Supports: cabinet structure – For particular electrical device or component – Housing for computer or computer related equipment
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-30
2001-09-25
Cuomo, Peter M. (Department: 3636)
Supports: cabinet structure
For particular electrical device or component
Housing for computer or computer related equipment
C292SDIG003, C361S732000, C361S689000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06293636
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to the field of information handling systems, and particularly to apparatus for retaining devices such as disk drives and the like within the chassis of an information handling system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The chassis of a typical information handling system is provided with a cage like structure mounted near the chassis' front bezel for holding devices such as floppy disk drives, optical disc drives, tape drives, and the like which may require frequent access by users of the system. In existing information handling systems, this device cage is comprised of a fixed metal frame mounted within the chassis. The frame may be divided into one or more bays each sized to retain a device having a particular industry standard size and shape, for example a 5.25 inch half height device, a 3.5 inch device, or the like. Devices installed in the device cage are retained within the bays via screws that extend through the sides of the frame into the bay to engage holes pre-positioned in the device. Alternately, the devices may slide into the bay via rails formed in the frame. The devices are then attached to the rails by screws so that they are secured within the cage.
Presently, installation and removal of devices in information handling systems is time consuming and requires the use of tools, such as a screwdriver or the like. For instance, in systems where devices are attached directly to the device cage frame with screws, an installer must hold each device so that mounting holes formed in the housing are aligned with holes formed in the frame while screws are inserted through the hole and tightened. Consequently, installation and removal of drives in such a system becomes awkward, especially when several drives are installed within the device cage. Systems employing rail installation methods are more convenient, since the drive does not have to be held in place during installation and removal, but may require removal of the chassis front bezel, as well as the use of tools to insert screws necessary to secure the device within the cage.
Consequently, it would be desirable to provide an improved device cage assembly for retaining a device such as a disk drive or the like within the chassis of an information handling system. Preferably, the device cage would allow easy access to devices contained within the cage for installation and removal, and would not require the use of tools, such as screwdrivers or the like, to install and remove devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an apparatus for retaining a device within the chassis of an information handling system. The apparatus allows insertion and removal of the devices without the use of screws or tools, or removal of the chassis' front bezel.
In an exemplary embodiment, the chassis of an information handling system includes a device cage assembly suitable for mounting devices, particularly those which may require frequent access by users of the information handling system such as optical disc drives, floppy disk drives and the like. The device cage assembly includes a device cage disposed within the chassis that is capable of being moved between a retracted or closed position, wherein the device cage is substantially contained within the chassis, and an extended or open position wherein the device cage assembly is positioned at least partially outside of the chassis. In one embodiment, the device cage assembly may be completely removed from the chassis providing greater ease of access to devices mounted therein.
In one embodiment of the invention, a device retention assembly is attached to a device cage, such as the removable device cage of the present invention, for retaining a device in the device cage. The device retention assembly is comprised of a body suitable for attachment to the device cage while fitting within the chassis of the information handling system. An appendage such as a pin, post, or the like is mounted to the body and extends into the device cage for engaging the device. A latching assembly secures the body to the device cage so the retaining device is held in engagement with the device to retain the device in the device cage.
It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the general description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 338664 (1993-08-01), Goff
patent: 4532564 (1985-07-01), Larson et al.
patent: 4694380 (1987-09-01), Mallory et al.
patent: 4896777 (1990-01-01), Lewis
patent: 4914550 (1990-04-01), Filsinger et al.
patent: 4960384 (1990-10-01), Singer et al.
patent: 4977532 (1990-12-01), Borkowicz et al.
patent: 4980800 (1990-12-01), Furuta
patent: 5003431 (1991-03-01), Imsdahl
patent: 5031070 (1991-07-01), Hsu
patent: 5067041 (1991-11-01), Cooke et al.
patent: 5098175 (1992-03-01), Cooke et al.
patent: 5100215 (1992-03-01), Cooke et al.
patent: 5112119 (1992-05-01), Cooke et al.
patent: 5121296 (1992-06-01), Hsu
patent: 5142447 (1992-08-01), Cooke et al.
patent: 5164886 (1992-11-01), Chang
patent: 5175670 (1992-12-01), Wang
patent: 5216582 (1993-06-01), Russell et al.
patent: 5222897 (1993-06-01), Collins et al.
patent: 5235493 (1993-08-01), Yu
patent: 5253129 (1993-10-01), Blackborow et al.
patent: 5277615 (1994-01-01), Hastings et al.
patent: 5297009 (1994-03-01), Gelez et al.
patent: 5299095 (1994-03-01), Feuerlein et al.
patent: 5299944 (1994-04-01), Larabell et al.
patent: 5321962 (1994-06-01), Ferchau et al.
patent: 5325263 (1994-06-01), Singer et al.
patent: 5332306 (1994-07-01), Babb et al.
patent: 5333097 (1994-07-01), Christensen et al.
patent: 5340340 (1994-08-01), Hastings et al.
patent: 5392192 (1995-02-01), Dunn et al.
patent: 5460441 (1995-10-01), Hastings et al.
patent: 5481431 (1996-01-01), Siahpolo et al.
patent: 5495389 (1996-02-01), Dewitt et al.
patent: 5496181 (1996-03-01), Addison et al.
patent: 5502604 (1996-03-01), Furay
patent: 5510955 (1996-04-01), Taesang
patent: 5518412 (1996-05-01), Larabell
patent: 5524104 (1996-06-01), Iwata et al.
patent: 5541579 (1996-07-01), Kiernan
patent: 5557499 (1996-09-01), Reiter et al.
patent: 5564585 (1996-10-01), Saitoh
patent: 5566383 (1996-10-01), Gildea et al.
patent: 5571256 (1996-11-01), Good et al.
patent: 5584396 (1996-12-01), Schmitt
patent: 5586003 (1996-12-01), Schmitt et al.
patent: 5587856 (1996-12-01), Aoyama
patent: 5588728 (1996-12-01), Eldridge et al.
patent: 5599080 (1997-02-01), Ho
patent: 5602696 (1997-02-01), Hanson
patent: 5652695 (1997-07-01), Schmitt
patent: 5652697 (1997-07-01), Le
patent: 5673171 (1997-09-01), Varghese et al.
patent: 5673172 (1997-09-01), Hastings et al.
patent: 5680293 (1997-10-01), McAnally et al.
patent: 5680295 (1997-10-01), Le et al.
patent: 5682291 (1997-10-01), Jeffries et al.
patent: 5683159 (1997-11-01), Johnson
patent: 5687059 (1997-11-01), Hoppal
patent: 5694266 (1997-12-01), Bloom et al.
patent: 5708563 (1998-01-01), Cranston, III et al.
patent: 5713647 (1998-02-01), Kim et al.
patent: 5724227 (1998-03-01), Hancock et al.
patent: 5726864 (1998-03-01), Copeland et al.
patent: 5726922 (1998-03-01), Womble et al.
patent: 5730515 (1998-03-01), Ho
patent: 5734557 (1998-03-01), McAnally et al.
patent: 5737185 (1998-04-01), Morrison et al.
patent: 5779496 (1998-07-01), Bolinger et al.
patent: 5781408 (1998-07-01), Crane, Jr. et al.
patent: 5783771 (1998-07-01), Copeland et al.
patent: 5784251 (1998-07-01), Miller et al.
patent: 5785402 (1998-07-01), DeLorenzo
patent: 5790373 (1998-08-01), Kim et al.
patent: 5801920 (1998-09-01), Lee
patent: 5805420 (1998-09-01), Burke
patent: 5808864 (1998-09-01), Jung
patent: 5850925 (1998-12-01), Gandre
patent: 5852739 (1998-12-01), Radloff et al.
patent: 5865518 (1999-02-01), Jarrett et al.
patent: 5867369
Le Bao G.
Luong Lisa
Nguyen Derek T.
Anderson Jerry A.
Cuomo Peter M.
Gateway Inc.
Suiter & Associates PC
West Kevin E.
LandOfFree
Device retention assembly does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Device retention assembly, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Device retention assembly will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2508645