Computer enclosure with pivotable hood

• US 20030151333A1
• Filed: 04/22/2002
• Published: 08/14/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 02/08/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
• Inventors: Chen, Yun-Lung
• Granted Patent: US 6,819,551 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 312/223.2
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/181 Enclosures for portable computers G06F1/1613

Abstract

A computer enclosure includes a base (10), and a hood (20) pivotably attached to the base. The base includes a bottom wall (12), and a pair of side walls (14) extending from the bottom wall. A pair of posts (120) extends upwardly from front corners of the bottom wall. Each post defines a guiding groove (124) therein. The hood includes a top cover (22), a pair of side panels (24) extending from the top cover, and a pair of pivot mechanisms (28). Each pivot mechanism includes a pivot pin (286) movably received in the guiding groove of the corresponding post.

Claims

1. A computer enclosure comprising:

a base comprising a pair of posts, each of the posts defining a guiding groove therein; and

a hood comprising a pair of pivot mechanisms engaged with the base and a pair of lock devices engagable with the base to thereby movably fix the hood to the base, each of the pivot mechanisms comprising a pivot pin movably received in the guiding groove of a corresponding post of the base, whereby the hood is pivotable about the base.

2. The computer enclosure as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the pivot mechanisms further comprises a support member defining an aperture therein, a locating protrusion aligned with the aperture, a spring defining a through hole receiving the locating protrusion therein, and a securing ring, the pivot pin extending through the aperture and being received in the through hole, the securing ring being attached to the pivot pin and actuated by the spring to abut against the support member.

3. The computer enclosure as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the posts comprises a curved portion for facilitating rotation of the hood.

4. The computer enclosure as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the lock devices comprises a fixing portion attached to the hood, and a latch portion engagable with the base.

5. The computer enclosure as claimed in claim 4, wherein the latch portion extends substantially perpendicularly from the fixing portion.

6. The computer enclosure as claimed in claim 4, wherein a button is formed at the latch portion, and the hood defines a pair of openings each receiving a corresponding button therein for facilitating disengagement of the latch portion from the base.

7. A computer enclosure comprising:

a base comprising a bottom wall, a pair of side walls extending from the bottom wall, and a pair of posts extending from the bottom wall, each of the posts defining a guiding groove; and

a hood engaged with the base, the hood comprising a top cover, a pair of side panels extending from the top cover, and a pair of pivot mechanisms, each of the pivot mechanisms comprising a pivot pin movably received in the guiding groove of a corresponding post.

8. The computer enclosure as claimed in claim 7, wherein each of the pivot mechanisms further comprises a support member extending from the top cover and connecting with a corresponding side panel, a locating protrusion extending from the side panel, a spring defining a through hole receiving the locating protrusion and the pivot pin therein, and a securing ring attached to the pivot pin and actuated by the spring to abut against the support member.

9. The computer enclosure as claimed in claim 8, wherein an aperture is defined in the support member in alignment with the locating protrusion, and the pivot pin extends through the aperture.

10. The computer enclosure as claimed in claim 7, wherein each of the posts comprises a curved portion for facilitating rotation of the hood.

11. A computer enclosure comprising:

a base comprising at least one upstanding post defining an obliquely extending guiding groove therein; and

a hood comprising pivot mechanism including a pivot pin received in the guiding groove, and a spring urging said pivot pin receiveably engaged within said guiding groove;

wherein

said pivot pin is moved both upwardly and horizontally relative to the base along said guiding groove when said hood is moved from a horizontal locked position to a vertical open position.