Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical... – For electronic systems and devices
Reexamination Certificate
1998-07-29
2001-06-12
Picard, Leo P. (Department: 2835)
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...
For electronic systems and devices
C361S689000, C361S689000, C361S689000, C361S689000, C361S726000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06246576
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates in general to computer systems and, more particularly, to drawer latch and release apparatus for computer systems.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
Computer systems in general and IBM compatible computer systems in particular have attained widespread use. These computer systems now provide computing power to many segments of today's modern society. A computer system can usually be defined as a desktop, floor-standing, or portable microcomputer that includes a system unit having a system processor with associated volatile and non-volatile memory, a display monitor, a keyboard, a hard disk storage device or other type of storage media such as a floppy disk drive or a compact disk read only memory (CD ROM) drive. One of the distinguishing characteristics of these systems is the use of a system board or motherboard to electrically connect these components together. A computer server system is an information handling system designed primarily to give computing power to groups of users and is generally purchased by small and large businesses.
Several problems arise with the existing servers that have removable systems. One problem is that space in the individual computer chassis is at a premium. Therefore, there is a need to maximize the density of the components in the system. In server systems, maximizing the density causes layering of components. Layering causes accessibility problems during assembly and during servicing of the system. One way to address the accessibility problem is to put system electronics on a metal module that can be slid in and out of the computer chassis like a drawer. However, using a drawer chassis presents additional problems. One problem is that the module may accidentally fall out of the back of the chassis during service. To prevent falling of the module, sliding rails could be used, but such a system would require several assembly operations, multiple parts and an additional cost. What is desired is a latching device that provides more than one locking position, including a position for servicing, that conserves space in the chassis and does not require multiple parts for assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a one-piece apparatus for latching and releasing an electronics module as a drawer in a computer chassis advantageously provides a spring action and a plurality of positions for locking the mother board chassis drawer into place while having only one discrete part.
More specifically, an embodiment relates to a latching and release apparatus for use with a system having an electronics module as a drawer in a computer chassis. The latching and release includes a one-piece member that attaches to both the electronics module and to the chassis. The latch and release apparatus includes a locking tab and an actuator as part of a one-piece design. The action of the latch and release apparatus is generally to act as a spring when the thumb actuator is pressed. The lock tab mates with openings in the chassis when the actuator is released, thereby locking the electronics module in one of a plurality of positions including a closed position, a service position and a removal position.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3953094 (1976-04-01), Brown, Jr.
patent: 5262923 (1993-11-01), Batta et al.
patent: 5379184 (1995-01-01), Barraza et al.
patent: 5575529 (1996-11-01), Dowdy et al.
patent: 5601349 (1997-02-01), Holt
patent: 5701231 (1997-12-01), Do et al.
patent: 5825616 (1998-10-01), Howell et al.
Holloway Eric B.
McAnally Andrew L.
Sands Steven L.
Chang Yean-Hsi
Dell USA L.P.
Kelton Margaret M.
Picard Leo P.
Skjerven Morrill & MacPherson LLP
LandOfFree
Computer mother board multi-position chassis drawer latch... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Computer mother board multi-position chassis drawer latch..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Computer mother board multi-position chassis drawer latch... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2543553