Abstract: A device retention mechanism suitable for mounting a device in a chassis of an information handling system may include a chassis and a retention member. The chassis is suitable for receiving a device and has a first side and a second side, the first side being generally perpendicular to the second side. The retention member is configured as a cam assembly and is mounted to the first side of the chassis, thereby enabling the retention member to exert a force against a device to secure the device to the chassis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for securing an electronic component in a chassis. The apparatus includes a frame including a pair of spaced apart brackets for accepting a component therein. A securing device is mounted to at least one of the frame and a cover for providing access to the internal components. Suitable securing devices include a biased pin, and a generally arcuate lever including a pin or protrusion extending therefrom. The securing device and cover are arranged and configured such that the securing device engages an accepted component when the cover is secured to the frame and the device is released from the component when the cover is opened, therefore facilitating manufacture and repair.

Abstract: An alignment device eases installation of computer assemblies, such as drives, into a corresponding chassis. The alignment device includes one or more planar areas located and oriented so as to be substantially alignable with one or more computer assemblies to be mounted to the chassis. The computer assembly has a user-visible surface which is moved until it is co-planar with a corresponding planar area of the alignment device. When positioned in this co-planar configuration, the computer assembly is correctly positioned relative to the chassis to be mounted thereto. The alignment device can be located on the computer chassis between mounting locations for two computer assemblies, such as a 5¼-inch drive and a 3½-inch drive and, in such application, can be provided with two planar areas at two different heights, one corresponding to the alignment position for one of the computer assemblies, the other corresponding to the alignment position for the other of the computer assemblies.

Abstract: A robust intuitive latching mechanism for securing an access panel to a chassis of an electronic device comprises a hook engagement member for engaging a hook coupled to the chassis to secure the access panel to the chassis. A spring member couples the hook engagement member to the access panel. The spring member is capable of flexing between a first position wherein the hook engagement member is engaged with the hook and a second position wherein the hook engagement member is disengaged from the hook. A handle assembly is mounted to at least one of the hook engagement member and the spring member for flexing the spring member. The handle assembly is actuated for flexing the spring member from the first position to the second position for disengaging the hook engagement member from the hook to allow the access panel to be removed from the chassis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for allowing securing/unsecuring of an access panel from a generally opposing side of a chassis. The apparatus includes a latch for securing the panel disposed on a side of the chassis. A locking mechanism extends from the latch to a side opposite the latch. The locking mechanism provides a locking bar which may be manipulated to either positively secure the panel, via a screw or lock, or release the panel from the side opposite the latch.

Abstract: An integrated drive panel for a peripheral/drive bay within the case of a computer or like electronic device comprises a cover assembly having an integral EMI shield. The integrated drive panel does not require removal of the front bezel of the computer case or access to the peripheral/drive bay from inside the computer case during installation and removal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing a self-ejecting cover for externally accessible electronic components. The system of the present invention includes a panel with an aperture for accepting an externally accessible component such as a communication connection. A self-ejecting cover with an engaging tab is disposed in the aperture. Upon connecting the panel to a device with a corresponding component the cover is ejected, if an external component is not included the cover remains in place.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism for multiple computer storage drives mounts at least one drive so that it may be swung out for easy access to the drive and to its cable connectors. The mechanism comprises a drive cage mounting bracket, a hinge, and appropriately adapted chassis, so that the mounting bracket is hingeably connected to the chassis to swing open for access and to swing closed for operation. The bracket is adapted so that, when in the open position, the cable connector of at least one mounted drive is distal from the hinge and chassis and thus easily accessible. A preferred embodiment provides for releaseably locking the bracket in the closed position. Furthermore, the bracket preferably mounts a hard drive so that it is suspended within the airspace above the computer motherboard for easier cooling.

Abstract: An alignment device eases installation of computer assemblies, such as drives, into a corresponding chassis. The alignment device includes one or more planar areas located and oriented so as to be substantially alignable with one or more computer assemblies to be mounted to the chassis. The computer assembly has a user-visible surface which is moved until it is co-planar with a corresponding planar area of the alignment device. When positioned in this co-planar configuration, the computer assembly is correctly positioned relative to the chassis to be mounted thereto. The alignment device can be located on the computer chassis between mounting locations for two computer assemblies, such as a 5¼-inch drive and a 3½-inch drive and, in such application, can be provided with two planar areas at two different heights, one corresponding to the alignment position for one of the computer assemblies, the other corresponding to the alignment position for the other of the computer assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for allowing securing/unsecuring of an access panel from a generally opposing side of a chassis. The mechanism includes a latch for securing the panel disposed on a side of the chassis. A locking mechanism extends from the latch to a side opposite the latch. The locking mechanism provides a locking bar which may be manipulated to either positively secure the panel, via a screw or lock, or release the panel from the side opposite the latch.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing a self-ejecting cover for externally accessible electronic components. The system of the present invention includes a panel with an aperture for accepting an externally accessible component such as a communication connection. A self-ejecting cover with an engaging tab is disposed in the aperture. Upon connecting the panel to a device with a corresponding component the cover is ejected, if an external component is not included the cover remains in place.

Abstract: An information handling system case is disclosed which has a chassis suitable for containing an electronic component, an access door removably mounted to the chassis, the access door suitable for permitting access to an electronic component contained in the computer chassis, and a release mechanism adjacent to the access door, wherein the release mechanism is manually operable by a single hand of a user to release the access door from the chassis, the access door separating from the chassis upon manipulation of the release mechanism by the user. The quick release mechanism is preferably a squeezable handle. EMI shielding is accomplished through EMI clips.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a configurable bracket. A configurable bracket for mounting an electronic device within a chassis of an information handling system may include a bracket adapted for mounting in a first chassis configuration, the bracket including at least one connection portion suitable for connecting an electronic device to the bracket. An extension is also included, the extension suitable for extending said bracket for mounting in a second chassis configuration.

Abstract: A robust intuitive latching mechanism for securing an access panel to a chassis of an electronic device comprises a hook engagement member for engaging a hook coupled to the chassis to secure the access panel to the chassis. A spring member couples the hook engagement member to the access panel. The spring member is capable of flexing between a first position wherein the hook engagement member is engaged with the hook and a second position wherein the hook engagement member is disengaged from the hook. A handle assembly is mounted to at least one of the hook engagement member and the spring member for flexing the spring member. The handle assembly is actuated for flexing the spring member from the first position to the second position for disengaging the hook engagement member from the hook to allow the access panel to be removed from the chassis.

Abstract: An integrated drive panel for a peripheral/drive bay within the case of a computer or like electronic device comprises a cover assembly having an integral EMI shield. The integrated drive panel does not require removal of the front bezel of the computer case or access to the peripheral/drive bay from inside the computer case during installation and removal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device retention apparatus for an information handling system. The device retention apparatus includes a housing for mounting an information handling system device and a retaining portion located on the housing, the retaining portion for engaging the information handling system device when placed in the housing. A selection mechanism for securing the information handling system device to the housing is slideably connected to the housing. A locking ramp portion is included on a door assembly of the information handling system for engaging the selection mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a configurable bracket. A configurable bracket for mounting an electronic device within a chassis of an information handling system may include a bracket adapted for mounting in a first chassis configuration, the bracket including at least one connection portion suitable for connecting an electronic device to the bracket. An extension is also included, the extension suitable for extending said bracket for mounting in a second chassis configuration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for securing a received tab included on a printed circuit board. The apparatus may include a chassis suitable for containing an electrical component, a card retention member disposed on the external surface of the chassis and a securing member pivotally attached to the card retention member. Additionally, the apparatus may contain a locking system for restraining the securing member in a secured orientation and an angled receiving area on the securing member suitable for forcing the received tab inward towards the chassis.

Abstract: An EMI shield for ports providing access to expansion cards received in the chassis of an electronic device comprises a gasket suitable for being disposed between the chassis and the expansion card bracket. The gasket includes an aperture overlying each of the ports and a plurality of generally flattened U shape fingers formed in the gasket adjacent to each aperture for engaging the bracket to provide EMI grounding between the bracket and the chassis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus of mounting a device in an information handling system. A device retention mechanism suitable for mounting a device in a chassis may include a chassis and a retention member. The chassis is suitable for receiving a device and has a first side and a second side, the first side being generally perpendicular to the second side. The retention member is configured as a cam assembly and is mounted to the first side of the chassis, thereby enabling the retention member to exert a force against a device to secure the device to the housing.