Fastener for connecting an electrical device to a substrate
US6139362A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 30, 1999 |
| Grant date | Oct 31, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 30, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05K3/301
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A fastener apparatus for mechanically connecting and holding the main housing of an electrical device, such as an electrical connector, to a substrate, such as a PCB, in a manner that allows for a relatively low insertion force and a corresponding relatively high retention force. The fasteners are adapted for attachment to both an electrical connector and to a substrate, thereby forming a mechanical connection between the two. Preferably, one or more fasteners are attached to the housing of the electrical connector and then the electrical connector having fasteners extending therefrom is connected to board openings formed in the PCB. The fastener apparatus is constructed having one or more arms connected to a bottom end of the fastener, the arms sweep outward and upward from the bottom end toward the top end. Preferably, the arms have a cantilevered design that allows the arms to deflect inward during insertion of the fastener into the board openings, thereby providing for a relatively low insertion force. Preferably, the arms are also formed having a taper. The tapered design of the arms has a predetermined inclined surface, forming an angle of inclination which results in a more …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.