United States Patent (19)
`Hastings et al.
`
`54
`
`(75)
`
`SECURING ACARD IN AN ELECTRONIC
`DEVICE
`
`Inventors: Robert J. Hastings, Humble; Paily T.
`Varghese; Joseph R. Allen, both of
`Tomball, all of Tex.
`ASSignee: Compaq Computer Corporation,
`Houston, TeX.
`
`Appl. No.: 658,385
`Filed:
`Jun. 5, 1996
`Int. Cl." ................................................ H05K 7/14
`U.S. Cl. .......................... 361/801; 361/683; 361/754;
`361/798
`Field of Search ..................................... 361/724-727,
`361/684, 726, 801, 796, 798, 752, 802,
`754, 683, 686, 748, 759; 439/61, 62, 152,
`153, 157; 200/5026, 51.09, 335
`
`56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3,767,974 10/1973 Donovan, Jr. et al. ................. 361/798
`3,853,379 12/1974 Goodman et al. ...
`... 439/261
`4,596,907 6/1986 LaGreco et al. ..
`200/50 A
`4,628,413 12/1986 Speraw ..............
`... 361/798
`4,835,737 5/1989 Herrig et al. .
`... 364/900
`4,875,867 10/1989 Hoo ...................
`361/798 X
`4,999,787 3/1991 McNally et al.
`... 364/514
`5,003,431
`3/1991 Imsdahl .........
`... 361/798
`5,010,426 4/1991 Krenz ................
`361/726 X
`5,191,970 3/1993 Brockway et al.
`... 200/335
`5,247,619 9/1993 Mutoh et al. .....
`... 395/325
`5,310.998 5/1994 Okuno .......
`... 235/380
`5,317,482 5/1994 Bujtas ...
`... 361/798
`5,317,483 5/1994 Swindler ................................. 361/801
`5,428,507 6/1995 Chatel et al. ........................... 361/798
`5,454,080 9/1995 Fasig et al. ...
`... 395/283
`5,473,499 12/1995 Weir .......................................... 361/58
`5,504,656 4/1996 Joist ...
`... 361/754
`5,513,329 4/1996 Pecone .................................... 395/281
`5,530,302 6/1996 Hamre et al. ........................... 307/147
`5,555,510 9/1996 Verseput et al. ........................ 364/514
`
`USOO5822196A
`Patent Number:
`11
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`5,822,196
`Oct. 13, 1998
`
`
`
`5,581,712 12/1996 Herrmann ............................... 395/283
`5,625,238 4/1997 Ady et al.
`307/147
`5,629,836 5/1997 Wright .................................... 361/755
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`0 241905 A2 10/1987 European Pat. Off..
`0 254 456 A2 1/1988 European Pat. Off..
`2850440 11/1977 Germany.
`3409021 3/1984 Germany.
`WO 93/15459 8/1993 WIPO.
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Hot Plug Receptacle Actuated Mechanical Latch, pp.
`363-364; IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, vol.34, No. 6;
`Nov. 1991.
`CompactPCI TM Specification, Revision 1.0, pp. 14, 36, and
`50; PCI Industrial Computers; Nov. 1, 1995.
`Don Anderson; Card Bus System Architecture, PC System
`Architecture Series, Second Edition, pp. 17–29, 39-58,
`227-236, 321-361; Minshare, Inc., Richardson, TX.,
`C1996.
`Don Anderson; PCMCIA System Architecture, PC System
`Architecture Series, Second Edition, pp. 21-83, 113-141,
`145-162,229–309, 321–332; Mindshare, Inc., Richardson,
`TX., O1995.
`Maintenance & Service Guide, Compaq Deskpro XL Series
`of Personal Computers, Compaq Corporation, Houston,
`Texas (Dec. 15, 1995).
`Primary Examiner Michael W. Phillips
`Assistant Examiner Jayprakash N. Gandhi
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm Fish & Richardson P.C.
`57
`ABSTRACT
`
`An add-in circuit card is Secured in an electronic device. A
`clamp is movably coupled to the electronic device and is
`configured to releasably engage the card upon movement of
`the clamp from a card engagement position to a card
`disengagement position. A Switch may control electrical
`power to the card, the Switch operated by the clamp Such that
`movement of the clamp between the engagement and dis
`engagement positions closes and opens the Switch.
`
`25 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets
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`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
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`Oct. 13, 1998
`Oct. 13, 1998
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`Sheet 1 of 8
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`5,822, 196
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`U.S. Patent
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`Oct. 13, 1998
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`U.S. Patent
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`Oct. 13, 1998
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`Sheet 3 of 8
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`5,822,196
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`4
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`U.S. Patent
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`Oct. 13, 1998
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`Sheet 4 of 8
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`5,822,196
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`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
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`Oct. 13, 1998
`Oct. 13, 1998
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`Oct. 13, 1998
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`U.S. Patent
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`Oct. 13, 1998
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`Sheet 7 of 8
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`U.S. Patent
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`Oct. 13, 1998
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`Sheet 8 of 8
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`

`

`1
`SECURING ACARD IN AN ELECTRONIC
`DEVICE
`
`5,822,196
`
`BACKGROUND
`This invention relates to Securing a card in an electronic
`device.
`An option card used, for example, in computers typically
`includes a portion having a contact Surface which is inserted
`into a slot on a mother board. The card is Secured by a Screw
`which fastens a metal bracket on the card to a shelf formed
`in the sheet metal chassis of the computer.
`SUMMARY
`In general, in one aspect, the invention features an appa
`ratus for Securing an add-in circuit card in an electronic
`device including a clamp movably coupled to the electronic
`device, the clamp configured to releasably engage the card
`upon movement of the clamp from a card engagement
`position in which the clamp is Substantially inside the
`electronic device to a card disengagement position in which
`the clamp is Substantially outside the electronic device.
`Certain implementations of the invention include one or
`more of the following features. In certain implementations,
`the clamp: is pivotally coupled to the electronic device, is
`Substantially quarter-circular in shape; and includes a pivot
`pin positioned near a center point of a circle defined by a
`path of movement of the clamp. In certain implementations,
`the electronic device includes: a computer-related device;
`and the computer-related device includes a personal com
`puter or a computer expansion box. In certain
`implementations, the apparatus includes: a Switch for con
`trolling electrical power to the card, the Switch operated by
`the clamp Such that movement of the clamp between a card
`engagement position and a card disengagement position
`closes and opens the Switch; a clamp having a cam Surface
`which depresses and releases the Switch upon movement of
`the clamp between the card engagement and disengagement
`positions, the Switch is positioned opposite a pivot pin about
`which the clamp pivots between the card engagement and
`disengagement positions, a Switch which controls the deliv
`ery of Signals to the card; a Switch which communicates with
`an operating System to control electrical power to the card;
`an indicator light operatively coupled to the Switch to
`indicate the open or closed State of the Switch; a card having
`a clamp engagement Surface and a contact Surface releasably
`insertable into a slot of the device, the clamp configured to
`exert a downward force on the engagement Surface toward
`the slot; a downward force is exerted by a Spring-loaded foot
`on an end of the clamp, a clamp including a finger pressing
`Surface on an opposite end of the clamp, and an engagement
`Surface including a metal bracket.
`In general, in one aspect, the invention features an appa
`ratus for Securing an add-in circuit card in an electronic
`device including a clamp movably coupled to the electronic
`device, the clamp configured to releasably engage the card
`upon movement of the clamp from a card engagement
`position to a card disengagement position, and a Switch for
`controlling electrical power to the card, the Switch operated
`by the clamp such that movement of the clamp between the
`engagement and disengagement positions closes and opens
`the Switch.
`In general, in one aspect, the invention features an appa
`ratus for Securing an add-in circuit card in a personal
`computer including a clamp pivotally coupled to the
`computer, the clamp configured to releasably engage the
`
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`card upon pivoting of the clamp from a card engagement
`position in which the clamp is Substantially inside the
`computer to a card disengagement position in which the
`clamp is Substantially outside the computer. The apparatus
`also includes a Switch for controlling electrical power to the
`card, the Switch operated by the clamp Such that pivoting of
`the clamp between the engagement and disengagement
`positions causes a cam Surface on the clamp to close and
`open the Switch. The apparatus also includes an indicator
`light operatively coupled to the Switch to indicate the open
`or closed state of the Switch.
`In general, in one aspect, the invention features a method
`of Securing a card in an electronic device including the Steps
`of inserting the card into a slot of the electronic device, and
`engaging the card with a clamp movably coupled to the
`electronic device, the clamp configured to releasably engage
`the card upon movement of the clamp from a card engage
`ment position in which the clamp is Substantially inside the
`electronic device to a card disengagement position in which
`the clamp is Substantially outside the electronic device.
`Certain implementations of the method include one or
`more of the following features. In certain implementations,
`the method further includes: coincident with the engaging
`Step, the Step of Switching electrical power to the slot from
`an off State to an on State by contacting a Switch with the
`clamp, and the Step of Signaling the on/off State of the Slot
`to a user of the electronic device.
`In general, in one aspect, the invention features a method
`of removing a card from an electronic device having an
`activated power Source, including the Steps of disengaging
`from the card a clamp movably coupled to the electronic
`device, the clamp operatively coupled to a Switch that
`terminates power delivery to the card upon disengagement
`of the clamp, and extracting the card from the electronic
`device.
`In general, in one aspect, the invention features a method
`of adding an add-in card to an electronic device including
`the Steps of inserting the card into the electronic device, and
`engaging the card with a clamp movably coupled to the
`electronic device, the clamp operatively coupled to a Switch
`that activates power delivery to the card upon engagement of
`the clamp.
`Among the advantages of the invention may be one or
`more of the following. Because neither tools nor additional
`hardware are required, option cards may be easily inserted,
`Secured, and removed from electronic devices. By using a
`clamp to Secure the card within the electronic device, option
`cards may be exchanged without the attendant risk of losing
`Screws or other attachment hardware. This feature also
`eliminates the risk of damage associated with dropping
`Screws or tools on the board during the process of inserting
`or removing an option card. When used in combination with
`a Switch, the clamp eliminates the need to shut off power to
`the entire electronic device. This feature not only Speeds
`replacement of option cards, but also reduces the risk of
`electrical shock to the user.
`Other advantages and features will become apparent from
`what follows.
`
`DESCRIPTION
`FIG. 1 is a Side view of an option card Secured by a clamp.
`FIGS. 2A-2E show the process of removing an option
`card Secured by a clamp.
`FIG. 3 is an exterior rear view of a clamp coupled to a
`computer related device.
`
`10
`
`

`

`3
`FIG. 4 is an interior rear view of a clamp coupled to a
`computer related device.
`FIGS. 5A-5F are exterior, interior, top, left side sectional
`(at A-A of FIG. 5C), right side, and bottom views of a
`clamp, respectively.
`FIG. 6 is a right side view of a clamp.
`FIGS. 7A-7C are rear, top perspective, and side views of
`a blank bracket.
`FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a prior art bracket.
`Referring to FIG. 1, the mounting bracket 10 of an option
`card 12 may be secured by a clamp 18 to a shelf 14
`connected to a sheet metal chassis 16 of a personal computer
`or an expansion box for a personal computer. The Shelf 14
`includes a vertical Surface 15 and a bracket retention tab 17
`(see FIGS. 2A and 2B). The bracket retention tab 17
`protrudes from the shelf 14 and engages a tab void (see e.g.,
`FIG. 8) in the bracket 10 of the option card 12. The bracket
`retention tab 17 may accommodate either conventional
`mounting brackets and blank brackets (see FIG. 8) or blank
`brackets specifically designed for use with the clamp 18 (See
`FIGS. 7A-7C). Option cards secured by a clamp in a tower
`configuration central processing unit (i.e., where the cards
`are inserted into a slot in a direction which is perpendicular
`to the gravity vector) are Supported, in part, by the interac
`tion of the retention tab with the tab void of the bracket (see
`e.g., FIG. 8).
`The clamp 18 pivots about a bearing 20 along the path
`depicted by the doubleheaded arrow 22. As shown in FIGS.
`2A-2D, the clamp 18 may be pivoted from a closed position
`(FIG. 2A) through intermediate positions (FIGS. 2B, 2C) to
`an open position (FIG. 2D). In the open position, the option
`card 12 may be removed along the path depicted by the
`arrow 24 (FIG. 2E). The position of the clamp 18 also
`determines whether a switch 28 is in an on (FIG. 2A) or an
`off (FIGS. 2D-2E) position. In the on position (FIG.2A), the
`Switch 28 is depressed (i.e., forced upward) which indicates
`to the computer operating System (not shown) to deliver
`Signals and power to the contact Surface 30 of the option
`card 12 via a slot 32 of a board 34. Conversely, in the off
`position (FIGS. 2D-2E), the Switch 28 is released (i.e.,
`allowed to return to a downward position) which indicates to
`the computer operating System to terminate Signals and
`power delivery to the option card 12.
`Referring to FIG. 3, the clamp 18 is maintained in the
`closed position within an opening 36 in the sheet metal
`chassis 16 by the interaction of a cantilevered Spring release
`tab 38 with the vertical surface 15 of the shelf 14 (see also
`FIGS. 1, 2A and 4). As depicted in the left one-third of FIG.
`3, when the clamp 18 is in the closed position, a cam 40 of
`the clamp 18 (see FIG. 5E) depresses the Switch 28 and the
`on position of the Switch 28 is indicated by an illuminated
`status indicator LED 42. In contrast, when the clamp 18 is
`pivoted to the open position, the Switch 28 is released and
`the off position is indicated by a darkened Status indicator
`LED 44. Thus, the illuminated and darkened status indicator
`LEDS 42, 44 Signal the user when it is unsafe and Safe,
`respectively, to insert or remove an option card 12 from the
`slot 32.
`The process of removing an option card which has been
`secured with the clamp 18 may be seen in the left three
`fourths of FIG. 4. From left to right, the option card 12 is
`secured by the clamp 18, in part, by the interaction of the
`cantilevered spring release tab 38 in its rest position (i.e.,
`extended upward) with the vertical surface 15 of the shelf
`14. The cantilevered spring release tab 38 is depressed by the
`finger of a user to allow the clamp 18 to extend through the
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`opening 36 by pivoting about the pivot pins 46 inserted into
`the eyelet tabs 48 of the shelf 14. Once the clamp 18 has
`been rotated to its full open position, the Switch 28 has been
`released to its off position, and power to the slot 32 has been
`terminated, the option card 12 may be safely removed. In
`another scheme (see right one-fourth of FIG. 4), the clamp
`18 may be used to secure an option card within a slot 50
`which is not coupled to a Switch. In this Scheme, power to
`the board 34 must be interrupted by the user prior to
`removing or replacing the option card 12.
`The structural detail of the clamp 18 may be appreciated
`by reference to FIGS. 5A-5E. Referring to FIG. 5A, the
`clamp 18 includes a serrated closure surface 52 which, in
`operation, is depressed by a user to effect pivoting of the
`clamp 18 from an open position (see FIG. 2E) to a closed
`position (see FIG. 2A). In operation, a cantilevered spring
`foot 54 is compressed when the clamp 18 is in the closed
`position (see FIG. 5B). Compression of the cantilevered
`Spring foot 54 creates a rotational force which facilitates
`retention of the clamp 18 in the closed position (see FIG.
`2A) via the engagement of release tab 38 with the vertical
`surface 15 of the shelf 14 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). Once the
`cantilever Spring release tab 38 has been disengaged from
`contact with the vertical Surface 15 of the shelf 14, the
`rotational force created by the cantilevered spring foot 54
`urges the clamp 18 toward its open position (see FIG. 2E).
`Referring to FIG. 5C, the pivot pins 46 further include a
`chamfered surface 56 which facilitates insertion of the pivot
`pins 46 into the eyelet tabs 48 of the shelf 14. The cantile
`Vered Spring release tab 38 further includes a Serrated release
`surface 58 which facilitates the depression of the cantile
`Vered Spring release tab 38 by a user preparing to remove the
`option card 12 (see FIG. 4). A Support shelf 60 is positioned
`a fixed distance below the cantilevered spring release tab 38
`to prevent excessive depression and possible breakage of the
`cantilevered spring release tab 38 (see FIG. 5D).
`Referring to FIG. 6, in one example, the clamp 18 is made
`from plastic by conventional injection molding techniques,
`and is characterized by the Specific dimensions noted.
`Referring to FIGS. 7A-7C, in circumstances where a
`particular slot is empty (e.g., because an option has been
`removed) a blank bracket 62 may be used to cover the
`opening 64 in the chassis 16 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The blank
`bracket is Secured by the clamp in a Similar manner as
`described for an option card. The blank bracket 62 includes
`a foot end 66, a body 68 having a removal tab 70, and a head
`end 72. Referring to FIG. 7B, the head end 72 of the bracket
`62 includes a screw recess 74 and a tab void 76 which
`receives the bracket retention tab 17 (see FIG. 7C). In
`contrast to a prior art blank bracket 78 (see FIG. 8) which
`has a tab slot 80, the tab void 70 of the blank bracket 62 is
`closed on all sides. This feature facilitates the retention of a
`blank bracket 62 by the clamp such that it may not be easily
`displaced by forces applied from outside the chassis (i.e., as
`may be possible for a prior art bracket 78). In addition, the
`removal tab 70 reduces the risk of dropping the blank
`bracket 62 on the board during its removal or insertion.
`Other embodiments are within the scope of the following
`claims.
`What is claimed is:
`1. A computer System comprising:
`a computer motherboard adapted to receive an add-in
`circuit card; and
`a chassis coupled to Said motherboard, Said chassis
`including an apparatus for Securing Said add-in circuit
`card to Said motherboard, the apparatus including:
`
`11
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`

`15
`
`S
`a clamp rotationally coupled to Said chassis, Said clamp
`configured to exert a force on a Surface of Said add-in
`circuit card toward said motherboard when rotated
`from a card disengagement position to a card
`engagement position, and to releasably engage Said
`add-in circuit card upon rotation of Said clamp from
`the card engagement position to the card disengage
`ment position.
`2. An apparatus for Securing an add-in circuit card in a
`personal computer, the add-in circuit card having a clamp
`engagement Surface releasably insertable into a slot of the
`personal computer, the apparatus comprising:
`a clamp pivotally coupled to Said personal computer, Said
`clamp configured to exert a force on Said engagement
`Surface toward Said slot upon movement of Said clamp
`from a card disengagement position to a card engage
`ment position, and to Substantially release Said force
`upon pivoting Said clamp from Said card engagement
`position to Said card disengagement position;
`a Switch for controlling the delivery of Signals and elec
`trical power to Said card, Said Switch operated by Said
`clamp Such that pivoting of Said clamp between Said
`engagement and disengagement positions causes a cam
`Surface on Said clamp to close and open Said Switch;
`and
`an indicator light operatively coupled to Said Switch to
`indicate the opened or closed State of Said Switch.
`3. An apparatus for Securing an add-in circuit card in an
`electronic device, the add-in circuit card having a clamp
`engagement Surface releasably insertable into a slot of the
`device the apparatus comprising:
`a clamp movably coupled to Said electronic device, Said
`clamp configured to exert a force on said engagement
`Surface toward Said slot upon movement of Said clamp
`from a card disengagement position to a card engage
`ment position and to Substantially release Said force
`upon movement of Said clamp from Said card engage
`ment position to Said card disengagement position; and
`a Switch for controlling the delivery of Signals and elec
`trical power to Said card, Said Switch operated by Said
`clamp Such that movement of Said clamp between Said
`engagement and disengagement positions closes and
`opens Said Switch.
`4. An apparatus for Securing an add-in circuit card in an
`electronic device, the circuit card having a clamp engage
`ment Surface releasably insertable into a slot of the device,
`the apparatus comprising:
`a clamp movably coupled to Said electronic device, Said
`clamp configured to exert a force on Said engagement
`Surface toward Said slot upon movement of Said clamp
`from a card disengagement position to a card engage
`ment position and to Substantially release Said force
`upon movement of Said clamp from the card engage
`ment position to the card disengagement position.
`5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein Said clamp is
`pivotally coupled to Said electronic device.
`6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein Said clamp is
`Substantially quarter-circular in shape.
`7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein Said clamp com
`prises a pivot pin positioned near a center point of a circle
`60
`defined by a path of movement of Said clamp.
`8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein Said electronic
`device comprises a computer-related device.
`9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said computer
`related device comprises a personal computer.
`10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said computer
`related device comprises a computer expansion box.
`
`6
`11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
`a Switch for controlling electrical power to Said card, Said
`Switch operated by Said clamp Such that movement of
`Said clamp between Said card engagement position and
`Said card disengagement position closes and opens Said
`Switch.
`12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein Said clamp com
`prises a cam Surface which depresses and releases Said
`Switch upon movement of Said clamp between said card
`engagement and disengagement positions.
`13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said Switch is
`positioned opposite pivot pin about which Said clamp pivots
`between said card engagement and disengagement positions.
`14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said electronic
`device is Selected from the group consisting of a personal
`computer and a computer expansion box.
`15. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said Switch controls
`the delivery of Signals to Said card.
`16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said Switch
`communicates with an operating System to control the
`delivery of Signals and electrical power to Said card.
`17. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising:
`an indicator light operatively coupled to Said Switch to
`indicate the open or closed State of Said Switch.
`18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said force is exerted
`by a Spring-loaded foot on an end of Said clamp.
`19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said clamp com
`prises a finger pressing Surface on an opposite end of Said
`clamp.
`20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein Said engagement
`Surface comprises a metal bracket.
`21. A method of Securing a card in an electronic device,
`the card having a clamp engagement Surface, comprising the
`Steps of:
`inserting Said card into a slot of Said electronic device, and
`engaging Said card with a clamp movably coupled to Said
`electronic device, Said clamp configured to exert a force
`on Said engagement Surface toward Said slot upon
`movement of Said clamp from a card disengagement
`position to a card engagement position and to Substan
`tially release said force upon movement of Said clamp
`from Said card engagement position to Said card dis
`engagement position.
`22. The method of claim 21, further comprising, coinci
`dent with the engaging Step, the Step of:
`Switching the delivery of Signals and electrical power to
`Said slot from an off State to an on State by contacting
`a Switch with Said clamp.
`23. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step:
`Signaling the on ?off State of Said slot to a user of Said
`electronic device.
`24. A method of removing a card from an electronic
`device having an activated power Source, comprising the
`Steps of
`disengaging Said card with a clamp movably coupled to
`Said electronic device, Said clamp operatively coupled
`to a Switch that terminates power delivery to Said card
`upon disengagement of Said clamp, and
`extracting Said card from Said electronic device.
`25. A method of adding an add-in card to an electronic
`device comprising the Steps of:
`inserting Said card into Said electronic device, and
`engaging Said card with a clamp movably coupled to Said
`electronic device, Said clamp operatively coupled to a
`Switch that activateS power delivery to Said card upon
`engagement of Said clamp.
`
`k
`
`k
`
`k
`
`k
`
`k
`
`5,822,196
`
`5
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`65
`
`12
`
`