US20020131235A1 - Removable peripheral device with exposed cover serving as handle - Google Patents
Removable peripheral device with exposed cover serving as handle Download PDFInfo
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- US20020131235A1 US20020131235A1 US09/811,761 US81176101A US2002131235A1 US 20020131235 A1 US20020131235 A1 US 20020131235A1 US 81176101 A US81176101 A US 81176101A US 2002131235 A1 US2002131235 A1 US 2002131235A1
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- Prior art keywords
- cover
- peripheral
- peripheral unit
- disk drive
- peripheral device
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- 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
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
- G06F1/1615—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with several enclosures having relative motions, each enclosure supporting at least one I/O or computing function
- G06F1/1616—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with several enclosures having relative motions, each enclosure supporting at least one I/O or computing function with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
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- 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
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
- G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
- G06F1/1656—Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories
- G06F1/1658—Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories related to the mounting of internal components, e.g. disc drive or any other functional module
Definitions
- This invention relates to computer system devices and ergonomics, and more particularly to an external cover apparatus for a removable peripheral device.
- a portable computer It is desirable for a portable computer to be light in weight, while still offering the features and computing power comparable to desktop computers.
- One approach for achieving both objectives is to allow removal or “swapping” of peripheral devices at a common internal compartment or compartment.
- portable computers having removable peripheral devices exhibit ergonomic challenges. Specifically, the exposed surface area of a peripheral device needs to conform to the ergonomics of the computer case. There also is a need to be able to remove the device and insert another device in an efficient manner.
- Portable “personal” computers have developed from the early cumbersome suitcase design to smaller laptop designs to the now commercially-predominant notebook, sub-notebook and palm top computers.
- the typical portable computer includes a display screen housing hinged to a keyboard housing.
- the display screen housing folds down against the keyboard where the two housings latch together.
- a disk drive often is mounted in the keyboard housing.
- Additional features include a docking connector, input/output ports and one or more compartments or expansion compartments for receiving PCMCIA cards, (peripheral devices conforming to the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) standards for personal computer-based peripherals) or removable peripheral devices.
- PCMCIA cards peripheral devices conforming to the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) standards for personal computer-based peripherals
- PCMCIA Personal Computer Memory Card International Association
- a removable peripheral device is inserted into the internal compartment.
- the contents of the internal compartment may change based on an operator's current need. For example, they may desire to provide a lighter weight system and keep the compartment empty. Alternatively, they may desire to insert a floppy drive or a CD-ROM to handle transportable media.
- the internal compartment also may be dedicated to a hard disk drive or be one of multiple compartments—a dedicated compartment and an expansion compartment
- a removable internal peripheral unit includes an externally exposed cover which forms part of the host computer's outer profile.
- the cover also serves as a handle for removing the peripheral device.
- the cover is any one or more of translatable, rotatable and self-centering to allow easy removal of the peripheral.
- the cover motions enable the cover to home to a location within desired tolerances and conform ergonomically to the surrounding computer case profile.
- the cover is translated by the operator and then self-actuates into a rotatable position. As the operator pulls on the cover, the cover translates, then self-actuates to a new position. Continued pulling rotates the door providing leverage for pulling the peripheral device. The operator pulls on the device disconnecting the peripheral device connector, then easily removes the peripheral device from the externally-accessed internal compartment.
- An advantage of the invention is that an attractive cover is matched to the surrounding computer case in an ergonomically friendly and stylish manner, while also allowing the utility for access to the removable, internal peripheral unit. Another advantage is that the cover is operator friendly undergoing a motion that makes it easy to remove and install a peripheral unit into the internal compartment.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a portable computer
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable computer of FIG. 1 with optional peripheral units;
- FIG. 3 is a diagram of an exposed internal compartment of the computer of FIG. 1 with a corresponding peripheral unit;
- FIG. 4 is a partial view of a removable media drive peripheral unit and removable media
- FIGS. 5 a - c are partial views of the cover, peripheral device and mount of FIG. 3
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the portable computer with a peripheral unit received in the internal compartment;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the computer of FIG. 6 with the cover unlocked;
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the computer of FIG. 6 with the cover translated
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the computer of FIG. 6 with the cover rotated.
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the computer of FIG. 6 with the cover moved into position as a handle for the peripheral unit to be removed or installed.
- the functions of the present invention preferably are performed by a portable computer 10 of the type which is well known in the art, an example of which is shown in FIG. 1.
- the computer system 10 is a notebook-style computer system.
- the portable computer is a sub-notebook computer, palmtop computer or other hand-help, laptop, or other mobile or portable computing device.
- the portable computer 10 includes a display device, one or more input devices, a processing device and one or more wired or wireless ports for interfacing with a peripheral device.
- the computer 10 includes a display panel 12 , a keyboard 14 , a pointing device 16 , a clicking device 18 , a processor 20 , and random access memory 24 .
- the computer 10 includes in some embodiments a hard disk drive with hard disk 22 , a network interface 26 (e.g., modem, ethernet adapter, infrared adapter), a transportable storage media drive 28 and media (e.g., CD-ROM drive, DVD-ROM drive, floppy disk drive, zip drive, bernoulli drive), and one or more extra buttons/switches 30 .
- the various components interface and exchange data and commands through one or more busses 32 .
- the computer system 10 receives information by entry through the keyboard 24 , pointing/clicking devices 16 / 18 , the network interface 34 , or another input device or input port.
- the portable computer 10 components are housed in a case 30 , such as shown in FIG. 2.
- the case has an opening 32 to an internal compartment 33 with an internal compartment connector 34 (see FIG. 3).
- the internal compartment 33 receives a peripheral unit 36 or a space holder 38 .
- Exemplary units 36 include a battery pack 40 , a fixed media drive 42 , and a removable media drive 44 .
- the battery pack 40 preferably serves as a second battery power source for the computer 10 , although it can serve as the primary or only battery supply in other embodiments.
- the fixed media drive 42 is a hard disk drive with an internal hard disk.
- the removable media drive 44 is any of a floppy disk drive, a CD-ROM drive, DVD-ROM drive, a magneto-optical drive, or other drive into which a media can be inserted and removed.
- the peripheral units 36 each include a peripheral device 50 , a mount 52 and an identification cover 54 .
- the cover 54 is part of the mount 52 to which a form-fit peripheral device 50 is attached.
- the mount 52 orients the peripheral device 50 and device connector 59 relative to the internal compartment connector 34 .
- the cover 54 moves relative to the fixed mount 52 and form-fit peripheral device 50 .
- the mount 52 and/or cover 54 are integral to the peripheral device 50 .
- the peripheral device 50 with mount 52 and cover 54 are referred to herein as a peripheral unit 36 .
- the cover 54 includes an opening 56 (see FIGS. 2 and 4) through which a removable media 60 is loaded into the removable media drive 44 .
- either the peripheral device 50 or the cover 54 also includes a door 58 within the opening 56 that opens in response to the insertion of the removable media 60 .
- the cover 54 fills the opening 32 and forms a portion of the outer profile of the computer 10 . Accordingly, the cover 54 preferably conforms to tolerances of the opening 32 in the computer case 30 . In some embodiments the cover conforms to the adjacent profile of the computer case 30 , providing a flush surface. In other embodiments the cover 54 extends to a varied height relative to the adjacent case profile—being either recessed or heightened.
- the cover 54 includes a face portion 62 defining an outer surface visible while the peripheral unit 36 is installed.
- the cover 54 also includes a second portion 64 oriented in a different manner than the face portion 62 to allow a user to grasp the cover 54 .
- the second portion 64 is graspable by an operator that reaches under the peripheral unit 36 at the opening 32 .
- Such under portion 64 is oriented at an angle relative to the face portion 62 .
- the second portion 64 in other embodiments has a differing orientation (e.g., a side portion, a recessed portion). The second portion 64 provides access for an operator to move the cover 54 relative to the peripheral device 36 .
- the cover 54 also includes a plurality structures 66 which secure the cover 54 into a stable position while the peripheral unit 36 is installed.
- the structures 66 are formed by a set of extensions which mate into openings 68 of the peripheral device 50 (see FIG. 5 b ).
- the extensions 66 latch the cover 54 into a stable position relative to the peripheral device 50 .
- alternative structures 66 serve to secure the cover 54 into a stable position.
- a spring 71 biases the cover toward a closed position relative to the mount 52 and peripheral device 50 .
- the spring 71 is connected to the cover 54 at a member 75 and to the mount 52 at a member 77 .
- the cover 54 also includes a frame portion 70 which defines a track 72 .
- the track 72 is an opening within the frame portion 70 .
- the track 72 extends in two directions from a vertex 73 .
- One portion 74 extends along the direction of the opening 32 into the compartment 33 .
- the other portion 76 extends in another direction (e.g., perpendicular to the direction of the first portion).
- the specific orientations of the track portions 72 , 74 may vary in other embodiments.
- the mount 52 includes a cam 78 which runs within the track 70 .
- the illustrated embodiment there are two aligned frame portions 70 of the cover and a single cam 78 running in the two tracks 72 .
- the cam 78 is part of the cover 54 and the tracks 72 are defined as a structure(s) of the mount 52 .
- the spring 71 biases the cover 54 relative to the mount 52 .
- the connectors 75 , 77 to which the spring 71 attaches are located to hold the cover 54 in a closed position against the mount 52 and peripheral device 50 when the cover is closed.
- the cam 78 is at the end of portion 74 of track 72 , the spring 71 biases the cover 54 to keep the cam 78 be at such end.
- the cover 54 is secured in a stable position and forms a part of the outer profile of the computer.
- the cover 54 is unlatched from the peripheral device 50 by a decoupling force applied by an operator.
- the operator exerts the decoupling force at the second portion 64 of the cover and pulls the cover outward relative to a plane of the computer case in opposition to the biasing force of spring 71 .
- notches are recessed into the second portion 64 to make grasping the second portion 64 easier.
- the operator also may reach to an edge of the second portion 74 to use leverage in applying the decoupling force.
- the operator translates the cover 54 in a direction 80 (see FIG. 6) relative to the peripheral unit 50 and mount 52 .
- the relative motion between the cam 78 and tracks 72 is such that the cam 78 moves relative to the track portion 74 toward the vertex 73 —again against the biasing force of spring 71 .
- the cover slides along the track portion 76 away from the vertex.
- such relative motion along track portion 76 is due to gravity.
- the cover is biased along the track portion 76 by the spring 71 .
- the cover 54 moves in a direction 82 (see FIG. 7) in what is referred to herein as a self-actuating motion.
- the cover 54 With the cam 78 at the distal end of track portion 76 (see FIGS. 5 a and 8 ), the cover 54 is now lower compared to the previously secured position. At the cover's lower position the second portion 64 is slightly separated from the peripheral device 50 leaving a gap 84 into which the operator can reach with fingertips to apply additional leverage. The operator applies a force which rotates the cover 54 in opposition to the biasing force of spring 71 in a motion 86 swinging the cover 54 from the position shown in FIG. 8 to the position shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The cover 54 rotates about the cam 78 at the distal end of the track portion 76 . The operator then exerts a force to pull the peripheral unit 36 from the opening 32 . Referring to FIG. 10, the cover 54 , and in particular the second portion 64 , serves as a handle 98 for removing the peripheral unit 36 from the opening 32 of the computer case 30 . The cover 54 remains in the handle position while the operator holds the cover 54 .
- the various forces applied by the operator may be applied in individual steps to unlatch, translate, and rotate the cover and remove the unit 36 .
- a single continuous force may be applied accomplishing each of the motions with the self-actuating motion occurring along the way.
- the force or forces are referred to herein as being an extractive force.
- the extractive force includes the decoupling force.
- the decoupling force is a distinct force and motion from the extractive force.
- the unit 36 is slid into the compartment 33 through the opening 32 of the computer case 30 (see FIG. 1).
- the cover preferably is oriented as shown in FIG. 9.
- the peripheral unit 36 is sized to tolerance relative to the opening 32 and compartment 33 to slide along a repeatable path bringing a connector 59 of the peripheral device 50 into mated engagement with a connector 34 of the computer 10 .
- the operator exerts sufficient force to achieve such mated engagement.
- the operator rotates the cover 54 in a direction 96 (opposite the direction 86 ), then lifts the cover in direction 92 to move the cover relative to the cam 78 .
- the cam moves relatively from the distal end of track portion 76 to the vertex 73 (see FIG. 7).
- the operator then applies a translational force to push the cover 54 inward in a direction 90 toward the computer.
- the translational motion in effect moves the cam 78 from the vertex toward the distal end of track portion 74 .
- the operator exerts a force to bring the extensions 66 into latched engagement within the peripheral device 50 .
- the cover 54 is then in a secure position relative to the peripheral device 50 with the peripheral unit 36 installed and connected for operation. Further the peripheral unit 36 is secured in the compartment 33 .
- the cover 54 forms a portion of the outer profile of the computer 10 .
- An advantage of the invention is that an attractive cover is matched to the surrounding computer case in an ergonomically friendly and stylish manner, while also allowing the utility for access to the removable, internal peripheral unit. Another advantage is that the cover is operator friendly undergoing a motion that makes it easy to remove and install a peripheral unit into the internal compartment.
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Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to computer system devices and ergonomics, and more particularly to an external cover apparatus for a removable peripheral device.
- It is desirable for a portable computer to be light in weight, while still offering the features and computing power comparable to desktop computers. One approach for achieving both objectives is to allow removal or “swapping” of peripheral devices at a common internal compartment or compartment. However, portable computers having removable peripheral devices exhibit ergonomic challenges. Specifically, the exposed surface area of a peripheral device needs to conform to the ergonomics of the computer case. There also is a need to be able to remove the device and insert another device in an efficient manner. These needs are addressed by the subject matter described herein.
- Portable “personal” computers have developed from the early cumbersome suitcase design to smaller laptop designs to the now commercially-predominant notebook, sub-notebook and palm top computers. The typical portable computer includes a display screen housing hinged to a keyboard housing. The display screen housing folds down against the keyboard where the two housings latch together. A disk drive often is mounted in the keyboard housing. Additional features include a docking connector, input/output ports and one or more compartments or expansion compartments for receiving PCMCIA cards, (peripheral devices conforming to the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) standards for personal computer-based peripherals) or removable peripheral devices.
- It is desirable to support a wide range of peripheral devices at the internal compartment. A removable peripheral device is inserted into the internal compartment. The contents of the internal compartment may change based on an operator's current need. For example, they may desire to provide a lighter weight system and keep the compartment empty. Alternatively, they may desire to insert a floppy drive or a CD-ROM to handle transportable media. The internal compartment also may be dedicated to a hard disk drive or be one of multiple compartments—a dedicated compartment and an expansion compartment
- One challenge for manufacturers of the devices to be inserted into the compartment is in meeting the tolerances of the compartment and in conforming to desired ergonomic features of the surrounding computer case. For ease of use it also is desirable to provide a manner for easily installing and removing the peripheral device from the internal compartment.
- According to the invention, a removable internal peripheral unit includes an externally exposed cover which forms part of the host computer's outer profile.
- According to one aspect of the invention, the cover also serves as a handle for removing the peripheral device.
- In an exemplary embodiment the cover is any one or more of translatable, rotatable and self-centering to allow easy removal of the peripheral. When the peripheral unit is installed, the cover motions enable the cover to home to a location within desired tolerances and conform ergonomically to the surrounding computer case profile.
- For example in one method of insertion/removal, the cover is translated by the operator and then self-actuates into a rotatable position. As the operator pulls on the cover, the cover translates, then self-actuates to a new position. Continued pulling rotates the door providing leverage for pulling the peripheral device. The operator pulls on the device disconnecting the peripheral device connector, then easily removes the peripheral device from the externally-accessed internal compartment.
- An advantage of the invention is that an attractive cover is matched to the surrounding computer case in an ergonomically friendly and stylish manner, while also allowing the utility for access to the removable, internal peripheral unit. Another advantage is that the cover is operator friendly undergoing a motion that makes it easy to remove and install a peripheral unit into the internal compartment. These and other aspects and advantages of the invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a portable computer;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable computer of FIG. 1 with optional peripheral units;
- FIG. 3 is a diagram of an exposed internal compartment of the computer of FIG. 1 with a corresponding peripheral unit;
- FIG. 4 is a partial view of a removable media drive peripheral unit and removable media;
- FIGS. 5a-c are partial views of the cover, peripheral device and mount of FIG. 3
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the portable computer with a peripheral unit received in the internal compartment;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the computer of FIG. 6 with the cover unlocked;
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the computer of FIG. 6 with the cover translated;
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the computer of FIG. 6 with the cover rotated; and
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the computer of FIG. 6 with the cover moved into position as a handle for the peripheral unit to be removed or installed.
- The functions of the present invention preferably are performed by a
portable computer 10 of the type which is well known in the art, an example of which is shown in FIG. 1. In an exemplary embodiment thecomputer system 10 is a notebook-style computer system. In other embodiments the portable computer is a sub-notebook computer, palmtop computer or other hand-help, laptop, or other mobile or portable computing device. - The
portable computer 10 includes a display device, one or more input devices, a processing device and one or more wired or wireless ports for interfacing with a peripheral device. In an exemplary embodiment, thecomputer 10 includes adisplay panel 12, akeyboard 14, apointing device 16, a clickingdevice 18, aprocessor 20, andrandom access memory 24. Additionally, thecomputer 10 includes in some embodiments a hard disk drive withhard disk 22, a network interface 26 (e.g., modem, ethernet adapter, infrared adapter), a transportablestorage media drive 28 and media (e.g., CD-ROM drive, DVD-ROM drive, floppy disk drive, zip drive, bernoulli drive), and one or more extra buttons/switches 30. The various components interface and exchange data and commands through one ormore busses 32. Thecomputer system 10 receives information by entry through thekeyboard 24, pointing/clickingdevices 16/18, thenetwork interface 34, or another input device or input port. - The
portable computer 10 components are housed in acase 30, such as shown in FIG. 2. The case has anopening 32 to aninternal compartment 33 with an internal compartment connector 34 (see FIG. 3). In a preferred embodiment theinternal compartment 33 receives aperipheral unit 36 or aspace holder 38.Exemplary units 36 include abattery pack 40, afixed media drive 42, and aremovable media drive 44. Thebattery pack 40 preferably serves as a second battery power source for thecomputer 10, although it can serve as the primary or only battery supply in other embodiments. In one embodiment thefixed media drive 42 is a hard disk drive with an internal hard disk. Theremovable media drive 44 is any of a floppy disk drive, a CD-ROM drive, DVD-ROM drive, a magneto-optical drive, or other drive into which a media can be inserted and removed. - The
peripheral units 36 each include aperipheral device 50, amount 52 and anidentification cover 54. In one embodiment thecover 54 is part of themount 52 to which a form-fitperipheral device 50 is attached. Themount 52 orients theperipheral device 50 anddevice connector 59 relative to theinternal compartment connector 34. Thecover 54 moves relative to thefixed mount 52 and form-fitperipheral device 50. Alternatively, themount 52 and/or cover 54 are integral to theperipheral device 50. In either embodiment theperipheral device 50 withmount 52 and cover 54 are referred to herein as aperipheral unit 36. - For the removable media drive44 embodiments, the
cover 54 includes an opening 56 (see FIGS. 2 and 4) through which aremovable media 60 is loaded into the removable media drive 44. In some of such removable media drive embodiments, either theperipheral device 50 or thecover 54 also includes adoor 58 within theopening 56 that opens in response to the insertion of theremovable media 60. - When the
peripheral unit 36 is installed, thecover 54 fills theopening 32 and forms a portion of the outer profile of thecomputer 10. Accordingly, thecover 54 preferably conforms to tolerances of theopening 32 in thecomputer case 30. In some embodiments the cover conforms to the adjacent profile of thecomputer case 30, providing a flush surface. In other embodiments thecover 54 extends to a varied height relative to the adjacent case profile—being either recessed or heightened. - Referring to FIG. 5a, in one embodiment the
cover 54 includes aface portion 62 defining an outer surface visible while theperipheral unit 36 is installed. Thecover 54 also includes asecond portion 64 oriented in a different manner than theface portion 62 to allow a user to grasp thecover 54. In the embodiment illustrated thesecond portion 64 is graspable by an operator that reaches under theperipheral unit 36 at theopening 32. Such underportion 64 is oriented at an angle relative to theface portion 62. Thesecond portion 64 in other embodiments has a differing orientation (e.g., a side portion, a recessed portion). Thesecond portion 64 provides access for an operator to move thecover 54 relative to theperipheral device 36. - The
cover 54 also includes aplurality structures 66 which secure thecover 54 into a stable position while theperipheral unit 36 is installed. In one embodiment thestructures 66 are formed by a set of extensions which mate intoopenings 68 of the peripheral device 50 (see FIG. 5b). Theextensions 66 latch thecover 54 into a stable position relative to theperipheral device 50. In other embodiments,alternative structures 66 serve to secure thecover 54 into a stable position. In addition, aspring 71 biases the cover toward a closed position relative to themount 52 andperipheral device 50. Thespring 71 is connected to thecover 54 at amember 75 and to themount 52 at amember 77. - Referring to FIGS. 5a and 5 c, the
cover 54 also includes aframe portion 70 which defines atrack 72. Thetrack 72 is an opening within theframe portion 70. In a specific embodiment, thetrack 72 extends in two directions from avertex 73. Oneportion 74 extends along the direction of theopening 32 into thecompartment 33. Theother portion 76 extends in another direction (e.g., perpendicular to the direction of the first portion). The specific orientations of thetrack portions mount 52 includes acam 78 which runs within thetrack 70. In the illustrated embodiment there are two alignedframe portions 70 of the cover and asingle cam 78 running in the twotracks 72. In another embodiments there are twocams 78 and twotracks 72. In yet another embodiment, thecam 78 is part of thecover 54 and thetracks 72 are defined as a structure(s) of themount 52. - The
spring 71 biases thecover 54 relative to themount 52. In a preferred embodiment theconnectors spring 71 attaches are located to hold thecover 54 in a closed position against themount 52 andperipheral device 50 when the cover is closed. Specifically, when thecam 78 is at the end ofportion 74 oftrack 72, thespring 71 biases thecover 54 to keep thecam 78 be at such end. - While the
peripheral unit 36 is installed in thecomputer 10, thecover 54 is secured in a stable position and forms a part of the outer profile of the computer. Referring to FIG. 6, thecover 54 is unlatched from theperipheral device 50 by a decoupling force applied by an operator. The operator exerts the decoupling force at thesecond portion 64 of the cover and pulls the cover outward relative to a plane of the computer case in opposition to the biasing force ofspring 71. In some embodiments notches are recessed into thesecond portion 64 to make grasping thesecond portion 64 easier. The operator also may reach to an edge of thesecond portion 74 to use leverage in applying the decoupling force. - In what is either a continuation of the same force, or an application of another force, the operator translates the
cover 54 in a direction 80 (see FIG. 6) relative to theperipheral unit 50 andmount 52. During such translation, the relative motion between thecam 78 and tracks 72 is such that thecam 78 moves relative to thetrack portion 74 toward thevertex 73—again against the biasing force ofspring 71. Once the cam reaches thevertex 73, the cover slides along thetrack portion 76 away from the vertex. In some embodiment such relative motion alongtrack portion 76 is due to gravity. In the illustrated embodiment the cover is biased along thetrack portion 76 by thespring 71. Specifically, thecover 54 moves in a direction 82 (see FIG. 7) in what is referred to herein as a self-actuating motion. - With the
cam 78 at the distal end of track portion 76 (see FIGS. 5a and 8), thecover 54 is now lower compared to the previously secured position. At the cover's lower position thesecond portion 64 is slightly separated from theperipheral device 50 leaving agap 84 into which the operator can reach with fingertips to apply additional leverage. The operator applies a force which rotates thecover 54 in opposition to the biasing force ofspring 71 in a motion 86 swinging thecover 54 from the position shown in FIG. 8 to the position shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Thecover 54 rotates about thecam 78 at the distal end of thetrack portion 76. The operator then exerts a force to pull theperipheral unit 36 from theopening 32. Referring to FIG. 10, thecover 54, and in particular thesecond portion 64, serves as ahandle 98 for removing theperipheral unit 36 from theopening 32 of thecomputer case 30. Thecover 54 remains in the handle position while the operator holds thecover 54. - Note that the various forces applied by the operator may be applied in individual steps to unlatch, translate, and rotate the cover and remove the
unit 36. Also, a single continuous force may be applied accomplishing each of the motions with the self-actuating motion occurring along the way. Whether applied in steps or in a continuous motion, the force or forces are referred to herein as being an extractive force. In some methods of removal the extractive force includes the decoupling force. In other methods of removal the decoupling force is a distinct force and motion from the extractive force. - To insert the
peripheral unit 36, theunit 36 is slid into thecompartment 33 through theopening 32 of the computer case 30 (see FIG. 1). During such insertion the cover preferably is oriented as shown in FIG. 9. Theperipheral unit 36 is sized to tolerance relative to theopening 32 andcompartment 33 to slide along a repeatable path bringing aconnector 59 of theperipheral device 50 into mated engagement with aconnector 34 of thecomputer 10. The operator exerts sufficient force to achieve such mated engagement. Once the unit is inserted andconnectors 59/34 engaged, the operator releases thecover 54, and thespring 71 biases the cover to rotate indirection 96, translate in direction 92, then translate indirection 90. In some embodiments, either alternatively or in addition, the operator rotates thecover 54 in a direction 96 (opposite the direction 86), then lifts the cover in direction 92 to move the cover relative to thecam 78. In effect the cam moves relatively from the distal end oftrack portion 76 to the vertex 73 (see FIG. 7). The operator then applies a translational force to push thecover 54 inward in adirection 90 toward the computer. The translational motion in effect moves thecam 78 from the vertex toward the distal end oftrack portion 74. At the end of such translational motion, the operator exerts a force to bring theextensions 66 into latched engagement within theperipheral device 50. Thecover 54 is then in a secure position relative to theperipheral device 50 with theperipheral unit 36 installed and connected for operation. Further theperipheral unit 36 is secured in thecompartment 33. Thecover 54 forms a portion of the outer profile of thecomputer 10. - An advantage of the invention is that an attractive cover is matched to the surrounding computer case in an ergonomically friendly and stylish manner, while also allowing the utility for access to the removable, internal peripheral unit. Another advantage is that the cover is operator friendly undergoing a motion that makes it easy to remove and install a peripheral unit into the internal compartment.
- Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, various alternatives, modifications and equivalents may be used. Therefore, the foregoing description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the inventions which are defined by the appended claims.
Claims (20)
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US09/811,761 US6445579B1 (en) | 2001-03-19 | 2001-03-19 | Removable peripheral device with exposed cover serving as handle |
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US09/811,761 US6445579B1 (en) | 2001-03-19 | 2001-03-19 | Removable peripheral device with exposed cover serving as handle |
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WO2010077243A1 (en) * | 2008-12-30 | 2010-07-08 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | An access door for a mobile computing system |
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US6798647B2 (en) * | 2001-07-16 | 2004-09-28 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Portable computer with integrated PDA I/O docking cradle |
US20040019724A1 (en) * | 2002-07-24 | 2004-01-29 | Singleton, Charles W. | Computer system with docking port for a handheld computing device |
CN2694341Y (en) * | 2004-03-25 | 2005-04-20 | 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 | Panel turning gear assembly |
TWM259201U (en) * | 2004-05-18 | 2005-03-11 | Tatung Co | Hook structure of swap storage device |
US20060085800A1 (en) * | 2004-10-18 | 2006-04-20 | Behavior Computer Tech Corp. | Internal optical disk drive |
CN2800342Y (en) * | 2005-06-04 | 2006-07-26 | 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 | Electronic assembly locking device |
KR20070005768A (en) * | 2005-07-06 | 2007-01-10 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Portable computer |
CN101083881B (en) * | 2006-05-30 | 2011-04-20 | 华硕电脑股份有限公司 | Electronic equipment and its machine case |
US7715178B2 (en) * | 2008-01-22 | 2010-05-11 | Wincomm Corporation | Digital signage replacement module |
US20090257187A1 (en) * | 2008-04-11 | 2009-10-15 | Dell Products L.P. | Information Handling System with Chassis Design for Storage Device Access |
WO2010141641A2 (en) * | 2009-06-02 | 2010-12-09 | Stephen Petruzzo | Modular re-configurable computers and storage systems and methods |
CN102117101B (en) * | 2009-12-31 | 2013-12-11 | 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 | Notebook computer |
WO2016099513A1 (en) * | 2014-12-18 | 2016-06-23 | Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development Lp | Storage drive adapter |
US10548237B2 (en) * | 2015-02-20 | 2020-01-28 | Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development Lp | Externally accessible replaceable power source |
TWM509369U (en) * | 2015-07-02 | 2015-09-21 | Quanta Comp Inc | Modular electronic device |
CN109558014A (en) * | 2017-09-27 | 2019-04-02 | 富泰华工业(深圳)有限公司 | Keyboard |
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US5793032A (en) * | 1991-11-04 | 1998-08-11 | Symbol Technologies, Inc. | Portable optical scanning and pointing systems |
US6018456A (en) * | 1996-05-31 | 2000-01-25 | Cmd Technology, Inc. | Enclosure for removable computer peripheral equipment |
US6188573B1 (en) * | 1998-09-25 | 2001-02-13 | Fujitsu Limited | Information processing device, peripheral device and attachment device |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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WO2010077243A1 (en) * | 2008-12-30 | 2010-07-08 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | An access door for a mobile computing system |
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