Patent Application
20080316695
The present invention generally relates to devices and methods for coupling sections of electronic enclosures together through the use of a clamping belt.
Electronic enclosures are designed to isolate and protect electronic components, circuitry, and circuit boards from exposure to the environment. Typically, electronic enclosures are comprised of two or more sections, which must be joined or coupled together. In designing electronic enclosures, methods must generally be found to attach or otherwise join sections of enclosures to one another as a means of protecting and packaging electronic components, circuitry and circuit boards. Additionally, where products are designed to resist intrusion by contaminants such as water and other liquids, and dust and other particulates, a pressurized elastomeric seal is typically used, which often requires an additional compressive or clamping force beyond that required merely to hold the enclosure sections together.
Conventional methods of performing both the attachment function and if necessary, the clamping function described above, include the use of pins, screws or similar threaded fasteners distributed around the periphery of the interface between the two enclosure portions, in such a way as to draw the portions together during assembly. Typically, such fasteners are inserted in one half of an enclosure and engage either threaded bores provided in the other half of the enclosure or threaded nuts encaged by said other half of the enclosure.
One of the problems inherent with the use of prior art fasteners includes the need to individually or otherwise manipulate tighten each of the fasteners or alternatively, the need to use expensive machinery to tighten all of the screws simultaneously. Another problem with conventional screw fasteners, if sealing is required, includes the lack of the uniformity of the clamping and sealing pressure.
The present invention generally relates to devices and methods for coupling a computer case together through the use of a clamping belt.
An example of one embodiment of a computer case comprises a first enclosure having a first edge defined thereon; a second enclosure having a second edge defined thereon, wherein said first edge of said first enclosure and said second enclosure of said second case abut one another; and a belt disposed around the abutted first and second edges.
An example of another embodiment of a case for a computer comprises a first enclosure portion, said enclosure portion having a periphery and including a first flange at said periphery; a second enclosure portion, said enclosure portion having a periphery and including a second flange at said periphery, wherein said first and second flanges abut one another; and a belt disposed around the abutted first and second flanges.
An example of yet another embodiment of a computer comprises a computer case; a microprocessor disposed within said case; memory media disposed within said case; wherein said case comprises: a first portion having a first edge defined thereon; a second portion having a second edge defined thereon, wherein said first edge of said first portion and said second edge of said second portion abuts one another; and a belt disposed around the abutted first and second edges.
An example of one embodiment of a method for coupling one or more sections of a computer case together comprises providing an electronic enclosure comprising a first section having a first edge defined thereon, a second section having a second edge defined thereon; joining said first edge of said first section to said second edge of said second section so as to place said first edge adjacent to said second edge; and disposing a belt around the abutted first and second edges so as to provide a substantially uniform clamping force so as to couple said first section to said second section, thereby forming a substantially sealed enclosure around the electronics disposed therein.
The features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. While numerous changes may be made by those skilled in the art, such changes are within the spirit of the invention.
A more complete understanding of the present disclosure and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein:
While the present invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
The present invention generally relates to devices and methods for coupling sections of a computer case together through the use of a clamping belt.
Generally, the present invention provides devices and methods for coupling together a plurality of sections of electronic enclosures and in particular, enclosures for laptop, notebook, tablet, and similar portable computers. Advantages of certain embodiments include, but are not limited to, a more efficient and/or more cost-effective coupling device for electronic enclosures allowing for easier assembly of the computer. Other advantages may include an easier installation and/or maintenance of coupling devices, and the ability to create a substantially uniform clamping force across a selected joined area of an electronic enclosure. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the devices and methods of the present invention provide an additional clamping force conducive to forming an effective seal in those enclosures having a compressible seal.
In this way, enclosures of the present invention provide protection and packaging for electronic components, circuitry, and circuit boards.
In certain embodiments, electronic enclosures of the present invention comprise a first case having a first edge and a second case having a second edge, the first and second edges abutting one another wherein a belt is disposed around the abutted first and second edges. Optionally, a compressible seal may be disposed between the abutted first and second edges so as to further resist intrusion by contaminants such as water and other liquids, and dust and other particulates.
To facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, the following examples of certain embodiments are given. In no way should the following examples be read to limit, or define, the scope of the invention.
Belt 130 may be fabricated out of any material suitable for coupling two sections of an electronic enclosure together wherein belt 130 is sturdy enough to withstand the environmental conditions to which electronic enclosure 100 is expected to be exposed. Suitable materials for belt 130 include, but are not limited to, polymeric materials known in the art, metals, elastomeric materials known in the art including rubber, any alloy known in the art, composite materials including woven composite materials, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, belt 130 is elastomeric so as to permit belt 130 to readily be installed and removed as needed without affecting its compressive properties.
While belt 130 is preferably a closed-loop of a continuous surface, the invention could be practiced with an open belt. In one instance, for example, the belt may be secured on the open ends by any standard latching mechanism capable of securing the open ends. Preferably such a mechanism would further have the capability of drawing the open ends together, thereby decreasing the circumference of the belt and tightening the belt around the mated computer sections. In another embodiment of an open-loop belt, the belt may be formed of a rigid material so as to essentially form an elongated clamp. That is, a more rigid belt may have the shape of the belt illustrated in
First section 310 has a first edge wherein the first edge is formed of outer surface 314 and an inner surface 313. Second section 320 has a first edge wherein the first edge is formed of outer surface 324 and an inner surface 323. Inner surface 313 abuts against inner surface 323.
Belt 330, when disposed around the first and second edges of electronic enclosure 300, provides a substantially uniform clamping or compressive force around the periphery of enclosure 300 so as to couple first section 310 and second section 320 together.
Compressible seal 335 is disposed between inner surface 313 and inner surface 323. Compressible seal 335 may be formed of any material suitable for resisting intrusion by contaminants, such as water, other liquids, dust, or other particulates, and suitable for placement between first and second sections 310, 320. Suitable compressible seals include, but are not limited to, elastomeric seals, polymeric seals, gaskets, or any combination thereof.
Flange 360 is the region of first section 310 that is circumscribed, at least partially, by inner surface 313 and outer surface 314. Likewise, flange 370 is the region of second section 320 that is circumscribed, at least partially, by inner surface 323 and outer surface 324. Flanges 360, 370 are adapted to interact with belt 330 and abut or otherwise mate with one another. Although belt 330 is depicted here as fully circumscribing flanges 360, 370, it is recognized that, in certain embodiments that belt 330 may be disposed around only a portion of flanges 360, 370.
Similar to the embodiment depicted in
Belt 430 is disposed around the first and second edges of computer enclosure 400 and extends around the periphery of first and second sections 410, 420 so as to secure the coupled first section 410 and second section 420 together.
Compressible seal 435 is disposed between inner surface 413 and inner surface 423. A recess or recesses may be provided in first section 410 and/or second section 420 to provide a depression in which compressible seal 435 may be seated.
As before, although belt 430 is depicted here as fully circumscribing flanges 460, 470, it is recognized that, in certain embodiments that belt 430 may be disposed around only a portion of flanges 460, 470.
Likewise, belt 430 may be disposed around only a portion of the periphery of enclosure 400.
Turning to
In any event, in the preferred embodiment of
Belt 630 is formed of elastomeric material and has a first edge 632 and a second edge 634 with a web 636 formed therebetween. Embedded at each edge is a cord 638.
First section 610 has a first edge wherein the first edge is formed of outer surface 614 and an inner surface 613. Second section 620 has a first edge wherein the first edge is formed of outer surface 624 and an inner surface 623. Inner surface 613 abuts inner surface 623.
Flange 660 is the region of first section 610 that is circumscribed, at least partially, by inner surface 613 and outer surface 614. Likewise, flange 670 is the region of second section 620 that is circumscribed, at least partially, by inner surface 623 and outer surface 624. Flanges 660, 670 are adapted to interact with belt 630 and abut or otherwise mate with one another. In this regard, each section 610, 620 is provided with a groove or recess 668 in its respective outer surfaces 614, 624. Belt 630 is disposed around flanges 660, 670 so that first edge 632 of belt 630 seats in the recess 668 of section 610 while second edge 634 seats in the recess 668 of section 620.
Belt 630, when disposed around the first and second edges of electronic enclosure 600, provides a substantially uniform clamping or compressive force around the periphery of enclosure 600 so as to couple first section 610 and second section 620 together. Moreover, belt 630, being formed of a material capable of sealing, forms a seal around the joined flanges 660, 670, thereby minimizing migration of fluid or debris into the interior of computer enclosure 615.
Compressible seal 635 may be provided to further enhance the sealing of computer enclosure 615 as described above.
Edges 732, 734 are shaped so as to seat within recesses 768 provided in sections 710, 720. Recesses 768 are formed in sections 710, 720 so as to have an opening 762 that is smaller than the cross-section of the belt edges such that a belt edge can pass through opening 762 only upon compression of the belt edge. Once the compressed edge has passed through opening 762, the belt edge can expand to fill recess 768. In this way, each belt edge 732, 734 is secured by its respective recess 768. When belt 730 is disposed around flanges 760, 770, then sections 710, 720 are secured together.
It is explicitly recognized that while the belts of the invention have been described primarily in the context of computer enclosures, the belt may also be used for other types of electronic component enclosures.
Furthermore, the invention is particularly desirable for use with computer systems designed to facilitate an expedited assembly, such as multi-configurable systems or systems that minimize the use of prior art fasteners. For example, to expedite computer assembly, a multiple-configurable portable computer has been developed that utilizes a “universal” lower housing having a main logic board and a configuration module connector disposed therein. This allows the universal base to be readily attached to an upper housing pre-configured to be any of (a) a tablet display; (b) a notebook computer keyboard and notebook display; or (c) a convertible display having a keyboard and a convertible display. Preferably, the configuration module connector is adapted to interface and communicate with a configuration module carried by the respective housing, such that only a single electrical connection need be made between the lower housing and upper housing. In other words, the lower housing and the configuration module connector allow for interchangeability of (a), (b), or (c). In one embodiment, the configuration module connector is structurally mounted on the main logic board. In any event, once a upper housing is engaged with the lower housing and the electrical connection has been made, the belt of the invention permits the two housings to be quickly secured to one another without the need for traditional prior art fasteners. Thus, a computer system could literally be manufactured in seconds.
Any of the features and components disclosed in Applicant's concurrently filed non-provisional patent applications may be used in conjunction with embodiments of the present invention, namely U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “Elastomeric Enclosure Having Electronic Circuit Board Standoffs” (which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/933,935) and U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “Configurable Computer System and Methods of Use” (which claims priority to U.S. provisional Application Ser. No. 60/933,629), the specifications of which are hereby incorporated by reference. In particular, it is explicitly recognized that embodiments described in these concurrently-filed specifications may be used in conjunction with the embodiments herein to eliminate traditional fasteners.
Therefore, the present invention is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the present invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee.
The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/933,549, filed on Jun. 7, 2007, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/933,629, filed on Jun. 7, 2007, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/933,935, filed on Jun. 8, 2007, which are hereby incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60933549 | Jun 2007 | US | |
| 60933629 | Jun 2007 | US | |
| 60933935 | Jun 2007 | US |
