Patent US5997115A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5997115A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Computer access panel having single point release interlock mechanism
Assignee: Dell USA LP
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Filing: 1997-10-08
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Granted: 1999-12-07
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Expires: 2017-10-08
Abstract
Abstract A computer system includes a chassis and an access panel mounted on the chassis. The panel includes multiple spaced apart interlocks for mounting the panel on the chassis. A latch is operably connected to the chassis to engage and release the interlocks. The latch includes a main body, a latch member extending from each opposite end of the body for engagement with the interlocks, a single point pressure member and a pair of cantilevered support members extending from the single point pressure member. The support members include extensions for engaging the chassis and retaining the single point pressure member and each latch member in a raised position relative to the chassis for engagement with the interlocks. The application of pressure to the single point pressure member, moves the device to release the latches out of engagement with the interlocks.
Inventors
- 👤 Timothy Radloff
- 👤 Stephen Cook
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 08:13
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F1/00; G06F1/16; G06F1/18; G06F1/181; E; E05; E05C; E05C19/00; E05C19/06; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S292/00; Y10S292/38; Y10T; Y10T292/00; Y10T292/08; Y10T292/0801; Y10T292/082; Y10T292/0894; Y10T292/0907
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
A latch system comprising: a latch adapted to be mounted on a computer chassis for retaining and releasing a chassis cover panel, the latch including a main body having opposite ends; an elongated edge of the main body provided for pivotally engaging the chassis; a plurality of first members on the latch for limiting movement of the main body on the chassis; a plurality of second members on the latch for limiting movement of the body on the chassis; a plurality of latch members extending from the body; a single point pressure member on the body; and support members on the body for engaging the chassis and maintaining the single point pressure member and the latch members in a raised position relative to the chassis, the support members extending outwardly from the single point pressure member and terminating at a respective leg member for engagement with the chassis.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
148 words
A latch system comprising: a latch adapted to be mounted on a computer chassis for retaining and releasing a chassis cover panel, the latch including a main body having opposite ends; an elongated edge of the main body provided for pivotally engaging the chassis; a plurality of first members on the latch for limiting movement of the main body on the chassis; a plurality of second members on the latch for limiting movement of the body on the chassis; a plurality of latch members extending from the body; a single point pressure member on the body; and support members on the body for engaging the chassis and maintaining the single point pressure member and the latch members in a raised position relative to the chassis, the support members extending outwardly from the single point pressure member and terminating at a respective leg member for engagement with the chassis.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The latch system as defined in claim 1 wherein each latch member is angularly disposed relative to the main body.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The latch system as defined in claim 1 wherein each latch member includes a hook.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The computer system as defined in claim 1 wherein the main body includes reinforcing ribs.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The latch system as defined in claim 1 wherein the single point pressure member is positioned between opposite ends of the main body.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The latch system as defined in claim 5 wherein the support members include a pair of cantilever arms.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The latch system as defined in claim 6 wherein the first members are detents in the elongated edge.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The latch system as defined in claim 1 wherein the second members are wedges extending from the latch members.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
159 words
A computer chassis latch comprising: a computer chassis; and a latch mounted on the chassis for retaining and releasing a chassis cover panel, the latch including a main body having opposite ends; an elongated edge of the main body provided for pivotally engaging the chassis; a plurality of first members on the latch for limiting movement of the main body on the chassis; a plurality of second members on the latch for limiting movement of the main body on the chassis; a latch member extending from each opposite end of the body and through a respective aperture formed in the chassis; a single point pressure member on the body; and support members on the body engaging the chassis and maintaining the single point pressure member and each latch member in a raised position relative to the chassis, the support members extending outwardly from the single point pressure member and terminating at a respective leg member engaged with the chassis.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
159 words
A computer chassis latch comprising: a computer chassis; and a latch mounted on the chassis for retaining and releasing a chassis cover panel, the latch including a main body having opposite ends; an elongated edge of the main body provided for pivotally engaging the chassis; a plurality of first members on the latch for limiting movement of the main body on the chassis; a plurality of second members on the latch for limiting movement of the main body on the chassis; a latch member extending from each opposite end of the body and through a respective aperture formed in the chassis; a single point pressure member on the body; and support members on the body engaging the chassis and maintaining the single point pressure member and each latch member in a raised position relative to the chassis, the support members extending outwardly from the single point pressure member and terminating at a respective leg member engaged with the chassis.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
The computer chassis latch as defined in claim 9 wherein each latch member is angularly disposed relative to the main body.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The computer chassis latch as defined in claim 9 wherein each latch member includes a hook.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The computer chassis latch as defined in claim 9 wherein the body is flexible and includes reinforcing ribs.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
The computer chassis latch as defined in claim 9 wherein the single point pressure member is positioned between the opposite ends of the main body.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
The latch as defined in claim 12 wherein the support members include a pair of flexible cantilever arms.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
23 words
The latch as defined in claim 14 wherein the first members are detents in the elongated edge engaged with clamps on the chassis.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
23 words
The latch as defined in claim 1 wherein the second members are wedges extending from the latch members and through the respective apertures.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-12-06 | 2003-06-07 | 2003-12-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-12-06 | 2007-06-07 | 2007-12-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-12-06 | 2011-06-07 | 2011-12-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |