Panel assembly for compact PCI system interface card

A panel assembly for a compact PCI system interface card having at least one D-type connector comprising:

• (a) a plurality of fixing studs each having a hexagonal body portion and a rod portion projecting coaxially therefrom for engaging a peripheral portion of the D-type connector, said rod portion being less in diameter than said hexagonal body portion;
• (b) at least one inner plate captured against the D-type connector by said fixing studs, said inner plate having a substantially planar wall portion and a folded edge portion extending transversely therefrom, said wall portion having formed therethrough at least one first opening for access to the D-type connector, said first opening including a main opening portion and a plurality of secondary opening portions disposed peripherally thereabout, each said secondary opening portion being less in diametric dimension than said hexagonal body portion but greater than said rod portion of said fixing stud;
• and,
• (c) at least one outer plate coupled to said inner plate, said outer plate having a substantially planar wall portion substantially overlaying said wall portion of said inner plate, said outer plate wall portion having formed therethrough at least one second opening communicating with at least one said first opening for access to the D-type connector, said second opening having a plurality of peripheral portions respectively aligned with said secondary opening portions of said first opening, each said second opening peripheral portion being greater in diametric dimension than said hexagonal body portion of said fixing stud;
• whereby said hexagonal body portion of each said fixing stud passes through said outer plate to retentively engage said inner plate.