US5161997A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Hardwareless panel retention for shielded connector
Assignee: TE Connectivity Corp
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Filing: 1991-10-11
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Granted: 1992-11-10
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Expires: 2011-10-11
Abstract
Abstract There is disclosed a hardwareless panel retention system in which an electrically conductive panel has opposed major surfaces with a mating connector aperture extending therebetween. The panel has opposed edges formed into a pair of channels. A connector having a housing with contacts secured therein is secured to the panel. A shield secured to the connector housing has a flange along opposed edges for receipt in respective opposed channels of the panel to secure the connector to the panel.
Inventors
- 👤 George R. Defibaugh
- 👤 Earl C. Myers, Jr.
- 👤 Robert N. Whiteman, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 11:42
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/46; H01R13/516; H01R13/518; H01R13/73; H01R13/74; H01R13/514; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S439/00; Y10S439/939
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
86 words
A hardwareless panel retention system comprising: an electrically conductive panel, said panel having opposed major surfaces with a mating connector receiving aperture extending therebetween, said panel having opposed edges formed into a pair of opposed channels by edges of the panel folded through approximately 180 degrees; a connector housing having contacts secured therein; a shield secured to said connector housing, said shield having a flange member extending along opposed edges for receipt in respective opposed channels in the panel to secure the connector to the panel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
86 words
A hardwareless panel retention system comprising: an electrically conductive panel, said panel having opposed major surfaces with a mating connector receiving aperture extending therebetween, said panel having opposed edges formed into a pair of opposed channels by edges of the panel folded through approximately 180 degrees; a connector housing having contacts secured therein; a shield secured to said connector housing, said shield having a flange member extending along opposed edges for receipt in respective opposed channels in the panel to secure the connector to the panel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A hardwareless panel retention system as recited in claim 1, wherein the flanges on the shield extend outwardly from the field.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
A hardwareless panel retention system as recited in claim 1, wherein the channels define a gap between said folded edges and the panel that is smaller than the thickness of the connector flange received therein, whereby mechanical engagement between the shield and panel is assured to provide electrical conductivity therebetween.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
103 words
A hardwareless panel retention system, comprising: an electrically conductive panel, said panel having opposed major surfaces with at least one mating connector receiving aperture extending therebetween, said panel having opposed edges proximate said at least one aperture formed into a pair of opposed channels by edges of the panel folded through approximately 180 degrees; a connector housing having contacts secured therein; a shield secured to said connector housing, said shield having a flange member extending along opposed edges for receipt in said opposed channels in the panel to secure the connector to the panel proximate said at least one mating connector receiving aperture.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
103 words
A hardwareless panel retention system, comprising: an electrically conductive panel, said panel having opposed major surfaces with at least one mating connector receiving aperture extending therebetween, said panel having opposed edges proximate said at least one aperture formed into a pair of opposed channels by edges of the panel folded through approximately 180 degrees; a connector housing having contacts secured therein; a shield secured to said connector housing, said shield having a flange member extending along opposed edges for receipt in said opposed channels in the panel to secure the connector to the panel proximate said at least one mating connector receiving aperture.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
51 words
A hardwareless panel retention system as recited in claim 4, wherein the channels define a gap between said folded edges and the panel that is smaller than the thickness of the connector flange received therein, whereby mechanical engagement between the shield and the panel is assured to provide electrical conductivity therebetween.
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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) | 1995-11-10 | 1996-05-11 | 1996-11-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-11-10 | 2000-05-11 | 2000-11-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-11-10 | 2004-05-11 | 2004-11-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |