WO1996004821A1 - Module de stockage utilise avec un ordinateur personnel - Google Patents

Module de stockage utilise avec un ordinateur personnel Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1996004821A1
WO1996004821A1 PCT/US1995/010090 US9510090W WO9604821A1 WO 1996004821 A1 WO1996004821 A1 WO 1996004821A1 US 9510090 W US9510090 W US 9510090W WO 9604821 A1 WO9604821 A1 WO 9604821A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
storage module
recess
support
side panels
panels
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.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US1995/010090
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Richard A. Bennett
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
BE-KEN PRODUCTS
Original Assignee
BE-KEN PRODUCTS
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by BE-KEN PRODUCTS filed Critical BE-KEN PRODUCTS
Priority to AU32165/95A priority Critical patent/AU3216595A/en
Publication of WO1996004821A1 publication Critical patent/WO1996004821A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B33/00—Constructional parts, details or accessories not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
    • G11B33/12—Disposition of constructional parts in the apparatus, e.g. of power supply, of modules
    • G11B33/121—Disposition of constructional parts in the apparatus, e.g. of power supply, of modules the apparatus comprising a single recording/reproducing device
    • G11B33/123—Mounting arrangements of constructional parts onto a chassis
    • G11B33/124—Mounting arrangements of constructional parts onto a chassis of the single recording/reproducing device, e.g. disk drive, onto a chassis
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B81/00—Cabinets or racks specially adapted for other particular purposes, e.g. for storing guns or skis
    • A47B81/06—Furniture aspects of radio, television, gramophone, or record cabinets
    • A47B81/068—Cassette cabinets or the like
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B33/00—Constructional parts, details or accessories not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
    • G11B33/02—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon
    • G11B33/04—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon modified to store record carriers
    • G11B33/0405—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon modified to store record carriers for storing discs
    • G11B33/0433—Multiple disc containers
    • G11B33/0455—Multiple disc containers for single disc boxes

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to accessories for personal computers and, more specifically, relates to an accessory that provides storage space for computer disks and other accessories.
  • the computer workstation may include special desks, cabinets, storage media and other accessories to facilitate the use and operation of the personal computer.
  • data storage media often are susceptible to damage as a result of mishandling, e.g., bending or placing heavy objects on the media.
  • mishandling e.g., bending or placing heavy objects on the media.
  • the CPU central processing unit
  • the monitor often occupy a significant portion of the desktop or other available workspace.
  • items including data storage media, papers, writing instruments and a variety of other tools and accessories often are placed on the CPU or monitor for temporary storage.
  • desktop organizers and paper trays have a role in maintaining an efficient and organized workspace, a need exists for improved storage arrangements.
  • the CPU central processing unit
  • the CPU housing can accommodate a range of computing systems varying from a basic computing system to a system that includes numerous peripheral accessory devices such as disk, CD ROM or tape drives, controller cards and memory cards.
  • currently available personal computers include several recesses or spaces of standard dimension for accepting components such as disk, CD ROM and tape drives. If these recesses are not used, they are generally covered by a removable face plate.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,080,452 to Tuckman which also discloses a storage module or unit for a personal computer.
  • a storage module or unit for a personal computer includes a module having interior slots for receiving floppy disks.
  • the module disclosed by Tuckman is arranged for storing only one size and/or type of data storage media. Accordingly, there is a need for a storage module or unit for use with a personal computer that provides adequate protection for data storage media contained therein, that is readily adaptable to more than one size and/or type of data storage media, and organizes data storage media contained therein, so that it is readily accessible.
  • the present invention provides a storage module for use with a personal computer of the type that includes a housing or CPU box having unused space or recesses that are locked within the housing (or CPU). More specifically, the present invention includes a storage module adapted to fit within a standard recess or slot of a computer housing.
  • the storage module of the present invention includes a front panel having an opening for receiving items to be stored in the storage module.
  • Side panels extend orthogonally from the rear surface of the front panel from opposite sides of the opening. At least one of the side panels includes a spring member for asserting a force outward against at least one of the ⁇ idewal-s of the recess of the computer housing, thereby securing the storage module within the computer housing when the storage module is inserted into the recess.
  • the storage module of the present invention further includes at least one support panel that is substantially perpendicular to both the side panels and the front panel Additionally, in some embodiments, the storage module includes a plurality of the support panels, extending in a substantially parallel, spaced apart juxtaposition with one another between the side walls, the space between adjacent support panels being dimensioned to allow insertion of a data storage medium.
  • the support panels separate the storage module into compartments that can be used to store floppy disks or other computer accessories when inserted into the CPU box.
  • the support panels are arranged to accept floppy disks of standard sizes, such as 5.25" or 3.5", or CD ROMs of a standard size.
  • the spring member of the storage module includes a leg attached to one of the side panels, the leg being bent to project along the side panel at an acute angle so that it bears against at least one wall of the computer housing recess when the module is installed in the housing.
  • Another embodiment of the spring member includes a leaf spring biased outwardly to bear against at least one wall of the computer housing recess.
  • the spring member includes a serpentine bias piece that initially extends away from an associated side panel, arcuately extends back toward the side panel, and then again extends arcuately away from the sidewall so that the outer end bears against a wall of the computer housing recess.
  • FIGURE 1A is a front exploded perspective view of a storage module constructed in accordance with the present invention
  • FIGURE IB is a front exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a storage module constructed in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIGURE 2 is a front assembled view of the embodiment of FIGURE 1;
  • FIGURE 3 is a front perspective view of an additional alternative embodiment of a storage module constructed in accordance with the present invention;
  • FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional view of the additional alternative embodiment of FIGURE 3, taken along section line 4-4 in FIGURE 3;
  • FIGURE 5 is a front perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of a storage module constructed in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIGURE 6 is a front perspective view of part of still another alternative embodiment of a storage module constructed in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIGURE 7 is a front perspective view of part of a further alternative embodiment of a storage module constructed in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIGURE 1A Shown in FIGURE 1A is a first embodiment of a storage module 10 configured in accordance with the present invention.
  • Storage module 10 includes a generally rectangular face plate 12. Centrally located in the face plate 12 is a rectangular opening 14. Extending perpendicularly from the oppositely disposed minor edges of the rectangular opening 14 are a pair of sidewalls 16 and 18. Mounted between the sidewalls 16 and 18 are a plurality of support plates
  • the support plates 20 are spaced apart from one another by a distance that allows data storage media, such as a floppy disk or a CD ROM to be received and stored between two adjacent support plates.
  • each support plate 20 is arcuately shaped and extends through the opening 14 to define a lip-like projection that extends forwardly from face plate 12.
  • a stop plate 24 Centrally located along the rear edges of the spaced apart support plates 20 and extending upwardly is a stop plate 24, which prevents floppy disks, CD ROMs or other data storage media from passing beyond the rear face of storage module 10.
  • the support plates 20 may include ventilation holes (not shown). The ventilation holes 22 may permit circulation of air throughout the interior of the depicted embodiment to prevent heat build up around the storage media.
  • each sidewall 16 and 18 attached to the outwardly facing surface of each sidewall 16 and 18 are spring members 26 and 28, respectively.
  • Each spring member 26 and 28 includes two legs 30 and 32 that extend angularly away from one another.
  • the storage module 10 of FIGURES 1A and 2 is dimensioned and arranged for installation in a recess of a computer housing that is designed for receiving devices such as tape drives, floppy disk drives, and CD ROM drives.
  • the legs 32 of spring members 26 and 28 are deflected inwardly by the walls of the computer recess, thereby securely retaining the storage module 10 within the computer housing.
  • Face plate 12 preferably is dimensioned so that the edge regions of the face plate come into abutment with portions of the computer housing that surround the recess into which the storage module 10 is installed
  • FIGURE IB there is shown the storage module 10 of FIGURE 1A with alternative spring members 33 attached to each of the side walls 16 and 18.
  • Each spring member 33 is elasticly deformed in a partial arc.
  • the spring members 33 are deformed inward thereby applying a continuous outward biasing force against the vertical walls of the computer recess; this force securely holds the storage module 10 within the recess.
  • Each spring member 33 preferably includes outwardly protruding nubs 35.
  • the nubs 35 engage apertures (not shown) in the respective vertical side walls of the recess. Accordingly, the engagement of the nubs 35 with the apertures further acts to securely hold the storage module 10 within the recess.
  • the storage module 10 of FIGURE IB is dimensioned for installation into the recess of the computer housing that is generally designed for receiving devices such as tape drives, floppy disk drives, and CD ROM drives. It is important to note with respect to the various storage modules 10 of the present invention, each of the storage module 10 can be inserted into a computer recess with the same force it would require to remove the storage module 10 from the recess. In this regard, installation and removal of the storage module can be readily and easily performed by an end user.
  • FIGURE 3 An alternative embodiment 34 of a storage module that is constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIGURE 3.
  • Alternative storage module 34 differs from the embodiment of FIGURES 1 and 2 in that it does not include a single plate 24 to limit the distance that data storage media can be inserted into the storage module.
  • each support plate 20 includes an upwardly projecting tab 36.
  • the tabs 36 can be located at different distances from the forward edge of the support panels 20 to facilitate data storage media of various sizes, and/or to stagger the distance that data storage media of the same size can be inserted into the module 34, thus allowing a user to readily grasp an individual data storage medium.
  • FIGURE 5 Illustrated in FIGURE 5 is a second alternative embodiment of a storage module constructed in accordance with the present invention.
  • Sidewalls 16 and 18 of storage module 37 include a plurality of rearwardly extending spaced part, substantially parallel grooves 40.
  • the grooves 40 receive support plates 20 of the type shown in FIGURES 1, 2 and 3.
  • desired data storage media can be inserted into and received by the grooves.
  • a single support plate 50 extends between and interconnects the lower regions of the sidewalls 16 and 18 to provide structural rigidity.
  • a support plate 20 need not be inserted into each groove 40.
  • storage regions of different height can be established so that a single storage module can receive different sizes and/or types of data storage media.
  • support plates 20 can be installed so that the storage module 37 can receive both floppy disks and CD ROMs.
  • the sidewalls 16 and 18 of storage module 37 each include longitudinally extending spring member 42 and 44 respectively, that differ from the spring members of the previously described embodiments.
  • spring members 42 and 44 each include a deflection arm 48 extending longitudinally along and angularly away form the storage module sidewall 16 or 19.
  • the deflection arms 48 are sprung inwardly by the recess sidewalls thereby placing the storage module in compression. If the support module 37 is subsequently withdrawn, deflection arms 48 spring back to their original position.
  • FIGURE 6 An additional alternative embodiment of a storage module constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIGURE 6.
  • Storage module 52 of FIGURE 6 (which is shown with the face plate removed), includes sidewalls 16 and 18 that are joined together at their bottom edge by a bottom support plate 54. Projecting outwardly from the sidewalls 16 and 18 are spring members 56 and 58 that differ from the spring members of the previously-described embodiments.
  • spring members 56 and 58 include a pair of relatively thin plates 60 and 62 that extend substantially orthogonal away from the outer surface of each sidewall 16 and 18. Relative to the longitudinal direction of sidewalls 16 and 18, plates 60 and 62 are substantially parallel to one another and, in the depicted arrangement, extend along the entire longitudinal sidewall dimension.
  • U-shaped retainers 64 are formed in each of the four corners of plates 60 and 62 that are spaced away from a side wall 16 or 18. In this arrangement, the slot or opening between the legs that define the U-shaped geometry of a retainer 64 faces inwardly toward the opening of an oppositely disposed retainer.
  • the retainers 64 are arranged so that a pair of retainers is located at each end of the channel-like region that is defined between plates 60 and 62.
  • Retainers 64 are dimensioned and arranged for receiving a leaf spring 68.
  • leaf spring 69 includes a notch 70 formed in each of its four corners that is received by the slot formed in each of the retainers.
  • leaf spring 68 bows outwardly away from the adjacent sidewall (16 or 18) of the storage module 53.
  • the leaf springs 68 bear against the oppositely disposed sidewalls of the computer recess, thereby securing the storage module 52 in the recess.
  • FIGURE 7 Shown in FIGURE 7 is a storage module 72 that includes spring members 74 and 76 which are configured differently than those of the above-discussed embodiments of the present invention.
  • spring members 74 and 76 respectively extend from the lower and upper edges of both sidewall 16 and 18, with each spring member 74 and 76 being of S-like (serpentine) geometry that positions the outer edges of the spring members in spaced apart juxtaposition with one another. More specifically, each spring member 74 and 76 initially extends away from a sidewall 16 or 18, arcuately extends back toward the associate sidewall for a relatively short distance, and then arcuately reverses direction to extend away from the sidewall.

Landscapes

  • Packaging For Recording Disks (AREA)
  • Packaging Of Annular Or Rod-Shaped Articles, Wearing Apparel, Cassettes, Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

On décrit un module de stockage (10) destiné à être inséré dans un logement d'un boîtier d'ordinateur. Ce logement comprend deux parois latérales, parallèles et opposées, et est conçu pour recevoir un dispositif pouvant lire des informations provenant de supports d'enregistrement de données tels que des disques souples ou des CD ROM. Ce module de stockage (10) comporte un panneau frontal (12) doté d'une ouverture (14) pour recevoir les éléments à stocker. Deux panneaux latéraux (16, 18) s'étendent généralement à angle droit avec la surface arrière du panneau frontal (12), depuis les côtés opposés de l'ouverture (14). Un élément en ressort (26 ou 28) s'étend vers l'extérieur depuis un des panneaux latéraux (16, 18) au moins et exerce une force contre au moins une paroi latérale du logement de l'ordinateur pour y assujettir ce module (10) une fois qu'il est introduit dans le logement. Un panneau de support (20) au moins relie les panneaux latéraux (16, 18), et est placé de façon sensiblement perpendiculaire par rapport aux deux panneaux latéraux et au panneau frontal (12).
PCT/US1995/010090 1994-08-09 1995-08-09 Module de stockage utilise avec un ordinateur personnel Ceased WO1996004821A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU32165/95A AU3216595A (en) 1994-08-09 1995-08-09 Storage module for use with a personal computer

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US28827994A 1994-08-09 1994-08-09
US08/288,279 1994-08-09

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1996004821A1 true WO1996004821A1 (fr) 1996-02-22

Family

ID=23106469

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1995/010090 Ceased WO1996004821A1 (fr) 1994-08-09 1995-08-09 Module de stockage utilise avec un ordinateur personnel

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU3216595A (fr)
WO (1) WO1996004821A1 (fr)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4811995A (en) * 1983-08-29 1989-03-14 Peter Ackeret Storage container for disc-form recording media
US5080452A (en) * 1990-03-01 1992-01-14 Tuckman Tab R Integral storage receptacle for personal computer
US5116699A (en) * 1989-11-11 1992-05-26 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Battery box
US5350068A (en) * 1993-09-10 1994-09-27 Walter Chieng Rotary 31/2" diskette storage box

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4811995A (en) * 1983-08-29 1989-03-14 Peter Ackeret Storage container for disc-form recording media
US5116699A (en) * 1989-11-11 1992-05-26 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Battery box
US5080452A (en) * 1990-03-01 1992-01-14 Tuckman Tab R Integral storage receptacle for personal computer
US5350068A (en) * 1993-09-10 1994-09-27 Walter Chieng Rotary 31/2" diskette storage box

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU3216595A (en) 1996-03-07

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