Stabilizer mechanism for computer related equipment

Abstract

A stabilizer mechanism pivotally attached to a computer casing wall includes retractable spring loaded extension arms which, in a stabilizing position, extend to increase the effective casing footprint while the retractable extension arms are in a storage position. The stabilizer is pivotable into a retraction position within the casing. The stabilizer includes a flat panel attached so its freedom of rotation is limited to support the casing in an elevated position. The retractable extension arms include a mechanism for securing them within the stabilizer. Alternatively, a removable stabilizer is stored in a recess within the casing. In the stabilizing position, the stabilizer is released from the storage recess and oriented in the stabilizing position by rotating the stabilizer until it is at right angles to its storage position. Pressing the stabilizer into the recess locks it in position to elevate the computer casing.

1 . A stabilizing mechanism for a casing of computer related equipment including: a stabilizer arrangement adapted to be pivotally attached to a computer casing, the stabilizer arrangement including retractable extension arms which, in a stabilizing position of the casing, are extendable so that the effective footprint of the computer casing is increased, the retractable extension arms being retractable in a storage position, the stabilizer arrangement and the extension arms being arranged so that the stabilizer is pivotable into a retraction position within the casing when the arms are retracted in the storage position.  
     
     
         2 . A stabilizing mechanism as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the stabilizer arrangement, in the stabilized position, is arranged to be pivoted into a position whereby the substantially downward weight of the casing prevents the stabilizer arrangement from pivoting back into the retraction position.  
     
     
         3 . A stabilizing mechanism as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the stabilizer arrangement is arranged to pivot in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to a pivot plane defined by a casing wall to which it is attached and wherein the retractable extension arms are arranged to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to said pivot plane.  
     
     
         4 . A stabilizing mechanism as claimed in  claim 3  wherein the stabilizer mechanism includes a panel having a proximal end attached to the casing by a hinge arrangement, said retractable extension arms being at a distal end of the panel.  
     
     
         5 . A stabilizing mechanism as claimed in  claim 4  wherein the retractable extension arms are spring biased for achieving the stabilizing position.  
     
     
         6 . A stabilizing mechanism as claimed in  claim 5  wherein the retractable extension arms comprise elongated pins adapted to be (a) biased out of apertures in the stabilizer arrangement in the stabilizing position, and (b) inserted into apertures in the stabilizer arrangement so that the stabilizer arrangement can be moved into the retraction position.  
     
     
         7 . A stabilizing mechanism as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the stabilizer arrangement is arranged to pivot in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to a pivot plane defined by a casing wall to which it is attached and wherein the retractable extension arms are arranged to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to said pivot plane.  
     
     
         8 . A stabilizing mechanism as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the stabilizer mechanism includes a panel having a proximal end attached to the casing by a hinge arrangement, said retractable extension arms being at a distal end of the panel.  
     
     
         9 . A stabilizing mechanism as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the retractable extension arms are spring biased for achieving the stabilizing position.  
     
     
         10 - 18 . (Canceled)  
     
     
         19 . A computer casing including the stabilizing mechanism claimed in  claim 1 .  
     
     
         20 - 24 . (Canceled)