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:
Feb. 20, 2007
Filed:
Sep. 21, 2005
Jessica R. Berens, Rochester, MN (US);
Jeffrey L. Justin, Oronoco, MN (US);
Christopher L. Tuma, Mantorville, MN (US);
Martin D. Williams, Tucson, AZ (US);
Jessica R. Berens, Rochester, MN (US);
Jeffrey L. Justin, Oronoco, MN (US);
Christopher L. Tuma, Mantorville, MN (US);
Martin D. Williams, Tucson, AZ (US);
International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY (US);
Abstract
A retention system includes a retainer having at least two wings affixed to a mounting surface by a retaining screw or like attachment device inserted into a hole of the mounting surface. A coil spring or the like, optionally captured by the retaining screw, provides tension between the retainer and the mounting surface. The hole of the mounting surface defines the potential placement of the retainer relative to the mounting surface, allowing it to assume a neutral position and a plurality of offset positions. While in its neutral position, the wings of the retainer prevent the removal of connectors, cables, screws, or other retention devices by physically trapping them between the retainer and the mounting surface. By moving the retainer to one of the plurality of offset positions, a user may expose one of the connectors, cables, screws, or other retention devices, allowing it to be removed while preventing the accidental or inadvertent removal of the other components still trapped by the retainer.