Computer enclosure with drive bracket

A computer enclosure comprise:

• a front panel defining at least one opening and comprising a plurality of clips arranged adjacent the at least one opening, each of the clips comprising a projection and a protrusion;
• and
• at least one drive bracket comprising a plurality of panels defining a space therebetween adapted to receive at least one data storage device therein, each of the panels comprising a bent plate arranged adjacent the front panel, each of the panels further comprising a recessed portion defining a cutout, each of the bent plates comprising a slot and a slanted portion adjacent the slot, the slanted portion defining a notch therein,
• wherein the clips extend through the slots of the recessed portions, the projections engage with the panels of the at least one drive bracket in the cutouts whereby the at least one drive bracket is prevented from moving relative to the front panel in a first direction, and the protrusions engage with the bent plates in the notches whereby the at least one drive bracket is prevented from moving relative to the front panel in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

A method of making an computer enclosure, comprising the steps of:

• providing a front panel with upper and lower openings extending therethrough in a front-to-back direction;
• attaching upper and lower vertical plates on a rear face of the front panel in alignment with the corresponding upper and lower openings, respectively;
• providing U-shaped upper and lower drive brackets pre-assembled together, each with parallel and opposite top and bottom walls interconnected by a side wall, said side wall being opposite to the corresponding vertical plate after assembled;
• and
• providing the front panel, the vertical plates and the upper and lower drive brackets with snap-in locking means to allow said pre-assembled upper and lower drive bracket to be secured to the front panel in a back-to-front direction;
• wherein
• the upper and lower vertical plate cooperate with the U-shaped upper and lower drive brackets to individually define a fully circumferential periphery for fully circumferentially receiving a corresponding data drive therein.