Patent ID: 6490156
Filing Date: 2002-12-03
Classification: G06F,H05K,Y10S

Abstract:
A computer case structure with a modular interface card expansion capability comprising:a) a main case having a bottom, a first end wall and at least one first side wall joined with the first end wall, the first end wall having a recess therein; b) a mainboard mounted in the main case, the mainboard aligned with the bottom such that a height of the main case is less than 2U (U=4.445 cm), the mainboard having a connector section extending into the recess so as to be accessible from exteriorly of the main case and a mainboard bracket with a plurality of input/output ports positioned on the at least one first side wall such that the plurality of input/output ports are accessible from exteriorly of the main case; c) an expansion case having a second end wall and at least one second side wall joined with the second end wall, the expansion case removably attached to the main case by tabs extending from one of the main case and expansion case engaging slots in the other of the main case and expansion case such that the first and second end walls are adjacent to each other; d) an expansion frame attached to the second end wall and including a first slot connector extending outwardly from the second end wall in engagement with the connection section of the mainboard, and at least two second slot connectors connected to the first slot connector and located in the expansion case; and, e) a plurality of interface cards located in the expansion case in engagement with the second slot connectors, each interface card having an interface card bracket with a plurality of input/output connection ports positioned on the at least one second side wall such that the plurality of input/output ports are accessible from exteriorly of the expansion case.