Patent ID: 8215727

Claim:
A data storage system comprising: an enclosure for housing at least one or more chassis modules; a chassis module having a slot to receive a storage device without the use of a carrier, the chassis module including clips that facilitate interconnection of the chassis module with another chassis module in a stack configuration; a connector for direct connection with the storage device when the storage device is installed in the chassis module, the connector providing at least one of electrical connections and data connections for the storage device; the chassis module including a latch for selectively securing the storage device within the chassis module and releasing the storage device from the chassis module, the latch including a latch release tab and a flange, the latch release tab and the flange integrated into a single resilient latch component that deflects when the storage device is being inserted such that the flange is moved to allow insertion of the storage device into the chassis module and, once inserted, the component returns to its original shape such that the flange blocks at least part of the slot and holds the storage device in the chassis module, wherein the latch release tab allows the component to be manually deflected to move the flange away from the slot to release the storage device; a front plate having a large opening through which the storage device can be inserted into the chassis module and a latch opening through which the latch release tab protrudes through the front plate so as to allow such releasing of the storage device; and the chassis module including an ejection mechanism for ejecting the storage device when storage device is released, whereby the storage device can be installed without use of separate connectors and cables.