Patent US6178089B1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6178089B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Securing device for computer equipment housing
Assignee: Dell USA LP
•
Filing: 1998-07-15
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Granted: 2001-01-23
•
Expires: 2018-07-15
Abstract
Abstract A securing device for securing a computer equipment housing. The securing device is pivotable and slideable with respect to the computer equipment housing. The securing device is physically coupled to the computer equipment housing by e.g. via a pin and slot configuration. A securing device is e.g. a flat metal bar having a dog leg at one end with an elongated opening for receiving a securing implement such as a padlock shackle. The other end of one type of securing device has a pin structure that is secured in a slot of the computer equipment housing to physically secure the securing device to the computer system housing. The securing device can be used to secure computer equipment (such as speakers) to a main computer system housing.
Inventors
- 👤 Pedro M. Alfonso
- 👤 Brian M. Byle
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 23:57
CPC Classifications
E; E05; E05B; E05B73/00; E05B73/0005; E05B73/0082; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T70/00; Y10T70/50; Y10T70/5009
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 56
Claim 1
Independent Claim
95 words
A computer system having a system processor and comprising: a housing which houses a peripheral device, the peripheral device being operably coupled to the system processor; and a securing device physically coupled to the housing, the securing device being slideable and pivotable with respect to the housing; wherein the securing device includes a rigid member having a first end and a second end; wherein the rigid member is slideable and pivotable with respect to the housing; wherein the first end defines an opening for a securing implement to extend through to physically secure the housing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
95 words
A computer system having a system processor and comprising: a housing which houses a peripheral device, the peripheral device being operably coupled to the system processor; and a securing device physically coupled to the housing, the securing device being slideable and pivotable with respect to the housing; wherein the securing device includes a rigid member having a first end and a second end; wherein the rigid member is slideable and pivotable with respect to the housing; wherein the first end defines an opening for a securing implement to extend through to physically secure the housing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
54 words
A computer system having a system processor and comprising: a housing which houses a peripheral device, the peripheral device being operably coupled to the system processor; and a securing device physically coupled to the housing, the securing device being slideable and pivotable with respect to the housing; wherein the peripheral device includes a speaker.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
54 words
A computer system having a system processor and comprising: a housing which houses a peripheral device, the peripheral device being operably coupled to the system processor; and a securing device physically coupled to the housing, the securing device being slideable and pivotable with respect to the housing; wherein the peripheral device includes a speaker.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
57 words
A computer system having a system processor and comprising: a housing which houses a peripheral device, the peripheral device being operably coupled to the system processor; and a securing device physically coupled to the housing, the securing device being slideable and pivotable with respect to the housing; wherein the housing includes a housing for an audio hub.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
57 words
A computer system having a system processor and comprising: a housing which houses a peripheral device, the peripheral device being operably coupled to the system processor; and a securing device physically coupled to the housing, the securing device being slideable and pivotable with respect to the housing; wherein the housing includes a housing for an audio hub.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
The computer system of claim 1 further comprising: a main system housing, the main system housing which houses the system processor; whereby the housing is physically securable to the main system housing via the securing device.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
115 words
A computer system having a system processor and comprising: a housing which houses a peripheral device, the peripheral device being operably coupled to the system processor; a securing device physically coupled to the housing, the securing device being slideable and pivotable with respect to the housing; and a main system housing, the main system housing which houses the system processor; whereby the housing is physically securable to the main system housing via the securing device; wherein the main system housing defines a first opening; wherein the securing device defines a second opening; whereby a securing implement extends through the first opening and the second opening to physically secure the main system housing to the housing.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
115 words
A computer system having a system processor and comprising: a housing which houses a peripheral device, the peripheral device being operably coupled to the system processor; a securing device physically coupled to the housing, the securing device being slideable and pivotable with respect to the housing; and a main system housing, the main system housing which houses the system processor; whereby the housing is physically securable to the main system housing via the securing device; wherein the main system housing defines a first opening; wherein the securing device defines a second opening; whereby a securing implement extends through the first opening and the second opening to physically secure the main system housing to the housing.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
42 words
The computer system of claim 5 wherein: the securing device is pivotable and slideable with respect to the housing thereby to align the second opening with the first opening to allow the securing implement to extend through the first and second openings.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The computer system of claim 5 wherein the securing implement includes a padlock shackle.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The computer system of claim 5 wherein the securing implement includes a security cable.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
41 words
The computer system of claim 5 wherein: the second opening is movable with respect to the housing to align the second opening with the first opening, thereby to accommodate variations in the first opening location of various main system housing types.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
26 words
The computer system of claim 1 wherein: the securing device is physically coupled to the housing via a pin structure and slot accommodating the pin structure.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
The computer system of claim 10 further wherein: the pin structure is connected to the securing device; the housing defines the slot.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
89 words
A computer system having a system processor and comprising: a housing which houses a peripheral device, the peripheral device being operably coupled to the system processor; and a securing device physically coupled to the housing, the securing device being slideable and pivotable with respect to the housing; wherein the securing device is physically coupled to the housing via a pin structure and slot accommodating the pin structure; wherein the pin structure is movable within the slot to enable the securing device to be slideable with respect to the housing.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
89 words
A computer system having a system processor and comprising: a housing which houses a peripheral device, the peripheral device being operably coupled to the system processor; and a securing device physically coupled to the housing, the securing device being slideable and pivotable with respect to the housing; wherein the securing device is physically coupled to the housing via a pin structure and slot accommodating the pin structure; wherein the pin structure is movable within the slot to enable the securing device to be slideable with respect to the housing.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
87 words
A computer system having a system processor and comprising: a housing which houses a peripheral device, the peripheral device being operably coupled to the system processor; and a securing device physically coupled to the housing the securing device being slideable and pivotable with respect to the housing; wherein the securing device includes a rigid member having a first end and a second end; wherein the first end defines an opening for a securing implement to extend through to physically secure the housing; wherein the opening is elongated.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
87 words
A computer system having a system processor and comprising: a housing which houses a peripheral device, the peripheral device being operably coupled to the system processor; and a securing device physically coupled to the housing the securing device being slideable and pivotable with respect to the housing; wherein the securing device includes a rigid member having a first end and a second end; wherein the first end defines an opening for a securing implement to extend through to physically secure the housing; wherein the opening is elongated.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
90 words
A computer system having a system processor and comprising: a housing which houses a peripheral device, the peripheral device being operably coupled to the system processor; and a securing device physically coupled to the housing, the securing device being slideable and pivotable with respect to the housing; wherein the securing device includes a member having a first end and a second end; wherein the first end defines an opening for a securing implement to extend through to physically secure the housing; wherein the first end has a dog leg form.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
90 words
A computer system having a system processor and comprising: a housing which houses a peripheral device, the peripheral device being operably coupled to the system processor; and a securing device physically coupled to the housing, the securing device being slideable and pivotable with respect to the housing; wherein the securing device includes a member having a first end and a second end; wherein the first end defines an opening for a securing implement to extend through to physically secure the housing; wherein the first end has a dog leg form.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
101 words
A computer system having a system processor and comprising: a housing which houses a peripheral device, the peripheral device being operably coupled to the system processor; and a securing device physically coupled to the housing the securing device being slideable and pivotable with respect to the housing; wherein the housing defines a securing device compartment, the housing having a wall, the wall defining an opening to the securing device compartment; wherein in a retracted position, the securing device resides at least substantially within the compartment; wherein in an extended position, the securing device extends out from the opening in the wall.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
101 words
A computer system having a system processor and comprising: a housing which houses a peripheral device, the peripheral device being operably coupled to the system processor; and a securing device physically coupled to the housing the securing device being slideable and pivotable with respect to the housing; wherein the housing defines a securing device compartment, the housing having a wall, the wall defining an opening to the securing device compartment; wherein in a retracted position, the securing device resides at least substantially within the compartment; wherein in an extended position, the securing device extends out from the opening in the wall.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
19 words
The computer system of claim 15 wherein: the securing device is slideable between its retracted position and extended positions.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
38 words
The computer system of claim 16 wherein: in its retracted position, the securing device is at least substantially non-pivotal with respect to the housing; in its extended position, the securing device is pivotal with respect to the housing.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
33 words
The computer system of claim 15 wherein the compartment has a first cross section at the opening of the compartment and a second narrower cross section located towards the interior of the compartment.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
42 words
The computer system of claim 15 wherein the housing defines a slot in a wall of the compartment, and a portion of the securing device extends through and is secured in the slot to physically couple the securing device to the housing.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
31 words
The computer system of claim 19 wherein the portion of the securing device is movable within the slot to enable the securing device to be slideable with respect to the housing.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computer system of claim 15 wherein when in a fully extended position, the securing device is pivotable by at least 70 degrees with respect to the housing.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
82 words
An apparatus for securing computer equipment, the apparatus comprising: a computer equipment housing; and a securing device physically coupled to the housing, the securing device being slideable and pivotable with respect to the housing; wherein the securing device includes a rigid member having a first end and a second end; wherein the rigid member is slideable and pivotable with respect to the housing; wherein the first end defines an opening for a securing implement to extend through to physically secure the housing.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
82 words
An apparatus for securing computer equipment, the apparatus comprising: a computer equipment housing; and a securing device physically coupled to the housing, the securing device being slideable and pivotable with respect to the housing; wherein the securing device includes a rigid member having a first end and a second end; wherein the rigid member is slideable and pivotable with respect to the housing; wherein the first end defines an opening for a securing implement to extend through to physically secure the housing.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
41 words
An apparatus for securing computer equipment, the apparatus comprising: a computer equipment housing; and a securing device physically coupled to the housing, the securing device being slideable and pivotable with respect to the housing; wherein the housing houses an audio hub.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
41 words
An apparatus for securing computer equipment, the apparatus comprising: a computer equipment housing; and a securing device physically coupled to the housing, the securing device being slideable and pivotable with respect to the housing; wherein the housing houses an audio hub.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
40 words
An apparatus for securing computer equipment, the apparatus comprising: a computer equipment housing; and a securing device physically coupled to the housing, the securing device being slideable and pivotable with respect to the housing; wherein the housing houses a speaker.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
40 words
An apparatus for securing computer equipment, the apparatus comprising: a computer equipment housing; and a securing device physically coupled to the housing, the securing device being slideable and pivotable with respect to the housing; wherein the housing houses a speaker.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 24 wherein: the rigid member is physically coupled to the housing via a pin structure and slot accommodating the pin structure.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 25 further wherein: the pin structure is connected to the securing device; the housing defines the slot.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
75 words
An apparatus for securing computer equipment, the apparatus comprising: a computer equipment housing; and a securing device physically coupled to the housing, the securing device being slideable and pivotable with respect to the housing; wherein the securing device is physically coupled to the housing via a pin structure and slot accommodating the pin structure; wherein the pin structure is movable within the slot to enable the securing device to slide with respect to the housing.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
75 words
An apparatus for securing computer equipment, the apparatus comprising: a computer equipment housing; and a securing device physically coupled to the housing, the securing device being slideable and pivotable with respect to the housing; wherein the securing device is physically coupled to the housing via a pin structure and slot accommodating the pin structure; wherein the pin structure is movable within the slot to enable the securing device to slide with respect to the housing.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the pin structure is secured in the slot with a fastener accessible from the interior of the housing.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
10 words
The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the opening is elongated.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
86 words
An apparatus for securing computer equipment, the apparatus comprising: a computer equipment housing; and a securing device physically coupled to the housing, the securing device being slideable and pivotable with respect to the housing; wherein the housing defines a securing device compartment, the housing having a wall, the wall defining an opening to the compartment; wherein in its retracted position, the securing device resides at least substantially within the compartment; wherein in its extended position, the securing device extends out from the opening in the wall.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
86 words
An apparatus for securing computer equipment, the apparatus comprising: a computer equipment housing; and a securing device physically coupled to the housing, the securing device being slideable and pivotable with respect to the housing; wherein the housing defines a securing device compartment, the housing having a wall, the wall defining an opening to the compartment; wherein in its retracted position, the securing device resides at least substantially within the compartment; wherein in its extended position, the securing device extends out from the opening in the wall.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 30 wherein the securing device is slideable between the retracted and extended positions.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 30 wherein: in its retracted position, the securing device is at least substantially non-pivotal with respect to the housing; in its extended position, the securing device is pivotal with respect to the housing.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 32 wherein the housing defines a slot in a wall of the compartment, a portion of the securing device extends through and is secured in the slot to physically couple the securing device to the housing.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 30 wherein the portion of the securing device is movable within the slot to enable the securing device to slide with respect to the housing.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 30 wherein when in a fully extended position, the securing device is pivotable by at least 70 degrees with respect to the housing.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
77 words
A securing device for securing computer equipment comprising: a bar like securing member having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a structure which engages a securing implement, an attachment mechanism connected to the second portion, the attachment mechanism physically couples the bar like securing member to a computer equipment housing, the bar like securing member being pivotable and slideable with respect to the housing wherein the bar like securing member is rigid.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
77 words
A securing device for securing computer equipment comprising: a bar like securing member having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a structure which engages a securing implement, an attachment mechanism connected to the second portion, the attachment mechanism physically couples the bar like securing member to a computer equipment housing, the bar like securing member being pivotable and slideable with respect to the housing wherein the bar like securing member is rigid.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
24 words
The securing device of claim 36 wherein the structure which engages includes an opening defined by the first portion for receiving the securing implement.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
37 words
The securing device of claim 36 wherein the attachment mechanism includes a pin structure, the pin structure is secured in a defined opening in a computer equipment housing to physically couple the securing member to the housing.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
87 words
A securing device for securing computer equipment comprising: a securing member having a first portion and a second portion the first portion having a structure which engages a securing implement, an attachment mechanism connected to the second portion, the attachment mechanism physically couples the securing member to a computer equipment housing, the securing member being pivotable and slideable with respect to the housing; wherein the first portion has a dog leg form; wherein the structure for engaging includes an elongated opening defined by the dog leg form.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
87 words
A securing device for securing computer equipment comprising: a securing member having a first portion and a second portion the first portion having a structure which engages a securing implement, an attachment mechanism connected to the second portion, the attachment mechanism physically couples the securing member to a computer equipment housing, the securing member being pivotable and slideable with respect to the housing; wherein the first portion has a dog leg form; wherein the structure for engaging includes an elongated opening defined by the dog leg form.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
13 words
The securing device of claim 36 wherein the securing member is of metal.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
25 words
The securing device of claim 36 wherein the second portion of the securing member defines a slot, the attachment mechanism being secured within the slot.
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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) | 2004-01-23 | 2004-07-24 | 2005-01-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-01-23 | 2008-07-24 | 2009-01-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-01-23 | 2012-07-24 | 2013-01-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |