Holder for closely-positioned multiple GBIC connectors
AssigneeCisco Technology, Inc.
InventorsWilliam F. Edwards, Earl Devenport, Robert Gregory Twiss
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A frame or similar structure is used for positioning two stacked GBIC connectors within a 1 RU form factor height of a router or similar network device. In one aspect, the frame can be constructed, assembled and/or mounted in the absence of a need for screws or similar connectors and/or tools. Hooks, latches, engaging teeth and the like can engage sections of a chassis base plate, to position the GBIC connectors preferably within a cutout formed in a motherboard. Use of a flex circuit for connecting the GBIC connectors to a motherboard avoids the requirement for high-precision placement for positioning.
Claims36
Apparatus for a computer network component, said component having a chassis and a substantially planar main circuit board, defining a first plane, the apparatus comprising:
- a face plate, coupled to said chassis, defining a 1 RU face plate height of about 1.75 inches;
- first and second GBIC connectors each defining an opening in said face plate, each opening having a first width measured along a first dimension parallel to said first plane and having a height, measured along a second dimension substantially perpendicular to said first dimension, less than said first width, said GBIC connectors being positioned in a stacked relationship to define a stacked height at least equal to said height of said first connector plus said height of said second connector;
- and
- wherein said stacked height is less than said 1 RU height.
A method for providing a computer network component, said component having a chassis and a substantially planar main circuit board, defining a first plane, the apparatus comprising:
- coupling a face plate to said chassis, defining a 1 RU face plate height of about 1.75 inches;
- providing first and second GBIC connectors each defining an opening in said face plate, each opening having a first width measured along a first dimension parallel to said first plane and having a height, measured along a second dimension substantially perpendicular to said first dimension, less than said first width,
- positioning said GBIC connectors in a stacked relationship to define a stacked height at least equal to said height of said first connector plus said height of said second connector;
- and
- wherein said stacked height is less than said 1 RU height.
Apparatus for a computer network component, said component having a chassis and a substantially planar main circuit board, defining a first plane, the apparatus comprising:
- a face plate, coupled to a chassis, defining a 1 RU face plate height of about 1.75 inches;
- first and second GBIC connectors each defining an opening in said face plate, each opening having a first width measured along a first dimension parallel to said first plane and having a height, measured along a second dimension substantially perpendicular to said first dimension, less than said first width;
- means for positioning said GBIC connectors with respect to said chassis in a stacked relationship to define a stacked height at least equal to said height of said first connector plus said height of said second connector;
- and
- wherein said stacked height is less than said 1 RU height.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.