Computer case panel system

Abstract

A computer chassis panel system of an embodiment of the disclosed technology includes one or more computer panels detachably attached to a front side of a computer chassis. The panel has a front side with indicia thereon and an opposite back side. A plurality of flanges including magnets and / or magnetisable materials extend from the back side. The front side of the computer case has entrances at positions matching the flanges, each entrance including a magnetic or magnetizable securing mechanism. Each pair of corresponding magnets in each pair of flange and inlet magnetically attracts each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed technology relates generally to computer panels and, more particularly, to a system for removably attaching one or more panels to a computer chassis. Background Art

[0002] As computers become more prevalent in everyday life, there is a greater need and desire for customizability in computer hardware. Such greater customizability would allow for easier identification of personal computer equipment and could foster greater engagement, care, and enjoyable use of one's own computer equipment. However, computer hardware is difficult and expensive to customize or custom order, and therefore, users must typically resort to pre-made and off-the-shelf hardware. Therefore, there is a need for a computer hardware system that is relatively easy to customize without requiring mass production of unique hardware components. Summary of the invention

[0003] The interchangeable panel system for a computer case of an embodiment of the disclosed technology includes a plurality of interchangeable panels, each panel having different markings on its front side. Each panel has a back side opposite to its front side, and a plurality of flanges extend outward from the back side. Each flange is closer to the corner of the back side than any other flange of the plurality of flanges on the back side of the panel. Each flange has a magnet or magnetizable material at the end extending away from the panel. The computer case is defined as a frame roughly in the shape of a rectangular prism that accommodates the internal components of the computer, such as one or more motherboards, a power supply, and a hard drive.

[0004] The disclosed technology also includes a plurality of inlets extending inwardly from a front side of a computer case, the front side of the computer case corresponding to a back side of each panel. Each of the inlets is closer to a corner of the front side of the computer case than any other inlet, and the distance between inlets in the plurality of inlets corresponds to the distance between flanges in the plurality of flanges. Each inlet has a fixing mechanism therein that fixes the front side of the computer case to the rest of the computer case. Each fixing mechanism is a magnet or magnetizable material, and each inlet corresponds to one of the plurality of flanges. At least one pair of corresponding magnetic poles is located in each pair of corresponding inlets and flanges.

[0005] In some embodiments, at least one securing mechanism is simultaneously magnetically connected to at least one of the flanges and the removably connectable separate front portion of the chassis. The at least one securing mechanism may be a magnetizable fastener.

[0006] In an embodiment, an edge of each of the plurality of interchangeable panels (ie, the edge between the front side and the back side of the panel) is tapered.

[0007] In some embodiments, there is a first electrical connector on the front side of the chassis and a second electrical connector on at least one of the plurality of panels, the two electrical connectors being electrically connected when the panel(s) are magnetically connected to the front side of the chassis via a plurality of fixing mechanisms and magnetic forces between a plurality of flanges. In some embodiments, the second electrical connector is electrically connected to at least one light on an edge of at least one panel.

[0008] In an embodiment, the at least one lamp is at least one lamp located on each of the top, bottom, left and right sides of the edge of the at least one panel. The at least one lamp can be attached to the edge or back side of the panel and can emit light onto a portion of the front of the chassis visible from the outside thereof.

[0009] In some embodiments, when one of the plurality of interchangeable panels is magnetically attached to the chassis, an access is formed between at least three sides of the panel and the chassis.

[0010] In some embodiments, at least one fan is fixedly connected to the chassis and is oriented so that when activated, the fan blows air from the interior of the chassis toward one of the plurality of interchangeable panels. The air can be at least substantially exhausted through an inlet between at least three sides of one of the plurality of interchangeable panels and the chassis.

[0011] In other words, the detachably connectable panel system for a computer case of an embodiment of the disclosed technology includes a panel having indicia on its front side. The panel has a back side opposite the front side, and a plurality of flanges extend outwardly from the back side. Each flange is closer to a corner of the back side than any other flange. Each flange has a magnet or magnetizable material at its end farthest from the panel.

[0012] A computer case of an embodiment of the disclosed technology has a front side with a plurality of inlets extending inwardly therefrom. The front side of the computer case corresponds to the back side of the panel. Each inlet includes a fixing mechanism adapted to fix the front side of the computer case to the rest of the case. Each fixing mechanism is a magnet of a magnetizable material. In an embodiment, each inlet corresponds to one of the plurality of flanges, and at least one corresponding pair of magnetic poles is located in each corresponding pair of inlets and flanges.

[0013] In an embodiment, the area of ​​the back side of the panel is smaller than the area of ​​the front side of the computer chassis.

[0014] In an embodiment, when the panel is removably attached to the front of the computer case, the distance from the center of the computer case to a plane where most of the computer case front lies is greater than the distance from the center of the computer case to the furthest extension of the panel.

[0015] In an embodiment, at least one fixing mechanism is simultaneously magnetically connected to at least one of the flanges and the removably connectable separate front portion of the chassis. At least one of the fixing mechanisms may be a magnetizable fastener.

[0016] The edge between the front and back sides of the panel may be tapered such that a majority of the edge has a linearly decreasing cross-sectional area between the front and back sides of the panel.

[0017] In some embodiments, when the panel is magnetically connected to the front side of the chassis by a plurality of fixing mechanisms and a magnetic force between a plurality of flanges, a first electrical connector on the front side of the chassis and a second electrical connector on the panel are electrically connected. The second electrical connector can be electrically connected to at least one light on an edge of the panel, which can be at least one light on each of the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the panel edge.

[0018] In various embodiments, when the panel is magnetically attached to the chassis, an access opening is formed between at least three sides of the panel and the chassis.

[0019] At least one fan may be fixedly connected to the chassis and directed so that when activated, the fan blows air from the interior of the chassis toward the panel. The air may be at least substantially exhausted through an inlet between at least three sides of the panel and the chassis.

[0020] Described in another way, the panel of an embodiment of the disclosed technology has a front side and a back side, the back side being opposite the front side with an edge therebetween. The front side has indicia thereon, and the back side has a plurality of flanges extending therefrom. The back side is similar to the front side and is smaller in area than the front side, and the front side and the back side have the same number of corners. The edge is tapered. The flanges are substantially disposed at the corners and extend from the back side in a direction opposite to the front side, each flange comprising a magnet or magnetizable material. The panel is adapted to be removably connected to a computer at its magnetizable inlets, each inlet corresponding to one of the flanges.

[0021] "Panel" is defined as a sheet of rigid material, the majority of which extends in a single plane, adapted to be attached to the front side of a computer case. "Interchangeable" is defined as having a substantially similar shape and / or adapted to be removably attached to one or more other objects in the same manner as other said interchangeable objects. "Magnet" is defined as a material having a composition that exhibits magnetic properties, including attraction to other such materials. "Securing mechanism" is defined as a mechanism for connecting a first object and a second object such that said objects remain substantially rigid relative to each other unless subjected to an external force substantially greater than the normal force and / or gravity acting on one or both of said objects. "Magnetic pole" is defined as a region of a magnet from which magnetic force is directed or emanates, represented by one of the terms "North" and "South", with each North pole being attracted to / corresponding to at least one South pole and vice versa. "Similar to" is defined as having consistent angles and equal length ratios of corresponding sides. "Tapered" is defined as having a substantially decreasing cross-sectional area for a majority of the edges extending between the front and back sides on each of a plurality of interchangeable panels and / or on a single panel.

[0022] Any means or step of the method described in the present disclosure may include or consist of a part of which it is a part, or include or consist of a part of the means or step.The term "and / or" includes the items it is linguistically connected as well as each item itself. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 A top front perspective view of a computer case showing a split panel and front side of an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

[0024] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A rear bottom perspective view of a computer case with separated panels and front side.

[0025] Figure 3 A top front perspective view of the front side of a computer case illustrating an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

[0026] Figure 4 A rear perspective view of a panel showing an embodiment of the disclosed technology is shown.

[0027] Figure 5 A top front perspective view of a combined panel and computer case front side showing an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

[0028] Figure 6 Shows Figure 4 A close-up portion of a rear perspective view of a panel.

[0029] Figure 7 Shows Figure 3 A close up portion of a top front perspective view of the front side of a computer case.

[0030] Figure 8 Shows Figure 4 Exploded front perspective view of the panel.

[0031] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of the rear bottom of the panel.

[0032] Fig.10 Shows Figure 5 1 and 1. An exploded perspective view of the front left side of the assembly panel and the front side of the computer case.

[0033] Fig.11 Shows Figure 5 1 and 1. An exploded perspective view of the rear left side of the assembly panel and the front side of the computer case. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The computer case panel system of an embodiment of the disclosed technology includes one or more computer panels that are removably attached to the front side of the computer case. The panel has a front side with markings thereon and an opposite back side. A plurality of flanges including magnets and / or magnetizable materials extend from the back side. The front side of the computer case has an inlet at a position that matches the flange, and each inlet includes a magnetic or magnetizable fixing mechanism. Each pair of corresponding magnets in each pair of flanges and inlets are magnetically attracted to each other.

[0035] Embodiments of the disclosed technology will become more apparent in view of the following description of the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 A top front perspective view of a computer case showing a split panel and front side of an embodiment of the disclosed technology. Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 1. A rear bottom perspective view of a computer case with a separated panel and front side. The panel 10 has a front side 20 and an opposing back side 30 with a tapered edge 75 located therebetween. The back side 30 has a plurality of flanges 80 extending outwardly in a direction opposite to the front side 20. Each flange 80 has a magnet or magnetizable material 90. The magnet or magnetizable material 90 may be removably attached or embedded within the flange 80, or may be otherwise fixed or removably attached to the flange 80. In some embodiments, a portion, a majority, or the entirety of one or more flanges 80 may be made of or be a magnet or magnetizable material 90.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the panel 10 has four flanges 80, and the flanges 80 are positioned at or near the corners of the back side 30. In other embodiments, the panel 10 may have any number of flanges 80, the flanges 80 may be positioned in any arrangement, or positioned anywhere on the back side 30 or edge 75 of the panel 10.

[0038] The front side 20 of the panel 10 has indicia 200 thereon. There may be multiple panels 10 that are removably attached to the front side of the computer case 100. Each individual panel 10 may have different indicia 200 on its front side 20. Each may also differ in indicia on the tapered edge 75 and / or its back side 30. All elements of each panel 10 may differ in its single color or multiple colors, its design, its material, its opacity, its protrusions, its engravings, and / or any other appearance. In some embodiments, the shape of some or more of the panels 10 or their cutouts are different.

[0039] The front side of the computer case 100 includes an inlet 110 that includes a magnetic or magnetizable fastener 120. Each fastener 120 may be adapted to hold together two or more elements of the front side of the computer case 100. In the illustrated embodiment, each inlet 110 is positioned to correspond to one of the flanges 80. In some embodiments, one or more panels 10 may have a different number of flanges 80 that does not exceed the number of inlets 110 on the front side of the computer case 100.

[0040] The front side of the computer case 100 and the back side 30 of the panel(s) 10 include electronic couplings 180, 190 at corresponding locations, respectively, so that the panel 10 is removably attached to the front side of the computer case 100 by magnetic forces between the magnets 90 and the magnetic fasteners 120 in the flange 80 and the inlet 110, respectively. In some embodiments, each of the electronic couplings 180, 190 may be located at any location thereof and / or may have multiple couplings 180 or 190. In some embodiments, the couplings 180, 190 may be located in one or more of the inlet 110 and / or the flange 180, respectively. One or more panels 10 may have the same number of couplings 190, more couplings 190, or fewer couplings 190 than the front side of the computer case 100 has.

[0041] Each panel 10 has an upper edge 60, a lower edge 70, a right edge 40, and a left edge 50. One or more panels 10 can be arranged so that when the upper edge 60 is arranged above the lower edge 70 or when the lower edge 70 is arranged above the upper edge 60, the panel 10 can be removably connected to the front side of the computer case 100 through the flange 80 and the entrance 100. "Upper" and "lower" are defined relative to the surface on which the front side of the computer case 100 is located.

[0042] In the embodiment shown, the front side of the computer case 100 can be removably attached to the rest of the computer case via attachments 160. In an embodiment, the front side of the computer case 100 can be fixedly attached to the rest of the computer case so that it can only be removed from the rest of the computer case by deforming it. In the embodiment shown, the front side of the computer case 100 includes a plurality of ports and buttons 170 at its top. The plurality of ports and buttons 170 are only available when the front side of the computer case 100 is connected to the rest of the computer case via attachments 160, and some or all of them are available regardless of whether the panel 10 is attached to the front side of the computer case 100.

[0043] Figure 3 A top front perspective view of the front side of a computer case of an embodiment of the disclosed technology is shown. The front side of the case 100 includes a large inlet 130 sized to accommodate part or all of the panel 10. The inlet 130 has edges 140. In the embodiment shown, all edges 140 are tapered, but in other embodiments, some or none of the edges may be non-tapered, or they may be tapered differently than other edges 140.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the front side of the case 100 includes a plurality of fans 150. The fans 150 are positioned to blow air from the interior of the computer case toward the inlet 130 when activated. In the illustrated embodiment, the fans 150 are of the same size and are arranged in a straight line vertically relative to the surface on which the computer case is placed. In other embodiments, the fans 150 can be of any size or shape and can be arranged in any position, as long as they are arranged to blow air from the interior of the computer case toward the inlet 130 when activated.

[0045] Figure 4 A rear perspective view of a panel of an embodiment of the disclosed technology is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the back side 30 of the panel 10 includes a plurality of regions 220 of varying thickness. In further embodiments, the panel 10 may have regions of varying thickness throughout, based on considerations including, but not limited to, design, weight, materials used, construction / production / assembly methods, internal air circulation and / or temperature regulation, and customizability.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the edge 75 of the panel 10 is tapered at substantially the same angle and has rounded corners. In various embodiments, the edge 75 of the panel 10 may include a non-tapered portion and / or may include multiple tapered portions having different taper angles.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, each panel 10 is shown having four flanges 80, each flange 80 being closer to its corner than any other flange. In various other embodiments, one or more panels 10 may have more or fewer flanges 80 than other panels 10, as long as the number of flanges 80 of the panel 10 does not exceed the number of inlets 110 on the front side of the computer case 100.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic coupling 180 on the front side of the computer case 100 is in the form of a male connector, while the electronic coupling 190 on the back side 30 of the panel 10 is in the form of a female connector so that they can mate to form part of an electrical circuit. In some embodiments, each or more of the electronic couplings 180 on the front side of the computer case 100 and each or more of the electronic couplings 190 on the back side 30 of the panel 10 can be in the form of a male connector or a female connector, or any other form of connector so that each corresponding connector of each pair can mate with the other corresponding connector to form part of an electrical circuit.

[0049] Figure 5 A top front perspective view of a combined panel and computer case front side showing an embodiment of the disclosed technology. Figure 6 Shows Figure 4 A close-up portion of a rear perspective view of a panel. Figure 7 Shows Figure 3 100. In the illustrated embodiment, when the panel 10 is connected to the front side of the computer case 100, a gap 145 exists between the front side of the computer case 100 and each of the four sides 40, 50, 60, 70 of the panel 10. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the gap 145 between one or more sides 40, 50, 60, 70 of the panel 10 can extend to the larger interior entrance 130. In further embodiments, one or more sides 40, 50, 60, 70 of the panel 10 can be blocked such that the corresponding edge of the panel 10 extends to substantially contact or be flush with the edge 140 of the larger entrance 130. In further embodiments, when the panel 10 is connected to the front side of the case 100 via the flange 80 and the entrance 110, one or more of the edges 40, 50, 60, 70 of the panel 10 can be substantially unobstructed, except for the flange 80 and one or more of the electronic couplings 180, 190.

[0050] Figure 8 Shows Figure 4 Exploded front perspective view of the panel. Fig. 9 Shows Figure 41. In the embodiment shown, the panel 10 includes apertures 210 substantially at its edges, as well as apertures 210 at locations corresponding to the indicia 200 on the front side 20 of the panel 10. In other embodiments, the lights 210 may be located at other locations within the panel 10. Some or more of the lights 210 may have different colors and / or brightness, and / or may be variable in their color and / or brightness.

[0051] In this embodiment, all lights 210 are powered by a single connection between a connector 190 on the front side of the computer case 100 and a connector 180 on the back side 30 of the panel 10. In other embodiments, there may be connections between multiple connectors 190 on the front side of the computer case 100 and multiple connectors 180 on the back side 30 of the panel 10, each connection being connected to one or more portions of the lights 210 in the panel 10 through at least one circuit.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the panel 10 includes a plurality of sections between which the lamps 210 are interposed. In some embodiments, the sections of the panel 10 are removably attached, and / or the sets of lamps 210 can be removably inserted therein.

[0053] Fig.10 Shows Figure 5 1 and 1. An exploded perspective view of the front left side of the assembly panel and the front side of the computer case. Fig.11 Shows Figure 5 FIG. 1 is an exploded left rear perspective view of a combined panel and the front side of a computer case. In the illustrated embodiment, the front side of the computer case 100 includes multiple parts, including a set of fans 150, an internal component 104, and an external component 102. One or more of these components can be removably connected by a magnetized fixing mechanism 120. In other embodiments, one or more of these components can be removably attached, or can be fixedly connected to each other so that they are substantially non-detachable from each other unless irreversibly deformed by other fixing mechanisms, and the magnetic component 120 in the inlet 110 can be a component other than a fixing mechanism.

[0054] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "substantially" is defined as "between 95% and 100%" of the term that it modifies.

[0055] Any device or aspect of the technology may "include" or "consist of" the item it modifies, whether or not explicitly written as such.

[0056] When the term "or" is used, it means that either or both of the two conditions it connects can be true.

[0057] Although the disclosed technology has been disclosed with specific reference to the above-described embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed technology. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative only and not restrictive. All changes within the meaning and equivalent range of the claims are intended to be included within the scope of the claims. The combination of any of the above methods and devices is also within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An interchangeable panel system for a computer case, comprising: a plurality of interchangeable panels having different indicia on a front side of each of said panels; a plurality of flanges extending outwardly from a back side of each of said panels, said back side being opposite said front side, each of said plurality of flanges being closer to a corner of said back side than any other of said plurality of flanges; a magnet or magnetizable material located at an end of each flange of the plurality of flanges; a plurality of inlets extending inwardly from a front side of the computer case, the front side of the computer case corresponding to a back side of each of the panels, each of the plurality of inlets being closer to a corner of the front side of the computer case than any other of the plurality of inlets, the plurality of inlets being spaced apart from one another at distances corresponding to spaced apart from one another by the plurality of flanges; a securing mechanism, located in each of the plurality of said inlets, securing the front side of said computer case to the remainder of said computer case; Wherein, each of the fixing mechanisms comprises a magnet or a magnetizable material; Each of the plurality of inlets corresponds to one of the plurality of flanges, and at least one corresponding magnetic pole pair is located in each corresponding pair of inlets and flanges.

2. The panel system according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the securing mechanisms is simultaneously magnetically connected to at least one of the flanges and to a removably connectable separate front portion of the chassis.

3. The panel system according to claim 2, wherein: Said at least one of said securing mechanisms is a magnetizable fastener.

4. The panel system according to claim 1, wherein: An edge of each of the plurality of interchangeable panels is tapered, the edge being located between the front side and the back side of each of the panels.

5. The panel system according to claim 1, wherein: When one of the plurality of panels is magnetically connected to the front side of the chassis through the magnetic force between the plurality of fixing mechanisms and the plurality of flanges, the first electrical connector on the front side of the chassis and the second electrical connector on at least one of the plurality of panels are electrically connected.

6. The panel system according to claim 1, wherein: The second electrical connector is electrically connected to at least one lamp on an edge of at least one panel of the plurality of panels.

7. The panel system according to claim 6, wherein: said at least one etc. including at least one light on each of the top, bottom, left and right sides of an edge of one of said plurality of panels; as well as Wherein, at least one of the lamps is attached to an edge or back side of the panel, emitting light onto a portion of the front side of the chassis visible from the outside thereof.

8. The panel system according to claim 4, wherein: One of a plurality of said interchangeable panels is magnetically attached to said chassis; and An access opening is formed between at least three sides of one of the plurality of interchangeable panels and the chassis.

9. The panel system according to claim 8, wherein: At least one fan is fixedly attached to the chassis and is oriented so that when activated, the fan blows air from the interior of the chassis toward one of the plurality of interchangeable panels, the air being at least substantially exhausted through the inlet between at least three sides of one of the plurality of interchangeable panels and the chassis.

10. A removably attachable panel system for a computer case, comprising: a panel having indicia on a front side thereof; a plurality of flanges extending outwardly from a back side of the panel, the back side being opposite the front side, each of the plurality of flanges being closer to a corner of the back side than any other flange of the plurality of flanges; a magnet or magnetizable material located at an end of each flange of the plurality of flanges; a plurality of inlets extending inwardly from a front side of the computer case, the front side of the computer case corresponding to a back side of the panel; a securing mechanism, located in each of the plurality of said inlets, adapted to secure the front side of said computer case to the remainder of said computer case; Wherein, each of the fixing mechanisms comprises a magnet or a magnetizable material; Each of the plurality of inlets corresponds to one of the plurality of flanges, and at least one corresponding magnetic pole pair is located in each corresponding pair of the inlets and the flanges.

11. The panel system according to claim 10, wherein: The area of ​​the back side of the panel is smaller than the area of ​​the front side of the computer case.

12. The panel system according to claim 10, wherein: The panel is removably attached to the front side of the computer case; Wherein, the distance from the center of the computer case to the plane where most of the front side of the computer case is located is greater than the distance from the center of the computer case to the farthest extending part of the panel.

13. The panel system according to claim 10, wherein: At least one of the securing mechanisms is simultaneously magnetically connected to at least one of the flanges and to a removably connectable separate front portion of the chassis.

14. The panel system according to claim 13, wherein: At least one of the securing mechanisms is a magnetizable fastener.

15. The panel system according to claim 10, wherein: The edges of the panels are tapered, the edges being located between the front side and the back side of each of the panels; Therein, tapering is defined as a majority of the edge having a linearly decreasing cross-sectional area between the front and back sides of the panel.

16. The panel system according to claim 10, wherein: When the panel is magnetically connected to the front side of the chassis by the magnetic force between the plurality of fixing mechanisms and the plurality of flanges, the first electrical connector on the front side of the chassis and the second electrical connector on the panel are electrically connected.

17. The panel system according to claim 10, wherein: The second electrical connector is electrically connected to at least one light at an edge of the panel.

18. The panel system according to claim 17, wherein: The at least one light includes at least one light located on each of the top, bottom, left and right sides of the edge of the panel.

19. The panel system according to claim 15, wherein: The panel is magnetically attached to the chassis; and An inlet is formed between at least three sides of the panel and the chassis.

20. The panel system according to claim 19, wherein: At least one fan is fixedly attached to the chassis and oriented so that when activated, the fan blows air from the interior of the chassis toward the panel, with the air at least substantially exhausted through the inlet between at least three sides of the panel and the chassis.

21. A panel comprising: the front side, on which there are markings; a back side, opposite the front side, having a plurality of flanges extending from the back side; as well as an edge, between the front side and the back side; wherein the back side is similar to the front side and has a smaller area than the front side; wherein the front side and the back side include the same number of corners; wherein the edge is tapered; wherein the flange is substantially disposed at the corner and extends from the back side in a direction opposite to the front side; Wherein, each of the flanges further comprises a magnet; Wherein, the panel is adapted to be removably connected to a computer case at its magnetizable inlets, each of the inlets corresponding to one of the flanges.

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