Removable hard disk drive having a combination latch, lever and handle
AssigneeZenith Data Systems Corporation
InventorHorst M. Krenz
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Disclosed is an assembly for a hard disk drive which is removable from a computer. A latch is provided suitable for forcing the the drive into or out of engagement with the computer against resistance from mounting guide rails and an electrical connector. The latch is also suitable for locking the drive securely in place when it is in use and for carrying the drive between computers.
Claims12
In a computer, a removable disk drive and latch therefor, having a keeper element secured to the computer, for securing the removable disk drive to the computer comprising a lever support base secured to the removable disk drive, a lever pivotally supported on the lever support base by a pivot with first and second lever portions projecting in generally different directions relative to the pivot, the first lever portion having a projecting tongue disposed to selectively engage the keeper, the second lever portion being an internal sector gear, a pinion gear pivotally supported on the lever support base and engaging the sector gear, a latch operating handle coupled to the pinion gear to rotate the pinion gear and the engaged sector gear to actuate the tongue to effect a selective latching engagement with the keeper.
In a computer, a removable disk drive and latch therefor for securing the removable disk drive to the computer comprising a latching channel secured to the computer including a short forward keeper and a longer aft keeper, a lever support base secured the removable disk drive, a lever pivotally supported on the lever support base by an intermediate pivot with first and second lever portions projecting in generally different directions relative to the pivot, the first lever portion having a projecting tongue disposed to selectively engage the latching channel between the forward keeper and the aft keeper, the second lever portion being an internal sector gear, a pinion gear pivotally supported on the lever support base and engaging the sector gear, a latch operating handle coupled to the pinion gear to rotate the pinion gear and the engaged sector gear to actuate the tongue to effect a selective latching engagement with the keeper.
A computer with a removable disk drive comprising:
- guide rails secured to the computer for receiving the removable disk drive;
- a latching channel secured to the computer having a short forward keeper and a longer aft keeper;
- and
- a latch secured to the disk drive including a lever support base, a lever pivotally supported on the lever support base by an intermediate pivot with first and second lever portions projecting in generally different directions relative to the pivot, the first lever portion having a projecting tongue disposed to selectively engage the latching channel between the forward keeper and the aft keeper, the second lever portion being an internal sector gear, a pinion gear pivotally supported on the lever support base and engaging the sector gear, a latch operating handle coupled to the pinion gear to rotate the pinion gear and the engaged sector gear to actuate the tongue to effect a selective latch with the latching channel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.