Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical... – For electronic systems and devices
Reexamination Certificate
1998-05-13
2001-01-09
Feild, Lynn D. (Department: 2835)
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...
For electronic systems and devices
C361S689000, C361S724000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06172870
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to attachment features for electrical components. More particularly, it pertains to spring clip attachment of components for a computer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
As the development of computers and computer components occurs at a rapidly increasing pace, computers and their components become obsolete more quickly. As a result, conventional computers are designed to allow for individual components to be changed or upgraded by a computer user. Currently, many individual components are available for upgrading a computer. As a result, computer users often purchase and install updated components and upgrade their computers.
While components are now readily available for consumers to purchase, installation of these components can be a time consuming process. In addition, the components require tools to install them into the computer, which can add time and frustration for the computer user during the upgrade process.
As disk drive storage capacity increases, software developers write software applications that use more and more disk drive space, thereby limiting disk drive space. Computer users frequently want to upgrade their computer with a larger capacity hard disk drive. Currently, the hard disk drive is secured to the frame with screws, as illustrated in FIG.
1
. For personal computers, a rigid drive frame is provided within a chassis. A hard drive is placed into the drive frame and held with screws. On one side of the frame, screws are disposed through the frame and into the drive. To upgrade a hard disk drive
100
secured using this set up, the computer user must remove several screws
110
using a tool before removing the hard drive from the frame
120
. To install a new disk drive, the user places a new hard drive into place and inserts a plurality of screws through the frame and into the hard drive. A tool is used to install the screws into the hard drive. The small screws are disposed in a relatively small working area which causes difficultly when removing the screws and the need to work with a tool. Additionally, removing several screws every time the component is installed or removed is time consuming and frustrating for the operator.
Accordingly, what is needed is a better way to remove and install components in a personal computer. What is further needed is a way to remove components from the computer without use of additional tools.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A removable computer component assembly is provided for use with personal computers. The computer component has a support bracket with support tabs on a first surface, and a spring clip assembly on a second surface. In one embodiment, the support tabs have round edges. The spring clip assembly has a spring bracket which has a spring bias away from the first surface of the computer component. In another embodiment, the spring clip assembly also includes a plurality of tabs each having a spring bias.
In one embodiment, a hard disk drive is provided with an anchor bracket and a spring clip assembly. The spring clip assembly includes a spring bracket having a spring bias away from the hard disk drive and a plurality of tabs having a spring bias. In another embodiment, the spring clip assembly includes a release mechanism. The release mechanism includes a pull ring rotatably coupled with the spring bracket.
In yet another embodiment, a computer is provided having a chassis, a divider panel, a hard disk drive, and a fan. The hard disk drive has an anchor bracket and a spring clip assembly. The divider panel is disposed between two side surfaces of the chassis, and has a plurality of attachment features. The attachment features, which are integral with the divider panel, couple with the spring clip assembly on the hard disk drive. The attachment features include a spring bracket cut out for receiving a spring bracket of the spring clip assembly. The attachment features also include flanges for guiding and engaging a plurality of tabs of the spring clip assembly. A release mechanism coupled with the spring clip assembly facilitates easy removal of the hard disk drive from the computer without the use of additional tools.
The chassis of the computer is provided with slots for engaging the anchor bracket of the hard disk drive, and for allowing the fan to draw air over the heat generating components and out of the computer. Alternatively, the slots can be incorporated in other locations of the computer. In one embodiment, the computer has a power supply with a power supply housing. The power supply housing has slots therein for engaging the anchor bracket of the hard disk drive.
Advantageously, the hard disk drive can be easily removed from the computer without the use of any hand tools. Since the drive is easily removed and securely stored away from the computer, additional security can be provided against theft of information. The spring clip assembly self-aligns during assembly and provides a natural pull direction and method for removal. Since the spring assembly can be operated with one hand and with limited force, the hard disk drive could be used by computer operators with limited dexterity or limited grip strength.
These and other embodiments, aspects, advantages, and features of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following description of the invention and referenced drawings or by practice of the invention. The aspects, advantages, and features of the invention are realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities, procedures, and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4960384 (1990-10-01), Singer et al.
patent: 5566383 (1996-10-01), Gildea et al.
patent: 5680293 (1997-10-01), McAnally et al.
patent: 5717570 (1998-02-01), Kikinis
patent: 5808864 (1998-09-01), Jung
patent: 5828547 (1998-10-01), Francovich et al.
Feild Lynn D.
Gateway 2000 Inc.
Lee Joseph H.
Schwegan, Lundberg, Woessner & Kluth, P.A.
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