US4580192A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Latching and withdrawing assembly for plug-in circuit packs
Assignee: Nortel Networks Ltd
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Filing: 1983-11-28
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Granted: 1986-04-01
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Expires: 2003-11-28
Abstract
Abstract Plug-in circuit packs, as used in telecommunications systems are planar assemblies which slide into position in a support frame, with electrical connections usually made at the inner or rear end. Assistance in withdrawal, and latching when in position are provided by a latching and withdrawing assembly at the front end of the circuit pack, having an integrally molded spring cantilever, free at its forward end and having an outwardly extending projection at its free end, the cantilever defining a channel in which slides an actuator. The actuator has spaced side members joined at an inner end by a cylindrical member which slides in the channel. Flange members are formed on the inner end of each side member. Rotation of the actuator at its outermost position causes the flange members to bear on the free end of the cantilever to deflect it. This disengages the outwardly extending projection at the free end of the cantilever from a detent in the support frame. Projections on the side members bear against the support frame and bias the circuit pack out of the support frame.
Inventors
- 👤 Rojer A. Beun
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 00:28
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05K; H05K7/00; H05K7/14; H05K7/1401; H05K7/1402; H05K7/1405
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
275 words
A circuit pack for insertion into a support frame, the pack comprising a frame having front and back edges and spaced apart end frame members extending from said front edge to said back edge, and a latching and withdrawal assembly on each end frame member adjacent said front edge, each latching and withdrawal assembly comprising: a spring cantilever member extending parallel to said end frame member, said cantilever member integral at a rear end with said end frame member and free at its forward end, the cantilever member and said end frame member defining a channel; a projection at said free end of said cantilever member, the projection extending in a direction away from said end frame member; a projection on said end frame member positioned forward of and aligned with said cantilever member, and including an arcuate recess facing towards said channel; an actuator slidably mounted in said channel, said actuator having two spaced parallel arms joined at an inner end by a cylindrical member and joined at their outer ends by a transverse web, the cylindrical member positioned in and sliding in said channel from an inner position to an outer position, the cylindrical member positioned in said arcuate recess in its outer position; said actuator pivotable in its outer position, whereby an abutment at said inner end of said actuator is moved into engagement with said free end of said cantilever member to depress the cantilever member and release said projection at said free end from a detent in said support frame, and said actuator bears on a surface of said support frame to urge said circuit pack from said support frame.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
275 words
A circuit pack for insertion into a support frame, the pack comprising a frame having front and back edges and spaced apart end frame members extending from said front edge to said back edge, and a latching and withdrawal assembly on each end frame member adjacent said front edge, each latching and withdrawal assembly comprising: a spring cantilever member extending parallel to said end frame member, said cantilever member integral at a rear end with said end frame member and free at its forward end, the cantilever member and said end frame member defining a channel; a projection at said free end of said cantilever member, the projection extending in a direction away from said end frame member; a projection on said end frame member positioned forward of and aligned with said cantilever member, and including an arcuate recess facing towards said channel; an actuator slidably mounted in said channel, said actuator having two spaced parallel arms joined at an inner end by a cylindrical member and joined at their outer ends by a transverse web, the cylindrical member positioned in and sliding in said channel from an inner position to an outer position, the cylindrical member positioned in said arcuate recess in its outer position; said actuator pivotable in its outer position, whereby an abutment at said inner end of said actuator is moved into engagement with said free end of said cantilever member to depress the cantilever member and release said projection at said free end from a detent in said support frame, and said actuator bears on a surface of said support frame to urge said circuit pack from said support frame.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
70 words
A circuit pack as claimed in claim 1, said projection at said free end of said cantilever member being of reduced thickness relative to the width of said cantilever member said abutment at said inner end of said actuator comprising two opposed flange members extending inwardly from said parallel arms, the flanges overlapping said cantilever member and spaced at their inner ends a distance to permit passage past said projection.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
52 words
A circuit pack as claimed in claim 1, including a convex projection on each arm of said actuator, at a position intermediate the ends of the arms, said convex projections bearing on said surface of said support frame to urge the circuit pack from the support frame on pivotting of said actuator.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
A circuit pack as claimed in claim 1, wherein said transverse web joining the outer ends of said parallel arms extends beyond said arms to form a handle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
102 words
A circuit pack as claimed in claim 2, including an inwardly projecting rib at an edge of each of said parallel arms, said ribs extending from an outer end of each arm and stopping short of said cylindrical member to define a gap at each side, a recess on each side of said projection on said frame member, at the base of the projection, said ribs engaging in said recesses on sliding of said actuator from its inner position, said projection on said frame member positioned in said gaps at the outer position of the actuator to enable pivotting of said actuator.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-03-31 | 1989-09-30 | 1990-04-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-03-31 | 1993-09-30 | 1994-04-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-03-31 | 1997-09-30 | 1998-04-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |