Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus and method providing supplemental support to an electronic card from above, such as along a longitudinal edge of a PCI card opposite an edge connector on the motherboard. SOLUTION: The supplemental support may be provided at any of a plurality of location along the edge of the card, to accommodate cards of a variety of shapes and sizes. A support apparatus includes a track generally aligned with a longitudinal edge of the electronic card. A collar is disposed on the track and is moveable to any of a plurality of positions along the track. A plunger is inserted through the collar and is movable with respect to the collar into engagement with the longitudinal edge of the electronic card. A first locking member is activated in response to inserting the plunger into the collar to prevent relative movement of the collar and the plunger with respect to the track. A second locking member locks the plunger with respect to the collar when the plunger engages the card. COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT