Granted Patent B2

US 7,405,944 · App. 11/621,830 · Granted Jul 29, 2008

Abstract

Claims (29)

1. A device for retaining a printed circuit board to a structure that has channels for receiving the device, the device comprising a body having portions configured for receipt into a channel of a structure and a protuberance extending away from a first surface of the body; wherein the body further includes a flexible tab and the protuberance is located on the flexible tab.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the body is symmetric.

3. The device of claim 1 , further comprising an additional protuberance extending away from a first surface of the body.

4. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a ridge formed on a second surface of the body adjacent a peripheral edge of the body.

5. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a first ridge formed on a second surface of the body and a second ridge formed on a second surface of the body, wherein the first ridge extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to a direction in which the second ridge extends.

6. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a recess configured to receive a screwdriver.

7. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a locating post extending from the first surface of the body.

8. The device of claim 7 , wherein the locating post is aligned with an axis of rotational symmetry for the device.

9. A method for holding a printed circuit board against a structure comprising:

facing a first surface of a printed circuit board toward a first surface of a structure;

placing a protuberance of a retaining device in contact with a second surface of the printed circuit board, the second surface being opposite the first surface;

applying a force on the retaining device in a direction towards the printed circuit board resulting in a portion of the retaining device flexing;

moving the retaining device such that a portion of the retaining device is received into a channel of the structure and the portion of the retaining device remains flexed; and

removing the force from the retaining device, whereby the flexed portion of the retaining device exerts a force on the printed circuit board.

10. The method of claim 9 , further comprising:

placing a thermally conductive compressible material between the first surface of the printed circuit board and the first surface of the structure.

11. The method of claim 9 , wherein the moving the retaining device step further comprises rotating the retaining device.

12. A light assembly comprising:

a printed circuit board;

an LED mounted to the printed circuit board;

a structure having a mounting surface contacting the printed circuit board and a first channel spaced from the mounting surface;

a cam including a first flexible portion and a protuberance disposed on or adjacent the first flexible portion, the protuberance contacting the printed circuit board, the cam having a portion configured for receipt in the first channel of the structure.

13. The assembly of claim 12 , wherein the cam includes a ridge disposed on a side of the cam opposite the protuberance.

14. The assembly of claim 12 , wherein the cam comprises a substantially planar body having a height that is about equal to a distance that the first channel is spaced from the mounting surface.

15. The assembly of 12 , wherein the cam has a height that is less than a height of the LED.

16. The assembly of claim 12 , wherein the first flexible portion is defined by a curved cut-out through the cam.

17. The assembly of claim 12 , wherein the cam has a substantially S-shaped configuration in plan view.

18. The assembly of claim 13 , wherein the ridge is generally parallel to an adjacent peripheral edge of the cam.

19. The assembly of claim 13 , wherein the structure includes a mating groove that receives the ridge.

Assignments (8)