PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-7646613-B2
Application Number: US-54287306-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Multi-point latch mechanism with a single control

Abstract:
A latch mechanism for removably securing a module in a bay of an electronic device. The latch mechanism includes a first wireform configured to move along a first wall of the bay to latch a first side of the module and a tang configured to move substantially perpendicularly to a second side of the module to latch the second side of the module. The latch mechanism includes a control member operatively connected with the first wireform and the tang to actuate the first wireform and the tang simultaneously in response to user input such that when the module is inserted into the bay, the first wireform and the tang simultaneously latch the first side of the module and the second side of the module.

Claims:
1. A latch mechanism for removably securing a module in a bay of an electronic device, the latch mechanism comprising:
 a first wireform configured to move along a first wall of the bay to latch a first side of the module, the first wall of the bay being substantially parallel to the first side of the module; 
 a tang configured to move substantially perpendicularly to a second side of the module to latch the second side of the module, the second side of the module disposed adjacent the first side of the module; and 
 a control member connected with the first wireform and the tang, the control member to actuate the first wireform and the tang simultaneously in response to user input such that when the module is inserted into the bay, the first wireform and the tang simultaneously latch the first side of the module and the second side of the module. 
 
     
     
       2. The latch mechanism of  claim 1  further comprising a second wireform connected with the control member and configured to move along a second wall of the bay to latch a third side of the module, the second wall of the bay being substantially parallel to the third side of the module, the second wall of the bay disposed opposite the first wall of the bay and wherein the second wireform also simultaneously latch the third side of the module in response to the user input. 
     
     
       3. The latch mechanism of  claim 1  wherein the bay comprises at least one of an end-frame protrusion and an indent, the at least one of the end-frame protrusion and the indent disposed along a third wall of the bay and configured to removably engage another of the at least one of the end-frame protrusion and the indent disposed along a fourth side of the module, the third wall of the bay being substantially parallel to the fourth side of the module, the fourth side of the module being opposite the second side of the module. 
     
     
       4. The latch mechanism of  claim 1  wherein the bay comprises a protrusion, the protrusion configured to removably engage an indent of a third side of the module, the third side of the module disposed opposite the first side of the module. 
     
     
       5. The latch mechanism of  claim 1  wherein the first wireform comprises at least one of a bent end and a pin, the at least one of the bent end and the pin configured to removably engage at least one latch channel disposed along the first side of the module when the first wireform moves in a latching direction. 
     
     
       6. The latch mechanism of  claim 1  wherein the first wireform and the tang are formed from a single piece of metal. 
     
     
       7. The latch mechanism of  claim 1  wherein the control member actuates the first wireform and the tang through a cam mechanism. 
     
     
       8. The latch mechanism of  claim 1  wherein the control member is configured to receive at least one of a rotational user input and a translational user input. 
     
     
       9. The latch mechanism of  claim 1  further comprising a spring mechanism disposed along at least one of a bottom of the module and a bottom of the bay, the spring mechanism forcing the module against at least a portion of the first wireform, the second wireform, or the tang when the module is latched. 
     
     
       10. The latch mechanism of  claim 1  wherein the module represents a battery. 
     
     
       11. The latch mechanism of  claim 1  wherein the module represents a data storage component. 
     
     
       12. The latch mechanism of  claim 2  wherein at least a portion of the latch mechanism being nested between other components of the electronic device when the latch mechanism is slidably moved to unlatch the module. 
     
     
       13. The latch mechanism of  claim 9  wherein the spring mechanism comprises a conductive contact, the conductive contact configured to electrically couple the module and the electronic device. 
     
     
       14. An electronic device comprising:
 a module; 
 a bay configured to house the module; and 
 a latch mechanism for latching the module and reinforcing the bay, the latch mechanism comprising: 
 a first wireform configured to slide along a first wall of the bay to engage a first side of the module in a latched state, 
 a second wireform configured to slide along a second wall of the bay to engage a second side of the module in the latched state, the second wall disposed opposite the first wall, 
 a tang configured to move substantially perpendicular to a third wall of the bay to engage a third side of the module in the latched state, the third wall being perpendicular with both the first wall and the second wall, and 
 a control member connected with the first wireform, the second wireform and the tang, the control member to receive at least one of rotational user input and translational user input to actuate the first wireform, the second wireform, and the tang simultaneously when transitioning from an unlatched state to the latched state. 
 
     
     
       15. The electronic device of  claim 14  wherein the first wireform includes at least one of a first pin and a first bent end, the at least one of the first pin and the first bent end configured to slide into a first latch channel disposed in the first side of the module when transitioning from the unlatched state to the latched state to removably engage the first side of the module. 
     
     
       16. The electronic device of  claim 14  wherein at least a portion of the latch mechanism is nested between other components of the electronic device when the latch mechanism is slidably moved from the latched state to the unlatched state. 
     
     
       17. The electronic device of  claim 15  wherein the first wireform includes at least one of a first additional pin and a first additional bent end, the at least one of the first additional pin and the first additional bent end configured to slide into a first additional latch channel disposed in the first side of the module when transitioning from the unlatched state to the latched state to removably engage the first side of the module. 
     
     
       18. The electronic device of  claim 15  wherein the second wireform includes at least one of a second pin and a second bent end, the at least one of the second pin and the second bent end configured to slide into a second latch channel disposed in the second side of the module when transitioning from the unlatched state to the latched state to removably engage the second side of the module. 
     
     
       19. The electronic device of  claim 18  wherein the second wireform includes at least one of a second additional pin and a second additional bent end, the at least one of the second additional pin and the second additional bent end configured to slide into a second additional latch channel disposed in the second side of the module when transitioning from the unlatched state to the latched state to removably engage the second side of the module. 
     
     
       20. The electronic device of  claim 18  wherein the first latch channel is disposed in between ends of the first side and wherein the second latch channel is disposed in between ends of the second side. 
     
     
       21. The electronic device of  claim 18  wherein the first latch channel is disposed approximately half way between ends of the first side and wherein the second latch channel is disposed approximately half way between ends of the second side. 
     
     
       22. The electronic device of  claim 18  further comprising a spring mechanism configured to force the first and second latch channels against the first and second pins, respectively, when the first and second pins removably engage the first and second latch channels in the latched state.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     An electronic device such as a notebook computer may include one or more removable modules such as a battery module or a data storage module (e.g., a data drive). Such a removable module is typically disposed in a bay of the electronic device and secured at one or more contact points. 
     If the module is secured at only one single contact point, the single contact point may need to support a substantial portion of the weight of the module during normal operation. Additionally, the single contact point may need to endure extra stress or strain in abnormal conditions such as when the electronic device is dropped. Accordingly, the single contact point and related parts may need to be quite substantial in size to provide sufficient structural support. When bulky parts are used, the cost and weight of the electronic device may be disadvantageously increased. 
     Further, if the module is long and slender, flatness and straightness disparity between the module and the electronic device often results in gaps and surface offsets. Such gaps and surface offsets are undesirable from a reliability and cosmetic point of view. Therefore, it is advisable that the module should be secured at multiple contact points. 
     Securing the module in the electronic device at multiple contact points may be accomplished by a multi-point latch mechanism such as a drop-and-slide mechanism, a multi-interaction multi-point latch mechanism, or two-way snaps or ball detents. However, such conventional multi-point latch mechanisms have various problems and disadvantages. 
     A drop-and-slide mechanism allows a user to drop a module into a bay of an electronic device and to slide the module along one or more rails to a secured position. Typically, such a drop-and-slide mechanism may provide, on the one or more rails, multiple contact points that share the weight of the module. As such, the above-mentioned requirements of material rigidity may be mitigated. However, drop-and-slide mechanisms tend to be inefficient with respect to space utilization. In particular, the space required for the module to slide results in wasted space in the electronic device. 
     A multi-interaction multi-point latch mechanism allows a user to simultaneously or sequentially operate two or more control members to actuate two or more latches to secure the module at multiple contact points. Such a mechanism typically requires two hands or multiple fingers to keep the electronic device in place and to engage or disengage latches. In performing this task, non-intuitive learning or extra caution may also be required. Some users have found such multi-interaction multi-point latch mechanisms difficult to use. 
     Two-way snaps and ball detents also may also secure a module at multiple contact points. Such mechanisms require a user to overcome threshold forces when installing the module into the bay or removing the module from the bay. Accordingly, the portions of the module where the user exerts force and where the module contacts the snaps or detents must withstand additional pressure and wear, necessitating a bulky construction and/or exotic or expensive material. Further, when the module is being removed from the bay, a sudden release of the module may cause the user to drop the module when threshold forces are overcome, thus potentially causing significant damage to the module. 
     SUMMARY 
     The invention relates in an embodiment to a latch mechanism for removably securing a module in a bay of an electronic device. The latch mechanism includes a first wireform configured to move along a first wall of the bay to latch a first side of the module, the first wall of the bay being substantially parallel to the first side of the module. The latch mechanism also includes a tang configured to move substantially perpendicularly to a second side of the module to latch the second side of the module, the second side of the module disposed adjacent the first side of the module. The latch mechanism further includes a control member operatively connected with the first wireform and the tang, the control member configured to actuate the first wireform and the tang simultaneously in response to user input such that when the module is inserted into the bay, the first wireform and the tang simultaneously latch the first side of the module and the second side of the module. 
     These and other features of the present invention will be described in more detail below in the detailed description of the invention and in conjunction with the following figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
         FIGS. 1A-C  show an illustrative representation of a support and latch mechanism and a portion of an electronic device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows an illustrative representation of a latch mechanism and a portion of an electronic device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  shows an illustrative representation of a latch mechanism and a portion of an electronic device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a few embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps and/or structures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention. 
     One or more embodiments of the present invention involve latch mechanisms for removably securing electronic modules in receiving bays of electronic devices. One or more embodiments include a latch mechanism configured to latch an electronic module at multiple points in response to a single control action of a user. One or more embodiments include multiple latching units configured to move substantially simultaneously in a same direction in response to input of the user. 
     In one or more embodiments, at least one of the multiple latching units is disposed along a wireform. The wireform is configured to move along a wall of a receiving bay. The wall of the receiving bay is substantially parallel to a first side of an electronic module. The first side of the electronic module includes at least one latch channel configured to be removably engaged by the at least one of the multiple latching units, when the wireform moves along the wall of the receiving bay in a latching direction. 
     Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the multiple latching units is configured to move towards a second side of the electronic module, thereby removably engaging at least one receptacle on the second side of the electronic module in response to the input of the user. 
     The user may actuate a single control unit to drive movement of the multiple latching units through one or more interactive mechanisms such as, for example, a cam mechanism, without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     The features and advantages of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the figures and discussions that follow. 
       FIGS. 1A-C  show an illustrative representation of a support and latch mechanism  100  (hereinafter latch mechanism  100 ) and a portion of an electronic device  190  in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Installed in electronic device  190 , latch mechanism  100  is configured to removably secure an electronic module  160  in a bay  180  of an electronic device  190 . For clear illustration, components of latch mechanism  100  which are inside electronic device  190  are shown with solid lines instead of dashed lines. In accordance with one or more embodiments, electronic module  160  includes a battery. Further, in one or more embodiments, electronic device  190  is a computer. 
     As shown in the example of  FIG. 1B , latch mechanism  100  includes a first wireform  110  configured to latch with a first latch channel  161  disposed along a first side  162  of electronic module  160 , a second wireform  120  configured to latch with a second latch channel  163  disposed along a second side  164  of electronic module  160 , and a tang  130  configured to a latch with a receptacle on third side  166  of electronic module  160 . 
     In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, first wireform  110  is configured to move along a first wall  182  of bay  180 . First wall  182  is substantially parallel to first side  162  of electronic module  160  when electronic module  160  is captured in bay  180 . 
     Second wireform  164  is configured to move along a second wall  184  of bay  180 , second wall  184  being substantially parallel to second side  164  of electronic module  160  when electronic module  160  is captured in bay  180 . Second wall  184  is disposed opposite first wall  182 . 
     Further, as shown in the example of  FIG. 1B , first wireform  110  includes a bent end  112 , bent end  112  configured to removably engage latch channel  161  on first side  162  of electronic module  160 . In accordance with one or more such embodiments, as shown in the example of  FIG. 1B , latch channel  161  is disposed approximately mid-way along first side  162 . As further shown in the example of  FIG. 1B , second wireform  120  includes a bent end  122  for removably engaging latch channel  163  on second side  164  of electronic module  160 . 
     As can be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, first and second wireforms  110  and  120  (including bent ends  112  and  122 ) can be readily made by a machine shop using one or more well-known processes such as, for example and without limitation, casting, welding, forming, stamping, or bending and using one or more well-known materials such as, for example, steel, aluminum, or plastic and may include one or more commercially available parts. 
     Tang  130  is configured to removably engage a receptacle  136  on third side  166  of electronic module  160 , third side  166  being substantially perpendicular to first and second sides  162  and  164 , as shown in the example of  FIG. 1B . Tang  130  may be configured in any manner well-known in the art such as, for example, a pin, ridge, or protrusion, without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     Tang  130  can be readily made by a machine shop using one or more well-known processes such as, for example, casting, welding, forming, stamping, or bending and using one or more well-known materials such as, for example, steel, aluminum, or plastic and may include one or more commercially available parts. 
     Further, in some embodiments, as shown in the example of  FIG. 1 , latch mechanism  100  may further include an additional tang  132  for removably engaging an additional receptacle  138  on third side  166 . 
     As further shown in the example of  FIG. 1B , bay  180  includes an end-frame protrusion  187 . End-frame protrusion  187  is disposed along fourth wall  188  of bay  180  and configured to removably and rotatably engage an indent  167  of a fourth side  168  of electronic module  160  such that electronic module  160  is guided during latching and supported at fourth side  168  after latching. End-frame protrusion  187  may be configured in any manner well-known in the art such as, for example, a pin, ridge, or hook, without departing from the present invention. 
     Further, in accordance with one or more such embodiments, bay  180  further includes an additional end-frame protrusion  189  disposed along fourth wall  188  for removably and rotatably engaging an additional indent  169  of electronic module  160 . 
     As shown in the example of  FIG. 1C , latch mechanism  100  further includes a control member  140  connected with first wireform  110 , second wireform  120 , and tang  130 . In accordance with one or more such embodiments of the present invention, control member  140  is configured to receive a rotational user input for actuating first and second wireforms  110  and  120  and tang  130  to move in a same latching direction  102  or unlatching direction  104 . Control member  140  may be configured in any manner well-known in the art such as, for example, a coin turn structure, without departing from the present invention. 
     Control member  140  actuates first and second wireforms  110  and  120  and tang  130  through a cam mechanism  172 . Cam mechanism  172  may have a configuration that is well known in the art such as, for example and without limitation, a configuration that includes a push pin  174  and a follower structure  175 , without departing from the present invention. 
     Control member  140  and cam mechanism  172  can be readily made by a machine shop using one or more well-known processes such as, for example, casting, welding, forming, stamping, or bending and using one or more well-known materials such as, for example, steel, aluminum, or plastic and may include one or more commercially available parts. 
     As further shown in the example of  FIG. 1C , in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, latch mechanism  100  further includes a guide mechanism  174  that is configured to limit the direction (and, in some embodiments, distance) of movement of first and second wireforms  110  and  120  and tang  130 . Guide mechanism  174  may include a design well known to one of ordinary skill in the art such as, for example and without limitation, two in-line slide ways configured to slide relative to and along two corresponding guide pins, a length of the two slide ways determining the distance of the movement, and the two guide pins determining the direction of the movement. 
     Guide mechanism  174  can be readily made by a machine shop using one or more well-known processes such as, for example and without limitation, casting, welding, forming, stamping, or bending and using one or more well-known materials such as, for example, steel, aluminum, or plastic and may include one or more commercially available parts. 
     As further shown in the example of  FIG. 1C , latch mechanism  100  further includes a spring mechanism  176  that may be configured to provide further stabilization of electronic module  160  when electronic module  160  is latched and ejection of electronic module  160  when electronic module  160  is unlatched. In accordance with one or more such embodiments, as shown in the example of  FIG. 1C , spring mechanism  176  is disposed along bottom  185  of bay  180 . Alternatively or additionally, spring mechanism  176  may be implemented on module  160 . When electronic module  160  is latched, spring mechanism  176  operates to force electronic module  160  in direction Z against all of pins  112  and  122 , tang  130 , and end-frame protrusion  187 , thereby further stabilizing electronic module  160  in place. Spring mechanism  176  may include a spring component well known to one of ordinary skill in the art such as a flat spring, torsion spring, or compression-spring-loaded tab, without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, spring mechanism  176  may further include one or more conductive contacts  177  for providing an electrical connection between electronic module  160  and electronic device  190 . In accordance with one or more such embodiments, the electrical connection may be configured to provide electrical ground, electrical power, and or other electronic signals for electronic module  160  or electronic device  190  or between electronic module  160  and electronic device  190 . 
     Spring mechanism  176  can be readily made by a machine shop using one or more well-known processes such as, for example, casting, welding, forming, stamping, or bending and using one or more well-known materials such as, for example, steel, aluminum, or plastic and may include one or more commercially available parts. 
     In one or more embodiments, when electronic module  160  is latched by latch mechanism  100 , electronic module  160  is stably and removably engaged by at least six points on four sides. At the same time, bay  180  is mechanically reinforced at its four walls by the four sides of electronic module  160  as well as by pins  112  and  122  and tangs  130  and  132 . As a result, gaps between electronic module  160  and electronic device  190  are “stitched” at multiple points, and the overall system formed by electronic module  160  and electronic device  190  has a reinforced structure that may better withstand stress and strain, for example, during rough handling. 
     In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, with reference to  FIGS. 1A-C , to removably secure electronic module  160  in bay  180 , a user may first turn control member  140  such that latch mechanism  100  is in a ready position to facilitate insertion of pins  112  and  122  into channel portions  1611  and  1631  respectively when electronic module is dropped in from above. In an embodiment, the user may turn control member  140  such that latch mechanism  100  cannot move further in unlatching direction  104 . Next, the user may apply indents  167  and  169  to protrusions  187  and  189 . Next, the user may rotate downward electronic module  160  into bay  180  about a pivot provided by protrusions  187  and  189 . 
     Next, the user may exert and hold a downward pressure on electronic module  160  such that spring mechanism  176  is compressed. As a result, bent end  112  slides along a first portion  1611  of latch channel  161  to a position that substantially align with a second portion  1612  of latch channel  161 , and bent end  122  slides along a first portion  1631  of latch channel  163  to a position that substantially aligns with a second portion  1632  of latch channel  163 . 
     Next, the user may turn control member  140  such that first and second wireforms  110  and  120  and tangs  130  and  132  move in latching direction  102  to move pins  112  and  122  and tangs  130  and  132  to the ends of their engage corresponding latch channels  161  and  163  and receptacles  136  and  138 . Then, the user may remove the pressure from electronic module  160 . As a result, electronic module  160  is stably and removably engaged at six points at its four sides. At the same time, bay  180  is mechanically reinforced at its four walls by the four sides of electronic module  160  as well as pins  112  and  122  and tangs  130  and  132 . 
     Thus, embodiments of the invention allow the user to engage multi-point locking on a module (such as electronic module  160 ) using a single drop-and-latch motion (such as rotatably depositing the module into the bay and turning the single coin turn mechanism to latch at multiple points). In an advantageous manner, one end is engaged by the indents/protrusions (e.g.,  167 / 187  and  169 / 189 ), one end is engaged by tangs (e.g.,  130  and  132 ), and the two sides are engaged by the wireforms (e.g.,  112  and  122 ). Further, the latch mechanism  110  is positioned such that at least a portion of the latch mechanism  110  nests within the structural frame of the system. With reference to  FIG. 1B , for example, most or all of the portion of the latch mechanism  110  that is to the left of tangs  130  and  132  (in the direction of the cam) can be nested or sandwiched in between other structural, electrical or mechanical components, thereby greatly reduce the space requirement to implement. 
       FIG. 2  shows an illustrative representation of a latch mechanism  200  in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Latch mechanism  200  is configured to removably secure an electronic module  260  in a bay  280  of an electronic device  290  (only a portion of electronic device  290  being shown). For clear illustration, components of latch mechanism  200  inside electronic device  290  are shown with solid lines instead of dashed lines. 
     As shown in the example of  FIG. 2 , latch mechanism  200  includes a first latching member  210  configured to latch with a mating structure on a first side  262  of electronic module  260 , a second latching member  220  configured to latch with a mating structure on a second side  264  of electronic module  260 , second side  264  being adjacent to and substantially perpendicular to first side  262 , and a control member  240  for actuating first and second latching members  210  and  220 . 
     First latching member  210  is configured to move along a first wall  282  of bay  280  to latch first side  262 . First wall  282  is substantially parallel to first side  262  when electronic module  260  is disposed in bay  280 . Further, first latching member  210  includes a pin  212  for removably engaging a latch channel  261 . Latch channel  261  is disposed near an end of first side  262  of electronic module  260 , the end being distal second side  264  that is configured to be engaged by second latching member  220 . 
     Second latching member  220  has a form of a tang and is configured to removably engage a receptacle  263 . Receptacle  263  is disposed on second side  264  and near the intersection of first and second sides  262  and  264 . 
     Control member  240  is connected with first and second latching members  210  and  220 . In accordance with one more embodiments of the present invention, control member  240  includes a slider. In response to a translational input, control member  240  actuates first and second latching members  210  and  220  to move in a same latching direction  202  or unlatching direction  204 . 
     As further shown in the example of  FIG. 2 , in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, bay  280  includes two protrusions  289 . Protrusions  289  are disposed along a third wall  286  of bay  280  and are configured to removably engage two indents  269 , respectively. Indents  269  are disposed along a third side  266  of electronic module  260  and near two ends of third side  266 . 
     In accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, bay  280  includes a mid-frame protrusion (not shown), the mid-frame protrusion configured to removable engage a mid-frame indent (not shown) that is disposed approximately mid-way along third side  266  of electronic module  260 . 
     As further shown in the example of  FIG. 2 , latch mechanism  200  further includes a spring mechanism  276  that may be configured to provide further stabilization of electronic module  260  when electronic module  260  is latched and ejection of electronic module  260  when electronic module  260  is unlatched. Spring mechanism  276  is disposed along a bottom  285  of bay  280  and near first wall  282 . When electronic module  260  is latched, spring mechanism  276  pushes electronic module  260  in a direction Z against at least one of pin  212  and tang  222 , thereby further stabilizing electronic module  260  in place. 
     In one or more embodiments, when electronic module  260  is latched by latch mechanism  200 , electronic module  260  is stably and removably secured at four points near its four corners on three sides  262 ,  264 , and  266 . In accordance with one or more such embodiments, the user may use only one hand in a latching action by operating control member  240  with a thumb while exerting downward pressure on electronic module  260  with one or more of the other fingers. 
     In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, first latching member  210  includes one or more pins in addition to pin  212 . The one or more pins are configured to removably engage one or more latch channels along first side  262 . 
     Further, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, latch mechanism  200  includes one or more additional tangs. For example, the one or more additional tangs may be disposed parallel to second latch member  220  and may be configured to removably engage one or more additional receptacles disposed along second side  264 . 
       FIG. 3  shows an illustrative representation of a latch mechanism  300  in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Latch mechanism  300  is configured to removably secure an electronic module  360  in a bay  380  of an electronic device  390  (only a portion of electronic device  390  being shown). For clear illustration, components of latch mechanism  300  inside electronic device  390  are shown with solid lines instead of dashed lines. 
     As shown in the example of  FIG. 3 , latch mechanism  300  includes a first latching member  310  configured to latch a first side  362  of electronic module  360 , a second latching member  320  configured to move along a second wall  384  of bay  380  to latch a second side  364  of electronic module  360 , and a control member  340  for actuating first and second latching members  310  and  320 . Second wall  384  is substantially parallel to second side  364  when electronic module  360  is disposed in bay  380 , and second side  364  is opposite first side  362   
     First latching member  310  is configured to move along a first wall  382  of bay  380  to latch first side  362  of electronic module  360 . First wall  382  is substantially parallel to first side  362  when electronic module  360  is disposed in bay  380 . Further, first latching member  310  includes pins  312 , which may include a bent end of first latching member  310 . Pins  312  are configured to removably engage latch channels  361  that are disposed along first side  362  when first latching member  310  moves in a latching direction  302 . 
     Second latching member  320  is configured to move along a second wall  384  of bay  380  to latch a second side  364  of electronic module  360 , second side  364  being opposite first side  362 . Second wall  384  is substantially parallel to second side  364  when electronic module  360  is disposed in bay  380 . Further, second latching member  320  includes pins  322 . Pins  322  are configured to removably engage latch channels  363  that are disposed along second side  364  when second latching member  320  moves in latching direction  302 . 
     In accordance with one or more such embodiments, latch channels  361  and  363  include latch channels that are disposed near ends of first and second sides  362  and  364 , respectively, so that electronic module  360  is latched near its four corners. 
     Further, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, pins  312  includes a mid-frame pin (not shown) and latch channels  361  includes a mid-frame latch channel (not shown), the mid-frame latch channel disposed approximately mid-way of first side  362 , so that electronic module  360  is latched and bay  380  is supported, respectively, at a mid-frame point. 
     Control member  340  is connected with first and second latching members  310  and  320 . Control member  340  may include a coin turn and a cam mechanism. In response to rotational user input, control member  340  actuates first and second latching members  310  and  320  to move in a same latching direction  302  or unlatching direction  304 . 
     When electronic module  360  is latched by latch mechanism  300 , electronic module  360  is stably and removably secured at least near its four corners on opposite first and second sides  362  and  364 . 
     As can be appreciated from the foregoing, embodiments of the present invention enable simple and convenient user control for latching an electronic module. The embodiments provide stable and secure latching at multiple points and multiple sides of the electronic module with a single control action. One or more of the embodiments may provide mechanically reinforced structure of the electronic device with inter-locking of the latch mechanism, the electronic module, and the structure of the electronic device. 
     With a small number of parts, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented economically and space-efficiently. Further, with load sharing of weight of the electronic module, embodiments of the present invention may be made with light-weight material that enables light-weight designs of electronic devices. 
     While this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. For example, although two mid-point wireforms are shown (one per side), there may be as many wireforms per side as desired. As another example, although one side of the module (e.g., the side that is distal from the coin turn mechanism) is described to be engaged by protrusions/indents, it is also possible to provide sliding tangs with latch mechanism  110  to engage with recesses in that side as well. As a further example, although the module to be latched is described as an electronic module, it may represent any mechanical, electrical and/or electromechanical module or component that may require latching in a bay in another device. As another example, the term “wireform” does not denote any particular cross-sectional shape and a wireform may have a round cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, a square cross-section, or any other cross-sectional shape. 
     It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention may find utility in other applications. The abstract section is provided herein for convenience and, due to word count limitation, is accordingly written for reading convenience and should not be employed to limit the scope the claims. 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: 20061003
Publication Date: 20100112
Grant Date: 20100112
Priority Date: 20061003
Inventors: LIGTENBERG CHRIS
DEGNER BRETT WILLIAM
ANDRE BARTLEY K.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "Y10T292/1028", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/096", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T70/5009", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/187", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T70/5584", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T70/5009", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/187", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T70/5602", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1613", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/188", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/0836", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T70/5602", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T70/5584", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/188", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/096", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/1028", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/432", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/0836", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T292/432", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1613", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 39260924