the connector to orthogonally position the card holder relative to the slot. In this position, the arm  1020  extends orthogonally along the side of the card to be secured. Either of the clasp assemblies  1100  or  1200  is next positioned on the arm  920  depending upon the size of the circuit card, and pushed downwards thereon until the upper edge of the card is securely positioned within the socket. To loosen the device, either of the clasp assemblies  1100  or  1200  is moved upward while depressing the release tab  1160  or  1260 . The size of the card recess is variable to accommodate cards of various thicknesses.  
         [0056]     It is, therefore, apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the present invention, a device for securing a circuit board to a socket in a computer. While this invention has been described in conjunction with a number of illustrative embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations would be or are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. Accordingly, the disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents and variations that are within in the spirit and scope of this invention.

Technology Category: 4