Abstract:
A mounting apparatus for a data storage device ( 50 ) includes a bracket ( 30 ) for receiving the data storage device, a case ( 10 ) for receiving the bracket, and at least one gasket ( 19 ) attached on the case and extending therein. When the bracket is slid into the case, the at least one gasket abuts against the bracket.

Description:
1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a mounting apparatus for a data storage device, and more particularly to an apparatus with simple structure and has good shock absorbing ability. 
       2. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART 
       [0002]    A conventional data storage device mounting assembly is usually directly mounted to a metal bracket of a computer enclosure with a plurality of screws or a mounting member such as a latch. The data storage device will absorb vibration of the bracket when the computer enclosure is disassembled and tested. The vibration may damage the data storage devices. 
         [0003]    An improved mounting apparatus for securing a data storage device is disclosed. The apparatus includes a bracket assembly and a plurality of resilient gaskets. The data storage device defines a plurality of fixing apertures. The bracket assembly includes a first bracket, and a second bracket. The first bracket includes a bottom panel, and a side panel extending up from the bottom panel. The second bracket includes a vertical plate, and a horizontal plate perpendicular to the vertical plate. The horizontal plate is secured to the bottom panel of the first bracket. The vertical plate is moved outwardly relative to the first bracket when the data storage device is placed in the bracket assembly. A plurality of positioning strips extends perpendicularly from the bracket assembly to position the resilient gaskets respectively. A tab extends from some of the positioning strips to engage in the fixing holes of the storage device. However, the resilient gaskets are positioned in such a way as make it easy for them to drop out of the bracket, and an additional horizontal plate is needed to assemble the data storage device. 
         [0004]    What is needed, therefore, is to provide a simple mounting apparatus for data storage devices which has good shock absorbing ability. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    A mounting apparatus for a data storage device includes a bracket for receiving the data storage device, a case for receiving the bracket, and at least one gasket attached on the case and extending therein. When the bracket is slid into the case, the at least one gasket abuts against the bracket. 
         [0006]    Other advantages and novel features will be drawn from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment with attached drawings, in which: 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is an exploded, isometric view of a mounting apparatus for a data storage device of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mounting apparatus including a case, a bracket, and a plurality of gaskets; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged, isometric view of one gasket of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is an assembled view of the data storage device and the bracket of  FIG. 1 ; and 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is an assembled view of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a mounting apparatus for an electronic component like a data storage device  50  of an electronic device like a computer includes a case  10 , a bracket  30 , and a plurality of resilient cup gaskets  19  for attaching to the case  10 . 
         [0012]    The case  10  includes a bottom plate  12 , a pair of side plates  13 ,  14 , and a top plate  15  cooperatively forming a frame with a rectangular channel defined therethrough. A fixing flange  131  is perpendicularly formed on the side panel  13 . Two securing holes  133  are defined in the fixing flange  131 . A plurality of round recesses  11  is defined in an inner side of each plate  12 - 15 . A through hole  111  is defined in each of the recesses  11 . 
         [0013]    The bracket  30  for receiving the data storage device  50  includes a bottom panel, a pair of side panels  31 ,  33 , and a top panel. The bracket  30  is similar to the case  10 , but having smaller dimensions so that it may be received in the rectangular channel of the case  10 . Each panel of the bracket  30  has a flange on a front side edge thereof. Two securing holes  333  are defined in a flange  33  of the bracket  30  corresponding to the securing holes  133  of the case  10 . A plurality of slots  310  is defined and aligned in a vertical direction in each side panel  31  of the bracket  30 . Every two adjacent slots  310  are aligned in a horizontal direction. The data storage device  50  has a pair of screw holes  53  in each side wall. 
         [0014]    Referring also to  FIG. 2 , the cap gasket  19  has a mushroom shape. The cap gasket  19  includes a resilient head  191 , a resilient tapered foot  197 , and a neck  199 . The resilient tapered foot  197  tapers from a top portion having a diameter greater than the through hole  111  to a bottom portion having a smaller diameter than the through hole  111  of the case  10 . 
         [0015]    Referring also to  FIG. 3 , when assembling the data storage device  50  to the bracket  30 , the data storage device  50  is positioned in the bracket  30  with each screw hole  53  approachable through the slot  310  on a same plane of the bracket  30 . The screws  60  are secured into the screw holes  53  through the corresponding slots  310 , so that the data storage device  50  is securely attached to the bracket  30 . 
         [0016]    When attaching the cup gaskets  19  into the case  10 , the foot  197  of each cup gasket  19  is pushed through the through hole  111  of the recess  11  from an inner side of the case  10 . Thus the cup gaskets  19  are assembled into the plates of the case  10  with the heads  191  protrude into the inner space of the case  10 . 
         [0017]    Referring also to  FIG. 4 , when assembling the bracket  30  to the case  10 , the bracket  30  is slid into the case  10 . The cup gaskets  19  abut against an outer surface of the bracket  30  to decrease vibration. The fixing flange  13  of the case  10  abuts on the flange  331  of the bracket  30  with fasteners (not shown) securing through the securing holes  133  and the securing holes  333 . Thus, the bracket  30  is conveniently secured to the case  10 . 
         [0018]    It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages have been set forth in the foregoing description of a preferred embodiment, together with details of the structure and function of the preferred embodiment, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.