Patent Grant
8353492
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to racks and enclosures, and more particularly to racks and enclosures used to house data processing, networking and telecommunications equipment.
2. Discussion of Related Art
Equipment enclosures for electronic equipment, such as data processing, networking and telecommunications equipment have been in use for years. Over the years, a number of different standards have been developed to enable equipment manufacturers to design rack mountable equipment that can be mounted in standard racks manufactured by different manufacturers. One such standard is the Electronic Industries Association's EIA-310-D standard which defines parameters for what has become an industry standard nineteen inch rack.
Nineteen inch racks are used extensively in data centers and other facilities. With the proliferation of the Internet, it is not uncommon for a data center to contain hundreds of these racks. Further, with the ever decreasing size of computer equipment, and in particular, computer servers, the number of electrical connectors mounted in each rack has been increasing, raising additional power distribution, cooling and cable distribution concerns at the rack level. With these increasing concerns, there is a need for equipment racks that are flexible enough to satisfy a variety of different requirements, capable of meeting industry standards, and sufficiently simple in design to be cost effective, given the quantities of these racks that may be used in a facility.
A first aspect of the invention is directed to an improved equipment enclosure for housing electronic components. The enclosure includes a front assembly having a front frame, the front assembly defining a front of the enclosure, and a rear assembly having a rear frame. The enclosure further includes at least two side brace members wherein each side brace member has a first end and a second, opposite end. A first connector is adapted to releasably connect the first end of one of the side brace members to the front frame. A second connector is adapted to releasably connect the second end of the one of the side brace members to the rear frame.
Embodiments of the enclosure may include a plurality of panels releasably attachable to at least one of the front frame, the rear frame, and one of the side brace members to cover open sides of the enclosure. At least one spring finger, coupled to one of the plurality of side panels and at least one of the front frame, the rear frame, and one of the side brace members, provides electrical continuity between the side panels and the at least one of the front frame, the rear frame, and one of the side brace members. Each connector may include an upper tab mounted on one of the front and rear frames, and a top flange formed on the one of the side brace members. The top flange has a downwardly opening channel adapted to receive the upper tab when connecting the one of the side brace members to the one of the front and rear frames. Each connector may further include a lower tab mounted on the one of the front and rear frames, the lower tab having a boss formed thereon, and an opening formed in the one of the side brace members below the top flange. The opening is adapted to receive the boss therein when connecting the one of the side brace members to the one of the front and rear frames. Each connector may further include a channel member mounted on the one of the side brace members. The channel member is adapted to receive the one of the front and rear frames therein when connecting the one of the side brace members to the one of the front and rear frames. A fastener is attached to the one of the front and rear frames. The arrangement is such that the channel member has a finger projecting from the channel member, with the finger being adapted to hook onto the fastener. The fastener is adapted to be tightened to secure the finger in place.
At least one mounting flange may be releasably mounted on one of the side brace members within an interior of the enclosure. The at least one mounting flange is adapted to support equipment in the enclosure. The at least one mounting flange comprises a clamping assembly to releasably clamp the at least one mounting flange to the one of the side brace members. The clamping assembly comprises a clamping bracket having teeth formed along an upper edge of the clamping bracket. The teeth of the clamping bracket are adapted to mesh with teeth formed in the one of the side brace members to clamp the at least one mounting flange to the one of the side brace members. The clamping assembly further comprises a latch member connected to the clamping bracket. The latch member and the clamping bracket are positioned within a vertical slot formed in the at least one mounting flange, and moveable between a non-clamping position in which the teeth of the clamping bracket are spaced from the teeth of the one of the side brace members and a clamping position in which the teeth of the clamping bracket mesh with the teeth of the one of the side brace members. A viewing slot may be formed in the at least one mounting flange to view whether the latch member and clamping bracket are in the non-clamping position or the clamping position.
A positioning system may also be provided to position the at least one mounting flange within the enclosure. The positioning system includes at least two openings formed in the at least one mounting flange, and at least two different, alternating symbols which form a line of symbols along the one of the side brace members. The symbols and openings being constructed and arranged to show one symbol through one opening to indicate a position of the at least one mounting flange along the one of the side brace members. The positioning system includes three openings and three different symbols, the symbols and openings being constructed and arranged to show a different symbol through a different opening when moving the at least one mounting flange an incremental distance along the length of the one of the side brace members. The at least one mounting flange further may include a hook member adapted to ride along a lower edge of the one of the side brace members.
At least one cable organizer can be releasably mounted on one of the side brace members within an interior region of the enclosure. The cable organizer is adapted to support and tie-off cables. The at least one cable organizer includes a clamping assembly to releasably clamp the cable organizer to the one of the side brace members. The clamping assembly includes a clamping bracket having teeth formed along an upper edge of the clamping bracket. The teeth of the clamping bracket are adapted to mesh with teeth formed in the one of the side brace members to clamp the at least one cable organizer to the one of the side brace members. The clamping assembly further includes a fastener connected to the clamping bracket. The fastener and the clamping bracket are positioned within a vertical slot formed in the at least one cable organizer, and moveable between a non-clamping position in which the teeth of the clamping bracket are spaced from the teeth of the one of the side brace members and a clamping position in which the teeth of the clamping bracket mesh with the teeth of the one of the side brace members.
Other embodiments include a roof releasably attached to the front and rear frames. The roof has a first end and a second end opposite the first end with at least one tab formed at the first end of the roof. The tab is adapted to fit within a slot formed in one of the front and rear frames. The roof has at least one fastener provided at the second end of the roof, the fastener being adapted to be releasably inserted within an opening formed in the other frame of the front and rear frames. The roof may be formed with at least one cutout provided along an edge of the roof to receive a cable therethrough. The arrangement is such that the roof is removable from the enclosure without disconnecting the cable. A cutout cover may be provided to selectively cover the at least one cutout. The cutout cover includes a plurality of keys constructed and arranged to selectively cover the cutout. Each key has a retaining clip to releasably attach the key to the roof. At least one spring finger, coupled to one of the roof and one of the front and rear frames, provides electrical continuity between the roof and one of the front and rear frames. In another embodiment, at least one roof bridge member is releasably attached to the front and rear frames.
At least one leveling foot may be mounted on one of the front and rear frames. The leveling foot is adapted to level the enclosure, after receiving electronic components within the enclosure.
At least one hinge, coupled to the front frame, is adapted to releasably hinge a front door to the front frame. Specifically, the front frame includes a left side rail member and a right side rail member. The at least one hinge is reversible to mount on one of the left side rail member and the right side rail member of the front frame. Each hinge comprises a pin releasably mounted on one of the left and right side rail members and a barrel portion, adapted to receive the pin therein, mounted on the door. The pin is spring-loaded to enable the door to be removed without lifting the door off the hinges.
A second aspect of the invention is directed to an enclosure for housing electronic components. The enclosure includes a frame assembly having a front frame defining a front of the enclosure, a rear frame, and a plurality of side brace members connecting the front frame and the rear frame. A first pair of side brace members is positioned on one side of the front and rear frames and a second pair of side brace members is positioned on an opposite side of the front and rear frames. At least one mounting flange is releasably mounted on at least one side brace member of one of the first and second pairs of side brace members. At least one clamping assembly releasably clamps the at least one mounting flange to the at least one side brace member.
Embodiments of the enclosure may include at least one side brace member having teeth formed along a length of the at least one side brace member. The clamping assembly includes a clamping bracket having teeth formed along at least one edge of the clamping bracket. Specifically, the teeth of the clamping bracket are adapted to mesh with teeth formed in the at least one side brace member to clamp the at least one mounting flange to the at least one side brace member. The clamping assembly further includes a latch member connected to the clamping bracket. The latch member and the clamping bracket are positioned within a vertical slot formed in the at least one mounting flange, and moveable between a non-clamping position in which the teeth of the clamping bracket are spaced from the teeth of the at least one side brace member and a clamping position in which the teeth of the clamping bracket mesh with the teeth of the at least one side brace member. The latch member has a cam surface which engages the mounting flange to lock the clamping assembly in place. A viewing slot may be formed in the at least one mounting flange to view whether the latch member and clamping bracket are in the non-clamping position or the clamping position. A positioning system may be further provided to position the at least one mounting flange within the enclosure. The positioning system comprises at least two openings formed in the at least one mounting flange, and at least two different, alternating symbols which form a line of symbols along one of the first and second pairs of side brace members. The symbols and openings are constructed and arranged to show one symbol through one opening to indicate the position of the at least one mounting flange along the one of the first and second pairs of side brace members. The positioning system includes three openings and three different symbols. Specifically, the symbols and openings are constructed and arranged to show a different symbol through a different opening when moving the at least one mounting flange an incremental distance along a length of the one of the first and second pairs of side brace members.
At least one cable organizer may be releasably mounted on at least one side brace member of one of the first and second pairs of side brace members within an interior region of the enclosure. The cable organizer is adapted to support and tie-off cables. The at least one cable organizer includes a clamping assembly to releasably clamp the cable organizer to the at least one side brace member. The clamping assembly includes a clamping bracket having teeth formed along at least one edge of the clamping bracket. The teeth of the clamping bracket are adapted to mesh with teeth formed in the at least one side brace member to clamp the at least one cable organizer to the at least one side brace member. The clamping assembly further includes a fastener connected to the clamping bracket. The fastener and the clamping bracket are positioned within a vertical slot formed in the cable organizer, and moveable between a non-clamping position in which the teeth of the clamping bracket are spaced from the teeth of the at least one side brace member and a clamping position in which the teeth of the clamping bracket mesh with the teeth of the at least one side brace member.
A third aspect of the invention is directed to an enclosure comprising a frame assembly including a front frame defining a front of the enclosure, a rear frame, and a plurality of side brace members connecting the front frame and the rear frame. A first pair of side brace members is positioned on one side of the front and rear frames and a second pair of side brace members is positioned on an opposite side of the front and rear frames. At least one mounting flange is releasably mounted on at least one side brace member of one of the first and second pairs of side brace members. The enclosure further includes a positioning system to position the at least one mounting flange within the enclosure.
Embodiments of this aspect of the invention may include at least two different, alternating symbols which form a line of symbols along the at least one side brace member. The symbols are constructed and arranged to enable the positioning of the at least one mounting flange along the at least one side brace member. The positioning system further includes at least two openings formed in the at least one mounting flange. Specifically, the positioning system comprises three openings and three different symbols. The symbols and openings are constructed and arranged to show a different symbol through a different opening when moving the at least one mounting flange an incremental distance along a length of the at least one side brace member. The at least one mounting flange includes at least one clamping assembly to releasably clamp the at least one mounting flange to the at least one side brace member. The at least one side brace member includes teeth formed along a length of the at least one side brace member. The clamping assembly comprises a clamping bracket having teeth formed along at least one edge of the clamping bracket. The teeth of the clamping bracket are adapted to mesh with teeth formed in the at least one side brace member to clamp the at least one mounting flange to the at least one side brace member. The clamping assembly further comprises a latch member connected to the clamping bracket. The latch member and the clamping bracket are positioned within a vertical slot formed in the at least one mounting flange, and moveable between a non-clamping position in which the teeth of the clamping bracket are spaced from the teeth of the at least one side brace member and a clamping position in which the teeth of the clamping bracket mesh with the teeth of the at least one side brace member. The latch member has a cam surface which engages the at least one mounting flange to lock the clamping assembly in place. A viewing slot may be formed in the at least one mounting flange to view whether the latch member and clamping bracket are in the non-clamping position or the clamping position.
A fourth aspect of the invention is directed to a kit for assembling at least one enclosure of the type capable of housing electronic components. The kit comprises components for assembling the at least one enclosure including a front assembly having a front frame, the front assembly defining a front of the enclosure, a rear assembly having a rear frame, and at least two side brace members. Each side brace member has a first end and a second end. A plurality of connectors connect the at least two side brace members to the front assembly and the rear assembly.
Embodiments of the kit may include the provision of a connector having an upper tab mounted on one of the front and rear frames, and a top flange formed on one of the at least two side brace members. The top flange has a downwardly opening channel adapted to receive the upper tab when connecting the one of the at least two side brace members to the one of the front and rear frames. Each connector further includes a lower tab mounted on the one of the front and rear frames, the lower tab having a boss formed thereon, and an opening formed in the one of the at least two side brace members below the top flange. The opening is adapted to receive the boss therein when connecting the one of the at least two side brace members to the one of the front and rear frames. Each connector further includes a channel member mounted on the one of the at least two side brace members. The channel member is adapted to receive the one of the front and rear frames therein when connecting the one of the at least two side brace members to the one of the front and rear frames. A threaded fastener is attached to the one of the front and rear frames. The channel member has a finger projecting from the channel member, with the finger being adapted to hook onto the threaded fastener.
At least one mounting flange may be releasably mounted on one of the at least two side brace members within an interior of the enclosure. The at least one mounting flange is adapted to support equipment in the enclosure. The at least one mounting flange comprises at least one clamping assembly to releasably clamp the mounting flange to the one of the at least two side brace members. Specifically, the one of the at least two side brace members includes teeth formed along a length of the one of the at least two side brace members. The clamping assembly comprises a clamping bracket having teeth formed along at least one edge of the clamping bracket. The teeth of the clamping bracket are adapted to mesh with the teeth formed in the one of the at least two side brace members to clamp the at least one mounting flange to the one of the at least two side brace members. The clamping assembly further comprises a latch member connected to the clamping bracket. The latch member and the clamping bracket are positioned within a vertical slot formed in the at least one mounting flange, and movable between a non-clamping position in which the teeth of the clamping bracket are spaced from the teeth of the one of the at least two side brace members and a clamping position in which the teeth of the clamping bracket mesh with the teeth of the one of the at least two side brace members. A viewing slot may be formed in the at least one mounting flange to view whether the latch member and clamping bracket are in the non-clamping position or the clamping position.
Embodiments of the kit may further include a positioning system to position the at least one mounting flange within the enclosure. The positioning system includes at least two openings formed in the at least one mounting flange, and at least two different, alternating symbols which form a line of symbols along one of the at least two side brace members. The symbols and openings are constructed and arranged to show one symbol through one opening to indicate the position of the at least one mounting flange along the one of the at least two side brace members. The positioning system includes three openings and three different symbols. The symbols and openings are constructed and arranged to show a different symbol through a different opening when moving the at least one mounting flange an incremental distance along a length of the one of the at least two side brace members.
At least one cable organizer may be releasably mounted on one of the at least two side brace members within an interior region of the enclosure. The cable organizer is adapted to support and tie-off cables.
The components include components for assembling a plurality of enclosures and a transport crate configured to contain the components during at least one of transport and storage. The transport crate is a box-like structure having a plurality of dividers positioned within an interior region of the transport crate to separate components for each of the plurality of enclosures.
The front assembly further includes a front door hinged on the front frame. At least one hinge is coupled to the front frame. The at least one hinge is adapted to releasably hinge the front door to the front frame. The at least one hinge comprises a pin releasably mounted on the front frame, and a barrel portion, adapted to receive the pin therein, mounted on the door. The pin is spring-loaded to enable the door to be removed without lifting the door off the at least one hinge. The rear assembly further includes at least one rear door hinged on the rear frame. At least one hinge is coupled to the rear frame. The at least one hinge is adapted to releasably hinge the rear door to the rear frame.
A fifth aspect of the invention includes a connector to releasably connect a first component to a second component. The connector includes an upper tab mounted on the first component, and a top flange formed on the second component. The top flange has a downwardly opening channel adapted to receive the upper tab when connecting the first component to the second component. A lower tab is mounted on the first component. The lower tab has a boss formed thereon. An opening is formed in the second component below the top flange. The opening is adapted to receive the boss therein when connecting the one member to the other member.
Embodiments of the connector may further include a channel member mounted on the second component. The channel member is adapted to receive the first component therein when connecting the first component to the second component. The channel member has a finger projecting from the channel member with the finger being adapted to hook onto a fastener attached to the first component. The fastener is adapted to be tightened to secure the finger in place.
A sixth aspect of the invention is directed to a clamping assembly to releasably clamp a first component to a second component. The clamping assembly includes a clamping bracket having teeth formed along at least one edge of the clamping bracket. The teeth of the clamping bracket are adapted to mesh with teeth formed in the second component. The clamping assembly further includes a latch member connected to the clamping bracket. The latch member and the clamping bracket are positioned within a slot formed in the first component, and movable between a non-clamping position in which the teeth of the clamping bracket are spaced from the teeth of the second component and a clamping position in which the teeth of the clamping bracket mesh with the teeth of the second component to prevent any side-to-side movement of the first component with respect to the second component.
Embodiments of the clamping assembly may include the provision of a latch member having a cam surface which engages the first component to lock the clamping assembly in place. A viewing slot may be formed in the first component to view whether the latch member and clamping bracket are in the non-clamping position or the clamping position. A positioning system may be further included to position the first component with respect to the second component. Specifically, the positioning system comprises at least two openings formed in the first component, and at least two different, alternating symbols which form a line of symbols along the second component. The symbols and openings are constructed and arranged to show one symbol through one opening to indicate a position of the first component along the second component. In one embodiment, the positioning system comprises three openings and three different symbols. The symbols and openings are constructed and arranged to show a different symbol through a different opening when moving the first component an incremental distance along the length of the second component.
A seventh aspect of the invention is directed to a method of assembling components of an enclosure from a kit comprising the components. The components include a front rectangular frame, a rear rectangular frame, and four side brace members. Each side brace member has opposite ends. The method comprises, for each side brace member, connecting one end of the side brace member to a respective corner of the front frame, and connecting an opposite end of the side brace member to a respective corner of the rear frame. The step of connecting each end of a side brace member to a respective corner of one of the front frame and the rear frame comprises selecting at least one of positioning a flange provided on one of the side brace member and one of the front frame and the rear frame over a tab provided on the other of the side brace member and one of the front frame and the rear frame, inserting a boss formed on a second tab provided on one of the frame and the side brace member into an opening formed the other of the frame and the side brace member, and positioning the frame within a channel member mounted on the side brace member.
Connecting each end of a side brace member to a respective corner of one of the front frame and the rear frame may further include hooking a finger of the channel member over a fastener secured to the one of the front frame and the rear frame. The method may also include releasably clamping a mounting flange to a side brace member, and positioning the mounting flange within the enclosure with a positioning system.
An eighth aspect of the invention is directed to an electrical connector for connecting an electrical component to a second component. The electrical connector includes a U-shaped body adapted to lie along a plane and having a pair of oppositely extending flanges. The flanges are adapted to be secured to the second component. A tab is integrally formed with the body and so that the tab extends along the same plane as the body. The arrangement being such that the body protects the tab during use.
Embodiments of the electrical connector may include means for attaching the electrical connector to the second component. Specifically, the means for attaching the electrical connector to the second component includes a weld. The means for attaching the electrical connector to the second component may further include an opening formed in one of the flanges. The opening is sized for receiving a fastener therein. A positioning tab is formed on the other flange. The arrangement is such that the positioning tab is received within a slotted opening formed in the second component.
A ninth aspect of the invention is directed to an enclosure for housing electronic components. The enclosure includes a front assembly having a front frame, the front assembly defining a front of the enclosure, a rear assembly having a rear frame, at least two side brace members, each side brace member having a first end and a second, opposite end, first connector means to releasably connect the first end of one of the side brace members to the front frame, and second connector means to releasably connect the second end of the one of the side brace members to the rear frame.
Embodiments of the first and second connector means for the enclosure may include an upper tab mounted on one of the front and rear frames, and a top flange formed on the one of the side brace members. The top flange has a downwardly opening channel adapted to receive the upper tab when connecting the one of the side brace members to the one of the front and rear frames. Each of the first connector means and the second connector means may further include a lower tab mounted on the one of the front and rear frames. The lower tab has a boss formed thereon. An opening is formed in the one of the side brace members below the top flange. The opening is adapted to receive the boss therein when connecting the one of the side brace members to the one of the front and rear frames. Each of the first connector means and the second connector means may further include a channel member mounted on the one of the side brace members. The channel member is adapted to receive the one of the front and rear frames therein when connecting the one of the side brace members to the one of the front and rear frames. Each of the first connector means and the second connector means may further include a fastener attached to the one of the front and rear frames. The channel member has a finger projecting from the channel member. The finger is adapted to hook onto the fastener.
A tenth aspect of the invention is directed to an enclosure for housing electronic components. The enclosure includes a frame assembly having a front frame defining a front of the enclosure, a rear frame, and a plurality of side brace members connecting the front frame and the rear frame. A first pair of side brace members is positioned on one side of the front and rear frames and a second pair of side brace members is positioned on an opposite side of the front and rear frames. At least one mounting flange is releasably mounted on at least one side brace member of one of the first and second pairs of side brace members. Clamping means is provided to releasably clamp the at least one mounting flange to the at least one side brace member.
Embodiments of the enclosure further include the provision of the at least one side brace member having teeth formed along a length of the at least one side brace member. The clamping means comprises a clamping bracket having teeth formed along at least one edge of the clamping bracket. The teeth of the clamping bracket are adapted to mesh with teeth formed in the at least one side brace member to clamp the at least one mounting flange to the at least one side brace member. The clamping means further comprises a latch member connected to the clamping bracket. The latch member and the clamping bracket are positioned within a slot formed in the at least one mounting flange and moveable between a non-clamping position in which the teeth of the clamping bracket are spaced from the teeth of the at least one side brace member and a clamping position in which the teeth of the clamping bracket mesh with the teeth of the at least one side brace member. The latch member has a cam surface which engages the mounting flange to lock the clamping assembly in place. A viewing slot is formed in the at least one mounting flange to view whether the latch member and clamping bracket are in the non-clamping position or the clamping position.
An eleventh aspect of the invention is directed to an enclosure for housing electronic components. The enclosure includes a frame assembly comprising a front frame defining a front of the enclosure, a rear frame, and a plurality of side brace members connecting the front frame and the rear frame. A first pair of side brace members is positioned on one side of the front and rear frames and a second pair of side brace members is positioned on an opposite side of the front and rear frames. At least one mounting flange is releasably mounted on at least one side brace member of one of the first and second pairs of side brace members. Positioning means is provided to position the at least one mounting flange within the enclosure.
Embodiments of the enclosure include the provision of the positioning means having at least two openings formed in the at least one mounting flange, and at least two different, alternating symbols which form a line of symbols along a side brace member of one of the first and second pairs of the side brace members. The symbols and openings are constructed and arranged to show one symbol through one opening to indicate the position of the at least one mounting flange along the side brace member. Specifically, the positioning means comprises three openings and three different symbols. The symbols and openings are constructed and arranged to show a different symbol through a different opening when moving the at least one mounting flange an incremental distance along a length of the one of the side brace member.
A twelfth aspect of the invention is directed to a method of assembling components of an enclosure from a kit comprising the components. The components include a front rectangular frame, a rear rectangular frame, and four side brace members. Each side brace member has opposite ends. The method includes, for each side brace member, connecting one end of the side brace member to a respective corner of the front frame, and connecting an opposite end of the side brace member to a respective corner of the rear frame. The method further includes positioning a mounting flange within the enclosure with a positioning system, and releasably clamping the mounting flange to at least one side brace member.
Embodiments of the method may further include releasably clamping two mounting flanges within the enclosure in facing relation with one another to at least two side brace members.
A thirteenth aspect of the invention is directed to a method of providing multiple enclosures, each enclosure comprising a kit of components including a front rectangular frame, a rear rectangular frame, four side brace members, a roof, and at least two mounting flanges. The method includes arranging the components of each kit in a compact configuration, and disposing the multiple enclosures in a transport crate.
Embodiments of the method may further include transporting the transport crate to an end user, assembling the components of each kit in the form of an enclosure, and/or storing the transport crate. The step of arranging the components of each kit in a compact configuration may include positioning the side brace members, roof and at least two mounting flanges between the front rectangular frame and the rear rectangular frame.
A fourteenth aspect of the invention is directed to an enclosure including a frame constructed and arranged to define an interior region. The frame has at least one support member with a plurality of threaded openings formed therein. The enclosure further includes a plurality of leveling feet mounted on the at least one support member of the frame. The leveling feet are adapted to level the enclosure after receiving electronic components within the enclosure. Each leveling foot includes a threaded rod threadably received within the threaded openings of the support member, and a foot portion pivotably connected to the threaded rod. The threaded rod is constructed and arranged to raise and lower the leveling foot by manipulating the leveling rod above the leveling foot.
A fifteenth aspect of the invention is directed to enclosure for housing electronic components having a door and a frame constructed and arranged to define an interior region. The frame includes a door frame assembly having a top rail member, a bottom rail member spaced below the top rail member, a left side rail member adapted to connect the top rail member and the side rail member, and a right side rail member adapted to connect the top rail member and the side rail member. The enclosure further includes hinge means for selectively hinging the door on one of the left side rail member and the right side rail member. The door is operable between an open position to allow access into the interior region of the enclosure and a closed position to prevent access into the interior region of the enclosure. The hinge means is constructed and arranged to prevent the door from being removed from the hinge means when the door is in a closed position.
Embodiments of the enclosure may include the provision of the hinge means being reversible to attach to one of the left side rail member and the right side rail member. Specifically, the hinge means includes a pin portion releasably mounted on one of the left and right side rail members and the door, and a barrel portion, adapted to receive the pin therein, mounted on the other of the left and right side rail members and the door.
A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is directed to a kit for assembling at least one enclosure of the type capable of housing electronic components. The kit includes components for assembling the at least one enclosure including a front assembly having a front frame, the front assembly defining a front of the enclosure, a rear assembly having a rear frame, and at least two side brace members. Each side brace member has a first end connected to one of the front frame and the rear frame and a second end connected to the other of the front frame and the rear frame. At least one mounting flange is releasably mounted on one of the at least two side brace members within an interior of the enclosure. The at least one mounting flange is adapted to support equipment in the enclosure. The kit further includes a data port assembly secured to the mounting flange, the data port assembly having at least one data port.
In one embodiment of the kit, the mounting flange has an opening formed therein, and the data port assembly includes an insert constructed and arranged to fit within the opening to secure the insert to the mounting flange. The data port assembly further includes a connector head received by the insert, the connector head having the at least one data port.
The present invention will be more fully understood after a review of the following figures, detailed description and claims.
For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the figures which are incorporated herein by reference and in which:
For the purposes of illustration only, and not to limit the generality, the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. This invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing” “involving,” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.
Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to
Referring to
The front and rear door assembles 12, 14 are attached to one another by six side brace members, each indicated at 48. It should be understood that fewer or more than six side braces can be provided to assemble the front and rear door assemblies. For example, for shorter enclosures, four side braces are used to attach the front and rear door assemblies. As shown, two of the six side brace members 48 are provided to attach the door assemblies 12, 14 at the top of the front and rear door frames. Similarly, two side brace members 48 attach the door assemblies 12, 14 at the bottom of the front and rear door frames. Lastly, two side brace members 48 are positioned approximately halfway along the length of the side rail members of the front and rear door frames. In addition to connecting the front and rear door assemblies 12, 14 to one another, the attachment of the ends of the side brace members 48 to their respective front and rear door assemblies, as will be discussed in greater detail below, provide the requisite bracing and support to the enclosure 10, which enables the enclosure to house relatively heavy articles, such as servers and server blades.
The rail members of the front and rear door assemblies 12, 14 and the side brace members 48 are fabricated from any suitable lightweight, rigid material, such as, but not limited to, steel or aluminum. It should be noted that the chosen material, in addition to being lightweight and rigid in construction, should be reasonable in cost and easy to fabricate. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, it is desirable to use materials having a conductive finish to allow grounding of the electronic components housed within the enclosure 10 and to allow all conductive portions of the enclosure 10 to be grounded.
Turning to
The side brace member 48 has a top flange 60, which defines a downwardly opening channel 62 adapted to receive the upper tab 52 in the manner illustrated in
To provide further stability, each connector 50 also comprises a U-shaped channel member 68 having an inwardly projecting finger 70 that is provided below the opening 64. The channel member 68 is adapted to fit around the left side rail member 44 of the door assembly 14, while the finger 70 slips over and hooks a threaded fastener 72 (e.g., a machine screw). As shown, the threaded fastener 72 is suitably fastened to the left side rail member 44 in the manner depicted in
Referring to
Turning to
With reference to
The latch member 90 is illustrated in
Further, as illustrated in the drawings, each of the clamping assemblies includes a hook member 100 that is adapted to ride along a lower edge 102 of the side brace member 48 as shown in
The arrangement is such that the mounting flanges 74 may be secured at different locations along the side brace members 48 based on the depth of the electronic equipment to be contained within the enclosure 10. Specifically, each hook member 100 is slid over the edge 102 of its respective side brace member 48, the hook member facilitating the side-to-side sliding movement of the mounting flange 74 along the side brace members. The upper surface of the clamping bracket 88 has a plurality of teeth 104 formed therein, which mate with teeth 106 formed near the upper edge of the side brace member 48. In the embodiment shown, the incremental distance between each tooth is 0.250 inch. Thus, by moving the clamping bracket 88 one tooth length in either direction, the position of the mounting flange 74 is moved 0.250 inch. It should be understood that the size of the teeth 104, 106 and the incremental distance between the teeth can be manipulated to achieve various spacing between teeth. Also, the mating teeth can alternatively be constructed so that the teeth are formed along the bottom edge of the clamping bracket and along the lower edge of the side brace member. In addition, the teeth can be formed along an edge of the hook member. One advantage associated with this construction is that, unlike prior art racks, the mounting flanges of an embodiment of the present invention can be adjusted over the entire depth of the rack without removing any fasteners.
To lock the clamping assembly 84 in place, the clamping assembly is raised by pivoting the latch member 90 so that it is unlocked, and lifting the latch member so that the teeth 104 of the clamping bracket 88 mesh with the teeth 106 of the side brace member 48. The mating of the teeth 104, 106 prevents any side-to-side movement of the mounting flange 74 with respect to the side brace member 48. Next, the latch member 90 is rotated in the manner described above so that it generally lies along the same plane as the mounting flange 74 as shown in
In typical racks of the prior art that include adjustable mounting flanges, it is often difficult to precisely align the mounting flanges such that each of the back flanges are aligned along the same rear plane within the rack with each other and each of the front flanges are aligned along the same front plane within the rack with each other. Without proper alignment, it may be difficult or not possible to mount equipment to the flanges. In prior racks, it is not uncommon to use a tape measure or a similar device to properly align mounting flanges. It is awkward to use such devices in the confined space within a rack. Turning now to
As shown, a plurality of symbols, each indicated at 110, are spaced equidistant along the upper edge of each of the side brace members 48. In addition, the mounting flange 74, at each clamping assembly 84, includes three circular openings 112. The openings 112 are spaced such that at any one time only one symbol appears in only one of the three openings. There are provided four symbols 110, e.g., a star, a circle, a rectangle and an inverted triangle. Any distinctive symbol may be provided and still fall within the scope of the invention. In one embodiment, the star appears twice on each side brace member and is used to identify an initial, factory set-up position. In this embodiment, the initial factory setting is the position of the mounting flange where the star is visible through the middle opening 112. The three symbols 110, other than the star symbol, alternate to form a line of symbols along the length of the side brace member 48. In one embodiment, the symbols 110 are arranged from left to right in
In
As discussed above, the provision of three symbols 110 viewable through one of three openings 112 enables the assembler to easily view and vertically align the mounting flange with respect to the side brace members 48. Of course, any number of shapes and/or symbols 110 and openings 112 may be provided depending on the size of the teeth 104, 106. For example, a positioning system incorporating two symbols with two openings may be suitable for a clamping assembly having relatively large teeth. In this instance, two teeth are positioned between each symbol and three teeth are positioned between each opening. The provision of three openings 112 is particularly desirable with the configuration of the embodiment of the present invention since there is little or no risk that a person assembling the mounting flange 74 will inadvertently align matching symbols 110 due to the fact that it will be obvious that the mounting flanges are not spaced the same distance from the end walls, e.g., the rear door assembly 14. With the positioning system of an embodiment of the present invention, the spacing between the openings is one tooth length greater than the spacing between the symbols, wherein the number of symbols is equal to the number of teeth between the symbols.
With the mounting flanges 74 assembled, shelving clips (sometimes referred to as a caged nut), indicated at 114 in
Turning now to
Referring to
The cable organizer 116 includes at least one and preferably three (one for each side brace member) clamping assemblies 126 having a clamping bracket 128 which is secured in place by a threaded fastener 130. Teeth 132 are formed on the upper edge of the clamping bracket 128, the teeth meshing with the teeth 106 of the side brace member 48 in the same manner as the clamping assembly 84 of the mounting flange 74. Specifically, the clamping assembly 126 is disposed within a vertical slot 134 formed in the wall portion 118 of the cable organizer 116 and is locked in place by turning the threaded fastener 130 with a tool, e.g., a star wrench, once the teeth 132 of the clamping bracket 128 mate with the teeth 106 of the side brace member 48. Other fasteners, such as the clamping assembly 84 described above, could alternatively be employed; however, an advantage associated with the clamping assembly 126 is that the threaded fastener 130 is relatively flush with the wall portion 118 of the cable organizer 116 and does not project within the interior region of the enclosure 10.
As shown in
The roof 22 is rectangular in shape and formed at one of its ends, end 142, with a pair of tabs, each indicated at 144, that are inserted into slots (not shown) formed in the top rail member 28 of the front door assembly 12. Once inserted, the roof 22 is seated within the frame defined by the top rail members 28, 40 of the front and rear door assemblies 12, 14, respectively. With reference to
As illustrated in
Referring to
Turning now to
Referring to
As shown in
Still referring to
Referring to
With reference to
In an embodiment of the present invention, the door hinges 190 are reversible and may be mounted on the other side rail member, e.g., right side rail member 34, by simply unscrewing the threaded fasteners 198, removing the brackets 196, and mounting the brackets on the other rail member with the threaded fasteners. The barrel portions 202 of the front door frame 188 are capable of receiving the pin portions 200 when mounting the door in a reversed position. Thus, it should be observed that the front door assembly 12 of the present invention is capable of being easily removed off of the hinges 190 without the aid of tools by simply opening the door and lifting the door off of the hinge. It should also be observed that the front door assembly of an embodiment of the invention is reversible to accommodate instances in which it is desirable to have the hinge on the right side rail member 34. It is important to note that the hinge and the door are constructed and arranged to interact so that the door cannot be lifted off its hinges when the door is closed.
Also illustrated in
Specifically, the lock assembly 194 of an embodiment of the present invention is shown with reference to
Turning now to
The arrangement is such that the U-shaped body 218 of the electrical connector 216 protects the tab 224 during use. As shown, the U-shaped body 218 provides a protective shield around the tab 224 so that the electrical connection with the cable 217 is disposed between and thereby protected by the planar surface and the U-shaped body. Prior art electrical connectors expose the tab so that the tab and/or the cable are prone to be torn off or broken during use.
As described above, an advantage of embodiments of enclosures of the present invention is the ability of the enclosures to be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled. Specifically, the front and rear door assemblies 12, 14 and six side brace members 48 can be broken down and packaged together in the form of a kit. Such a kit 236 is illustrated in
As shown in
Typical racks are transported in an assembled condition. The frame of a typical rack is of welded construction and is not easily arranged or disassembled. This results in expensive shipping costs due to the large size of the enclosures. As shown in
The transport crate 238 may be fabricated from wood, which can be reinforced with metal brackets to further stabilize the crate. Specifically, the outer walls of the transport crate 238 can be fabricated from plywood, engineered cardboard or plastic. The bottom of the transport crate is constructed similar to a pallet to allow a fork truck or other similar moving machine engage, lift and move the transport crate. The dividers 240 can be constructed out of wood, cardboard, plastic or foam, for example.
Having thus described at least one embodiment of the present invention, various alternations, modifications and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting. The invention's limit is defined only in the following claims and equivalents thereto.
For example, the front and rear door assemblies 22, 24 can be configured using components that require assembly. In addition, the number of side brace members can be modified to reflect changes in the size of the enclosure or changes in strength requirements.
With respect to the connectors 50, it should be understood that each connector could be modified and still fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, the provision of the lower tab having the boss that is received within the opening of the side brace, while providing an added level of stability to the connection, is not required. Similarly, the provision of the finger that is hooked over and secured to the threaded fastener can be modified or deleted as required. One key feature of at least one embodiment of the connector 50 is that it enables the quick and efficient connection of a side brace member to the frame of the front or rear door assembly.
With respect to the mounting flanges, their construction as L-shaped members can be modified to support different configurations. The mounting flanges 74 are particularly adapted to support shelves and/or electronic components at their corners. In one embodiment it may be desirable for the mounting flange to lie flat along the plane of their respective side walls. This configuration would allow more than two mounting flanges along each side of the shelf and/or electronic component. Also, it is not necessary that the mounting flanges run the entire vertical height of the enclosure. Shorter flanges can be employed to allow some equipment to be mounted at different depths than others.
With respect to the clamping assemblies 84, as described above, other latching mechanisms can be utilized in place of the latch member. For example, a thumb screw that tightens the clamping member, or some other similar mechanical device, may be implemented. One advantage with the clamping assembly of at least one embodiment of the present invention is that the clamping assembly can quickly and efficiently position and lock the mounting flange in place without the use of tools. The clamping assembly can be used by simply unlocking the latch member, raising the clamping assembly within the slot so that the teeth of the clamping member mesh with the teeth of the side brace member and locking the latch member. It should also be noted that the provision of teeth is not required. For example, an interlocking member may be provided along the length of the side brace member, the interlocking member engaging the clamping assembly to hold the mounting flange in place.
With respect to the positioning system, as mentioned above, depending on the size of the teeth (i.e., the incremental movement of the mounting flange along the side brace member), it may be desirable to provide more or less than three symbols and three openings. For example, in another embodiment, there may be provided four separate symbols, each etched or stamped or cut in the side brace member so that the symbols are provided in a sequence occurring every fourth symbol, and four openings in which a symbol appears in only one opening. In such an embodiment, the spacing between symbols is four teeth and the spacing between openings is five teeth. Thus, by moving the mounting flange one tooth in either direction (left or right), a different symbol appears in a different window. Although shown and described with a clamping assembly having teeth, the positioning system can be used with an assembly that does not enable the incremental movement of the mounting flange and still fall within the scope of the present invention.
With respect to the cable organizers 116, one alternate embodiment is to integrally form the cable organizer feature with the frame of the rear door assembly, for example. Also, the provision of a cable organizer having another form of clamping assembly to secure the cable organizer to the side brace member is further contemplated herein. The clamping assembly 126 enables an installer to quickly and efficiently secure it to the side brace members. Also, a different pattern of cutouts can be further implemented.
With respect to the roof 22, the provision of another manner of attaching the roof to the frame assembly is contemplated. For example, mechanical fasteners, such as the threaded fasteners used to secure the bridge members, may be provided. In addition, the number and placement of the cutouts can be modified and fall within the scope of the present invention.
With respect to the cutout cover 148, the shape and size of the cutout cover can be modified to cover a cutout formed in the roof. In addition, the size and number of keys can be modified to vary the manner in which the cutout is covered. Also, the manner in which adjacent keys are releasably attached to one another can be varied. For example, each key may be provided with an interlocking member that releasably connects with an interlocking member of its adjacent key.
With respect to the side panels 166, it may be desirable to exclude the side panels so that the electronic components can be easily accessed from the side of the enclosure. Also, as described above, the area defining the side of the enclosure can be covered by any number of side panels.
With respect to the leveling feet 178, although the feet are shown to be mounted on the support members 180, these feet can be mounted on the bottom rail members 30, 42 and still fall within the scope of the invention. The advantage to mounting the leveling feet 178 on the support members 180 is that the leveling feet can be accessed outside the enclosure 10 without having to open the doors 26 and 36, 38.
With reference to the door assemblies, it is not necessary for the enclosure to include doors. The enclosure can simply consist of two frames connected by any number of side brace members and still fall within the scope of the present invention.
With reference to the hinges 190 that hinge the doors (e.g., door 26) on their respective door frames, the hinges can be releasably mounted on the door frames in any suitable manner. One advantage associated with the hinges disclosed herein is their ability to mount the door on either side of the door frame.
With reference to the electrical connectors 216, 230, these devices are designed to be conveniently secured to the enclosure in any number of locations within the interior of the enclosure or on the exterior of the enclosure. One advantage associated with the electrical connectors is their ability to protect the connection of the wire or cable to the electrical connector, yet enable quick connection and release of the mating connector.
With reference to the kit 236 and transport crate 238, the provision of multiple kits provided in one crate enables the kits to be economically stored and shipped thereby saving storage space and transportation costs. As described herein, the kits are easy to assembly and provide the ability to disassemble and store the enclosures when they are not in use or when they are required to be moved.
This application is a Divisional patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/269,082, entitled, “EQUIPMENT ENCLOSURE KIT AND ASSEMBLY METHOD,” which was filed on Oct. 7, 2011, which is a Divisional patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/938,528, entitled, “EQUIPMENT ENCLOSURE KIT AND ASSEMBLY METHOD,” which was filed on Nov. 12, 2007 [now U.S. Pat. No. 8,033,406], and which is a Divisional patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/990,927, entitled, “EQUIPMENT ENCLOSURE KIT AND ASSEMBLY METHOD,” which was filed on Nov. 17, 2004 [now U.S. Pat. No. 7,293,666], all of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20120248954 A1 | Oct 2012 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 13269082 | Oct 2011 | US |
| Child | 13526065 | US | |
| Parent | 11938528 | Nov 2007 | US |
| Child | 13269082 | US | |
| Parent | 10990927 | Nov 2004 | US |
| Child | 11938528 | US |
