Closely-positioned multiple GBIC connectors

Apparatus for facilitating the mounting of GBICs comprising:

• first and second GBIC frames, each having a plurality of mounting components, and each having a frame face;
• a plate, defining a plate plane, having first and second opposite surfaces, each of said first and second opposite surfaces configured to accommodate said plurality of mounting components of said first and second GBIC frames, respectively, wherein said first and second GBIC frames arc positioned in parallel fashion to define first and second frame positions, said frame faces of said first and second GBIC frames beino similarly oriented;
• wherein said plate is coupled to a circuit board;
• and
• a direct mechanical connection between said circuit board and at least one of said first and second GBIC frames.

Apparatus for facilitating the mounting of GBICs comprising:

• first and second GBIC frames, each having a plurality of mounting components, and each having a frame face;
• coupling means, defining a first plane, having first and second opposite surfaces, each of said first and second opposite surfaces configured to accommodate said plurality of mounting components of said first and second GBIC frames, respectively, wherein said first and second GBIC frames are positioned in parallel fashion to define first and second frame positions, said frame faces of said first and second GBIC frames being similarly oriented;
• wherein said coupling means is coupled to a circuit board;
• and
• a direct mechanical connection between said circuit board and at least one of said first and second GBIC frames.

A method for facilitating the mounting of GBICs comprising:

• providing first and second GBIC frames, each having a plurality of mounting components, and each having a frame face;
• coupling said first and second GBIC frames to a plate, defining a plate plane, having first and second opposite surfaces, each of said first and second opposite surfaces configured to accommodate said plurality of mounting components of said first and second GBIC frames, respectively, wherein said first and second GBIC frames are positioned in parallel fashion to define first and second frame positions, said frame faces of said first and second GBIC frames being similarly oriented;
• coupling said plate to a circuit board;
• and
• directly coupling said circuit board to at least one of said first and second GBIC frames.

Apparatus for facilitating the mounting of GBICs comprising:

• at least a first GBIC frame, said GBIC frame defining a front face having a face longitudinal axis;
• board attachment means mounted to said GBIC frame;
• a circuit board, defining a perimeter, said circuit board having at least a first edge coupled to said board attachment means, said circuit board having upper and lower major surfaces, each lying in a plane, wherein said GBIC frame straddles at least one of said upper and lower major surfaces such that first and second different portions of said GBIC frame are positioned on opposite sides of the plane of said one of said upper and lower major surfaces
• wherein said first edge is an edge of a cut-out extending inwardly from the perimeter of said circuit board;
• and
• wherein said cut-out has a first width at an inward extension of said cutout and wherein said GBIC frame has a flared shape such that a forward portion of said GBIC frame has a height exceeding said cut-out width.

Apparatus for facilitating the mounting of GBICs comprising:

• least a first GBIC frame, said GBIC frame defining a front face having a face longitudinal axis;
• at least a first rail mounted to said GBIC frame;
• a circuit board, defining a perimeter, said circuit board having at least a first edge coupled to said first rail, said circuit board having upper and lower major surfaces, each lying in a plane, wherein said GBIC frame straddles at least one of said upper and lower major surfaces such that first and second different portions of said GBIC frame are positioned on opposite sides of the plane of said one of said upper and lower major surfaces;
• wherein said first edge is an edge of a cut-out extending inwardly from the perimeter of said circuit board;
• and
• wherein said cut-out has a first width at an inward extension of said cutout and wherein said GBIC frame has a flared shape such that a forward portion of said GBIC frame has a height exceeding said cut-out width.

A method for facilitating the mounting of GBICs comprising:

• providing at least a first GBIC frame, said GBIC frame defining a front face having a face longitudinal axis;
• mounting a board attachment device on said GBIC frame;
• coupling a first edge of a circuit board to said board attachment means, said circuit board defining a perimeter, said circuit board having upper and lower major surfaces, each lying in a plane, wherein said GBIC frame straddles at least one of said upper and lower major surfaces such that first and second different portions of said GBIC frame are positioned on opposite sides of the plane of said one of said upper and lower major surfaces;
• wherein said first edge is an edge of a cut-out extending inwardly from the perimeter of said circuit board;
• and
• wherein said cut-out has a first width at an inward extension of said cutout and wherein said GBIC frame has a flared shape such that a forward portion of said GBIC frame has a height exceeding said cut-out width.

Apparatus for facilitating the mounting of GBICs comprising:

• at least a first GBIC frame, said GBIC frame defining a front face having a face longitudinal axis;
• a plate mounted to said GBIC frame
• a circuit board coupled to said plate;
• and
• a GBIC received in said GBIC frame, wherein said GBIC has a flared shape such that a forward portion of said GBIC has a height exceeding a rearward portion of said GBIC.

A method for facilitating the mounting of GBICs comprising:

• providing at least a first GBIC frame, said GBIC frame defining a front face having a face longitudinal axis;
• mounting a board attachment device on said GBIC frame;
• coupling a circuit board to said board attachment device;
• and
• receiving a GBIC in said GBIC frame, wherein said GBIC has a flared shape such that a forward portion of said GBIC has a height exceeding a rearward portion of said GBIC.

Apparatus for facilitating the mounting of GBICs comprising:

• at least a first GBIC frame, said GBIC frame defining a front face having a face longitudinal axis;
• board attachment means mounted to said GBIC frame;
• a circuit board coupled to said board attachment means;
• and
• a GBIC received in said GBIC frame wherein said GBIC has a flared shape such that a forward portion of said GBIC has a height exceeding a rearward portion of said GBIC.