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Computer enclosureComputer enclosure description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070210684, Computer enclosure. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
DESCRIPTION [0001]1. Field of the Invention [0002]The present invention relates to computer enclosures, and more particularly to a computer enclosure which has a cover plate that can be independently and readily secured to the computer enclosure by a latch member. [0003]2. Description of Related Art [0004]A typical contemporary personal computer enclosure accommodates a number of electronic devices therein. The enclosure needs to be opened on a number of occasions for a variety of reasons, such as for replacing a defective electronic device with a new one. Therefore, the enclosure should be able to be readily opened and subsequently reassembled. [0005]A conventional computer enclosure includes a base, side panels, and a top panel. The side panels and the top panel are respectively secured to the base of the enclosure with separate securing elements. A plurality of locking slots is defined in the base. A plurality of locking tabs is formed on the side panels and the top panel, for engagement into the locking slots of the base. Screws are then used to secure the side panels and the top panel to the base. [0006]A tool is required for installation and removal of the screws. This is unduly inconvenient and time-consuming. An example of the above-mentioned mechanism is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,600,540. [0007]What is needed is to provide a computer enclosure having a cover plate which can be independently and readily secured thereto. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008]An exemplary computer enclosure includes a chassis, a latch member, and a cover plate. The chassis includes a rear panel, and an opening. The cover plate covers the opening and has a tab depending therefrom with a pair of holes defined therein. The rear panel defines a pair of slots therein. The latch member is pivotably attached to the rear panel and includes a pair of spaced resilient arms. A pair of grooves and a pair of hooks are formed at opposite ends of the resilient arms. The grooves of the latch member engage with the rear panel adjacent the slots and the hooks movably engage in the holes of the tab of the cover plate when the resilient arms are deformed. [0009]Other advantages and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010]FIG. 1 is an exploded, isometric view of a computer enclosure in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the computer enclosure including a chassis, a cover plate, and a latch member; [0011]FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 1; [0012]FIG. 3 is an enlarged, isometric view of the cover plate of FIG. 1, but viewed upside down; [0013]FIG. 4 is an assembled view of FIG. 2; [0014]FIG. 5 is an assembled view of FIG. 1; and [0015]FIGS. 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views of FIG. 5 along a line of VI-VI, showing the computer enclosure in locked and unlocked states respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0016]Referring to FIG. 1, a computer enclosure in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The computer enclosure includes a chassis 10, a cover plate 50, and a latch member 30. [0017]Referring also to FIG. 2, the chassis 10 includes a bottom panel 12, a rear panel 14, a pair of side panels 16, and a front panel 18. The bottom panel 12, the rear panel 14, the side panels 16, and the front panel 18 together form an opening 19. Bent flanges 142, 162, 182 are bent inwardly from the rear panel 14, the side panels 16, and the front panel 18 respectively, at the opening 19. Depending portions 143, 163 extend perpendicularly from free edges of the bent flanges 142, 162, respectively. A plurality of through splits 184 is defined in the bent flange 182 of the front panel 18. A pair of spaced slots 144 is defined in an upper portion of the rear panel 14. A pair of guiding plates 146 extends inward from the rear panel 14 through upper portions of the slots 144. A pair of ears 147 is punched inward from the rear panel 14 below each slot 144. Each pair of the ears 147 has a pair of semi-columnar posts 148 each defining a pivoting hole 149 extending out therefrom respectively. [0018]The latch member 30 includes a handle beam 32, a pair of spaced resilient arms 34 extending from one side of the handle beam 32, and a pair of fixing blocks 36 extending from ends of the resilient arms 34. A cutout 322 is defined in the handle beam 32, facing the resilient arms 34 and the fixing blocks 36. A pair of grooves 342 is defined between the handle beam 32 and the resilient arms 34. A pair of clutching hooks 344 extends from ends of the resilient arms 34, communicating with upper portions of the fixing blocks 36. Each of the fixing blocks 36 generally has a triangular outside configuration. Each of the fixing blocks 36 includes a pair of shafts 362 extending in an opposite alignment from a front portion thereof, and an abutting portion 364 with rounded configuration formed at a rear end thereof. [0019]Referring also to FIG. 3, the cover plate 50 is used to cover the opening 19 of the chassis 10. A flange 52 extends from a rear portion of the cover plate 50. The flange 52 includes a folded portion 522 folded on an inside surface of the cover plate 50, a depending portion 524, and a bent portion 526 extending perpendicularly from a free end of the depending portion 524. A pair of through holes 525 is defined in the depending portion 524 of the flange 52 near the bent portion 526. A pair of tabs 54 extends from opposite side portions of the cover plate 50, for engaging with depending portions 163 of the chassis 10. A plurality of clasps 56 extends from a front portion of the cover plate 50, for engaging in the splits 184 of the chassis 10. [0020]Referring also to FIG. 4, in assembly, the latch member 30 is attached to the chassis 10, with the fixing blocks 36 extending through the slots 144 and the shafts 362 pivotably engaging in the pivoting holes 149 of the posts 148. The resilient arms 34 extend through the slots 144 and are movably sandwiched between a corresponding pair of the guiding plates 146. The grooves 342 of the latch member 30 engage with the rear panel 14 around the slots 144. Continue reading about Computer enclosure... Full patent description for Computer enclosure Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Computer enclosure patent application. Patent Applications in related categories: 20090289534 - Network terminal cover - Customer premises equipment (CPE), such as optical network terminals (ONT), are often located on the outside of a premises, and are susceptible to theft and to weather elements. A cap for portions of customer premises equipment (CPE) used in telecommunications networks protects the CPE from theft and from the weather ... ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Computer enclosure or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Network cabinet Next Patent Application: Equipment support cabinet with slide-out top and sliding drawer Industry Class: Supports: cabinet structure ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Computer enclosure patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.21441 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Accenture , Agouron Pharmaceuticals , Amgen , AT&T , Bausch & Lomb , Callaway Golf 174 |
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