Cover for PCI express connector
View Patent ↗A parallelepiped-shaped plastic cover for a PCI express ×16 connector array has a top defining a window. Some but not all of the connector array elements are blocked by the top when the cover is positioned over the connector array, so that in the event that the associated computer is not configured for receiving components requiring connections to all elements of the PCI express ×16 connector array, a user cannot unwittingly plug such a component into the PCI express connector array but can only plug in, through the window, components requiring fewer than all connector elements.
1. A computer connector system, comprising:
at least one peripheral component interconnect (PCI) express connector assembly having first connector elements and second connector elements together defining a ×16 PCI express connector array, with the first connector elements being configured to support connectors smaller than ×16 PCI express connectors, at least some elements being electrically connected to at least a first computer component; and
a hollow cover configured for closely receiving the PCI express connector assembly in an interference fit, the cover defining a top, the top being solid except for at least one window formed therein to permit access to the first connector elements when the cover is engaged with the connector but to not permit access to the second connector elements when the cover is engaged with the connector.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the cover has two short sides parallel to each other and two long sides parallel to each other, each side being orthogonal to its adjoining sides, the cover having a substantially completely open bottom opposite the top to receive the connector through the open bottom.
3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the cover is plastic.
4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the cover is made of a single unitary piece of plastic.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the top bears indicia representing instructions for use.
6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the instructions for use relate to removing the cover.