1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to electronics devices such as computers and the like. In particular, this invention relates to a push-button latch mechanism for securing a cover to the device.
2. Description of Background
Electronic devices such as computers, printers, and the like typically have covers that must be frequently removed and reinstalled. In many cases, the cover is attached to the electronic device using thumbscrews or the like which must unscrewed each time the cover is removed from the device. This process can be time consuming and may require additional hand tools to accomplish the removal of the cover from the device.
The attachment of the cover to the device is often alternatively accomplished by quick-releasing latch mechanisms. Often these mechanisms are complex, requiring additional features to be added to the cover and the device in secondary manufacturing operations, which increases manufacturing time. The incorporation of these features also often increases the complexity of the tooling used to mold the cover, which in turn can have a negative effect on product cost and quality.
What is needed is a simplified latch mechanism that does not require additional complex features incorporated into the device or cover, and allows the cover to be installed and removed quickly and without additional tools.
The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision of an improved push button latch mechanism comprising a catch, a spring, and a plunger. The catch comprises a catch base with two elastically deformable legs connected to a catch face at one end and extending substantially parallel to one another from the catch face. Each leg includes a first hook extending outward and toward the catch face from the free end and configured to be insertable through and retained in a hole in the structure, a second hook extending inward and toward the catch face from the free end, and a third hook extending outward and toward the catch face at a distance form the free end and disposed and configured to be insertable into and retained in a hole formed in the cover.
The plunger comprises a shaft extending from a plunger face, the shaft insertable into a hole in the catch face and including one or more tabs extending outward and toward the plunger face and disposed and configured to be insertable into the hole in the catch face and retained by it. The shaft also includes a v-notch at the free end of the shaft disposed and configured to be accepted into the second hooks of the catch when the plunger is pushed, so as to force the legs of the catch closer together and release the first hooks from the hole in the structure allowing the cover to be removed. The spring is disposed around the shaft configured such that when the plunger is released, the plunger returns to its original position.
As a result of the summarized invention, technically we have achieved an improved push button latch mechanism that is allows removal and installation of a cover for a device quickly and without the need for hand tools. Adoption of the latch mechanism does not require complex modifications to be made to the cover or to the device.
The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
The detailed description explains the preferred embodiments of the invention, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings.
Turning now to the drawings in greater detail, it will be seen that in
The plunger 12 may be formed from a plastic material and includes a plunger face 22, which in this embodiment has a rectangular shape. A plunger shaft 24 extends substantially from a center of the plunger face 22 and has a cross-section that is generally rectangular. The plunger shaft 24 may include a plunger cavity 26 that eliminates unnecessary material without negatively affecting the strength of the plunger shaft 24. The plunger shaft 24 includes plunger barbs 28 disposed on opposite sides of the plunger shaft 24. As illustrated in
Returning now to
Turning now to
Returning to
The attachment hole 68 is rectangular in shape, and is large enough for the catch legs 38 to pass through the attachment hole 68. The attachment hole 68 must be small enough, however, that once the catch outer hooks 50 pass through the attachment hole 68, that an edge of the attachment hole 68 interferes with the second catch outer hook face 54 so the catch 16 cannot be easily removed from the attachment hole 68.
To install the latch mechanism 10 and thereby secure the cover 18 to the device 20, the catch 16 is installed in the cover 18 by passing the catch legs 38 through the pocket hole 64 until the catch barbs 42pass through the pocket hole 64. The second catch barb face 46 interferes with an edge of the pocket hole 64 so the catch 16 cannot be easily removed from the pocket hole 64. The catch 16 is thus secured in the cover 18. The spring 14 is installed over the plunger shaft 24. The plunger shaft 24 is passed through the catch hole 40 until the plunger barb 28 passes through the catch hole 40, thus securing spring 14 and the plunger 12 to the catch 16. The spring 14 and the plunger barbs 28 are configured so the plunger face 22 is substantially flush with the cover face 56 when the latch mechanism 10 is installed. As shown in
The latch mechanism 10 allows the cover 18 to be installed and removed from the device 20 quickly and frequently and with out the aid of special tools. To remove the cover 18, the plunger 12 is pushed inward, toward the attachment hole 68. Subsequently, the plunger notch 34 advances into the catch inner hooks 48 causing the catch legs 38 to be pulled closer together. When the catch legs 38 are sufficiently close together, the catch outer hooks 50 will no longer interfere with edges of the attachment hole 68, thus allowing the cover 18 to be pulled away from the device 20.
While the preferred embodiment to the invention has been described, it will be understood that those skilled in the art, both now and in the future, may make various improvements and enhancements which fall within the scope of the claims which follow. These claims should be construed to maintain the proper protection for the invention first described.