Latch for detachably securing electronic cards along orthogonal loading axes

Abstract

The present invention relates to a latch for detachably securing electron cards along orthogonal loading axes. A planar fixed gate is rigidly securable to an external supporting structure and is provided with at least one elongated protrusion extending above one of the planar surfaces. A planar movable gate is rigidly securable to an external electronics mountable structure wherein said movable gate is provided with at least one elongated groove on a planar surface. The planar fixed gate and the planar movable gate are abuttingly engageable to each other with the protrusion matingly fitted within the corresponding groove. The orientation of the protrusion and groove are orthogonal to an axis of a first loading force applicable to the moving gate. A fastener such as a threaded bolt rigidly maintains the planar surfaces of the fixed gate in engagement with the movable gate for rigid support along a second loading axis orthogonal to the first loading axis.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is: 
     
       1. A latch for detachably securing electronics cards along orthogonal loading axes comprising: a planar gate fixed rigidly securable to an external supporting structure and provided with at least one elongated protrusion extending above one of a planar surface,   a planar movable gate rigidly securable to an external electronics mountable structure, said movable gate having at least one elongated groove on a planar surface matingly fitting with corresponding protrusions of the fixed gate,   the planar fixed gate and the planar movable gate being abuttingly engagable to each other with the protrusion matingly fitting into the corresponding groove, the longitudinal orientation of the protrusion and groove being orthogonal to the axis of a first loading force applicable to the moving gate, and   fastening means for rigidly maintaining the planar fixed gate in abutting engagement with the movable gate along a second loading axis orthogonal to the first loading axis.   
     
     
       2. The latch of claim 1 wherein the fastening means is a threaded fastener extending through apertures through the thickness of the fixed and movable gates.