Patent Number: 9,433,119

Title: Positive pressure-applying latch mechanism

Abstract: A latch mechanism is provided for latching a field-replaceable unit within an enclosure. The latch mechanism includes a pivotable latch coupled to the field-replaceable unit via a pivot, at a first side of the unit, and a spring member associated with the enclosure. The spring member is engaged by the latch and deflects with rotating of the latch from an open position to a latched position. The pivotable latch includes the first end and a second end, with the pivot being disposed closer to the first end than the second. The deflecting spring member facilitates provision of positive pressure on the unit directed towards a second side of the unit opposite to the first side to facilitate, for example, fixedly coupling a first connector at the second side to a second connector associated with the enclosure when the unit is latched within the enclosure.

Inventors: Canfield; Shawn (Poughkeepsie, NY), Genest; Robert R. (Poughkeepsie, NY), Mullady; Robert K. (Poughkeepsie, NY), Peets; Michael T. (Staatsburg, NY)

Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION

International Classification: H05K 7/14 (20060101)

Expiration Date: 2020-08-30 0:00:00