U.S. patent application number 10/145844 was filed with the patent office on 2002-11-21 for method of attaching supports to an electronic equipment cabinet.
This patent application is currently assigned to PRIMA CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Chandler, Gary C..
Application Number | 20020172013 10/145844 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23118927 |
Filed Date | 2002-11-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020172013 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chandler, Gary C. |
November 21, 2002 |
Method of attaching supports to an electronic equipment cabinet
Abstract
An arrangement for supporting an electronic equipment cabinet,
and a method for supporting an electronic equipment cabinet which
provide a more stable mounting for supporting devices, such as
casters and seismic supports. The arrangement and method of
supporting can be utilized with an electronic equipment cabinet
having a rigid frame structure comprised of vertical and horizontal
support members. The horizontal support members provide mounting
surfaces to which supporting devices, such as casters, seismic
supports, and the like, can be mounted to provide a stronger, more
rigid mounting that is less susceptible to deflection and
failure.
Inventors: |
Chandler, Gary C.; (San Juan
Capistrano, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HESLIN ROTHENBERG FARLEY & MESITI PC
5 COLUMBIA CIRCLE
ALBANY
NY
12203
US
|
Assignee: |
PRIMA CORPORATION
Arlington
VT
|
Family ID: |
23118927 |
Appl. No.: |
10/145844 |
Filed: |
May 14, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60291117 |
May 15, 2001 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
361/724 ; 211/26;
312/265.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 7/1457 20130101;
H02B 1/306 20130101; H02B 1/54 20130101; H02B 1/301 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/724 ;
312/265.1; 211/26 |
International
Class: |
A47G 029/00 |
Claims
1. A cabinet for mounting electronic equipment comprising a
cylindrical frame having a top, a bottom, and sides, and means for
supporting the cabinet, the frame comprising vertical support
members and horizontal support members, wherein the means for
supporting the cabinet is mounted to at least one of the horizontal
support members.
2. The cabinet as recited in claim 1 wherein at least one of the
horizontal support members is located adjacent the bottom of the
cabinet and wherein the means for supporting the cabinet is mounted
to at least one of the horizontal support members located adjacent
the bottom of the cabinet.
3. The cabinet as recited in claim 1 wherein the means for
supporting the cabinet comprises one of at least one caster and at
least one seismic support.
4. The cabinet as recited in claim 3, wherein the means for
supporting the cabinet comprises a plurality of casters.
5. The cabinet as recited in claim 3, wherein the means of
supporting the cabinet comprises a plurality of seismic
supports.
6. The cabinet as recited in claim 2, wherein the at least one of
the horizontal support members located adjacent the bottom of the
cabinet comprises an L-shaped member.
7. The cabinet as recited in claim 6, wherein the L-shaped member
comprises a first leg and a second leg and wherein the means for
supporting the cabinet is mounted to the first leg of the L-shaped
member.
8. The cabinet as recited in claim 1, further comprising at least
one leveling device.
9. The cabinet as recited in claim 8, wherein the at least one
leveling device comprises one of a threaded leveling device, a
wedge-type leveling device, and a ball-and-ramp-type leveling
device.
10. A method for supporting a electronic equipment cabinet, the
cabinet having a frame comprising at least one horizontal member,
the method comprising: providing means for supporting the cabinet;
and mounting the means for supporting the cabinet to the at least
one horizontal member of the frame.
11. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein providing means for
supporting the cabinet comprises providing at least one of at least
one caster and at least one seismic support.
12. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein the electronic
equipment cabinet has a top and a bottom and the frame comprises at
least one horizontal member positioned adjacent the bottom of the
cabinet, wherein mounting the means for supporting the cabinet
comprises mounting the means for supporting the cabinet to the at
least one horizontal member positioned adjacent the bottom of the
cabinet.
13. A supporting arrangement for an electronic equipment cabinet,
the cabinet comprising a cylindrical frame having a top and a
bottom, at least one panel mounted to the frame, and at least one
leveling device, the frame comprising vertical support members and
horizontal support members, wherein the support arrangement
comprises a supporting element mounted to a horizontal support
member positioned adjacent the bottom of the frame.
14. The supporting arrangement as recited in claim 13, wherein the
supporting element comprises at least one caster.
15. The supporting arrangement as recited in claim 13, wherein the
supporting element comprises at least one seismic support.
16. The supporting arrangement as recited in claim 13, wherein the
frame comprises at least one L-shaped support member having a
horizontal leg and a vertical leg.
17. The supporting arrangement as recited in claim 16, wherein the
supporting element comprises at least one caster mounted to the
horizontal leg of the L-shaped support member.
18. The supporting arrangement as recited in claim 16, wherein the
supporting element comprises at least one seismic support mounted
to the horizontal leg of the L-shaped support member.
19. The supporting arrangement as recited in claim 13, wherein the
at least one leveling device comprises at least one of a threaded
leveling device, a wedge-type leveling device, and a
ball-and-ramp-type leveling device.
20. The support arrangement as recited in claim 15 wherein the
horizontal support member positioned adjacent the bottom of the
frame comprises at least one vertical projection to which the at
least one seismic support is mounted.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/291,117, entitled "Electronic Instrument
Mounting Rack" filed May 15, 2001, the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0002] This application contains subject matter which is related to
the subject matter of the following applications, which is assigned
to the same assignee as this application and was filed on the same
day as this application. The below-listed applications are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety:
[0003] "Support Member Having a Recess for Routing Cables and
Method of Routing Cables in a an Electronic Equipment Cabinet",
U.S. Ser. No. ______ (attrny. docket 0140.007 B).
[0004] "A Method and Arrangement for Providing Electrical Power to
an Electronic Equipment Cabinet", U.S. Ser. No. ______ (attrny.
docket 0140.007 C).
[0005] "A Trim Piece, a Trim Piece Mounting Arrangement and a
Method of Mounting a Trim Piece for an Electronic Equipment
Cabinet", U.S. Ser. No. _______ (attrny. docket 0140.007 D).
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0006] This invention relates generally to apparatus and methods
used for mounting electronic equipment. Specifically, the present
invention provides improved methods and apparatus for mounting
electronic equipment in a cabinet, supplying power to the
equipment, and supporting the housing, and routing electrical
conduit within the housing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In the electronics industry, electronic equipment is
typically mounted in enclosures or cabinets to facilitate
installation, interfacing with related equipment, and to facilitate
access by technicians for servicing and repair. One recognized
standard enclosure used by electronic equipment manufacturers is
the 19-inch standard for mounting electronic equipment or sub
chassis into an enclosure. The 19-inch enclosure standard is
defined by the Electronics Industries Association standard EIA310.
The EIA310 standard, which is incorporated by reference herein,
defines the specifications for the mounting of 19-inch panels and
equipment. In compliance with this standard, electronic equipment
manufacturers provide products, for example, computers or computer
peripheral equipment, that are mountable or installable into
19-inch enclosures, cabinets, or racks, as they are referred to in
the art.
[0008] Conventional electronic equipment racks include some form of
frame or support structure upon which the equipment is mounted,
typically by mechanical fasteners. This frame provides the
structural support of the equipment while providing access to
electrical conduit, that is, wires and cables, for power and data
transfer. Panels, typically sheet metal or plastic are typically
mounted to the frame to protect the equipment and to provide an
aesthetically pleasing appearance to the cabinet.
[0009] Conventional cabinets or racks typically include some form
of casters mounted on the bottom of the cabinet for facilitating
installation, removal, and servicing of the equipment mounted in
the rack. Conventional cabinets may also include some form of
seismic support for preventing vibration damage to the equipment or
toppling of the cabinets during an earthquake. In conventional
equipment racks, casters and seismic supports are typically mounted
to a sheet metal plate secured to the bottom of the cabinet.
However, the mounting of the casters and seismic supports to the
thin sheet metal of the cabinet is somewhat prone to damaging the
sheet metal or failure of the caster or support during transport,
handling, or vibration loading (for example, an earthquake). There
is a need in the art to provide improved structural stiffness and
strength to the mounting of casters and seismic supports to
cabinets holding electronic equipment.
[0010] As would be expected, electronic equipment cabinets
typically also contain numerous electrical conduits, that is, wires
and cables, for power and data transfer. However, depending upon
the equipment in the cabinet the number of conduits may be quite
numerous and unwieldy. The presence of many exposed conduits, even
when properly secured, can interfere with the installation and
servicing of the cabinet as well as be prone to damage during
installation and servicing. There is a need in the art to provide
electronic equipment cabinets in which such cabling can be secured
and possibly hidden to facilitate installation and servicing.
[0011] One electronic component that is typically installed in
conventional electronic equipment cabinets is a power input unit,
that is, the unit or component that receives electric power from an
external source, such as a power outlet, and through which power is
provided to the equipment in the cabinet. The power input unit may
include some form of power conditioning if necessary. In
conventional electronic equipment cabinets, the power input unit is
typically located within the cabinet, that is, behind a panel or
sheet metal barrier and thus not readily accessible to the operator
or technician. Thus, in order to access the power input unit, a
panel or barrier must be removed. This can be inconvenient when
attempting to install, service, or simply access the power input
unit. In addition, locating the power input unit within the
envelope of the cabinet can consume valuable space within the
cabinet that could be used for other equipment. There is also a
need in the art to facilitate access to the power input unit of an
electronic equipment cabinet, or to more advantageously use the
space within the equipment cabinet.
[0012] These and other deficiencies of the prior art equipment
cabinets are addressed by the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention provides methods and apparatus which
address many of the limitations of prior art methods and apparatus.
One aspect of the invention is a cabinet for mounting electronic
equipment comprising a rectangular cylindrical frame having a top,
a bottom, and sides, and means for supporting the cabinet, the
frame comprising vertical support members and horizontal support
members, wherein the means for supporting the cabinet are mounted
to at least one of the horizontal support members. In one aspect of
the invention, the at least one of the horizontal support members
is located adjacent the bottom of the cabinet and the means for
supporting the cabinet are mounted to at least one of the
horizontal support members located adjacent the bottom of the
housing. In another aspect of the invention, the means for
supporting the cabinet comprises one at least one caster, at least
one seismic support, or a combination of at least one caster and at
least one seismic support. In one aspect of the invention, the
means for supporting the cabinet comprises a plurality of casters
or a plurality of seismic supports.
[0014] Another aspect of the invention is a cabinet for mounting
electronic equipment comprising a rectangular cylindrical frame
having a top, a bottom, sides, and casters for supporting the
housing, the frame comprising vertical support members and
horizontal support members, wherein the casters are mounted
directly to at least one of the horizontal support members. The
casters are typically mounted to one of the horizontal support
members located at the bottom of the housing.
[0015] Another aspect of the present invention is a cabinet for
mounting electronic equipment comprising a rectangular cylindrical
frame having a top, a bottom, sides, and at least one seismic
support for supporting the housing and minimizing the vibration
load on the equipment, the frame comprising vertical support
members and horizontal support members, wherein the at least one
seismic support is mounted directly to at least one of the
horizontal support members. Typically, the at least one seismic
support is mounted to one of the horizontal support members located
at the bottom of the housing.
[0016] Another aspect of the invention is a method for supporting
an electronic equipment cabinet, the cabinet having a frame
comprising at least one horizontal member, the method comprising:
providing means for supporting the cabinet; and mounting the means
for supporting the cabinet to the at least one horizontal member of
the frame. In one aspect of this invention, providing means for
supporting the cabinet comprises providing at least one of at least
one caster and at least one seismic support. In another aspect of
this invention, the electronic equipment cabinet has a top and a
bottom and the frame comprises at least one horizontal member
positioned adjacent the bottom of the cabinet, wherein mounting the
means for supporting the cabinet comprises mounting the means for
supporting the cabinet to the at least one horizontal member
positioned adjacent the bottom of the cabinet.
[0017] A further aspect of the invention is a supporting
arrangement for an electronic equipment cabinet, the cabinet
comprising a cylindrical frame having a top and a bottom, at least
one panel mounted to the frame, and at least one leveling device,
the frame comprising vertical support members and horizontal
support members, wherein the support arrangement comprises a
supporting element mounted to a horizontal support member
positioned adjacent the bottom of the frame. In one aspect of the
invention, the supporting element comprises at least one caster. In
another aspect of the invention, the supporting element comprises
at least one seismic support. In one aspect of the invention, the
frame comprises at least one L-shaped support member having a
horizontal leg and a vertical leg. In another aspect of the
invention, the supporting element comprises at least one caster or
at least one seismic support mounted to the horizontal leg of the
L-shaped support member.
[0018] Another aspect of the invention is a cabinet for mounting
electronic equipment comprising a rectangular cylindrical frame
having a top, bottom, and sides, the frame comprising vertical
support members and horizontal support members, wherein at least
one of the support members comprises at least one recess for
installing electrical conduit, for example, electrical wires and
electrical cables and the like. In one aspect of the invention, the
at least one recess in the at least one support member comprises a
longitudinal recess. In another aspect of the invention, the
vertical support members comprise at least one vertical support
member having a first recess and the horizontal support members
comprise at least one horizontal support member having a second
recess, wherein the first and second recesses communicate with each
other. In another aspect of the invention, the frame further
comprises at least one support member connecting element and
wherein the first and second recesses communicate with each other
via the at least one support member connecting element.
[0019] Another aspect of the invention is a method for routing at
least one electrical conduit in an electronic equipment cabinet,
the cabinet comprising a frame comprising at least one horizontal
or vertical member having a longitudinal recess, the method
comprising routing the at least one cable in the longitudinal
recess. In one aspect of the invention, the frame comprises at
least one horizontal member having a longitudinal recess and at
least one vertical member having a longitudinal recess, and the
method comprises routing the at least one cable through the
longitudinal recess of the at least one horizontal member and
through the longitudinal recess of the at least one vertical
member. In another aspect of the invention, the frame further
comprises at least one connecting element between the at least one
horizontal member and the at least one vertical member, the at
least one connecting element having a recess, and wherein the
method comprises routing the at least one cable through the
longitudinal recess of the at least one horizontal member, through
the recess of the at least one connecting element, and through the
longitudinal recess of the at least one vertical member.
[0020] Another aspect of the invention is a cabinet for mounting
electronic equipment comprising a rectangular cylindrical frame
having a top, bottom, and sides, the frame defining an internal
cavity, and at least one power input unit for supplying power to at
least some of the electronic equipment, wherein the at least one
power input unit is mounted outside of the internal cavity. In one
aspect of the invention, the at least one power input unit is
mounted below the bottom of the frame.
[0021] Another aspect of the invention is a method of providing at
least one power input unit to an electronic equipment cabinet, the
cabinet comprising a support frame and the support frame defining
an internal cavity of the electronic equipment cabinet, the method
comprising: providing a power input unit; providing a power input
unit interface for the electronic equipment cabinet positioned
outside the internal cavity of the electronic equipment cabinet;
and installing the power input unit in the power input unit
interface. In one aspect of the invention, the electronic equipment
cabinet further comprises at least one panel mounted to the frame,
and wherein installing the power input unit comprises installing
the power input unit without removing any panels from the
electronic equipment cabinet. In another aspect of the invention,
the support frame has a top and a bottom, wherein providing a power
input unit interface comprises providing a power input unit
interface below the bottom of the frame.
[0022] A further aspect of the invention is a trim piece mounting
for an electronic equipment cabinet, the cabinet comprising a frame
having at least one mounting surface, the trim piece mounting
comprising: an elongated member having an inner surface and an
outer surface; and means for attaching the elongated member to the
mounting surface of the frame. In one aspect of the invention, the
mounting surface of the frame comprises a perforated mounting
surface and wherein the means of attaching the elongated member to
the mounting surface comprises at least one projection located on
the inner surface of the elongated member. In another aspect of the
invention, the means for attaching the elongated member comprises
at least one spacer, the at least one spacer comprising means for
attaching the at least one spacer to the mounting surface of the
frame and means for attaching the elongated member to the at least
one spacer. In another aspect of the invention, the mounting
surface on the frame comprises a plurality of threaded holes and
the means for attaching the at least one spacer to the mounting
surface comprises a threaded projection on the at least one
spacer.
[0023] A still further aspect of the invention is a method of
mounting a trim piece to an electronic equipment cabinet having a
mounting surface, the method comprising: providing at least one
spacer having a main body portion and a recess positioned in the
main body portion; providing a trim piece having at least one
extension engagable with the recess; mounting the at least one
spacer to the mounting surface of the cabinet; and attaching the
trim piece to the at least one spacer wherein the at least one
extension engages the recess in the spacer. In one aspect of the
invention, the mounting surface comprises a plurality of
perforations, wherein mounting the at least one spacer to the
mounting surface comprises engaging the at least one spacer with
the plurality of perforations. In another aspect of the invention,
the plurality of perforations comprises a plurality of threaded
perforations and the at least one spacer comprises at least one
threaded end, wherein mounting the at least one spacer to the
mounting surface comprises threading the at least one threaded end
of the spacer into the plurality of threaded perforations.
[0024] An even further aspect of the invention is a trim piece
attachable to a mounting surface of an electronic equipment
cabinet, the trim piece comprising: an elongated flexible member
having an inner surface and an outer surface; and at least one
extension on the inner surface for attaching the elongated flexible
member to the mounting surface of the frame. In one aspect of the
invention, the at least one extension comprises at least two
elongated flexible extensions. In another aspect of the invention,
the mounting surface comprises at least one spacer mounted to the
mounting surface, and wherein the at least two elongated flexible
extensions comprise at least two elongated flexible extensions
having transverse projections, the transverse projections engagable
with the at least one spacer.
[0025] The present invention addresses many of the limitations of
the prior art including providing a secure support for the cabinet
casters and seismic supports, providing recesses for the routing of
electrical conduit, providing an easily accessible power input
unit, and providing easily installable and removable trim pieces,
that among, other things, provide a more pleasing appearance to the
equipment cabinet. These and other embodiments and aspects of the
present invention will become more apparent upon review of the
attached drawings, description below, and attached claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is
particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding
portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to
organization and method of practice, together with further objects
and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the
following detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments and
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an electronic equipment
cabinet having one or more aspects of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the structural frame and
supports of the cabinet shown in FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 3 is an exploded detailed view of one of the
connections of the frame shown in FIG. 2.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of some of the structural members
of the cabinet shown in FIG. 2.
[0031] FIG. 5 is cross sectional view along the lines 5-5 shown in
FIG. 4.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the power input unit mounting
for the cabinet shown in FIG. 1.
[0033] FIG. 7 is perspective view of one power input unit that can
be used for the present invention.
[0034] FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of the mounting of
trim pieces to an electronics cabinet according to another aspect
of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the aspect of the
invention shown in FIG. 8A as viewed along lines 9-9 in FIG.
8A.
[0036] FIG. 9A is a detail view of the spacer shown in FIG. 9
according to one aspect of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates a typical elevation view of a rack or
cabinet 10 having one or more aspects of the present invention.
Cabinet 10 includes a rectangular cylindrical frame 12 which
provides the structural support for the electronic components 13
(shown in phantom) mounted in cabinet 10. Electronic components 13
may be computers, data storage devices, or communications devices,
among others. Cabinet 10 also includes one or more panels 11,
typically sheet metal or plastic panels, that are typically mounted
to the top, bottom, and sides of frame 12 to protect the equipment
within and to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance to
cabinet 10. Cabinet 10 of FIG. 1 also includes a set of casters 14,
for example, four casters, that are used to install and remove
cabinet 10. Though not clearly shown in FIG. 1, according to one
aspect of the invention, casters 14 are not mounted to the sheet
metal bottom (not shown) of cabinet 19 but casters 14 are rigidly
mounted to the bottom support member of frame 12. Also shown in
FIG. 1 is a typical seismic support 16. Seismic supports 16, which
are conventional floor mountings, restrain cabinet 10 from moving
or being toppled during a seismic event, that is, an earthquake.
Though only a single seismic support 16 as shown in FIG. 1 may be
used, it is understood by those of skill in the art that two or
more such supports 16 may be used when mounting electronic
equipment cabinets such as cabinet 10. As shown in FIG. 1, frame 12
of cabinet 10 may include a horizontal support (26 in FIG. 2)
having a vertical projection 17 to which seismic support 16 can be
mounted to frame 12, for example, by means of mechanical fasteners
19, for instance, threaded fasteners. Cabinet 10 may also include
one or more leveling devices 15, for example, adjustable leveling
devices, for supporting cabinet 10 at a desired installed elevation
and orientation. One or more leveling devices 15 may be threaded
devices, or wedge-type devices, or ball-and-ramp type leveling
devices.
[0038] According to one aspect of the present invention, cabinet 10
may be transported to its desired installation location by means of
casters 14. Then, when positioned as desired, leveling devices 15
may be adjusted to properly support cabinet 15 in its desired
elevation, for example, relative to the flooring of the
installation. This level adjustment may raise height of leveling
devices 15 above the height of casters 14, for example, wherein
casters 14 are lifted off the floor of the installation. When
located at its desired elevation, cabinet 10 may be secured to
seismic mount 16, for example, via mechanical fasteners, for
instance, threaded fasteners.
[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, cabinet 10 also
includes at least one power input device 18, for example, a power
distribution unit (PDU). Unlike conventional cabinets, power input
unit 18 of cabinet 10 is mounted below and outside frame 12 of
cabinet 10 so that the unit can be easily accessed. Unit 18 is
inserted into a power input port 20 of cabinet 10. As shown in FIG.
1, cabinet 10 includes at least two power input ports 20 for units
18, and only one such power input unit 18 is installed.
[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of frame 12 of cabinet
10 shown in FIG. 1 with panels 11 removed. Frame 12 is typically
comprised of extruded metal members, for example, extruded
aluminum, formed into a cylindrical shape, for example, a
rectangular cylindrical shape, though a circular cylindrical shape
may also be used according to one aspect of the present invention,
FIG. 2 also illustrates casters 14 and a seismic support 16 as
shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, frame 12 typically includes a
plurality, typically four, vertical support members 22 and a
plurality of horizontal support members 24. According to another
aspect of the present invention, FIG. 2 also illustrates a typical
lower horizontal support 26 of frame 12. Among other things,
support 26 provides a surface for mounting cabinet 10, for example,
via casters 14 or seismic supports 16. Support 26 provides a
stiffer, more rigid mounting of cabinet 10 than conventional
cabinets. Conventional cabinets are typical mounted to a less rigid
bottom panel which can be prone to undesirable deflection, for
example, under seismic loading. Again, though only one seismic
support 16 is illustrated in FIG. 2, it is understood by those in
the art that two or more seismic supports 16 may be used.
[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded detail view of one of the
support member connections of frame 12 shown in FIG. 2.
Specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates the mechanical connection between
two typically horizontal members 24A and 24B and typical vertical
member 22 of frame 12. Though these members may be fastened by any
conventional means, for example, mechanical fasteners, in the
embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the members are secured by means of
connector 28. Members 22, 24A, 24B, and connector 28 are typically
made from extruded aluminum, though other materials may be used.
Members 22, 24A, and 24B and connector 28 are typically secured to
each other by welding, though mechanical fasteners or interference
fits may be used. According to another aspect of the invention, at
least one of members 22 and 24A include a recess or cavity 30, 32,
respectively, in which electrical conduit may be inserted and
routed as needed. Recesses 30, 32 are typically longitudinal
recesses, that is, recesses that extend at least partially in the
direction of elongation of members 22 and 24A. As shown in FIG. 3,
connector 28 may also include a corresponding recess 34 which
communicates with recesses 30 and 32 such that conduit can be
routed from recess 30 through recess 34 to recess 32, or vice
versa. As shown in FIG. 3, support members 22 and 24A, and
connector 28, may include two recesses, or two or more recesses,
for example, located on opposite sides of the members through which
conduit may be routed. Thus, the support members 22 and 24A, in
addition to providing structural support for the electronic
components in cabinet 10, may also provide a pathway for routing
conduit to and from the components 13 (see FIG. 1) mounted in
cabinet 10. FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed view of the of supports
22 and 24A and connector 28 of FIG. 3 when assembled. The recesses
30, 32, and 34 for electrical conduit that these elements provide
when assembled are clearly illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0042] FIG. 5 is an axial view down the axis of member 24A as
viewed along lines 5-5 in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 also illustrates the
connector 28 and a cover 36 that can be affixed over recess 32 in
member 24A. Cover 36 is typically a plastic cover having flexible
extensions or tabs 38 that engage and are secured to the internal
surface 40 of recess 30 in horizontal member 24A, for example, via
cooperating indentations or projections 41 (not shown) in surface
40. For example, indentations or projections 41 may comprise
notches or ribs, for instance, longitudinal notches or ribs, 41 as
illustrated more clearly in FIG. 4.
[0043] FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the power input units 18
mounted in the base of cabinet 10 of FIG. 1. A typical power input
unit 18 that may be used for the present invention is shown in FIG.
7. According to one aspect of the invention, power input unit 18
may be a power distribution unit, such as a PIM 24030 D power
distribution unit (PDU) manufactured by Mack Molding of Arlington,
Vt. though other types of units may be used. Power input unit 18 is
installed in power input ports 20 in cabinet 10. Power input ports
20 may be any typical electrical connection, but in the aspect of
the invention shown in FIG. 6 and 7, power input ports 20 are 6-pin
male connectors. As shown in FIG. 7, power input unit 18 receives
electrical power via an electrical cable 50 having a electrical
connector 52. Connector 52 can typically be plugged into a
wall-mounted electrical outlet or other source of electrical power
to supply power to cabinet 10 of FIG. 1.
[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates the sheet metal bottom plate 42 which is
mounted to the bottom of frame 12 (not shown in FIG. 6). According
to the present invention, plate 42 includes at least one power
input port 20, though two such ports (one is hidden by units 18)
are present in the aspect shown in FIG. 6, and at least one power
input unit is installed into at least one port 20. Note that since
power input units 18 are readily removable, they can be installed
at any time before, during or after installation. Furthermore,
since units 18 are located outside frame 12 and external to, for
example, plate 42, units 18 are readily accessible for maintenance,
service, or installation of electrical power. In addition, since
unit 18 is located outside of frame 12 (see FIG. 1), unit 18 does
not consume valuable space within the envelope of frame 12.
According to this invention, one or more units 18 may be installed
after installation, that is, it is not necessary to install unit 18
during fabrication or during transport of cabinet 10.
[0045] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a further embodiment of the
invention. FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views partially in
cross-section similar to the perspective view shown in FIG. 3. FIG.
8A illustrates the mechanical connection between two horizontal
members 124A and 124B, similar to members 24A and 24B in FIG. 3,
and typical vertical member 122, similar to member 22 in FIG. 3.
Members 124A, 124B, and 122 comprise members of an equipment rack
frame, such as frame 12 in FIG. 2. As discussed earlier with
respect to FIG. 3, members 124A, 124B, and 122 may be fastened by
any conventional means, for example, mechanical fasteners. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 3, members 124A, 124B, and 122 are secured
by means of connector 128. Again, members 122, 124A, 1246, and
connector 128 are typically made from extruded aluminum, though
other materials may be used. Members 122, 124A, and 124B and
connector 128 are typically secured to each other by welding,
though mechanical fasteners or interference fits may be used. In
one aspect of the invention, members 122, 124A, and connector 128
include one or more recesses or cavities 130 (not shown), 132, and
134, respectively, in which electrical conduit may be inserted and
routed as needed.
[0046] FIGS. 8A and 8B also illustrate recess cover pieces 136 and
137 which, according to one aspect of the invention, may be
positioned over longitudinal recesses in support members 124A and
122, respectively. Cover pieces 136 and 137 may be similar to
recess cover 36 shown in FIG. 5. Similar to cover 36, cover pieces
136 and 137 typically comprise a plastic cover having flexible tabs
138, similar to tabs 38 of cover 36, that engage and are secured to
the internal surface recess 132 in horizontal member 124A, and the
recess (not shown) in vertical member 122. Cover pieces 136 may
have sides 136A and 136B which are essentially parallel to each
other; however, in one aspect of the invention, sides 136A and 136
may be non-parallel, for example, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, side
136A may have a curvilinear shape, for example, a parabolic shape.
In one aspect of the invention, cover pieces 136 and 17 may include
a power switch 139, for example, for shutting off electrical power
to one or more components in rack 10.
[0047] According to the aspect of the invention shown in FIGS. 8A
and 8B, vertical member 122 includes a trim piece 150 attached to
vertical member 152. As shown more clearly in FIG. 8B where trim
piece 150 is shown detached from vertical member 122, vertical
member 122 (which may be similar to many vertical members in the
art) typically includes a mounting strip 152 having mounting holes
154, for example, threaded mounting holes. Mounting strip 152 may
be integral with vertical member 122 or may be removably mounted to
vertical member 122, for example, by means of mechanical fasteners
(not shown). Mounting strip 152 and mounting holes 154 are
typically used in electronic cabinet design to mount electrical
equipment in a cabinet, for example, by means of mechanical
fasteners, for instance, mounting screws (not shown). According to
one aspect of the present invention, trim piece 150 is mounted to
mounting strip 152 to cover mounting strip 152 and conceal mounting
holes 154 and any fasteners inserted into mounting holes 154. Trim
piece 150 is typically made from a plastic material, for example, a
polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-type plastic, a polystyrene-type plastic,
or their equivalents. In one aspect of the invention, trim piece
150 is attached to mounting holes 154 by means of a "snap on" fit,
for example, by means of flexible projections (not shown) which
project into and engage one or more mounting holes 154 to retain
trim piece 150 on mounting strip 152. In one aspect of the
invention, trim piece 152 comprises one or more, trim pieces 152,
which may extend partially or completely along the length of
vertical member 122, for example, extend over essentially the
entire height of cabinet 10.
[0048] A detail of one aspect of the invention shown in FIGS. 8A
and 8B is shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional
view of trim piece 150 and mounting strip 152 as viewed along lines
9-9 shown in FIG. 8A. As shown in FIG. 9, mounting strip 152 may be
L-shaped having one leg 152A mounted to vertical member 122 (not
shown in FIG. 9) and one leg 152B having mounting holes 154. As
shown in FIG. 9, according to one aspect of the invention, trim
strip 150 is mounted to mounting strip 152 by means of at least one
stand-off spacer 156, typically, a plurality of spacers 156.
Spacers 156 are mounted to mounting strip 152, for example, via
mounting holes 154, and one or more trim pieces 150 are mounted to
spacers 156. In one aspect of the invention, spacers 156 are
metallic, for example, steel, stainless steel, or aluminum, but in
another aspect of the invention spaces 156 may be non-metallic, for
example, a plastic. Spacers 156 may be mounted to mounting strip
152 by any conventional means, for example, snap-fit, by adhesives,
or even by welding or brazing, but in one aspect of the invention,
spacers 156 are threaded, for example, threaded on one end 158, and
spacers 156 are mounted to mounting strip 152 by screwing end 158
into complementary threaded holes 154 in mounting strip 152.
[0049] FIG. 9A illustrates a detailed view of spacer 156. In one
aspect of the invention, spacer 156 comprises a cylindrical main
section 160, for example, circular cylindrical or rectangular
cylindrical, having a recess, slot, or gap 162. When main section
160 is circular cylindrical, recess 162 may be an annular slot at
least partially encircling body section 160. When main section 160
is rectangular cylindrical, recess 162 may be a longitudinal or
lateral recess or slot on the side of body section 160. According
to one aspect of the invention, spacer 156 has a height H of
between about 0.30 inches and about 0.80 inches; a width or
diameter W of between about 0.30 inches and about 0.60 inches; and
an inner width or diameter W of between about 0.15 inches and about
0.25 inches. In one aspect of the invention, when the main section
160 is rectangular cylindrical in shape, the length of main section
160 may be about equal to the width W of main section 160, however,
the length of main section 160 may be longer than width W, for
example, twice or three times or more as long as width W.
[0050] According to the aspect of the invention shown in FIG. 9,
trim piece 150 includes extensions 164 having projections 166, for
example, transverse projections 166, which engage slots 162 in
spacer 156. In one aspect of the invention, extensions 164 are
elongated extensions which extend at least partially along the
length of trim piece 150. In one aspect of the invention,
extensions 164 extend along the entire length of trim pieces 150.
In another aspect of the invention, extensions 164 are annular
extensions and at least partially encircle, or completely encircle,
circular cylindrical main section 160 of spacer 156. In one aspect
of the invention, extensions 164 define a cavity in trim piece 150
having a bottom 168 which contacts spacer 156. Extensions 164 are
preferably flexible and radially or laterally deflect outward when
trim piece 150 is compressed against one or more spacers 156 and
then radially or laterally deflect inward wherein projections 166
engage recesses 162 to retain trim piece 150.
[0051] The outer surface 170 of trim piece 150, which may be
exposed to view, may be colored, decorated, or contoured to provide
a pleasing appearance to trim piece 150. Trim piece 150 may also
include a side extension 172 to further conceal mounting strip 152
and also conceal spacers 156 and extensions 164 from view.
[0052] According to one aspect of the present invention, first, one
or more, typically a plurality, of spacers 156 are threaded into
threaded holes 154 in mounting strip 152. Then, one or more trim
pieces 150 are positioned above spacers 156 and compressed against
spacers 156 wherein extensions 164 and projections 166 first
deflect and then engage recesses 162 in spacers 156. Trim piece 150
can simply be removed by pulling on trim piece 150 wherein
extensions 164 again deflect and projections 166 disengage recesses
162. According to one aspect of the invention, trim pieces 150 may
be repeatedly attached and removed as needed.
[0053] According to another aspect of the invention, trim pieces
150 can be engaged to spacers 156 with little or no deflection of
extensions 164. In this embodiment of the invention, one or more
trim pieces 150 are engaged to spacers 156 by positioning an end of
one trim piece 150 so that projections 166 engage recesses 162 and
then slidably engaging projections 166 into recesses 162 in one or
more spacers 156. In this aspect of the invention, trim pieces 150
are preferably made from a flexible material, for example, sheet
metal or plastic, to facilitate engaging projections 166 in slots
164 and sliding one or more trim pieces 150 to engage further
spacers 156 to attach one or more trim pieces 150 to mounting strip
152.
[0054] The aspects of the present invention provide numerous
advantages over prior art electronic equipment racks. In one aspect
of the invention, an equipment rack is provided that provides a
more rigid support for mounting hardware, such as casters and
seismic supports, than is provided by prior art racks by mounting
this hardware directly to the cabinet frame. Another aspect of the
invention, facilitates the routing of wires and cables by providing
cable routing paths in the horizontal and vertical members of the
frame of the rack. Another aspect of the invention, improves the
accessibility of power input modules while reducing the impact of
the modules on the space withing the rack. Still another aspect of
the present invention provides easily attachable trim pieces which
conceal unsightly mounting holes in the rack.
[0055] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to preferred embodiment, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form
and details may be made to the invention without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention described in the following
claims.
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