Abstract:
An information handling system such as a computer can be mounted in a secure and accessible manner. A bracket is attached to a support surface. A mounting member is releasably attached to a computer chassis in one of a plurality of orientations. The mounting member and computer chassis are movably mounted on the bracket. A security cover is attached onto the computer chassis for restricting movement of the mounting member on the bracket. The security cover is locked onto the computer chassis.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
         [0001]    The present disclosure relates generally to information handling systems, and more particularly to a computer chassis integrated mounting and security system.  
           [0002]    As the value and use of information continues to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option available to users is information handling systems. An information handling system generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements vary between different users or applications, information handling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In addition, information handling systems may include a variety of hardware and software components that may be configured to process, store, and communicate information and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems.  
           [0003]    Security of computers and computer systems is important not only with regard to electronic access but also with regard to physical access. Computer theft is quite common.  
           [0004]    Most desktop computer chassis may be positioned in numerous orientations, including desk-mounted, floor-mounted and suspended. With the advent of ultra-small form factor (USFF) computers, new mounting approaches can be used.  
           [0005]    The combination of mounting the computer and securing the computer in the mounted position may be integrated to provide convenience, access and security.  
           [0006]    Therefore, what is needed is an apparatus for integrating a system whereby a computer is operably mounted in a secured manner.  
         SUMMARY  
         [0007]    One embodiment, accordingly, provides a computer including a support surface bracket. A mounting member is movably mounted on the bracket. A computer chassis is releasably mounted on the mounting member. A security cover member is attached to an end of the chassis. The cover member is locked into engagement with the chassis whereby movement of the mounting member on the bracket is restricted.  
           [0008]    A principal advantage of this embodiment is that the computer chassis is secured in a selected mounting position which integrates convenience, access and security. A significant enhancement to security from theft is provided by the cover member being locked onto the chassis. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]    [0009]FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view illustrating an embodiment of a computer system.  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 2 is an exploded view illustrating an embodiment of a chassis security system.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIGS. 3, 4 and  5  are associated views of embodiments of the chassis.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 6 is an assembled view illustrating an embodiment of the chassis security system. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0013]    For purposes of this disclosure, an information handling system may include any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, or other purposes. For example, an information handling system may be a personal computer, a network storage device, or any other suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. The information handling system may include random access memory (RAM), one or more processing resources such as a central processing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic, ROM, and/or other types of nonvolatile memory. Additional components of the information handling system may include one or more disk drives, one or more network ports for communicating with external devices as well as various input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a video display. The information handling system may also include one or more buses operable to transmit communications between the various hardware components.  
         [0014]    In one embodiment, information handling system  10 , FIG. 1, includes a microprocessor  12 , which is connected to a bus  14 . Bus  14  serves as a connection between microprocessor  12  and other components of computer system  10 . An input device  16  is coupled to microprocessor  12  to provide input to microprocessor  12 . Examples of input devices include keyboards, touchscreens, and pointing devices such as mouses, trackballs and trackpads. Programs and data are stored on a mass storage device  18 , which is coupled to microprocessor  12 . Mass storage devices include such devices as hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical drives, floppy drives and the like. Computer system  10  further includes a display  20 , which is coupled to microprocessor  12  by a video controller  22 . A system memory  24  is coupled to microprocessor  12  to provide the microprocessor with fast storage to facilitate execution of computer programs by microprocessor  12 . It should be understood that other busses and intermediate circuits can be deployed between the components described above and microprocessor  12  to facilitate interconnection between the components and the microprocessor.  
         [0015]    An ultra-small form factor (USFF) computer chassis  26 , FIG. 2, may contain all or most of the components of system  10  as described above. Chassis  26  includes a first end  28 , a second end  30  having various cable connections  32  thereon, a first side  34  having a removable panel  36 , and a second side  38 , discussed later. Chassis  26  may be mounted and secured by means of a support surface bracket  40 , a mounting member  42 , and a security cover  44  which may be locked onto chassis  26  by a well-known Kensington lock  46 , or other suitable lock.  
         [0016]    Bracket  40  includes an elongated body  40   a  having a plurality of opposed tabs  40   b . An end of body  40   a  includes a flange  40   c  and a slot  40   e . Bracket  40  is attachable to a support surface, such as a desk or the like, by a plurality of fasteners  40   f  extending from body  40   a.    
         [0017]    Mounting member  42  includes an elongated body  42   a  and a pair of opposed guides  42   b  which extend along the length of body  42   a  for receiving tabs  40   b  of bracket  40 . An end  42   c  of body  42   a  includes a flexible quick-release snap-tab  42   d  extending therefrom and an elongated key  42   e . Also, a fastener  42   f  extends through body  42   a . A foot  42   g  also extends from body  42   a.    
         [0018]    Chassis  26  also includes a plurality of mounting points  26   a  formed in second end  30  for selectively receiving key  42   e . A bi-directional release latch  50  is also mounted on second end  30 . Movement of latch  50  in a first direction D 1 , releases panel  36 , to provide interior access to chassis  26 , FIG. 3. Movement of latch  50  in a second direction D 2  will be discussed later. In addition, again in FIG. 2, a receiver  52  is mounted in second end  30  for receiving the Kensington lock  46 .  
         [0019]    The security cover  44  includes multiple feet  44   a  for engagement with respective slots  33  formed in second end  30 . Cover  44  may be a molded synthetic one-piece member but is preferably a two-piece member including a first piece  44   b  and a second piece  44   c  separated by a seam  44   e . The advantage of the two-piece member is that the two piece member allows the user to assemble all necessary cables, then enclose the cables with the two piece member. This order of assembly is an advantage over a single piece member. The Kensington lock  46  extends through an opening  44   f  in cover  44  and engages with the receiver  52  in second end  30 .  
         [0020]    The second side  38 , FIG. 4, illustrates another view of chassis  26  including a pivotable panel  60  for interior access to chassis  26 . Panel  60  is released to open upon actuation of latch  50  in the second direction D 2 . Opening panel  60  exposes another release latch  62  which, upon movement in a direction D 3 , releases a door  64 , which extends from first end  28  of chassis  26 , FIG. 5, for containing a media storage device such as a floppy or a CD.  
         [0021]    In operation, reference being made to FIG. 2, bracket  40  is secured to a support surface (not shown) by means of fasteners  40   f . Mounting member  42  is mounted on chassis  26  by sliding key  42   e  into a selected one of the mounting points  26   a  of chassis  26 . The fastener  42   f  is fastened to a fastener receiver R formed adjacent each mounting point  26   a . Chassis  26  is additionally supported due to contact with foot  42   g . The mounting member  42  is mounted on bracket  40  by sliding engagement of tabs  40   b  in guides  42   b , so that snap tab  42   d  extends through and snaps into engagement with slot  40   e . Cover  44  is mounted on chassis  26  by inserting feet  44   a  in slots  33 . Kensington lock  46  is inserted through opening  44   f  and secured in receiver  52 . A bottom lip L of cover  44  extends over flange  40   c  of bracket  40  so that bracket  40  cannot move relative to mounting member  42 , see FIG. 6. Cover  44  also covers all of the cable connections  32  connected to chassis  26  and also covers release latch  50 .  
         [0022]    Removal of cover  44  is permitted by first removing Kensington lock  46 . This provides access to cable connections  32  and release latch  50 . Flexure of snap tab  42   d  frees bracket  40  for relative movement with and separation from mounting member  42 . Mounting member  42  can be removed from chassis  26  by release of fastener  42   f.    
         [0023]    Advantageously, a single lock securing the cover on the chassis, provides a lock for system components, system to environment and system cables.  
         [0024]    Although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, a wide range of modification, change and substitution is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and in some instances, some features of the embodiments may be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.