US4916577A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of mounting removable modules
Assignee: Grumman Corp
•
Filing: 1988-12-20
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Granted: 1990-04-10
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Expires: 2008-12-20
Abstract
Abstract Electronic modules may be retained within a thin flexible support member by forming a peripheral groove within the module. A cutout is formed within the support member so that resulting edge flanges snap into the groove. A thin continuous spring retainer, having a sinusoidal length, is pushed over the module and likewise snaps into the groove so that the flanges of the support member become rigidified and secure the module thereto.
Inventors
- 👤 Bertram H. Dawkins
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 18:52
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05K; H05K7/00; H05K7/02; H05K7/12; H01; H01Q; H01Q1/00; H01Q1/08; H01Q1/085; H01Q1/087
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
88 words
A system for mounting a module to a support member comprising: a groove formed along the periphery of the module; a flexible flange forming a boundary of a cutout in the support member for engaging the groove when the module is pushed into the cutout; and continuous spring retainer means having undulating sides which expand when pushed over the module for allowing snap insertion of the retainer into the groove for overlying abutment with the flange; thereby rigidifying the flange and securing the module to the support member.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
88 words
A system for mounting a module to a support member comprising: a groove formed along the periphery of the module; a flexible flange forming a boundary of a cutout in the support member for engaging the groove when the module is pushed into the cutout; and continuous spring retainer means having undulating sides which expand when pushed over the module for allowing snap insertion of the retainer into the groove for overlying abutment with the flange; thereby rigidifying the flange and securing the module to the support member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The structure set forth in claim 1 wherein the support member is an antenna ground plane.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The structure set forth in claim 1 wherein the retainer means comprises a single spring retainer for overlying abutment of a first surface of the flange.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The structure set forth in claim 1 wherein the retainer means comprises first and second spring retainers for abutment of opposite surfaces of the flange.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
115 words
A system for mounting a module to a support member comprising: a continuous groove formed along the periphery of the module; a cutout formed in the support member and having rectilinear edges; flexible flange sections extending inwardly from the edges; slots formed in the corners of the flange sections to allow independent movement of the flange sections sufficient for engaging the groove when the module is pushed into the cutout; and continuous spring retainer means having the substantially same shape as the cutout including undulating sides and curved corners for facilitating expansion of the retainer means when it is pushed over the module; thereby rigidifying the flange for securing the module to the support member.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
115 words
A system for mounting a module to a support member comprising: a continuous groove formed along the periphery of the module; a cutout formed in the support member and having rectilinear edges; flexible flange sections extending inwardly from the edges; slots formed in the corners of the flange sections to allow independent movement of the flange sections sufficient for engaging the groove when the module is pushed into the cutout; and continuous spring retainer means having the substantially same shape as the cutout including undulating sides and curved corners for facilitating expansion of the retainer means when it is pushed over the module; thereby rigidifying the flange for securing the module to the support member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The structure set forth in claim 5 wherein the support member is an antenna ground plane.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
114 words
A method for mounting electronic modules to a flexible support member of an antenna comprising the steps: forming a continuous groove along the periphery of the module; forming a cutout in the support member having rectilinear sides; forming flexible flange sections along each cutout side which extend inwardly of the cutout, the flange sections being separated by slots formed in the corners of the flange sections; pushing a retainer means having substantially the same shape as the groove over the module whereby undulating sides of the retainer means expand until it snaps into the groove for overlying abutment with the flange; thereby rigidifying the flange for securement of the module to the support member.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
114 words
A method for mounting electronic modules to a flexible support member of an antenna comprising the steps: forming a continuous groove along the periphery of the module; forming a cutout in the support member having rectilinear sides; forming flexible flange sections along each cutout side which extend inwardly of the cutout, the flange sections being separated by slots formed in the corners of the flange sections; pushing a retainer means having substantially the same shape as the groove over the module whereby undulating sides of the retainer means expand until it snaps into the groove for overlying abutment with the flange; thereby rigidifying the flange for securement of the module to the support member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method set forth in claim 7 wherein the retainer means comprises a single spring retainer for overlying abutment of a first surface of the flange sections.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method set forth in claim 7 wherein the retainer means comprises first and second spring retainers for abutment of opposite surfaces of the flange sections.
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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) | 1993-04-09 | 1993-10-09 | 1994-04-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-04-09 | 1997-10-09 | 1998-04-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-04-09 | 2001-10-09 | 2002-04-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |