GB2262388A - Front panel for a peripheral computer device enclosure - Google Patents
Front panel for a peripheral computer device enclosure Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2262388A GB2262388A GB9126418A GB9126418A GB2262388A GB 2262388 A GB2262388 A GB 2262388A GB 9126418 A GB9126418 A GB 9126418A GB 9126418 A GB9126418 A GB 9126418A GB 2262388 A GB2262388 A GB 2262388A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- fascia
- insert
- front panel
- panel according
- apertures
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/18—Packaging or power distribution
- G06F1/181—Enclosures
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Casings For Electric Apparatus (AREA)
Abstract
A front panel comprises a rectangular fascia (10) having at least two rectangular apertures (11) and (12) and a rectangular fascia insert (13). One of the rectangular apertures 12 is designed to accept a peripheral device module, for example, a disc drive. The fascia insert is removably mounted in the fascia by means of fasteners (15). The aperture or window (17) allows indicating means such as light emitting diodes to display the operational status of the unit. <IMAGE>
Description
PERIPHERAL DEVICE ENCLOSURES
This invention relates to improvements in a form of cabinet used primarily, though not exclusively, to enclose peripheral computer devices such as 3.5 inch (8.9 cm) or 5.25 inch (13.3 cm) disk drives and associated equipment for computers.
typically those used in industrial or business applications.
It is common practice for an assembler of peripheral device units to supply complete and operational items by assembling individual modules or components which have been purchased from a number of different sources. For instance 3.5 inch (8.9 cm) disk drive units. 5.25 inch (13.3 cm) disk drive units, power supply units. low noise cooling fans and enclosures may all be supplied by different manufacturers. An end user may request a particular specification of peripheral device which can then be assembled from individual components to satisfy the order. In this way a number of combinations are possible and an end user can be provided with custom made units to satisfy particular requirements.
It is usual for the assembler to apply his own distinguishing mark or name to the enclosure of the finished product so that his range of custom made peripheral device units can be identified by the end user. It is known for suppliers of enclosures to provide an assembler with peripheral device enclosures having a front panel designed to accept certain devices. for example disk drives, and upon which there is also a recess in which the assembler may apply an adhesive label distinguishing the unit.
The disadvantage with this type of enclosure is that the assembler is restricted by the shape and size of the recess on the front panel. It is not possible,^ ;.change the layout or design of the front panel without producing a new mould for uc the whole front panel section: a process which could be time consuming and costly if only a small number of enclosures are required.
Furthermore, suppliers tend to present their enclosures in the same form to all of their customers which means that apart from the adhesive labelling applied to the front panel, the enclosures are identical. As there is strong competition for customers, having the same form of enclosure for peripheral devices may be undesirable.
It is therefore highly desirable to be able to supply a form of peripheral device enclosure with a front panel which may be customized to distinguish the assembled product from other similar end products on the market but without incurring unacceptable additional costs to the manufacture of the enclosure overall. The custom made enclosures may be provided by the same supplier.
According to the present invention there is provided a front panel for a peripheral computer device enclosure with a removably mounted fascia insert.
According to a preferred aspect of the invention there is provided a front panel for a peripheral computer device enclosure comprising a fascia with at least two apertures and a fascia insert removably mounted in one of the apertures. The removable fascia insert facilitates simple service access to internal components situated towards the front of the unit without need for removal of the whole enclosure cover.
The external face of the fascia insert maybe individually styled with a pattern, insigniE Qr a recess to suit a particular customer. This enables a supplier to provide an assembler of peripheral devices with an enclosure which may distinguish the unit from others available on the market.
The fascia insert may be removably mounted by one or more resilient clips or fasteners. An important feature of the fascia insert is that it should be possible to remove the insert from the front panel with the minimum of effort.
Preferably, the fascia insert and corresponding aperture into which the insert locates are rectangular. Although it is not essential to have a rectangular aperture, the use of an insert with this shape ensures that a maximum possible area is available for individual styling and service access. A differently shaped or formed insert may be provided, for example if requested by a customer.
The fascia insert may have an aperture or window through which an indicator may display the operational status of the peripheral device unit. Usually the indicating means are light emitting diodes (LED) which indicate whether the device is functioning correctly, for example. an LED may be used to indicate whether the dc power supply or cooling fan is operating correctly.
Preferably, a front panel may be provided with one of the apertures permitting two peripheral devices to be installed vertically adjacent, ie. one above the other.
Alternatively, a front panel may be provided with one of the apertures permitting two peripheral devices to be installed horizontally adjacent to each other. An end user can therefore select a unit which makes the most economical use of space.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of two currently available
peripheral device enclosure: and,
Figure 2 is an exploded, perspective view of a peripheral
device enclosure according to the invention which may be
used to house 3.5 inch (8.9 cm) or 5.25 inch (13.3 cm)
disk drives or similar devices.
Figure 1 shows two possible configurations of peripheral device enclosure showing the type of front panel currently available to assemblers. This form of front panel generally comprises a rectangular fascia 1 having at least one rectangular aperture 2, to accept a peripheral device such as a disk drive; a rectangular recess 3 upon which a customized adhesive label may be applied, a plurality of small apertures and indicating means 5 to display the operating status of the device.
Figure 2 shows an embodiment of front panel for a peripheral device enclosure according to the invention which comprises a rectangular fascia 10 having at least two rectangular apertures 11 and 12, and a rectangular fascia insert 13.
Preferably the peripheral device enclosure. fascia and fascia insert are of a moulded plastics construction.
One of the rectangular apertures 12 is designed to accept a peripheral device module, for example a disk drive. The aperture may be designed so that it can accommodate a single peripheral device, two peripheral devices vertically adjacent (similar to Figure 2b) or two peripheral devices horizontally adjacent (similar to Figure 2a).
Rectangular aperture 11 accepts the fascia insert 13 which comprises a generally rectangular face 14, an aperture or window 17 and a plurality of fasteners 15. The fasteners 15 may take the form of clips which locate on the internal edge 16 of the fascia aperture 11 so that the fascia insert may be removably mounted in the fascia 10. The aperture or window 17 allows indicating means, usually a light emitting diode, to display the operational status of the unit, for example indication of dc power or cooling fan failure. The generally rectangular face 14 may be styled or customized to particular customer requirements with a pattern, insignia or a recess to accept an adhesive label and thereby distinguish the final product. Different assemblers can then be supplied with enclosures each with a possibly different fascia insert conferring a certain amount of distinctiveness to the peripheral device unit.
Claims (10)
1. A front panel for a peripheral computer device enclosure with a removably mounted fascia insert.
2. A front panel for a peripheral computer device enclosure comprising a fascia with at least two apertures and a fascia insert removably mounted in one of the apertures.
3. A panel according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the fascia insert is individually styled with a pattern insignia or recess.
4. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the fascia insert is removably mounted by one or more resilient clips or fasteners.
5. A panel according to any one of claims 2, 3 or 4 wherein the fascia insert and corresponding aperture into which the insert locates are rectangular.
6. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the fascia insert-has an aperture or window through which an indicator may display the operational status of the peripheral device unit.
7. A panel according to claim 6 wherein the indicating means comprises light emitting diodes which indicate whether the device is functioning correctly.
8. A panel according to any one of claims 2 to 7 wherein the front panel is provided with one of the apertures permitting two peripheral devices to be installed vertically adjacent each other.
9. A panel according to any one of claims 2 to 8 wherein the front panel is provided with one of the apertures permitting two peripheral devices to be installed horizontally adjacent to each other.
10. A front panel substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB9126418A GB2262388A (en) | 1991-12-12 | 1991-12-12 | Front panel for a peripheral computer device enclosure |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB9126418A GB2262388A (en) | 1991-12-12 | 1991-12-12 | Front panel for a peripheral computer device enclosure |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
GB9126418D0 GB9126418D0 (en) | 1992-02-12 |
GB2262388A true GB2262388A (en) | 1993-06-16 |
Family
ID=10706155
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GB9126418A Withdrawn GB2262388A (en) | 1991-12-12 | 1991-12-12 | Front panel for a peripheral computer device enclosure |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
GB (1) | GB2262388A (en) |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5465927A (en) * | 1993-11-05 | 1995-11-14 | Acer Peripherlas, Inc. | Metal bracket for a printed circuit board |
EP0687970A1 (en) * | 1994-06-10 | 1995-12-20 | Packard Bell Electronics Inc. | Customizable computer housing with removable skirts |
WO1996001774A1 (en) * | 1994-07-08 | 1996-01-25 | Apple Computer, Inc. | Methods for configuring, packaging and reconfiguring personal computers |
US5542757A (en) * | 1995-10-19 | 1996-08-06 | Chang; Chia-Chi | Front panel assembly of a diskdrive case |
US5690306A (en) * | 1996-02-14 | 1997-11-25 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Filler bracket having improved electromagnetic shielding |
US6296333B1 (en) * | 1999-01-19 | 2001-10-02 | Sun Microsystems, Inc. | Ventilation of desktop workstation |
US6373697B1 (en) | 1999-06-28 | 2002-04-16 | Sun Microsystems, Inc. | Computer system housing and configuration |
US6435631B1 (en) * | 1999-12-29 | 2002-08-20 | General Electric Company | Decorative trim for unit doors used on new motor control center |
US6980421B2 (en) * | 2002-06-28 | 2005-12-27 | Shuttle Inc. | Front panel for personal computer |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3514671A (en) * | 1968-07-24 | 1970-05-26 | Cutler Hammer Inc | Insulating bus bar barriers with plug-in openings and storable covers therefor |
EP0026331A1 (en) * | 1979-09-14 | 1981-04-08 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Casing for exchange stations |
EP0090146A2 (en) * | 1982-03-29 | 1983-10-05 | International Business Machines Corporation | Pluggable modular terminal |
EP0151887A2 (en) * | 1984-01-06 | 1985-08-21 | LaFrance Corporation | Instrument housing |
EP0155545A2 (en) * | 1984-03-23 | 1985-09-25 | Marposs Societa' Per Azioni | A drawer for electrical cabinets |
GB2239546A (en) * | 1989-12-27 | 1991-07-03 | Ave Spa | Integrated anti-theft and anti-intruder system |
-
1991
- 1991-12-12 GB GB9126418A patent/GB2262388A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3514671A (en) * | 1968-07-24 | 1970-05-26 | Cutler Hammer Inc | Insulating bus bar barriers with plug-in openings and storable covers therefor |
EP0026331A1 (en) * | 1979-09-14 | 1981-04-08 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Casing for exchange stations |
EP0090146A2 (en) * | 1982-03-29 | 1983-10-05 | International Business Machines Corporation | Pluggable modular terminal |
EP0151887A2 (en) * | 1984-01-06 | 1985-08-21 | LaFrance Corporation | Instrument housing |
EP0155545A2 (en) * | 1984-03-23 | 1985-09-25 | Marposs Societa' Per Azioni | A drawer for electrical cabinets |
GB2239546A (en) * | 1989-12-27 | 1991-07-03 | Ave Spa | Integrated anti-theft and anti-intruder system |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5465927A (en) * | 1993-11-05 | 1995-11-14 | Acer Peripherlas, Inc. | Metal bracket for a printed circuit board |
EP0687970A1 (en) * | 1994-06-10 | 1995-12-20 | Packard Bell Electronics Inc. | Customizable computer housing with removable skirts |
WO1996001774A1 (en) * | 1994-07-08 | 1996-01-25 | Apple Computer, Inc. | Methods for configuring, packaging and reconfiguring personal computers |
US5542757A (en) * | 1995-10-19 | 1996-08-06 | Chang; Chia-Chi | Front panel assembly of a diskdrive case |
US5690306A (en) * | 1996-02-14 | 1997-11-25 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Filler bracket having improved electromagnetic shielding |
US6296333B1 (en) * | 1999-01-19 | 2001-10-02 | Sun Microsystems, Inc. | Ventilation of desktop workstation |
US6373697B1 (en) | 1999-06-28 | 2002-04-16 | Sun Microsystems, Inc. | Computer system housing and configuration |
US6542362B2 (en) | 1999-06-28 | 2003-04-01 | Sun Microsystems, Inc. | Computer system housing configuration |
US6435631B1 (en) * | 1999-12-29 | 2002-08-20 | General Electric Company | Decorative trim for unit doors used on new motor control center |
US6980421B2 (en) * | 2002-06-28 | 2005-12-27 | Shuttle Inc. | Front panel for personal computer |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB9126418D0 (en) | 1992-02-12 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |