Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical... – For electronic systems and devices
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-13
2001-08-14
Feild, Lynn D. (Department: 2835)
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...
For electronic systems and devices
C361S730000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06275382
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
The disclosures herein relate generally to computer systems and more particularly to an apparatus and method for mounting a peripheral device in a computer system.
Peripheral devices such as floppy disk drives (herinafter also referred to as FDDs) are typically mounted in a computer system using screws to affix them either directly to a chassis of the computer system or to a separate plate or bracket which is mounted to the chassis. The use of screws to mount a peripheral device takes more manufacturing assembly time than snap-in place mounting methods. During manufacturing of the computer system, this additional time reduces factory thru-put and increases facility requirements and assembly costs.
Various mounting configurations have been proposed that minimize labor and the number of screws required to secure the peripheral device in the chassis. Separate mounting devices are often used to transfer the screw attachment process to a more appropriate assembly location than in the chassis during the manufacture of the computer system. For example, some chassis manufacturers offer mounting clips that are attached to the FDD with screws. These mounting clips allow the peripheral device to be mounted in the chassis without using screws between the chassis and the mounting clips.
Snap-in FDD rails are commercially available which utilize grounding wire springs to secure the rails to the FDD. The FDD-rail assembly may then be slid into the chassis and snapped into place. However, these rails are relatively expensive, require the width of the bay to be increased and tend to fall off of the FDD as they are handled during assembly into the chassis.
Accordingly, a need has arisen for an apparatus and method that reduces the time and cost of mounting a peripheral device into the chassis of a computer system.
SUMMARY
One embodiment, accordingly, provides an apparatus that allows a peripheral device to be economically and securely installed without tools and without separate fasteners. To this end, one embodiment provides a mounting bracket including a plurality of walls. The plurality of walls includes a main wall and spaced apart walls attached to the main wall. A protruding member extends from one of the walls for engaging a peripheral device.
Several advantages are achieved by an apparatus according to embodiments presented herein. Screws for securing the peripheral device to the chassis are eliminated. The screwless apparatus may be attached to the peripheral device prior to the time of assembly onto the chassis. The apparatus may also include features for aligning the peripheral device to the chassis during installation. The configuration of the present apparatus contributes to the width of the bay in the chassis being reduced.
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Shepherd Jason A.
Siedow Roger A.
Dell USA L.P.
Feild Lynn D.
Haynes and Boone L.L.P.
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