Computer system and chassis

• US 20050002157A1
• Filed: 12/02/2003
• Published: 01/06/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 08/08/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Frame, Kenneth B., Franke, Gregory C.
• Granted Patent: US 7,035,095 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 361/679.320
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/18 Packaging or power distribution
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/181 Enclosures for portable computers G06F1/1613

Abstract

A computer system having electronic components housed in a central unit having a protective enclosure and a cover. The cover is moveable to provide access to electronic components housed in the central unit. The cover allows access to certain electronic components and prevents access to other electronic components.

Claims

1. A computer system, comprising:

a processor;

a hard drive selectively coupleable to the processor unit; and

a chassis comprising;

a protective enclosure adapted to house the processor, wherein the protective enclosure forms a barrier to access to the processor; and

a movable cover, wherein in a first position the movable cover prevents access to the processor and the hard drive and in a second position the movable cover permits access to the processor and the hard drive.

2. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the hard drive is disposed on the exterior of the protective enclosure.

6. The system as recited in claim 2, the system further comprising a plurality of electrical cables having electrical connectors configured for mating engagement with a plurality of electrical connectors on the hard drive, each electrical cable being directed to its respective removable component electrical connector through a separate opening in the enclosure.

7. The system as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

a portable device; and

a portable device bay fixedly secured to the protective enclosure, the portable device bay being configured to electrically couple the portable device to the central electronics unit.

8. The system as recited in claim 7, wherein the portable device is interchangeable between a notebook computer and a desktop computer.

9. The system as recited in claim 7, wherein the portable device is a DVD player.

10. The system as recited in claim 7, wherein the portable device is a CD-ROM player.

11. The system as recited in claim 7, wherein the portable device is a memory storage device.

12. The system as recited in claim 7, wherein the portable device bay is disposed on the exterior of the protective enclosure.

13. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the movable cover is secured to the system by a mechanism that requires no tools to free the movable cover.

14. The system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a shroud extending into the protective enclosure.

3. (Cancelled)

4. A computer system comprising:

a central electronics unit;

a removable memory module selectively coupleable to the central electronics unit; and

a chassis comprising;

a protective enclosure, wherein the protective enclosure forms a barrier to access to the central electronics unit; and

a movable cover, wherein in a first position the movable cover blocks access to the removable memory module and in a second position the movable cover enables access to the removable memory module.

5. The system as recited in claim, wherein the removable memory module comprises RAM.

15. A computer system, comprising:

a protective chassis;

a removable electronic component disposed within the protective chassis; and

a processor disposed within the protective chassis,

wherein the protective chassis is configured to provide access to the removable electronic component and to form a barrier to access to the processor.

16. The system as recited in claim 15, the chassis comprising:

a protective frame; and

a moveable cover covering a portion of the protective frame.

17. The system as recited in claim 16, comprising a hard drive securable to the exterior of the protective frame and coverable by the movable cover.

19. The system as recited in claim 16, wherein the removable electronic component comprises a memory module, accessible by moving the movable cover.

21. The system as recited in claim 15, further comprising a device bay, wherein the removable component is a portable device disposable in the device bay.

22. The system as recited in claim 21, wherein the portable device is a disc drive.

23. The system as recited in claim 21, wherein the portable device is a DVD player.

24. The system as recited in claim 21, wherein the portable device is a CD-ROM.

25. The system as recited in claim 16, wherein the cover is movable without the use of a tool.

26. The system as recited in claim 16, the chassis further comprising:

a shroud forming a barrier between the removable component and the plurality of standard electronic components.

18. (Cancelled)

20. (Cancelled)

27-36. -36. (Cancelled)