Computer enclosure with removable side panel

Abstract

A computer enclosure includes a front panel ( 10 ), a side panel ( 20 ), and a latch ( 30 ). The front panel has a flange ( 11 ). The flange defines a slot ( 111 ) therein. The side panel has a flange holder ( 23 ) corresponding to the flange. The latch is attached to the side panel. The latch has a clasp ( 36 ) corresponding to the slot. The clasp is engaged in the slot for preventing the side panel from moving in a first direction, and the flange holder cooperates with the flange for restricting movement of the side panel in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

1 . A computer enclosure, comprising:
 a front panel having a flange, the flange defining a slot;   a side panel having a flange holder corresponding to the flange; and   a latch attached to the side panel, the latch having a clasp corresponding to the slot,   wherein the clasp is engaged in the slot for preventing the side panel from moving in a first direction, and the flange holder cooperates with the flange for restricting movement of the side panel in a second direction opposite to the first direction.   
   
   
       2 . The computer enclosure as described in  claim 1 , wherein the side panel defines an opening, and the latch has a button accessible through the opening. 
   
   
       3 . The computer enclosure as described in  claim 1 , wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the front panel. 
   
   
       4 . The computer enclosure as described in  claim 1 , wherein at least one tab is formed on the clasp. 
   
   
       5 . The computer enclosure as described in  claim 4 , wherein a bevel edge is formed in a front portion of the tab. 
   
   
       6 . The computer enclosure as described in  claim 5 , wherein a vertical engaging edge opposite to the bevel edge is formed on the tab for engaging with an edge of the slot. 
   
   
       7 . The computer enclosure as described in  claim 1 , wherein the latch further comprises a fixing portion for attaching the latch to the side panel. 
   
   
       8 . The computer enclosure as described in  claim 1 , wherein the latch is attached to an inner side of the side panel. 
   
   
       9 . The computer enclosure as described in  claim 1 , wherein a restricting clip is perpendicularly bent from the side panel with a free distal end parallel to the side panel for restricting movement of the latch. 
   
   
       10 . A latch assembly of a computer enclosure, comprising:
 a front panel defining a slot therein; and   a side panel having a latch thereon, the latch being flexible in a direction perpendicular to the side panel, a clasp being formed at an end portion of the latch, wherein the clasp has a bevel portion for lifting up the clasp and a vertical portion for engaging with an edge of the slot.   
   
   
       11 . The latch assembly as described in  claim 10 , wherein the front panel has a flange perpendicular thereto, and a slot is defined therein. 
   
   
       12 . The latch assembly as described in  claim 11 , wherein the engaging portion has a tab, and the bevel portion and the vertical portion are formed thereon. 
   
   
       13 . The latch assembly as described in  claim 12 , wherein a plurality of flange holders is formed on the side panel for holding the flange of the front panel. 
   
   
       14 . The latch assembly as described in  claim 10 , wherein the side panel defines an opening, and the latch has a button accessible through the opening. 
   
   
       15 . The latch assembly as described in  claim 10 , wherein the latch further comprises a fixing portion for attaching the latch to the side panel. 
   
   
       16 . The latch assembly as described in  claim 10 , wherein the latch is attached to an inner side of the side panel. 
   
   
       17 . The latch assembly as described in  claim 10 , wherein a restricting clip is perpendicularly bent from the side panel with free distal end parallel to the side panel for restricting movement of the latch. 
   
   
       18 . An electronic device comprising:
 an enclosure of said electronic device enclosing said electronic device;   a panel removably attachable to said enclosure and extending along a side of said enclosure in order to cover said side of said enclosure when said panel is attached to said side of said enclosure, and to reveal an interior of said enclosure via said side of said enclosure when said panel is detached from said side of said enclosure;   a latch selectively attachable to one of said panel and a portion of said enclosure neighboring said side of said enclosure, and installable to be flush with said side of said enclosure without disturbing in a first position thereof, said latch being movable between said first position thereof where said latch is able to engage with the other of said panel and said portion of said enclosure to secure said panel to said enclosure, and a second position thereof where said latch moves toward said interior of said enclosure to release said panel from said enclosure, said latch defining a button thereat to be exposable from said one of said panel and said portion of said enclosure in order to be user-accessible for triggering movement of said latch from said first position thereof to said second position thereof.   
   
   
       19 . The electronic device as described in  claim 18 , wherein said portion of said enclosure is another panel of said enclosure extending perpendicular to said side of said enclosure. 
   
   
       20 . The electronic device as described in  claim 18 , wherein said button of said latch is exposable from an opening formed at said one of said panel and said portion of said enclosure, and is flush with an inner bottom of said opening without protruding therefrom.