Patent US995900A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US6239979B1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
← Back to Patent Explorer
US6239979B1 Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Printed circuit board bracket assembly and system

Assignee: Intel Corp
•
Filing: 1998-11-04
•
Granted: 2001-05-29
•
Expires: 2018-11-04
📄 Original PDF 🌐 Google Patents 🔄 Sync Now

Abstract

Abstract A bracket assembly includes a bracket which readily and easily couples with a printed circuit board. The bracket includes at least one tab assembly foldably attached with a support flange for supporting the printed circuit board. The bracket also includes an outer flange which is coupled with the computer chassis. Alignment apertures on the support flange and the printed circuit board facilitate the alignment of the printed circuit board, and allow for rework of the printed circuit board. Each tab assembly is adapted to frictionally engage with corresponding features on the printed circuit board.

Inventors

  • 👤 Charles C. Ruff

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-08 11:33
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05K; H05K7/00; H05K7/14; H05K7/1401; H05K7/1402; H05K7/1405

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 40
Claim 1
Independent Claim 100 words
A bracket for retaining a printed circuit board comprising: a support flange adapted to receive the printed circuit board thereon; an outer flange coupled with and disposed adjacent to the support flange; and at least one assembly tab foldably coupled with the support flange, the at least one assembly tab including a shoulder portion and a flexible portion, wherein the flexible portion extends to a distal tip, the distal tip adapted for coupling with coupling features of a printed circuit board, the at least one assembly tab foldable from a first unfolded, uncoupled position to a second folded, coupled position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 100 words
A bracket for retaining a printed circuit board comprising: a support flange adapted to receive the printed circuit board thereon; an outer flange coupled with and disposed adjacent to the support flange; and at least one assembly tab foldably coupled with the support flange, the at least one assembly tab including a shoulder portion and a flexible portion, wherein the flexible portion extends to a distal tip, the distal tip adapted for coupling with coupling features of a printed circuit board, the at least one assembly tab foldable from a first unfolded, uncoupled position to a second folded, coupled position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 17 words
The bracket as recited in claim 1 , wherein the distal tip comprises a rounded tip portion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 20 words
The bracket as recited in claim 1 , wherein the support flange further comprises a first set of apertures therein.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 20 words
The bracket as recited in claim 3 , wherein the support flange further comprises a second set of apertures therein.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 24 words
The bracket as recited in claim 1 , wherein a width of the distal tip is less than a width of the shoulder portion.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 22 words
The bracket as recited in claim 1 , wherein the support flange comprises a cutout adapted to receive connector alignment pins therethrough.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 35 words
The bracket as recited in claim 1 , wherein the support flange extends from a first end to a second end, and an assembly tab is disposed at the first end and the second end.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 22 words
The bracket as recited in claim 1 , wherein the shoulder has a predetermined height of 0.060 inches in a preformed position.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 18 words
The bracket as recited in claim 1 , wherein the outer flange is transverse to the support flange.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 116 words
A bracket assembly comprising: a bracket including a support flange adapted to receive a printed circuit board thereon; at least one assembly tab foldably coupled with the support flange, the at least one assembly tab including a shoulder portion and a flexible portion, wherein the flexible portion extends to a distal tip, the distal tip adapted for coupling with coupling features of a printed circuit board, the at least one assembly tab foldable from a first unfolded, uncoupled position to a second folded, coupled position; an outer flange coupled with and disposed adjacent to the support flange; and a printed circuit board coupled with the support flange, the printed circuit board including coupling features integral therewith.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 116 words
A bracket assembly comprising: a bracket including a support flange adapted to receive a printed circuit board thereon; at least one assembly tab foldably coupled with the support flange, the at least one assembly tab including a shoulder portion and a flexible portion, wherein the flexible portion extends to a distal tip, the distal tip adapted for coupling with coupling features of a printed circuit board, the at least one assembly tab foldable from a first unfolded, uncoupled position to a second folded, coupled position; an outer flange coupled with and disposed adjacent to the support flange; and a printed circuit board coupled with the support flange, the printed circuit board including coupling features integral therewith.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 24 words
The bracket assembly as recited in claim 10 , wherein the printed circuit board has a first set of circuit board apertures disposed therein.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim 21 words
The bracket as recited in claim 11 , wherein each assembly tab is engaged within at least one circuit board aperture.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim 36 words
The bracket as recited in claim 12 , wherein the support flange further comprises a first set of apertures therein, where the first set of apertures are aligned with the first set of circuit board apertures.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim 36 words
The bracket as recited in claim 13 , wherein the support flange further comprises a second set of apertures therein, the second set of apertures adjacent to the first set of apertures of the support flange.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim 19 words
The bracket as recited in claim 11 , wherein the printed circuit board is electrically grounded with the bracket.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim 128 words
A bracket assembly comprising: a bracket including a support flange, the support flange including a first set of apertures and a second set of apertures; a first and second assembly tab each foldably coupled with the support flange, each assembly tab including a shoulder portion and a flexible portion, wherein the flexible portion extends to a rounded distal tip; an outer flange coupled with and disposed adjacent to the support flange; and a printed circuit board coupled with the support flange, the printed circuit board having a first set of circuit board apertures disposed therein, the first set of circuit board apertures aligned with the first set of support flange apertures; wherein the first and second assembly tab are engaged within the first set of circuit board apertures.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim 128 words
A bracket assembly comprising: a bracket including a support flange, the support flange including a first set of apertures and a second set of apertures; a first and second assembly tab each foldably coupled with the support flange, each assembly tab including a shoulder portion and a flexible portion, wherein the flexible portion extends to a rounded distal tip; an outer flange coupled with and disposed adjacent to the support flange; and a printed circuit board coupled with the support flange, the printed circuit board having a first set of circuit board apertures disposed therein, the first set of circuit board apertures aligned with the first set of support flange apertures; wherein the first and second assembly tab are engaged within the first set of circuit board apertures.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim 17 words
The bracket as recited in claim 16 , wherein the distal tip comprises a rounded tip portion.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim 24 words
The bracket as recited in claim 16 , wherein a width of the distal tip is less than a width of the shoulder portion.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim 22 words
The bracket as recited in claim 16 , wherein the shoulder has a predetermined height of 0.060 inches in a preformed position.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim 130 words
A bracket assembly and computer system comprising: a computer chassis including a base portion, and walls; and a bracket assembly disposed within the computer chassis, the bracket assembly comprising: a support flange; at least one assembly tab foldably coupled with the support flange, the at least one assembly tab including a shoulder portion and a flexible portion, wherein the flexible portion extends to a distal tip, the distal tip adapted for coupling with coupling features of a printed circuit board, the at least one assembly tab foldable from a first unfolded, uncoupled position to a second folded, coupled position; an outer flange coupled with and disposed adjacent to the support flange; and a printed circuit board coupled with the support flange, the printed circuit board including coupling features integral therewith.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim 130 words
A bracket assembly and computer system comprising: a computer chassis including a base portion, and walls; and a bracket assembly disposed within the computer chassis, the bracket assembly comprising: a support flange; at least one assembly tab foldably coupled with the support flange, the at least one assembly tab including a shoulder portion and a flexible portion, wherein the flexible portion extends to a distal tip, the distal tip adapted for coupling with coupling features of a printed circuit board, the at least one assembly tab foldable from a first unfolded, uncoupled position to a second folded, coupled position; an outer flange coupled with and disposed adjacent to the support flange; and a printed circuit board coupled with the support flange, the printed circuit board including coupling features integral therewith.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim 101 words
A bracket for retaining a printed circuit board comprising: a support flange adapted to receive the printed circuit board thereon, the support flange having a first set of apertures therein; an outer flange coupled with and disposed adjacent to the support flange; and at least one assembly tab coupled with the support flange, the at least one assembly tab including a shoulder portion and a flexible portion, the at least one assembly tab folding from a first unfolded, uncoupled position to a second folded and coupled position, the distal tip adapted for coupling with coupling features of a printed circuit board.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim 101 words
A bracket for retaining a printed circuit board comprising: a support flange adapted to receive the printed circuit board thereon, the support flange having a first set of apertures therein; an outer flange coupled with and disposed adjacent to the support flange; and at least one assembly tab coupled with the support flange, the at least one assembly tab including a shoulder portion and a flexible portion, the at least one assembly tab folding from a first unfolded, uncoupled position to a second folded and coupled position, the distal tip adapted for coupling with coupling features of a printed circuit board.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim 20 words
The bracket as recited in claim 21 , wherein the support flange further comprises a second set of apertures therein.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim 27 words
The bracket as recited in claim 22 , the second set of apertures configured to receive a distal tip of the at least one assembly tab therein.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim 147 words
A bracket assembly comprising: a bracket including a support flange adapted to receive a printed circuit board thereon, the support flange including a first set of apertures therein; at least one assembly tab foldably coupled with the support flange, the at least one assembly tab including a shoulder portion and a flexible portion, wherein the flexible portion extends to a distal tip, the distal tip adapted for coupling with coupling features of a printed circuit board; an outer flange coupled with and disposed adjacent to the support flange; a printed circuit board coupled with the support flange, the printed circuit board including coupling features integral therewith, and the printed circuit board having a first set of circuit board apertures disposed therein, the first set of apertures being aligned with the first set of circuit board apertures, each assembly tab engaged within at least one circuit board aperture.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim 147 words
A bracket assembly comprising: a bracket including a support flange adapted to receive a printed circuit board thereon, the support flange including a first set of apertures therein; at least one assembly tab foldably coupled with the support flange, the at least one assembly tab including a shoulder portion and a flexible portion, wherein the flexible portion extends to a distal tip, the distal tip adapted for coupling with coupling features of a printed circuit board; an outer flange coupled with and disposed adjacent to the support flange; a printed circuit board coupled with the support flange, the printed circuit board including coupling features integral therewith, and the printed circuit board having a first set of circuit board apertures disposed therein, the first set of apertures being aligned with the first set of circuit board apertures, each assembly tab engaged within at least one circuit board aperture.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim 35 words
The bracket as recited in claim 24 , wherein the support flange further comprises a second set of apertures therein, second set of apertures adjacent to the first set of apertures of the support flange.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim 107 words
A bracket for retaining a printed circuit board comprising: a support flange adapted to receive the printed circuit board thereon; an outer flange coupled with and disposed adjacent to the support flange; at least one assembly tab foldably coupled with the support flange, the at least one assembly tab including a shoulder portion and a flexible portion, wherein the flexible portion extends to a distal tip, the distal tip adapted for coupling with coupling features of a printed circuit board; and the support flange extends from a first end to a second end, and an assembly tab is disposed at the first end and the second end.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim 107 words
A bracket for retaining a printed circuit board comprising: a support flange adapted to receive the printed circuit board thereon; an outer flange coupled with and disposed adjacent to the support flange; at least one assembly tab foldably coupled with the support flange, the at least one assembly tab including a shoulder portion and a flexible portion, wherein the flexible portion extends to a distal tip, the distal tip adapted for coupling with coupling features of a printed circuit board; and the support flange extends from a first end to a second end, and an assembly tab is disposed at the first end and the second end.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim 95 words
A bracket for retaining a printed circuit board comprising: a support flange adapted to receive the printed circuit board thereon; an outer flange coupled with and disposed adjacent to the support flange; and at least one assembly tab foldably coupled with the support flange, the at least one assembly tab including a shoulder portion and a flexible portion, wherein the flexible portion extends to a distal tip, the distal tip adapted for coupling with coupling features of a printed circuit board; and the shoulder has a predetermined height of 0.060 inches in a preformed position.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim 95 words
A bracket for retaining a printed circuit board comprising: a support flange adapted to receive the printed circuit board thereon; an outer flange coupled with and disposed adjacent to the support flange; and at least one assembly tab foldably coupled with the support flange, the at least one assembly tab including a shoulder portion and a flexible portion, wherein the flexible portion extends to a distal tip, the distal tip adapted for coupling with coupling features of a printed circuit board; and the shoulder has a predetermined height of 0.060 inches in a preformed position.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim 150 words
A bracket assembly comprising: a bracket including a support flange adapted to receive a printed circuit board thereon; at least one assembly tab foldably coupled with the support flange, the at least one assembly tab including a shoulder portion and a flexible portion, wherein the flexible portion extends to a distal tip, the distal tip adapted for coupling with coupling features of a printed circuit board; an outer flange coupled with and disposed adjacent to the support flange; a printed circuit board coupled with the support flange, the printed circuit board including coupling features integral therewith; and the printed circuit board has a first set of circuit board apertures disposed therein, the support flange further comprises a first set of apertures therein, where the first set of apertures are aligned with the first set of circuit board apertures, each assembly tab is engaged within at least one circuit board aperture.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim 150 words
A bracket assembly comprising: a bracket including a support flange adapted to receive a printed circuit board thereon; at least one assembly tab foldably coupled with the support flange, the at least one assembly tab including a shoulder portion and a flexible portion, wherein the flexible portion extends to a distal tip, the distal tip adapted for coupling with coupling features of a printed circuit board; an outer flange coupled with and disposed adjacent to the support flange; a printed circuit board coupled with the support flange, the printed circuit board including coupling features integral therewith; and the printed circuit board has a first set of circuit board apertures disposed therein, the support flange further comprises a first set of apertures therein, where the first set of apertures are aligned with the first set of circuit board apertures, each assembly tab is engaged within at least one circuit board aperture.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim 36 words
The bracket as recited in claim 28 , wherein the support flange further comprises a second set of apertures therein, the second set of apertures adjacent to the first set of apertures of the support flange.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim 121 words
A bracket assembly comprising: a bracket including a support flange adapted to receive a printed circuit board thereon; at least one assembly tab foldably coupled with the support flange, the at least one assembly tab including a shoulder portion and a flexible portion, wherein the flexible portion extends to a distal tip, the distal tip adapted for coupling with coupling features of a printed circuit board; an outer flange coupled with and disposed adjacent to the support flange; a printed circuit board coupled with the support flange, the printed circuit board including coupling features integral therewith, the printed circuit board having a first set of circuit board apertures disposed therein; and the printed circuit board is electrically grounded with the bracket.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim 121 words
A bracket assembly comprising: a bracket including a support flange adapted to receive a printed circuit board thereon; at least one assembly tab foldably coupled with the support flange, the at least one assembly tab including a shoulder portion and a flexible portion, wherein the flexible portion extends to a distal tip, the distal tip adapted for coupling with coupling features of a printed circuit board; an outer flange coupled with and disposed adjacent to the support flange; a printed circuit board coupled with the support flange, the printed circuit board including coupling features integral therewith, the printed circuit board having a first set of circuit board apertures disposed therein; and the printed circuit board is electrically grounded with the bracket.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

US4198024A Cited
US4550362A Cited
US4477135A Cited
US4745524A Cited
US5319524A Cited
US4917624A Cited
US4987517A Cited
US5986892A Cited
US6045386A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 2004-05-28 2004-11-27 2005-05-29 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 2008-05-28 2008-11-27 2009-05-29 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2012-05-28 2012-11-27 2013-05-29 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

Assigned Categories & Tags

No categories assigned to this patent yet.

Assign Category Tag