초록 ▼

A computer is formed from modular parts that are vertically stacked relative to one another so that even a casual observer may become aware of all of the components of the observed computer system. Each part has a predetermined geometrical configuration and will interlock only with other parts of th

A computer is formed from modular parts that are vertically stacked relative to one another so that even a casual observer may become aware of all of the components of the observed computer system. Each part has a predetermined geometrical configuration and will interlock only with other parts of the same geometrical configuration. In this way, manufacturers of computer components may make parts that are compatible with one another in a common geometrical configuration so that a consumer buying a component need only match shapes to ensure compatibility. An added advantage of the structure is that it enables computer owners to visually display their computer components to their friends and associates, in contrast to present computer housings that hide components and make highly advanced computers look much like their outdated predecessors. A bus interconnects all components and a cooling shaft delivers cooling air to all components.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A computer, comprising:a stack formed by a plurality of vertically stacked modules, each module housing a component having utility in a computer system, and each module in said stack having a common predetermined geometric configuration;bus means for interconnecting each

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A computer, comprising:a stack formed by a plurality of vertically stacked modules, each module housing a component having utility in a computer system, and each module in said stack having a common predetermined geometric configuration;bus means for interconnecting each module of said plurality of vertically stacked modules to modules contiguous to it;a vertical cooling shaft formed in each module of said plurality of vertically stacked modules aligned with the cooling shafts in all modules thereby forming a vertical cooling shaft extending throughout the stack;mechanical interconnecting means for mechanically interconnecting each module to contiguous modules; andeach module in said stack cooperating with each other module in said stack so that a functional computer system is collectively formed by said stack of modules;each of said stacked modules visually displaying each component of said functional computer system; andsaid predetermined geometric configuration being unique to all modules compatible with each other, indicating the compatibility of modules having said predetermined geometric configuration and incompatible with modules having a different geometric configuration thereby permitting the use of a geometric configuration to indicate the compatibility or incompatibility of modules making up a computer.