PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8425286-B2
Application Number: US-74782507-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Quick release structures for a computer

Abstract:
Quick release couplings for releasably coupling components of a computer to the computer are disclosed. The quick release coupling mechanisms are generally configured to allow tool-less placement of the components relative to the computer. That is, the quick release coupling mechanisms are configured to perform their couplings without using conventional fasteners such as screws, bolts, etc. By eliminating the use of fasteners, the components may be inserted and removed from the computer without using tools (e.g., tool-less). Furthermore, the quick release couplings are easy to maneuver thereby enabling quick and straightforward assembly and disassembly of the components to and from the computer (e.g., quick release). For example, the components may be inserted and removed by a simple pushing or pulling motion, and/or by a simple flick of a latch or handle.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A computer, comprising:
 a housing having an interior portion and an access opening; 
 a quick release access door configured to cover the access opening when the access door is in a closed position and to be tool-lessly placed in and removed from the access opening; and 
 a quick release removable fan module that slides in and out of the interior portion of the housing through the access opening, the fan module making tool-less electrical and mechanical connections with the computer when the fan module is slid into the housing, the fan module making tool-less electrical and mechanical disconnections with the computer when the fan module is slid out of the housing, wherein at least one of the electrical connections is made by a gimbaling electrical connector configured to float relative to a structure to which it is mounted, wherein the gimbaling electrical connector is a friction coupling comprising a first blind mate connector configured to mate with a corresponding second blind mate connector within the interior portion of the housing, the gimbaling electrical connector being on a side of the fan module opposite a side of the fan module closest to the access opening when the gimbaling electrical connector is electrically connected, wherein the fan module is held in place by the access door contacting and frictionally coupling the fan module when the access door is in the closed position such that when the access door is removed the fan module is no longer frictionally coupled to and held in place by the access door, thereby allowing tool-less and quick placement and removal of the fan module to/from the computer. 
 
     
     
       2. The computer as recited in  claim 1  wherein the fan module is secured within the computer without using fasteners. 
     
     
       3. The computer as recited in  claim 1  wherein the fan module comprises:
 a fan carrier and one or more fans mounted to the fan carrier, the fan carrier and one or more fans being installed and removed from the computer as a unit. 
 
     
     
       4. The computer as recited in  claim 3  wherein the fan carrier comprises:
 a mounting member for receiving the one or more fans, the mounting member having an opening for each fan; 
 an upper member positioned above the mounting member; a lower member positioned below the mounting member; 
 a partition disposed between the openings in the mounting member; and a handle for inserting and extracting the fan carrier from the computer. 
 
     
     
       5. The computer as recited in  claim 1  wherein the housing has a cavity for receiving the fan module, the cavity including a first connector therein, and wherein the fan module includes a second connector that engages the first connector when the fan module is inserted into the cavity and that disengages the first connector when removed from the cavity. 
     
     
       6. The computer as recited in  claim 1  wherein the housing has a cavity for receiving the fan module, the cavity including a first mounting portion, and wherein the fan module includes a second mounting portion that engages the first mounting portion when the fan module is inserted into the cavity and that disengages the first mounting portion when removed from the cavity. 
     
     
       7. The computer as recited in  claim 6  wherein the first mounting portion is a slot, and wherein the second mounting portion is a T-flange. 
     
     
       8. A device for cooling a computer that includes a housing having an interior portion, comprising:
 a quick release removable fan module that slides in and out of the interior portion of the housing, the fan module making tool-less electrical and mechanical connections with the computer when the fan module is slid into the housing, the fan module making tool-less electrical and mechanical disconnections with the computer when the fan module is slid out of the housing, wherein at least one of the electrical connections is made by a gimbaling electrical connector configured to float relative to a structure to which it is mounted, wherein the fan module includes a T-flange configured to slide along a length of a slot within a shelf within the housing as the fan module is slid into the housing, and wherein a bottom portion of the T-flange includes a central member dimensioned for sliding receipt within the slot and a top member dimensioned to slide along a top surface of rests on and is supported by the shelf such that the fan module is suspended from the shelf when the fan module is inside the housing, wherein the slot has an open end at which the T-flange is inserted into the slot, wherein the fan module is held in place by a quick release access door contacting and frictionally coupling the fan module when the access door is in the closed position such that when the access door is removed the fan module is no longer frictionally coupled to and held in place by the access door, the quick release access door being configured to be tool-lessly placed in and removed from the access opening thereby allowing tool-less and quick placement and removal of the fan module to/from the computer. 
 
     
     
       9. The device as recited in  claim 8  wherein the fan module is secured within the computer without using fasteners. 
     
     
       10. The device as recited in  claim 8  wherein the fan module comprises:
 a fan carrier and one or more fans mounted to the fan carrier, the fan carrier and one or more fans being installed and removed from the computer as a unit. 
 
     
     
       11. The device as recited in  claim 10  wherein the fan carrier comprises:
 a mounting member for receiving the one or more fans, the mounting member having an opening for each fan; 
 an upper member positioned above the mounting member; a lower member positioned below the mounting member; 
 a partition disposed between the openings in the mounting member; and 
 a handle for inserting and extracting the fan carrier from the computer. 
 
     
     
       12. The device as recited in  claim 8  wherein the housing has a cavity for receiving the fan module, the cavity including a first connector therein, and wherein the fan module includes a second connector that engages the first connector when the fan module is inserted into the cavity and that disengages the first connector when removed from the cavity. 
     
     
       13. The computer as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the gimbaling connector allows multiple degrees of freedom. 
     
     
       14. The computer as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the gimbaling connector allows a single degree of freedom. 
     
     
       15. The computer as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the gimbaling connector is one of the following: a pivot joint, a translating joint, a flexure joint, a rotational joint, and a ball and socket joint. 
     
     
       16. The device as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the gimbaling connector allows multiple degrees of freedom. 
     
     
       17. The device as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the gimbaling connector allows a single degree of freedom. 
     
     
       18. The device as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the gimbaling connector is one of the following: a pivot joint, a translating joint, a flexure joint, a rotational joint, and a ball and socket joint. 
     
     
       19. A device for cooling a computer that includes a housing with a channel in its interior portion, the channel having a first electrical connector and configured to receive a fan module, wherein the first electrical connector is positioned inside the channel the device comprising:
 a quick release removable fan module configured to slide in and out of the channel in the interior portion, the fan module having a T-flange configured to slide along a slot within a shelf, wherein the slot has an open end at which the T-flange is inserted into the slot, wherein the T-flange includes a central member dimensioned for sliding within the slot and a top member having and a bottom portion that slides along a top surface of the T flange rests on and is supported by the shelf such that a top member and shelf interface sets a z-axis position of the fan module and a central member and slot interface sets x-axis and y-axis positions of the fan module when the fan module is inside the housing, the fan module making electrical and mechanical connections with the computer when the fan module is slid into the channel, the fan module making tool-less electrical and mechanical disconnections with the computer when the fan module is slid out of the channel, wherein at least one of the electrical connections is made by a second electrical connector on the fan module mating with the first electrical connector inside the channel when the fan module is fully inserted within the channel, wherein the fan module is held in place by a quick release access door contacting and frictionally coupling the fan module when the access door is in the closed position such that when the access door is removed the fan module is no longer frictionally coupled to and held in place by the access door, the quick release access door being configured to be tool-lessly placed in and removed from the access opening thereby allowing tool-less and quick placement and removal of the fan module to/from the computer. 
 
     
     
       20. The device of  claim 19 , wherein the fan module further includes a member on the top side of the fan module, the member being dimensioned for slidable receipt by a slot within a top plate of the channel such that the member rests on the shelf when the fan module is fully inserted within the channel. 
     
     
       21. The device of  claim 19 , wherein the fan module further includes a member configured to mate with a corresponding mating member on a bottom plate of the channel. 
     
     
       22. The device of  claim 19 , wherein the first connector is adjacent a motherboard inside the housing. 
     
     
       23. The device of  claim 8 , wherein the divider and walls of the fan module and housing form walls of the first and second channels for directing air to the first and second heat sinks.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/791,997 entitled “QUICK RELEASE STRUCTURES FOR A COMPUTER” filed Mar. 2, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,242,576, which takes priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/535,279 entitled “QUICK RELEASE STRUCTURES FOR A COMPUTER” filed Jan. 8, 2004, each of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a computer. More particularly, the present invention relates to improved features for mounting structures to a computer. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     There are many design challenges associated with designing a computer. One design challenge is in techniques for providing access to structures contained within the housing of the computer. One technique includes disassembling the entire housing or portions thereof. Another technique includes removing a door built into the housing. Unfortunately, there are many problems associated with these techniques. For example, disassembly and removal is often difficult for users who lack the time, tools and skills to perform such tasks. As should be appreciated, doors and housings are fastened using screws, bolts, snaps, locks, which can be difficult to maneuver. In addition, these techniques typically complicate the housing design and create aesthetic difficulties because of undesirable cracks and fasteners located along the surfaces of the housing (e.g., as for example at the mating surfaces). 
     To elaborate, if a user wants to gain access to an internal component of the computer, such as memory, the user has to spend a certain amount of time removing the fasteners to open the door. Furthermore, the removal of fasteners requires the user to have special tools and often some general technical skill in order to remove the trap door. Conventional doors also often need to be pried out from the housing in order to be removed. Typically, the trap doors do not provide surfaces for grasping with a finger or hand. In some applications this makes the door difficult to remove. In effect, a prying tool may be needed to remove the door from the housing. 
     Another design challenge is in techniques for mounting structures within the computer. Conventionally, the structures have been attached to the frame of the computer housing with fasteners such as screws, bolts, grommets or snaps. In order to remove the structures from the computer, it is often necessary to unfasten and remove each of the fasteners securing the structures to the frame or housing. Unfortunately, this is time consuming and cumbersome process. Furthermore, it requires tools and more than one hand. Thus, those users without tools or those users with physical limitations may not be able to remove the structures from the computer. 
     To cite an example, most structures include a mounting portion having multiple mounting holes. In order to install the structure into the computer, screws are typically placed through the mounting holes and threaded into brackets attached to a frame or a portion of the housing. In order to remove the structure from the computer, such as for example repair, replacement or to gain access to other components in the computer, each of the screws must be unfastened from the bracket. Unfastening the screws permits the structure to be disengaged from the bracket thereby releasing the structure from the computer. Both procedures are time consuming and cumbersome, especially in confined areas of the computer. Furthermore, both procedures require a screwdriver or other tool to tighten or untighten the screw. 
     Thus, there is a need for improvements in the manner in which structures are mounted to computers. One area not specifically addressed by the prior art is the ability to quickly and effectively provide both the easy and quick connection and disconnection of structures to and from the computer. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates, in one embodiment, to a computer. The computer includes a housing having an interior portion. The computer also includes a removable fan module that slides in and out of the interior portion of the housing. The fan module is configured to make tool-less electrical and mechanical connections with the computer when the fan module is slid into the housing. The fan module is additionally configured to make tool-less electrical and mechanical disconnections with the computer when the fan module is slid out of the housing. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a cooling device for a computer that includes a housing having an interior portion. The cooling device includes a quick release removable fan module that slides in and out of the interior portion of the housing, the fan module making tool-less electrical and mechanical connections with the computer when the fan module is slid into the housing, the fan module making tool-less electrical and mechanical disconnections with the computer when the fan module is slid out of the housing. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is perspective view of a computer, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is side view of the computer of  FIG. 1  with an access door removed, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is perspective view of the computer of  FIG. 1  with an access door removed, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view, in part, of a housing including a quick release door system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5A  is an exploded perspective view of an access door, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of the access door of  FIG. 5A  as assembled, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6A  is a side elevation view, in cross section, of a latching mechanism in a closed position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6B  is a top view, in cross section, of a hooking mechanism in a closed position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6C  is a front view of a handle and pocket system in a closed position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7A  is a side elevation view, in cross section, of a latching mechanism in an open position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7B  is a top view, in cross section, of a hooking mechanism in an open position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8A  is a side elevation view, in cross section, of a latching mechanism in an open position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8B  is a side elevation view, in cross section, of a latching mechanism in a closed position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9A  is a perspective diagram of a computer with a removed fan assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9B  is a perspective diagram of a computer with an inserted fan assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10A  is a side elevation view, in cross section, of a computer with a removed fan assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10B  is a side elevation view, in cross section, of a computer with an inserted fan assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 11A-11B  are perspective views of a connector assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective diagram of a computer with a disk drive removed, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 13A and 13B  show a diagram of a disk drive mounting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is an assembly diagram of a disk drive mounting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 15A-C  are side elevation views of the disk drive mounting system of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIGS. 16A-C  illustrate a sequence of movements as the disk drive is latched and unlatched, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 17A-17B  are perspective diagrams showing a drive door that slides linearly up and down relative to the computer housing between an opened and closed position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 18A and 18B  show a side elevation view of a disk drive system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 19A-19E  are assembly diagrams of a drive door assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 20A and 20B  are diagrams of a hard drive mounting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to computer designs that improve user satisfaction. The designs are configured to incorporate one or more quick release couplings for releasably coupling components of a computer to the computer, i.e., a temporary connection means for connecting and disconnecting components to a computer. The quick release coupling mechanisms are generally configured to allow tool-less placement of the components relative to the computer. That is, the quick release coupling mechanisms are configured to perform their couplings without using conventional fasteners such as screws, bolts, etc. By eliminating the use of fasteners, the components may be inserted and removed from the computer without using tools (e.g., tool-less). Furthermore, the quick release couplings are easy to maneuver thereby enabling quick and straightforward assembly and disassembly of the components to and from the computer (e.g., quick release). For example, the components may be inserted and removed by a simple pushing or pulling motion, and/or by a simple flick of a latch or handle. 
     One aspect of the invention pertains to a door mount assembly that allows tool-less placement of an access door to the computer. Another aspect of the invention pertains to a fan mount assembly that allows tool-less placement of one or more fans inside the computer. Another aspect of the invention pertains to a drive mount assembly that allows tool-less placement of a disk drive inside the computer. Another aspect of the invention pertains to drive door assembly that includes a sliding door and that allows tool-less placement of a sliding door relative to the computer. 
     Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-20 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective diagram of a computer  10 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The computer  10  generally includes a housing  12  configured to enclose various internal components that provide computing operations for the computer  10 . The internal components may be processors, controllers, memory and the like. Often these internal components take the form of integrated circuits; however, the internal components can take various other forms including circuit boards, cables, connectors, fans, heat sinks, power supplies, etc. The internal components may also be various I/O devices such as a hard drive, a disk drive, a modem and the like. The housing  12  may also enclose various structural members, which may or may not be part of the housing  12 . By way of example, the structural members may be ribs, bars, frames, shelves, platforms and the like that are directly or indirectly attached to the housing  12 . 
     In general, the housing  12  serves various functions including but not limited to surrounding the internal components at a peripheral region thereof so as to cover and protect them from adverse conditions; structurally supporting the internal components in their assembled position within the housing  12 ; and defining the shape or form of the computer  10 . The housing  12  may be further configured to contain electronic emissions therein, i.e., integrated circuit chips and other circuitry may generate unwanted electrical emissions (EMI). 
       FIG. 2  is a broken away side elevation view of the computer  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . In this particular embodiment, a portion of the housing  12  has been removed to show the internal components of the computer  10 . The portion of the housing  12  that has been removed may, for example, be an access door  14  that can cover an access opening  16  located in housing  12 . The access door  14  when removed from the housing  12  allows the user access to various internal components enclosed within the housing  12 . The access door  14  when attached to the housing  12  acts like part of the housing  12 , i.e., helps enclose the internal components. 
     As shown through the opening  16 , the computer  10  includes various other structural components including an access frame  18  and one or more shelves  20 . The access frame  18  is configured to support the housing  12  in the area of the access opening  16 . By way of example, it may act as a beam/post that connects and rigidly supports the housing  12  in its assembled condition. The shelves  20 , on the other hand, are configured to support various internal components that provide operations for the computer  10 . They are also configured to separate the internal housing into several usable spaces or stations capable or receiving the internal components of the computer. By way of example, the shelves may define a drive area, a PC card area, a processing area, a power management area, and/or the like. The spaces may also separate the housing into one or more different thermal zones. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the access frame  18  is attached to the upper portion of the housing  12  at a first end and a lower portion of the housing  12  at a second end. It may also be attached to the front and rear portion of the housing  12 . This is generally accomplished with fasteners such as screws, bolts, etc. The access door  14  is configured to mate with the access frame  18  when the access door  14  is mounted to the housing  12 . In most cases, the access door  14  is placed within a cut out section  22  in the housing  12 . In some cases, it may be desirable to provide an inner door between the access door  14  and the opening  16  in the housing  12  to further protect the internal components and possibly add more functionality to the computer. For example, the inner door may include contours that help distribute air throughout the internal portions of the housing, and more particularly different thermal zones within the housing. 
     The manner in which the access door  14  is removed generally varies according to the specific design of each computer  10 . For example, it may be designed to slide off of the housing  12  or it may be rotated off the housing  12 . Further, although the door  14  is shown removed, it should be noted that this is not a limitation and that the access door  14  may be movably coupled to the housing  12 . For example, it may pivot or slide relative to the housing  12  without being removed. 
     As further shown through the opening  16 , the housing  12  encloses various internal components that provide operations to the computer  10 . For example, the housing  12  may enclose a disk drive  24  and one or more hard drives  26 , each of which may be mounted to a first shelf  20 A in order to secure them within the housing  12 . The housing may include an opening or a door system  27  for allowing access to the disk drive  26 . The housing  12  may also enclose various heat transfer mechanisms as for example, fans  28 , heat sinks  30  and the like. The fans  28 , which are typically mounted to various shelves  20 , may for example be configured to pull air from the front of the housing  12  via a plurality of perforations in the housing  12  and to distribute the air over the computer components enclosed within the housing  12 . Once the air has collected heat from the computer components, it is generally directed out of the housing  12  through one or more vents (or perforations) in the back of the housing  12 . 
     The housing  12  may also enclose a mother board  32 , which in this embodiment is located behind the various other components opposite the access door  14 . The motherboard  32  provides a place where a majority of the computer components can meet. It also provides a foundation for various computer components. For example, the mother board may include a plurality of slots  34  for receiving such things as PC cards, videocards, memory (e.g., SIMMs or DIMMs), and the like. It also includes thereon, one or more main processors  36  that control the computer  10 . As shown, the heat sinks  30  are typically positioned over the main processors  36  so as to collect heat therefrom. 
     As the power and sophistication of computers have increased, so has the level of electromagnetic interference generated by devices enclosed therein. As is generally well known, integrated circuit devices unintentionally emit electromagnetic radiation during operation that may cause interference with communication devices, such as telephones, radios, and televisions. In order to prevent interference, the housing  12  as well as the access door  14  may be configured to shield or block the emission of electromagnetic radiation, which is emanating from the integrated circuit devices. This is generally accomplished with an electrically conductive material that forms part of the housing/door or that is attached to housing/door. In plastic housings, some methods for shielding the housing include: lining the housing with a metallic foil such as aluminum, lining the housing with sheet metal such as steel, or coating the inner surfaces of the housing with a metallic material such as nickel or copper. Alternatively, the housing may be formed from an electrically conductive material itself as for example steel or aluminum. Furthermore, the door or its corresponding mating surface on the housing may include an EMI gasket for shielding interference at the interface between the housing  12  and the access door  14 . By way of example, the EMI gasket may be a silicone based electrically conductive EMI gasket. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a quick release door system is provided that is quick and easy to maneuver. The quick release door system generally includes a removable access door  14  that covers an opening  16  in the housing  12  and acts as another wall of the housing  12  when closed ( FIG. 1 ) and that allows access through the opening  16  when opened ( FIG. 2 ). Although not a requirement, the housing  12  may include a cutout or recessed portion  22  therein for receiving the removable access door  14 . The recessed portion  22  provides a mating interface for the access door  14  relative to the housing  12 . In most cases, the recessed portion  22  is designed to place the outer surface  40  of the access door  14  substantially flush with the outer surface  42  of the housing  12  adjacent the access door  14  when the access door  14  is disposed within the recessed portion  22 . The recessed portion  22  is also designed to reduce gaps between the access door  14  and the housing  12 . Both design features are generally done to provide a clean and continuous appearance that is aesthetically pleasing to the user. They may also help hide the fact that an access door  14  exists in the housing  12 , i.e., trap door or hidden door. This may be done irrespective of whether the housing  12  has a curvilinear contour or rectilinear contour (as shown). 
     The configuration of the access door  14  may be widely varied. For example, it may be located on a single wall (as shown) or multiple walls of the housing  12 . The access door  14  may further make up an entire wall of the housing  12  or smaller portions thereof (as shown). In addition, the shape of the access door  14  may coincide with the overall contour of the housing  12  or it might provide further contours whether internal or external. In the illustrated embodiment, the access door  14  is located on a single wall. It is further dimensioned to be somewhat smaller than the entire wall, i.e., the housing  12  as well as the access door  14  form the entire wall. Moreover, the access door  14  is substantially planar (flat) in order to coincide with the planar contour of the housing  12 . It is generally believed that the embodiment shown is desirable to a user of the computer for both aesthetics and ease of use. For example, it provides a clean continuous appearance and it is easy to maneuver compared to other designs. 
     The quick release door system also generally includes a quick release latching mechanism for securing the access door  14  to the housing  12  when closed and for releasing the access door  14  from the housing  12  when it is desired to be opened. The quick release latch mechanism consists of two parts, a housing side locking mechanism and a door side locking mechanism. These two mechanisms are cooperatively positioned so that when the access door  14  is closed, the locking mechanisms are capable of lockably engaging with one another thus securing the access door  14  to the housing  12 . The quick release latching mechanism also includes a quick release latch that enables a user to easily and quickly lock and unlock the door side locking mechanism relative to the housing side locking mechanism (or vice versa) thereby securing or releasing the access door  14  from the housing  12  in a simple and easy manner. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , one embodiment of a quick release latching mechanism  42  will be described. As shown, the quick release latching mechanism  42  includes a plurality of retention hooks  50  located on the housing  12  that mate with a plurality of hook receivers  52  located on the access door  14 . The retention hooks  50  are configured to engage the hook receivers  52  to hold the access door  14  in place. The retention hooks  50  and hook receivers  52  can be widely varied. In the implementation shown, the retention hooks  50  are flange like hooks that protrude away from the housing  12  and the hook receivers  52  are slots built into the access door  14 . The slotted hook receivers  52  are capable of receiving the flange like hooks  50  therein. 
     As shown, the retention hooks  50  are positioned within the opening  16  in the housing  12 , and the hook receivers  52  are positioned on an inner surface  53  of the access door  14 . The retention hooks  50  are generally movable between an engagement position, coupling the retention hooks  50  with the hook receivers  52 , and a disengagement position, decoupling the retention hooks  50  from the hook receivers  52 . When engaged, the access door  14  is secured to the housing  12 . When disengaged, the access door  14  can be removed from the housing  12 . The latching mechanism  42  may further include a quick release handle  54  for moving the retention hooks  50  between the engagement and disengagement positions. The quick release handle  54  is generally located in an inconspicuous place as for example at the rear of the computer  10 . The quick release handle  54  is also designed for ease of use and one handed operation. 
     Although the retention hooks  50  may be moved in a variety of ways in order to engage the hook receivers  52  (e.g., rotate, translate, pivot, etc.), in the illustrated embodiment, the retention hooks  50  are configured to slide relative to the housing  12 . In particular, the retention hooks  50  are attached to a slider bar  56  that is slidably retained to a frame component  58  contained in the housing  14 . By way of example, the frame component may generally correspond to a portion of the access frame  18  shown in  FIG. 2 . The sliding action is initiated by actuation of the quick release handle  54 . Like the retention hooks  50 , the handle  54  may be moved in a variety of ways (e.g., rotate, translate, pivot, etc.) to initiate the sliding action. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle  54  is configured to pivot relative to the housing  12  in order to produce the sliding action, i.e., the pivoting action of the handle  54  produces the sliding action at the retention hooks  50 . Although not shown in this Figure, the quick release latching mechanism  42  generally includes some means for transforming pivot motion of the handle  54  into linear motion of the slider bar  56  and thus the retention hooks  50 . 
     When the access door  14  is positioned within the recessed portion  22  of the housing  12 , the retention hooks  50  are positioned adjacent the hook receivers  52  (e.g., disengagement position). In order to secure the access door  14  to the housing  12 , the user forces the handle  54  to pivot. The pivoting action causes the retention hooks  50  to slide thereby capturing the hook receivers  52  (e.g., engagement position). When captured, the access door  14  is held relative to the housing  12 . In some cases, it may be necessary to provide a means for forcing the access door  14  tight against the housing  12  in order to seal the interface there between. In cases such as this, the retention hooks  50  and/or the hook receivers  52  may include a tapered portion or ramp that causes the access door  14  to move towards the housing  12  as the retention hooks  50  slide relative to the hook receivers  52 . The tapered portion in essence causes the access door  14  to be sucked into the recessed portion  22  of the housing  12 . A spring action may be used to control the feel of the sucking action (e.g., tune the feel). For example, the retention hooks  50  and/or the hook receivers  52  may include a spring means that produces a smooth and constant friction force when the retention hooks  50  are slid into the hook receivers  52 . As should be appreciated, it is generally believed that users think more positively about products that provide smooth actions rather than ones that produce coarse actions. 
     The door system may further include a door recess  59  located within the housing  12  and a retention lip  60  located on the access door  14 . The door recess  59  receives the retention lip  60  so as to help secure the access door  14  to the housing  12  as well as to coarsely position the access door  14  relative to the housing  12 . As should be appreciated, the retention hooks  50  and hook receivers  52  need to be aligned in order for them to properly engage one another. In some cases, the door interface needs finer positioning than what is provided by the recess/lip interface  59 / 60 . In cases such as these, the door system may further include one or more alignment pins  62  located on the access door  14  and one or more locator holes  64  located on the housing  12  (or vice versa). When the alignment pins  62  are inserted into the locator holes  64 , the access door  14  is placed in its proper position relative to the housing  12 , i.e., prevents planar translation as well as rotation within the plane. Although the door recess  59  can be placed at any location, it is typically located somewhat internally of the outer surface of the housing  12  in order to allow the outer surface of the access door  14  to be flush with the outer surface of the housing  12 . 
     The operation of the door system will now be discussed in conjunction with the illustrated embodiment. In order to remove the access door  14  from the housing  12 , a user simply rotates the handle  54 . By rotating the handle  54 , the retention hooks  50  slide from the engagement position to the disengagement position. When in the disengagement position, the retention hooks  50  are decoupled from the hook receivers  52  and therefore the access door  14  is no longer secured to the housing  12  via the quick release latching mechanism  42 . Thereafter, the user rotates the access door  14  away from the housing  12  about the retention lip/door recess interface  59 / 60  thereby removing the flange like retention hooks  50  from the slotted hook receivers  52 . This rotation also releases the alignment pin  62  from the locator hole  64 . Once the access door  14  is free from the retention hooks  50  and locator hole  64 , the user may simply lift up on the access door  14  to release the retention lip  60  from the door recess  59 . Once released, the access door  14  is fully removed form the housing  12 . 
     In order to connect the access door  14  to the housing  12 , a user places the retention lip  60  within the door recess  59  and rotates the access door  14  about this interface. At the end of the rotation, the user guides the alignment pin  62  into the locator hole  64  thereby placing the access door  14  in the desired relationship with the housing  12 . By placing the access door  14  in the proper position, the retention hooks  50  are placed in the proper position relative to the hook receivers  52 . Thereafter, the user rotates the handle  54  thereby causing the retention hooks  50  to slide from the disengagement position to the engagement position. When in the engagement position, the retention hooks  50  are coupled to the hook receivers  52  and therefore the access door  14  is secured to the housing  12  via the quick release latching mechanism  42 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4-8 , a quick release door system  68  will be disclosed, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The quick release door system includes a housing  70 , a removable door  71  and a quick release latching mechanism  72 . By way of example, these components may generally correspond to similar features shown and described in  FIGS. 1-3 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the housing  70  includes a casing  74  and an access frame  76 . The access frame  76  is attached to the casing  74 . The access frame  76  supports the casing  74  in the area of an access opening  78  and generally receives an access door ( FIG. 5 ), which covers the access opening  78 . The access frame  76  may be attached to the casing  74  in any conventional manner as for example fasteners such as screws and bolts. The materials of the casing  74  and access frame  76  may be widely varied. They are generally selected for various reasons including but not limited to structural integrity and EMI shielding. In one particular embodiment, the casing  74  is formed from aluminum and the access frame  76  is formed from steel. 
     The access frame  76  includes a main body  80  and a support bar  82 . The main body  80  provides support to the casing  74  and the support bar  82  provides support to a quick release latching mechanism  72 . It may also provide support for a shelf disposed inside the housing  70 . The main body  80  also defines the access opening  78  and generally includes a mating surface  84  for receiving the inner surface of the access door  71  ( FIG. 5 ). The main body  80  also includes a flange or stepped portion  86  that is located around the access opening  78 . The flange portion  86  is configured to receive a protruding portion or stiffener  154  located on an inner surface of the access door  71  so as to seal the interface between the access opening  78  and the access door  71  ( FIG. 5 ). The main body  80  also includes a door depression  88  that cooperates with a portion of the casing (not shown) to form a door recess, i.e., the casing covers a portion of depression across its length. The door recess is configured to receive a retention lip  162  of the access door  71  ( FIG. 5 ). 
     Although not shown, the main body  80  may also be configured to receive an inner door that is positioned between the access door  71  and the access frame  76 . The inner door may provide air flow contours for ducting air flow to various locations within the housing  70 . The inner door may include one or more retention lips that fit into corresponding slots in the access frame  76 , and a locking detent that interacts with the support arm  82 . The inner wall may be formed from a clear plastic material. By way of example, an inner door that may be used is disclosed in patent application Ser. No. 10/075,964, entitled “Active Enclosure for Computing Device”, filed on Feb. 13, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,45,098, and which is herein incorporated by reference. 
     The quick release latching mechanism  72  is used to removably couple the access door  71  to the housing  70 . The quick release latching mechanism  72  includes a slider assembly  92  and a handle assembly  94 . Referring first to the slider assembly  92 , the slider assembly  92  includes a slider bar  98  that is slidably retained to the support bar  82 . This is generally accomplished with shoulder bolts  100  that are mounted to the support bar  82 . The shoulder bolts  100  pass through corresponding slots  102  in the slider bar  98  thereby slidably retaining the slider bar  98  to the support bar  82 . This may also be accomplished with a channel like structure formed into the support bar  82 . The slider assembly  92  also includes a plurality of retention hooks  104  that are slidably restrained to the slider bar  98 . The retention hooks  104  may for example include fins that slide within a groove in the slider bar  98 . The retention hooks  104  are held within the groove via a corresponding leaf spring  106  that attaches to both the slider bar  98  and the retention hooks  104 . The leaf spring  106  allows the retention hooks  104  to move inward and outward under a spring bias. The retention hooks  104  also include a flange  108  that is used to capture a portion of the access door, and more particularly hook receivers built into the access door ( FIG. 5 ). 
     Referring to the handle assembly  94 , the handle assembly  94  includes a handle  110  that is pivot coupled to the housing  70 , and more particularly casing  74 . The handle  110  is seated inside a pocket  112  in the casing  74 . In this manner, the outer surface of the handle  110  can sit substantially flush with the outer surface of the casing  74 . In general, the size of the handle  110  is dimension for receipt inside the pocket  112  except for a small portion that provides a space for grasping the end of the handle  110 . The pocket  112  may be integrally formed with the casing  74  or it may be a separate component that is attached to the casing  74  (e.g., weld). The handle  110  is connected to the casing  74  through a pivot pin  114  that is captured by a through hole in both the pocket  112  and the handle  110 . A retaining ring may be used to hold the pivot pin  114  in place. 
     The handle assembly  94  also includes a pivot arm  116  that is attached to the backside of the handle  110 . The pivot arm  116  includes a pair of arms  118 , each of which includes a through hole for receiving a pivot pin  120 . The pivot pin  120  may be held in its assembled position via a retaining ring. The pair of arms  118  are inserted through a pair of corresponding slots in the rear of the pocket  112 . The pivot arm  116  may be attached to the handle  110  using any conventional means including but not limited to screws, bolts, adhesives and the like. Alternatively, the pivot arm  116  may be integrally formed with the handle  110 . 
     The pivot arm  116  is both slidably and pivotally coupled to the slider bar  98  via the pivot pin  120 , which is seated within the through holes of the pivot arms  118  and a groove  122  formed at the end of the slider bar  98 . The slider bar  98  includes a protruding member  124  at the end closest to the handle  110 . The protruding member  124  includes the groove  122  that receives the pivot pin  120  therein. The profile of the groove  122  is configured to cooperate with the handle  110  to transform the rotary motion of the handle  110  to the sliding motion of the slider bar  98 . The groove  122  may include tuned humps  126  at its ends. The tuned humps  126  cause the handle  110  to retain its actuated and unactuated positions. They may also cause the handle  110  to produce a snap at the end of its rotation. For example, when the use pulls the handle  110  up, the tuned hump  126  causes the handle  110  to lock into its upwards position (and vice versa). The handle  110  may be spring biased as for example using a torsion spring or leaf spring 
     The handle assembly  94  may further include a lock receiver  130  that cooperates with the handle  110 . The lock receiver  130  is configured to receive a lock such as a padlock so as to prevent a user from using the handle  110 . When prevented from using the handle  110 , the access door cannot be removed and thus access through the access opening is prevented. The lock receiver  130  is disposed between the handle  110  and the pocket  112 . The lock receiver  130  includes a first extension  132  and a second extension  134 , each of which can be inserted through an opening  136  in the handle  110 . The lock receiver  130  is configured to pivot within pocket  112  between a first position (as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 ), placing the first extension  132  within the opening  136  in the handle  110 , and a second position (as shown in  FIG. 8 ), placing the second extension  134  within the opening  136  in the handle  110 . In order to change the position of the lock receiver, the handle  110  is rotated upwards, as for example, in the opened position ( FIG. 8A ). 
     The first extension  132  is smaller than the second extension  134  such that its end is substantially flush with the outer surface of the handle  110  when it is positioned in the opening  136  in the handle  110 . The second extension  134 , on the other hand, is longer so that its end extends past the outer surface of the handle  110 . The second extension  134  includes a through hole  138  so that when the second extension  134  is positioned in the opening  136  of the handle  110 , a pad lock may be placed through the through hole  138  thereby preventing a user from using the handle  110 . In order to enhance user feel of the lock receiver  130 , a back portion of the lock receiver  130  may include a nub that produces a cam action relative to the casing  74 . The cam action may be spring biased to further enhance the user feel. By way of example, a leaf spring located on the internal back side of the pocket  112  may be used to bias the cam action. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the access door assembly  150  includes a planar access door  152 , an access door stiffener  154 , internal EMI gaskets  156 , hook receivers  158  and an external EMI gasket  160 . The access door  152  includes a retention lip  162  that is configured to be inserted into a door recess in the housing (see for example  88  in  FIG. 4 ). The inner surface of the access door  152  around the stiffener  154  may mate with a corresponding surface in the housing (see for example  84  in  FIG. 4 ). 
     The door stiffener  154 , which helps prevent torsion and flexing of the access door  152 , is attached to the inner surface of the access door  152 . The door stiffener  154  may be attached using any conventional means as for example, screws or bolts. The stiffener  154  is generally configured to protrude away from the inner surface from the access door  152 . The contour of the stiffener  154  generally coincides with a corresponding recess in the housing. That is, the protruding portion of the stiffener  154  may be inserted into a recess in the housing when the door is placed in its closed position (see for example  86  in  FIG. 4 ). The stiffener  154  may include a cross bar  164 , the placement of which corresponds to the placement of the latching mechanism on the housing (see for example  82  in  FIG. 4 ). 
     The protruding portion of the stiffener  154  generally defines a space for the hook receivers  158  and the internal EMI gaskets  156 , i.e., these elements are trapped between the stiffener  154  and the access door  152  when assembled. The hook receivers  158  are located proximate a corresponding number of passages  166  in the stiffener  154 , and may be fitted into the passage  166 . The hook receivers  158  generally form a slot that allows a retention hook to be placed therein (see for example  104  in  FIG. 4 ). The hook receivers  158  also cooperate with the stiffener  154  to form a void that extends underneath the stiffener  154 . The retention hooks when placed within the slotted hook receivers  158  can be slid into the void in order to form an interlocking connection. The EMI gasket  160  is configured to be positioned around the outer perimeter of the stiffener  154 . In fact, the stiffener  154  may include a groove for receiving a portion of the EMI gasket  160 . When positioned in the groove, the EMI gasket  160  is somewhat attached to the stiffener  154 , i.e., retained within the groove. The Emi gasket  160  is configured to seal the interface between the stiffener and the housing (see for example  86  in  FIG. 4 ). 
     The operation of the door system  68  will now be discussed in conjunction with  FIGS. 6-8 .  FIGS. 6A-C  illustrate the quick release latching mechanism  72  in the closed position (e.g., door secured).  FIGS. 7A-B  illustrate the quick release latching mechanism  72  in the opened position (e.g., door released). 
     In order to remove the access door  71  from the housing  70 , a user simply rotates the handle  110  upwards. The rotating handle  110  pulls the slider bar  98  towards the handle  110 . This is accomplished through the motion transform assembly (e.g., arms  118 , pin  120 , groove  122 , protruding member  124 ). When pulled, the slider bar  98  slides relative to the support bar  82  via the shoulder bolts  100  and slots  102  disposed in the slider bar  98 . The sliding slider bar  98  causes the retention hooks  104  to slide from the engagement position to the disengagement position. When slid from the engagement position to the disengagement position, the flange  108  moves along a tapered portion  170  of the hook receivers  158  thereby causing the retention hooks  104  to translate relative to the slider bar  98  under the force of the leaf spring  106 . When in the disengagement position, the flanges  108  are decoupled from the hook receivers  158  and therefore the access door  14  may be pulled away from the housing, i.e., the flanges pass through opening in the hook receivers when pulled away. 
     In order to connect the access door  71  to the housing  70 , the user rotates the handle  110  downwards. The rotating handle pushes the slider bar  98  away from the handle  110 . This is accomplished through the motion transform assembly (e.g., arms  118 , pin  120 , groove  122 , protruding member  124 ). When pushed, the slider bar  98  slides relative to the support bar  82  via the shoulder bolts  100  and slots  102  disposed in the slider bar  98 . The sliding slider bar  98  causes the retention hooks  104  to slide from the disengagement position to the engagement position. When slid from the disengagement position to the engagement position, the flange  108  moves along a the tapered portion  170  of the hook receivers  158  thereby causing the retention hooks  104  to translate relative to the slider bar  98  against the force of the leaf spring  106  (e.g., the spring force pulls the door tight against the housing). When in the engagement position, the flanges  108  are coupled to the hook receivers  158  and therefore the access door  71  is secured to the housing  70 . 
     In summary, the door system disclosed herein provides a structure for accomplishing a quick and efficient installation and removal of an access door to and from the computer. For example, it requires no tools and at least one hand to manipulate removal and installation. As discussed in the background, conventional doors have been attached to the housing of the computer with fasteners and often need to be pried out from the housing in order to be removed. This is time consuming and cumbersome process. Furthermore, it requires tools and more than one hand. Thus, those users without tools or those users with physical limitations may not be able to remove the door from the computer. The door system of the present invention overcomes these disadvantages. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, and referring back to  FIG. 2 , the computer  10  includes a modular fan assembly  170  that can be removed and installed into an interior portion of the computer  10  with simplicity and ease. By removing the modular fan assembly  170 , the user can have greater access to other devices mounted in the computer  10 . For example, the fan assembly  170  may block access to memory modules  172  such as DIMMs when disposed inside the computer  10 , but allow access to the memory modules  172  when removed from the computer  10 . The modularity of the fan assembly may also provide several competitive advantages such as ease of assembly and servicing. 
     The fan assembly  170  may be part of an overall heat transfer system configured to remove heat from heat producing elements housed within the computer  10 . The heat producing elements may for example include IC chips. As is generally well known, IC chips such as those used for the main processors  36  generate heat and are therefore susceptible to overheating. Overheating may lead to errors in the functionality of the chip. The problem is compounded by the ever increasing speed of IC chips. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the fan assembly  170  is a component of the heat transfer system that works to transfer heat away from the main processors  36  of the computer  10 . The fan assembly  170  is configured to force air through one or more heat sinks  30 . The heat sinks  30 , which generally consist of a plurality of spatially separated fins, are thermally coupled to the main processors  36 . In operation, the heat sinks  30  carry heat away from the main processors  36 , and the air from the fan assembly  170  carries the heat away from the heat sinks  30 . The fan assembly  170  essentially pulls air from the front side of the housing  12 , and forces air to the back of the computer  10 . As the air is forced through the computer  10 , it passes over or through the fins of the heat sinks  30 . The heat collected by the fins of the heat sinks  30  is then collected by the air and moved out of the computer  10  through air vents in the back of the housing  12 . The heat transfer system may additionally include a corresponding fan assembly  170  at the rear of the housing to help move air out of the housing  12 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the fan assembly  170 , when inserted, is positioned within an interior portion of the computer housing  12 . The interior portion may for example be a channel  174  defined by one or more components of the computer (e.g., housing walls, internal platforms or plates, circuit boards, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the channel  174  is formed by second shelf  20 B, third shelf  20 C, the mother board  32  (and/or the back side portion of the housing  12 ), the access frame  18  and the access door  14  when closed, and the front and rear portion of the housing  12 . The channel  174  is generally configured to allow the distribution of air through the computer  10  so as to cool components located therein. For example, the channel  174  helps direct air from the fan assembly  170  through the heat sinks  30  located within the channel  174 . 
     The fan assembly  170  is generally configured for sliding receipt in the interior portion of the housing  12  between a mounting position and a removal position. In the mounting position (as shown), the fan assembly  170  is mounted to the housing  12  or some internal structural component thereof (e.g., shelves  20 B and  20 C) and electrically coupled to the electrical circuitry (e.g., motherboard  32 ) of the computer  10 . In the removal condition, the fan assembly  170  is removed from the housing  12  or some structural component and electrically decoupled from the electrical circuitry of the computer  10 . 
     In order to facilitate this arrangement, the fan assembly  170  generally includes a mating feature  178  that slidably engages a mating portion  180  of the housing  12  or some element thereof in order to support and properly position the fan assembly  170  inside the computer  10 . By way of example, the mating feature  178  may slidably engage one or more of the shelves  20  disposed inside the housing  12 . The mating feature  178  and mating portion  180  may be widely varied, and may for example include catches, hooks, flanges, slots, guides, and the like. The fan assembly  170  also includes an electrical connector (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) that is configured to electrically engage a corresponding electrical connector disposed within the interior portion (e.g., channel  174 ). When electrically connected, the fan assembly  170  can be controlled and powered by the computer  10 . When electrically disconnected, the fan assembly  170  is no longer powered or controlled by the computer  10 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9-10 , the fan assembly  170  in accordance with one embodiment will be described in greater detail. The fan assembly  170  is generally configured to slide in and out of computer  10  while making all the necessary electrical and mechanical connections and disconnections to and from the computer  10 . For example, the fan assembly  170  may be slid into the channel  174  located within the housing  12  of the computer  10  (as shown in  FIGS. 9B and 10B ), and the fan assembly  170  may be slid out of the channel  174  located within the housing  12  of the computer  10  (as shown in  FIGS. 9A and 10A ). When inserted, the fan assembly  170  is supported by the housing  12  in its proper position within the channel  174  and electrically connected to the computer  10  so that it can pull air from an intake  182  located at the front of the channel  174  and exhaust the air through a vent  184  located in the rear of the channel  174 . When removed (as shown), the fan assembly  170  is no longer supported or electrically connected and thus a user can access components located within the channel  174  behind the fan assembly  170 . 
     As shown, the fan assembly  170  includes a fan carrier  186  and one or more fans  188  attached thereto. The fan carrier  186  generally provides a structure for moving the fans  188  in and out of the computer  10 , supporting and properly positioning the fans  188  within the computer  10  and for helping distribute the air from the fans  188  to the internal components of the computer  10 . The number of fans may be widely varied. For example, single or multiple fans may be used. In most cases, there is a fan  188  for each heat sink  30  just like there is a heat sink for each processor  36 . In the illustrated embodiment, the computer  10  includes a pair of heat sinks  30  and thus the fan assembly  170  includes a pair of fans  188  (one for each heat sink). Each of the fans  188  is configured to pull air from the front side of the housing  12  and to force air to the back of the computer  10  through its corresponding heat sink  30 . In order to help distribute the air to the appropriate areas of the computer  10 , the fan carrier  186  may include one or more dividers  190  that break the main air channel  174  into a plurality of sub air channels. The number of sub air channels generally depends on the number of fans  188  and heat sinks  30 . In the illustrated embodiment, there are two sub air channels, one for each fan/heat sink grouping. The first channel helps direct air over the first heat sink  30  and the second channel helps force air over the second heat sink  30 . 
     In order to facilitate the sliding action and the proper placement of the fans  188  within the channel  174 , the fan carrier  186  generally provides a means by which the fan carrier  186  can be received by the housing  12  or some other element thereof (e.g., shelves  20 ). The means, for example, can be one or more mating features that are received by a corresponding mating portion within the housing  12 . When received, the mating features also cooperate to align the fan carrier  186  relative to the heat sinks  30 , i.e., they place the fans  188  in the proper position adjacent the heat sinks  30 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the fan carrier  186  includes a T-flange  192  that mates with a corresponding slot  194  within the shelf  20 B of the channel  174 . The T-flange/slot interface allows the fan carrier  186  to be slidably received by the computer  10 . The T-flange  192  generally includes a central member  196  and a top member  198 . The central member  196  is dimensioned for sliding receipt within the slot  194 , and the top member  198  is dimensioned to rest on the upper surface of the shelf  20 B. This particular arrangement allows for sliding receipt of the fan carrier  186  as well as to position the fan carrier  186  in its proper position within the housing  12 . For example, the top member/upper plate interface sets the z axis position while the central member/slot interface sets the x and y positions as well as rotation about the z axis. 
     In order to further hold the fan carrier  186  in place within the housing  12 , the fan carrier  186  may include a tongue  200  that mates with a corresponding groove  202  located on the bottom plate (e.g., shelf  20 B) of the channel  174 . The tongue  200  is generally dimensioned for insertion within the groove  202 . When inserted, the tongue/slot interface helps guide the fan carrier  186  into its proper position within the housing  12 . For example, it may help set the fan carrier  186  along the x, y and z axis as well as to prevent rotation about x, y and z axis. In essence, the fan carrier  186  is retained within the housing  12  when the T-flange  192  and tongue  200  are placed within the slot  194  and groove  202 . 
     The fan carrier  186  also includes a carrier connector  204  configured to both structurally and electrically engage or mate with a corresponding connector  206  located within the channel  174  when the carrier  186  is slid into the channel  174 . The carrier connector  204  may for example be a plug while the corresponding connector  206  may for example be a socket (or vice versa). The carrier connector  204  generally provides electrical connection to both fans  188  while the corresponding connector  206  provides electrical connection to the motherboard  32  and/or the power supply located within a lower section  208  of the computer  10 . This is generally accomplished through one or more wires. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10B , these two connectors  204 / 206  are cooperatively positioned so that when the carrier  186  is placed within the channel  174 , the two connectors  204  and  206  mate with one another thus electrically connecting the fans  188  to the electrical components of the computer  10 . As long as they are cooperatively positioned, the connectors  204  and  206  can be placed almost anywhere along the carrier/channel interface. In some cases, the socket portion of the connector arrangement is configured to include a generous lead in for receiving the plug so that the connectors  204  and  206  may be easily engaged when the fan carrier  186  is slid into the channel  174 . By way of example, the opening in the socket may include a taper or chamfer that guides the plug to the appropriate place within the opening in the socket. In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier connector  204  is mounted to a top portion of a side member  210  of the carrier  186 , and the corresponding connector  206  is mounted to the bottom surface of the shelf  20 B. More particularly, the carrier connector  204  is placed in line with the T flange  192  in front of the carrier  186  and the corresponding connector  206  is placed in line with the slot  194  at the end of the slot  194 . 
     In one embodiment, one or both of the connectors  204  and  206  are configured to gimbal relative to structure to which they are mounted in order to correct any misalignment between connectors  204  and  206 . By gimbal it is generally meant that the connectors are able to float in space relative to their respective structures while still being constrained thereto. The gimbal permits the connector to shift freely so that connectors can mate even when it would otherwise be misaligned, as for example, when the fan carrier  186  is improperly positioned in the channel  174 . When a single connector gimbals, the position of the gimbaling connector conforms and adjusts to the position of the other connector. When both connectors gimbal, the position of both connectors conforms and adjusts relative to each other. The gimbal may allow single or multiple degrees of freedom. For example, movements in the x, y, and z directions and/or rotations about the x, y and z axis. 
     The gimbal may be provided in a variety of ways, including but not limited to one or more pivot joints, translating joints, flexure joints, rotational joints, ball and socket joints and the like. In one particular implementation, each of the connectors  204  and  206  is configured to gimbal. The gimbal of the carrier connector  204  is provided by play that exists between the housing of the carrier connector  204  and a carrier bracket  212  positioned on the fan carrier  186 . The gimbal of the corresponding connector  206  is provided by play that exists between the housing of the corresponding connector  206  and a bracket  214  positioned on the upper plate (e.g., shelf  20 A). Each of these implementations is discussed in greater detail below in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . 
     The fan carrier  186  may be held in place by a friction coupling. The friction coupling may be provided between the mating features/portions or the mating connectors. Additionally or alternatively, the friction coupling may be provided by additional mating structures of the fan carrier  186  and computer  10 . One advantage of frictional couplings is that the fan carrier  186  is not locked or snapped in thus it may be easily pulled out and pushed into the computer  10 , i.e., the fan carrier  186  simply slides in and slides out. In the illustrated embodiment, the fan carrier  186  is held in place by a friction coupling found between the surfaces of the mating connectors  204  and  206 . In this embodiment, the plug connector fits snuggly into the socket connector so that a friction force holds the two connectors  204  and  206  together, i.e., resists sliding motion. In order to decouple the connectors  204  and  206 , and thus the fan carrier  186  from the upper and lower plates, the friction between the mating surface of the connectors  204  and  206  needs to be overcome. Alternatively or additionally, the friction coupling may be found between the surfaces of the mating features  192  and  194 . 
     The fan carrier  186  may be further held in place by the access door  14  or an inner door located between the access door  14  and the housing  12 , as for example, in the case of a shock and vibration situation. Either of these doors can be configured to provide pressure against the fan carrier  186  when the door  14  is in the closed position. The pressure may be heavy to none as it may only need to keep the fan carrier  186  from sliding out of the computer  10 . Although friction couplings are generally preferred for the ease of use, it should be noted that it is not a limitation and that locks, latches, snaps, flexures, detents, magnets and the like may also be used to help secure the fan carrier within the channel. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9A , the fan carrier structure will be described in greater detail. As already mentioned, the fan carrier includes a divider  190  and a side member  210 . The divider  190  separates the carrier  186  into multiple sub channels. The divider  190  is generally positioned between the two fans  188  so that one channel directs air to a first heat sink  30 A and the other channel directs air to the second heat sink  30 B. The side member  210 , on the hand, generally provides structure to the fan carrier and may further provide a wall for ducting the air within the computer. The side member  210  may help duct air through the heat sinks  30  while covering a portion of the motherboard  32 . The side member may be straight or sloped. The side member  210  additionally provides a structure to which the carrier connector  204 , and tongue  200  are mounted. 
     Although not previously discussed, the fan carrier  186  also includes a front member  220 , which provides a mounting surface for the fans  188 . As shown, the fans  188  are positioned in front of their own opening  222  in the front member  220 . Each opening  222  is located in a different sub channel. The openings  222  provide a passage for the air to travel from the fans  188  to the heat sinks  30 . The fans  188  may be mounted to the front member  220  using any suitable means. The fans  188  may for example be mounted to the front member  220  via rubber grommets located at each corner of the fans  188 . The rubber grommets are typically retained in through holes located in both the fan housing and the front member  220 . 
     The fan carrier  186  also includes a top member  224  and a bottom member  226 , which provide further structure to the fan carrier  188  and which provide a mounting surface for the mating features, particularly T-flange  192 . The top and bottom members  224  and  226  may also further help duct the air through the computer  10 . For example, they may help guide air to the heat sinks  30 . The fan carrier  186  additionally includes a handle  228  for pulling the fan assembly out of the computer and for pushing the fan assembly into the computer. The handle  228  is generally placed at a location that can be easily grasped by the user. For example, the handle  228  may be located on the side of the fan carrier  186  closest to the removable access door  14  when the access door  14  is closed. The user, after removing the door, can therefore grasp the handle  228  and pull the fan assembly  170  out of the computer  10 . In the embodiment shown, the handle  228  is connected to the divider  190 . 
     The fan carrier  186  and its components may be assembled in a variety of ways. For example, each of the members may be attached to one another using conventional techniques such as fasteners, adhesives and the like and/or they may be integrally formed as a single unit. Furthermore, the fan carrier may be formed from a variety of materials including but not limited to plastic and metal. In the illustrated embodiment, the fan carrier is formed from a single piece of plastic (molded). 
       FIGS. 11A and 11B  are perspective diagrams of a connection arrangement of the fan carrier  186  and the computer  10 . As shown, the carrier  186  includes a bracket  232  for receiving the carrier connector  204  and the shelf  20 B includes a bracket  234  for receiving the corresponding connector  206 . Both brackets  232  and  234  are configured to allow their associated connectors  204  and  206  to float within the bracket  232  and  234  while keeping it constrained thereto (e.g., gimbal). As shown, the carrier connector  204  generally includes a body  236  that is positioned within a channel  238  formed by the carrier bracket  232  and a plug  240  that extends out an opening  242  in the carrier bracket  232 . The wires  244  of the connector  204  go through another opening  246  in the bracket  232  and dive down to meet the fans. The body  236  is typically dimensioned to provide clearance all the way around thereby giving it some play within the channel  238  of the bracket  232 . The clearance allows the connector  204  to float in the bracket  232 . The connector  204  may freely sit in the bracket  232  or it may contain a means to hold it within the channel  238 . For example, it may include a strap that goes over the top of the connector  204 , or it may be held by a friction coupling as for example caused by the wires  244  pressed into the opening  246 . In some cases, it may be desirable to prevent movement, and therefore crush ribs may be provided in the clearance to make the body  236  fit tight within the channel  238 . 
     Furthermore, the corresponding connector  206  generally includes a body  250  that is positioned within a pair of arms  252  formed by the corresponding bracket  234 . The body  250  is retained within the arms  252  by a flange portion  254  and flexible catches  256  on both sides of the body  250 . The flexible catches  256  are configured to flex so as to allow placement of the body  250  within the arms  252 . Once placed, the flexible catches  256  spring back thereby trapping the arms  252  between themselves and the flange portion  254 . By way of example, the arms  252  may be formed by a piece of sheet metal that is bent down from the shelf  20 B. Like the carrier connector  204 , the body  250  of the corresponding connector  206  is dimensioned to provide clearance all the way around thereby giving it some play within the arms  252  of the bracket  234 . The space between the flexible catch  256  and the flange portion  254  may also provide a clearance for allowing movement of the body  250 . As above, the clearance allows the connector  206  to float in the bracket  234 . 
     In one embodiment, because the connectors  204  and  206  are blind mate connectors, the body  250  of the corresponding connector  206  includes a lead in chamfer or taper  258  around its opening  260  to help guide the plug  240  of the carrier connector  204  therein. Once in place, the terminal of the connectors  204  and  206  are engaged and the fans are electrically coupled to the computer. 
     In summary, the fan assembly disclosed herein provides a structure for accomplishing a quick and efficient installation and removal of the fans to and from the computer. For example, it requires no tools and only one hand to manipulate removal and installation. As discussed in the background, conventional fans have been attached to the frame or chassis of the computer with screws, bolts or grommets. In order to remove the fans from the computer, it has been necessary to unfasten and remove each of the screws or grommets securing the fan to the frame or chassis. This is a time consuming and cumbersome process. Furthermore, it requires tools and more than one hand. Thus, those users without tools or those users with physical limitations may not be able to remove the fan from the computer. The fan assembly of the present invention overcomes these disadvantages. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, and referring back to  FIG. 2 , the computer  10  includes a disk drive  24  that can be removed and installed into an interior portion of the computer  10  with simplicity and ease. The removability of the disk drive  24  may provide several competitive advantages such as ease of assembly and servicing. The removability may also provide greater access to other devices mounted in the computer  10  and may provide interchangeability between other disk drives. 
     The disk drive  24  may be widely varied. By way of example, the disk drive may be an optical disc drive, floppy disk drive, zip drive, hard drive or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the disk drive  24  corresponds to an optical drive and more particularly a CD/DVD drive capable of receiving compact disks (CD) and digital video disks (DVD). The CD/DVD drive generally includes drive components for reading CD&#39;s and/or a DVD&#39;s and transport components for inserting and removing the CD and DVD discs to and from the drive components. By way of example, the drive components may include a laser, light sensing diode, and a spindle motor, and the transport components may include a movable tray. The CD/DVD drive also generally includes an enclosure for housing the drive and transport components. The enclosure is typically arranged to structurally support the components, to shield electronic and laser emissions therein, and to prevent dust particles from reaching the drive components. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the disk drive  24 , when inserted, is positioned within an interior portion of the computer housing  12 . The interior portion may for example be a channel  270  defined by one or more components of the computer. In the illustrated embodiment, the channel  270  is formed by the housing  12  and the first shelf  20 A as well as the access frame  18  and the access door  14  when closed. The channel  270  may for example be a thermal zone capable of channeling airflow. In order to facilitate the insertion and removal of a disk to and from the disk drive  24 , the housing  12  generally includes an opening that is cooperatively positioned relative to the disk drive  24 . In some cases, the housing  12  may include a door for covering the opening in order to prevent particles from entering therethrough and for producing a continuous look at the periphery of the housing  12 . The sliding tray of the disk drive  24  may be configured to push on the door in order to open the door and allow the tray to extend outside the housing  12 . In one embodiment, the door is part of the door system  27  disposed between the housing  12  and the disk drive  24 . 
     Referring to  12 , the disk drive  24  is generally configured for sliding receipt in the interior portion  270  of the housing  12  between a mounting position and a removal position. In the mounting position ( FIG. 2 ), the disk drive  24  is mounted to the housing  12  or some internal structural component thereof (e.g., shelves  20 ). In the removal condition ( FIG. 12 ), the disk drive  24  is removed from the housing  12  or some structural component thereof. In order to facilitate the mounting and removal of the disk drive  24  to and from the computer  10 , the computer/disk drive interface generally includes a quick release latching mechanism  272 . The quick release latching mechanism  272  includes a drive-side mating feature that engages a computer-side mating feature inside the housing  12 . The mating features may be widely varied, and may for example include catches, hooks, flanges, slots, guides, and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the disk drive  24  includes posts  274  that can be inserted into post receivers  276  on the first shelf  20 A of the computer  10 . 
     The quick release latching mechanism  272  also includes one or more latches  278  that urge the drive-side mating feature into engagement and disengagement with the computer-side mating feature. When fully engaged, the mating features support and properly position the disk drive  24  inside the computer  10 . For example, the mating features may place the disk drive  24  in its proper position relative to a disk door  280  on the housing  12 . When fully disengaged, the disk drive  24  is placed in a position for removal. The latches  278  may also be configured lock the mating features in their engaged position thus securing the disk drive  24  to the housing  12  in a simple and easy manner. In one particular embodiment, the latches  278  are configured to trap the disk-side mating feature within the computer-side mating feature, i.e., the post  274  is trapped within the post receiver  276 . 
     Furthermore, in order to electrically connect and disconnect the disk drive  24  to and from the computer  10 , the disk drive  24  may include an electrical connector (not shown) that is configured to electrically engage a corresponding electrical connector (not shown) disposed within the interior portion of the housing  12 . The corresponding electrically connector may for example be connected to the motherboard. When electrically connected, the disk drive  24  can be controlled and powered by the computer  10 . When electrically disconnected, the disk drive  24  is no longer powered or controlled by the computer  10 . In some cases, the disk drive  24  may be coupled to the computer  10  through blind mate connectors in a manner similar to the fan assembly  170 , and in other cases, the disk drive  24  may be coupled to the computer  10  through a cable and conventional connectors. In the illustrated embodiment, a cable  282  allows the disk drive  24  to be removed and moved a substantial distance away from the computer  10 . In other words, the disk drive  24  can be completely removed from the computer  10 . If desired, the disk drive  24  can be completely decoupled from the computer  10  by disconnecting the cable  282  from the computer  10 . The disconnection may for example occur by decoupling a connector at the end of the cable  282 . 
       FIGS. 13A and 13B  show a diagram of a disk drive mounting system  290 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The disk drive mounting system  290  enables a user to easily and quickly secure and release the disk drive  24  to and from the housing  12 . When installed, the disk drive  24  is at least positioned adjacent an opening or disk door in the housing so as to facilitate the placement and removal of a disk from the disk drive  24 . When released, the disk drive  24  is presented to a user so that the user can remove the disk drive  24  from the computer  10 . The disk drive mounting system  290  generally includes a disk drive plate  292 , which may for example correspond to the bottom surface of the drive enclosure that houses the components of the disk drive  24 . The drive mounting system  290  also includes a mounting plate  294 , which may for example correspond to a shelf  20 A inside the computer  10 . The mounting plate  294  is configured to support the disk drive plate  292  and thus the disk drive  24  inside a computer  10 . 
     The disk drive plate  292  includes a plurality of standoffs  296 , each of which is capable of mating with a corresponding receiving bracket  298  on the mounting plate  294 . The stand offs  296  are typically connected at standard mounting points. By way of example, the stand offs  296  may be secured to the disk drive plate  292  using screws or bolts that can be integrally connected with the stand off or separate components. In addition, the brackets  298  may be separate components that are attached to the mounting plate  294  as for example using some sort of fastener or they may be an integral part of the mounting plate  294  (e.g., molded part of the plate). In order to connect the stand offs  296  with the brackets  298 , the standoffs  296  generally include a flange portion  300  that mates with a slot  302  on the bracket  298 . The flange portion  300  may be slid into the slot  302  thus retaining it to the bracket  298 . The slot  302  is generally designed to guide the disk drive via the standoff/slot interface into its appropriate position within the housing. The slots  302  may include an entry point and a final set point. The position of the brackets  298  generally depends on the position of the standoffs  296 . In most cases, the mounting plate  294  includes a pair of front brackets  298 A and a pair of rear brackets  298 B. The front brackets  298 A are position closer to the access door  14  in the computer  10  than the rear brackets  298 B. 
     The disk drive mounting system  290  also includes a quick release latch system for positioning the standoffs  296  within the brackets  298  and lockably engaging the standoffs  296  relative to the brackets  298 . By locking the standoffs  296  relative to the brackets  298 , the disk drive  24  may be held in place inside the computer  10 . The quick release latch system generally includes one or more rotatable latches  304  that cooperate with the brackets  298 A to secure the standoffs  296  relative to the brackets  298 A. By way of example, the latches  304  may be rotatably coupled to the brackets  298 A via a shoulder bolt system that includes a shoulder bolt  305 , which extends through a hole in the latch  304  and which is attached to the bracket  298 A via a screw  306  (see  FIG. 14 ). In the illustrated embodiment, only the front brackets  298 A include a corresponding latch  304 . This is done to make the latches  304  accessible to a user as for example when the access door is removed from the housing of the computer, i.e., the latches are generally placed at a location that can be easily grasped by the user. 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 13A and 13B , the latches  304  are rotatable between a receiving position (shown) and a locking position. In the receiving position, the flange portion  300  of the standoff  296  is capable of engaging the slot  302  in the bracket  298 . In the locking position, the flange portion  300  of the standoff  296  is captured within a space formed by the latch  304  and the bracket  298 A. The flange portion  300  of the stand off  296  is essentially trapped between the latch  304  and the bracket  298 A so that it cannot be removed (e.g., locked). The latches  304  may be operated independently (as shown) or they may operated together as a unit. For example, the latches  304  may be operatively coupled via a mechanical linkage that allows a user to operate a single lever in order to cause both latches  304  to rotate between the receiving and locking position. 
       FIGS. 15A-C  are side elevation views of the disk drive mounting system  290  of  FIG. 14 . These Figures illustrate a coupling sequence of the disk drive mounting system  290 . As shown, the disk drive plate  292  includes standoffs  296  that are mounted to the bottom of the disk drive plate  292 , and the mounting plate  294  includes brackets  298  that are integral with the mounting plate  294 . The brackets  298  are configured to receive the standoffs  296 . In particular, the brackets  298  include slots  302  that slidably receive a flange portion  300  of the standoffs  296 . As shown, the standoffs  296  include a lower flange  308  and an upper flange  310 , which are connected by a post  312 . The diameter of the lower and upper flanges is larger than the diameter of the post  312  thereby forming a channel between the flanges  308  and  310 . The post  312  is dimensioned for sliding receipt within the slot  302 , and the top portion of the bracket  298  is dimension for sliding receipt within the channel formed by the upper and lower flanges  308  and  310 . The slots  302  are generally configured to set the correct x and y positions for the disk drive  24 . Although slidably interconnected, the stand offs  296  typically rest on the top surface of the bracket  298 . The standoffs  296  are configured to set the correct z height for the disk drive  24 . The standoffs  296  can come in various sizes depending on the dimension of the drive. For example, different drive manufacturers may require different standoffs. 
     The brackets  298  form a pocket  314  for receiving the latch  304  therein. The pocket  314  is configured to hide a substantial portion of the latch  304 , as for example, a cam portion  316  of the latch  304 . A lever arm  318  of the latch  304  is typically left exposed so that a user may easily actuate the latch  304 . The latch  304  is rotatably coupled to a bracket  298  about an axis between a receiving position ( FIG. 15B ) and a locking position ( FIG. 15C ). In the receiving position, the lower flange  308  of the standoff  296  can be inserted into a groove  320  located within the cam portion  316  of the latch  304 . In the locking position, the lower flange  308  of the standoff  296  is captured within the groove  320 . The stand off  296  is essentially trapped between the latch  304  and the bracket  298  so that it cannot be removed (e.g., locked). 
       FIGS. 16A-C  illustrate a sequence of movements as a disk drive is latched and unlatched, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In each of these Figures, a latch  304  is used to install or release a disk drive from a shelf of a computer. When installed, the disk drive is at least positioned adjacent an opening or disk door in the housing so as to facilitate the placement and removal of a disk from the disk drive. When released, the disk drive is presented to a user so that the user can remove the disk drive from the computer.  FIG. 16A  shows the latch  304  in an open position for mating.  FIG. 16B  shows the latch  304  in a mated position.  FIG. 16C  shows the latch  304  in a mated and locked position. 
     Initially, the lower flange  308  of the stand-off  296  is placed in the receiving/presenting portion  324  of the groove  320  ( FIG. 16A ). The receiving/present portion helps guide the lower flange in and out of the groove  320 . When the user first rotates the latch  304 , as for example, via lever arm  318 , the latch  304  captures the lower flange  308  within the groove  320 . This action also causes the post  312  to move within the slot  302 . Upon further rotation of the latch  304 , the lower flange  308  is forced to move further within the groove  320  and the post  312  is forced to move further within the slot  302  ( FIG. 16B ). When the latch  304  is finally rotated, the lower flange  308  is positioned at the end of the groove  320  and the post  312  is positioned at the end of the slot  302  ( FIG. 16C ). 
     Because the bracket  298  is rigid, the standoff  296  and thus the disk drive are forced to follow a path defined by the slot  302 . The path may be widely varied, but is generally configured to direct or guide the disk drive to its proper position within the computer. As shown, the slot  302  is angled and thus it includes multiple directional components. The first direction component guides the disk drive via the standoff  296  internal to the computer. The second directional component guides the disk drive via the standoff  296  towards the front of the computer. This particular path encourages proper placement of the disk drive relative to a disk opening or disk door in the front of the housing. For example, the end of the slot  302  may set the x and y position of the disk drive so that it is properly positioned next to the opening or disk door, i.e., the disk drive can be forced against the inner surface of the housing. 
     In summary, the removable disk drive system disclosed herein provides a structure for accomplishing a quick and efficient installation and removal of the disk drive to and from the computer. For example, it requires no tools and at least one hand to manipulate removal and installation. As discussed in the background, conventional disk drives have been attached to the frame or chassis of the computer with screws, bolts or grommets. In order to remove the disk drive from the computer, it has been necessary to unfasten and remove each of the screws securing the disk drive to the frame or chassis. This is time consuming and cumbersome process. Furthermore, it requires tools and more than one hand. Thus, those users without tools or those users with physical limitations may not be able to remove the disk drive from the computer. The disk drive assembly of the present invention overcomes these disadvantages. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, and referring to  FIGS. 17A and 17B , a drive door  330  is provided that slides linearly up and down relative to the computer housing  12  between an opened and closed position. When opened, the drive door  330  is placed away from an opening  332  in the housing  12  in order to allow access to a CD/DVD disk drive located within the computer housing  12 . This may for example, allow a disk tray  334  to move in and out of the computer housing  12  ( FIG. 17B ). When closed, the drive door  330  covers the opening  332  in order to prevent access therethrough and to protect and hide the internal components (CD/DVD drive) disposed within the housing  12  ( FIG. 17A ). In most cases, the drive door  330  is fully contained within the housing  12  (as shown by dotted lines), i.e., the drive door  330  slides internal and within the outer periphery of the computer housing  12 . The sliding door  330  therefore does not increase the profile of the computer housing  12  like conventional rotating doors. As should be appreciated, rotating doors and their components (hinges) are often considered to be aesthetically non-pleasing since they protrude from the housing (especially in the open position). 
     The sliding door  330  may be slidably coupled to the housing  12  using one or more tracks, channels, and the like. The sliding action of the door  330  may be initiated via an actuator configured to drive the sliding door  330  linearly up and/or down between its open and closed positions. The actuator, which is located within the housing  12 , typically includes a drive mechanism such as a motor. The drive mechanism may drive the door  330  directly or indirectly as for example through a drive transfer mechanism such as a push arm. The actuator may be controlled by the computer  10 , i.e., the computer  10  informs the actuator when to drive the door  330  up and when to drive the door  330  down. In some cases, the door  330  may be spring biased in the closed position, and thus the actuator works against the spring bias in order to place the door  330  in the opened position. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator corresponds to the disk tray  334  of the disk drive. The disk tray  334 , which is moved by a linear motor, pushes on the inner portion of the door  330  thereby causing the door  330  to slide down as the tray  334  extends outside the housing  12 , i.e., the force from the sliding tray  334  as it exits the housing  12  forces the sliding door  330  to its opened position. Because the linear motions of the tray  334  and door  330  are perpendicular to one another, a means for transforming the linear motion of the tray  334  to the linear motion of the door  330  may be needed. The means may, for example, include an assemblage of motion mechanisms (e.g., linkages, cams, gears, chains, belts and the like), interconnected in such a way as to provide a controlled linear output motion in response to the supplied linear input motion. In one particular implementation, the linear motion of the tray  334  is transformed to rotary motion, and the rotary motion is transformed to the linear motion of the door  330 . This particular implementation is described in greater detail below. 
     The sliding door  330  may be part of a door system that is mounted to the housing  12  or structural component thereof adjacent an opening  332  in the housing  12 . The door system generally includes a door housing, which slidably supports the sliding door  330 . The door housing may be attached to the computer housing  12  using any conventional means, i.e., fasteners, adhesives, snaps, etc. In one implementation, the computer housing includes a bracket for receiving the door housing. The bracket may include one or more slots, which accept flexure tabs located on the door housing. By forcing the tabs into the slots, the door housing may be snapped into its proper position within the bracket. In this manner, fasteners are not needed thereby enabling quick and easy assembly and disassembly. 
       FIGS. 18A and 18B  are side elevation views of a disk drive system  350 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The disk drive system  350  includes a disk drive  352 , a housing  354  and a drive door assembly  356 . The disk drive  352  may for example correspond to a CD/DVD drive, which includes a carrier tray  358  for carrying a disk to and from the disk drive  352 . The carrier tray  358  is configured to translate between a closed position ( FIG. 18A ) and an open position ( FIG. 18B ). When closed, the carrier tray  358  is positioned within an enclosure  360  of the disk drive  352  so that a disk can be processed by the disk drive  352 . When opened, the carrier tray  358  is positioned outside of the enclosure  360  of the disk drive  352  so that a user can insert or remove a disk from the carrier tray  358 . 
     The housing  354  is configured to enclose the disk drive  352  and drive door assembly  356 . The housing  354  may for example correspond to a computer housing such as computer housing  12  shown in the previous Figures. Alternatively, the housing  354  may be a drive housing, rather than a computer housing. In either case, the housing  354  includes an opening  362  for allowing the carrier tray  358  to extend out of the housing  354 . The housing  354  is also configured to support these components in their assembled position within the housing  354 . By way of example, the disk drive may be supported by a shelf inside the housing. Furthermore, the disk drive  352  may be attached to the housing  354  or some component thereof using fasteners or a quick release latching mechanism. 
     The drive door assembly  356  is positioned between the housing  354  and the disk drive  352 . The drive door includes a frame  364 , a sliding door  366 , and a motion transformer  368 . The frame  364  is configured to support the sliding door  366  relative to the motion transformer  368 . The frame  364  may be attached to the housing  354  or the disk drive  352 . In either case, the drive assembly  356  is generally positioned at a precise location relative to each in order to align the opening  362 , sliding door  366  and carrier tray  358 . The sliding door  366  is positioned as close as possible to the interior surface of the housing  354  so as to reduce gaps at the door/housing interface when the door  366  is closed while still allowing enough space for allowing movement of the door  366 . The sliding door  366  is configured to slide relative to the frame  364 . Although not shown, the sliding door  366  may include hooks that engage rails on the frame  364  thereby allowing the door  366  to slide relative to the frame  364 . The sliding action allows the door  366  to move between a closed position where the door  366  is placed in front of the opening  362  to prevent access therethrough ( FIG. 18A ), and an opened position where the door  366  is placed away from the opening  362  to allow access therethrough ( FIG. 18B ). In  FIG. 18A , the sliding door  366  is moved in front of the opening  362  thus hiding the opening and the internal components of the housing from view. In  FIG. 18B , the sliding door  366  is moved away from the opening  362  so that the movable tray  358  can move out of the housing  354 . 
     The motion transformer  368  is configured to transfer the linear motion of the carrier tray  358  to linear motion of the sliding door  366 . The motion transformer  368  may be widely varied. In the illustrated embodiment, the motion transformer  368  includes a cam  370  that rotates relative to the frame  364  about an axis. The cam  370  may be pivotally coupled to the frame  364  via a pivot pin or other similar method. The cam  370  is configured to rotate between a first position and a second position. During operation, the linear motion of the carrier tray  358  is transformed into rotary motion at the cam  370  and the rotary motion of the cam  370  is transformed to linear motion at the sliding door  366 . The cam  370  generally includes a ramp portion  372  for interfacing with the disk tray  358  and a gear portion  374  for interfacing with a corresponding gear portion  376  on the sliding door  366  (e.g., rack and pinion). Each of the gear portions  374  and  376  includes one or more teeth. The ramp  372  is configured to receive the carrier tray  358  in order to rotate the cam  370 . The gear portion  374  is configured to mate the corresponding gear portion  376  on the sliding door  366  in order to move the sliding door  366  linearly downwards. 
     When a user desires the disk drive  352  to be open, the carrier tray  358  is caused to extend outside the housing  354  in a first linear direction  380 . During its linear motion, the disk tray  358  pushes on the ramp  372  of the cam  370  thereby causing the cam  370  to rotate about it axis. During rotation, the contacting point between the ramp  372  and the carrier tray  358  may change from the front of the carrier tray  358  to the bottom of the carrier tray  358 . In essence, the carrier tray  358  causes the cam  370  to roll around its axis. When the cam  370  rotates, the teeth located thereon engage the corresponding teeth located on the sliding door  366 . As the cam  370  further rotates, each tooth engages another tooth thereby driving the sliding door  366  in a second linear direction  382 , which is perpendicular to the first linear direction  380 . In some cases, the cam  370  is spring biased in the first position so as to place the door  366  in its closed position when the carrier tray  358  is positioned within the disk drive  352 , i.e., the spring forces the cam into the first position, and the cam via the gear portions forces the door in its closed position. 
       FIGS. 19A-19E  are assembly diagrams of a drive door assembly  400 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, the drive door assembly  400  may generally correspond to the drive door assembly described in  FIG. 18  and may be placed between the disk drive and front housing adjacent an opening in the housing as shown in  FIGS. 1-2  (element  27 ). In this embodiment, the drive door assembly  400  is capable of being attached to an inner surface of the front housing. In fact, the drive door assembly  400  may be snapped into a mounting portion located on the inner surface of the front housing in order to make assembly and disassembly easier (e.g., tool-less). 
     As shown in  FIG. 19B , the drive door assembly  400  includes a shutter door  402 , a shutter housing  404 , a pivot gear  406  and an EMI shutter can  408 . The housing  404  serves as a base for assembling all the components of the drive door assembly  400 . The shutter door  402  includes a cosmetic shutter door  402 A that is attached to a structural shutter door  402 B via a tape member  402 C. The cosmetic shutter door  402 A provides a clean look that matches the exterior of the housing to which the drive door assembly  400  is positioned. The structural shutter door  402 B provides the structural base of the door  402 . 
     The structural shutter door  402 B is slidably received by the shutter housing  404 . This is accomplished through rails  410  positioned at the ends of the structural door  402 B and a pair of tracks  412  positioned on the shutter housing  404 . The rails  410  are configured to hook onto the tracks  412  so that they are slidably retained thereon. By way of example, the rails  410  may be inserted at the bottom of the tracks  412 . 
     The shutter housing  404  also rotatably receives the pivot gear  406 . This is accomplished through a pair of mounting posts  414  located on the shutter housing  404  and a pair of corresponding mounting posts  416  located on the pivot gear  406  that are rotatably connected via a pair of pivot pins  418 . The pivot pins  418  may for example be placed through holes located in the mounting posts  416  and  418  and additionally in the side walls of the shutter housing  404 . The pivot gear  406  includes a pair of ramps  420  for receiving a carrier tray of a CD/DVD drive. When engaged, the carrier tray pushes on the ramps  420  thus causing the pivot gear  406  to rotate via the mounting post interface. 
     The pivot gear  406  also includes a pair of gears  422  also located at each end of the pivot gear  406 . The gears  422  are configured to mate with corresponding gears  424  located on the interior surface of the structural door  402 B (e.g. rack and pinion). When mated, the teeth of the gears  422  and  424  engage thus causing the structural door  402 B to slide along the shutter housing  404  via the rail/track interface. The pivot gear  406  may be spring biased by a pair of torsion springs  426 , i.e., one at each mounting post interface. The torsion springs  426  generally bias the pivot gear  406  in a position that places the door  402  in a closed position. During an opening operation, the carrier tray works against the spring force when rotating the pivot gear  406 . During a closing operation, the spring force causes the door  402  to move to the closed position when the tray is moved back into the disk drive. 
     The EMI can  408  is positioned over the shutter housing  404  in order to shield electronic emissions emanating in regions around the disk drive. The EMI can  408  is retained on the shutter housing  404  via a pair of tabs  428  located on the shutter housing  404  and a pair of slots  430  located on the EMI can  408 . The EMI can  408  snaps onto the shutter housing  404  when the slots  430  are placed over the tabs  428 . The EMI can  408  also includes a plurality of tabs  432  for engaging slots (not shown) located on the interior surface of the front housing. When engaged, the drive door assembly  400  is retained to the housing in its proper position. In order to allow some tolerance, the EMI can  408  may gimbal relative to the shutter housing  404 . This may be accomplished by allowing some play at the tab/slot interface and a wireform  434  disposed between the shutter housing  404  and the EMI can  408 . The wireform  434  provides some spring bias between the shutter housing  404  and the EMI can  408 . The shutter housing  404  may include one or more nubs  436  for properly placing the drive door assembly  400  relative to the housing in which it is assembled. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, and referring back to  FIG. 2 , the computer  10  includes a hard drive  26  that can be removed and installed into an interior portion of the computer  10  with simplicity and ease. The removability of the hard drive  26  may provide several competitive advantages such as ease of assembly and servicing. The removability may also provide greater access to other devices mounted in the computer  10  and may provide interchangeability between other hard drives. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the hard drive  26 , when inserted, is positioned within an interior portion of the computer housing  12 . The interior portion may for example be channel  270 . The hard drive  26  is generally configured for sliding receipt in the interior portion  270  of the housing  12  between a mounting position and a removal position. In the mounting position ( FIG. 2 ), the hard drive  26  is mounted to the housing  12  or some internal structural component thereof (e.g., shelves  20 ). In the removal condition (not shown), the hard drive  26  is removed from the housing  12  or some structural component thereof. 
     In order to facilitate the mounting and removal of the hard drive  26  to and from the computer  10 , the computer/hard drive interface generally includes a quick release retention mechanism. The quick release retention mechanism  445  includes a drive-side mating feature that engages a computer-side mating feature inside the housing  12 . The mating features may be widely varied, and may for example include nubs, grooves, channels, catches, hooks, flanges, slots, guides, and the like. In order to secure the mating features and thus the hard drive to the computer, the mating features may be configured as friction couplings. The quick release retention mechanism may also include a locking mechanism capable of locking the mating features in their engaged position. The locking mechanism may be widely varied and may for example include snaps, flexures, latches and the like. The quick release retention mechanism may also include one or more latches capable of urging the drive-side mating feature into engagement and disengagement with the computer-side mating feature. 
     Furthermore, in order to electrically connect and disconnect the hard drive  26  to and from the computer  10 , the hard drive  26  may include an electrical connector (not shown) that is configured to electrically engage a corresponding electrical connector (not shown) disposed within the interior portion of the housing  12 . The corresponding electrically connector may for example be connected to the motherboard. When electrically connected, the hard drive  26  can be controlled and powered by the computer  10 . When electrically disconnected, the hard drive  26  is no longer powered or controlled by the computer  10 . In some cases, the hard drive  26  may be coupled to the computer  10  through blind mate connectors in a manner similar to the fan assembly  170 , and in other cases, the hard drive  26  may be coupled to the computer  10  through a cable and conventional connectors. 
       FIGS. 20A and 20B  are diagrams of a hard drive mounting system  450 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The hard drive mounting system  450  enables a user to easily and quickly secure and release one or more hard drives  26  to and from a computer. The hard drive mounting system  450  generally includes one or more hard drives  452 , which may for example correspond to hard drive  26 . The hard drive mounting system  450  also includes a rack system  454  for supporting and storing the hard drives  452  in an organized manner within the computer. The rack system  454  may for example be fixed to the shelf  20 A located inside the housing  12  of computer  10 . The rack system  454  is generally configured to hold the hard drives  452  in a stacked arrangement thereby using available space more efficiently. For example, the hard drives  452  may be stored in a parallel relationship. As shown, the rack system  454  includes one or more drive bays  456  for receiving an individual hard drive  452 . Any number of drive bays  456  may be used. As should be appreciated, as the number of drive bays  456  increases so does the expansion capability of the computer. In the illustrated embodiment, the rack system  454  includes a pair of drive bays  456 , particularly an upper drive bay  456 A and a lower drive bay  456 B. 
     The connection between the hard drives  452  and rack system  454  is preferably arranged to allow insertion and removal of the hard drives  452  with minimal effort and without tools, i.e., quick release coupling. The connection may be widely varied. In the illustrated embodiment, the hard drives  452  are slidably received by the rack system  454 . The hard drives  452  are therefore capable of sliding in and out of the rack system  454 . As shown, the hard drive  452  includes mounts  458  that slide into mating channels  460  in the rack system  454 . The mounts  458  are generally positioned on opposing sides of the drive  452  and the mating channels  460  are generally located on opposing sides of the rack system  454  thereby allowing the hard drive  452  to be easily pushed in and pulled out of the rack system  454 . The mounts  458  may for example be placed at standard mounting locations on the enclosure of the hard drive  452 . Any number of mounts  458  may be used, although it has been found that four mounts work well (two on each side). The mounts  458  generally include a nub  459  dimensioned for sliding receipt within the groove  461  of the channel  460  (e.g., hemisphere, and inverse hemisphere). The nub  459  is typically connected to the enclosure of the hard drive  452  via a screw or bolt although other attachment means may be used. Furthermore, the nub  459  may be formed from a compliant material that is capable compensating for undesirable forces that may be inflicted on the hard drive  452  when it is mounted in the rack system  454 . 
     The channels  460  generally guide the hard drive  452  to its proper position within the rack system  454 . The channels  460  generally include an entry point  462  and a final point  464 . The entry point  462  represents the area of the channel  460  that initially receives the mounts  458 . In order to facilitate the easy placement of the mounts  458  in the channels  460 , the entry point  462  may be flared outwards. The final point  464 , on the other hand represents the area of the channel  460  that prevents further sliding movement. The final point  464  may for example set the final mount position of the hard drive  452  within the rack system  454 . The final point  464  may for example correspond to an abutment stop. In the illustrated embodiment, a first set of channels is configured to guide a hard drive  452  to the lower bay  456 B and a second set of channels is configured to guide a hard drive  452  to the upper bay  456 A. As shown, the first set of channels includes a pair of continuous and parallel channels  460 A, which receive both the front mounts  458 A and rear mounts  458 B of the hard drive  452 . The second set of channels, on the other hand, includes a pair of first channels  460 B and a pair of second channels  460 C. The first channels  460 B are configured to receive the rear mounts  458 B and the second channels  460 C are configured to receive the front mounts  458 A. The first channels  460 B include a front portion  466 , a slope portion  468  and a rear portion  470 . The front portion  466  is located underneath the second channels  460 C and is generally configured for initially receiving the rear mounts  458 B. The sloped portion  468  is configured to guide the rear mounts  458 B to the rear portion  470 , which is level with the second channels  460 C. 
     In order to prevent the hard drives  452  from sliding out of the drive bays  456 , the hard drive mounting system  450  may include one or more quick release mechanisms. For example, the hard drive mounting system  450  may include a friction coupling between surfaces of the mounts  458  and the channels  460 , and more particularly, between the nub  459  and the groove  461 . Alternatively or additionally, the hard drive mounting system  450  may include a holding detent for holding the mounts  458  in their desired position within the channel  460 . The holding detent may for example be located near the entry point of the channel  460 . The holding detent is typically designed to provide limited holding power. For example, enough holding power to maintain the proper placement of the mounts  458  within the channels  460  while still allowing a user to overcome it when pulling or pushing the hard drive  452  into and out of the drive bays  456  (e.g., one handed operation). Alternatively or additionally, the hard drive mounting system  450  may include quick acting clamps or latches that impede the sliding actions altogether. 
     The embodiment shown in  FIG. 20  includes all three quick release mechanisms. For example, the drive mounting system  450  includes a holding detent in the form of locking flexures  472 . The locking flexures  472  are generally configured to help retain the mounts  458  within the channels  460 , and to help place the mounts  458  in their desired position within the channels  460  (and thus the hard drive  452  within the drive bay  456 ). The locking flexures  472  are located within each of the channels  460  and are generally positioned proximate the entry point. This enables them to cooperate with an abutment stop at the final point in order to hold the hard drive  452  in place within the drive bay  456 , i.e., the rear mount  458 B is pressed up against the abutment stop and the front mount  458 A is pressed against the locking flexure  472 . The locking flexure  472  generally includes a flexible body  474  connected to the rack system  450  and a locking tab  476  at its end. The locking tab  476  extends into the groove of the channel  460 . The locking tab  476  serves as a temporary abutment stop. 
     As the drive  452  is pushed into the drive bay  456 , the mounts  458  engage the channels  460  and thus the locking flexures  472 . Because the locking flexures  472  flex, they allow the mounts  458  to pass when pushed in by a user. Once the mounts  458  have passed over them, the locking flexures  472  resume their natural position thereby trapping the mounts  458  in the channel  460  between the locking tab  476  and the abutment stop at the end of the channel  460 . Using this arrangement, the hard drive  452  is prevented from sliding out of the bay  456  on its own. In order to remove the drive  452 , a user simply pulls on the hard drive  452 . During the pulling action, the mounts  458  slide within the channel  460  until they engage the lock flexures  472 . When a significant pulling force has been provided, the locking flexures  472  flex thereby releasing the mounts  458  from the channel  460 . Using this arrangement, the user simply has to overcome the spring bias at the locking flexure  472  when sliding the hard drive  452  in and out of the drive bay  456 . 
     In order to further hold the drives  452  in place within the drive bays  456 , the rack system  454  may include one or more user actuated latches  480 . In general, there is latch  480  for each drive bay  456 . The user actuated latches  480  are preferably placed towards the front of the rack system  454  so that they are easily accessible when the rack system  454  is mounted within a computer, i.e., the latches  480  are placed at a location that can be easily grasped by the user. The latches  480  are rotatable between a receiving position (vertical) and a locking position (horizontal). In the receiving position, the hard drive  452  can be placed within the drive bay  456 , i.e., the mounts  458  are capable of engaging the channels  460  so that the hard drive  452  can be pushed into place. In the locking position, the drives  452  are captured within the drive bay  456  by the latch  480 . The latch  480  serves as an abutment stop to the hard drive  452  in order to keep it from sliding out of the drive bay  456 . 
     In addition to the above, the rack system  454  generally includes a mounting pedestal  484 , which serves as a support structure for the rack system  454 . The mounting pedestal  484  may be attached to a shelf inside the computer using any suitable means as for example screws or bolts. The mounting pedestal  484  may include one or more recesses  486  for receiving one or more cable as for example a cable from the motherboard located behind the rack system  454 . The cables may for example include connectors at their end that engage corresponding connectors  488  on the front face of the hard drive  452  when the hard drive  452  is placed within the drive bay  456 . 
     It is contemplated that the different embodiments of the present invention may be adapted for any of a number of suitable and known personal computers that process, send, retrieve and/or store data. For example, the personal computers may correspond to an IBM compatible computer or an Apple compatible computer. Further, the personal computer may generally relate to desktop computers, whether segmented or all-in-one machines, which sit on desks, floors or other surfaces. By way of example, the Apple compatible computer may correspond to different models including but not limited to iMac, eMac, Cube, G3, G4, G5 models, which are manufactured by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. 
     While this invention has been described in terms of several preferred embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20070511
Publication Date: 20130423
Grant Date: 20130423
Priority Date: 20040108
Inventors: COSTER DANIEL J.
DE IULIIS DANIELE
GOH CHIEW-SIANG
HEIRICH DOUGLAS L.
HOLMES STEVEN
IVE JONATHAN
KIM SUNG
MARIANO RICK
MISAGE THOMAS J.
RICCIO DAN
TAN TANG YEW
YAEKEL JEREMY
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H05K5/0221", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/183", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/181", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/181", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/0891", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/432", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/089", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/0886", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/0886", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/089", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/0891", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/432", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0221", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/183", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 34743062