Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/478,314 filed on Jan. 6, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,345,429, which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for fastening and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method for fastening objects flush to a surface. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Large networked computer systems require a substantial number of printed circuit cards to perform a countless variety of tasks. The printed circuit cards are typically housed within a plurality of rectangular boxes, which are commonly referred to as a chassis or a main carrier of components. The chassis are then loaded into the system having a cabinet like structure which is configured to receive and support a number of chassis. The chassis are generally inserted laterally and stacked one on top of the other. Each chassis has at least one exposed end where a cable is inserted so that the printed circuit cards can interface, for example, with an SP computer system. The cabinet like structure can also expose two ends of the rectangular chassis so that a cable can connect with, for example, a 390 computer system. 
     The cabinet like structure provides an area defined only slightly greater in length, width and height than the chassis itself. As a result, the chassis cannot have any protrusions or extensions, such as a screw head or other securement devices, located on its outer surface. A screw head can actually prevent the chassis from properly loading into the structure. Moreover, and if the chassis cannot be inserted into the structure then the computer system cannot interface with the printed circuit cards. Consequently, if the printed circuit cards or components are secured in the chassis, then the securement device must be flush to the outer surface of the chassis. 
     Other alternatives such as using adhesives, employing screws and even welding are labor intensive and do not provide a convenient removable means for securing printed circuit cards flush to the outer surface of the chassis. 
     As a result, there is a need for an apparatus and method for fastening objects flush to a surface. 
     There is also a need for an apparatus and method for fastening a securement member flush to an upper surface of a mounting cover. 
     There is yet another need for a method and apparatus for fastening a securement member flush to a mounting cover so that a printed circuit card or other component may properly interface with a printed circuit board in a chassis without interfering with the insertion of the chassis into the computer system. 
     There is also a need for an apparatus and method for fastening a securement member flush to an upper surface of a cover mounted to a chassis to ensure the chassis will properly load into its intended structure for use with a computer system. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An apparatus for securing an object to a surface comprises a mounting cover having a first surface and a pair of sidewalls depending away from the first surface. The sidewalls being in a facing spaced relationship and being secured to a second surface. At least two securement members being secured to the first surface between the pair of sidewalls. The at least two securement members being configured to define a receiving area. The at least two securement members each having a pair of engagement members being secured within at least a pair of openings in the first surface. The pair of engagement members each include an upper surface. The upper surfaces of each of the pair of engagement members being flush with respect to the first surface. An actuating member having a first portion configured to be slidably engaged in the receiving area and a second portion depending away from the first portion. The second portion having a pair of engagement openings for slidably receiving a pair of guide members mounted to the object. 
     These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following brief description of the drawings, detailed description, and appended claims and drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be further described in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the mounting cover; 
     FIG. 3 is an opening of the mounting cover shown in FIG. 2 prior to undergoing the “swaging” process; 
     FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of an opening shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 after the “swaging” process; 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a securement member; 
     FIG. 6 is an end view of the preferred embodiment of the securement member shown in FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a securement member; 
     FIG. 8 is an end view of the preferred embodiment of the securement member shown in FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the securement members in FIGS. 5-6 mating with the mounting cover; 
     FIG. 10 is an expanded view of an engagement member inserted into an opening as shown in FIG. 8; 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view from  10 — 10  of the engagement member mating with the opening; 
     FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a receiving area defined by the securement members of FIGS. 5-6 in a facing spaced relationship as shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a receiving area defined by the securement member of FIG.  5  and the securement member of FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 14 depicts two side views of an actuator; 
     FIG. 15 depicts an actuator containing a blank plastic card and an actuator electronic interposer card, respectively; and 
     FIG. 16 is an alternative embodiment of the mounting cover. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, a mounting structure  10  constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown. Structure  10  has a mounting cover  12 . Cover  12  preferably is constructed out of steel or any other type of sheet metal. Cover  12  has a plurality of retention slots or openings  16  in an upper surface  18 . Cover  12  is configured to have a pair of side portions  20  and an end portion  22 . Side portions  20  and end portion  22  are positioned to extend downwardly from upper surface  18 . Side portions  20  also have a plurality of apertures  24  for mounting cover  12  preferably to a chassis containing a printed circuit board (not shown). Apertures  24  are formed in mounting cover  12  by a two step process and can be generally defined as follows: holes are punched out of cover  12 , which displace excess material; then, the hole is struck a second time creating aperture  24  with chamferred sides for receiving screws. This second hit, which creates the chamferred sides of the aperture, is referred to as a countersink. Cover  12  is also configured to have an edge  27 . 
     A partition  32  is configured, dimensioned and positioned to provide additional support to mounting cover  12  (FIG.  1 ). Partition  32  includes a top portion  34  and a base portion  36  for mounting it to cover  12  at apertures  24  and the chassis, respectively. 
     A pair of openings  17  are positioned and located to accommodate the positioning of partition  32  (FIGS.  1  and  2 ). Alternatively, partition  32  can be centered underneath cover  12 , placed off centered to either the left or right underneath cover  12 , and/or placed at the anterior or open end of cover  12  or posterior at end portion  22  of cover  12 . Partition  32  can likewise extend the entire length of cover  12  or just a portion of it as required by the dimensions outlined in the engineering documents (drawings, specifications, etc.). Moreover, a plurality of partitions  32  can be used (FIG.  2 ). Partition  32  is constructed from the same materials as mounting cover  12  as well as other suitable durable materials such as plastics and metal alloys containing steel. Cover  12  can also be configured, dimensioned and positioned, when mounted, to not require partition  32  for support. 
     Mounting cover  12  can be manufactured from materials such as metals or metal alloys, but preferably steel or an alloy containing steel. Cover  12  can also be scaled in size and thickness to accommodate different geometric configurations. However, the thickness of cover  12  is limited by the stamping process used to create the plurality of openings  16 . Mounting cover  12  preferably is approximately 57.3 cm long and approximately 19.5 cm wide; however, cover  12  can be constructed and dimensioned as required by its specific application. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 3-4, plurality of openings  16  are formed using a “swaging” process and can be generally defined as follows: a hole having an “H” like configuration is stamped in cover  12  using a device or a manually operated tool (FIG.  3 ), then the narrow portion of the “H” like configuration is “swaged” or stamped a second time with a device or a manually operated tool to create plurality of openings  16  (FIG.  4 ). Plurality of openings  16  are adapted to receive a plurality of male fasteners or engagement members  52  of securement members  28 . Once engagement members  52  are received within plurality of openings  16 , the position of openings  16  cause securement members  28  to be arranged in a uniform manner. Once fully engaged within opening  16 , the positioning and configuring of securement members  28  define a plurality of receiving areas  102  (FIG.  1 ). 
     Referring now to FIG. 2, in one embodiment plurality of openings  16  are equally spaced from each other and define two rows of openings  16  in upper surface  18  of mounting cover  12  (FIG.  2 ). Of course, and as contemplated in accordance with the instant application, the location, size and configuration of openings  16  may vary. For example, the configuration of securement members  28 , such as the length, width and size of an engagement member  52  or a portion extending from securement member  28 , will affect the position of plurality of openings  16 . Referring now to FIG. 4, plurality of openings  16  are further defined to each have a receiving opening  40 , a second portion or an engagement opening  42 , and a first portion or a staking opening  44 . 
     A pair of tab portions  46  extend into openings  16  and are in a facing spaced relationship so as to define engagement opening  42  (FIG.  4 ). Tab portions are located intermediate receiving opening  40  and staking opening  44 . Tab portions  46  are also chamferred so as to have an engagement surface  48 . Engagement surface  48  provides a male fastener supporting means within an angular configuration (FIG.  4 ). Upon insertion of engagement members  52  into openings  16 , engagement opening  42  supports engagement members  52  within openings  16 . 
     A portion of receiving opening  40  is defined by a pair of sidewalls  50  in a facing spaced relationship. Pair of sidewalls  50  are positioned to depend angularly inwardly to each other to promote smooth engagement of engagement members  52  within openings  16  as engagement members  52  slide in the direction of arrow  98  as indicated by the dashed lines in FIG.  9 . Staking opening  44  includes a back edge  49  or a stop surface that prevents engagement member  52  from sliding any further in the direction of arrow  98 . In the exemplary embodiment, opening  16  is approximately 2.8 cm-4.0 cm long. Both receiving opening  40  and staking opening  44  are approximately 0.75 cm (0.30 in.) wide. Engaging opening  42  is approximately 0.264 cm (0.10 in.). However, plurality of openings  16  including receiving opening  40 , engaging opening  42  and staking opening  44  again may be scaled in size and configured to receive engagement members  52  of different lengths, widths and shapes. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 5-8, securement members  28  as well as securement member  30  each have a pair of engagement members  52 , or portions extending from securement members  28  and securement member  30 , which are received and engaged by plurality of openings  16 . Engagement members  52  can be positioned anywhere along the top of securement members  28  and securement member  30  in accordance with the design specifications required for the desired application. In addition, securement members  28 ,  30  each have a pair of cut-outs  53 . Securement members  26  can be manufactured with as many cut-outs  53  as required (FIGS.  5  and  7 ). The significance of cut-outs  53  will be discussed further in the specification. 
     Securement members  28  and securement member  30 , and engagement members  52 , preferably are constructed from extruded aluminum which possesses malleable qualities, or other metals possessing similar malleable qualities including but not limited combinations or alloys containing aluminum and other malleable metals. Securement members  28  and securement member  30  are first extruded and then undergo secondary machining to create engagement members  52 . Engagement members  52  also possess the same malleable qualities of securement members  28  and securement member  30 . In the preferred embodiment, engagement members  52  are configured to have a top portion  54  wider than a base portion  56 , which are defined by a pair of side portions  58  extending angularly inward (FIGS.  5 - 8 ). 
     In the exemplary embodiment, securement members  28  are approximately 14.5 cm (5.71 in.) long, 0.87 cm (0.34 in.) wide at its base and stands approximately 1.45 cm (0.571 in.) tall. In the exemplary embodiment, securement member  30  is approximately 14.5 cm (5.71 in.) long and approximately 1.47 cm (0.579 in.) wide at its base and stands approximately 1.45 (0.571 in.) cm tall. In the exemplary embodiment, engagement members  52  are approximately 1.00±0.05 cm (0.394±0.02 in.) long and have a width less than the width of both receiving opening  40  and staking opening  44 . However, both securement members  28  and securement member  30 , as well as engagement members  52 , can be constructed in accordance with the design specifications of the desired applications so that the length, width and height of securement members  28  and securement member  30  can vary as well as the length, width and shape of engagement members  52 . 
     Referring now in particular to FIG. 6, securement member  28  has a first sidewall  60  depending downwardly from the top of securement member  28 . A longitudinal shoulder  62  is depends outwardly from first sidewall  60 . A second sidewall  64  depends downward from longitudinal shoulder  62 . A base portion  66  depends outwardly from second sidewall  64 . Securement member  28  also has a flanking first sidewall  68  depending downwardly from the top of securement member  28 . A first slanted sidewall  70  depends downward and angled inward from flanking first sidewall  68 . A flanking second sidewall  72  depends downwardly from first slanted sidewall  70 . A second slanted sidewall  74  depends outwardly and angled from flanking second sidewall  72 . A flanking base portion  76  depends outwardly from second slanted sidewall  74 . 
     Referring now in particular to FIG. 8, securement member  30  has a first sidewall  80  depending outwardly from the top of securement member  30 . A longitudinal shoulder  82  depends outwardly from first sidewall  80 . A second sidewall  84  depends outwardly from longitudinal shoulder  82 . A base portion  86  depends outwardly from second sidewall  84 . A flanking first sidewall  88  depends downwardly from the top of securement member  30 . A ceiling  90  depends inwardly from flanking first sidewall  88 . A flanking second sidewall  92  depends downwardly from ceiling  90 . A base portion  94  depends outwardly from flanking second sidewall  92 . Securement member  30  is configured to accommodate the position of partition  32  as well as define a portion of receiving area  104 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 9, engagement members  52  are first inserted through receiving openings  40  in a first direction shown by an arrow  96 . During the insertion of engagement members  52 , top portion  54  does not rise above upper surface  18  of mounting cover  12 . Top portion  54  of engagement members  52  remain level with upper surface  18  of mounting cover  12 . Securement members  28  are then repositioned in a second direction indicated by an arrow  98  so that engagement members  52  are now positioned within engagement opening  42  and staking area  44 . Engagement surfaces  48  make contact with and positively grip the side portions  58  of engagement members  52  as securement members  28  slidably engage engagement openings  40  in the second direction shown by arrow  98 . The positioning and configuration of side portions  58  and engagement surfaces  48  keep engagement member  52  at or below upper surface  18 . Once engagement members  52  are repositioned, top portions  54  are always level with upper surface  18  of cover  12 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 10-11, once engagement members  52  are positively gripped by engaging opening  42 , engagement members  52  now rest in engaging opening  42  and staking opening  44 . A downward force is applied in a direction depicted by an arrow  100  to areas  101  of each top portion  54  of engagement members  52 . An apparatus or a device such as a press equipped with a hammer, or a person using a hammer, applies the downward force as illustrated by a hammer  55  in FIG.  10 . The hammer is configured to strike areas  101  and can resemble a split fork with two separate and distinct striking surfaces as shown in FIG.  10 . When applied, such a pair of striking surfaces simultaneously strike upper surface  54  of engagement members  52  and deflect the malleable material of engagement member  52  at areas  101 . 
     As engagement member  52  is forced downward in the direction of arrow  100 , a portion of engagement member  52  is forced into portions of staking opening  44  (FIGS.  10 - 11 ). Staking opening  44  possesses a width larger than the width of engaging members  52 . Prior to engaging members  52  being forced downward into staking opening  44 , an open space or unoccupied portion exists on either side of that part of engaging member  52  within staking opening  44  (FIG.  10 - 11 ). 
     As areas  101  of engaging member  52  are forced downwardly, portions of engaging member  52  remain supported by engaging surfaces  48  of engaging opening  42  (FIGS.  10 - 11 ). However, the part of engagement member  52  located in staking opening  44  and without engagement surfaces  48  for support are forced into the open or unoccupied portions of staking opening  44  (FIG.  4 ). Once engagement members  52  are forced into staking area  44 , engagement members  52 , securement members  28 , and securement member  30  are all prevented from being repositioned again. Accordingly, engagement members  52  are now fastened flush to cover  12 . 
     Fastening engaging members  52  to cover  12  in this manner is referred to as a self-fixturing method. Typically, before two parts can be joined, a separate tool is specifically designed and implemented to hold each part in place. Once the two parts have been secured, fastened, adhered, etc. together by another device or tool, the separate tool designed to hold the parts in place is removed. This process is referred to as fixturing. 
     In the present invention, a separate tool is not required to hold securement members  28  or securement member  30  in place within mounting cover  12  prior to applying the engaging force in the direction of arrow  100 ; thus, the method is referred to as self-fixturing. Once engagement members  52  slidably engage opening  16  and engagement opening  42  positively support sidewalls  58  of engagement members  52 , securement members  28  remain in place within mounting cover  12 . Securement members  28  do not require further alignment or a separate tool to hold them in place within mounting cover  12  prior to applying the engaging force in the direction of arrow  100 . As a result, the method for inserting securement members  28  into openings  16  is a self-fixturing process. Additional benefits, such as time and cost efficient and not as labor intensive, are realized since designing, manufacturing and using a special tool is not required. 
     As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 12, once engagement members  52  of securement members  28  are fixedly secured within openings  16  of mounting cover  12 , securement members  28  are positioned to define a receiving area  102 . Flanking first sidewall  68  and first slanted sidewall  70  of securement members  28  are in a facing spaced relationship with first sidewall  60  of the opposing securement members  28 . Flanking second sidewall  68  of securement members  28  are in a facing spaced relationship with a portion of first sidewall  60  as well as longitudinal shoulder  62  and second sidewall  64  of the opposing securement members  28 . Flanking second sidewall  74  and second slanted sidewall  76  of securement members  28  are in a facing spaced relationship with a second sidewall  64  of another securement members  28 . Securement members  28  define a receiving area  102  having the configuration illustrated in FIG.  12 . 
     As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 13, once securement member  30  is fixedly secured to mounting cover  12 , securement member  28  and securement member  30  are positioned to define a receiving area  104  when engagement members  52  are fixedly engaged within openings  16  and  17 , respectively. Flanking first sidewall  88  and an upper portion of flanking second sidewall  92  of securement member  30  are in a facing spaced relationship with first sidewall  60  and second sidewall  64  of securement member  28  (FIG.  13 ). The rest of flanking second sidewall  92  of securement member  30  is in a facing spaced relationship with second sidewall  64  of securement member  28  (FIG.  13 ). 
     Securement member  30  has an area defined by ceiling  90 , flanking second sidewall  92  and base portion  94  which is considerably larger in size than an area defined by first slanted sidewall  70 , flanking second sidewall  72 , second slanted sidewall  74  and base portion  76  of securement member  28 . Securement member  30  is also wider than securement member  28 ; however, securement member  30  is shorter in length than securement member  28 . Securement member  30  has a larger area, a greater width and a shorter length because it is located behind partition  32 . Securement member  30  must be wider then partition  32  so that securement member  30  can define a receiving area  104 . Securement member  28  and securement member  30  define a receiving area  104  having the configuration illustrated in FIG.  13 . 
     Again referring to FIGS. 12-13, securement members  28  are configured to define a plurality of openings  105  in between each base surface portions  66 ,  76  of first securement member  28  and base surface portions  86 ,  94  of second securement members  30 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 14-15, receiving areas  102 ,  104  define a geometry specific to a card carrier. Such a card carrier preferably is an actuator  106  containing a card  108 . Actuator  106  is molded plastic and fastened to card  108  using shoulder screws  110  located in opposing slots  112  found on actuator  106  (FIG.  14 ). This allows actuator  106  to move independently of card  108 . Card  108  can encompass any type of electronic interposer card having different functions such as wrapping signals generated from circuitry to fiber optics. Additionally, card  108  can also be a “blank”, which is a plastic card used to occupy a space (FIG.  15 ). Actuator  106  is laterally inserted into receiving areas  102 ,  104 . Actuator  106  is guided by a shoulder  114  located on either side of actuator  106 . Opposing shoulders  114  are supported by first sidewall  60 , longitudinal shoulder  62 , second sidewall  64  and base portion surface  66  of securement member  28  and engages flanking first sidewall  68  of opposing securement member  28 . 
     Once card  108  reaches an interface mechanism (not shown), shoulder screws  110  of actuator  106  are automatically aligned with cut-outs  53  of securement members  28  and securement member  30 . At this point card  108  can no longer move forward in either receiving area  102  or  104 . Actuator  106  is then pushed forward causing card  108  to slide at an angle within opposing slots  112 . Card  108  moves downward in a vertical direction. Card  108  then mates blind with interface mechanism in a camming action as actuator  106  reaches the end of slots  112 . Card  108  is now fastened flush to the chassis. 
     When actuator  106  is laterally inserted into receiving area  104 , actuator  106  is again guided by opposing shoulders  114 , which is supported by base portion  94  of securement member  30  and engages first sidewall  60 , longitudinal shoulder  62 , second sidewall  64  and base portion  66  of opposing securement member  28 . Both actuator  106  and card  108  engage receiving area  104  and interfacing mechanism, respectively, in the same manner as when laterally inserted into receiving area  102 . In this preferred embodiment of the present invention, once actuator  106  and card  108  are laterally inserted into receiving areas  102  and  104 , a retaining bar  116  is fixedly attached to the end of cards  108  and edge  27  of cover  12 . The retaining bar  116  shields electromagnetic emissions emanating from the operation of the electronic equipment and prevents mounting structure  10  from becoming conductive. 
     Referring now to FIG. 16, as contemplated and in accordance with the present invention, an alternative embodiment of cover  12  can further include an end portion  22  having a pair of apertures  118  and a flange  120 , which extends outwardly from end portion  22 . A gasket  122  is mounted to the top of flange  120  by an adhesive found on gasket  122 . In this alternative embodiment, gasket  122  is an emc gasket commercially available from Parker Hannafin Seal Group, Irvine, Calif. Gasket  122  seals electromagnetic emissions emitted from the printed circuit board. Pair of apertures  118  are adapted to receive a screw or similar securement means to secure a separate cover placed upon chassis  26  to complete the enclosure and ensure correct air flow. 
     Accordingly, and as contemplated in accordance with the present invention, a mounting structure scalable in size for fastening objects flush to a surface, large or miniature, may be configured to receive various guidance mechanisms having different geometries. Therefore, the present invention provides a most economical and spatially conservative means for fastening objects flush to a surface. 
     While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention may not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Technology Category: g