U.S. patent application number 09/773556 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-08 for color interchangeable side panels mounting plugs.
Invention is credited to Diaz, Elizabeth B., Lee, Peter K..
Application Number | 20020105253 09/773556 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25098648 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020105253 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Diaz, Elizabeth B. ; et
al. |
August 8, 2002 |
Color interchangeable side panels mounting plugs
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus in
which a consumer, without technical skill or special tools can
quickly and easily change or add a color to the computer case of
their personal computer. Because of the large number of available
color panels, it is necessary to provide an aftermarket kit in
which the consumer can customize the computer case. Advantageously,
this permits the consumer to have a computer in green, blue, red,
violet, etc. Also, advantageously, the consumer merely needs to
remove a plurality of hole plugs and then install the color panels
using supplied attachment feet or mounting plugs.
Inventors: |
Diaz, Elizabeth B.;
(Woodside, CA) ; Lee, Peter K.; (San Jose,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY
Intellectual Property Administration
P.O. Box 272400
Fort Collins
CO
80527-2400
US
|
Family ID: |
25098648 |
Appl. No.: |
09/773556 |
Filed: |
February 2, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/265.6 ;
312/223.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/181 20130101;
A45C 13/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/265.6 ;
312/223.2 |
International
Class: |
A47B 097/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A kit, comprising: a pair of cover panels for attachment to
opposite side panels of a computer case, each of said cover panels
having a plurality of holes and each of the opposite side panels of
the computer case having a corresponding plurality of holes; and a
plurality of elastomeric feet each insertable through one of said
holes in said cover panel and through the corresponding hole in the
computer case for retaining each of said pair of cover panels on
the opposite side panels of the computer case.
2. The kit of claim 1, wherein each said cover panels is made of a
plastic material.
3. The kit of claim 1, wherein the holes of the opposite side
panels is covered with hole plugs.
4. The kit of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of cover panels has
an interior surface corresponding in shape to an exterior surface
of each said side panels.
5. The kit of claim 1, wherein each of the cover panels has a vent
section corresponding in location to a vent in one of the side
panels.
6. The kit of claim 1, wherein each of said feet has a cover
portion and a pair of legs extending from said cover portion and a
shoulder portion at a distal end of said legs such that when said
legs are inserted into said cover panel hole and the side panel
hole, said legs flex inwardly and said shoulder portions are
brought into engagement with an interior surface of the side
panel.
7. The kit of claim 1, wherein the opposite side panels are painted
or molded in a variety of different colored resins.
8. A method of installing a color panel on a computer case, the
color panel having a plurality of holes, the computer case having
at least one panel, the at least one panel having a plurality of
holes corresponding in location to the plurality of holes in the
color panel, comprising: inserting a plurality of elastomeric feet
each through one of the holes in the color panel and through the
corresponding hole in the at least one panel to secure the color
panel on the computer case.
9. The method of claim 8, comprising removing hole plugs from the
plurality of holes in the at least one panel.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein each of said feet has a cover
portion and a pair of legs extending from said cover portion and a
shoulder portion at a distal end of said legs such that when said
legs are inserted into said cover panel hole and the side panel
hole, said legs flex inwardly and said shoulder portions are
brought into engagement with an interior surface of the side
panel.
11. A computer case, comprising: opposite side panels each having a
plurality of holes; a pair of cover panels for attachment to said
opposite side panels; a plurality of elastomeric feet each
insertable through one of said holes in said cover panel and
through the corresponding hole in the computer case for retaining
each of said pair of cover panels on the opposite side panels of
the computer case.
12. The computer case of claim 11, wherein each said cover panels
is made of a plastic material.
13. The computer case of claim 11, wherein the holes of the
opposite side panels are covered with hole plugs.
14. The computer case of claim 11, wherein each of the pair of
cover panels has an interior surface corresponding in shape to an
exterior surface of each said side panels.
15. The computer case of claim 11, wherein each of the cover panels
has a vent section corresponding in location to a vent in one of
the side panels.
16. The computer case of claim 11, wherein each of said feet has a
cover portion and a pair of legs extending from said cover portion
and a shoulder portion at a distal end of said legs such that when
said legs are inserted into said cover panel hole and the side
panel hole, said legs flex inwardly and said shoulder portions are
brought into engagement with an interior surface of the side
panel.
17. The computer case of claim 11, wherein the opposite side panels
are painted.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to computer cases,
and more particularly, to computer cases having colored plastic
sections covering a large portion of the exterior surfaces of the
computer case. Even more particularly, the present invention
relates to easily removable color side panels for a computer
case.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Until recently, almost all home personal computers had beige
cases. The same was true for computer monitors. However, more
recently, personal computers including the computer cases and
computer monitors have become fashion accessories for the home and
office. It is desirable to customize the appearance, and
especially, the exterior color of the personal computer. Instead of
beige, personal computers and monitors now often have green, red,
blue and violet cases. Other bright colors are also being used.
Because of the large number of colors being used and because the
computer case is standardized, it would be difficult for a computer
manufacturer to predict which color a consumer might want to use to
customize their computer. Thus, a need exists for a method and
apparatus in which a consumer can easily add or change the color of
the computer case.
[0003] Further, a need exists for an easy method and simplified
apparatus for covering a large portion of the computer case, and
more specifically, the side panels of the computer case. It is
desirable to cover up as much as the computer case as possible to
create a "clean" appearance. A need exists in the art for a method
and apparatus to cover portions of the computer case to create this
"clean" appearance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to
provide side panels and fasteners which permit a customer to change
the appearance of their personal computer to their own personal
style.
[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a kit
usable by a consumer for changing the color of the computer
case.
[0006] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a method and apparatus in which a consumer can add or change the
color of the computer case with little risk of damaging the color
panels.
[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
method and apparatus in which a consumer can add or change the
color of the personal computer case.
[0008] The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus
in which a consumer, without technical skill or special tools can
quickly and easily change or add a color to the computer case of
their personal computer. Because of the large number of available
color panels, it is necessary to provide an aftermarket kit in
which the consumer can customize the computer case. Advantageously,
this permits the consumer to have a computer case in green, blue,
red, violet, etc. Also, advantageously, the consumer merely needs
to remove a plurality of hole plugs and then install the color
panels using supplied attachment feet or mounting plugs.
[0009] These and other objects of the present invention are
achieved by providing a kit including a pair of cover panels for
attachment to opposite side panels of a computer case. Each of the
cover panels has a plurality of holes and each of the opposite side
panels of the computer case has a corresponding plurality of holes.
A plurality of elastomeric feet are insertable through one of the
holes in the cover panel and through the corresponding hole in the
computer case for retaining each of the pair of cover panels on the
opposite side panels of the computer case.
[0010] The foregoing and other objects of the present invention are
provided by a method of installing a color panel on a computer
case. The color panel has a plurality of holes. The computer case
has at least one panel. One panel has a plurality of holes
corresponding in location to the plurality of holes in the color
panel, including inserting a plurality of elastomeric feet each
through one of the holes in the color panel and through the
corresponding hole in the one panel to secure the color panel on
the computer case.
[0011] The foregoing and other objects of the present invention are
provided by a computer case including opposite side panels having a
plurality of holes. The computer case has a pair of cover panels
for attachment to the opposite side panels. The computer case has a
plurality of elastomeric feet each insertable through one of the
holes in the cover panel and through the corresponding hole in the
computer case for retaining the pair of cover panels on the
opposite side panels of the computer case.
[0012] Still other objects and advantages of the present invention
will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the
following detailed description, wherein the preferred embodiments
of the invention are shown and described, simply by way of
illustration of the best mode contemplated of carrying out the
invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other
and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of
modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing
from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description
thereof are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as
restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and
not by limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings,
wherein elements having the same reference numeral designations
represent like elements throughout and wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a computer case including
feet for attaching the color panel to the side panel of the
computer case;
[0015] FIG. 2A is a top plan view of a color panel according to the
present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 2B-2B in
FIG. 2A;
[0017] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the side cover panel of
FIG. 2A with certain reinforcement ribs on the interior surface of
the cover panel illustrated;
[0018] FIG. 3A is a top plan view of a side panel without
vents;
[0019] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the side panel of FIG.
3A;
[0020] FIG. 4A is a top plan view of an alternative side panel with
vents;
[0021] FIG. 4B and 4C are side elevation views of the side panel of
FIG. 4A;
[0022] FIG. 4D is a perspective view of the side panel of FIG.
4A;
[0023] FIG. 5A is a front side elevational view of an attachment
foot according to the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 5B is a left side elevational view of the attachment
foot of FIG. 5A;
[0025] FIG. 5C is a top plan view of the attachment foot of FIG.
5A; and
[0026] FIG. 5D is a perspective view of the attachment foot of FIG.
5A.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0027] Refer now to FIG. 1 where a tower case 20 for a personal
desktop computer is depicted. The computer case 20 includes a
central portion 40, a right side panel 30 and a left side panel 32
(not shown). The majority of the computer case 20 is formed of a
beige painted metal cabinet as is standard for most personal
desktop computers. The central portion 40 includes a plastic molded
part 42 which covers a majority of the central portion 40 typical
beige painted case 20. The plastic portion 42 is manufactured from
a colored plastic and is adapted to accessorize the personal
computer case 20. Typically, the plastic portion is molded in a
single color, for example, violet. However, many consumers may want
green or red necessitating the removal of the violet plastic
portion 42. To accomplish this, the central portion 42 includes
front and top pieces which pop off. Hooks are used to attach the
front and top pieces which is not relevant to the present
invention.
[0028] In order to cover additional exterior surfaces of the
personal computer, according to the present invention, a pair of
plastic molded cover panels can be attached to the metal side
panels 30, 32 of the computer case 20. The side panels 50, 60 would
preferably be the same color as the central portion 42.
[0029] As shipped from the factory, the computer case 20 will
include four small rubber feet 52 on each side panel 30, 32. If the
customer chooses to purchase a color upgrade kit, the customer can
change the look of their PC to match their own personal style. As
previously mentioned, the central portion 42 could be removed and
for the side panels 50, 60, the customer would remove the feet 52,
add the new color plates 50, 60, over the existing side panels 30,
32 and attach the four feet 52 to each side panel 30, 32.
Advantageously, using the present invention, no special tools are
needed. The installation is very straight forward and easy for a
customer in the field to perform. Also, advantageously the consumer
can easily change the color and appearance of the computer case
without special tools and with little risk of damaging the color
panels.
[0030] Several side panel configurations are required depending on
the construction of the particular side panel 30, 32. For example,
in FIGS. 2A-2C and 3A-3B, two cover panels are depicted which are
identical except that the FIG. 2A cover panel has a vent located in
a lower central portion thereof. As depicted in FIGS. 2A-2C, the
side panel would be used to cover the left side cover 32 and the
FIGS. 3A and 3B cover panel would be used to cover the right side
panel 30. As depicted in FIGS. 2A-2C and FIGS. 3A-3B, the exterior
periphery of the cover panel is non-symmetrical relative to a
horizontal center line but is symmetrical with respect to a
vertical center line. Preferably, the interior surfaces of the
cover panels 50, 60 conform closely to the exterior surface of the
side panels 30, 32. As depicted in FIGS. 2A and 3A, there is a flat
central portion 62. Four through holes 64 are located at the
corners of the flat central portion 62. As depicted in FIG. 2A, a
vent 66 is located in a lower central portion of the flat central
area 62. The vent 66 would conform in size to a vent formed in side
panel 32 (not shown). It may be preferable, for efficiency
purposes, to use the same side panel 60 for both the right and left
side color panels. This would eliminate the possibility of having
the consumer install the left side panel on the right cover panel
and block the vent in the side panel 30. It would also reduce the
number and types of parts required for this customer upgrade. If a
consumer purchases a color upgrade kit then the upgrade kit would
include identical side panels 60 not unique to each side. When the
color panels 60 are assembled there will be venting holes 66 on
both sides, even though only the left side vents are
functional.
[0031] Extending from the central portion of 60 is a central curved
portion 70, a left curved portion 72, a right curved portion 74 and
a bottom curved portion 76. Connecting the top curved portion 70
and the right curved portion 74 is a right upper corner curved
portion 78. Connecting the right curved portion 74 and the bottom
curved portion 76 is a lower right corner portion 80. Connecting
the left curved portion 72 and the bottom curved portion 76 is a
left corner curved portion 82. Connecting the top curved portion 70
and the left curved portion 72 is a left upper corner curved
portion 84. Curved portion 72 and 74 are symmetrical with respect
to one another. Lower curved portion 76 does not extend outwardly
from center curved portion 62 as does the rest of the curved
portions. As previously mentioned, preferably the curved portions
70-84 conform closely to the shape of the side panels 30, 32. The
exterior surface of the side panels 30, 32 are flat and the curved
portions are all internal to the side panels 30, 32.
[0032] FIG. 4A-4D depicts an alternative version of the side panel.
In this version, the side curve portions which extend from the
central flat portion 62 are symmetric with respect to both the
vertical and horizontal centerlines.
[0033] Refer now to FIGS. 5A-5D where a rubber foot 100 according
to the present invention is depicted. In FIG. 5A, the rubber foot
100 includes a button portion 102 and the retention portion,
generally indicated at 104. The button portion 102 has a rounded
outer surface 106 and a flat inner surface 108. Extending
downwardly from surface 108 are two legs 110 which each have angled
surfaces 112 to facilitate insertion of the portion 104 through
cover plates 50, 60 and through side panels 30, 32, respectively. A
pair of shoulder surfaces 114 engage inner surfaces of the side
panels 30, 32, respectively, when the rubber foot 100 is inserted
through the panels. In operation, the legs 110 will deflect
inwardly, that is, towards each other when surfaces 112 engage
holes 64 and holes in the side panels. Once the surfaces 112 have
cleared the holes 64, shoulder 114 will engage the inner surfaces
of the side panels 30, 32. The distance between surface 108 and 114
is sufficient to reliably hold the cover panels 50, 60 in secure
contact with the side panels 30, 32, respectively.
[0034] It will be readily seen by one of ordinary skill in the art
that the present invention fulfills all of the objects set forth
above. After reading the foregoing specification, one of ordinary
skill will be able to affect various changes, substitutions of
equivalents and various other aspects of the invention as broadly
disclosed herein. It is therefore intended that the protection
granted hereon be limited only by the definition contained in the
appended claims and equivalents thereof.
* * * * *