The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 07, 2001
Filed:
Jun. 19, 1998
David W. Carroll, Northfield, MN (US);
Terry L. Travis, Nerstrand, MN (US);
ViA, Inc., Burnsville, MN (US);
Abstract
An apparatus and method for extending the durability and life span of flexible circuitry by limiting the bend radius of the flexible circuitry and distributing the flexure point about an extended portion of the circuitry. The assembly includes one or more flex-limiting members associated with and integrated between the layers of flexible circuitry laminate. A fastener is affixed to the flexible circuitry laminate, operatively coupling the one or more flex-limiting members in position adjacent the flexible circuitry laminate. The flex-limiting member limits flexure of the circuitry, during each individual bend, to or below a predetermined angle, thereby decreasing the rate of failure in the circuitry, for example via short circuit, as a result of repeated or excessive bending.