Computer system and chassis

Details Computer system and chassis Computer system and chassis

2000-08-08

2002-09-24

Schuberg, Darren (Department: 2835)

Electricity: electrical systems and devices

Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...

For electronic systems and devices

C361S689000, C361S689000, C361S689000, C312S223100, C312S223200, C248S073000, C248S535000, C248S534000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06456486

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a computer system, and particularly to a computer system having a chassis providing safe and easy access to serviceable components of the computer system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A typical consumer computer system consists of a variety of electronic components, such as a power supply, a processor, and memory. The power supply supplies electrical power to the electrical components of the computer. A processor controls the operation of the computer and operates according to programming instructions stored in the memory. Typically, the power supply, processor, and memory are housed within an enclosure. A typical computer system also includes additional components, such as a keyboard, mouse, monitor, or printer.
A typical enclosure consists of a base and a cover with the cover being securable to the base. In such an enclosure, the cover must be removed in order to service any of the components within the enclosure. The types of service performed by the typical consumer are usually limited in nature. For example, a consumer might add additional memory to the system. However, a technician is more likely than a consumer to perform repairs to a computer system. Thus, there is little need for a consumer to have ready access to all of the electronic components of a computer system.
Generally, removing the cover to access any of the components within the protective enclosure exposes a large number of electrical components that are subject to damage. In addition, a consumer may be unfamiliar with the internal layout of the computer and, thus, have difficulty finding the location of a specific component. For example, a consumer seeking to add additional memory to a computer may not be able to quickly locate the appropriate connector to receive the memory.
There exists a need for a computer chassis that facilitates interchangeability of components by a consumer and which directs the consumer to those specific components.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention features a computer system having a central electronics unit and a removable component selectively coupleable to the central electronics unit. The system includes a chassis having a protective enclosure and a movable cover. The protective enclosure forms a barrier to the central electronics unit. When the cover is in a first position, the movable cover forms a barrier to the removable component. When the movable cover is in a second position, an individual may access the removable component.
According to another aspect of the invention, a computer system is featured having a protective chassis, a removable component disposable within the protective chassis, and a plurality of electronic components disposed within the protective chassis. The protective chassis is configured to provide access to the removable component and to form a barrier to access to the plurality of electronic components
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of configuring a computer system is featured. The method includes determining a component of a computer system to be made accessible by a consumer. The method also includes determining what component of a computer system is not to be made accessible by a consumer. The method further includes manufacturing an enclosure for the computer system, and configuring the system so that a component is accessible to a consumer by movement of a cover. However, the method also includes protecting other component(s) from ready access.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and:
FIG. 1
is a block diagram of a computer system, according to an exemplary embodiment of of the present invention;
FIG. 2
perspective view of the right and front sides of a chassis, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3
is a perspective view of the right and front sides of the chassis of
FIG. 2
, illustrating a cover removed;
FIG. 4
is a perspective view of the interior of the cover featured in
FIG. 2
;
FIG. 5
is a perspective view of the right and front sides of the chassis of
FIG. 2
, illustrating a cover and a hard drive removed;
FIG. 6
is a perspective view of the left and front sides of a chassis having a removable device according to an alternate exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7
is a perspective view of the left and front sides of a chassis, illustrating the portability of a removable device;
FIG. 8
is a perspective view of the left and front sides of the chassis of
FIG. 6
, illustrating the chassis with the cover over the removable device removed;
FIG. 9
is a perspective view of the exterior of a cover, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 10
is a perspective view of the interior of the cover of
FIG. 9
; and
FIG. 11
is a perspective view of the rear of a chassis, according to an embodiment of the present application.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5210681 (1993-05-01), Hosoi et al.
patent: 5701231 (1997-12-01), Do et al.
patent: 5757594 (1998-05-01), Dang et al.
patent: 5924780 (1999-07-01), Ammon et al.
patent: 5967633 (1999-10-01), Jung
patent: 6049449 (2000-04-01), Cranston, III et al.
patent: 6132019 (2000-10-01), Kim et al.
patent: D441746 (2001-05-01), Doczy et al.

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