US5197789A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Connecting structure for a computer casing
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1991-12-02
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Granted: 1993-03-30
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Expires: 2011-12-02
Abstract
Abstract A computer casing connecting structure includes a base, an upper cover and a surface panel, each with corresponding structures for assembly together and fixed by only a bolt. The surface panel is designed with a plurality of seats for socket, switches and power source switch which are fixed by structures of the surface panel itself without use of any fastener. The base includes stepped edges in to position its front and back plate firmly and eliminate the possibility of deformation caused by external force.
Inventors
- 👤 Chung H. Lin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 13:18
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F1/00; G06F1/16; G06F1/18; G06F1/181
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
361 words
A connecting structure for a computer casing comprising: A) a base including: 1) a front plate having an outwardly bent side support at each of two front lateral sides, a first fixing hole at each lateral side, a second fixing hole positioned above each first fixing hole, an outwardly bent upper support with a hole in a middle portion and a plurality of spaced retaining elements, and a plurality of slots spaced along a bottom portion thereof, 2) a back plate having an inwardly bent stop element at each of two back lateral sides, a hole in a middle portion, and an inwardly bent top support, 3) a step element extending along each of two intermediate lateral sides, each step element having a recess formed therein; B) an upper cover including 1) a side support and a stop element at each of two front lateral sides for engagement with the side supports and first fixing holes of the front plate, 2) a pair of spaced pushing elements along a top front edge, and a stop element disposed between the pushing elements for engagement with the hole in the upper support of the front plate, 3) a plurality of spaced retaining elements and a block along a lower edge of each of two intermediate lateral sides, each retaining element including an elastic curved plate for engagement with a step element of the base and the block being engageable within the recess of the step element, 4) a bent elastic tab at each of two back lateral sides for engagement with the stop elements of the back plate, 5) a hole in a back middle portion of the upper cover; C) a surface panel including: 1) a plurality of connector elements spaced along a top portion for engagement with the retaining elements of the front plate, 2) a fixing element on each of two lateral sides for engagement with the second fixing holes of the front plate, 3) a plurality of hook elements spaced along a bottom portion for engagement with the slots of the front plate; and D) a fastener engageable through the holes of the back plate and the upper cover.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
361 words
A connecting structure for a computer casing comprising: A) a base including: 1) a front plate having an outwardly bent side support at each of two front lateral sides, a first fixing hole at each lateral side, a second fixing hole positioned above each first fixing hole, an outwardly bent upper support with a hole in a middle portion and a plurality of spaced retaining elements, and a plurality of slots spaced along a bottom portion thereof, 2) a back plate having an inwardly bent stop element at each of two back lateral sides, a hole in a middle portion, and an inwardly bent top support, 3) a step element extending along each of two intermediate lateral sides, each step element having a recess formed therein; B) an upper cover including 1) a side support and a stop element at each of two front lateral sides for engagement with the side supports and first fixing holes of the front plate, 2) a pair of spaced pushing elements along a top front edge, and a stop element disposed between the pushing elements for engagement with the hole in the upper support of the front plate, 3) a plurality of spaced retaining elements and a block along a lower edge of each of two intermediate lateral sides, each retaining element including an elastic curved plate for engagement with a step element of the base and the block being engageable within the recess of the step element, 4) a bent elastic tab at each of two back lateral sides for engagement with the stop elements of the back plate, 5) a hole in a back middle portion of the upper cover; C) a surface panel including: 1) a plurality of connector elements spaced along a top portion for engagement with the retaining elements of the front plate, 2) a fixing element on each of two lateral sides for engagement with the second fixing holes of the front plate, 3) a plurality of hook elements spaced along a bottom portion for engagement with the slots of the front plate; and D) a fastener engageable through the holes of the back plate and the upper cover.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
47 words
The connecting structure of claim 1 wherein each fixing element of the surface panel includes a recess, a slant edge for facilitating engagement of the element with the second fixing hole, and at least one rib on a side opposite to the recess for reinforcing the element.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The connecting structure of claim 1 wherein the surface panel further includes at least one socket seat having upper and lower hook members a plurality of slots, and a plurality of posts for engaging a socket member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The connecting structure of claim 1 wherein the surface panel further includes at least one switch seat having upper and lower plates and a plurality of hook members for engaging a switch member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
61 words
The connecting structure of claim 1 wherein the surface panel includes a power switch seat having a slot formed at each of two lateral sides thereof, a connecting plate at the back and a hole formed in a middle portion of the connecting plate for receiving a push button having a pair of hooks and a post surrounded by a spring.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4652969A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-03-29 | 1996-09-28 | 1997-03-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-03-29 | 2000-09-28 | 2001-03-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-03-29 | 2004-09-28 | 2005-03-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |