Abstract:
A transformable computer comprises a computer chassis and a plurality of mounts. The computer chassis comprises a mounting latch member. The plurality of mounts are interchangeably coupleable with the mounting latch member, wherein the plurality of mounts comprise a rail mount for a rack mount computer configuration and a tower base mount for a vertical tower computer configuration. A method of using a computer chassis comprising providing a computer chassis and interchangeably coupling one of a rack mountable rail and a tower base mount to the computer chassis at least partially with a tool-free coupling member.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    Over the years, computer systems have gained widespread use for a variety of stationery and mobile applications, such as industrial systems, academic institutions, professional institutions, consumer markets, government, and so forth. Unfortunately, many incompatibilities, conflicts, and differences still remain between these various computer systems. For example, computer systems in different market segments and institutions often have different form factors, operating systems, hardware configurations, assembly and mounting configurations, and other inconsistencies. In the consumer market, many differences exist between desktop computers, laptop computers, and personal digital assistants. Further differences exist between the consumer market and other markets. Consumer desktop computers have form factors and mounting structures that allow stand-alone mounting at the consumer&#39;s desk or work area. In contrast, network systems and various rack mount computer systems have form factors and mounting mechanisms, which enable rack mountable devices to be mounted horizontally in a rack structure. Regarding packaging, computers in the consumer market have casings that are functionally and cosmetically adapted for use and potential abuse by non-professional users, while network systems and various rack mount computer systems may have industrial configurations and structures adapted for use and handling by professional/technical users. It is differences such as these that perpetuate the various incompatibilities, inconsistencies, and general lack of uniformity throughout the computer industry.  
         SUMMARY  
         [0002]    According to one embodiment, a transformable computer comprises a computer chassis and a plurality of mounts. The computer chassis comprises a mounting latch member. The plurality of mounts are interchangeably coupleable with the mounting latch member, wherein the plurality of mounts comprise a rail mount for a rack mount computer configuration and a tower base mount for a vertical tower computer configuration.  
           [0003]    In another embodiment, a system comprises a mounting latch member, a rack mount, and a tower base. The mounting latch member is adapted for positioning on a computer chassis. The rack mount is adapted to mount the computer chassis in a rack mount computer system. The tower base mount is adapted to mount the computer chassis in a vertical tower configuration. The rack and tower base mounts are interchangeably coupleable with the mounting latch member.  
           [0004]    In a further embodiment, a computer system comprises a computer chassis and means for interchangeably transforming the computer chassis between rack mount and vertical tower configurations.  
           [0005]    Another embodiment comprises a method of using a computer chassis comprising providing a computer chassis and interchangeably coupling one of a rack mountable rail and a tower base mount to the computer chassis at least partially with a tool-free coupling member. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0006]    Exemplary embodiments will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and:  
         [0007]    [0007]FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a computer chassis in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0008]    [0008]FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a rack mounting structure coupled to the computer chassis of FIG. 1;  
         [0009]    [0009]FIGS. 3 and 4 are close-up perspective views illustrating embodiments of front mounts coupled to the computer chassis of FIGS. 1 and 2;  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a rack structure used with the computer chassis illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 6 is a close-up perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a front mount interface and rail used with the rack structure illustrated in FIG. 5;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 7 is a close-up perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the computer chassis coupled to the front mount interface illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a rack mount computer system using the computer chassis and corresponding mount structures illustrated in FIGS.  1 - 7 ;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 9 is a close-up perspective view illustrating embodiments of covers coupled to the rack mount computer system illustrated in FIG. 8;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a tower base mount coupled to the computer chassis of FIG. 1 in accordance with alternative embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 11 is a face view illustrating an embodiment of the tower base mount illustrated in FIG. 10;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a tower mount computer system using the computer chassis and tower base mount illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 10;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a top cover coupled to the tower mount computer system illustrated in FIG. 12;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a front cover coupled to the tower mount computer system illustrated in FIGS.  12 - 13 ; and  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of lateral support covers disposed about opposite faces of the tower mount computer system illustrated in FIGS.  12 - 14 .  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0021]    As discussed in detail below, the illustrated embodiments comprise a variety of unique computer systems having a computer chassis with different mounting mechanisms, which enable the computer chassis to transform between distinctly different computer applications and environments. For example, the different mounting mechanisms may comprise rack mount structures to facilitate the integration of the computer chassis within a rack mount computer system, which may support multiple rack mountable devices. By further example, the rack mount computer system may comprise a network server, a security system, a Web server, or other desired rack mountable devices. In view of other types of computer environments and applications, the mounting mechanisms also may comprise tower mount structures to support the computer chassis as a stand-alone computer system in a vertical tower configuration. In this vertical tower configuration, the computer chassis may be configured as a personal computer, a network server, or any other suitable computer system. Other embodiments also may support a wide variety of other configurations, such as a horizontal desktop configuration.  
         [0022]    In each of these configurations, the illustrated embodiments can transform the same computer chassis into uniquely different computer systems, thereby providing uniformity between the various computer applications and environments. Absent these transformation mechanisms (e.g., interchangeable mounting mechanisms), manufacturers may continue to develop distinctly different hardware, software, form factors, computer chassis, and other components. By adopting a more universal approach to these different computer applications and environments, economies of scale can be achieved in the research and development, production, distribution, and general advancement of computer systems.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a computer chassis  10  in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Depending on the intended use, the illustrated computer chassis  10  may comprise one or more processors, memory modules, hard disk drives, floppy disk drives, optical drives, circuit boards, communication devices (e.g., network, wireless, etc.), audio/video devices, power supplies, fans, and other desired computing components. For example, computing components  12 - 22  are disposed in a front  24  of the computer chassis  10 . It should be noted that these computing components  12 - 24  may embody removable modular components, such as multiple hard drives, multiple power supplies, and one or more disk drives. However, any suitable components and configurations are within the scope of the illustrated embodiments.  
         [0024]    Structurally, the computer chassis  10  may comprise a wide variety of forms and configurations, such as a form factor corresponding to a rack mountable device (e.g., a rack mount server). However, any suitable form or structure is within the scope of the illustrated embodiments. The illustrated computer chassis  10  has opposite sides  26  and  28 , opposite faces  30  and  32  disposed about the opposite sides  26  and  28 , and a rear  34  disposed opposite the front  24 . On each of the opposite sides  26  and  28 , the computer chassis  10  comprises a plurality of mounting latch members or coupling members, such as bossed members  36 ,  38 , and  40 . These bossed members  36 ,  38 , and  40  may comprise any suitable attachment or mounting mechanisms within the scope of the illustrated embodiments. For example, the bossed members  36 ,  38 , and  40  may embody male or female portions of a tool-free coupling mechanism, snap-fit members, spring-loaded latches or pins, and other suitable couplings. Alternatively, latching receptacles or keyhole slots may be substituted for the bossed members  36 ,  38 , and  40 , which may be disposed on the mating component (e.g., rails  46 - 48  or tower base mount  156 ) instead of the computer chassis  10 . One or more additional coupling members, such as front mount attachment structures  42  and  44 , also may be disposed on the opposite sides  26  and  28 . As illustrated in detail below, the illustrated embodiments use one or more of these bossed members  36 ,  38 , and  40  and front mount attachment structures  42  and  44  to transform the computer chassis  10  between different computer applications and environments.  
         [0025]    For example, the bossed members  36 ,  38 , and  40  and front mount attachment structures  42  and  44  may be used to adapt the computer chassis  10  to a rack mount computer system, as illustrated with reference to FIGS.  2 - 9 . FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating rack mounting structures or rails  46  and  48  coupled to the opposite sides  26  and  28  of the computer chassis  10  via the bossed members  36 ,  38 , and  40  in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. As illustrated, the rack mounting structures or rails  46  and  48  comprise a plurality of mounting latch members or coupling members, such as latching receptacles or keyhole slots  50 ,  52 , and  54 , which preferably are tool-lessly coupled with the bossed members  36 ,  38 , and  40 , respectively. For example, the rails  46  and  48  can be mounted to the sides  26  and  28  by aligning and engaging an enlarged portion  56  of the keyhole slots  50 ,  52 , and  54  with an enlarged portion of the bossed members  36 ,  38 , and  40 . The rails  46  and  48  can then be interlocked with the sides  26  and  28  by sliding the keyhole slots  50 ,  52 , and  54  along the bossed members  36 ,  38 , and  40  into a narrowed portion  58  of the keyhole slots  50 ,  52 , and  54 . If desired, the rails  46  and  48  can be further secured to the sides  26  and  28  via a snap fit mechanism, a spring-loaded latch or pin, threaded fasteners, or other suitable couplings. For example, externally threaded fasteners  60  may be disposed through the rails  46  and  48  and into the sides  26  and  28 .  
         [0026]    In addition to the rack mounting structures or rails  46  and  48 , front mounts  62  and  64  may be coupled to opposite sides  26  and  28  of the computer chassis  10  near the front  24 . As illustrated, externally threaded fasteners  66  and  68  are extended through the front mounts  62  and  64  and into the sides  26  and  28 . However, any other suitable attachment or mounting mechanisms can be used to attach the front mounts  62  and  64  within the scope of the illustrated embodiments. FIGS. 3 and 4 are close-up perspective views illustrating the front mounts  62  and  64  coupled to the computer chassis  10  of FIGS. 1 and 2 in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the front mounts  62  and  64  each comprise a lateral support member  70  extending outwardly from the opposite sides  26  and  28 . For example, the lateral support member  70  may embody a spring-loaded tab or latch structure, which can be used to provide an outward holding force or latch engagement within a rack mount structure (see FIGS.  5 - 8 ). In the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4, the front mounts  62  and  64  also have a variety of tool-based and tool-free mounting mechanisms, such as threaded fasteners  72  and  74  and latch mechanisms  76  and  78 , respectively. It should be noted that the threaded fasteners  72  and  74  may be rotatably retained within the front tab portions  80  and  82  of the front mounts  62  and  64 . However, any suitable configuration or type of tool-based fasteners are within the scope of the illustrated embodiments. Regarding the latch mechanisms  76  and  78 , the present embodiments may have inner latches  84  and  86  and outer latches or stops  88  and  90 , respectively. Again, the inner and outer latches  84 - 90  of the latch mechanisms  76  and  78  may be coupled (e.g., snap-fit) with mating latch mechanisms in a rack mount structure (see FIGS.  5 - 8 ). Once mounted, these latch mechanisms  76  and  78  can be released by applying a suitable release force (e.g., depressing, laterally moving, etc.).  
         [0027]    After incorporating the foregoing rails  46  and  48  and front mounts  62  and  64 , the computer chassis  10  is generally configured as a rack mountable device for mounting to a rack structure. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a rack structure  92  in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. It should be noted that the rack structure  92  may comprise a wide variety of form factors, external and internal features, casings, supports, electrical wiring, communication connectors, rack mount devices, device receptacles, and other desired components. Moreover, the structural integrity and protective outer casings (if desired) of the rack structure  92  may provide substantial protection for the rack mountable devices, thereby enabling the rack mountable devices to have relatively less structural protection and simpler support structures. Again, the degree of support and protection for both the rack structure  92  and the rack mountable devices depends largely on the intended application, environment, and so forth. In one embodiment, the rack structure  92  may be configured as a rack mount computer system having a plurality of servers, network components, and other rack mount devices.  
         [0028]    The illustrated rack structure  92  of FIG. 5 has a plurality of legs  94 - 100  and a plurality of rack mounting structures, such as rails  102  and  104  extending horizontally between the legs  94 - 96  and legs  98 - 100 , respectively. These rails  102  and  104  may comprise a wide variety of rail structures and configurations, linear positioning systems, automation systems and electric motors, and so forth. The rack structure  92  also can have various front mounting mechanisms, such as receptacles  106  and  108  and outer receptacles  110  and  112 , extending along a front portion of the legs  94  and  98 , respectively. In assembly, rack mount devices may be coupled to these inner and outer receptacles  106 - 112  either directly or indirectly via an interface.  
         [0029]    For example, the illustrated rack structure  92  comprises front mount interfaces  114  and  116  coupled to the legs  94  and  98  at inner receptacles  106  and  108  via fasteners  118 - 120  and  122 - 124  (e.g., screw, pin, etc.), respectively. However, any suitable direct or indirect front mounting mechanisms are within the scope of the illustrated embodiments. FIG. 6 is a close-up perspective view illustrating the front mount interface  116  and rail  104  coupled to the rack structure  92  of FIG. 5 in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. As illustrated, the front mount interface  116  has an outer member  126  extending along the leg  98  in alignment with the inner receptacles  108 . Adjacent the rail  104 , the front mount interface  116  also includes an inner member  128  extending along an inner portion of the leg  98 . In operation, the outer and inner members  126  and  128  facilitate the mounting of a desired rack mount device, such as the computer chassis  10  illustrated in FIGS.  2 - 4 . It also should be noted that these outer and inner members  126  and  128  may comprise a wide variety of tool-based and tool-free coupling members, latch mechanisms, receptacles, and other interfacing structures. However, the illustrated outer member  126  has receptacles  130  and  132  disposed in a spaced-apart relationship with the inner member  128 , such that a suitable tool-based or tool-free attachment member may be coupled with the front mount interface  116 . An attachment receptacle or mounting slot  134  is also provided in the illustrated inner member  128 , such that a mating attachment structure or latch can be engaged with the front mount interface  116 . Although not illustrated in FIG. 6, the front mount interface  114  also may have one or more of the foregoing inner and outer members  126  and  128  and corresponding mounting features.  
         [0030]    Accordingly, a desired rack mount device, such as the computer chassis  10  illustrated in FIGS.  2 - 4 , may be mounted to the rack structure  92  via the rails  102  and  104  and the front mount interfaces  114  and  116 . FIG. 7 is a close-up perspective view illustrating the computer chassis  10  and corresponding front mount  64  of FIGS. 2 and 4 coupled to the front mount interface  116  of FIGS. 5 and 6 in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. As illustrated, the computer chassis  10  and corresponding front mount  64  are mounted to leg  98  of the rail structure  92  via engagement of the threaded fastener  74  and latch mechanism  78  with the receptacle  132  and mounting slot  132 , respectively. For example, the threaded fastener  74  may comprise external threads, while the receptacle  132  or a separate fastener disposed behind the outer member  126  has internal threads. It should be noted that the threaded fastener  74  has an oversized graspable head, which facilitates hand-tightening and removal. Accordingly, the threaded fastener  74  may be secured and released from the receptacle  132  without using any tool. Alternatively, the fastener  74  may embody a snap-fit mechanism, a spring-loaded pin or latch, or another suitable tool-based or tool-free coupling mechanism. Regarding the latch mechanism  78 , the inner latch  86  may be snap-fitted or releasably disposed in the mounting slot  134 , while the outer latch or stop  90  may be disposed about the outer member  126  in a retaining manner. Again, although not illustrated in FIG. 7, the front mount  62  and front mount interface  114  also may be mounted together by one or more of the foregoing tool-based or tool-free mounting mechanisms. Accordingly, the illustrated computer chassis  10  is releasably coupled to the rack structure  92  at the front  24 , where a user can easily and tool-lessly insert and release the computer chassis  10  for sliding movement along the rails.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a rack mount computer system  136  having the computer chassis  10  and corresponding mount structures of FIGS.  1 - 4  and  6 - 7  coupled to the rack structure of FIG. 5. As illustrated, the computer chassis  10  is mounted to the rail structure  92  via engagement of the rails  46 - 48  with rails  102 - 104  and engagement of front mounts  62 - 64  with front mount interfaces  114 - 116 , respectively. As noted above, the illustrated rack mount computer system  136  may comprise a wide variety of form factors, external and internal features, casings, supports, electrical wiring, communication connectors, rack mount devices, device receptacles, and other desired components. For example, a front cover  140  and front mount covers  142  and  144  may be coupled to the front  24  of the computer chassis  10  and corresponding front mounts  62  and  64  of the rack mount computer system  136 , as illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 9. Although these covers  140 - 144  may have certain cosmetic features, they also have unique functional aspects that complement or interact with features of the computer chassis  10  and the front mounts  62  and  64 . For example, the front cover  140  may include vent openings  146 , which can channel airflow through/from internal fans and power supplies. Additionally, the front mount covers  142  and  144  may include fastener covers  148  and  150  and latch release actuators  152  and  154 , which can interact with the latch mechanisms  76  and  78  of the front mounts  62  and  64 , respectively. Receptacles  149  and  151  also may be provided for access to fasteners, such as threaded fasteners, disposed behind the fastener covers  148  and  150 . Other functional casings or covers are also within the scope of the illustrated embodiments. Moreover, the rack mount computer system  136  of the illustrated embodiments may be configured as a central computing system for a corporation, an academic institution, a government facility, an Internet-based company, or any other suitable application and environment.  
         [0032]    Turning now to FIGS.  10 - 15 , an alternative embodiment of the computer chassis  10  is illustrated in light of the following description. FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a tower base mount  156  coupled to the computer chassis  10  of FIG. 1 in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. As discussed above, the illustrated computer chassis  10  may comprise a wide variety of forms and structures, such as a form factor corresponding to a rack mountable device (e.g., a rack mount server). However, any suitable form or structure is within the scope of the illustrated embodiments. As illustrated, the tower base mount  156  comprises lateral support sections  158  and  160  extending outwardly from a central base section  162 . Depending on the form factor and weight distribution of the computer chassis  10 , the tower base mount  156  may comprise a wide variety of support structures or struts to provide additional lateral support and/or flexibility to mount the computer chassis  10  reliably in a vertical tower mount configuration. For example, the lateral support sections  158  and  160  may have outer strut members  164  and  166 , while the central base section  162  may have a channel support structure  168 . Moreover, a plurality of surface support members or feet  170 , such as rubber feet, can be coupled to various inner and outer portions of the tower base mount  156 .  
         [0033]    If one or more cosmetic and/or functional casings or additional support structure are desired, then the tower base  156  also may include a wide variety of tool-based and tool-free attachment mechanisms, such as snap-fit or spring-loaded latches. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the lateral support sections  158  and  160  comprise lateral slots  172  and lateral receptacles  174 . Each of these slots  172  and receptacles  174  may have additional attachment structures or mechanisms that enable external casings or structures to be mounted to the tower base mount  156 . For example, the lateral receptacles  174  may have inward tabs  176 , upward tabs  178 , and lateral tabs  180 . Accordingly, the computer chassis  10  and corresponding tower base mount  156  can be encased and further supported (if desired) for use in a wide variety of stand-alone vertically-mounted configurations, such as home or office computing environments. It should be noted that these attachment mechanisms (e.g., slots  172  and receptacles  174 ) and additional outer casings are particularly useful for applications having high user interaction and potential for physical abuse, such as public access computers.  
         [0034]    Similar to the mounting techniques illustrated in the embodiments of FIGS.  1 - 9 , the tower base mount  156  of FIG. 10 may be mounted to one or more of the chassis&#39; mounting latch members or coupling members, e.g., bossed members  36 ,  38 , and  40 . As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the tower base mount  156  has a plurality of mount mechanisms or mating latch members, such as keyhole slots  182 ,  184 , and  186 , which may be releasably coupled with the bossed members  36 , and  38 , and  40 , respectively. Again, similar to the rails  46  and  48 , each of the keyhole slots  182 ,  184 , and  186  have enlarged portions  188  and narrowed portions  190 . In assembly, the enlarged head portion of the bossed members  36 ,  38 , and  40  is releasably retained within the narrowed slot portion  190  of the keyhole slots  182 ,  184 , and  186 , respectively. For example, the tower base mount  156  can be mounted to either side  26  or  28  of the computer chassis  10  by aligning and engaging the enlarged portion  188  of the keyhole slots  182 ,  184 , and  186  with the bossed members  36 ,  38 , and  40 . If desired, the alignment process can be aided by viewing the keyhole slot  184  and the desired bossed member  38  through a view-hole or access-receptacle  192  disposed in the channel support structure  168  of the tower base mount  156 . Similarly, the keyhole slot  186  and the desired bossed member  40  may be viewed through an open end portion  194  of the channel support structure  168 . Once aligned and engaged, the tower base mount  156  can be interlocked with the computer chassis  10  by sliding the keyhole slots  182 ,  184 , and  186  along the bossed members  36 ,  38 , and  40  into the narrowed portion  190  of the keyhole slots  182 , 184 , and  186 . At this position, the retention of the bossed members  36 ,  38 , and  40  within the narrowed slot portion  190  of the keyhole slots  182 ,  184 , and  186  prevents any vertical or outward separation of the computer chassis  10  from the tower base mount  156 .  
         [0035]    Lateral retention within the keyhole slots  182 ,  184 , and  186  may be achieved by a variety of mechanisms. In certain embodiments, the keyhole slots  182 ,  184 , and  186  may restrict the lateral/transversal movement of the bossed members  36 ,  38 , and  40  from the narrowed slot portion  190  and into the enlarged slot portion  188 , at which point the computer chassis  10  and tower base mount  156  can be separated by an outward/vertical movement. For example, the bossed members  36 ,  38 , and  40  and corresponding keyhole slots  182 ,  184 , and  186  may be structured for a compressive-fit or snap-fit within the narrowed slot portion  190 . Alternatively, the tower base mount  156  may include a wide variety of additional tool-based or tool-free retaining mechanisms, such as a snap-fit mechanism, a spring-loaded latch or pin, threaded fasteners, or other suitable couplings. For example, externally threaded fasteners  196  and  198  may be disposed through the tower base mount  156  and into the computer chassis  10  to prevent lateral disengagement of the foregoing bossed members  36 ,  38 , and  40  from the narrowed slot portion  190  of the keyhole slots  182 ,  184 , and  186 , respectively. Any other suitable mounting and release mechanisms are also within the scope of the illustrated embodiment.  
         [0036]    Once assembled with the tower base mount  156 , the computer chassis  10  is essentially transformed into a tower mount computer system  200 . FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the tower mount computer system  200  incorporating the computer chassis  10  of FIG. 1 and the tower base mount  156  of FIGS.  10 - 11  in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. In the illustrated embodiment, the system  200  may have a relatively industrial or rugged configuration suitable for an industrial application, such as a stand-alone server disposed in a secure or inaccessible area. In this industrial configuration, the potential for physical damage and abuse is relatively low, because the computer chassis is disposed within the protective features of the rack structure  92 . Additional protective outer casings also may be provided around the rack structure  92 . In contrast, as mentioned above, the tower mount computer system  200  may be used in a relatively high traffic area, such as an academic or other publicly accessible setting, where non-technical users may subject the system  200  to significant physical wear and tear. Accordingly, a wide variety of casings and support structures may be disposed about the computer chassis  10  and the tower base mount  156  to adapt the system  200  to a desired application and environmental. For example, casings and structures may be provided to adapt the system  200  to potential food/drink spillage, tampering (e.g., child proof), physical contact (e.g., bumping or hitting), and so forth. These casing and structures also may provide a variety of labels, status indicators, instructions, color coding, and such to make the system  200  more user-friendly or suitable for the intended setting.  
         [0037]    As illustrated in FIGS.  13 - 15 , the computer chassis  10  and corresponding tower base mount  156  are encased in a variety of top mounted, side mounted, and front mounted panels or external casings. The features of these panels or casings may be particularly suitable for the desired setting, while also complementing various components of the computer chassis  10  and corresponding tower base mount  156 . FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a top cover or structure  202  coupled to the topside of the tower mount computer system of FIG. 12 in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Although a wide variety of attachment mechanisms are envisioned, the illustrated top cover or structure  202  can be mounted to the chassis  10  by sliding engagement of keyhole slots (not illustrated) with the bossed members  36 ,  38 , and  40  disposed on the topside of the computer chassis  10  (see FIG. 12). However, any suitable hook, snaps, latches, screws, or generally tool-based or tool-free attachment mechanisms may be used to attach the top cover or structure  202 . As illustrated, the top cover or structure  202  provides additional structural support and durability to the computer chassis  10 . The structure  202  also may provide various other features, such as tool-based or tool-free mounting mechanisms for other casing members (see FIG. 15).  
         [0038]    Turning now to the embodiment of FIG. 14, a front cover  204  is coupled to the front  24  of the tower mount computer system  200  of FIGS.  12 - 13  in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. As illustrated, the front cover  204  comprises a variety of features and structures, which interact and enhance the internal features of the computer chassis  10 . For example, the front cover  204  has a plurality of fan vents  206  (e.g., for directing airflow), a plurality of status indicators  208  (e.g., labels or indication text/symbols for status lights or light emission diodes), and various other desired features. Again, the front cover  204  may be coupled to the computer chassis  10  via a variety of tool-based or tool-free mounting mechanisms, such as snap-fit structures, latches, threaded fasteners, or any other suitable fasteners.  
         [0039]    The tower mount computer system  200  also may have one or more lateral panels or structures, such as lateral support structures or covers  210 . Among other features, these covers  210  may provide further lateral support and casing durability for the computer chassis  10  and the tower base mount  156 . Alternatively, the covers  210  may simply dress up the computer chassis  10  cosmetically for the desired environment, e.g., a home or office environment. FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating the lateral support structures  210  disposed about opposite faces of the tower mount computer system  200  of FIGS.  12 - 14  in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. As discussed in detail above, these lateral support structures  210  may be mounted to the tower base mount  156  via one or more of the slots  172  and receptacles  174 , which may interlock with one or more tool-based or tool-free fasteners on the structures  210  (not illustrated). Additionally, the lateral support structures  210  may be mounted to the topside of the computer chassis  10  via one or more tool-based or tool-free fasteners, such as snap-fit or spring-loaded latches. For example, the lateral support structures  210  of FIG. 15 may be coupled to a variety of male or female latch structures, such as members/receptacles  212  disposed on the top cover  202  (see FIG. 14). Once assembled, the tower mount computer system  200  has a relatively sturdy, cosmetically appealing, and user-friendly configuration for the desired setting and application.