Low profile plate interlock mechanism for a computer chassis
AssigneeDell Computer Corporation
InventorsTimothy Radloff, Stephen Cook
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A computer system includes a plate for mounting in a chassis. The plate slides into the chassis and is retained therein by a snap-in connection. An interlock device is provided for interlocking the plate and chassis. The device includes a first portion having a first end engaged with the plate and a second portion connected to a second end. The second portion extends angularly relative to the first portion and is engaged with the plate. An interlock member extends from the first portion and through an opening formed in the plate for engagement with the chassis. A pinch and pull motion removes the plate from the chassis.
Claims23
A computer system comprising:
- a microprocessor;
- an input device coupled to provide input to the microprocessor;
- a mass storage device coupled to the microprocessor;
- a display coupled to the microprocessor by a video controller;
- a memory coupled to provide storage to facilitate execution of computer programs by the microprocessor;
- a chassis;
- a drive bay in the chassis, the drive bay including a support plate mounted therein;
- a drive plate mounted on the support plate;
- and
- an interlock member releasably engaging the drive plate and the support plate, including a first portion having a first end engaged with a first retainer on the drive plate and a second portion connected to a second end, the second portion extending angularly relative to the first portion and being engaged with a second retainer on the drive plate, and an interlock member extending from the first portion and through aligned openings formed in the drive plate and the support plate.
A computer system comprising:
- a plate for mounting in a chassis in the system;
- and
- an interlock device connecting the plate and the chassis, interlock device including a first portion having a first end engaged with a first plate retainer and a second portion connected to a second end, the second portion extending angularly relative to the first portion and being engaged with a second plate retainer, and an interlock member extending from the first portion and through an opening formed in the plate for engagement with the chassis.
A computer system comprising:
- a chassis;
- a plate mounted on the chassis;
- and
- an interlock device releasably engaging the plate and the chassis, the interlock device including a first portion having a first end engaged with a first retainer on the plate and a second portion connected to a second end, the second portion extending angularly relative to the first portion and being engaged with a second retainer on the plate, and an interlock member extending from the first portion and through an opening formed in the plate for engagement with the chassis.
In a computer system having a chassis and at least one support plate having a retainer and a pair of groove guides, wherein the support plate is attached to the chassis, a method for removably securing a device plate to the support plate using an interlock device having a gripping portion, the method comprising the steps of:
- mounting the interlock device onto the device plate;
- placing the device plate onto the support plate;
- slidably inserting the device plate into the chassis until the interlock device engages the support plate;
- and
- disengaging the interlock device from the support plate for removal of the device plate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.